ACHC-Guatemala
(Association of Christian Hospitals
and Clinics of Guatemala)

 

February 11, 2009

 

ACHC-Guate update. We sat under a large Ceiba tree, talking with the people of El Triunfo. (In Spanish, El Triunfo means “the triumph.”) It was early afternoon and the breeze was kicking up dust to mix with the smoke already swirling about this small community of 100 families. Under the shade of this massive and ancient tree, Dr. Dan Fountain was speaking with the local mayor, a local pastor, and some of the folks from the nearby puesto de salud (the government health clinic) about the health of the community. This is where Dr. Fountain is in his element: after spending nearly 35 years working in community development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly known as Zaire), he is obviously right at home talking about how to get health care to the poor people in rural villages in Guatemala.

 

 

It was our great pleasure to host my good friend and mentor, Dr. Fountain, for a week of sharing and learning with our good friends at Mariano Galvez University. I had been trying to get Dan here for the past two years and especially wanted him to share some of his knowledge with those who are developing a community health program at this large university in Guatemala. Dan was asked to give the commencement speech to the medical students and staff at this university which has such strong Christian roots. We spent the rest of the week doing workshops with the students and faculty and were also able to do what Dan likes most: talking with the poor about their lives, their families, their communities and their health.

 

Health for Dan is much more than the absence of disease. It is a life lived not only in good physical health, but also in good spiritual health: in a right relationship with our Lord, our families and our communities. It is a reflection of what Jesus came to this earth to give to all who believed in His name.

 

We are hoping to assist MGU in the development of a School for Health Development, based in large part on Dr. Fountain’s teachings as well as the teachings of Dr. Rufi Macagba about health facility management. Ultimately, this could lead to a Master’s level program in health development.

 

During the week we also spent time with the good folks at the Central American Theological Seminary discussing the possible implementation of a “Whole Person Care” curriculum that could be taught to seminary students, pastors and practicing physicians.

 

Dr. Fountain’s time was too short, and we had to say good bye after a very fulfilling and promising week. We are now going to be working on the next visit, which we hope will be from Dr. Rufi, though it may be from the new President of HDI (Health Development International), Ken Hekman, whom I will be visiting with in Holland, Michigan in February.

 

There is such great need all over the world with regard to the healthcare needs of the poor. No single institution can meet this need on its own. It will take great effort on the part of governments and non-governmental organizations (especially Christian ones), plus private efforts, to even begin to meet this challenge. But with great patience and with an honest effort by all parties to work in greater cooperation, progress can be made. This is what Dr. Fountain was able to accomplish in one of the poorest countries of the world. And it is what we at ACHC-Guatemala will continue to fight for in Guatemala.

 

 

This past week John, Erick, Mike and Monica went to El Cortijo to meet with the neighborhood community regarding the building of a clinic. It was a very positive experience for everyone involved. Dr. Erick is looking forward to the future clinic site and hopes to grow relations with this community over time. Dr. Erick was able to realize the commitment of the community when he went to visit and found a group of kids from the neighborhood school digging trenches for the future medical clinic.

 

We thank you in advance for your support!

 

Dr. Mike Soderling, M.D.