The Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Missions Team has hosted six Medical + Dental Clinics so far this year, resulting in more than 50 professions of faith.
“The Lord continues to bless the faithfulness of Arkansas Baptists to minister to the underserved in our state through the Medical + Dental Clinics. The sacrificial, faithful giving to Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions allows us to meet the physical needs of hurting people, while also focusing upon spiritual needs,” said Clint Ritchie, ABSC Community Missions Strategist. “Darkness is being pushed back as people place their faith in Jesus, prayer needs are discovered, relationships are built, and people are being valued and shown grace through their interactions with the volunteers at the clinics.”
Medical + Dental Clinics serve as an avenue for the local church to meet needs and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Community volunteers, dentists, and other healthcare workers team up to offer various services, including dental cleanings, tooth extractions, health checks, mammograms and more.
During the first six clinics of the year, volunteers welcomed 473 patients and completed 159 cleanings and 721 tooth extractions. The services provided at no cost to the patients totaled more than $225,000.
Each patient meets for a one-on-one conversation where the Gospel is shared, and many prayer needs are expressed. Fifty-three patients in 2025 have made professions of faith.
Most recently, during a Medical + Dental Clinic on July 12 in Glenwood, they reported four professions of faith.
The only thing that limits the clinic is the lack of dental professionals. Ritchie said they have a solid core of volunteers but often must limit the number of patients they can see in a day. “We would love to have additional hygienists, dentists, and dental assistants join us,” he said.
For more information, visit absc.org/medicaldental.
Upcoming clinics:
- July 26, Owensville Baptist Church, Owensville
- Aug. 16, Grace Cowboy Church, Warren
- Sept. 6, Indian Springs Baptist Church, Bryant
- Oct. 4, One Day, Jonesboro