Serving on the North Coast

Last week was a busy week for the Buehler Family. I (Michael) was at leadership conference for Christian School leaders through the Association of Christian Schools International. At the same time, Brennan was serving again with Medical Ministry International as a Medical Translator. He was able to go with three of his classmates and two chaperones to serve for a week on the North Coast. Proud of him and all the ways he loves to serve. Here what he has to say about the experience below…


Three weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to apply to go on another Medical Missions Trip, similar to the one that I went on last year. I knew that God was calling me to volunteer for it again, so I applied, and was accepted. So, about a week ago, I left Jarabacoa, and ventured over to Puerto Plata, a town up north, along the coast, where I would be serving. 

In the area we were staying, I was blessed with a ‘super’ comfy mattress located on the floor. Even though I didn’t get the best sleep, I just always tried to look forward, and I realized that this trip isn’t for my comfort, it’s to help others in need. Last year I was translating at the small clinic, moving from town to town, but this year I got to go the hospital, where I would be translating for surgeries big and small.

Over the six days that I was translating there I saw many interesting things such as, hernia removals, gall bladder removals, and many other smaller surgeries. I really enjoyed be the bridge for the doctors and patients as they tried to communicate with one another. It was so cool to see how so many people that could never have afforded these surgeries, were getting healed for free. This reminded me of how Jesus healed people in the Bible that thought they couldn’t be healed.

During the trip I also met so many cool nurses, doctors and surgeons, and got to hear how some of them had been serving for over 40 years for MMI. I am really glad that I got to go on this trip, and I am glad that God is continuing to use my gifts and skills to help those who need it the most.

Brennan got many compliments from the patients and the team from the States. One of the doctors even stated, “I’ve been coming on these trips for 15 years and you (Brennan) were my best translator ever!”

Thanks for those of you that kept him and his team in your prayers. This is such an incredible experience and way for Brennan, and other teens from Doulos to serve others and follow God’s daily calling on their lives.