1970s

1960  |  1970  |  1980  |  1990  |  2000+

The Shannons rented and renovated La Posada, a fortified summer home of Rafael Trujillo, the assassinated president of the Dominican Republic. "Motel" type rooms were constructed for couples to relieve the overcrowded dormitories. Work teams paid their own way to come and help. MGM teams were housed and fed in the main building and motels. Medical and dental clinics were held throughout the compound. The doctor with the most experience in missionary medicine was chosen as Medical Director of each project.

Preparations for each two-week effort involved the organization of medicines, supplies, skills and appropriate assignments. Feedback from participant evaluations helped staff learn how to balance a team so that all had significant work to do. Amazingly, the tougher the environment, the fewer the complaints. Cold showers and missing toilet seats were ignored when impoverished patients filled the lines.

John led a medical team to West Africa and contracted dengue fever. During his recovery, he realized his need for help with the growing program of MGM. Willie & Janice Hunter, Dominican Republic Mennonite Church missionaries, joined the Shannons. Willie became John's assistant.

A surgical trailer was donated and, after a few jolting trips to outlying villages, was parked permanently by the La Posada swimming pool. An eye team from Canada came each January, and soon a summer eye team was added with mostly US doctors. The Shannons, Hunters and Stauffers lived at La Posada as teams came and went.

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