International Ministries

In 2001 Heritage Christian Services, Hope Haven International and Bethel Ministries International partnered to provide a camp retreat experience for people with disabilities in Guatemala. This camp is for people who live in isolated conditions and are struggling with poverty and the challenges of living with a disability. It gives them the opportunity to make friends, see healthcare professionals, receive a new or repaired wheelchair and hear the good news that God loves them.

The ministry has flourished over the years, and we have added a second opportunity to serve in Guatemala: The House that Heritage Built outreach trips. By partnering with Bethel Ministries and local community leaders, in one week we build two simple homes; fit more than 50 people to wheelchairs; and make home visits with friendship, food, medicine and school supplies.. Because we work with local community leaders, the team has a valuable opportunity to learn first-hand about the local culture and history.

Our international work includes an ongoing collection of wheelchairs and other mobility devices for our partners. The wheelchairs are refurbished and given to people all over the world who otherwise would not have the gift of mobility. With the wheelchairs, they can pursue family and community inclusion, education, employment and improved health outcomes. It costs $150 from the time we receive a wheelchair until it reaches its new home. Wheelchair sponsors are needed!

Ways to Support

There are many opportunities to get involved with the Heritage Christian Services International Ministries program.

DONATE

Helpful items include:

• Wheelchairs to be refurbished and distributed free to those in need.
• Medical supplies such as Ace bandages, Band-Aids, triple antibiotic ointment, vitamins and prenatal vitamins.
• Black shoes. Most students must wear black lace-up shoes in order to attend public school in Guatemala.
• School supplies and backpacks for the students at the rural community school.
• Consider hosting a wheelchair drive or a donation drive for items such as student backpacks, school shoes, muck boots for children and adults, undergarments, cloth diapers and diaper pins.

SHOP OR VOLUNTEER

Volunteer, donate and shop at A Second Thought Resale Shop, operated by Heritage Christian Services, located in the Piano Works Mall in East Rochester. Proceeds from the store support the International Ministries program.

ADVOCATE

Members of the International Ministries team would be happy to speak about the Guatemala ministry to your congregation, youth group, Sunday school classes or another group. For more information, call (585) 340-2092.

PRAY

Pray for HCS volunteers in Guatemala, and for those with disabilities living in Guatemala.

Thank you for supporting this important work.