Last summer a group of 34 students, alumni and faculty from Faulkner University’s College of Health Sciences, local health partners and members of University Church of Christ and other churches of Christ spent a week in Guyana on a medical mission trip to serve the physical and spiritual needs of the community.
Guyana faces significant healthcare challenges, particularly in rural and remote regions. Barriers such as restricted access to medical services, a shortage of healthcare professionals and economic limitations negatively impact the health of those living there.
The mission, sponsored and funded by University Church of Christ and supported through grant funding by Making A Difference Foundation, was designed to integrate clinical service, cultural immersion and spiritual growth in alignment with Faulkner’s commitment to holistic education and faith-driven service. Students and faculty provided hands-on care in underserved areas while strengthening partnerships with local health organizations and the congregations of Pleasant Church of Christ and Industry Church of Christ.
During the trip, the group served daily in a medical clinic, attended services at Industry Church of Christ and visited the Enmore Church of Christ Children’s Home and Orphanage. Team members spent time in God’s word each night and worked in the clinic during the day. Patients were triaged to medicine, optical, rehabilitation, auditory and pharmacy stations, receiving care for conditions ranging from colds and hypertension to stroke-related weakness and autoimmune disorders. Treatments included providing adaptive mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes, therapy sessions and referrals for follow-up care. Pharmaceutical medications were also provided to patients through the contributions of Blessing’s International.
Robin Irwin, professor in Faulkner’s physical therapy program and medical director for the trip, said the experience transformed both patients and providers.
“Throughout this journey, we witnessed the true power of service—strangers became a family united in purpose, compassion and faith,” Irwin said. “As we parted ways, each person carried home a deeper resolve to serve, strengthened relationships and a renewed connection to God.”
The ministry team for the trip led by Dustin Jones with University Church of Christ, who served as Director of missions operations, included Brandon Pressnell, preaching minister at Madison Church of Christ, Josh Fowler, CHS campus minister, and Don Walker, minister at Lowndes County Church of Christ. Together with local missionaries Bruce and Naomi House and local minister Floyd Cato, they provided spiritual follow-up and set up about 60 Bible studies. The ministry team interacted with every patient, engaging them in spiritual conversations, asking questions and lifting them up in prayer.
“When you think about Jesus’ ministry, one of the powerful ways He built His influence was by helping people with their physical ailments to open the door to deeper, more spiritual conversations,” Pressnell said. “That was our goal throughout the trip.”
One patient who was brought in by his family, was suffering from Post-Polio Syndrome. He could barely move into the room for treatment.
“Our incredible team of therapists worked to give him more attention than he had had in a very long time,” Pressnell said. “His lips quivered as he spoke in broken sentences about their care and compassion. We prayed together for better days and I watched him cry as he walked more freely to the car taking him home. It was touching because not only had he received incredibly skilled treatment, he was presented with the love and mercy of Jesus.”
Team members described their work in Guyana as life changing. Nearly 1,000 patient visits were administered during the four-day clinic. Patients expressed gratitude, with many returning multiple days and bringing additional family members.
For CHS students studying speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant studies, the experience offered lessons in adaptability and compassion. With limited supplies, physician assistants treated wounds, physical therapists used drawings to explain exercises and occupational therapists fabricated custom splints and orthotics. Vision screens and eyeglasses were also provided to patients. All services were given free of charge.
A young man by the name of Jonathan came through the clinic looking for eyeglasses and stopped by the table that offered patients a religious survey.
Fowler began talking with Jonathan. “He mentioned how there was so much evil in the world and was wondering how God would be able to protect him from this evil. I’m very thankful for Brandon Pressnell and his wisdom in turning to Ephesians 6 and highlighting that God has given us an armor to guard ourselves against the enemy,” Fowler said. “That if God is our protector the battle is already won. Jonathan came into the clinic looking for some eyeglasses but left with a newfound strength and curiosity about the scriptures.”
One of the most memorable cases for Irwin was a home visit to a woman with an autoimmune disorder causing severe muscular inflammation, who had lost mobility after surgery. The medical team provided therapy, dietary recommendations, medication, a walker and a Bible at her request. Funds were also left with local missionaries to cover further treatment at a private hospital and consultation with a rheumatologist. Plans have been established to monitor her progress and maintain follow-up care.
Irwin said the trip reflected Faulkner’s mission to prepare healthcare professionals who integrate faith into practice. “By working together, our students are empowered to promote the holistic well-being of those they serve—addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs,” she said.
Next year’s mission will include a three-day clinic at Pleasant Church, a one-day clinic at Industry and a four-day camp at the orphanage. Students from both the College of Health Sciences and the College of Education will be invited.
Those interested in supporting future missions can donate through Faulkner’s website under “Guyana Medical Missions” at faulkner.edu/give-now
