Hands That Healed, Hearts That Served

What do five doctors, one pharmacist, two pastors, a handful of nurses and other dedicated volunteers have in common with the people of Ixtepec?  More than you might imagine! For a few sacred days, our paths crossed in a remote mountain town, where language barriers faded, storms raged, and compassion flowed freely. We came to offer medical care, but we left healed in ways we never expected. In the heart of Ixtepec, we discovered that sacred spaces aren’t built of brick and stained glass—they’re made of shared bread, laughter, prayer, and muddy footprints left in the rain.

Despite the effects of Hurricane Priscilla — torrential rains, washed-out roads, and no electricity — our spirits stayed light. The people of Ixtepec reminded us what true joy looks like. They live simple, happy lives, grounded in faith, family, and community. 

From a U.S. perspective, some might describe their life as “poverty,” yet these families have all they need: food from the land, water from the heavens, and hearts full of gratitude. Around 80% of the population speaks Spanish and 20% speak Totonac — one of Puebla’s ancient indigenous languages, carried through generations with pride and song.

The women are radiant in their traditional attire — pristine white skirts with layers of hand-sewn fabric, a red faja (sash) tied neatly around the waist, and a quexquemetlh (beautifully woven triangular scarf.) Their clothing somehow stays spotless, even after a long day in the fields. Meanwhile, my own laundry efforts could be described as “fifty shades of gray”!

Our medical mission team arrived armed with medicines, supplies, and a touch of kid-friendly magic. But the most sacred moment came during the foot washing.

In this region, sandals are worn year-round, and foot care isn’t a high priority except when our medical team visits twice a year. Many arrive with open wounds, fungal infections, or ingrown nails — but they leave with treated feet, lighter hearts, and a visible sense of dignity restored. 

The foot washing tradition is very spiritual, caring, and Christlike—a living reminder of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and calling us to love one another through humble service.

Some were treated for oral and tooth discomfort, and many just wanted to be checked and told they were OK. 

Two of our first-time team members, Laurie and Jack, brought unique perspectives as amputees. Their compassion and skill spoke volumes. Jack even demonstrated how he molds prosthetics from local materials — transforming limitation into liberation.

Here, medical care is communal — sometimes up to eight people gather around a plastic Tecate beer table serving as our exam station. There’s no HIPAA in Ixtepec; instead, there’s laughter, prayer, and shared humanity. Families often come together for care — mothers and children in the mornings, fathers after a long day in the fields. Each leaves with vitamins, calcium, antiparasitic medicine, oral hygiene supplies, and occasionally new reading glasses. All at no cost.

The Medical Mission Team from Cleveland, Tennessee, has partnered with the Ixtepec Methodist Church and Give Ye Them To Eat (GYTTE) for nearly eight years, serving around 1,000 individuals in just four days. 

Four GYTTE-trained community health promoters volunteer each time — leading classes, offering preventative education, and filling the air with laughter and learning. 

They also prepared daily healthy snacks and entertained the children with health-related games. Healthy communities aren’t just about medicine — it’s about education, empowerment, and joy.

On day two, Hurricane Priscilla dropped massive rain for 36 hours. With roads washed out, the bus unable to make it past the muddy obstacles, and the mountain isolated, our “four-day mission” became five. Yet in the stillness of that storm, there was peace.  Doctors used cell phones and headlamps for light, and a borrowed generator hummed its praise. 

We worshipped, laughed, and served by candlelight, knowing deep down — God had a plan. One of the greatest joys of mission work is watching God use every person uniquely. Whether you’re scrubbing toilets, checking blood pressure, cooking meals, or performing exams — every role matters. Each one of us becomes a living piece of the Body of Christ, serving side by side.

While the Medical Mission was a HUGE success, the following weeks have been deeply challenging for our beloved Mexico. From coast to coast, relentless rains have poured down, flooding towns and washing away roads, crops, and homes--claiming the lives of at least 119 people and leaving many more missing across five states. More than 100,000 homes have been damaged, and over 200 communities remain isolated by floodwaters — some reachable only by helicopter.

In the midst of heartbreak, we are reminded of the resilience and faith of the Mexican people. Even as rivers rise, so do spirits — neighbors helping neighbors, churches opening doors, and strangers becoming family.

Please join us in holding these communities close in prayer, asking God to bring comfort, courage, and restoration to all who have lost so much.