One Midlands church has made it possible for more than 250 people in Guatemala to see.
Union United Methodist Church launched a “Give Sight” mission campaign this year to raise funds for Healing Guatemala’s Cataract Camps. Healing Guatemala is a medical mission in Guatemala supported by the Columbia District and founded by Dr. Luke Rhyee, a South Carolina pastor in the UMC.
Union United Methodist Church is a part of the South Carolina Annual Conference.
Initially, Union’s goal was to raise funds to help 80 people get the cataract surgery they need, said Amy Gustafson, Union’s communications director. But Union has been able to more than triple that goal, and funds continue to roll in.
Union launched their Give Sight mission this year, asking the congregation to take part in giving sight to the blind by helping fund cataract surgeries that Rhyee and his team will perform. Healing Guatemala’s Bethesda Hospital covers the cost of the cataract surgery, which is about $300. Patients are asked to pay $50 toward the surgery, and the rest is given through donations. Union members “adopted” wooden doll figures throughout the month, which represented a person to whom they would give sight. Families were invited to creatively personalize the doll figure with material, then continue to pray over the person they were helping throughout the event.
“There has been an amazing amount of interest, support and drive to be a part of this mission in bringing sight to the blind,” Gustafson said, reflecting on the outpouring of support.
Give Sight campaign inspires 10-year-old
Chris Elvis, chair of Union’s Missions Committee, said missions has always been a passion and priority of his, and he has followed Rhyee and Healing Guatemala for years, witnessing God at work through these cataract camps.
“When the idea of Give Sight was first proposed, I jumped at the opportunity to help,” Elvis said. “It was incredible to see the outpouring of support, prayers and love my Union church family exhibited throughout this campaign.”
Ten-year-old Etta Price Cochcroft got so excited about helping that she sold muffins to raise funds for the project.
“I wanted to help the blind because I have Strabismus—I see double—and have to wear glasses to see. I also am so blessed that I have many colors of glasses to help me,” Etta said. “The sad part is the people we are helping don’t have enough money to buy the things they need, including their vision, which makes me really sad. So when I heard about this project, I knew I had to help.”
Etta ended up raising $501, doubling her goal, and ultimately helped fund cataract surgery for two people.
Tom Goff said he and his wife, Joan, appreciate the way their church tries to genuinely reflect the character of Jesus.
Rhyee said he is excited about the enthusiasm the project generated.
“I am so happy that our brothers and sisters in Guatemala can regain their sight because of Union’s outpouring of love,” Rhyee said.
To learn more about Healing Guatemala, email [email protected], or write Healing Guatemala, P.O. Box 1835, Duluth, GA 30096.
excerpt from a story by Jessica Brodie, editor, South Carolina United Methodist Advocate newspaper
Gustafson contributed to this article
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
