November update

Two Clinics in Jalapa!
That's right! Patients are now being treated every weekday and Saturday at Los Laureles and Los Pinos. Located on opposite ends of Jalapa, these two clinics together will treat over 1000 patients monthly. Thank you for making this possible through your service and gifts.


Mission Trip Photos (October 6-12)

Los Laureles waiting room

Jared Ridgeway with patient and translator

Korina (office); Lilian and Alejandra (nurses)

The Dump in Los Laureles

English homework from a student

who lives in the Dump

(Note the last line: "Grateful for my sponsors")

Laura Helton at the eyeglass table

Los Pinos waiting room

Connor Reece with youth: Minor and Luis

Korina - office (see last month's update)

Everyone wanted a pair of sunglasses!

Los Pinos: waiting for the doors to open

Christina Freese, translator Ishmael, and patients

sister and brother at Los Pinos

The Los Pinos church

(adjacent to the clinic)

So many precious children!

Meet Patty

Q: Where do you work?

A: The clinic at Los Laureles.

Q: How long have you been working there?

A: I started in June of this year.

Q: What are your responsibilities?

A: I work in the office - greeting patients, making charts, documenting vital signs, etc.

Q: Where do you attend church?

A: I'm a member of the Jalapa First Baptist Church.

Q: So you're not a member of the downtown Jalapa church that is associated with the two clinics.

A: No, but I've been working with that church for two years in their mission activities.

Q: How did you come to partner with the Jalapa church in its ministry?

A: Although Jalapa First Baptist has been my family's church for years, we do not have this type of ministry. I attended a women's Bible study two years ago, taught by a volunteer from the United States (Hallie Gipson). During that week, I became familiar with this outreach ministry and made a commitment to serve here.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your spiritual journey?

A: I grew up in the church. Both my mother and father were devout Christians. But I became disillusioned with the church as an adult and was not very faithful.

Q: What was the turning point?

A: Both my parents and my brother died in a short period of time. This made me do some serious soul-searching. I decided to embrace Christ again. And I made a promise that I would honor both my parents and my Lord with a legacy of Christian service.

Q: Did you have any idea that your pledge of commitment would lead you to this clinic?

A: No. It is a tribute to the grace of God.

Q: One last question. When we were here in May, we had a Bible trivia contest that pitted Americans against Guatemalans. You were the overall winner! How did you learn so much about the Bible?

A: My parents laid the foundation. My church added to it. And I love to study and read - especially Bible history! I've also attended Bible seminars with pastors in Guatemala City and elsewhere.

Q: Thank you, Patty, for your faithfulness to our Lord and this ministry. Any final words to us?

A: Thank you so much for making all this possible for these wonderful people. I can testify to you how important this is. Without the clinics, they would not receive care or see the love of Jesus. 

NEXT MONTH: a look ahead at 2019