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Baguhan, Bohol – Thirty-three members of Gilead Cares braved the possibilities of rough seas to carry out a scheduled free medical mission at Baguhan Elementary School in Brgy. Baguhan, Inabanga, Bohol.

The team, which departed in the early dawn of June 20, 2025, did not view the lingering bad weather from Typhoon Crising as a barrier to their community outreach program, as long as the Philippine Coast Guard did not suspend the departure of sea vessels.

"We have seen worse than this," one of the team said. "We trust that God will protect us, just as He was with us in our past missions."

The mission, facilitated by the Northwestern Bohol District Adventist Community Service, under the leadership of Cirilo Lamorin, in partnership with Gilead Cares, a team of medical missionaries led by John Dano, preceded a coming evangelistic effort in the area.

From morning until past noon, over 300 clients availed themselves of essential medical services, which included medical and pediatric consultations, circumcision (tuli), giving of free reading glasses, dental services such as tooth extraction and cleaning, vital signs monitoring, blood typing, random blood sugar testing, massage therapy, and even haircuts.

Community residents met these efforts with gratitude. Many of the recipients of these services had never seen a doctor in their lives, having relied on unregulated alternatives passed down by their ancestors.

"Nalipay kaayo mi aning inyong libreng serbisyo. Gani pagkahibaw namo gahapon, naningkamot gyud mi nga sayo mi maabot para maapil jud mi," one of the services recipient verbalized. (We are so grateful for these free services. When we learned about this yesterday, we made sure to come early so that we wouldn't miss this chance.)

She told the team how grateful she was to avail free medical services for the first time. "Wa gani ko kahibaw unsay type sa akong dugo." (I don't even know my blood type.)

On the other hand, the ACS team from Northwestern Bohol District contributed significantly to the mission's success by coming well-prepared. They helped implement strategies to ensure a smooth flow of services.

Team members were oriented on various tasks, ranging from assisting clients to actively participating in the services provided. They also ensured that their guests were well taken care of.

All residents of the community who came for the event left feeling fulfilled, taking home free medications and supplements. Those with abnormal results in their sugar tests or vital signs were informed about the daily practices they needed to be mindful of, as health teachings were provided during their check-up.

Gilead Cares returned home, their exhaustion from sleeplessness overshadowed by the fulfillment of having completed another mission for the Lord and those in need.