A CHRISTMAS "THANK YOU"
Christmas revolves around family every year. But that's not how it was the first Christmas. No immediate or extended family members were present at Jesus' birth, just the young mother and father and the new baby. What filled the void for Mary and Jospeh that night were friends. There were some old friends -- a donkey who had traveled with them from Nazareth and angels who were hovering over the manger (both parents had met angels before). New friends also arrived from the fields, having received a heavenly invitation. Earthly and celestial companions thus joined together to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child. Today, that ancient tradition continues. Even with family all around us, friendships fill the remaining spaces, making each of our Christmases complete. All of you, as dear friends, have helped to make 2022 a rich and meaningful year for the wonderful yet needy people in Jalapa, Guatemala. Like the four friends of the paralytic in the gospels, you have "picked up your corner of the cot" and brought the sick to Jesus. Thank you so much! And Merry Christmas to you and yours from Four Friends International!
Over 18,000 patients were treated at our clinics this year, equally distributed between Los Laureles, Los Pinos, and the three mountain communities. Each patient received free medical care, including medications. The Guatemalan staff at the clinics ministered to these patients in the name of Christ. In addition, 15 babies whose mothers live or work at the local garbage dump received a bath and diapers each month. During a mission trip in August, four volunteers saw firsthand their commitment and compassion. Here in the United States, the annual charity golf tournament returned after a two-year absence. Proceeds from this event and your generous donations throughout the year have enabled the clinic staff to carry on the work.
2023 PREVIEW
The stationary clinics at Los Laureles and Los Pinos, located on opposite ends of Jalapa, will continue to treat patients, focusing especially on those with chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, seizure disorders, etc.). The mobile clinic will do the same in the mountain communities of El Divisidero, Laguna del Pito, and El Charro. A particular emphasis this year will be ministering to the spiritual needs of the patients and the community. When those four friends brought the paralytic to Jesus, the Lord forgave his sins. The man, therefore, received spiritual as well as physical healing that day. In the same way, the mission of Four Friends International is to focus on the medical and spiritual well-being of the patients that come. Now that all the clinics are built and operational, it is time to direct more attention to the spiritual aspect of the ministry. You will hear more about these efforts as the year progresses.
2022 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS
Charitable contribution statements for 2022 will be mailed in January. If you have not received a statement by February 1, notify Randy Stewart (256-302-4296).
2022 MISSION TRIPS
Two mission trips to Jalapa will take place in 2023. Although the first (February 20-24) is not a group trip, a small number of volunteers will minister during the week. The trip scheduled for July 29-August 4 will be a team effort that will provide medical and church support. Both medical and non-medical volunteers will be needed for this trip. Details, including cost and registration, will be provided in early April.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
As of today, there have been sufficient donations to fund the various ministries of Four Friends International through May, 2023. Thank you so much for your generous support of the ministry.
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