Maria Returns to Guatemala

On August 30, Maria leaves for Guatemala, where she plans to work at the beautiful clinic in Poptun, Peten. The clinic is called Proyecto Manos Ayudadoras (God's Helping Hands Project). She will be working as a missionary nurse and helping in Village Healthcare and First Aid training, and medical evangelism. If you are interested in helping with her monthly stipend, please contact SHMI for further details.

Update on Maria Xitimul

Maria had surgery in May, 2011, to remove 2 offending surgical pins that were sticking up under the skin of her left hip. Dr. Scott Hutson, orthopedic surgeon in Walla Walla, kindly did not not charge SHMI for this surgery. A planned left total hip replacement was cancelled after much consideration due to Maria's high risks of complications.

She has received her new left lower leg prosthesis, and can now walk with no pain! She is very grateful to Prosthetic and Services of Walla Walla and Steve Kimball's team of caring providers.

Auto Refractor To Improve Sight to Many

SHMI has expanded our resources to now be able to provide eye clinics where we will give out prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses. Four of our team members have recently been trained to operate the new equipment. The gift of vision is one of the greatest joys one can experience. We are going to use this portable autorefractor for our future mission trips overseas in developing countries. This optical equipment includes several thousand pairs of prescription eyeglasses to dispense. Women especially will benefit as they are most often neglected when it comes to eye care. This will improve their lifestyle and enable a personal journey with God through the ability of reading His word. We are grateful for a generous donor who has provided all the funds for this new project. We welcome donations of good quality used eyeglasses, since we also have a lensometer to measure the prescription, and catalog them into our inventory.

Shoes for Refugees in Washington State

After being notified of the presence of refugees from various parts of Africa and their needs for shoes, Second Hope Ministries contacted a local shoe store (Saager Shoes) in Milton Freewater, Oregon. A time was set to measure the feet of those who expressed a need. SHMI requested possibly 100 pairs of shoes. Saager Shoe Store generously donated 500 pairs of shoes. Once again God provided beyond our expectations. Approximately two hundred refugees showed up on Sabbath afternoon, August 20th at a Christian Youth Center. After a short worship they were escorted into rooms to choose several pairs of shoes each. The remaining shoes were shipped to Guatemala to be distributed. Thank you Saager Family.

Maria arrives from Guatemala awaiting hip replacement surgery.

Maria awaits surgery.

Maria Xitimaul is a 38 year old Guatemalan registered nurse whom we have brought to the United States for a total hip replacement. The local hospital and orthopedic surgeon have agreed to not charge anything for their services. We initially thought the company that provides the total hip prosthesis (to include the stem, shell, liner, and head) would donate this equipment. However, we must now pay $5,500 for this prosthesis to be used in her surgery.

Maria suffered a left hip fracture/dislocation at age 4 when she slipped and fell in a mud-puddle in northern Guatemala. Her parents were very poor, and also alcoholics, so she received no treatment until age 21. Routine x-rays at that time showed that her left hip bone was about 6 inches displaced from the hip socket. Amazingly, she had been trying to get around on this hip for 17 years with it completely dislocated.

After 2 failed hip surgeries in Guatemala, including a below-the-knee amputation, she has now been approved for a left total hip replacement. We expect her surgery to be in the next week. After she recovers from surgery she will be returning to work as a nurse in Guatemala.

If you would like to help pay for this prosthesis for Maria, please send your check to Second Hope Ministries International or make a donation on line.

Guatemala Training Session a Success.

Our team of six returned February 21 after 10 days of travel and training. Twenty five representatives from remote villages gathered for 6 days of intensive Village Health training. They are government first aid responders for their villages and surrounding areas. The Minister of Health for Peten, the local department/state, selected them. He signed the diplomas, which were presented to them at the completion of the course, along with his governmental seal. This gave even more credibility.

Each day started with the Miracle Hour of Prayer. Small groups formed in the classroom sending heartfelt prayers of praise and requests to God. Some of the subjects covered included anatomy and physiology, water and massage therapies, and Basic Life Support. Village Health covered such topics as nutrition, cleanliness, natural remedies for diarrhea, dehydration, etc., also well as care of the teeth and benefits of sunshine.

God's spirit moved on the hearts of these people. Over the 6 days we saw lives changed. Their testimonies at the graduation program expressed their appreciate for the spiritual component of each presentation. They said this was the best and most complete training they had ever received. What a blessing to play a small part in helping the people of Guatemala as these trainers now return to their villages to teach and care for their family, friends and neighbors.

Our SHMI Team included: Dr. Don Fletcher, Karen Fletcher, RN, Sherry Wiedemann, RN, Diana Anderson, RN, Dr. Ron Fleck and Bobbie Fleck.

Second Hope Ministries International team now on ground in Guatemala

The team of six medical missionary trainers have arrived. Dr Ron has telephoned to say that the flight has gone well. Thanks for your prayers of support. If you want to support financially you can now do so via Pay Pal. More updates to follow.