After 40 years of dedicated work as physicians, retired doctors Jeff and Josephina Aaronson of Chatsworth, California, certainly deserve a little rest and relaxation. They could enjoy a carefree life of golf, tennis, and social events, but instead, they are choosing to spend their retirement in service to others.

The Aaronsons have been loyal donors to the Missionary Oblates since 1997, and, now in their retirement, they want to broaden the scope of their healing service. Josephina has dreamed of being a medical missionary since she first become a doctor many years ago. Their hope is to administer to those in Third World countries suffering and dying from easily treatable tropical diseases.

“My wife, Josephina, and I have always believed deeply in helping those in need. We have long been supporters of the Missionary Oblates.” Jeff continued, “Some years ago, we spent two weeks in Nigeria with our three children providing medical care to sick children in a place with no clean water, no electricity, and no medical supplies except what we brought with us. We were physically and emotionally exhausted, but this has remained one of the most life- changing experiences in our lives.”

This experience reinforced the Aaronsons’ dream of dedicating their time and expertise to working in Third World countries as medical missionaries. To this end, they are currently researching and studying various tropical diseases. They also are considering working in Oblate missions, where needed.

In March 2005, the Aaronsons attended an Area Donor Reception in Santa Barbara, California, where they met Fr. Tom Singer, O.M.I., and learned of the Oblates’ medical work at their clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. Wanting to see the clinic first-hand, they accompanied Lucille Green, Director of Charitable Gifts, on a visit to Tijuana. Fr. Pablo Wilhelm, O.M.I., introduced them to the life-giving services received by the people the Oblates serve from the impoverished barrios of Tijuana.

“The previous experience in Nigeria and more recently in Tijuana with the Oblates helped us more clearly understand just how committed and focused the Oblates are,” Jeff declared. “They rise to do their work every day for virtually their entire lives.”

In recognition of the Oblates’ dedicated service to the poor worldwide, the Aaronsons decided to extend their vision of being medical missionaries. They have left a generous retirement account to the Oblates.

“We have money in a retirement account that neither we nor our children will need,” Jeff explains. “It was easy to modify it to leave the Oblates a significant gift. We know they will provide the long-term continuity of service which is important to Josephina and myself.”

Thanks to the generosity and vision of friends like Jeff and Josephina, the Missionary Oblates can open their arms to victims of poverty and neglect in more than 70 countries around the world. Although retired from active practice, these two physicians will continue to heal the needy and rebuild lives, together with the Oblates.

“I feel like my previous 40 years of work pales in comparison to what I can accomplish as a medical missionary in Third World countries, where I would have the opportunity to affect the health of thousands,” Jeff declares.

For more information on how to share your blessings with the Oblates, call the Charitable Gifts Department at 1-800-233-6264, or mail your check to: Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate,   9480 N. De Mazenod Drive, Belleville IL   62223-1160.