Members of Northview UMC, Jean Broyles and Bethany Frazier, were part of a Roanoke District UMC sponsored mission team to the Boca Costa Medical Mission in Mazatenango, Guatemala in June, 2009.

The team of seventeen was made up of doctors (Pediatricians Bill Kagey and Mark Patterson), a Nurse Practitioner (Joan Wotring), 5 nurses( Helen Ammen, Mickie Kagey, Jane LaPrade, Diane Milenbachs and Jean Broyles), Teacher Katie Scott, College Students Bethany Frazier and Melissa Patterson and 6 others (Larry Lance, Frances Drewry, Tom Wotring, Grant Montara, Jessica Sprigings and Mary Ellen Campbell).

Our purpose was to spread God’s love among the Mayan Indians in one of the poorest parts of the Western Hemisphere.    Medial care for these Mayans is almost non-existent except for the clinics Jim and Diane Thompson, formerly of Asheville, NC,  have established in two villages in the last six years.   Short term mission teams are welcome and help see many more patients than Diane and two trained Mayans can take care of.

Besides treating approximately 750 patients during the week, the team provided fluoride treatments for approximately 500 children and each child was given a toothbrush and toothpaste and a demonstration on how to clean their teeth and the importance of doing that.

Part of the team helped build two classrooms for a school that was very overcrowded.  The children can go to school through the sixth grade but have to pay for it (approx. $250/year) for higher levels.    Most can’t afford but through scholarships the Thompsons have established, forty youth are able to further their education.

The rest of the team provided VBS for the school children and were rewarded with many smiles and hugs.

Our hearts were warmed by the experience and we welcome others who would like to participate, especially dentists.    There is a great need and no dentists in the areas.

If you are interested in learning more, go to www.BocaCostamm.org.
For information on future trips, contact Jean Broyles at LVQDAY@aol.com