Updates on Our Medical & Dental Clinic
Today, we’re excited to share an update from our Medical Clinic, a place on our campus where God’s provision, healing, and compassion are on full display each day. Over the past few months, the Dental Clinic has been especially active, and our staff has treated both the children in our care and our neighbors in the surrounding community.
Our clinic is now home to four dentists who volunteer on different schedules, which has allowed us to significantly expand our reach. We’ve been able to offer quality dental care to our kids and extend services to older adults in the community, many of whom would otherwise go without care.
One dentist provides affordable care on Wednesdays to older community members. Not only is this a blessing to the patients, but the modest fees have helped improve the clinic and support Casa Bernabé.
Another dentist comes every other Monday, specializing in pediatric care. She's also mentoring two young women with aspirations of working in dental care in the future, Mariam and Dulce.
On Saturdays, another dentist generously donates his time, seeing patients for free. Mariam, our full-time dental intern, lives on campus during the week and has been a true gift to our team.
A specialist in oral surgery has begun removing wisdom teeth for our teens—long-needed care that we’ve finally been able to provide. And an orthodontist is so generously donating braces for our older kids. This will make a huge difference not just medically, but emotionally, giving them confidence in their smiles in the future.
One of the young women who has been interning in the Dental Clinic has grown up at Casa Bernabé. Dulce from Casa Alabanza, is learning alongside our staff, gaining experience, and even earning a small income. This opportunity has been encouraging for her, especially during a time of transition in her life. If she completes her certification, she will be able to seek future employment as a dental assistant. Please lift her up in your prayers as she considers her next steps after leaving Casa Bernabé.
Another new offering our Clinic is providing is physical therapy. Two of our boys from Casa Alabanza and Casa Daniel have made wonderful progress with the help of a visiting physical therapist.
We’ve welcomed a nutritionist, Arabella, who’s teaching healthy practices in our kitchen and helping prevent illness among kids and mission teams alike. We’re expecting a medical team to visit before the end of the year. Please pray that everything falls into place for their arrival.
The baby from Casa Promesa who we requested prayer for a few weeks ago had a successful surgery on his tear ducts, and he's recovering well. Another one of our little girls will soon have surgery for her eyes. Thanks to a generous Guatemalan donor, both procedures were fully funded!
We're also very thankful to God and our friends at ORC for Orphans for the donation of a new water tank for the clinic, which will allow us to keep the clinic running even when the power or water goes out—something that happens often.
As we celebrate these blessings, our staff have also all requested prayer for several needs:
Tabita, who oversees the entire medical and dental clinic, is doing an incredible job despite being short-staffed. Please pray for strength and provision for a full-time nurse or doctor to assist her.
Alejandra, our part-time nurse and full-time house mom in Casa Nueva Esperanza, needs wisdom and support as she juggles many responsibilities.
Arabella, our nutritionist, asks for grace and energy as she works with children and families.
Mariam could use prayer as she balances her internship with being away from her family during the week.
Dulce is facing anxiety about the future and could use prayer for clarity and peace.
We are also praying for healing and guidance for some of our girls experiencing health challenges, particularly related to ovarian cysts, requiring outside gynecological care.
Thank you friends for being part of this ministry. Your prayers and support are making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families here in Guatemala. We truly feel God moving through your generosity and faithfulness.
With gratitude,
The FOCE Team