Caring for the Whole Body: Surf City Residents Receive Free Medical and Dental Care Through Local Mission

It was a simple blood pressure check, but it may have saved someone from an unnecessary hospital visit. During The Gathering Church’s recent medical and dental bus event this past April, volunteer Jennifer Love-Burns met a man who wasn’t feeling well. When he noticed the Baptist on Missions Medical Bus parked outside the church, he decided to stop by. Thanks to a quick check from the team, his blood pressure was evaluated on-site, providing him peace of mind and sparing him an emergency room trip. 

Jennifer also witnessed patients being referred to local doctors for follow-up care—connections that will help these individuals receive ongoing medical attention long after the event concluded. “I’m so grateful for the team of volunteers who made this mission possible,” she shared. “It’s an honor to help meet real needs right here in our community.” 

Stories like this reflect the heart and purpose behind The Gathering Church’s mission: to meet physical needs, offer prayer and hope, and make lasting impacts in Surf City and beyond. 

This year’s event, sponsored by The Gathering Church Missions in partnership with Baptist on Missions, marked the third annual dental mission—and the very first medical mission—held in Surf City. More than 50 dedicated volunteers—including greeters, medical professionals, dental providers, and support staff—generously gave their time and talents to make this event possible. Volunteers also prepared hot lunches and refreshments for attendees on both days, ensuring everyone felt welcomed and cared for. In the spirit of hospitality, the drivers and hosts who traveled with the buses were housed locally in Surf City and treated to dinner each evening. 

The medical and dental buses, maintained in Cary, NC by Baptist on Missions, were brought to Surf City with a clear purpose: to meet the physical needs of the community while offering spiritual encouragement to all who desired it. 

In total, 36 patients were cared for on the medical bus and 68 on the dental bus. The dental team provided services such as extractions, fillings, X-rays, and cleanings, while the medical bus offered comprehensive health screenings, including Hemoglobin A1C for diabetes, cholesterol and HDL levels, Body Mass Index calculations, depression screening, vital signs assessment, and heart disease risk evaluation. 

Another meaningful part of this mission was the opportunity to provide free dental care to members of our community. This year, even more patients were able to receive much-needed dental cleanings—an essential service that helps prevent disease and promote overall health. It was truly a joy to welcome back familiar faces—patients who returned from previous years—and to meet many new friends from the community. These moments of connection are a reminder that this mission is about more than just providing care; it’s about building lasting relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging with our neighbors. 

The heart of this mission reflects the example set by Jesus when He empowered His disciples to care for both the spiritual and physical needs of others. As Matthew 10:1, 7–8 reminds us: “Heal the sick…cleanse the lepers…freely you have received, freely give.” This scripture beautifully captures the spirit in which every volunteer served—with open hands, willing hearts, and a desire to give freely to those in need. 

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our neighbors in such meaningful ways,” said Jennifer Love-Burns, at The Gathering Church. “It is incredible to see how this mission brings hope and healing to so many in our own backyard.” 

Mark your calendars now for next year’s mission, scheduled for April 24 & 25, 2026, when The Gathering Church and Baptist on Missions will once again bring free medical and dental care to the Surf City community.