September 2005
The Patient Who Did Not Die
It was unspoken, but everyone in the room that day knew that Jack needed to
die.
There was no longer pleasure in even eating. Advanced age made even everyday
living a challenge with not many in his family to help. Everyone could see him
struggle daily just to climb
small hills with advanced hip problems. Surgery
was not an option.
The discussion within the family caused
many tears but the decision was made. Dr.
Jim was asked for an injection to end the pain and misery.
Instead, he brought to the family some very powerful pills that would
cause continual relaxation until the breathing stopped.
The end would be painless. And
so, with tears and heavy hearts, the family talked to Jack of their decision
and he took the pills willingly that night.
It was a family decision.
The following morning the family sadly went with thoughts about a funeral that
day to check on Jack.
But, it was not to be. Jack’s
time on earth was not yet over. Today
Jack, the German Shepherd seen below, continues to keep watch over the Prince
of Peace Home for Girls in
San Cristobal
,
Guatemala
. He can be seen and heard by any
stranger who enters the grounds and now since having a wonderful, relaxed
night of sleep without pain seems
to walk with renewed vigor and actually seems to have a smile on his face.
What do you think?
September 2005
Dr. Wesson visits
Guatemala-
The girls at Prince of Peace Home for Girls have varied backgrounds that
often include abuse of some type. Whether
sexual or physical or emotional, the abuse often shows on their faces when
they arrive, taken from their abusive situations by the court system.
Whatever their past, they begin to heal after being at P of P for
differing amounts of time. Spiritual
teaching and prayer and love all begin to have their combined effect on
personal factors in the girl’s lives. The
healing and its aftermath are beautiful to see.
Into this situation, walked Dr. Gary Wesson, an orthodontist from
Texas
. The Lord was calling him here
to see what his talents might lend to this situation and now there is great
excitement at P of P as the girls look forward to having one more opportunity
to help with self image – straight teeth!
After assessing each girls needs, Dr. Wesson is considering a team
approach. Perhaps a tag-team of
dentists could rotate through here every 2-3 months to put on and check on the
braces for these girls?
The clinic at P of P has a dental room but
dentists/orthodontists are scarce. Thank
you, Dr. Wesson, for your willingness to partner with the Lord to help those
who cannot help themselves.
Please pray with us that the logistics can be worked out
and this large task accomplished in the future.
February 2006
A Special Story
Dear Friends,
Returning to Guatemala and ministry here is getting a
little easier than before. Many challenges remain as we adjust to the culture
and language but more experiences mean more understanding and we are
definitely in the thick of it.
Yesterday was a special day as Kay was able to witness a
great outpouring of love from the Mayan people of 3 remote villages toward a
Canadian/American couple who build a medical clinic in their midst. After
investing 8 years here, the Gianacavo's are returning to the states and the
Mayan people wanted to honor them. The meal of Pepian, a traditional
Guatemalan food, fed over 400 people and then they began to line up before the
G's one at a time to speak their love. There was much wiping of eyes with
aprons and shirt sleeves as they progressed through their emotions and showed
gratitude and honor. Women with babies tied to their backs and men with hats
in hands slowly progressed by. Although many, many children were present it
was relatively quiet as each person spoke of their gratefulness.
As we left the village, many women and children wanted a
ride to their village along our way back to the main road. People piled into
our vehicle so that the rear doors couldn't close. When told that the doors
had to close before the vehicle would go, they asked about climbing on top for
a ride. This might have been possible with a luggage rack to hang on to but
for the bumpiness of the difficult dirt road which has deep ruts from the
rainy season when vehicles slipped and slid along. Once the door was closed we
had over 20 people in the car. Getting out of first or second gear doesn't
happen as you pitch and roll along toward your destination.
Gratitude for ministry is a gift from the Lord that the
Gianacavo's certainly deserved for their many years of unselfish and
sacrificing ministry. Although not required, what a wonderful thing to witness
the warmth and gratefulness of the Mayan people for the genuine love they had
been shown.
The young lady in the photo below below was one of the many
who spoke and cried when Anita left. Her young son, Santos, needed heart
surgery. Without surgery he would certainly die. She had no money and was very
scared to take him to the hospital. With funding, much encouragement and
prayer, Santos had his surgery. Here he is seen in the clinic for follow up
after his surgery.
As always, without your prayers and giving, we cannot
continue. All contributions should be sent to CTEN, PO Box 291307, Kerrville,
Texas 78029-1307
NEWS FLASH: Thanks to Karl Zick of Grace Presbyterian
Church in Corpus Christi, we now have a web site. WWW.gracepccc.org/gmm.htm.
We send a print newsletter every 3-4 months. If you are not
receiving it and would like to, please Email us your mailing address. As
a backup, the newsletters will also be appearing on our web site.
Blessings, Kay & Jim Hines