In early February former Missionary and former WI Missions Coordinator, Billie LaBumbard took a risk and brought a Volunteer in Mission (VIM) team to Laos. The team included two NP nurses, a Pharmacist, and an English as a Second Language expert. The group worked with Lao Samphang MC and more than 2,000 non Christians in a number of districts in Northern Laos. This visit marked the first time a VIM team has volunteered and worked side by side with Lao authorities and the needy in the field.
The group was divided into three teams: Team 1 – The ESL team, located in the capital city of Laos was tasked with teaching English to children, women, and men in the church; Team 2 – A Medical team set up clinics in rural villages and Team 3 – A mobile medical team workied in the countryside and traveled from village to village. It was a tough and challenging but one of the most effective projects. It was so successful that the Lao authority has requested Lao Samphang MC to continue and expand the program to other villages on an annual basis if possible.