Body, soul, bicuspids and goats

Dr. John Bailey does dental work on the mission field. (Photo via bandsministries.org)

Dr. John Bailey was honored Oct. 10 as Abilene Christian University’s Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.
Bailey (ACU class of ’57), a dentist, is the founder of Body and Soul Ministries, a nonprofit that provides medical, dental and optical care to people who would otherwise go untreated. The dentist has served souls around the globe, but in recent years he has concentrated much of his work in the Philippines.
“Dr. Bailey has also been instrumental in helping us start an orphanage and a children’s home in the Philippines,” said longtime coworker and missionary Salvador Cariaga. “He helped fund numerous medical missions and personally mentored key leaders of our church-planting teams.”
Cariaga also praised Bailey for his involvement in a ministry called “Give A Goat.” The nonprofit gives goats to impoverished families “to create sustainability, self-sufficiency and longevity,” Cariaga said.
“One of (Bailey’s) most valuable contributions to our work is encouraging self-sufficiency and helping us start the goat program,” Cariaga said. “BandS Ministries served as the first official sponsor of this work by receiving donations through mail and through their website. He made it a point to know the operation and to personally know the names of our earliest goat raisers.”
Cariaga and his son, Peter, were on campus during Oklahoma Christian University’s recent Quest lectureship talking about the goat program.
As you can imagine, several goat puns were part of the presentation. Some were good. Others were baaaaad.
Find additional photos and details of Bailey’s work in the Philippines here.
I’m working on a story for an upcoming issue about ministries that encourage self-sustainability (“teaching people to fish” ministries that give people the means to earn a living). Please post if you know of any examples. Also, what are the positives — and negatives — of such ministries? Should all church ministries and missions strive toward self-sustainability. Can you think of examples of ministries that always will (and should) require outside funding?
Give a Goat from David Bowden on Vimeo.

• Feedback
  Dr. Bailey was my dentist in my high school years. It’s wonderful to read about his ministry!

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  October, 11 2010

  great ministry for the church and really showing the Love of Christ. Thank you for sharing.Rob

  Rob Burnstad

  October, 11 2010

  Bobby, most people around Texas, it seems, know Dr. Bailey as their dentist, church Elder, preacher, or heard him preach or worked with or heard about his international medical ministry. He trully has touch many lives. Am priviledged to have worked with him.

  Salvador Cariaga

  October, 11 2010

  Yes, ministries and missions should strive toward self-sustainability � not always will require outside funding � goat raising through outside funding is a good start � as ‘starter’ � maintaining the program when funding has come to a stop. that is the success of the livelihood program.

  onlando braga

  October, 12 2010

  God bless you and keep you in your endeavors!

  Bernice Henley

  October, 12 2010

  What a GREAT idea and life of service! Another great area is churches working through Habitat for Humanity where the family in need is required to invest “sweat equity” to get a home. Then also, those who give through wills can provide interest-bearing annuities to fund missions & ministries on an on-going basis. The principal is never touched and each year the interest is invested in reaching out or helping others forever. Thanks to the CC for a wonderful job of keeping us informed (and inspired!) : )

  Michael Lum

  October, 15 2010

  If he were still living, John, your Dad would be beaming with pride, not only because of the award but especially because of your dedication to the Lord and service in His vineyard. Your mother, of course, would be proud too.
  Click on my name above to read biographies of J.C. and Myrtle Bailey. Then you will see the examples of faith John is following.
  May the Lord bless you, John and your good wife, Rosalyn.

  Roy Davison

  October, 16 2010