Medical Journey. Sept 30 to Oct. 15, 2017
Well….here we go again! A little fear and trepidation as we journey to and through the terrible earthquake damaged areas in Mexico City and Chiapas. Your prayers for sure for our safety and that of our whole Mexican team as we offer our hearts and hands to those who have little and suffer much. If possible, we may take the Medical Team to nearby areas hit hard by the earthquake. I don't know what kind of medical needs they may have, but I know that our presence can make a difference. We can surely provide Hope and basic help and reassurance that God is with them, even through the worst of times.
In the meantime, here is a little report on life there before the earthquakes.
CHIAPAS UPDATE. AUGUST, 2017
Jan was the featured speaker for a large gathering of Presbyterian women in August. Her topic was who we are in Christ. She talked about what Jesus meant when he said we are the salt of the earth, etc. Kinda fits in with our Following Christ luncheon series that is occurring now at the Village Church.
Their little mission church Nueva Vida has raised enough money to buy some land to build a bigger church, outside of town, looking down the mountain into the valley, near the clinic. It is rugged pasture land, but sits atop a high hill, out of the teeming chaos of Ocosingo, and has a beautiful view of the whole valley. Next step is to slowly raise Pesos to put up a building. Jan and many ladies are making and baking items to sell!
The Synod has been thinking of assigning Pablo another church. He is in demand, but remains “stretched”, and is trying to decline. He needs to stay close to the clinic control to continue to work with the synod and pastors to meet their Covenanted amount of funding .
Funding for the clinic and for Pablo and Jan is in dire straits . Involved churches are maxed out. The Synod of Chiapas seems reluctant to participate financially in the clinic. Pray for new churches to come on board.
Jan and Pablo will be in the states in November. I am trying to line up Winnetka Pres, and Knox Pres. Bloomington is trying to engage another Pres church there.
Sebastian and Dina are doing very well. They are happy in their work and family life. They are engaged in more churches, preaching, visiting, working with the youth. they are getting more direction and blessing from Pablo. They also help with the groups as they come.
Several groups were here in the summer, doing various construction projects. These are always life changing.
Bloomington is planning a continuation of the Train the Trainer course. It has been well received and the young teachers look forward to further study and instruction. Pray for Pastor Christian Johnson who has masterfully spearheaded this long term educational offering. He has been called to a church in West VA.
Nurse Mari and Dr Gustavo are happy in the clinic. Patient census is low, contributing to the lack of income from the .Mexican side. Many discussions are taking place on how to engage more pastors, more villages, get more patients to travel in on a daily basis, etc.
