From May 6 - 14, 2000, Laurie Sheridan, a long time First Presbyterian member and operating room nurse, went on a medical mission to Guatemala with Faith in Practice.  This ecumenical Christian Missions agency was begun in l992 when a Princeton Seminary graduate, who was interning at a Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas went to Antigua, Guatemala to learn Spanish. Upon his return to the United States, he shared his concern for the poor in Guatemala and his desire to create an opportunity for Christian outreach.  In the spring of l993, the first Faith In Practice (FIP) team of 9 people went to Antigua.  This ministry has grown to the place that 280 people from all over the United States will be part of FIP teams in the year 2000.   They now sponsor medical trips, dental trip, and construction trips. 

Currently, most FIP medical\dental teams travel to Antigua, Guatemala. Medical professionals work at the Hermano Pedro Hospital for the poor, bringing all the supplies they expect to use while they are there plus as much medication as possible. Teams are formed in an effort to focus on a particular type of surgery each week. Laurie’s group, for instance, did a lot of work with children born with cleft palate.  Contacts in Guatemala are alerted in advance so that they can gather patients whose needs can be met by each particular team. The first day of the week patients are reviewed and a surgical schedule is prepared. The remainder of the week is spent in surgery. Often doctors are met with busloads of people hoping to receive medical help.

We are proud that First Presbyterian Church of Glassboro supported Laurie in prayer and in her finances for this trip.  We are also proud to count Laurie among our many church members going to share God’s love with the less fortunate in the world. 

Getting ready--Savanah, Georgia

The 38 Members of the Faith In Practice group 
outside Hermano Pedro Hospital

Hermano Pedro--looks like a church, doesn't it?

Tour of the Orphanage

"Cookie," one of the many faithful workers, with a 
resident of Hermano Pedro, many of whom are literally 
left at the doorstep of the hospital.

A Guatemalan Girl with a webbed hand

Every day was full of surgeries.

A lighter moment

A very small operating room for plastic surgery

Dr. Bill Darden--one tired surgeon

A young boy being prepared for surgery to remove 
the growth on his face.

The finished product--good work!

Fraternizing with some of the locals at a restaurant.  
Laurie kept trying to get the boy on the right to help 
her with Spanish, but he was too shy.

Some local clerks.  The woman at the right made Laurie 
wait to take the photo until she fixed her pelo (hair)

Home again with many new friends and ready to go next year!
For further information visit FIP at www.faithinpractice.org.