CLINICA COLFAX

During a six-month dry season with contaminated water sources, several health issues can emerge. The scarcity of water during this period often leads to the reliance on stagnant or improperly stored water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. The limited availability of clean water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene can result in dehydration, which can further lead to electrolyte imbalances and other related complications. Additionally, the use of contaminated water for irrigation or agricultural purposes can introduce pathogens into the food chain, potentially causing foodborne illnesses. The lack of proper sanitation and hygiene practices exacerbates these problems, making the population more susceptible to infections and diseases. An extreme dry season left the wells below safe level, resulting in contaminated water. As is often the case, the babies suffered most. A rising infant death toll coupled with no local medical care prompted a village official to search for Radical Missions

While building churches in the Tecpan region, we cultivated a relationship with a local man named Nicolas. A self-confessed sugar-holic turned brittle diabetic, Nicolas could not afford his life-saving medicine. We stepped in, not only providing medicine, but also equipping Nicolas to regain his health by following a suitable diet. During an unannounced visit to Nicolas’ village, we found him sitting in the street drinking a 2 liter bottle of soda. Nicolas’ family asked us to stop helping him because they knew he continued to overindulge in a sugar-heavy diet. They were also aware Nicolas’ medicine cost $430 a month.

Nicolas agreed with his family. He chose to give in to his addiction and stop taking his medicine, even though it meant impending death. Before he died, Nicolas gifted the land next to his house to Radical Missions and asked us to build a clinic there for his community. Nicolas wanted to change the fact that his friends and neighbors often went without medical care due to the long distances they had to travel in order to receive it.

Radical Missions has constructed a much-needed medical clinic in the remote area of Chuatzunuj (near Tecpan), a Mayan village that is only accessible during dry months. This development has already revolutionized how villagers receive treatment for common ailments, as it reduces the need to make a half-day trek to the next village with medical facilities.

Our goal is to provide patients with quality medical care, rather than the superficial band-aid support that other ministries may provide. This quality care includes education, healthy food, and medication. The Clinia Colfax is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. We have a full-time Guatemalan nurse, an American doctor, and a Guatemalan doctor in training. Recently, we added a dental room and will have a dentist available to perform cleanings and repairs. We are constantly building, adding on, and improving the clinic. If you would like to help, you can bring down a medical or construction team or contribute by purchasing medications, equipment, or construction supplies to help finish this project.