Coming alongside...

One of the things that Rocky and I both felt very strongly about, when searching for a new ministry opportunity, was the idea of "coming alongside."  We believed that this was what the Lord was asking of us; not to reinvent the wheel, but to help those already labouring. 

It is one of the biggest blessings for us as we serve with mission2guatemala.  This morning Cindy and I visited the local Center for Health.  It is the only health facility in Chisec and it serves an huge rural area - probably an hours drive in all directions.  Our goal...to come along side those already working here to see how we can help. 

Ana Flora is the woman in charge of health education.  Her main role is working with pregnant women, educating them on pre-natal care as well as post-natal care.  We brought her a couple of bags full of baby blankets and newborn clothes to give out to expectant mothers as they come in to see her.  She said many will come, that otherwise wouldn't, if they know they will receive a gift. 

We also wanted to check on a construction project mission2guatemala was working on there.  Their laundry room had no roof and no area to dry the linens once they were washed.  Manny and Cindy wanted to bless the Center of Health with a roof over their laundry area and Baudilio was almost finished. 

Our third purpose was to make a connection between 2 doctors who are coming on a team in July and those working in the clinic.  Those already here, working in the area of health know best what the needs are here - we don't have to try to figure that out because they already know.  They may lack manpower and supplies, but they don't lack local understanding and cultural savy.  We made arrangements for the visiting doctors to do some health teaching in the clinic as well as assist with exams for a couple of days.  Then, together with the staff of the clinic, we will go out to a needy community and have a clinic.  This way we have along those who speak the local language, those who know the most common needs, and extra doctors and nurses.  They are also the ones responsible for the long-term care of the people in this area, so it just makes sense to work together.

What a blessing it is to work together towards a common goal!