Clinica Esperanza

   Clinica Esperanza was born out of a vision of the founder of Prince of Peace, Al Sanchez.  Al had a vision to build a medical dental clinic not just to meet the needs of the girls at the home but more importantly to meet the needs of the people in the community surrounding Prince of Peace.  Al had seen people die because they had no money to see a doctor or to buy needed medications.

   Construction began in 2003 and the clinic was dedicated in March 2005.  At the time the clinic was dedicated there was no one to work in the clinic but God honored the obedience and faith of those who followed His leading in building the clinic.  God brought Dr. Jim Hines and his wife Kay to begin the work in the clinic.  In June 2005 they opened the clinic on a regular basis to minister to the medical needs of the girls and the community.  With the help of 2 of the girls from the home, they have continued to work in and manage the clinic.

   Most of the patients do come from the surrounding community named “El Campenero” but there are also a number of patients from other nearby communities.  All of the patients are very poor with some being extremely poor.  For the equivalent of a 65 cent donation they are able to see Dr. Jim, receive medications and on a limited basis necessary lab and x-rays.  The ability to receive their medications is a critical issue.  They can go to a government hospital but usually will be there all day and may or may not see a doctor but even if they do see a doctor, if they are given a prescription, they have no money to buy the medications and so they will have accomplished nothing. Our greatest challenge is the obtaining of medicines and supplies.  The government has made it very difficult to bring these items into the country requiring us to buy more and more of the supplies here.  Prices are high and the quality is not always the best.

   The great majority of the patients are children but we also have a significant population of adults some with very complicated medical problems.  As time has passed the staff has been able to develop relationships with the patients and they often express their great gratitude for all that is done for them.  Our relationship with the people has helped to open the door into their community.  The older girls at Prince of Peace have adopted some of the most needed families and we are now ministering to them with food and clothing.  When we walk in obedience to God, He always opens more doors to minister His gospel.