Dental Unit takes the Good News on the road
By Lauren Urtel
Aug. 8, 2008
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—John and Marcia Moylan knew they were called to serve on the Florida mission field “someday” but little did they know that doors of commitment would open sooner to bring immediacy to their call.
When the Florida Baptist Convention Mobile Dental Unit was stationed at their church, the Moylans knew they had found their ministry and went before their congregation, First Baptist Church of Kissimmee, to ask for prayer. Their prayers and the prayers of their congregation were quickly answered, as three weeks later their business and house were both sold, leaving them free to travel the state.
“It was truly an exercise in faith,” said Marcia. “We kept thinking that this would happen for us after retirement but God knew better, instead of a 10-year plan, God had a three-week plan.”
For six years the Moylans—she is a licensed practical nurse—have served as coordinators to the Mobile Dental Unit which includes two state-of-the-art treatment rooms, each equipped with x-ray and fiber optic capabilities.
The renovated and fully equipped bus was purchased and built through donations to the Maguire State Mission Offering. Operating expenses are funded by the Florida Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board.
The mobile ministry, in existence since the 1970’s, provides free dental services to needy residents and migrant farm workers. The current Mobile Dental Unit has been changing lives and smiles in Florida since 1999, when it was last renovated.
In the past year the number of people needing dental services has increased significantly. Last year the unit saw 1,500 patients. Already in 2008, they have seen more than 500 patients and had 38 professions of faith.
“With the economy going the way it has, this ministry is especially important,” said Marcia. “One of the first things to go is people’s dental or medical insurance.
They look for different resources but there are not many programs for the indigent. If except for their children.”
The ministry meets people at their need, providing not only physical but spiritual care as well. “There is always an evangelical theme,” said Marcia. “John and I minister to them while they are on the bus. We share our story and they share theirs.”
“It is a vital ministry and oral healthcare is important to a person’s overall wellbeing—from a ministry standpoint and a human standpoint,” said Marcia. When the economy slows “one of the first things they stop paying for is dental care. They need food on the table so they stop paying for work on their teeth.”
The Moylans drive the mobile dental bus to locations across the state. Each year the unit visits about half of all Florida’s 49 Baptist associations, which are responsible for providing volunteers, including the dentists and nurses. This ministry is designed to bring together churches in the community.
“I would love if Florida Baptists could come when the bus is in their community and see the lives that are changed from this ministry, their ministry,” said Marcia. “People are saved and whole lives turned around from something as simple as fixing teeth. We are getting them out of pain, giving them back self-esteem, and reaching out to say God loves you even in this need.”
