Medical Trip to Constitución

Thanks to Jim Nichols for a summary of the trip below...

Medical/dental mission group went to Constitución May 14-17. This was the most remote village where a presbyter (overseer) lived, and as far as we could tell, was probably the first time that a medical team had ever been there. We had to drive about an hour and a half beyond Chenalhó, then park the truck and go by horse-back (and some walking) for another hour and a half. The views were absolutely spectacular! But that also meant there were a lot of steep uphill and downhill climbs, and some significant drop-offs on either side at times. But God kept us all on the horses, and we made it fine. Constitución seemed to have about double the number of children and dogs per capita than any other village that I had visited. Fortunately, the children slept well at night (unlike the dogs!!). Dr. Paul Landreneau saw around 800 patients (conservative estimate) over the 4 days. It seemed like each woman in line had 4-7 kids that she wanted Dr. Paul to check. I saw a significant number of dental patients, all for extractions since the remote location kept me from bringing equipment for any other procedures. John J. from Lafayette, and Jackie G. from Queens, NY were our assistants. Russell Linscombe was our “cook, guide, and coffee-pourer”. Raul, Alejandro, and Rafael were our translators. The evenings were spent “visiting” with the local residents outside the church, with surprisingly deep and warm relationships being formed very rapidly. During the Saturday evening church service, the Indians prayed for Al Wood by name, with hands, knees, and faces on the ground, for 10-15 minutes.

Thursday, May 19 we celebrated the dedication of the new church building housing Torre Fuerte (Strong Tower) Church. This is Carlos and Everardo Tovilla’s church in Tuxtla, which has been tremendous in helping our missionary efforts in the mountains around Chenalhó for many, many years.

Friday, May 20 was spent examining and treating orphans at Casa Hogar Alegre in Tuxtla-Gutierrez. This Christian orphanage houses 110 orphans, providing all care from feeding, clothing, school, and Christian training. I had never been to an orphanage before, and was pleasantly surprised at the joyful smiles, and friendly hugs that the kids exuded!

All in all, God pulled off another fantastic week, with the only downer being Al Wood’s accident. John and I were able to visit Al and his family in the intensive care unit at Hermann Hospital in Houston Saturday evening before driving home. He remains in a coma, and needs lots of prayer, and a special touch from God. But our God is faithful!

-- Jim Nichols