I had the pleasure of embarking on a dental mission trip to Nepal, invited by my dear friend Dr. Richard Baxter. Dr. Baxter is a pediatric dentist at Shelby Pediatric Dentistry. He has a heart for the LORD, people, and missions, unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Along with the Cooperative Outreach of India (COI) and ITEC (Indigenous People's Technology and Education Center), our team shared experiences that transcended borders and impacted lives unimaginably, especially ours. 

THE MISSION

Our mission was clear: to empower local pastors and leaders in Nepal with the skill of tooth extraction, all while loving on people and presenting the gospel to them. 

Dr. Baxter's collaboration with Ravi Landge of the Cooperative Outreach of India (COI) has left an indelible mark on Southeast Asia, with over 100 water wells dotting the landscape. The introduction to Pastor Raju, their esteemed ministry partner in Nepal, further highlighted the pressing demand for dental treatment in the region. The challenge is clear: the population exceeds the capacity of available dentists, and even those with access to care often need more financial means to afford these essential services.

NEPAL TEAM

Our dedicated team for the mission to Nepal comprised remarkable individuals, each contributing their unique skills and passion to make a meaningful impact. Among the dental professionals were Dr. Richard Baxter, the compassionate duo Dr. Jonathan Spenn and his wife Amy, the skilled Dr. Caren Abraham, and myself, Brandon Boggan. We also had the invaluable partnership of Ravi Landge and Henry from COI, alongside our ITEC trip coordinator, Sarah.

The local support from the Nepali community was equally extraordinary, with translators including Mina, Sanjeet (who also served as our worship leader), Pranima, Rosie, Biswash, and Jasper. The eager students ready to learn and serve included Sanjay, Meenu, Lakpa, Pastor Simon, Yakub, Bhim, Palden, Kumar, and Shamuel. Mina (who also contributed as a translator), Anita, Bir Bahadur, and the cheerful Yadita (Pastor Raju’s granddaughter) were efficiently assisting us on the administrative front. Sara, our talented cook, ensured our team remained well-nourished, and the responsibility of transporting us safely fell into the capable hands of Pastor Salinder and Dilip.

Together, this diverse ensemble formed a harmonious team that transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, creating a collective force for good and leaving an indelible mark on the communities we served and each other. Our experiences transformed our mission into a shared journey of healing and hope, where personal connections were forged and lasting bonds were created.

ITEC

The incredible backstory of ITEC adds a layer of inspiration to our mission. Long ago, in 1956, a tragic event in Ecuador involving missionaries Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Ed McCulley, Peter Flemming, and Roger Youderian captured global attention. Their sacrificial efforts to make friendly contact with the Waodani tribe ended in tragedy, but a remarkable story of resilience and redemption emerged from this heart-wrenching incident.

Fast forward four decades, and Nate Saint's son, Steve Saint, founded ITEC after living among the very tribe that had taken his father's life. The Waodani, having undergone a profound transformation, sought to learn essential skills – the "medicine thing and tooth thing" – to help their people and share their newfound faith. This innovative mission approach, emphasizing teaching and training over direct intervention, resonated deeply with Southeast Christian Church, leading to its official partnership with ITEC.

Leading Missions Ministry at Southeast, Charlie Vittitow played a pivotal role in developing tools for basic dentistry education alongside Steve Saint. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to go into unreached places, echoing the sentiment that "if you want to go far, go together." 

As we delve into ITEC's impact, we recognize its role in launching a movement to fulfill the Great Commission. Steve Saint's life, marked by questions surrounding forgiveness and the worthiness of sacrifice, paints a vivid picture of redemption. The narrative unfolds as Rachel Saint and Elizabeth Elliot, following the tragic events, immersed themselves in the Waodani tribe, becoming catalysts for change and ambassadors of God's love.

Steve Saint's firsthand account of the tribe's transformation from a culture of death to one walking "God's trail" is a testament to the power of forgiveness and love. His journey, documented in the widely translated book "The End of the Spear" and a compelling movie, is a beacon of hope and reconciliation. In the face of unimaginable loss, Steve Saint's unwavering stance on forgiveness is a powerful lesson. He emphasizes that forgiveness wasn't necessary because the Waodani hadn't wronged him personally. Instead, the Saint family chose a path of love, prayer, and relentless missionary work, exemplifying the transformative potential of unwavering faith and compassion.

The tale of ITEC, Southeast's partnership, and Steve Saint's extraordinary journey encapsulates a narrative of resilience, redemption, and the boundless capacity for positive change. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the seeds of hope and transformation can be sown, eventually blossoming into a garden of healing and renewal.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the remarkable journey woven through ITEC and Steve Saint's unwavering commitment offer us a narrative and a transformative paradigm for global ministry. Steve Saint, through ITEC, has gifted us a new way to reach out to people worldwide, rooted in developing, training, and equipping people to foster sustainable change . 

The opportunity to stand alongside dedicated individuals in Nepal, providing essential training and education, is a privilege that extends beyond geographical boundaries. It is a tangible expression of our collective commitment to furthering the cause of Christ.

Our partnership between ITEC and COI is not just about dentistry skills or water wells; it's about sowing seeds of hope, love, and faith. It's about being part of a movement that echoes through time, embracing a mission that transcends borders and transforms lives.

Together, we can write new chapters in the story of global ministry, where each act of service becomes a testament to the boundless love that binds us all. I am profoundly thankful for the invaluable gift ITEC has bestowed upon us—a blueprint for a mission that not only heals bodies but also nourishes souls. Also, I am thankful to Dr. Baxter for living out his motto, “Dentistry with a Mission.”

Most of all, I thank the LORD for guiding our steps, blessing our efforts, and weaving the threads of compassion, skill, and unity that made this mission to Nepal not just a venture into dental care but a profound testament to the transformative power of faith, shared purpose, and unwavering dedication.