By Donn Mettens, D.M.D., M.A.G.D.

SARA Board of Directors

Director for Ukraine

On June 15 five volunteers departed for a two-week SARA mission in Transcarpathia, Ukraine. Rev. Robert Barber, Pastor of Huntsburg Congregational Church; his 15- year-old daughter, Hannah; Kimberly Snyder, RDH; James Waite, DMD; and Donn Mettens, DMD spent 11 days at the Good Samaritan Children’s Home in Nagy Dobryn.

During the trip, over $17,000 was disbursed to institutions, social agencies, orphanages and individuals. Recipients included: The Erdeyei Home, Debrecen, Hungary; The Regional Children’s Hospital, Mucachevo, Ukraine; The Luke and Bethel Hofer Clinics in Trancarpathia; The Christian Doctors in Transcarpathia; and the state mental hospital and state orphanage in the Carpathian Mountains. Money was also donated to an individual for continuation of cancer chemotherapy.

Even with numerous equipment failures, the "dental mission" was highly successful. Bob and Hannah provided invaluable assistance as Kim, Jim and Donn saw 79 patients and provided over 200 procedures. George Szilagyi, DMD traveled from Hungary to donate dental care in Mucachevo.

Dental hygienist Kim Snyder at work at the 
Good Samaritan Children's Home.

Rev. Stephen Szilagyi’s efforts in raising the level of health care in Transcarpathia continued with great success. New relationships were established, and existing relationships strengthened—allowing, encouraging and supporting the training of Ukrainian physicians in Hungary and bringing Hungarian physicians to Transcarpathia to provide patient care and physician training.

"Rookie" SARA participants Bob, Hannah and Jim were immensely impressed with the miracles Mr. Katko Laslo continues to perform as director of the children’s home in Nagy Dobryn.

Dr. Jim Waite and Teeni, who lives at Good Samaritan

As anyone who has been to the home in Nagy Dobryn is well aware, the return of every dollar donated to Mr. Katko is multiplied many times in its benefits to the home and surrounding region. This is truly a mission with a very high return on investment!

Thanks to all for your past support to SARA’s Ukrainian mission and thank you for your continued support. Please prayerfully consider participating in a future trip to Ukraine.