Eternal Impact Report :: Mexico

San Luis Potosi, Mexico

HCM missionary associate Dr. Bill Pierce examines a child during the outreach to Mexico.

The Unknown Advocate

A dental patient witnesses to the interpreter.

HealthCare Ministries sent a medical evangelism team to San Luis Potosi, Mexico in February.  Partnering with the local church, their purpose was to reach out to the community to show them they were there to serve.  The team of 17 ministered to medical, dental, and optical needs as well as presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Out of 692 patients, 264 prayed the sinner's prayer.  The team was led by HCM's Peggy Knutti, a retired missionary.  The following are her reflections on just a few of the lives that were impacted for eternity.

From Gangs to God's Grace

"Sorry, the medical team won't be able to set up the clinic right now. Two rival gangs are fighting right outside the church and it isn't safe for the team to come. I will call you when it is safe." Pastor Eric of the San Luis Potosi, Mexico church gave the "all clear" an hour later and the HealthCare Ministries team left to set up the clinic.

About mid-week, a young man walked into the clinic. He had been badly beaten, his eyes were partially closed, his face swollen and discolored. He was one of the gang leaders who had been involved in the gang activity on Sunday. He often sold drugs across the street from the church. In the dental area they tried to check the amount of damage to his lower jaw and teeth but it was too painful to adequately open his mouth. He was lovingly cared for throughout the clinic.

As Missionary Hil Del Rosario began talking with him in the spiritual counseling area, I was struck by his sullen, angry countenance as he listened. Hil continued to tell him how much God loved him and wanted to help him change his life. He talked about when you belong to Jesus' gang, He won't beat you and try to kill you. He will love you and care for you.

The man's countenance began to soften and he said that he wanted to ask Jesus to come into his life. After Hil prayed with him, he told him about the church family that he now belongs to, that they will love and care for him and help him. As he walked out of the spiritual counseling area, a smile and peaceful countenance replaced the anger. He said that he was going to bring his friends.

When he didn't come back the next day, I talked with a man from the church about my concern. I didn't know that he had also come from that lifestyle and was now working with the gangs and his wife worked with the prostitutes in that area. I thought of the Bible story of the 99 and Jesus looking for that one lost sheep as he stated, "If he doesn't come back, we will go find him. We won't let him go. We will go after him until we find him."

I was reminded again, of the importance of working with the local church to make the long-term component of short-term trips happen and the privilege of that shared heartbeat for the lost.

The Unknown Advocate

When one of the San Luis Potosi, Mexico interpreters realized that more interpreters were needed for the HealthCare Ministries clinic, he asked his friend Jesse to help. As Jesse interpreted for Dentist Don Spurgeon, he found himself interpreting the story of a Savior who died for his sins and wanted to come into his life.

When Dr. Spurgeon began talking about the Lord with the patient in the chair, the patient joyfully told him that he indeed was a believer and that God had delivered him from a life of drug dealing and evil of all kinds. The converted gang member shared his amazing story.

"I stood outside the church-not even aware of where I was-using my cell phone to call a 'hit man' to kill my wife. My wife wanted to take my daughter away from me, so I planned to kill her, then myself."

"At that moment a woman walked out of the church, came straight to me, placed both of her hands on my shoulders and said, 'Jesus loves you and wants to change your life.' I felt an overwhelming sense of a special presence and began to weep. She brought me into the church and as some people talked with me and then prayed with me, I felt the beautiful presence of Jesus come into my life and He totally changed my life forever. I immediately called the 'hit man' and called off the murder of my wife."

Dr. Spurgeon turned to Jesse saying, "See, God brought you here to let you know that the same thing he did in this man's life He can do in yours. Do you know who Jesus is?" Jesse said, yes, that he prays to Him all the time. Dr. Spurgeon asked, "When did you ask Him into your life?" He said that he didn't understand the question. Dr. Spurgeon shared the verse in Revelation 3:20, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in . . ." Dr. Spurgeon emphasized how He invites us to come into a relationship with Him and would he want to have that relationship? A resounding YES!   As he asked the Lord into his life, his whole countenance changed to one of great joy.  

Jesse had been out of work for many months and asked if they would pray with him for a job. The very next day he was called to come and interview for a job. He was ecstatic. He came every day to interpret, beaming with happiness. At the time we left, we had not heard the results of his interview, but know that God has a plan for Jesse's life and will lead him.

Click here to view the full Eternal Impact report over Mexico.