St James UMC Greenville in Guatemala

St James UMC has sent an adult mission team to Guatemala each summer since 2004. The first four trips were primarily medical mission trips. On our trip in July 2007 we held a clinic in an old dilapidated building that had mildew problems, no electricity, nor any security for the storage of items like pharmaceuticals. We decided to bring a team in January 2008 to refurbish this clinic. In addition we have a doctor who has gone on each trip and he went again to perform 10 gynological surguries in a hospital in an adjacent village. We also had a few people to lead a bible school and have time with children.

St James UMC also sent money in the fall to purchase metal doors and window security that was installed by a local man. We had to scrub down the walls with clorox. Then we painted the clinic both inside and out. We also had an electrician who was able to wire the building so that all the outlets are now hot. We also built a few shelves.

The building is owned by the village of Xojola, which is located about an hours drive northeast of Mazatenango. They will now be able to use the building. Pharmaceuticals will be stored in the secure area and we plan to have our July team hold a medical clinic in the building. On the last day of our trip the leader of the village came to our group and thanked us and said the village would now be proud of this building and will make good use of it.

Our group was excited to be able to serve the Lord with our hands through the painting, the surgeries, and the helping of the children with bible study and fellowship. The trip was meaninful to both the Guatemalan people and the St James team members. The local people were appreciative that we came from so far away to help them. They gave us Christian love with their smiles and gratitude. Many of our team members plan to go back this summer on the next team.

If you would like to visit the website of the missionairies, Jim and Dianne Thompson, who hosted us, visit http://www.bocacostamm.org/.