“My name is Conceição and I'm a doctor from Belém, State of Pará.”

“I work for the Public Healthcare System and a private clinic. I have never intended to study med school just for the sake of the money, to have a good life or to live in a more beautiful world. Since I was a kid, I dreamt of med school to care for lives, to care for people.”

“I kept looking for a gift: Lord, what gift do I have? I don't know how to preach or how to do anything, really. I must have no gifts!”

“But when I stepped into the Luzeiro mission boat I understood my gift and the life purpose I was searching for.”

Dr. Conceição was the first volunteer doctor to join the 29th Luzeiro boat. By accepting this volunteer opportunity, she found the purpose she had been looking for.

“The project held a Christmas celebration to donate food and clothes. When we arrived at the harbor, I was impressed by the number of people. That was my first face-to-face contact with Luzeiro and ADRA. I left there amazed as if I had been electrified by some good energy, you know? I felt fulfilled.”

Since then, Dr. Conceição boards the 29th Luzeiro boat to relieve the pain and illnesses that affect villagers along the river.

“All of them were suffering from the local parasitic diseases as well as other diseases they couldn't get treatment for, because there was nowhere to get treatment. We've also found people who suffer from psychological illnesses, people who are depressed, people who do not live well, people who are always anxious and need a more welcoming approach.”

Today, Manoel had a quick health checkup. He lives on Combu Island and the arrival of the Luzeiro boat has benefited him on several occasions.

“This has been very good. I just learned that my blood pressure is steady, and the doctor just checked on me to see how I was doing. And the best part is that it is all for free, you know? Thankfully, my health is doing great. It is good to know I'm okay. We feel that they are putting their heart into the work. We feel their soul in their work. They do an amazing job.”

Caring for people allows doctors and missionaries, such as Conceição, to talk to people on a deep level.

“It's very hard to reach a patient in pain, without any medication. I have encountered patients who would say, How can God exist if I'm suffering this much?”

“But when you go there and minister to the sick, treating their illnesses, then you can talk about God's love, and they understand that very well.”

For Conceição, it is not easy to be here. She struggles to get across the ramp or down the stairs and all too often, her workload is heavy.

“I have a hip-to-knee prosthetic implant which makes many things impossible for me, you know? It limits me. I never thought I would be able to go from the dock to the boat. Sometimes, it is very hard but being here is worth it.”

“Here's a fun fact about Dr. Conceição. Everyday I ask her: Doctor, how many appointments this morning?”

“She will reply, Eduardo, you can schedule 24 to 25 appointments. Then I go and schedule”

“the appointments as people arrive.”

“At night, she will ask me how many she covered. And I respond, Doctor, you actually”

“covered over 42 appointments.”

“Her mobility doesn't prevent her from doing good to anyone. And besides serving people, she always donates the free samples of medicines she receives from the labs. She is an incredibly warm person, always helping us no matter the circumstances.”

“Sometimes people say to me, I like you so much. You are already older, but you manage to come here. Then, they say the most beautiful thing ever: I'm going to pray for you.”

Conceição fulfilled her dream of being a doctor and finding her gift. For her, the Luzeiro project represents God’s plan for her.

“ADRA is part of my life. Whenever I come to Luzeiro I am able to assist lots of people. I leave this boat feeling renewed. I never feel like I am doing as much for these people as God has been blessing me with their presence. This is how I express all the gratitude I have in my heart.”