Collaboration with "Wheels for the World" really opened our eyes to the needs of disabled villagers in Guatemala. Before the project we had no idea how many children and adults were housebound in our own area. During our interviewing process we met so many people who have lived their lives in bed. Immobilized by their illness, poverty, and lack of social services, their whole world has been a small, dark, thatched-roof hut. But there is no mistaking the love and care from their families. So many times we were told of the prayers for a miracle in their loved one's life. Private prayers, hopes, and dreams that the Lord would send help for their loved one, were shared with us. We were given the opportunity to pray with the patients and families, and to offer them the hope that they may receive a wheelchair when "Wheels for the World" came to town.
When "Joni & Friends" arrived they were ready to serve. Equipped with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the inspirational story of Joni Eareckson Tada, wheelchairs, a loving experienced efficient team, they went about God's work. Many lives were forever changed during the project. Faith was strengthened, hope restored, and new walks with Jesus were begun. We praise God and thank John, Laura, Robin, Linda, Gerald, Bryson, Amy, and Michelle of "Wheels for the World" and Woody, Dennis, Doris, and Bodega Bruce of Vine International for the privilege of working alongside them in this ministry. We send many thanks to, and pray blessings for Mary "Camryka", Carol, Juan Carlos, Rolando, Griselda, and Randy (our local volunteers). We prayerfully wait for the return of "Joni & Friends" this year. God is great!
Another huge blessing; a crate of dental equipment was donated by dr. Ken & Laine Barney and was shipped by Vine International. Thanks to Richard for asking his dentist to donate equipment to the people of the Rio Dulce area. And we send many thanks to Dr. Barney for his generous donation. God bless them all, as the people of the river cannot afford dental care. "Clinica de Esperanza en Jesucristo" (Clinic of Hope in Jesus Christ) would now need another exam room.
Pastor Mark and Loretta Copple of Calvary Chapel Gulf Beaches gathered together a building team, funds for the project, and came to the rescue. God is merciful! Mark, Loretta, Diane, Mike, Pascal, and Jim worked very hard and completed their mission under very difficult conditions. Before they came and most of the time they were here it rained. The river was high and many roads were closed. Much of the time we were without power and had to revert back to the days of hand tools. And because of the power outages in our village, at times there was no water for showers after a hard day's work in the jungle heat. "What do you mean; the toilets don't flush if the power's out?"
God bless the team that worked with grace under fire. Thank you so much!
Pastor Danny Hodges sent a medical team from Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg led by Dr. Doug. The brought medicine and doctors, nurses, support staff, and our missions pastor, all with servant's hearts to minister to the medical and spiritual needs of the poor. Their mission was to do remote clinic outreaches. The team was here for eight days.
Their first day was travel to the river from Guatemala City, about a five hour trip. On the second day we visited a local church where CC's missions pastor, Art, taught and some members of the team were invited to help with children's ministry. It was a very special time of fellowship and building relationships. After church, the team sorted and repacked medicine for their first clinic day on the banks of the Rio Cienega. It's about a one hour launch trip up a tributary of the Rio Dulce.
To page 2 January 2005 Update