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Does the Luke Commission have opportunities for short-term volunteers? |
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Yes. While the VanderWals- have a team of Swazi nationals that assist in operating bush clinics, throughout the year dozens of volunteers from North America also assist TLC on site. These volunteers include medical professionals, medical and nursing students, and others who have a desire to serve by dispensing clothing, Bibles and other supplies, assisting with logistics, praying with patients, and helping with many other non-medical tasks. |
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How can I be part of a short-term service team? |
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Click here to fill out our online application form and a short term team coordinator will contact you. TLC does conduct screening interviews and assessments prior to assigning volunteers to a service team. While TLC is appreciative of anyone interested in serving in this way, be advised that slots for short-term volunteer are limited and there may be a waiting list. Most teams are being assembled at least a year in advance. |
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Does TLC provide training for volunteers? |
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TLC does provide a general preparation and orientation program for volunteers serving on a medical team. During the screening process, the volunteer coordinator will assess your readiness for the trip and address any specific issues. Flexibility and a servant’s heart is essential. |
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How long do short term trips? |
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Most short term teams serve for 2 to 4 weeks. |
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How much does it cost? |
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The most significant costs are travel expenses to and from Swaziland and reflect the going rates. Other necessary expenses include passports, vaccinations, clothing, living expenses while in Swaziland and more. Costs vary widely, of course, but as of 2009, a volunteer can expect to spend $3500 to $5000. Volunteers are expected to pay their own expenses as well as contribute to the ministry investment, and most rely on some level of support from local churches, friends and family. TLC can provide materials to aid with fund raising efforts for short-term service. |
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How can children and youth get involved in supporting The Luke Commission? |
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Consider a role as a member of The Luke Commission Kids’ Club. TLC Kids’ Clubs (TLCKC) exists to develop connections between North American school age children and their Swazi counterparts for purposes of providing support and encouragement to Swazi schoolchildren, their teachers and families, In addition, TLCKC allows kids to participate in TLC’s ministry tangibly through communication with and support of Swazi schools. Your school or Sunday School class may choose from these fund raising ideas:
1. Walk/Hike/Bike/Skate/ etc A Mile For A Smile - Host a “walk/hike/bike/dribble/shoot-athon”. Recruit sponsors to donate $$ per minute/mile/hour of activity and help put a smile on a Swazi school kid’s face! Great for sports teams or the athletically inclined group.
2. Gear 2 Go - Sell or purchase TLC merchandise. Portion of proceeds go to TLC School outreach.
3. Coffee Sales - Sell TLC Blend coffee with $5 per bag being sent to The Luke Commission.
4. Coins 4 Kids - Sponsor members can collect change for purchasing TLC catalog items
5. Urgent Needs - Sponsor Group Adopts an item off of our Urgent Needs List.
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Do you sponsor links on social networking sites? |
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Yes. Please join our online communities seen on our interact page |
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What medical supplies and other items do you need to supply The Luke Commission Team each year? |
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First Aid Supplies – bandages, tape, gauze, antibiotic ointment
Medical Supplies – catheters, sutures, syringes, gloves, surgical bandages
Hospital Supplies – hospital linens, drapes, scrubs, patient gowns, bedding, towels, washcloths, blankets
Mobilization Devices – walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs
Personal Care Supplies – shampoo, soap, lotions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant
School Supplies – notebooks, paper, pencils, books, folders, envelopes, backpacks
Cleaning Supplies – soap, bleach, laundry supplies, all purpose cleaners, towels, sponges
New Clothing – for men, women, children and infants
Gently Used Shoes – for men, women, children and infants
View our full list of needs here. For information on specific needs and shipping dates, please contact us.
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I want to volunteer to help TLC, but cannot travel abroad. Is there a place for me? |
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Yes. Opportunities for North American volunteers are available and include:
Logistics – Collecting, inventorying and preparing supplies for shipment at one of our US-based logistics centers is a critical part of the TLC’s work. For more information contact us.
Events – Each year TLC conducts fund raising events, currently one in Ohio and one in Idaho.
Ministry Promotion – TLC can always benefit from the help of volunteers in getting the word out to churches, Bible studies, civic groups, colleges and other organizations.
Your talent and abilities – If you have a special talent or area of professional expertise and would like to lend your efforts to aid TLC, please contact us
Review our Get Involved page for further opportunities
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My church, Sunday school class, Bible study group, Fellowship group and friends should know about TLC! How can I get the word out? |
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1. Forward them the link to our website: www.lukecommission.org
2. Get on our E-news list and receive regular Lighting The Path updates. Print these out to share at your group and encourage others to sign up.
3. TLC has a kit of materials, including a DVD, that you can share in your small group or with the Missions coordinator at your church. For more information email us.
4. Request a TLC Poster and place on your church’s bulletin board.
5. Request a TLC presentation to your church. The VanderWals may be able to schedule a presentation while in the US, or one of our TLC team members may be available. Contact us.
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What is the meaning of the name “The Luke Commission’? |
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Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke was the Bible doctor. The founders of TLC were inspired by his faithfulness and effectiveness in sharing the love of Jesus through compassionate medicine. Likewise, Jesus “commissioned” his followers to serve others and share the good news of the Gospel. |
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Is the Luke Commission affiliated with a particular denomination? |
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The Luke Commission is supported by a wide range of individuals and churches from a variety of Christian denominations, as well as like-minded civic and professional organizations. The common bond between us is the desire to relieve suffering through delivering compassionate medical care and other humanitarian aid to the people of Swaziland, and in doing so, sharing the love of Christ. The TLC doctrinal statement is available on request. Also see our Ministry Partners. |
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Why Swaziland? |
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The Luke Commission’s founders, Dr. Harry and Echo VanderWal, wanted to serve in an area where they believed their efforts would be most needed. They identified rural Swaziland as a medically underserved area and, due to its high incidence of HIV among the adult population, an area of urgent critical needs. |
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There are lots of medical missions’ organizations serving in Africa. How is The Luke Commission different? |
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Hospitals and Medical Clinics are scattered throughout southern Africa and offer a great benefit by serving patients who visit their facilities. However, there are many who cannot readily or regularly visit these facilities, largely due to inability to afford transport to these physical locations. TLC has developed a unique Mobile Bush Clinic system that allows us to greatly leverage our resources to reach populations scattered over a wide geography. By “putting wheels” to our medical team, we are reaching many who would never otherwise seek or obtain treatment. |
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Are my gifts to TLC tax-deductible? |
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Yes. The Luke Commission is a 501(c)3 corporation. All cash and in-kind donations are tax deductible. |
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How do I make a donation? |
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Step 1 - You decide how to make a difference by clicking on "Donate" now. Give a one-time gift, or choose a monthly recurring gift (sign up for the Compassion Care Team with your commitment of $25 or more per month).
Step 2 - The Luke Commission sends you a tax deductible receipt as allowed by law at the end of each year.
Step 3 - The Luke Commission keeps you informed of ministry progress through periodic ministry progress reports and web updates.
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How do I give a gift of stock, securities, or planned gift to The Luke Commission? |
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Stock or Securities Donations Partners who wish to make a donation in the form of marketable stocks or securities may do so through our partnership with The Dayton Foundation in Dayton, Ohio. Please let Steve Dilts, TLC Director of Advancement know about your desire by e-mail. See Dayton Foundation information below:
The Dayton Foundation
Acct Name & #: The Luke Commission Medical Missions Fund [7017]
Contact: Sandy Payne, Donor Services Associate
500 Kettering Tower Dayton, OH 45423
Direct Dial: (937) 225-9946 Planned
Giving - Planned, or deferred gifts can provide significant benefits to you and your loved ones now and in the future, while offering financial support for The Luke Commission and its outreaches for generations to come. Typical estate gifts include life insurance, retirement assets and bequests. However, a planned gift could also be a way for a donor with non-liquid assets to make a gift today. To begin a conversation about how you may help The Luke Commission with an estate or planned gift, please email our Director of Advancement, Steve Dilts, or call 866-351-1254.
The Luke Commission does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. We strongly encourage donors to seek counsel from their own legal and financial advisors for all legal and tax aspects pertaining to the structure of their gifts.
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Questions? |
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If you have any questions, please email us or call (866) 351-1254. |
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