Ely and Rosa's family with the new additions.
Our team of interpreters from Guatemala City
The team, all from Wynne Baptist Church in Wynne, AR except Dr. Jerry Beasley, FBC Pulaski,TN and Dr. George Conners, wife Brenda and son Luke from FBC, Forrest City, AR.
There are no words to express our deepest gratitude for your service. May God bless you all!
The Medical/Dental team arrived on time at the airport Saturday but soon we ran into problems. Customs, at the airport, had seized all of the supplies and medicines they brought with them.
Luke Conner and Mike Woods, two hours into the delay and hold on our supplies, try and get some rest.
We had never had anything like this happen before and all we could do is trust in the Lord. After three to four tense hours we paid a "tax" and were allowed to leave with our meds and supplies. Thank you for praying and to God be the glory.
A guy named Charlie, from Atlanta that runs a ministry in the city dump, stood with me outside the airport. He was also waiting on a teams arrival. As his team arrived we shook hands and he walked away. He had placed in my hand a one hundred dollar bill, the exact amount that we would have to pay the airport official.
The team had to empty all of the meds from the suitcases into these large plastic bags.
We had rented a bus to transport the team of twenty one and the nine translators. The team had been up since 2:00 AM, now it was 4:00PM and we had a 6 hour journey ahead of us. I felt their pain knowing how tired a travel day like this can make you. We had a hard week ahead of us and we would need our strength.
Sunday, April 19, breakfast at 8, church services at two different locations at 9, lunch, then we spent the afternoon setting up the clinic at La Mountanita.
This took several hours but things were beginning to fall into place by 5PM. We drove back to Piedra Partida, where we will be the last three days of the week, had a meeting with church volunteers, ate supper and returned to the hotel around 8PM. All of the guys hit the swimming pool for a bit before going to bed.
Monday, April 20, was day one at La Mountanita. We expected some difficulties and we had a few but all in all the day went very well. We saw over 200 patients, dispensed meds and shared the gospel until we were all weary and worn. The heat hovered in the high nineties but there was a gentle breeze much of the time.
After supper at a Mexican taco dive we had a team meeting and hit the sack. Day one of six, we better gets some rest.
Tuesday, April 21, as the second day was underway, we seemed to be more organized. The flow of people was steady and by the end of the day we had seen 247 in the clinic. We praise God that all heard the gospel.
How many kids can you make smile with $14.00 in Guatemala? Around 150. That’s how many ice cream bars $14.00 can buy.
Wednesday, April 22, I think the ice cream guy has this thing figured out. He shows up, I buy the ice cream, and he goes home.
Jack Cobble hit every Tienda in the village buying up all of the bags of water to pass out to the people.
By taking their pulse and blood pressure, Tamara, an ER Trama Nurse found most of the people to be clinically dehydrated. I just thought that Guatemalans didn’t sweat too much but it’s because there is nothing left. Can you imagine being so poor you even limit you water intake?
The day went very well as we saw nearly 300 in the clinic, packed up, loaded our make shift outfit and headed to Piedra Partida to repeat the process.
Thursday (Hump Day), April 23, our first day at Piedra Partida went very smooth. The team worked as a well oiled machine.
We have a GREAT group of interpreters! These young adults have done an outstanding job, worked long hours and in difficult conditions. I can see the fatigue in their faces but they don’t quit. We are blessed to have them.
Friday, April 24-The mornings are peaceful here in the country side. Like the calm before the storm, we rise, have our coffee and our time alone with God. As we arrive, the small road is crowded with people and make shift vendors here to capitalize on those coming. 200 are already waiting, some since early morning. Providing better sight, fixing teeth and other physical issues are all good, but we silently pray for their souls as we work. The crusade begins tonight at 6:30PM. 600 chairs have been rented at 1Q each (14 cents) per night. We are praying for a harvest. Individual cards sent from folks at Wynne Baptist cause emotions to surface as the team holds the course. Thanks again for your prayers. All glory to God,
Saturday,April 25-18 days ago I kissed Donna goodbye and gently wiped a tear from her cheek. Today, it seems more like 18 months than 18 days. The teams mood quiet, it's our last day, we're fatigued a bit and energy levels are low.
Yesterday was a long and hot. The Crusade ended by 9:30 PM with 800 in attendance. More then 2000 people have heard the gospel this week. Many seeds were planted, may they find fertile soil.
Not much is left for us except the trip back to the city at 6AM tomorrow, some shopping, a day to unwind and then fly home.
Hearts have become fragile,etched and scarred with memories that will last a lifetime. Another trip on the road less traveled is in the books. We're thankful for you and those who chose to journey with us. May the Lord bless and keep you. May His light shine on you and through you to those who walk in darkness.
All for His glory,
Lewis
No comments:
Post a Comment