Agape Unlimited
Russia, Europe
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Agape Unlimited was established in 1993 to provide medical care to the underserved populations in Russia. Founded by Dr. Bill, who left his surgical practice in Kentucky, the organization has focused on showing God's agape love by providing medical services to those with little or no access to healthcare. Agape Unlimited operates clinics, conducts medical expeditions, and emphasizes healthcare education for both Russian and international learners. The mission is encapsulated in four simple words: Going, Helping, Sharing, and Teaching.Agape Unlimited is headquartered in Moscow and has centers in Saint Petersburg and a 200-acre farm south of Moscow. The organization runs various medical clinics, including a homeless shelter clinic, a nursing home clinic, a clinic for African immigrants, and a model primary care clinic. Agape also conducts medical expeditions to remote areas, offering healthcare to Russia's most isolated people. The clinics provide comprehensive services, including wound care, frostbite treatment, and healthcare education.
Technology & Capacity:
Agape Unlimited's facilities include a full-time for-profit clinic in Moscow, a family medicine clinic in Saint Petersburg, and a rural farm clinic. The clinics are equipped to offer primary care, dental services, cardiology, neurology, and minor surgeries. The organization also undertakes about twelve medical expeditions annually to remote villages, utilizing various transportation methods to reach isolated communities.
Church and Governance:
Agape Unlimited operates under Christian principles, with a mission to serve the underserved and share God's love. The organization is led by Dr. David DeShan, a family physician faculty at the University of North Texas, and includes a team of 35 Russian staff, three Russian physicians, and six Americans.
Training Opportunities:
Agape Unlimited places a high priority on medical education, offering learning experiences for Russian medical students, family medicine residents, and international healthcare personnel. The organization hosts two primary care education conferences annually and collaborates with several medical institutions. Training includes a mix of indigent care, rural clinics, profit clinics, and medical education seminars.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Practitioners
Clinic Administrators
Pharmacists/Pharmacy Technicians
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Language:
Russian is the primary language spoken at Agape Unlimited. Some staff and volunteers speak English, and translators are available to assist non-Russian speaking volunteers.
Housing & Food:
Housing for volunteers is provided in four apartments located near each other in Moscow. Guests can cook for themselves or dine out, with assistance from an Agape Unlimited staff physician couple who live in the same apartment complex. A guide/translator is provided initially to help guests acclimate and navigate the city.
Travel:
Visitors fly into one of Moscow’s three international airports, where Agape Unlimited arranges for pickup and drop-off. U.S. citizens can obtain visa information from the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC. Agape assists with visa matters, including the necessary invitation letter from Russia.
Time Difference:
Russia operates on Moscow Standard Time (MSK), which is UTC+3.
People and Local Religion:
Moscow’s population includes a large number of urban poor, many of whom are elderly or immigrants from Central Asia and Africa. Russia is home to significant ethnic and cultural diversity, with 179 different people groups. The majority of Russians are Orthodox Christians, with a notable Muslim minority.
Climate:
Moscow experiences warm summers with temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and cold winters with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F). Visitors should be prepared for these seasonal extremes.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues treated by Agape Unlimited include diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease, chronic lung diseases, and frostbite. Many rural Russians live in homes without basic amenities, and access to healthcare and medicines is limited. Agape addresses these challenges through comprehensive medical care and community health education.
Evangelism Opportunities:
Evangelism is integral to Agape Unlimited’s mission. The organization presents the Gospel to patients and their families and refers those who accept Christ to local evangelical churches. Agape’s work is guided by the principles of going where no one wants to go, helping those no one cares about, sharing God’s love, and teaching others to do the same
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For further details, visit the Agape Unlimited website.