Couple Shares African Mission Experience
By Ashley A. Smith • Marshfield News-Herald • February 1, 2010
There was babouti and rice, pineapples and a dash of Malawian music as Jim and Deb Schumaker shared their missionary experience in the southeast African country of Malawi with about 50 people at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday.
The Schumakers, former Marshfield residents, visited Malawi for three weeks in April last year with DOCARE International and Ministry of Hope to assist mobil medical units in villages around the country.
"It was our first time there," said Jim, a family physician with the Marshfield Clinic in Eagle River. "We did mobile medical villages and assessed babies in crises nurseries and consultation. Malawi is one of the poorest nations in the world and has an HIV epidemic."
Jim is no stranger to doing medical work in other countries. He has been to Central America and went with the Peace Corps to Sierra Leone.
"We appreciated our opportunity to be helpful," said Deb, an occupational therapist. "And we were really impressed with the work being done there."
The Schumakers, who now live in Saint Germain, presented not only photos of their experience, but videos documenting everything from their arrival to the first village to church services and the day-to-day work of doctors and dentists in the medical clinics.
"This is a country full of need," Jim said.
Malawi's per capita gross domestic product was $880 in 2009. In comparison, the United States' was $46,442, according to the International Monetary Fund
In addition, "an overwhelming number of orphans in Malawi are hit with the AIDS epidemic, as well as the rest of sub-Saharan Africa," Jim said. The country also is plagued with malaria, anemia and tuberculosis, and a high number of women have cervical cancer.
Mike Schulein, a member of First Presbyterian's outreach committee, said it was good for the church to see where their donations are going.
"Through the videos and photos, to see the people actually there, it's nice to put a face to it," Schulein said.
In April, Jim will return to the country to continue working with DOCARE.
Children's Ministry Update PDF- click
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GOD AT WORK POINT
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No Sunday School – Christmas Break
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Matthew 25: 31-46
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Confirmation
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CE Finale / 3F: Faith, Family, Fun Program (Family Event)
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May 23
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Breakfast of Champions – All Church Pancake Breakfast
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