July/August Newsletter

San Lucas Mission Newsletter July/August 2019 A Note from the Director Dear Friends of San Lucas, The founder of our programs in San Lucas, Fr. Greg, had a number of sayings that guide us as we continue to expand and build on his foundation. One of them was, “Come and See!” Fr. Greg knew that there was no substitute for being in San Lucas and seeing for yourself the transformative work that is happening on a daily basis. We realize that not everyone has the capacity to travel to San Lucas, and so we try, with words and pictures, to bring that experience to you whenever we can. And this is easier to do with some programs than with others. In his letter in this issue, Dr. Rafael Tun, our medical director, alludes to this challenge with respect to the Healthcare program. It is far easier to show before and after photos of families receiving homes or stoves or kids in a classroom than it is to show the impact that accessible and affordable healthcare has on an individual, a family or an entire community. But the statistical reality is this: our Healthcare program in San Lucas and the surrounding communities impacts more lives than ALL of our other programs combined! All of our programming affects the lives of about 25,000 peo- ple a year. Healthcare accounts for about 20,000 of those people. Dr. Tun and his staff of 30 well-trained Guatemalan nurses, techs, administrators, pharmacists deliver quality health- care on a “pay what you can” basis. And they do this with creativity, compassion and unsurpassed dedication. And, I would add, with financial accountability and transparency second to none. Thank you for keeping this vital ministry alive and for enabling us to continue to bring quality healthcare to the peo- ple of San Lucas. Sincerely, Bill

The Healthcare Program Greetings and Updates from Dr. Tun Dear Friends and Benefactors, Peace and blessings to all those who support the work of the San Lu- cas Mission. I want to thank each of you for what you have given to the healthcare program. Sometimes our healthcare program may not garner the most attention, because it doesn’t show as many short-term results as other programs. However, our medical staff feel satisfied, because they know that God is at work here. I am joyful to write that between January 1 and June 30, 2019, we have accomplished the following: • 9,352 patients served in the clinic • 2,035 patients seen in 15+ surrounding communities by visiting medical groups • 544 patients receiving other services from visiting doctors and staff • 256 surgeries • 108 patients using the ambulance Between the different healthcare services, we have treated 12,295 patients in total over the past six months.

Our prevention program is working hard to improve the nutri- Quick Updates from tion of children under 5 years of age. There are 1,296 children in the nutrition program receiving bi-monthly follow-up check-ups. San Lucas Tolimán Our diabetes clinic serves 200 patients in San Lucas, as well as 66 patients in surrounding communities. 1Celebrate San Lucas! There is a great deal of work for us to do, in partnership with the Friends of San Lucas. Our work is growing, and as a result, we Please join us to celebrate San Lucas at have added four more staff members at the clinic. the 7th Annual Mankato Gala in Minnesota May God bless you. And thank you for having faith in us. We are on September 28, 2019. There will be food, working with all our hearts, and using each donation to serve the drinks, auctions, and plenty of inspiration! greatest needs in Guatemala. To sponsor or attend the gala, sign-up at Thank you, Dr. Rafael Tun www.sanlucasmission.org. None of this would be possible 2First Hybrid Home without support from people like you! To get in touch with us or make a donation visit This summer we built our first “hybrid” home! These houses are made of block sanlucasmission.org and wood. They last longer than the all- wood homes, but are cheaper to make than all-block homes. Between block, wood, and hybrid homes, our goal is to build more than 75 houses this year. 3New Website Our new website offers rich video foot- age of San Lucas, and an easy naviga- tion menu. Check it out for yourself by visiting www.sanlucasmission.org.

Summer Wrap-up It’s been a busy summer in San Lucas with approximately 600 visitors from May through August! With summer coming to an end, our Volunteer Coordinators in San Lucas - Mynor and Heidi - wanted to send their gratitude to all of the wonderful groups who helped with Mission projects, provided medical care and learned from the people of San Lucas Tolimán. Your visits and support are what allow us to continue this work. With your help, we have built many houses in the communities surrounding San Lucas, made useful renovations to our school, and constructed a new school and community center in San Martín. We look forward to seeing you here again! Heidi Schleif, Mynor Tax, and all of the San Lucas Staff E-newsletter Purchase your fresh bag of coffee online at sanlucasmission.org More than 3,000 people receive our newsletter electronically. By reducing Follow us @friendsofsanlucas our printing costs, e-news subscribers allow us to invest even more into improving quality of life in San Lucas and the surrounding communities. Sign up for the e-newsletter at sanlucasmission.org Thank you for your support and generosity to the San Lucas Mission. Friends of San Lucas • 4679 Cambridge Drive, Eagan, MN 55122 • 651-454-0981 • sanlucasmission.org