A Legacy of Faith and Miracle
🕊 A Miracle Named Maria: A Life Transformed Through Love and Service
In the summer of 1994, on the final day of a mission project in Azua, Dominican Republic, a divine encounter changed the course of one woman’s life—and deeply touched everyone involved. This is the story of Maria Mendez, a mother whose life was saved through the compassion of Medical Ministry International volunteers, and whose legacy continues to inspire.
A Chance Meeting That Became a Lifeline
Azua was not a place we planned to return to. Due to concerns for participant safety, our team was closing out its final project there. It was a quiet day—only a half-day clinic, with no surgeries scheduled. Visiting for the day were Dr. Suleman Sadiq, a heart surgeon from Kansas, and his wife, Grace, a nurse. They had recently agreed to serve as medical directors for our upcoming project in Las Matas de Farfán.
Then Maria walked into the clinic.
She was 40 years old, a mother of several children, married to an older man, and suffering from a serious heart condition. She needed a valve replacement surgery—something unavailable through the public health system. Her family had no means to afford private care.
Moved by her situation, Dr. Sadiq examined her and made a life-changing decision. He and Grace told Teo, one of our local leaders, that they would take Maria to Wichita, cover her travel costs, perform her surgery, and care for her in their home during recovery.
From Azua to Kansas—and Back
With Teo’s help, a visa was secured and travel arrangements made. In January 1995, Maria and Teo flew to the U.S., where the Sadiqs welcomed them with open arms. The Sadiqs called of Dr Teo and Frida often to update them with Maria’s situation, and Dr Saquid and his wife Grace always found the way to communicate with Maria spite the language barrier. Despite the language barrier, love and care spoke louder than words. Maria returned to the Dominican Republic in March, accompanying the Sadiqs on their next mission trip. Just three months later, her husband passed away. She became the sole provider for her children, but she carried on with grace.
Every year, Maria would visit the Sadiqs when they returned to Las Matas, bringing homemade treats and her ever-present smile. She remained a close friend and part of the MMI family for decades.
Even after Dr. Sadiq and his wife Grace retired from medical missions, they continued to support Maria by sending her heart medication—faithfully—until her very last day.
A Legacy of Faith and Miracles
On April 28, 2025—thirty years after her life-saving surgery—Maria Mendez passed away from heart failure at age 71.
Dr Teo and his wife, Dr Frida Luna were honored to speak at her memorial service, attended by her entire town. Two pastors, neighbors, church members, and her loving family gathered to celebrate her life. Her children, now professionals (including a physician), her grandchildren, her 99-year-old father, and her siblings—all stood as witnesses to a life transformed by faith, kindness, and the power of medical missions.
Maria was proof that miracles still happen. Her story is a beautiful reminder of what is possible when love, service, and hope come together.
Dr. Suleman Sadiq, who gave her a second chance at life, went on to serve as MMI’s medical director for many years before retiring with Grace. Their legacy, and Maria’s, continues to inspire the mission and heart of MMI today.
Our 2024 Annual Report is Here!
We’re excited to share the digital copy of our 2025 Annual Report with you! Explore how your support made a difference—bringing life-changing health care to communities in need.
As we reflect on the past year, we give thanks and praise to God for all He has done through your partnership with Medical Ministry International.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, Medical Ministry International (MMI) hosted its annual Gala event, bringing together supporters, partners, and community members for a powerful night of celebration and purpose.
The event highlighted the ongoing mission of MMI to provide spiritual and compassionate health care in areas of great need around the world. Guests were reminded of the life-changing impact made possible through collective support and prayer.
The MMI family expressed deep gratitude for the generosity and encouragement shown by those in attendance. The evening served as a reminder of the strength of the community that God has brought together through MMI. MMI leadership reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to following God’s call: “To serve Jesus Christ by providing spiritual and compassionate health care in this world of need.” The Gala was a meaningful step forward in MMI’s continued journey to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
See our upcoming Project Teams in July!
Amazon Region July 5-July 19, 2025
Primary Care, Dental, Vision Care (pterygium & cataract surgery), Health Education
URGENT NEEDS: Physicians, Dentists, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Techs, and General Helpers.
Ecuador: July 5-July 12, 2025
Primary Care, Health Education, Preventive Dental Care
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: July 12-July 20, 2025
Surgery, Primary Care, Dental, Health Education
URGENT NEEDS: Surgeons, Dentists, Pharmacist, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Techs, and General Helpers
Honduras: July 12-July 19, 2025
Primary Care, Dental, Health Education, Optical
Amazon Region: July 19-August 2, 2025
Primary Care, Dental, Vision Care (pterygium & cataract surgery), Health Education
URGENT NEEDS: Physicians, Dentists, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Techs, and General Helpers
Peru: July 19th-August 2, 2025
Vision Program (Eye Surgery, Optical), Physical Therapy, Dental
Join a Project
Pray for Medical Ministry International
For upcoming Vision Care Project Teams:
Complication-free surgeries and treatments
Pray for our urgent needs such as physicians, nurses & nurse practitioners
Pray for safety and health while travelling
Opportunities for spiritual conversations with patients and families
Submit a Prayer Request
The Medical Ministry International Staff Team would love to pray for you. At our weekly staff meetings, we gather for a time of devotions and prayer. We pray over Project Teams, people in the Medical Ministry International community, for each other, and for the world around us. If you would like us to pray for you, please submit a prayer request below. Prayer requests are automatically anonymous; however, you may include your name if you wish.
In Him,
The Medical Ministry International Team
Do You Have a Story to Share?
Have you been part of a life-changing Project Team? Witnessed a powerful patient transformation? We’d love to hear your story!
Your experiences can inspire others and help us highlight the incredible impact of Medical Ministries International.
If you have a story to share, please email Nathaniel Emilien, our Marketing & Communications Coordinator, at n.emilien@mmi.org.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
