Central Texas ENT - Home
Who We Are
What We Do
What's New Contact
Office Information
Online Office Brochures
New Patient Forms
Post Operative Instructions
Print Campaign
Links








 

Faith In Practice
   
Antigua, Guatemala. A place rich in history and beauty, but a place very much in need. With a primarily agricultural economy, the majority of the population is employed in low paying, labor-intensive jobs supported by banana, sugarcane and coffee growers, which leaves them lacking basic medical care.
   
Fortunately, there is a team of American physicians, dentists and other volunteers who have dedicated themselves to the needs of these Guatemalans. This organization is called "Faith in Practice", and their mission is to improve the physical, spiritual and economic conditions of the poor in Antigua, Guatemala. Based in Hermano Pedro Hospital in Antigua, health care teams made up of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, dentists, dental hygienists and other volunteers help by bringing their much needed skills and compassion to a people otherwise unable to afford the professional attention these volunteers provide. Believing in an inseparable connection between faith and practice ? truth and duty, Faith in Practice volunteers all share the philosophy that their time, energy and compassion demonstrates the love of God to a community in desperate need of their help.
   

The first hospital to be founded in Antigua was begun by a Franciscan priest in the early 1600's in a small thatched hut. Brother Pedro's compassion for those in need became well-known throughout the community as he was known for physically picking up the sick and abandoned and carrying them to his little hospital. Unable to feed, clothe and nurse all of those in his charge alone, Brother Pedro would often roam the streets ringing a bell in order to get donations from those who would support his cause.

Since then, over these hundreds of years, the hospital has been destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt many times over, but the spirit of what Brother Pedro started continues to this day. Today, the hospital is operated by the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church and is presently directed by Padre Jose Contran.
   
With no financial support from the government in Guatemala, the Faith in Practice volunteers must operate only on donations in order to provide a wide range of services to their community. Their teams of professionals and support volunteers not only provide medical and dental attention, but also serve to house and feed orphans, mentally ill and disabled patients who, without their help, would have nothing. In addition to these teams, there are also volunteers who serve as construction crews through the Godchild Project located just outside Antigua. FIP also receives support from countless others who work to raise money, donate supplies and keep the team in their prayers.
   
With limited technology and supplies, the volunteers with Faith in Practice perform surgical and dental procedures for everyone from infants to the elderly, and are, therefore, heavily dependent on the money and supplies that are donated to them from churches, hospitals, civic organizations and others. Sadly, the need for FIP's services is inexhaustible in Guatemala and FIP is in continual need of more supplies. Without the support and donations from people like you, Faith in Practice could not exist. The life of the ministry provided by these volunteers is one of peace and compassion, and the volunteers profit nothing from their work in Antigua save the relationships they foster among themselves and the community they serve.
   
We ask that anyone who is willing and able to offer any small contribution to this cause would help Faith in Practice change the lives of these very faithful and grateful people in need. Every ounce of help, whether in the form of supplies, money, personal service or prayer, is and has been greatly blessed. Please help continue the work that Faith in Practice has been doing to help and minister to the Guatemalans. When you give a portion of your abundance to Faith in Practice, you are changing and even saving lives. And while you may never see the faces of the infants, children or men and women you've helped, you can know that the blessing of your generosity will serve as a great ministry of God's love to a people who rely on the abundant giving of people like you.

 

 

*Any information contained within this website
does not substitute for a visit to your physician.