Local Physician Pursuing A Passion By Meghan B. Minton Michelle Landis, a physician with Ashe Medical Associates is pursuing her passion. A passion that is centered around caring for people, both physically and spiritually. Since 2004, Landis has traveled three times to Belize to be part of a Medical Mission team. It all began with her first medical mission trip to Mexico City. Michelle Landis is shown here on a Medical Mission trip in Belize. “One does not need to travel out of the country in order to help others. In fact, there are many opportunities locally. However, God does call us to step outside of our comfort zones.” - Michelle Landis Through an organization called “Operation Serve International”, she said she ministered to the people who lived in the ‘garbage cities’ of Mexico City and Egypt; thus named because people live in the garbage dumps and recycle trash for a living. “This was an amazing experience, and sparked my underlying desire to do medical mission trips.” “I have always had an interest in medicine and working with people from other countries. These trips give me a greater appreciation for the many blessings I have here in the United States,” explains Landis. “At the same time, I see how those blessings may be used to help others. Also, by going back to the same place, friendships are renewed, and I am able to see the changes and progress that occur from year to year.” In Belize, she has seen the completion of a new clinic and several new houses for the teams to stay in while visiting. “While these are physical changes, it is my hope that people’s lives are changed spiritually, as well.” Landis has also seen an impact on the lives of those served. For example, two Belizean girls, Jessica and Rosita, hope one day to become physicians and another young man, Alfonso, desires to go to dental school. Landis hopes that one day teams will be able to go on a more regular basis to provide more constant care. “Through teams going, it is my hope that hearts will be moved to help this younger generation pursue higher education so they may provide medical and dental care for their own people.” Landis said she also recalls fond memories of previous trips, from “working together in unity, smiling faces of gratitude, meals shared together, swaying on a hammock after a long day’s work, gathering in a circle and discussing the day, praying together, playing together, waking to the sound of tropical bird singing, then moving on to another day.” She explains that these medical mission trips afford her and her team an opportunity to share God’s love in a practical way. “In ministering to other’s physical needs, patients will sometimes ask why we have come so far to help, and that opens the doors to talk about God’s love. That is the main reason we go,” she continued. “One does not need to travel out of the country in order to help others. In fact, there are many opportunities locally. However, God does call us to step outside of our comfort zones.” says Landis. She recalls a relevant verse, Isaiah 58:6-7 - “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Her fourth trip will be in early March. For the first time, this year’s team will include Ashe County residents: Claudia Burkhalter, a nurse practitioner, Amanda Trivette, a medical assistant, Judy Hopp and Landis, along with other individuals from Maine, Pennsylvania and Lexington, North Carolina. The team will be housed at the Baptist Training Center in Camalotte, Belize and they will be working at the medical clinic of Body and Soul Ministries in Roaring Creek. Most team members finance their own travel expenses; however, assistance is available to those who would like to serve. Landis mentioned that they are in great need of supplies including over-the counter items such as children’s Tylenol or Motrin, cough/cold syrups, anti-histamines, heartburn medications, and topical creams (antibacterial, antifungal, and hydrocortisone). Generic medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-hypertensives, and diabetes medications) are bought in bulk prior to leaving on the trip. This opportunity is being made possible by a joint effort between Highlands Community Church in West Jefferson and Churchland Baptist Church in Lexington, North Carolina. If interested in praying for the Belize Medical Mission team, becoming a member of a future team, or donating medications or money, contact Missions at Highlands Community Church, PO Box 1489, Jefferson, NC 28640.