Description:

There is a single hospital in San Lorenzo, which is a joint effort between the Ecuadorian government and the Catholic Church. The hospital is not well equipped and many people do not have confidence in the services offered there.

Because of the high poverty level, most individuals do not possess the necessary resources to obtain their healthcare outside of San Lorenzo. Therefore, if they cannot find the services they need within the limits of San Lorenzo — they go untreated.

More advanced care is available in cities located approximately four hours away by bus. However, the cost of the care in these cities, coupled with the expense of traveling there, is more than most people can afford.

The best healthcare option available to the people of San Lorenzo is the medical clinic located on the outskirts of the city, directed by Dr. Jane Weaver. The Clinic is operated by Fundacion Cordero (Lamb Foundation), which is supported by Latin American Missions Board.

The Clinic draws patients not only from San Lorenzo, but also from a large surrounding area that is equally under-served. Patients come from Limones, San Francisco, Ricuarte and Mataje, and many other small communities. There is also an increasing number of Colombian patients from Tumaco and other small border towns.

Community needs

Simply stated, the healthcare needs in San Lorenzo are not being met. Many of the problems being treated at the clinic are disease processes that have gone untreated for many years.

Examples include common medical problems such as hypertension and diabetes, and surgical disease such as thyroid goiters — some of which have been present for more than 20 years.

Other examples include patients with large breast cancers that have been present for many years, and untreated fractures in children that may have left obvious bone deformities. The list goes on and on.

The patients who come to the Clinic cannot afford to seek more advanced care outside of San Lorenzo. If they canot find a solution to their problem within San Lorenzo, they simply learn to live with it.

The hospital in San Lorenzo is not able to offer high level of care. More and more frequently, the hospital sends patients they canot manage to the Clinic.

Another unmet need is the care of pregnant women. Most women in San Lorenzo continue to give birth at home. The Clinic staff is very interested in beginning a program for pregnant women and providing prenatal care and education. Expecant mothers have already inquired at the Clinic for this type of program.

The geographic location of the Clinic has provided another difficult problem. San Lorenzo is becoming the home to more and more displaced Colombians.

Problems stemming from the drug trade have driven many people from their homes in Colombia, and they are crossing the border in increasing numbers. Most arrive with little or nothing. Each week, the number of Colombian patients seen in the Clinic grows.

Short-term missions trips

Participating in a short-term missions trip to Ecuador is a great way to become personally involved in Dr. Jane’s ministry at the San Lorenzo Clinic. It is an important way you can use your time and talents to bless the Clinic and advance its ministry. It also gives you the opportunity to experience another culture and discover a little of what it is like to be a missionary. Best of all, it provides you with a practical way you can have a positive impact in the lives of others.

There is no substitute for first-hand experience on the missions field. By becoming involved in a short-term trip, you will gain a perspective on missions that you can’t obtain any other way. It is a life-changing experience that most people never forget.

Short-term missions trips to the San Lorenzo Clinic generally include medical teams, work teams or a combination of the two. Participants in medical teams are typically health professionals who help provide care to patients in the areas of their specialties. Students in medical and dental schools as well as others with an interest in healthcare are also involved in medical teams. Work team members help meet important physical needs on the Clinic campus including construction, carpentry, electrical and plumbing work, landscaping, grounds maintenance, painting, cleaning and dozens of other practical projects.

Organizational Base: Fortwaine, Indiana

Other Programs: Construction, carpentry, and plumbing teams help maintain the clinic