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Missionary Couple Called to Serve in Lima Dental School

Over a year ago work was started on the project sponsored by the academy and LDS Charities to help the dental school at the University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru. A lot of effort has gone into finding a missionary couple and getting manufacturers to donate new equipment and materials to furnish the six operatory restorative dentistry clinic in which the missionaries will teach. Academy members have donated used equipment, supplies, and money. LDS Charities and the warehouse people have provided tremendous leadership and support. (Donating to LDS Charities monthly, along with fast offerings, is a potent way to serve the needy worldwide.)

This project is unique. The general dentist and spouse are called as missionaries by the Church. The objectives are to provide professional instruction to dental students who use that knowledge to directly serve their communities. Thus, rather than "giving a man a fish," we teach him to fish. We hope to favorably impress the leaders of the community by our services and by the example we set. Faculty, students, local dentists, and government officials will know that the Academy of LDS Dentists and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsor this great work. We also hope to be able to integrate our project with other organizations such as choice, Ayuda, and Rotary--forming a cooperative support group.

When Rick and Alma Meyers were called to be the missionaries for 18 months, we knew the Lord had finally answered our prayers. Rick learned his Spanish while serving a mission in Colombia. He is 44 years old and has practiced general dentistry since 1984, mostly in private practice in Irvine, California. After graduation from Northwestern University, he entered into a one-year Air Force sponsored general practice residency. Alma is a native-born Guatemalan and has had over 15 years experience in the dental field. They lived in Spain for three years, where Rick was an Air Force dentist. They enter the MTC January 10, 2000, and arrive in Peru nine days later. The process of shipping all the necessary equipment should coincide with their arrival. They will have about six weeks to prepare before classes start.

Rick explains how he became involved with the project:

I am grateful for the opportunity to share with the members of the Academy of LDS Dentists the experiences we have had that prepared us for this opportunity to serve as missionaries for the Lord Jesus Christ and also as representatives of this academy.

About five years ago, both my wife and I received personal revelation from our Heavenly Father to prepare ourselves to go on a mission by the year 2000. At the time it was both financially as well as logistically impossible. Over the next five years, the Lord placed opportunity upon opportunity in our path until we were able to see how it would be possible. We had our hearts set on a proselyting mission, so naturally when we heard about this project, we really took no interest. After talking with Elder John Morrey and Dr. Jerry Summerhays, we were encouraged to pray about it. Both Alma and I took to heart their suggestion and we went before the Lord to find out if this was what He wanted us to do. The answer came so quickly and with such force that we have no doubt that this calling is inspired of the Lord. I have come to see the Lord's hand in this great work, and Alma and I have tremendous enthusiasm to make this project a great success.

I have already been in contact with the dean of the school, as well as other faculty members, and they are so excited about what is being done on their behalf. Their letters express the deepest and warmest appreciation as they extend a welcoming hand to Alma and me. You will never see a more grateful and humble people than our Latin American friends. The following is a list of objectives we would like to see accomplished within the next two years:

1. Build an excellent dental program of which Peruvian people can be proud.
2. Teach the latest and most valuable restorative dental skills to the students with an emphasis on high standards, excellence, and service to the poor.
3. Assist other organizations in equipping and staffing two or more satellite dental clinics near Lima to provide an opportunity for dental treatment for the poor in these remote areas.
4. Offer the opportunity for qualified students, recent graduates, and local dentists to provide treatment in these satellite offices.
5. Organize North American dentists and other volunteers to go for 1-3 weeks to Peru to provide service in the dental school and in the satellite offices.
6. Be a long-term support to the University of San Marcos Dental School through professional missionaries, volunteers, and graduates of the dental school itself.

We have about 80 percent of what is needed to start the project. A number of people have worked feverishly on our behalf to acquire donations of money, equipment, textbooks, and supplies in order to meet the required deadlines for shipping. For this, my wife and I will be eternally grateful, and we know that the Lord will bless all of you, as He has blessed us, for the efforts and sacrifices you make to make this project successful.

Sincerely,
Rick and Alma Meyers

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