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Guatemala Prosthetic Clinic

September 13, 2014
Meredith Wright

In 2006, God opened a door of opportunity for Brent, from our Raleigh office, to provide a free, weeklong prosthetic clinic at Hospital Shalom in San Benito, Guatemala.  With donated limbs, components and materials, he pieced together 12 prosthetic limbs, which offered new life and opportunities for his first set of patients in this region.  Over the years, a lot of improvements have been made including the development of a fully equipped lab, adding a professional technician to the team (Frank Hodges) and changing over to the use of new (not used) components.   Brent, with the help of many others including Paul Sugg, the owner of EastPoint, has offered seven clinics since 2006 and over 150 patients have been given a new opportunity for an active life.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

Even more exciting news is that Hospital Shalom, and specifically the area used for the prosthetic ministry, has expanded.  This year, the hospital acquired an additional nearby compound, which means there are new and larger areas for the prosthetic clinic, including a private patient room, a gait (walking) area, a separate patient check-in/waiting space, an expanded lab for fabrication AND much needed storage space! During the next clinic there are also plans to equip the gait area with stairs, ramps and parallel bars.  They are so excited about these changes and Brent, Frank, their wives and a team of helpers are eagerly awaiting their next trip early this November, 2014.  As patient numbers have increased, they have become aware of even more needs and have organized a variety of fundraising efforts to cover the costs.  If you are interested in partnering with them on this journey, below are several options you can choose from to help.  

Tax-deductible financial donations can be made through www.newcovenantworldmissions.org.  Please select the Hospital Shalom section. As you go through the donation process, be sure to click on the link to “Make A Special Note” and designate the money towards the PROSTHETICS PROGRAM – If you prefer to write a check: Make it payable to New Covenant World Missions (memo – Prosthetics at Hospital Shalom) and mail to: New Covenant World Missions  P.O. Box 35968  Canton, OH 44735

A Flapjack Fundraiser is being held in Raleigh on Saturday, Sept. 27th from 7:00am – 10:00am at Applebee’s (7831 Target Circle Raleigh, NC 27616).  Tickets are $8/per person and must be purchased in ADVANCE.  Please contact Meredith Wright for tickets or more information: (919)610-2364

“A Piece of Our Heart” is a jigsaw puzzle campaign.  They would like to have your help completing a Guatemala jigsaw puzzle.  Each piece is $10 and they will write your name on the back.  Once the puzzle is finished, it will be framed and displayed to remember those who have come alongside to help.  Contact Meredith Wright for donations or more information (919) 610-2364

Financial Donations will be used to cover:

– Spanish coloring books and crayons for pediatric patients and other children such as siblings who visit the clinic.  Each book also shares the message of Jesus’ love.

–  Shoes for patients; Most patients come in with no shoes (in a wheelchair) or with only one very worn out shoe on their non-amputated leg.  We need to provide a set of shoes in order for them to use their new prosthetic leg(s).

–  Travel expenses

–  Purchase of materials such as plastic, plaster of paris, casting tape, etc.

–  Purchase of materials for gait area: stairs, parallel bars, and ramps

–  The purchase of miscellaneous parts and components such as pylons, feet, knees etc.