The BMTE: Best Mission Trip Ever

by Michael Sontheimer, DC

On June 19, 2010, one of the most amazing 10-day chiropractic events began in Peru: The BMTE, Best Mission Trip Ever. It didn't take long for this quarterly event to live up to its name! In the first three and a half days, the mission's selfless heroes gave close to 2,000 chiropractic adjustments and changed even more lives.

Hundreds of people lined up to receive adjustments while host doctors explained, in Spanish, the importance of the spine and nervous system. They taught the crowds of people gathered about the body's innate intelligence, how subluxations occur, the role of the chiropractic adjustment in the liberation of that innate intelligence, and how it helps everyone achieve optimum health.

For those who have never been to a third-world country, I can assure you the people who received their first adjustments were the most grateful individuals you'll ever meet. Over the course of the four days of the adjusting portion of the trip -- which took place in the capital city of Lima -- many people returned several times to take full advantage of the free care. This allowed the participants to see the power of chiropractic manifested first hand.

The adjusting was held in a community shelter dedicated to helping orphaned children and women in desperate need of resources due to domestic and/or familial hardships.

This allowed the mission team to adjust an estimated 500 children during a very short period of time. The doctors and students were amazed at the realization that they touched more children's lives in those four days than they could have imagined touching over their entire career.

The appreciation the Peruvian people showed the mission team for the care they received had a tremendous impact on all of us. These were people who live a life of extreme poverty compared to US standards but who are wealthy beyond belief in their faith, love and gratitude. The participating doctors and students were offered gifts, photos, and even home cooked meals. Yet, the most rewarding gift was seeing the life energy flowing like never before once the people received a chiropractic adjustment. This truly moving experience included laughing, crying, sharing, and understanding. Everyone who shared in this experience was changed forever.

BMTE participants also had the opportunity to spend an inspiring afternoon/evening at the exclusive beach house of BMTE co-founder Dr. Liam Schubel. In an evening "fireside chat" Dr. Schubel dynamically presented some of his strategies for achieving everything one deserves in life through the principle of loving service. This was also a great chance for the mission trip heroes to ask questions regarding the successful practice of chiropractic and a host of other topics in a truly spectacular Pacific coast setting.

The final five days of the trip were spent in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Andean Mountains. The group went river rafting and visited the majestic ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World," as well as many other energetic and awe-inspiring sites in order to truly connect with the history and culture that make Peru one of the most magical places on earth.

There is a chiropractic movement currently taking place worldwide. We are beginning to see the powerful changes in the making. Populating the earth with loving, passionate, successful, on-purpose chiropractors is one of BMTE founders' chief missions. As a result, The Best Mission Trip Ever is helping to change global consciousness through its efforts.

We envision a world that has access to the power of chiropractic and an understanding of the life which flourishes and thrives when it's free of subluxation.

On a planet of nearly seven billion people, a shamefully small percentage of our brothers and sisters are receiving the care and education they deserve. Hats off to all those who are involved in chiropractic mission trips around the globe, especially to the heroes of the journey who took part in the Best Mission Trip Ever.

While we must continue to tell the world what we intend to do, above all else, we must show it in order to truly make a difference in the world. If you're interested in learning more or would like to participate in the next mission please visit us at www.thebestmissiontripever.com

(Dr. Michael Sontheimer is co-founder of The Best Mission Trip Ever. He is also co-founder of On Pointe Seminars -- www.onpointeseminars.com -- and has been practicing in Peru for the past six years. He may be reached at michaelsontheimer@hotmail.com)

NOTE: Terry A. Rondberg, DC, founder and CEO of The World Chiropractic Alliance and publisher of The Chiropractic Journal invites other chiropractors involved in humanitarian missions around the world to contact the WCA with reports of their efforts. The WCA and TCJ will continue to publicize these worthwhile efforts and to provide support whenever possible.