Irene's DreamIn September, 2007, I had the privilege of meeting and working with Irene Mparutsa (pictured at left), a UM medical missionary assigned in Phnom Phen, Cambodia. Irene's parish is pretty much the whole country. Her dream is to train up to 50 Methodist women, associated with local cottage churches and working at the direction of their pastors, to be "Good Samaritans". Irene's vision is to empower local women to provide education and health assessment to members of their congregations and assist with referrals to government health facilities when needed. The model is somewhat analogous to our Parish Nurse system.
Making a referral in Cambodia means that the "Good Samaritan" would not only make the clinic appointment, but arrange suitable transportation from remote villages into the urban clinic. In addition, family members accompanying the sick relative would need funds for lodging and food during the treatment period.
It is Irene's prayer that a few health volunteers, preferably physicians and/or nurses, would volunteer to work with her to implement the community based training program that will produce committed "Good Samaritans" working with local church pastors to provide love and care to those in need in Cambodia.
If you would like more information, please contact Irene T. Mparutsa, Community Health Specialist, at irenee@online.com.kh . Click here to link with the Community Health and Agricultural Development (CHAD) blog to learn more.
Photo courtesy of Rev. David Harsh