We recently had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Andrew Vincent, a dedicated Mission Doctor serving at Santa Clotilde in the Peruvian Amazon.

 

Through WhatsApp, Dr. Vincent shared his experiences, motivations, and the profound impact of his work. Here are his insights:

 

What motivates you to serve? 

“I have been privileged all my life, I should give back.”

So many Mission Doctors respond like Dr. Vincent. They share a humble acknowledgment of their own privileges that fuels their commitment to serve those who are less fortunate. Their dedication embodies the Christian call to serve our brothers and sisters in need.

 

What training are you providing at Santa Clotilde? 

“Just guidance to young doctors. I accompany them during the health campaigns: we travel up the river and go deep in the rainforest looking for people to bring preventive and basic care to them.”

 

Dr. Vincent mentors young doctors, guiding them through health campaigns that take them deep into the rainforest. Together, they travel up the river, bringing preventive and basic care to remote communities. His leadership not only enhances the skills of young physicians but also ensures that essential healthcare reaches those who might otherwise go without it.

 

Are there any particular patient stories that stand out to you? 

“No patient in particular. Being the poorest of the poor, I get inspired with their calm and accepting suffering, constant smiles, and positive attitude.”

Like so many Mission Doctors, Dr. Vincent finds inspiration in the resilience and positivity of his patients. Despite facing extreme poverty and suffering, their calm demeanor and constant smiles serve as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s strength and grace.

 

Are there any prayers or scriptures that guide your service? 

“Yes, several scriptures inspire me in my work:

• Luke 6:32-34: ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.’
• James 2:15-18: ‘If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.'”

The lifesaving work of Dr. Vincent and other Mission Doctors is made possible by the generous support of our donors. Your commitment to our mission allows dedicated physicians like Dr. Vincent to bring hope and healing to the poorest of the poor in remote areas around the world. We are deeply grateful for your support, which enables us to continue this vital work.

 

Together, we are answering Christ’s call to “heal the sick” and care for those most vulnerable. Thank you for being an essential part of this mission of healing and hope.