The Bell Tolls

...so that there should be equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. -- I Corinthians 12:25-26

...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. --John Donne

You cannot see them very well but there are 2 men in the towers ringing the bells.

Clinic today in Tzanixnam was interesting. Practically the whole town and several visitors from other towns were present, not for clinic, but for a funeral for a young man who fell ill and died on his way to the United States to work. His body made it back yesterday and today they had the service and burial. There were hundreds of people milling around, visiting the family, and at about 2:00 everyone headed to the cemetery. The bells on the church in town were tolling as the very long procession of people carried the casket and accompanied the family. It was impressive to see how the entire town paid respects to this family and shared in their grief. Needless to say, we saw only a few patients, but it good to see such a display of unity in a town.

Meanwhile, our health promoter Tomas spent time talking to the mayor and another city councilman, sharing with them the good news of the gospel. The mayor was especially interested and coming from a traditional Mayan religion background, had many questions. It was a good day in that some contacts were made and seeds planted so that the kingdom of God grows in that area. Be praying.

Tomas with the mayor of the town.

Yesterday, we also saw a woman for followup of an abdominal mass that we had seen in the Xesic clincic. She brought her ultrasound, which showed a probable gastric or possibly pancreatic cancer with metastases to the liver. I spoke with the lady and her daughters and told them that she only has a few months to live. They were sad, but mostly wanted to make sure we could help with pain control and we assured them we could. This gave us a great opportunity to talk to her about her spiritual life. We talked to them about the reality of eternal life and the need to make a decision during one's physical life to follow Christ. That God sometimes blesses us with the knowledge of when we will die, so we can be sure to make ourselves ready for that day. All three women were very interested in knowing more and we made a call to the brothers in Xesic where they live, to go study more with them that evening. We got a call last night from another friend who said the ladies asked to be baptized into Christ today! While we mourn with them that they will not be together much longer in this life, we rejoice with them and the angels that we will all be together with Christ one day.

Gaspar speaking with the ladies from Pacaja Xesic.

On Thursday, we also got to see Tomasa again. She continues to have a great attitude and seems to always be happy. She has finished her chemotherapy treatment and is waiting on the results of a CT scan. They return this Monday to the city for the results and some continued radiation treatment. We continue to praise God for the healing he has provided to her and her family so far. Let's continue to pray that she is completely healed!