Each year Mid-South Mission of Mercy brings hope and healing to those in need through a two-day free dental clinic. Designed to serve under-resourced and under-insured individuals in the Mid-South community, Mission of Mercy is more than just a health care event—it’s an embodiment of the love and service that Christ calls us to share.
This initiative started a decade ago when two dentists, Dr. Chuck Wood and Dr. Mitch Godat, wanted to reach the community of Memphis and meet people’s needs.
“Chuck and I were in a dental study club, and I was about to become the president of the Memphis Dental Society,” Mitch said. “I was trying to find something that we could do that would be impactful to the community and give value to the Memphis Dental Society, and Chuck mentioned to me that I should look into this Mission of Mercy event he was involved in back in Arkansas.”
Over the next year Mitch and Chuck began brainstorming and organizing for a Mission of Mercy event to come to the Mid-South. But even though their dream was beginning to take shape, it did not come without its challenges.
“When we first started to plan the Mid-South Mission of Mercy event, we were originally looking at the Renasant Convention Center downtown,” Mitch said. “But the weekend we were planning on having it, they had just hosted a cattle show in the basement, and due to the smell we were obviously going to go in a different direction. So we went to the FedExForum to see if we could rent out their facility, and they just laughed at us—it was going to be half a million dollars just to rent out the facility.”
As the search for an affordable and suitable venue continued, Chuck began considering alternatives within the community. His connection to Bellevue sparked an idea that proved to be the breakthrough they needed.
“I had been going to Bellevue for a while, and I was talking to my good friend and fellow dentist Dr. Jim Sexton,” Chuck said. “I brought the idea of Bellevue hosting the Mission of Mercy event, and he was able to secure a spot for us at Bellevue. Without Jim, I don’t think Mission of Mercy would have come to Bellevue at all.”
With the venue secured, the next several months were filled with intensive planning, recruiting volunteers, and gathering equipment. After nearly a year of preparation, the first Mid-South Mission of Mercy was held at Bellevue in 2015. Dentists, hygienists, and volunteers came together to offer essential treatments such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, and even some restorative work. The goals were simple: relieve pain, restore confidence, improve oral health, and minister to those who were suffering.
“We’re not just helping their physical needs,” Chuck said. “By ministering to them through dental care, they are able to see the work of the Lord.”
“Dental care can transform a person,” Mitch said. “I remember we had this one patient who was on drugs, and that had caused him to lose a few teeth. He was so self-conscious that he actually had grown a beard so long that you couldn’t see his mouth. He came in, and he was able to get the restorative care that he needed. By the next week after his care, he shaved his beard, he got off drugs, and he got a job. That’s an amazing transformation.”
This year local dental professionals once again volunteered their time and expertise, businesses contributed resources, and community members stepped up to support the cause. More than 1,500 patients received the dental care they needed and witnessed the working power of the Gospel. Mid-South Mission of Mercy is a testament to how God works through His people to bring healing and hope to those in need.
“When they see you care for them physically, you can care for them spiritually because they are more open to hear about Jesus,” Mitch said.
As Mid-South Mission of Mercy continues to grow, its impact reaches far beyond dental procedures. Through the dedication of volunteers, dental professionals, and community partners, thousands of lives have been transformed in the last 10 years. This annual event not only continues to share the love of Christ but also ensures that everyone has a reason to smile.