Guatemala Mission News - March 2025

Tenth Annual Guatemala Mission Celebration May 19th 

The Guatemala Commission will hold its Tenth Annual Guatemala Mission Celebration on Monday, May 19th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Barrister Winery in Spokane. All are welcome and admission is free. The program will include guest speaker Julianne Connell Sachs, Director of Family to Family (FTF), who will share updated and vital information about FTF, a nonprofit economic development program through which U.S. sponsors support indigenous Mayan families in their efforts to sustainably shift out of poverty in Guatemala. FTF was created by a Spokane couple and is celebrating its fortieth year. The evening includes a mini silent and live auction, the sale of weavings, purses, etc. made by participants in the FTF program, and a drawing for a handmade quilt. Appetizers, coffee, and water will be available at no charge and wine will be available for purchase. 

 Guatemala Mission Medical Clinics Add Dentist 

Thanks to a designated donation from Spokane donors, Dr. Jose Miguel Vasquez, director of the medical clinics in the Guatemala Mission, updated dental equipment and hired a dentist who sees patients several days a week at the Novillero clinic. Dental work has been offered in the past, but has been occasional and irregular.  

The 2024 Activities Report of the Health Program, submitted by Dr. Jose Miguel, lists the top fifteen reasons for consultations during the year. Prenatal care, respiratory infections in children and adults, diarrhea, and gastritis were the most common. Also listed were hyperlipidemia, diabetes, urinary infection, arthritis, depression, and malnutrition. A total of nearly 4000 patients sought medical help during the year.  

 Nurse Lizeth dispenses medicine to patients in Novillero medical clinic. 

In addition, the laboratories in the Novillero and Nahuala clinics performed 2748 tests on 986 patients. Thirty-six different laboratory tests were listed on the report. 

Donations from Spokane Diocese churches and individuals and from the Sisters of Charity, NY, provide most of the income for the clinics, although patients pay a minimal amount if they are able. Each clinic has a pharmacy with medicines that are prescribed as needed. 

In October, the Guatemala Commission increased the allocation to the medical clinics to bring the nurses’ salaries closer to the national standard. Dr. Jose Miguel conducts regular training for the nurses, including training them to fill in for the lab technician as needed. Dr. Jose Miguel continues to take courses and attend conferences for his professional development. 

Dr. Jose Miguel needs a new vehicle for traveling to the four medical clinics. After a decade of heavy use, his 2014 truck is failing and requires expensive maintenance. 

Donations for a new vehicle, nurses’ salaries, medicines, and the general medical program are greatly appreciated and can be sent to:  Guatemala Commission, PO Box 1453, Spokane, Wa. 99210-1453. For more information, please contact Donna at rdconnell@comcast.net. 

Thank you for your continued prayer and financial support! 

Patients waiting to see Dr. Jose Miguel in Antigua Ixtahuacan medical clinic.