This year we have been very busy with groups and visitors helping out in both the medical, educational and spiritual aspects of the work. It is humbling to think that people want to come here and work with us and share in the ministry in Guatemala. The church is growing by leaps and bounds, some congregations doubling and tripling in size in a matter of 3-5 years.
But we find ourselves wondering who the real missionaries are--we foreigners or the local evangelistic church members. As the church in the States and Europe seems to be on a decline, it is so encouraging to see it planted, growing and spreading in this small country. We are always learning from the brethren here about the importance of relationship building, community participation and love for God. They use their gifts well to spread the word and introduce others to Christ.
As a medical ministry we can get caught up in tending to just the physical needs of people, but we are quickly reminded that a gentle inquiry as to the spiritual and emotional health of the person gives us an opening to teach about the sovereignty of God, his patience and love and desire for us to be whole.
We want to thank our visiting teams for helping us expand the services that we normally offer. We have been able to visit all of our ABC communities for well-child checkups without disrupting our normally scheduled routes of community clinics.
A big thanks to Hennessey, OK Church of Christ, Oklahoma Christian University, Lipscomb University, and Harding University for your visits and hard work. Also to Klay Bartee and Gene Luna for your continued work in the development of local church leaders. Thanks to Melanie Dixon for your willingness to study the local population of families regarding water safety and health.
May we learn from each other and " Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24
