ROATAN, HONDURAS MISSION, JUNE 2-9,2002

By Tom and Ferral Burton

Quaint, multi-hued, stilt homes dotted the waterway as we travelled by boat to the yellow, windowless, rectangular building in which lies the Oakridge Community Clinic an the beautiful Island of Roatan, Honduras. This well-appointed clinic is headed by Carol Bloom, a believer in Yeshua, Nurse Practitioner, and devoted friend to her patients. Her capable assistant, Connie Hetrick (daughter of Hazel Hetrick, founder of Nurses for Christ in the U.S.) proficiently manages the office and is a soothing balm to those in need. We were very grateful for the local volunteers and staff members who worked above and beyond the call of duty for this mission.

Outside, a peaceful crowd greeted us opening day, and we were happy it remained so throughout the week. Inside, the steady stream of dental patients to the exceptionally capable oral surgeon, Dr. Tom Love and his wife/assistant, Holly, exhibited emotions ranging from quiet acceptance to active resistance, with all experiencing great relief when the extractions (a total of 396) were over. With the instructions, toothbrushes, and diet information given, we believe these patients will experience beneficial effects for the future!

There were many usual medical cases, leg ulcers (some severe), hypertension, diabetes, STDs, but Dr. Rao encountered an unusual number of cases of depression. Having a highly competent psychiatrist as a key member of our organization is certainly a blessing. It was a special privilege to have our first optometrist, Dr. Ed Huggett, and his daughter, Larissa, to meet the great need for eye care in Oakridge! The smiles and tears o patients "seeing" faces told their grateful story. The teams of Tom Burton and Charryl Hunsicker, R.N., Dr. Bala and Ann Rao, R.N., and Carol Bloom strove to meet the other medical needs, as R.N.s Rajani Rao and Mary Emma Howard provided the essential triage and resulting medical histories. Please pray for the 895 medical, dental and eye patients treated!

Oakridge was once a fish processing area with two plants. One closed due to a hurricane which destroyed the shrimp beds, and it is now "off season" (the season is very short) for the other. These losses, which devastated the economy and brought an expected personal aftermath, have produced an eagerness to hear of the peace Christ gives. We were blessed to have 215 who asked Him into their lives through the dedicated work of Irma Sanchez, local pastors, and others of our staff. These will need much prayer for spiritual growth in their new relationship with Christ. As a direct result of this clinic, a new Spanish church has since been started in Oakridge!

God has sustained throughout the decline in support since 9-11. We praise Him for those who are touched to pray and give, and can truly say, "Great is Thy Faithfulness!"

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