Christmas Greetings and News    December 2018

How can this be…what happened to 2018!  We look at each other in wonder and amazement about the passage of time!  But our next thoughts are about God’s Great Faithfulness this year and in the past 15 years of serving Him through ICH.   What a privilege to take Christian Hospice around the world and witness time after time as people have found God’s comfort and peace in difficult times of illness and grief!  It has been our honor to be the extension of all of our supporters, friends and family reaching into the world with His message of hope through Jesus.  Now we celebrate this same message of hope with each of you during this Christmas season!    

We have important news to share about ICH.  Our Board of Directors has made the decision that December 31, 2018 will be our last day of operation as a ministry.  After much prayer and consideration we feel that God is leading us in closing this chapter of ministry in our lives.  It has been an exciting adventure from the early days of serving Him as just the two of us drove to remote new areas to teach hospice care, to expanding our ICH staff and mission teams for work in 14 countries around the world.  How clearly we have seen God provide and lead in His perfect timing! 

We won’t deny it has been a difficult decision.  Over the past several months we have experienced the continued decline of financial support.  This is a frequent and increasing problem with so many mission organizations today.   Also we are honestly looking at our age, (feeling it too) and health as well as family needs.  Another factor is that there are no new prospects of younger people who are stepping up and have an interest in this area of ministry.  But God has opened a door through another large mission agency, SIM.

The SIM home office is in Charlotte, N.C. and we have had conversations and meetings with their leadership.  They have requested that we make the ICH curriculum and resource materials available to them and their missionaries who are serving around the world in 40 countries.  This is already happening with one of their medical ministries.  We have been in contact via email and placed much of our information into the hands of a nurse and educator in Bolivia.   Her feedback has already been very positive as she is sharing ICH with the national medical staff and using the resources with families in need of Christ Centered hospice care. 

Our hearts are full of gratitude to God!  He is responsible for each step of ICH inception and development.  It has always been our goal to place ICH concepts in the hands of others and making it a tool for the national believers for their own people.  We have made ourselves available to SIM on a volunteer basis to assist them in preparing new missionaries who pass through the Charlotte headquarter.  How wonderful to know that God will not allow “dust to collect” on ICH training materials and resources!    

Now on a personal note we would like to share a personal testimony that is currently happening in our lives.  Ron had what we thought was a common wart appear about 2 months ago on the back of his right hand between his middle two knuckles. As he has in the past, he treated with over-the-counter drops for a couple of weeks. With no improvement he went to the VAMC and was seen there and was given further topical treatment for a wart.  After continuing 3 weeks as it grew we were increasingly concerned and he returned to the VA.  His primary MD referred him to the dermatology department and he was seen there 3 days later.  A biopsy was done and he received the results a week later.  His now walnut sized wound was really squamous cell carcinoma.  Typically this is very treatable in the early stages.  However the VA was unable to help in his situation so a referral was sent Friday November 30 to a local Dermatology group here in Columbia.   After a very anxious and prayerful weekend, Ron began placing phone calls about an appointment.  The referral was delayed in red tape for 3 business days so finally on this past Wednesday, December 5, we decided to just show up at the dermatologist office.   The receptionist told us his information was not in the system and there was a 2 month waiting list for appointments.  But when Ron mentioned that yesterday he had talked to the nurse she asked us to wait.  Within minutes the nurse stepped out into the waiting room and called his name and ushered us back.  The doctor also arrived quickly and after an exam he recommended immediately removal.  The nurse then personally contacted the VA doctor and obtained emailed copies of all the referral paperwork needed.  We listened as the doctor expressed great concern over the size and warned us of the possible loss of two fingers on Ron’s right hand.  He could not predict until the removal and microscopic exam to determine the depth and involvement.  After the procedure we waited.  Within 2 hours the doctor returned with an “all clear” report.  He had gotten all the cancer and the margins are clear!  It was a miracle of perfect timing and provision!  We were praising God out loud in the office and have been continuously even through these days of painful recuperation!  Thank you to all who were praying with us!  God once again has shown Himself faithful and merciful in this latest life-journey experience with Him.

We would like to express our deep, heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has had a part in ICH ministry through the years whether mission partners, financial support, prayer support, or friendship and encouragement.  We thank our precious family members for their understanding and frequent “good byes” as we left them on mission through the years.  It has been a privilege beyond words for us to have traveled the world, made new friends in so many places, shared the Good News of Christ’s love and comfort with so many in their final days, and learned amazing things of God as we trusted Him each step of the way.  We want to direct all the praise back to God as we remember again our verse of promise,  Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”   

Thank you, thank you, thank you from our hearts to all of you for your support and interest in ICH! 

May God richly bless us all as we continue to serve Him together!

Ron and Susan Naish

Contact information is unchanged:

170 Bethview Dr.   Irmo, S.C. 29063

803-781-0656 or 803-497-1867

intlchristianhospice@yahoo.com

www.ichospice.blogspot.com  (The blog tells our story since 2005)

                   International Christian Hospice       
                     News Letter     Spring 2018

 

Paul writes to the Corinthian believers…”I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me.  Christ died for our sins, just as the Scripture said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”  

 

There is no greater nor profound truth for us to remember as Easter approaches!  Please join with us and all Believers in praise and thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  He is Risen Indeed!

 

We remain in awe that God has called us to serve Him through ICH as we begin our 15th year.  How honored we are to know and share the true Source of peace and comfort with people who are dying and grieving around the world.  

 

Ministry Trip to Honduras February and March 2018

 

Department of Santa Barbara

This was our first opportunity for ministry in the Department of Santa Barbara.  During our 6 hour drive in a pickup truck high into the mountains we were greeted by beautiful vistas of coffee highlands around every curve.   We were hosted by Pastor Daniel Rodreguez, his wife Marilyn, his parents and two sons who own and live on a 14 acre coffee farm, “Finca de Rosario”.  This week it is the end of harvest, which they reported with smiles, that it has been a very good year for their coffee.  Now they are processing the final coffee beans for their own use.   All 3 generations work the farm as well as serve in their community church.

 

 That evening we went to the church for a special Tuesday service and presented an ICH training seminar to 60 people who arrived mostly on foot.  Later that night, after we returned to stay the night in their home, Pastor Daniel commented that the message we brought to his church was very encouraging.  He now feels that he is more prepared to be “on mission” knowing how he can share the Gospel and reach those who are sick and dying in their mountains. His words and his compassion for his people reminded us of the parable Jesus told.  The Good Shepherd has the 99 sheep in the fold.  But he values and cares so much for the 1 missing lamb that he goes out and searches until he finds it, bringing it to safety.  

 

Needless to say all our meals were generously served with the freshest coffee you can imagine!!  The ladies prepared our food in their simple kitchen as they do each day over a wood fire and plancha surface. We enjoyed our fill of fresh handmade tortillas, plantains and beans. As we left the family repeated their warm invitation to us to please return and “their home is our home”.    

 

Department of Copan

Another 6 hours of driving brought us to the small city of Santa Rosa.  We were hosted by a family with guest rooms attached to their home.  Matthew and Marianne Spangler have founded Legacy of Hope ministry to house and place foster children into Honduran homes.  This is a pioneer work which they began 11 years ago.  They oversee several foster families who are caring for children until they find “forever families” within their own culture.  They are currently housing 7 foster children, have 4 children of their own and lead a very busy household.   They are currently working with Honduran government Child Protective Services to introduce a plan and promote foster care education which is a new concept in this culture. 

 

Our ICH training Seminar was presented in a local Church “Ministry of Gospel and Prayer” that evening.  Pastor Jose leads a growing and energetic congregation.  The 48 leaders who attended were eager to learn and be equipped to reach out into the homes of people who are dying and grieving. 

 

Department Atlantida

We spent one weekend in the coastal village of Cacao.   It was a blessing to present Pastor Jeronimo and his wife with 50 Bibles and a large supply of Bible study and Gospel booklets for their church. They were so thankful and told us they have a new outreach and now they can distribute Bibles when they visit in homes in a nearby village.  It is amazing to see the zeal and “mission mindedness” of the believers in Honduras.  They are immediately ready to share when God provides the resources.

 

After worshipping in Christian Vision Ministry Church we had the opportunity to spend the day in another orphanage in this village.  Pastor Jeronimo, his wife and 2 children, temporarily are living there and caring for 14 additional children, ages 3 to 13.  The older couple who founded this mission orphanage are currently in the U.S. with serious health problems.  Several of the children have lived with Papa and Mama Jones since babies and this is a very difficult time for all of them.  Please pray for God’s plan and provision for this special place, for the Jones and these precious children.

 

Department Yoro

We were invited to present our ICH Seminar at Bethel Evangelical Church in El Progreso the day before flying home.  God never ceases to amaze us.  He truly goes before us and prepares our way (Deuteronomy 31:8).  We never know who will be in our audience and this evening there was a special family present.  They had suffered a tragic and violent loss 4 years ago when their thirteen year old daughter was kidnapped and killed for ransom.  It was nightmare for the entire church and community.  The subject of death and grief which we discuss in our ICH training offers an opportunity for people to share their stories, their tears and their burdens.  We shared our many scripture promises of God’s heavenly reunion He has in store for all believers.  It was an emotional evening but a precious time spent with fellow believers learning how to reach those around us who are in need. 

 

 

Prayer requests:

 

·        Pray for the people who will receive Bibles and the Gospel

·        Pray for the two Orphanages, the children and staff

·        Pray for the trained ICH Volunteers in their own communities

·        Pray for ongoing financial support for ICH and future ministry opportunities

 

 

As we focus on Easter we praise God for the power of the Resurrection!  It calms our fears and opens our hearts to the eternal life for which we were all created.  Only in Christ is there hope and assurance that this temporary life with all its suffering and tragedy will fade in comparison to what He has in store for those who place their faith in Him. 

 

God Bless you and your Family!  Thank you for your interest and prayers for ICH!

 

Ron and Susan Naish   

 

Donations received at     ICH/Banis      303 Madison Heights Dr.    Marshall, N.C.  28753

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                           International Christian Hospice      Newsletter  December 2017

Christmas greetings from ICH to you and your family!  We are reminded during this season of the most precious gift of all…Jesus!  Because of Jesus ICH can bring the message of hope for the dying and comfort in Christ to all!   II Cor. 1,3-4

 We thank God for all who have been our faithful friends and prayer partners throughout 2017!  Please enjoy the following highlights of ICH ministry this year! 

 Travel to Guatemala

 God blessed with a great time of ministry in Guatemala!  The highlight of our trip was to travel to Hospital Santa Fe and spend time with Dr. Sergio and Veronica. ICH has partnered with them for several years and seen God work in amazing ways through their faithful service to the Mayan Indigenous.  We had the opportunity to assist in post op clinic, counseling and prayer with some of the patients.  Because these people live in remote locations and poor financial situations Hospital Santa Fe provides the only accessible medical care.  Dr. Sergio and his family have lived among them, gaining their trust.  God has opened a new opportunity for them to reach even more.  They took us to the new clinic site which is under construction in San Antonio.  San Antonio is a small market town and “cross road” for the Indigenous.  Dr. Sergio and Veronica are eager to open the doors of medical ministry as well as reaching more with Bibles and the message of the Gospel. 

 Travel to Honduras

 Highlights:

Spending time with Pastor Francisco Ilias, his family and church in Choloma.  God has blessed them with 15 years of ministry and we had the opportunity to participate in their anniversary celebration. 

 Spending time Cacao, a small village on the northeast coast.  Pastor Jeronimo and his wife are serving in a new church plant, involved in ministry feeding poor children in the community, providing Bible classes for all ages, assisting in developing a small shoe factory to provide income for the poor.  We provided ICH training in the past in this community and are planning other future ministry.

 Spending time with our friend Marvin who is the Director of The Eye clinic in El Progreso.  Opportunity to make further referrals for people who need vision care provided by medical teams from the US.

 New Territory opens for ICH in Cuba

 Highlights:  

ICH training in 3 locations.  Home ministry and 3 salvations.  Working with small home churches which are allowed by the government.  Assisting Rob White Ministry team sharing the Gospel and Bible distribution in Havana.

 New Territory opens for ICH in Oaxaca, Mexico

 We are seeing one of our dreams for ICH fulfilled.  God is answering one of our prayers for national believers to take ICH into their own culture.  Pastor Francisco was invited to travel to Mexico to provide encouragement and outreach among believers there.  He had the opportunity to present workshops on Hospice Volunteer training at 3 different churches.   The groups were small but they were eager to learn and to begin their own Volunteer Hospice Ministry in Oaxaca.  Pastor Francisco has worked with us in ICH for 13 years throughout Central America and has dedicated his life to ministry and to ICH.  He has many personal stories of people who were dying and grieving in his community and how God has changes lives through the ICH message of hope and comfort in Christ. 

 

 

Praise and Prayers  

 

·        Praise for those who trusted Christ this year through ICH

·        Praise for new ICH work in Cuba and Mexico this year

·        Praise for God reaching into the lives of those who are hurting through ICH

·        Prayer for new believers and those who received Bibles

·        Prayer for newly trained Christian Hospice workers

·        Prayer for ongoing ICH partnerships and open doors in ministry around the world

·        Prayer for financial support to ICH to continue ministry

 

 

Thank you each one for the ongoing support of your friendship and prayers for ICH! 

We pray that you and your family will have a very blessed Christmas and joy and peace in the coming New Year of 2018!

 

Serving Him Together,

 

Ron and Susan Naish

Directors and Founders of International Christian Hospice

170 Bethview Dr.

Irmo, S.C.  29063

803-781-0656

intlchristianhospice@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

  
 
 
 
 

                 International Christian Hospice   Newsletter    Spring 2017

Cuba Trip

We are so thankful for this newly opened door for ministry.  Thank you to Pastor Rob and Sandy White for your invitation for us to join you in ministry.  The Rob White Ministry organization has been going to Cuba for 17 years.  Rob is now a retired Pastor who serves with the S.C. Baptist Mission Board.   Through their faithful work and support of the Pastors and churches of Cuba in difficult times it was God’s perfect timing for ICH to bring our training program.  We felt as though we were stepping through a time portal into the past.  Socialism and communism have been a normal way of life in Cuba for 60+ years.    One new believer put it this way, “As I grew up and went to school everyone was taught that you do good things for the government.  There is no God.  We have been taught to live to serve the government.”   

The Church is beginning to grow in new ways.  Up until a few years ago, the government limited all gatherings to 25 people. Church groups were not allowed to own or build. However the body of Christ, His church, is alive and well!  God used these restrictions which caused amazing multiplication of hundreds of house churches.  We had the opportunity to visit with many of those “house churches”.  Whether they meet in an apartment, under a covered porch, or in a small wood and thatch building we experienced many warm embraces and heard testimonies of God’s presence and faithfulness.   

Our time in Cuba was divided between a rural, coastal region about 4 hours west of Havana and the city itself.  The people in this region are supported by agriculture and a fishing industry.  But unlike our free enterprise the crops are grown and sold to the government, and the fish and seafood as well.  In fact it is illegal to keep any food, or to sell it yourself.  It is harvested and trucked to Havana then products are redistributed to small government shops where individuals purchase their food.  Each family is given vouchers for a quantity for each month even down to the number of eggs.  Socialism and communism are a normal way of life.  But praise God the window of change is beginning to crack open.  Today, as in  the past 60+ years, people still only receive news via radio or TV that is government controlled.  Cell phones have arrived but there are no international calling options.  The internet has arrived but is very expensive and only available at “Hot Spots” in major cities.

We learned and interest
ing story about out accommodations in the “campo”.  An 80 year old Pastor Humberto applied to the government and was allowed to build a small conference center with guest rooms and meeting areas.  Over his 40 years as a Pastor life was very hard and he had to remain very quiet in his ministry.   Other Pastors were being imprisoned for preaching a philosophy different from the government.  But God allowed him to established 11 house churches in his region.  The conference center has been used by government groups or civic organizations for meetings and retreats.  Our mission team was the first Christian group to come to the area and use the buildings.  In thanks we were able to bless the kitchen workers and translators with small gift bags with a few simple items.  They were in tears with gratitude telling us that none of the groups had ever given them anything personal.  

Please enjoy the following pictures.    

The goal of our trip was to learn about Cuba and how we can be a part of bringing the Gospel of hope and peace in Christ to the Cuban people.  Regardless of the geographic location or the organized government under which these people live (both things we cannot change) Christ offers the gift of forgiveness, peace and His presence amid the stresses of life.  And He promises an eternal home with Him for those who trust Him in this life! 

Highlights of our trip

• Presenting ICH workshops in 3 locations, with Pastors and leaders from 9 different churches.   
• ICH home visits resulting in 3 new believers 

(A mother and her adult son received Christ after the recent death of her husband.  A mother with advanced liver cancer received Christ in her home.  Praise God!)

• 80+ new believers through the team sharing the Gospel home to home and street evangelism

(No groups are allowed to gather in parks or public areas but we were free to stroll around Havana and share Gospel tracts and talk with individuals on the street or in parks.) 

• Worshipping and studying God’s Word together with other believers  
• Enjoying the beauty of this Caribbean Island, and historic city of Havana.  
• Seeing the statue of Jesus standing over the city of Havana restored. During the Castro years the statue was broken with the head removed and one arm taken off. Now its very beautiful and stands as a figure of hope in a new era in Cuba.

Testimonies

Pastor Antonio shares that he has many people in his church who are sick.  “I have never had this information so that I can understand what they are going through.  I will teach this to my church leaders and we will be able to help people all around us in our town. Many are dying and they do not know Jesus!”

40 year old Carlos shares with us about his father’s death.  “My father had a heart condition and he was getting weaker.  In his final days he told my mother and me that he had become a believer in Jesus.  He died about one month ago.  Yes, today I will believe in Jesus too because you came to my house and because my father did!” 

Pastora Rebecca says, “This information is so important!  It is very difficult to talk to people who are sick and dying.  Thank you for coming to teach us and give us these booklets.  I feel like now we can understand and talk to people who are dying.  Now we can help them before it is too late.”   

We noticed that everywhere we went the people were like “sponges” and so hungry for information.  They were asking us when we can return and bring more literature to help them.  Time and again we saw how the decades of closed society has created a hunger for education, particularly among the believers who desire to learn how to reach others for Christ. 

Please continue to pray for the people of Cuba, and especially the new believers.  Please pray that the ICH training and materials we left with the people there will be used by God to bring hope and comfort to many more!   Pray with us about future opportunities to work in Cuba!

We pray that the power of the Cross and the Resurrection will be our message at Easter and every day until He returns! 

Serving Him together,

Ron and Susan                   

Tax deductible Donations received at:    ICH  c/o Banis    303 Madison Hts. Dr.  Marshall, NC 28753 

      International Christian Hospice      News Letter     February 2017

Greetings to all of our family and friends!  We can hardly believe 2017 is already well underway!  

This month we traveled to Guatemala and Honduras.  Thank you for your prayers for us and for the ICH ministry as we visited sites in Central America to planned for ministry opportunities this year.   

Guatemala

  

God is leading us forward in partnership with ministry in Guatemala City.   Seteca Seminary is developing a plan with ICH for adding the grief training we offer to their Pastoral counseling program.   Potters House ministry, which is an outreach into the city dump village, is requesting ICH training for their staff.  Over 3,000 people live in the dump area.  A few months ago after heavy rains there was a devastating loss of over 70 lives.  As in any close knit community these families and friends are dealing with complicated grief over this sudden loss.  Every day they struggle with survival against extreme poverty and disease.  Potters House reaches out with feeding programs, medical clinics, Bible classes, education for children and job opportunities for youth.  ICH is partnering with them to prepare staff for dealing with the current tragedy and those these people cope with every day.   

How exciting to witness God advancing His work among the Mayan people.  Hospital Santa Fe in the jungle highlands, Dr. Sergio and his wife Veronica, stand on the front lines.  A surgical team had recently helped perform 35 surgeries.  Ron, Susan and Chuck McCurry were able to help with post op procedures, counseling and prayer.   In addition to the hospital in the jungle highlands Dr. Sergio rents space for a clinic in a nearby market town, San Antonio.  Taking a step of faith Dr. Sergio is purchasing a small strip of land in this town to build his own clinic.  San Antonio is a “cross road” in the Mayan world where people come out of distant villages for market and work.  The clinic is easily accessible and serves people from 4 different Mayan groups.  Dr. Sergio not only has a desire to bring physical healing but also to shine the light of Jesus’ love into very dark and fearful lives.  He has shared many stories with us of the powerful influence of the witch doctors, superstition and their fear of “curses”.  Dr. Sergio plans for the new clinic in San Antonio to be the site of literacy classes using God’s Word and Bible stories.  

Pray with us:   

• ICH training in Seteca Seminary Guatemala City 
• ICH training for staff of Potter’s House ministry in Guatemala City
• Teams in the future to bring the Gospel through medical, educational and Bible training to reach the Mayans. 

Honduras

We were blessed to continue our travels this month into Honduras.  Pastor Francisco accompanied us on a return trip to Cacao, on the northern coast.  Here we witnessed how God is growing the new church plant from Vision Cristiano Ministerio, a nondenominational evangelical organization in Central America.  Pastor Jeronimo Garcia and his wife Suwani have served in Cacao for two years.  He is a Godly man of vision and hard work.  Over the past year Pastor Jeronimo and his church members have completed the main “open-air” worship building and constructed a small tin children’s building.  It has already become too small and inadequate for the 70 children who attend Bible classes on Wednesdays and Sundays.  Pastor Jeronimo also provides a lunch feeding program three days a week in this tin building for 50 of the poorest children in the village.  He and some of the young men have started a shoe factory to provide jobs right there in Cacao.    We are praying that God will open doors for us to return with additional help for Pastor Jeronimo.  This village is an excellent site for teams to help with church construction, children’s ministry, youth outreach, medical ministry and community development.  

Please pray with us:

• ICH outreach to the believers training them in outreach for Christ  
• Teams to work with Pastor Jeronimo in Cacao

Our dear friend Dionisio is walking well with his leg prosthesis and we were able to visit with him before we left the north coast.  He is struggling with his two arm prosthesis but Ron was able to make a few adjustments that will help.  

A special thanks to Pastor Francisco who not only has served as ICH Central American Director but leads a thriving, missions-minded church in Choloma, Honduras.  We were honored to celebrate the 15^th anniversary of his church while we were there.  He and Blanca moved to Choloma to start this Vision Cristiano church as newlyweds.  God has blessed them and their 3 children as the church has grown to over 200 members and they are greatly respected and loved in their community.  

Our translator, Lourdes Argueta, and dear friend of 14 years also joined us on this trip. On our final day in Honduras we were able to arrange an appointment for her at the Christian Eye Clinic in El Progreso.  Maxine Perry and Pastor Daniel Castro founded this clinic in the 1980’s.  Today the clinic is staffed by trained doctors and nurses as well as regular rotation of surgical doctors from the US.     

One final prayer request is our upcoming ministry travel to Cuba in March.   This is the first time we have had this opportunity and are looking forward to seeing God touch lives through the ICH message of hope and comfort in Christ.   

   

Thank you, each one, for your interest, prayers and support for ICH!  Please pray with us as we move forward with God’s plans for ICH in the coming months.  

Serving Him together,

Ron and Susan 

Tax deductible Donations received at:    ICH  c/o Banis     303 Madison Heights Dr.   Marshall, N.C.  28753

      

                     International Christian Hospice News Letter        Fall 2016

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God…For you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ…and I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work…” Philippians 1: 3-6 

We are humbly reminded by this scripture that there is nothing greater than bringing the message of hope and peace, God’s “Good News” found only through our Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul writes, we echo his thanks to God for all of you who have served with us through ICH.  How honored we are to confidently claim His promise that He will continue His work within all of us and ICH around the world!   

Guatemala

 We had a great time of ministry in the coffee highlands of Guatemala in August.  Our base location was Hospital Cristiano Santa Fe working with Dr. Sergio Castillo.   Our team was made up of 9 members of Lexington Baptist Church and our ICH Director from Honduras Pastor Francisco Ilias and his wife Blanca. 

Pastor Francisco and wife Blanca

 

Praying for healing

 
 

Our team tackled several much needed practical projects.  The entry steps to the hospital grounds from the road have been a safety concern every time we have visited.  This is the access and exit for everyone who enters for care (usually weak and sick) and leaves after treatment or surgery.  In the past we have assisted post op patients down these steps to waiting vehicles for their ride home.  Some of the men on our team rebuilt the stairs and paid for a local welder to add the handrail.  Dr. Sergio’s wife Veronica gave us a very tearful “thank you, and my mother thanks you”.  Now her elderly mother can once again visit the hospital and help.  

Dr. Sergio and his family moved into their newly renovated house across the road from the hospital in June thanks to efforts of many teams over 4 years.  ( Please check older blogs )The old hospital building where they lived for 19 years is now getting remodeled into team accommodations.  Our team provided paint and supplies to begin this project.  After patching and repairing damaged plaster walls we were able to give 14 rooms fresh coats of primer and paint. 

Some members of our team assisted Dr. Sergio in his clinic in San Antonio.  They were able to triage 60 patients for medical care and provided 30 patients with eye screening and reading glasses.  Another blood pressure clinic and eye screening was held at the hospital. 

medical team helping Dr. Sergio

blood pressure and general health screening

One of the highlights of ministry is when we are invited into the highlands above the hospital.  Dr. Sergio lovingly serves the poor indigenous people throughout this region of Guatemala.  Many colleagues ask him “Why?  You could be a rich surgeon in Guatemala City!”  The Mayan people are considered the lowest class and medical care is inaccessible.  They travel by bus or on foot from their villages in the mountains often many hours to receive his care.  Payment may be a few coins, fresh eggs or produce.  God has opened this region to ICH.  We have been honored to visit in homes of the dying and grieving families, offered our training to local believers and delivered Bibles where there are none.  God has allowed us to build ongoing relationships with Pastor Eligio of Canaan Church.   The roads are rugged and only accessible by 4 wheel drive.  Part of the trip is walking on well-worn trails.  On Sunday our team members were ministering guests in the village of Xujija (shu-he-ha) at Canaan Church among the Quiche’ people.   We began our day by providing blood pressure screening, eye screening and VBS for the community.  Special prayer was offered for a young woman with serious medical problems.  For the evening service Pastor Francisco and Chuck McCurry brought messages with Gospel presentation.   Thank you once again to Lexington Baptist for all the hard work, compassionate outreach and giving in Jesus’ name that blessed so many lives!   

transportation

walking to church in the mountians

VBS

 

Special Projects

Please pray with us about Dr. Sergio’s daughter Melisa.  She was enrolled in Medical College in Guatemala City in January.  God has given her a desire to be a surgeon like her father and a love for the Mayan people.  She plans to join him in his work among the poor.  As a family they have stepped out in faith and sacrifice once again.  They are trusting God to provide for her education from month to month. We are joining with them in faith by asking for financial donations.  Any donations will be tax deductible if made to ICH and the entire amount will go to her education.  Please accompany it with a note to designate for Melisa. 

Please pray with us for Genesis Moran.  She is a 5 month old baby in Honduras.  Pastor Francisco has emailed us of her special need.  She was born with a hole in her heart.  She needs heart surgery which can be performed there in Honduras.  The cost of the surgery is $2,500.  (Can you imagine paying only this amount for pediatric heart surgery here in the US?)  Please consider helping and make donations to ICH for tax deductible receipt.  Please accompany it with a note to designate for the baby’s surgery. 

Pakistan Project Outreach to Muslims

Please pray for ICH work in Pakistan.  This is the first opportunity for ICH to reach into the Muslim world.  God has answered our prayers and sent the Din family who are organizing and preparing for ICH ministry in their city.  They are currently visiting hospitals and homes and are enlisting other believers to assist in hospice training and evangelism.  We are asking for donations to help with their costs for printing materials, travel, and ministry expenses.  Please make donations to ICH and accompany with a note to designate for Pakistan. 

 

What is coming for ICH?

·        Plans are being made for ministry travel for 2017.   Two trips are ahead in the spring of 2017 to Honduras and Guatemala.  Please contact us if you are interested in making mission trips with us. 

·        Dr. Sergio is coming to the U.S. to share about his work and medical missions.  Speaking engagements can be scheduled through ICH.  Please contact us for details of schedule. 

 

Thank you all for your interest and continued prayers for ICH!  May God bless you as you serve Him wherever you are!

Serving Him together,

Ron and Susan Naish

803-781-0656

intlchristianhospice@yahoo.com   or   ichospice@gmail.com

 

Donations received at :   ICH    c/o Rich Banis     303 Madison Heights Dr.  Marshall, N.C. 28753