DENTAL CARE & CHURCH PLANTING 

Imagine standing in line all day to see a dentist. Your child whimpers from the pain of a swollen jaw. They say, "We have seen all we can see today." You've walked too far to return home without help. You have no choice but to stay in line until tomorrow to get the care your child so desperately needs. It will be another long night of misery.

While we have many dentists and modern technology in our country, third world countries, as in the rural villages of Mongolia, have little or no help for themselves. The big cost of dental equipment and supplies make it impossible for them to have dentists or training programs.

In the context of foreign missions, the first contact which church planting teams have with a new people group is vital.  Dental services to the general populace brings good will and provides an evangelistic opportunity.  Providing dental clinics will be one, part-time aspect of my work, along with daily personal evangelism, discipleship training, and assisting with our youth and family camps.

There is no pain like dental pain.  This service, in the name and spirit of the Great Physician is in itself a dramatic form of the preaching of the gospel.   It has a vision of touching the hearts and lives of needy people with compassionate dental care to relieve their pain, without thought of return.

 

    Tom Keller, serving in Mongolia