2017 review - 2018 preview

2017 was a wonderful year of ministry for Four Friends International. Here are some of the highlights:


Life in Jesus Clinic in Los Laureles

Over 7,000 patient visits were managed by Nurse Lilian and her staff, treating a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. A new ministry called Operation Amalia was started, providing weekly hygiene and diaper care to babies living in the dump. A decision was also made to restock the clinic pharmacy with medications purchased in Guatemala rather than the United States.


Life in Jesus Clinic in Los Pinos

A construction team from Arab First Baptist Church built the walls of the new clinic in January. Since then, Juan Carlos and his construction crew have continued the work. As the new year begins, the structure has a roof, cistern, septic tank, painted interior walls, and flooring.

Life in Jesus Baptist Church

The downtown church in Jalapa continued to reach out to the needy of the area in 2017. They now oversee three local mission churches (Los Laureles, Los Pinos, and El Terero ), all located in the most poverty-stricken areas of Jalapa. In conjunction with Four Friends International, they have offered free medical care and diaper hygiene at the Los Laureles clinic, financial assistance to women through a sewing ministry, and grade school education for dump children through the Matthew 9:36 Project. A new church building in Los Pinos, located on land adjacent to the clinic, is now under construction.

Faithful Volunteers

At least six groups from the United States ministered in Jalapa in 2017. In January, a construction crew from Arab FBC raised the walls of the Los Pinos clinic. In May, Paul Murphy and Randy Stewart traveled there to assist with the Matthew 9:36 Project and with medical care. In July, a team from Arkansas, led by former missionaries Larry and Sarah Plyler, treated 750 patients and offered church support. In August, a Christian team not directly affiliated with Four Friends International started constructing the walls of the Los Pinos church. In October, a medical team from Arab FBC treated over 700 patients and launched Operation Amalia, the diaper ministry. Last month, a team from Winfield FBC celebrated the Christmas season in Jalapa, bearing food and gifts in the name of Christ. In addition to the medical and spiritual care mentioned above, volunteers in 2017 conducted a women’s Bible study, coordinated a worship concert by the Jalapa youth choir, and preached the gospel in churches, in homes, and in the community.

Faithful Givers

In 2017, just under $100,000 was donated to Four Friends International. 100% of these funds were directed to the ongoing care at the Los Laureles clinic or to the ongoing construction of the Los Pinos clinic. At Los Laureles, the cost of medicines, supplies, staff, and utilities once again averaged $100 per day. At Los Pinos, 70% of the total projected construction costs have been donated as 2018 begins.

A Bright Future

2018 should be another banner year of ministry for Four Friends International. Here is a glimpse of what is in store:

• April 7 –  3^rd annual Four Friends International Golf Tournament
• April 28 – medical mission trip to Jalapa to finish, furnish, and dedicate the Los Pinos clinic
• May – a “4-Corner Friend” program will be initiated (more about this later)
• July –  choosing a nurse and office staff for the Los Pinos clinic
• August – beginning of weekly clinic hours at Los Pinos clinic
• October – medical mission trip to Jalapa

Prayer Needs
Pray that the staff at the Los Laureles clinic will continue to offer free medical care to its patients. Pray that the new Los Pinos clinic will be completed and medical care will begin. Pray that babies at the dump will continue to receive diaper supplies and hygiene every week through Operation Amalia. Pray that children, even those on the waiting list, will be able to get out of the dump into the school system this year. Pray that monetary gifts will be provided to meet these needs. Pray that Four Friends International will stay in the center of God’s will.