clinic update...

Yesterday, after making the necessary repairs to the plane, we were finally able to make our monthly trip out to San Pedro in the Zona Reina. The community leaders had called to let us know that there were lots of children sick with coughs and colds. They were right and we saw several babies with pnuemonia as well. One little girl has stayed in my thoughts and prayers since yesterday. Six year old Mari was so pale and thin. She began 4 months ago to have fever and pain in her hip which grew red and swollen. Her dad treated her in the house with herbal remedies and relieved the swelling by sticking needles into it to release the pus which quickly accumulated. He finally took her into a doctor in Coban when her entire body began to swell. Yesterday, she cried in pain as I examined her emaciated body, her leg hanging limply. We tried to arrange a flight for her into the City to be seen in the national hospital there but her dad needed to "make arrangements at home" first. Please pray for her, that her dad will take her, and that she will recover the use of her leg.



The evangelical pastor, Juan, has been there to help us the past several times that we have gone to San Pedro. Yesterday he had a young man who has recently accepted Jesus as his Savior and was able to read the Bible that has been translated into their language - K'ekchi. It isn't often that we find someone who can read in their native language. Most who learn to read, learn only in Spanish. And as most of the adults in San Pedro speak only K'ekchi, this was a real treat! And once again, we used the Catholic church to show evangelistic films such as Jesus and the story of Joseph in K'ekchi while people waited for their "consultas". So we continue to plant seeds, asking the Lord to bring forth the harvest.



Our friends Bob and Jodi Gay and our new friend Hugh left this morning after a week with us. They are always an encouragement to us and it was a pleasure to listen to the wisdom that Hugh brought. Bob's passion is to encourage pastors and he was able to do that yesterday while we were in the Zona Riena. Today on their way out, they stopped into visit with Victor - our friend and pastor who has recently opened a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Quiche'. Alcoholism is a huge problem here in this area and Victor has a gift to be able to minister to men who are trapped in this addiction.



Our other clinics have been really busy for the last couple of weeks. During the dry season and even when the rains begin but before the crops can be harvested, we always see an increase in malnourished children. We have 4 new babies with cleft lips and palates who will have their first repairs at the end of March. And we have also had an increase of widows who have come with stories of desperation. We have begun helping them with food as well. As always, God is faithful and we are confident that He will supply for the needs of these moms and children.