Wednesday, October 19, 2016





                     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


 

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

 

 

 

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