Day 1 –Sunday: Meeting the People Behind the Mission
Our first clinic day brought the purpose of this mission into full focus. Patients and their families began arriving early, many after traveling long distances with the hope of receiving care that could change their lives.
Throughout the day, our medical team carefully evaluated each patient to determine the best path forward. Every consultation represented more than a medical assessment. It was an opportunity to listen, encourage, and provide hope. Watching the doctors, nurses, translators, and volunteers work together reminded us that compassionate care extends far beyond medicine.
One of the greatest privileges of the day was getting to know the people behind the patient charts. We had the opportunity to spend time with a special patient whose faith and gratitude were evident in every word she shared. Despite the challenges she has faced, her joy and trust in God left a lasting impression on our team. Before her procedure, we had the opportunity of sitting down with her to hear more about her story and how she felt about the mission. During our conversation with her as she prepared for the procedure, she expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to receive care through Faith In Practice. She shared that participating in the medical campaign and being selected for surgery was an answer to prayer and thanked both God and the entire surgical team for making it possible.
One statement, in particular, resonated with our team: “This has been a beautiful experience because it shows how God is always there to meet each one of us and always watches over whatever needs we may have.” Her unwavering faith, gratitude, and joy served as a powerful reminder of why we are here, to be the hands and feet of Christ and to witness His love at work in the lives of those we serve.We also met another patient whose story reminded us of the courage it takes to seek care and the hope that this mission brings to so many families.
We also had the opportunity to speak with Andy Giancarlo Ligolán, whose father was preparing to undergo his third surgery at Hospital de las Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro. As a family member, Andy shared how the care they received extended far beyond the operating room.
He spoke with heartfelt gratitude about the compassion shown by the medical staff, explaining that every member of the team had treated both his father and their family with kindness and respect. One of the things that stood out most to him was that the hospital cared not only for the patients, but also for the loved ones walking alongside them. As Andy shared, “The care they provide isn’t just for the patient—they also take great care of the family members and companions.”
He also expressed his appreciation for the hospital’s commitment to serving people from communities across Guatemala, saying he would gladly support the mission because of the incredible impact it has had on his family. His words were a beautiful reminder that the ministry of healing reaches far beyond those receiving surgery—it brings comfort, hope, and encouragement to entire families.
As we reflected on the day, we were reminded that every patient has a unique story worth hearing. We are incredibly grateful for the trust these individuals place in our team and for the opportunity to walk alongside them, even if only for a short time. Today was a powerful reminder that while surgeries and treatments are important, the relationships formed through compassion, faith, and listening are what truly make this mission unforgettable.
