Loma Linda University School of Dentistry - SIMS

"Service is our Calling"

Friends and family,

As some of you may already know, I will be going on a mission trip with Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry this summer to Botswana, Africa (June 11th-28th). It is the first dental mission trip of its kind as our team of 11 (3 dentists and 8 students) plan to provide free preventative dental care to the San people/bushmen tribe and local children from 6 schools aged 8-10. This will be my 2nd overseas dental mission trip with LLUSD after going to Jamaica as a 1st year dental student. I’ve learnt that mission trips like these are an amazing opportunity to learn and meet people from all walks of life. From past experience, as hard as we try to give back and help change the lives of people we serve, they actually change ours. By putting the needs of others above our own, it enables us to comprehend what Jesus truly did for us. The act of serving encourages, motivates, and blesses not only yourself or the people you serve, but also everyone around you. Once in a lifetime mission trips like these gives us a chance to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, to represent something much more than just dentistry, our school or our friends and families. It actually gives us a chance to serve just like how Christ came to serve.

Unfortunately, there are major expenses in regards to travel, as our plane tickets are over $1,800 each without equipment and lodging expenses. By supporting this trip, you will be helping provide much needed dental care to the people in Sekoma and many others who would otherwise not be able to afford the services we can provide.

If you are able to help support this trip, I thank you so much in advance for any contribution you are able to give. When donating through the link below, please type my name and trip destination under NOTES, e.g. “Mel Bersaba, Botswana.” NOTE TO DONORS: You will receive a donation tax receipt.

If you are unable to donate, please do not feel obligated to contribute, as I humbly wanted to share this post to first and foremost ask for prayers as we try our best to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Please pray diligently for the safety of our group as we travel. You are more than welcome to share this post to family and friends, as I believe prayer is power. Whether it is through finances or prayers, our group greatly welcomes and appreciates your support. I am truly excited for this opportunity not only to learn but to also serve those less fortunate than myself. On a fun note, we will be visiting Chobe National Park at the conclusion of our trip, so I’ll be sure to take lots of photos from our safari so I can share them and update a fatter version of myself on my profile picture on Facebook when I get back. Till we meet again Whanau (means family in New Zealand)!

“For even the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” ~Mark 10:45

Blessings,

Mel Bersaba