The first mission team of 2008, nine folks from the Colorado Springs area, went to our most remote community, Abelines, January 4-12 to provide medical, pediatric, optical and dental care to hundreds of community members. The dentist pulled 180 rotten teeth! This is important because in an area that lacks immediate medical care, an infected molar can lead to serious illness, even death. So, what might seem like basic care in the states, can actually be life-sustaining here.

Seven of the nine team members were return visitors—some were on their 4^th trip since 2002. All were impressed to see how one small church continues to serve and transform their community. They have seen first-hand great changes in the health and lifestyles of the people, not to mention improved roads, clean water, latrines and healthier stoves (in many homes). The Abelines Health Committee and the local church helped organize the visit.

You can hear about some of the changes in Abelines directly from Blanca and Elena, original members of the Abelines health committee. In this interview, they share how the changes have impacted them personally, and what they have seen in their community thanks to God’s hand through their local church, the ENLACE staff and through mission teams like our nine friends from Colorado. This year the leaders at the Abelines Assembly of God will work with the ENLACE community advisors to train two other local churches along with all the initiatives they have planned. Click here to see the interview.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the week.