Gennifer's Story

This is a story from Gennifer who was impacted by the ministry of Medmission:

"I will never forget the day I first walked into one of the Medmission warehouses. I had made the trip with a pal of mine to find supplies for the next container headed out with Kenya Relief. I was so overwhelmed, not only by the endless piles of unsorted supplies, but by the thousands of possibilities that were before me.

Most of that day was spent sorting and packing up the supplies needed to help dehydrated children. The whole time I was off in another section of the warehouse working alone I could hear Jim and others talking about equipment, supplies that were available, countries that had been assisted, what the future held and most important how God was being served.

All the way back home I had a tugging in my heart. God was telling me that I was supposed to help this man, Jim. This man who listened to God, followed His will and trusted that all would be okay. Jim and Medmission had no idea the impact they were about to have in my life. When I arrived home I sent Jim an email. I introduced myself and explained that even though I really had no idea what the future held God was telling me I was supposed to help him. The rest is history!

As an Instructor with the Division of Nursing at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee the goal was to get to work and start sorting out that warehouse. The first trip consisted of myself, another faculty member, the Division Secretary, one senior student and her husband and a junior student. We rolled up our sleeves and jumped in. At the end of the day we were all exhausted, but at least we had a starting point.

When the students made it back to campus they had decided to take this on as a project. For the senior final we spent two days sorting. Then an amazing thing happened…they asked to go back. So on that following Saturday most of the seniors, accompanied by a husband, a brother, a junior student and myself headed back. It was a great day of learning and accomplishment. It was amazing seeing them take ownership of a project and see into the future of the difference they will be making in another person’s life, even if it may be halfway across the globe.

In turn, God has blessed us. Medmission does not only help with medical missions, they are assisting us with medical education. With budget crisis and cutbacks we all are trying creative ways to make things happen. These students, members of our Student Nursing Organization, have taken on Medmission as a group project. Through this Medmission gives, to the Division of Nursing, outdated supplies and other items that cannot be shipped overseas for use in the lab.

It is an amazing partnership. A partnership that has been blessed with purpose and dreams of bigger things. Students have learned so much through this endeavor. They are more aware of supplies, waste and more importantly what they can do to make a difference at home and abroad.

When I reflect on this blessing four things come to mind that I will NEVER forget. One, the feeling that covered me as I stood in the warehouse for the first time. Two, the friends I have been blessed with through this project. Three, hearing the laughter of my students as their hearts were lifted while working to help others. Four, the smile on Jim Tucker’s face every time we leave because he knows it won’t be too long before he sees us again."