The Southeast Hospital
located on the plains
of Villahermosa [vee-ya-air-MO-sa]
is one of three
Adventist hospitals in Mexico.
It sits in a prime location
where Adventists have a chance
to interact with a needy community.
The people of this region
suffer from health problems like diabetes,
dengue fever, and obesity
and this hospital serves
as a refuge for the sick and afflicted.
Medical work began here in 1959,
when missionaries set up a small clinic
to provide basic healthcare
to those in need.
Doctors constantly volunteered
time to serve the people.
Materials such as syringes,
needles, and medicine
were donated by the city's pharmacies.
As people began to rely on
the Adventist missionaries’ medical care,
the clinic expanded to become
one of the most reputable
hospitals in the region,
ministering to the needs
of a surrounding population
of more than 2 million people.
The Southeast Hospital operates
with more than 30 beds and 200 employees,
and has a laboratory, an emergency room,
a blood bank, and an intensive care unit.
On average the hospital staff
sees 11,000 people every year.
Many who arrive here
expect physical healing,
but they receive much more
as the staff takes this opportunity
to share Jesus' love in action.
Our purpose is to evaluate each person,
not only the physical
and emotional aspects,
but also spiritual.
Many of our patients tell us,
"Oh, I'm not so good,
but thanks to God I can still walk."
Others do not mention God at all.
This helps us see where people are
and know how we can help them.
When they leave here, they can
bear in mind that God is with them,
that they have hope,
and that they come out relieved,
not only physically,
but also spiritually by God’s Word.
In Adventist hospitals around the world,
spiritual care is an important component
toward physical and mental recovery.
At the age of 15,
Michelle arrived at the hospital
after hitting her head
when she fell from a horse.
It was a life-and-death situation.
Dolly, her mother, prepared for the worst.
Fortunately,
Michelle received wholistic care
as the medical staff
healed and comforted her.
People would come to me
and say that God was with me
and that they were praying for us.
This is the first place I have seen this
level of attention in dealing with people.
Everyone is very kind!
I realized here,
that the staff works for God
and not for people.
I had already heard that,
but now I experienced it.
It was a tough time.
For weeks, Michelle was hospitalized.
So, Pastor Eric, the hospital chaplain,
would visit them to talk and pray.
More than 500 people
were touched by Michelle’s situation
and they formed a prayer chain.
As they prayed, little by little
Michelle's life was impacted
by the prayers of the doctors and nurses.
This closeness spoke deeply
to Michelle’s and Dolly’s hearts.
As a result, today they testify
about the power of prayer.
I’d pray, "Lord, my trust is in You,
and I am yours.
We will overcome.
This mountain will be moved
and there will be no permanent damage."
In an inexplicable way,
Michelle’s condition stabilized
and she finally recovered.
In medical institutions
like Southeast Hospital,
people are reached
with health, healing, and hope.
Just as Jesus
healed the whole person,
today faithful medical missionaries
do the same
through dedicated, God-centered care.
The Southeast Hospital needs to expand,
to make room for more patients
and to offer more treatment options.
There is also a desire to build an urban
center of influence in Villahermosa.
This center will offer a place
for the entire community
to receive medical care
and health training.
Please pray for the hospital,
the staff, and future plans.
They face many challenges while operating
in this small, outdated space.
And also remember
to pray for the patients,
whose lives will be touched
by the hospital staff.
Thank you for your support
of Adventist medical mission work.
