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.