Over the past thirty years, Faith in Practice sent 730 teams of 23,056 volunteers to serve in Guatemala. Nearly half a million patients received life-changing medical treatment. These numbers are staggering, a testament to God’s faithfulness and provision. However, they only tell part of the story. Many more miracles remain uncounted. We do not know the miles walked on repaired knees or the smiles witnessed with restored vision. How do we calculate the dignity reclaimed with a functional wheelchair or the power of a cross-cultural friendship?
Through Faith in Practice, God has done “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). He guided our founders, equipped volunteers, and formed teams. He multiplied and magnified our offerings and helped us bring heaven to earth. Only God knows the extent of Faith in Practice’s legacy, for he has been involved in every step.
As we reflect upon the past, we also look forward. How do we build our legacy? The secret lies in becoming a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). This does not mean martyrdom (though many early Christians faced that fate). Instead, Christians’ service should be ongoing, as integral to our existence as breath. Paul gives the Romans a series of commands to illustrate this new way of life:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12: 9-13).
Faith in Practice’s legacy was built through thousands of little moments. Through teams assembling their thousandth wheelchair with the same enthusiasm as their first and red hats strengthening community bonds. Legacy looks like medical students serving during their summer break and friendships crossing time zones and translations.
If you are reading this, you are a part of the legacy of Faith in Practice. Your hard work and generosity helped our friends in Guatemala. As you have been part of our past, continue with us into the future. There is more work to be done, and Faith in Practice needs you to be part of it. Let us continue this legacy together.
Prayer: God, Thank you for your faithfulness. The past three decades have been more fruitful and fulfilling than we could ask or imagine. Please help us continue to provide excellent medical care for our patients in Guatemala. Guide our staff, volunteers, patients, and donors to continue this tradition of healing. In your mercy, grant us another thirty years of service to you. Amen.
