Frequently Asked Questions in 2020
2020 has been an unusual and challenging year for everyone, including Four Friends International. Many of you have asked about the ministry in Guatemala, and here are answers to some of your questions.
1
Has the country of Guatemala been affected by the coronavirus pandemic?
Fortunately, the number of cases and deaths in Guatemala has been small compared to the United States. Nevertheless, the Guatemalan government has imposed severe restrictions on the entire country to prevent its spread. During one recent weekend, for example, no one was permitted to leave his or her home. The shutdown, of course, has led to a widespread increase in poverty, including the Jalapa area. Hopefully, the restrictions will begin to subside in July, but the effects will most likely linger for several months.
2
Is food shortage still a problem in Jalapa and its surrounding communities?
Because of the restrictions described above, the people’s ability to purchase food and necessities has been limited. Malnourishment is a problem, especially in the mountain communities surrounding Jalapa. Four Friends International provided a week’s worth of meals to 450 families a few weeks ago, and a second round of relief is planned later this month.
3
Have the clinics in Jalapa been able to continue their medical ministry in 2020?
Medical care at the clinics has continued during the weeks of the pandemic. In the present economic climate, there is an even greater need for free examinations and medications. From May 4 through May 30, the Los Laureles clinic treated 498 patients, and 400 patients received care at the Los Pinos clinic.
4
How are the clinics able to stock their pharmacies during the current government travel ban?
Over the years, the supply of medicines to the two clinics has shifted from American to Guatemalan pharmaceutical companies. Over 90% of our medications are now purchased in-country, funded through your Four Friends International donations. Because of this, the nurses at the clinics have been able to restock their pharmacies each month.
5
How many infants from the city dump in Los Laureles are receiving diapers and supplies each month?
The Operation Amalia Project of Four Friends International provides diapers and supplies (wipes, ointment, etc.) to infants whose mothers work and/or live at the city dump. Presently, fifteen mothers bring their babies each week to the Los Laureles clinic to receive an exam and supplies. The church in Jalapa oversees the recruitment of enrollees and the inventory of supplies.
6
Have the recent tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico affected Jalapa?
The tropical storm season, which began June 1, has already spawned two systems that have affected the Jalapa area. As a result, flooding, a common occurrence in the rainy months of spring and summer, is much worse this year. This has compounded the poverty and food shortage brought on by the coronavirus shutdown.
7
Does FFI plan to hold its annual charity golf events this year?
Yes, both the North Alabama (Fairview) and Birmingham tournaments are planned, but they have been postponed until the fall. Dates have not yet been finalized. Details will be provided in future updates.
8
When will a team from FFI be able to return to Guatemala?
Government restrictions should ease in July, and commercial flights into Guatemala will resume in August. Whether or not a medical mission team will travel there this year is impossible to predict. Most likely, a small group (2-3 volunteers) will go to Jalapa later this year, and a full team of volunteers will venture there in 2021.
9
What about finishing and furnishing the pastor’s residence in Los Pinos (a project planned for April’s trip)?
When the trip was cancelled in April, Four Friends International sent funds to Los Pinos that were previously designated for the pastor’s residence. The finishing and furnishing were then completed by Guatemalan workers. Pastor Daniel and his wife are now living in the apartment, built on the roof of the church.
10
How are donations to FFI holding up in 2020?
Overall, donations are less this year, but thankfully it’s been a small decline. As of today, there are sufficient funds to continue operation of both clinics through August 31, 2020. Our charity golf tournaments this fall will provide additional revenue, and gifts from individuals will continue each month. God has definitely been faithful to this ministry in the past, and there is no reason to doubt that He will also provide going forward.
11
What are the best ways to donate at the present time?
1. Electronic donations: use the DONATE button on the FFI website.
2. Checks: mail to Four Friends International - Randy Stewart, President - 309 Edgewood Blvd - Homewood, AL 35209
3. Church offerings: make sure your church will accept donations to Four Friends International.
(Note: Giving through The Baptist Foundation of Alabama will no longer be an option after July.)
All donations are tax-deductible. Contribution statements will be mailed at year's end.
2020 has been an unusual and challenging year for everyone, including Four Friends International. Many of you have asked about the ministry in Guatemala, and here are answers to some of your questions.
1
Has the country of Guatemala been affected by the coronavirus pandemic?
Fortunately, the number of cases and deaths in Guatemala has been small compared to the United States. Nevertheless, the Guatemalan government has imposed severe restrictions on the entire country to prevent its spread. During one recent weekend, for example, no one was permitted to leave his or her home. The shutdown, of course, has led to a widespread increase in poverty, including the Jalapa area. Hopefully, the restrictions will begin to subside in July, but the effects will most likely linger for several months.
2
Is food shortage still a problem in Jalapa and its surrounding communities?
Because of the restrictions described above, the people’s ability to purchase food and necessities has been limited. Malnourishment is a problem, especially in the mountain communities surrounding Jalapa. Four Friends International provided a week’s worth of meals to 450 families a few weeks ago, and a second round of relief is planned later this month.
3
Have the clinics in Jalapa been able to continue their medical ministry in 2020?
Medical care at the clinics has continued during the weeks of the pandemic. In the present economic climate, there is an even greater need for free examinations and medications. From May 4 through May 30, the Los Laureles clinic treated 498 patients, and 400 patients received care at the Los Pinos clinic.
4
How are the clinics able to stock their pharmacies during the current government travel ban?
Over the years, the supply of medicines to the two clinics has shifted from American to Guatemalan pharmaceutical companies. Over 90% of our medications are now purchased in-country, funded through your Four Friends International donations. Because of this, the nurses at the clinics have been able to restock their pharmacies each month.
5
How many infants from the city dump in Los Laureles are receiving diapers and supplies each month?
The Operation Amalia Project of Four Friends International provides diapers and supplies (wipes, ointment, etc.) to infants whose mothers work and/or live at the city dump. Presently, fifteen mothers bring their babies each week to the Los Laureles clinic to receive an exam and supplies. The church in Jalapa oversees the recruitment of enrollees and the inventory of supplies.
6
Have the recent tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico affected Jalapa?
The tropical storm season, which began June 1, has already spawned two systems that have affected the Jalapa area. As a result, flooding, a common occurrence in the rainy months of spring and summer, is much worse this year. This has compounded the poverty and food shortage brought on by the coronavirus shutdown.
7
Does FFI plan to hold its annual charity golf events this year?
Yes, both the North Alabama (Fairview) and Birmingham tournaments are planned, but they have been postponed until the fall. Dates have not yet been finalized. Details will be provided in future updates.
8
When will a team from FFI be able to return to Guatemala?
Government restrictions should ease in July, and commercial flights into Guatemala will resume in August. Whether or not a medical mission team will travel there this year is impossible to predict. Most likely, a small group (2-3 volunteers) will go to Jalapa later this year, and a full team of volunteers will venture there in 2021.
9
What about finishing and furnishing the pastor’s residence in Los Pinos (a project planned for April’s trip)?
When the trip was cancelled in April, Four Friends International sent funds to Los Pinos that were previously designated for the pastor’s residence. The finishing and furnishing were then completed by Guatemalan workers. Pastor Daniel and his wife are now living in the apartment, built on the roof of the church.
10
How are donations to FFI holding up in 2020?
Overall, donations are less this year, but thankfully it’s been a small decline. As of today, there are sufficient funds to continue operation of both clinics through August 31, 2020. Our charity golf tournaments this fall will provide additional revenue, and gifts from individuals will continue each month. God has definitely been faithful to this ministry in the past, and there is no reason to doubt that He will also provide going forward.
11
What are the best ways to donate at the present time?
1. Electronic donations: use the DONATE button on the FFI website.
2. Checks: mail to Four Friends International - Randy Stewart, President - 309 Edgewood Blvd - Homewood, AL 35209
3. Church offerings: make sure your church will accept donations to Four Friends International.
(Note: Giving through The Baptist Foundation of Alabama will no longer be an option after July.)
All donations are tax-deductible. Contribution statements will be mailed at year's end.
12
Who should I pray for in Guatemala?
Since we Americans cannot be with them in person at the present time, connecting with the Guatemalans through prayer is vital. Please pray for these dear partners by name. Remember: The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect—James 5:16.
Nurses:
Lilian (Los Laureles)
Lorena (Los Pinos)
Dora (both clinics)
Office Workers:
Karina J. (Los Laureles)
Karina M. (Los Laureles)
Kelly (Los Laureles)
Patti (Los Pinos)
Brenda (Los Pinos)
Mynor (Los Pinos)
Security:
Pablo (Los Laureles)
Luis (Los Pinos)
Cleaning:
Kimberly (Los Laureles)
Sonia (Los Pinos)
Operation Amalia:
Lilian and other church members
Pastors:
Filiberto (downtown and Los Laureles)
Daniel (Los Pinos)
Gustavo (ministry coordinator in Guatemala)
13
Yes, the concept is still being explored, but it has not yet been determined if it will be possible. Please pray with us for wisdom and guidance from the Lord.
14
Do the Guatemalans read the monthly updates from FFI?
Yes. Using a translation “gadget”, they keep up with what is going on with Four Friends International on a monthly basis. Aware of this, let’s send a message to them, paraphrased from Philippians 1:
To our dear brothers and sisters in Jalapa: We give thanks to God every time we remember you. We always pray with joy for all of you. You have been our partner in the gospel from the first day of this ministry. We are confident about this: God, who began this good work, will bring it to completion through Jesus Christ. You all in our hearts and are our partners in grace. God is our witness, how deeply we miss all of you with the love of Christ Jesus. Until we see you again, we pray that your love may keep on growing and that God may be glorified in your work for Christ. Blessings to you! -- your partners at Four Friends International
Pastor Daniel (Los Pinos church) and his wife
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