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The Smiths' Mission to Jakarta, Indonesia

We have just returned from our mission to Jakarta, Indonesia, involved with a dental project. We followed in the footsteps of Drs. Tuelller, Cooley, and Morris. I think, without any question, this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. To be the Lord's emissary and serve the poor, the sick and the disadvantaged, as well as work in one's chosen profession, in a 3rd world country, was truly a blessing.

We loved the people. The faculty at the University of Indonesia dental school was wonderful to work with. We also taught English classes and had a wonderful association with professors at the medical school. They are so anxious to learn from Americans, and Latter-day Saint Charities has given them real support and a vision of what their school can become. They now have several clinics with infection control centers in place, thanks to Dr. Morris. Following the Lima Model we helped build a new teaching clinic that will allow new techniques to be taught, and used by LDSC dentists as well as visiting dentists from the U.S. Also LDSC shipped dental units to replace worn out equipment. Using Academy mobile dental units, an outreach clinic was started in some grade schools and in a deaf school. There was much opportunity to lecture on most dental subjects, and always the students were most appreciative.

We now have a better understanding of how difficult it is to practice dentistry in countries like Indonesia. These are the problems which we found: lack of money to fund the school, lack of supplies, students who come with less than ideal qualifications, patients that can't afford treatment, government ignorance, and lack of strong dental societies. But there is a strong desire to kept on trying. And that is where LDSC is doing such a good job. As dental missionaries are called to these countries they will contribute more and feel like they are accomplishing more than they ever have before.
Our mission was cut short with 5 months remaining, when all foreign missionaries were taken out and reassigned, after the events of September 11. We never felt any danger and so we left very sadly with unfinished projects remaining. As of this date there are new couples back in Jakarta doing humanitarian work, but no dentist.

We finished our mission in the Phnom Penh, Cambodian mission. This also was very gratifying, as we were able to work with Dr. Ralph and Charla Francis setting up dental projects for the first time in that war torn country. Dr. Francis will be working with the dental school there, with basic infection control procedures, as well as a teaching clinic. The need in that country of 11 million people, with one dental school is overwhelming.

The work of latter-day Saint Charities is gaining momentum throughout the world. We are very proud to have served with so many dedicated committed couples. We have been blessed by this wonderful experience.

Elder Richard/ Sister Norma Smith