Beavercreek Brings Healing Through Health Clinic

Story by Francis Tuffour

The Beavercreek church transformed its recently completed multipurpose center into a place of healing, offering free medical, dental, vision and wellness services to hundreds of community members through an Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN) clinic.

During the two-day event, 241 individuals received 309 services, valued at nearly $154,000. Many guests received multiple services, including medical evaluations, dental care, vision screenings, lifestyle support and even free haircuts.

“Recognizing that they’re about to get care that heretofore they had longed to get and couldn’t afford—that brought the true meaning to our mission,” says Delthony L. Gordon, pastor of the Beavercreek church and Ohio Conference director of Adventist Community Services (ACS). The clinic reflected Christ’s method of ministry by meeting practical needs while building relationships. Gordon said the goal was to connect, comfort and care for people before inviting them to know Christ more deeply.

The outreach was made possible through AMEN and a large team of volunteers from Ohio, Michigan, Florida and other states. Church members formed the backbone of the operation, serving in parking, registration, hospitality, food service, children’s activities, patient support and health care roles. Beavercreek member Ross Collins, owner of Collins Vision Care, brought his entire staff on the first day of the clinic. Together with other vision professionals, the team cared for 137 patients over the two-day event. The Beavercreek church funded eyeglasses for 133 of those patients.

Health care professionals from Kettering Health provided medical clearance services and health screenings. Esmirna Muñoz, a nurse from Kettering Health and Beavercreek church member, coordinated a team of approximately 28 nurses and aides who rotated throughout the clinic. Dentists, dental hygienists, ophthalmologists and optometrists from across the region, together with health care volunteers from several states, donated their time and expertise to serve patients with compassion.

“I clean teeth all the time, but this opportunity meant more to me than all the teeth I’ve cleaned,” says volunteer Jack Starcher, a local dental hygienist.

Community leaders also recognized the outreach’s impact. Beavercreek Mayor Don Adams visited the clinic and reflected on the church’s expanding ministry: “I was here when we put shovels in the ground [for the expansion] … and what you have done here is amazing. I’ve been to a few activities here … but now you are doing medical services in there, which I think is just great, not only for your congregation but for the community.”

Several organizations endorsed the event. Good Neighbor House provided information about ongoing community resources for guests needing follow-up assistance. Greene County Public Health also promoted the clinic and maintained an information table during the event. And Laurie Fox, the county’s public information officer, expressed her appreciation, saying, “What a blessing and what a service to those in need right here in Greene County. I’m thrilled.”

The Beavercreek church hopes the clinic will become a model for similar ministries across the Ohio Conference through ACS.