Niles Free Annual Clinic with AMEN

Free medical care was provided to the southwest Michigan community at the Niles Adventist School during a special clinic hosted by the Niles Westside Church, the Michigan Conference, and AMEN (Adventist Medical Evangelism Network).

The event welcomed attendees early in the morning, with check-in starting just after 6:30 a.m. on October 6, where participants received colored bands for their desired medical services. 

AMEN’s vision is to train Adventists to be effective medical evangelists, demonstrating Christ’s love through the ministry of healing to naturally open hearts to the gospel. Nicole Braxton, AMEN’s clinic director, skillfully trained volunteers and managed the event, while Randy Griffin, AMEN’s dental director, was among the many professionals serving that day. 

The day began before sunrise with dedicated volunteers like Gadia Peabody, who arrived at 5:00 a.m. to assist with parking. By mid-morning, it was discovered that Peabody was a prosthodontist from the Mshkiki Community Clinic in Benton Harbor, and he joined the dental team, which included local professionals such as Richard Beckermeyer from Beyond Smiles in Niles, SungMin Cho from the Niles Community Health Center, and Brad Randall from Paw Paw Family Dentistry. They were supported by a team of four dental assistants, including church member Katrina Crawford, who shared, “It was so much fun! I always love the dental mission days.” 

Approximately 75 volunteers, including church members, university students, and community members, worked together to make the clinic a success. Many wore matching AMEN T-shirts and name tags with colored cords. In addition to dental services, medical professionals such as massage therapists and a physical therapist provided care to clients while they awaited treatment. One volunteer reflected, “This day I felt like I was in heaven. Serving these people gave me joy beyond words!” 

A total of 118 people received care, most benefiting from dental services. One returning client noted that this year’s clinic was more efficient with AMEN’s involvement. Another attendee, seeking a second opinion, shared that while her dentist had recommended costly treatment, the clinic team confirmed she didn’t need it, saving her significant expense. 

Pastor Alex Rybachek expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community: “We have been blessed to host this clinic. It was our great pleasure to serve the community we live in. We try to do it every year, and this year we have been blessed to cooperate with the AMEN group. Serving people next door to us brings us great joy.”