"Celebrating Vision and Impact at AAO 2025"
Attending the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2025 conference, held Oct. 18–20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Flordia, was an inspiring experience for Medical Ministry International. The event brought together ophthalmology professionals from around the world and served as a valuable opportunity to share the vision and impact of MMI’s ongoing work in eye health.
Several MMI participants visited the exhibit booth during the conference, reconnecting with team members and reflecting on their time serving through the ministry. Their joy and engagement highlighted the strong sense of purpose and community that continues to unite MMI participants long after their project experiences.
One unexpected moment that stood out was seeing a shoeshine couple playing Christian music, their Bible opened to Psalm 57. To many, it may have seemed like a small detail, but it felt like a confirmation that God was present, even amid a busy, secular conference.
Jyoti Kona, Chief Ministry Officer, and Caitlen Barron, Ministry Representative, engaged with many attendees who expressed genuine interest in joining future projects. Even brief interactions such as conversations while waiting in line for coffee sparked inspiring discussions about MMI’s mission to extend compassionate medical care to communities in need.
The conference also provided valuable opportunities to connect with key partners, including Alcon SEE International and ImprimisRx, whose continued collaboration strengthens MMI’s ability to deliver quality care and sustainable health programs worldwide.
Above all, the greatest highlight was sharing stories of what God continues to do through Medical Ministry International. That same joy was reflected in those who stopped by to celebrate the ministry’s lasting impact and the lives transformed through its service.
As Medical Ministry International continues to expand its reach and partnerships, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to provide health care for lasting change. If you’d like to join a project team or learn more, visit www.mmi.org.
MEET THE TEAM
We’re thrilled to welcome Caitlen Barron to the Medical Ministry International team as our new U.S. Ministry Representative!
Originally from Mississippi, Caitlen grew up in a pastor’s home where she developed a deep love for God’s Word and missions from an early age. She holds a degree in Music Education and has used her musical gifts to worship and serve in ministry. After college, Caitlen spent seven years in sports ministry in the Toronto area, an experience that strengthened her passion for evangelism, discipleship, and equipping others to share the gospel.
In her role with MMI, Caitlen will steward partnerships with churches, medical schools, and institutions across the U.S., sharing the vision of MMI and inviting others to be part of God’s healing work around the world.
When asked what inspires her, Caitlen shared, “The Lord has given me a passion to encourage and equip others. I love helping to resource people and cheer them on as they go out to serve.”
Her life verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, reminds her that God’s grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness.
Caitlen says she’s most excited to join an upcoming project and meet those she’s been praying for. “MMI is more than a mission it’s a movement of compassion, healing, and hope,” she adds. “You don’t have to be a doctor to make a difference. Every heart and every helping hand matters.
Upcoming Projects:
See our upcoming Project Teams this fall!
Dominican Republic: January 3 - January 17
Surgery, Primary Care, Dental, Health Education
Colombia: January 10 - January 24
Vision Program, Eye Surgery & Optical
Ecuador: January 24 - February 7
Primary Care, Health Education, Preventive Dental Care
Join a Project!
Pray for Medical Ministry International
For upcoming Project Teams:
Pray for our Project Teams as they travel and serve in various communities.
Pray for our medical directors as they guide and lead each team with wisdom and grace.
Remember the doctors, nurses, medical specialists, and general helpers who give their time and skills in service.
Pray for meaningful spiritual conversations with patients and their families that the gospel would be shared, Christ’s love felt, and lives transformed.
"Medical needs don't pause. But you can make a difference; help MMI bring healing where it’s needed most."
Submit a Prayer Request
Can We Pray For You?
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?
Whether it's a story from a Project Team you served on or a patient's life transformation you experienced, we would love to hear your story for upcoming newsletters! If you have a story to share, please email Nathaniel Emilien, our Marketing & Communications Coordinator, at: n.emilien@mmi.org.
