At 5:45 a.m. on Aug. 29, the sun had barely begun to rise over Springdale, Ark., but the parking lot at the Jones Center was already filled with people waiting for care. More than 150 patients were in line for dental services alone, although the clinic would not open until 9 a.m.

From Aug. 28 to 30, the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Health Ministries/Health Evangelism Department and Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN) offered a free medical, dental, and vision clinic for the Northwest Arkansas community.

More than 260 volunteers, including students from Ozark Adventist Academy, made the clinic possible. Physicians, dentists, hygienists, nurses, optometrists, interpreters, pastors, and others worked alongside registration, hospitality, security, and social services teams.

Some volunteers were highly trained health care professionals. Others simply came because they had a heart to serve. Everyone had a role, and one question characterized the weekend: “What can I do to help?”

Patients received dental fillings, extractions, cleanings, eye care, prescription glasses, medical care, women’s health services, psychiatric services, lifestyle consultations, and assistance connecting with community resources. Cosmetology volunteers also provided haircuts.

For some, the clinic ended dental pain that had lasted for years. For others, prescription glasses helped them see clearly again. Still others needed someone to listen and assure them, “You matter.”

Pastors prayed with patients, provided counseling, answered Bible questions, and listened to their stories. 

“I felt the Holy Spirit in this place the moment I arrived in the line,” one patient said.

Another patient had lost his mother the day before the clinic. He said the experience changed his mental and emotional state. Other patients said, “Thank you for making me feel human again,” and “I felt so loved and seen in this place.”

On Sabbath morning, volunteers, patients, and community members attended a bilingual worship service led by Marjorie Bélizaire, M.D., Health Ministries/Health Evangelism director and Fernando Villegas, a Northwest Arkansas pastor. 

As patients left, each received a Health Ministries bag containing health resources, a Bible, Steps to Christ, local church information, and details about upcoming evangelistic and health programs.

The clinic was not the conclusion. It was the beginning. For one weekend, the Jones Center became a place where compassion had a face, service had hands, and healing pointed people toward Jesus.