Paralife, the Clinic
Community Needs Reveals God’s Will
“Hello Cubie,” exclaimed an excited voice on the other end of the phone. “This is Steve calling from Dallas. Our church managed to raise $6000 for medicine, and we are thrilled to inform you that we would like to bring a medical mission team next month. We will have two doctors, six nurses, and ten helpers joining us for the trip.”
Earlier, I had extended an invitation to Steve and his church to visit El Salvador for a short-term mission project. At that time, neither Steve nor I had a specific timeframe or location in mind for their visit. However, I had a strong conviction that Steve would eventually lead a mission team to our country. His church had been actively sending building and evangelistic teams to various regions like Latin America, Africa, and Alaska for the past eight years, constructing churches along the way.
During their recent trips to Latin America, the mission teams had been deeply impacted by the impoverished and suffering individuals residing near the newly built church structures. Witnessing these pressing needs had stirred something within Steve, leading him to believe that God was calling him to take action for the poor. During his last building trip to El Salvador, we had discussed a project that would directly engage his mission team with a needy community. So, it was no surprise to me when I received his call at 5:30 AM.
It never failed! Every time a significant need was recognized in a needy community, God always supplied the need. During the previous two weeks, I had been visiting La Victoria, a community located on the dividing line between Sonsonate and La Libertad, two states in El Salvador. Over the weekend, prior to Steve’s Wednesday morning call, a local pastor carried me to visit the community. Children played beneath a variety of cedar and maquilishuat trees in the courtyard of the old hacienda. Women, scattered around the courtyard, stirred pots of beans and wiskell. Old men sat around in groups of four or five talking.
Escorted by the pastor, I found myself being guided through the courtyard towards the western side. With a gentle push, the pastor opened a weathered door, revealing a scene that immediately caught my attention. Standing before me were Eusebio, a man in his mid-thirties, and his son Jacobo. Their frail bodies showed the signs of a severe bout of dysentery. The pastor, his voice tinged with alarm, looked at me and delivered the distressing news, “Over half of the community is plagued by illness, and their lives hang in the balance.”
In that moment, I felt a profound sense of helplessness, realizing that there was little I could do except lift my heart in prayer. But just as despair threatened to overcome me, an unexpected phone call shattered the silence. It was Steve, the much-awaited answer to our prayers. Still groggy from sleep, I mustered the energy to respond, “Steve, you and your team will be working in a community called La Victoria. How soon can you make it here?”
Approximately six weeks after Steve’s medical team had departed, missionary Dan Bowden and I made our way to La Victoria. To my dismay, I discovered that some of the individuals who had previously received treatment for parasite infestations were once again experiencing the same symptoms. The atmosphere in the community was dire, with lethargic and listless children wandering around, young women clutching their stomachs and complaining of diarrhea, and elderly men sharing their grievances about persistent headaches.
Upon investigation, it became clear that after the initial medical visit, these individuals had returned to their humble abodes and resumed the same unhygienic practices and dietary habits as before. Although the medicine provided temporary relief from their parasite-induced suffering, the lack of knowledge on disease prevention led to a recurrence of their original infections. The well-intentioned physicians had only addressed the visible human symptoms they encountered, without empowering the impoverished individuals with the knowledge and resources to prevent future illnesses.
Subsequent visits to La Victoria revealed a similar trend. People who had received treatment for hypertension required follow-up care from local physicians, and those treated for stomach disorders also required ongoing medical attention. While the visiting medical team had provided much-needed assistance, it was evident that the community members required consistent access to quality healthcare to address the root causes of their ailments.
In conclusion, the people of La Victoria had not been cured, but rather their symptoms had been temporarily alleviated. What they truly needed was access to sustainable, local healthcare that could provide ongoing support and education to prevent the recurrence of their illnesses.
A Real Need for a Poor Peoples’ Clinic
After the medical teams had left, the responsibility fell upon me to ensure that patients in need of further medical attention were taken to local physicians. This often meant hours or even days of travel, shuttling individuals back and forth to clinics. One evening, as I found myself waiting for patients at a local clinic, I casually mentioned to Pastor Hector Bojorquez my newfound role as a “taxi-service” ministry. Recognizing my frustration, he proposed the idea of establishing a clinic specifically catered to the needs of the impoverished. It was a brilliant suggestion: why not create a local outpatient clinic where those requiring follow-up care could receive treatment? Additionally, such a clinic could serve as a valuable resource for community development programs, addressing not only medical needs but also broader societal issues.
The notion of an outpatient clinic resonated with me, and in the days that followed, I devoted much time to prayer and contemplation. I became convinced that God was not merely speaking about a clinic but expressing His deep love and concern for the poor. I had already witnessed God performing miracles to aid the less fortunate. Throughout the early 1980s, countless communities in the nation faced dire circumstances, with individuals succumbing daily to preventable diseases such as parasites, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal ailments, respiratory disorders, and an array of other sicknesses. Undoubtedly, there was a pressing need for a clinic, and it seemed fitting that the evangelic church should undertake such a venture. This clinic would not be like any other; it would be a place dedicated to ministering to the spiritual and physical well-being of the impoverished and needy.
With vision in mind, I embarked on a search for a suitable location to establish this clinic. My intention was to find a two-story house adjacent to one of the many displaced people’s settlements in the city of San Salvador. The ground floor would house consultation rooms, while my office and that of the physician would occupy the second floor. The proximity to the marginalized community would ensure easy accessibility, facilitating the delivery of compassionate care and support. This clinic would serve as a beacon of hope, embodying the holistic approach needed to uplift the underserved population it aimed to serve.
On one occasion, I found a house that I thought would fully satisfy these conditions. I called the real estate agent in charge and set a time to meet and look at the property located next to the refugee camp, La Fortleza. For two hours I sat in front of the house waiting for the agent to arrive. In exasperation I finally called the agent to inquire as to why he was so late. He informed me that the house had been rented that morning. Well, so much for that idea.
A couple of months later, I was sitting in the office of the president of the Evangelical University discussing the possibility of a University/Paralife sponsored medical project. During the conversation, I explained my vision for a medical clinic that would minister to the needs of the poor. At that moment, he pointed his finger at me and said, “come with me and I will show you where you should establish your clinic.” We drove over to the Evangelical University medical school. After getting out of the car, he looked at me and said, “You should not tell anyone yet, but we have just signed a contract on another property for the medical school. We have outgrown these facilities and need something larger. Why don’t you take this property and build your clinic here?”
We walked through the facilities inspecting all the rooms, labs, classrooms, and auditorium. I was totally dumbfounded. Remember, I was looking for a little house, not almost half of a city block. We discussed the university’s contract with the owners and what the newly founded Paralife organization would need to do to renew the contract. As the university president and I parted company that day, I stood in the gate of the property still staggering from the opportunity. It was by far a greater property than I had envisioned, and the responsibility was by far heavier than I had anticipated. But as I stood there in the gateway, viewing the grounds and the buildings, I had a good feeling about the place. Some may call it emotions, but I call it the confirming presence of the Holy Spirit.
After two weeks of prayer and discussions with trusted confidants, I found myself meeting with the university president once again. During our conversation, I presented an offer of what I called “negative faith.” I expressed that if the Lord did not clearly say ‘no’ within the next ten days, then Paralife would proceed with taking the property and building the clinic there.
Over the course of the following ten days, I prayed earnestly, desperately wanting the Lord to have ample opportunity to intervene and indicate if this path was not meant to be. However, throughout those days, I received no discernible response from above. While I still wrestled with uncertainty, on the tenth day, I approached the president, reaffirmed our commitment, and formally accepted the responsibility for the property.
Some may attribute the subsequent events to mere chance or coincidence. However, I firmly believe that regardless of the cause, they were clear signs from God affirming that I had indeed heard His will and was on the right path in constructing the clinic. It is worth noting that I had not informed anyone about this potential site for the clinic. I kept it under wraps, fearing that if the plan were to fall apart, I would not have to admit my failure in executing such an ambitious endeavor. Yet, two weeks after assuming responsibility for the property, an evangelist contacted me to announce that he had received a donation of hospital equipment worth one million dollars. He inquired if the clinic could make use of such equipment. While it was clear that an outpatient clinic would not require the entirety of the donation, we could certainly benefit from a significant portion of it. This occurrence served as a confirming sign that the project had captured God’s interest.
But as if the first sign was not enough, five days later, a friend reached out to inform me that he and his wife felt compelled by God to increase their monthly contributions to my ministry by one thousand dollars. Interestingly, I had previously calculated that the monthly expenses for rent and utilities would amount to around the same figure. One might consider these events as mere accidents, but the question arises: Was it truly a coincidence, or did God genuinely display His concern for the welfare of the underprivileged and needy?
God communicates with His kingdom in manifold ways, and He graciously allowed me to witness these remarkable manifestations. They served as confirmation and encouragement, affirming my path and reinforcing my conviction to pursue this noble endeavor.
The ways in which God communicates with His kingdom are diverse, and I was fortunate enough to witness these extraordinary manifestations. They served as powerful confirmations, providing encouragement and strengthening my determination to pursue this noble endeavor.
Remarkably, without issuing any call for assistance, young individuals from various parts of the world were guided by the Holy Spirit to come to El Salvador, where they became instrumental in constructing the clinic. Among them was a young man from Africa who assumed the responsibility for designing and overseeing the construction of the clinic. Another individual, a plumber from Texas, took charge of handling the clinic’s plumbing needs. Additionally, several young people hailing from Colorado, Missouri, and Florida joined the relief efforts, aiding the marginalized communities in need. Upon completing their construction tasks, these young individuals quietly departed, having fulfilled their unique mission.
Throughout the construction phase, the availability of funds was always a challenge. The costs of cement, cinder blocks, plumbing supplies, and other building necessities amounted to thousands of dollars. However, churches and civic organizations from across the United States, as well as certain European establishments, sent financial contributions. Often, these donations arrived just when they were most needed, seemingly orchestrated by divine providence. Yet, one particular occurrence deeply impacted me. It took place when the national postal system in El Salvador went on an extended strike, lasting approximately two and a half months, effectively halting all incoming and outgoing mail. Coinciding with the onset of this strike, Evangelist Don Basham and Ohio businessman John Beckett visited the project. I took every opportunity to articulate the vision that God had placed in my heart to these brothers. At the end of the day, they left, joyfully recognizing the presence of God’s kingdom thriving in El Salvador. Interestingly, despite the mail strike, mail containing financial support continued to arrive promptly.
The provision and assistance we received were nothing short of miraculous. They demonstrated that God’s hand was orchestrating our journey and validating our mission. These occurrences served as constant reminders that we were not alone in our efforts, but rather part of a bigger plan guided by divine grace and purpose.
Larry Jones, a Baptist Evangelist, played a significant role in providing the necessary equipment and substantial financial support to complete the construction of the clinic. Additionally, a devoted Christian businessman, deeply affected by the loss of his son in a tragic car accident, generously donated a considerable amount of money, which allowed us to finalize the clinic’s construction. In honor of this man’s son and to express our gratitude for his unwavering support, we named the clinic the Dan Mugg, Jr. Memorial Clinic. This naming was not intended to praise the deceased, but rather to recognize the faithfulness of a man whose contribution played a crucial part in ensuring the timely completion of the Paralife clinic. Through the contributions and support of numerous individuals who honored God with their generosity, the clinic was finished, enabling thousands of people to receive healing within its walls.
Following the completion of the construction, we employed a Salvadoran medical doctor as the medical director of the clinic. Additionally, we contracted the services of a lab technician and other technical personnel to assist in providing healing to the many sick and vulnerable individuals among El Salvador’s rural and urban populations. The operational clinic stood as a testament to God’s care for the underprivileged.
While the focus of the Paralife clinic was on curative healing, an integral part of its mission emphasized preventive healing. Recognizing the significance of preventative health measures in community development, we aimed to empower economically disadvantaged individuals by teaching them how to prevent illnesses and maintain good health. These preventative health concepts served as tools for development, enabling those in dire economic circumstances to regain control over their immediate environment while restoring their sense of human dignity and fostering self-sufficiency. Initially, the purpose of the Paralife clinic was to support these development initiatives primarily in rural areas, where the needs were particularly great among those displaced by the civil war.
However, over time, it became apparent that additional assistance was required. Our most pressing need was not only medical supplies but also dedicated individuals who could lend their expertise and support. While medical supplies were important, we recognized that a sustainable impact required a comprehensive approach that involved the assistance of committed professionals, volunteers, and international organizations. By fostering partnerships and channeling resources effectively, we aimed to address the multifaceted needs of those we served, ensuring their holistic well-being and supporting their journey towards a better future.
People Can Make a Difference
From the very beginning, it was evident that God had selected special individuals to be part of the development of Paralife. These individuals were young men and women who possessed a strong desire to save those who were lost and bring physical and social healing to the suffering people of El Salvador. The establishment of Paralife was a fundamental aspect of God’s grand plan, aimed at showcasing His kingdom through a small-scale model. To fulfill this purpose, it was crucial for Salvadorans to have significant roles in managing and directing the organization in El Salvador. It was necessary for some to contribute by teaching and spreading the gospel, while others were instrumental in sharing the vision and guiding the direction of Paralife.
Among the individuals handpicked by God to join Paralife was Jorge Martinez, a local attorney. In 1981, Jorge experienced a profound spiritual transformation, after which he wholeheartedly preached and proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was six months later that Jorge and I crossed paths, and since then, our lives have been deeply intertwined.
Jorge had grown up under the care of his grandmother on a farm near the city of Santa Ana. His upbringing immersed him in the ways of the campesinos (rural farmers), instilling in him a profound empathy and compassion for their struggles. Filled with Christ’s love and a genuine concern for the campesinos, the young lawyer fearlessly preached the gospel in various settings, including barrancos (ravines), prisons, National Guard and National Police barracks, and wherever an opportunity presented itself.
Yet, Jorge’s ability to clearly and succinctly convey the gospel was just the beginning of God’s greater plan for his life and his future role within God’s kingdom. Through his preaching and personal testimony, Jorge emerged as an authentic Evangelical, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his faith. It was during the remarkable experiences in Jutiapa and El Espíritu Santo that the idea of Paralife first began to take shape. I shared this vision of Paralife with Jorge, and he played a pivotal role in developing and formalizing the organization within the legal frameworks of El Salvador.
As Jorge continued to share the gospel with the impoverished, we began to witness the transformative power of God’s grace in their lives. The vision for Paralife grew stronger as we witnessed the impact of holistic healing within communities. Through Jorge’s strategic involvement and tireless dedication, Paralife started to take tangible form, offering hope and support to those in need.
In our journeys to small villages and communities, Jorge and I would consistently share the gospel and communicate God’s plans for El Salvador. It became clear that God was instilling in Jorge the same vision that He had initially entrusted to me. During those early days, as I focused on developing and organizing the operations of Paralife, Jorge took charge of writing and navigating the government bureaucracy to secure the incorporation papers. He also worked tirelessly to obtain permission for containers filled with essential medical equipment to be docked and unloaded at Paralife. Despite the challenges imposed by the Civil War, including restrictions on tourist visas that made it difficult for visiting teams engaged in evangelism or construction projects, Jorge always managed to influence the right people to sign the necessary documents. Furthermore, during tough times, both he and his wife selflessly lent money to the budding organization to ensure that workers were never left unpaid. Through these endeavors, God shaped Jorge’s heart and inspired in him a profound understanding of how the church could truly embody a microcosm of God’s kingdom on earth. He recognized that Paralife was intended to extend Christ’s loving embrace to the impoverished, the afflicted, and the marginalized in El Salvador, offering them hope and physical healing.
From 1983 to mid-1985, Paralife experienced an exceptional growth spurt. One significant factor contributing to this rapid expansion was the sheer number of individuals in desperate need of assistance. El Salvador, as the most densely populated nation in the Western Hemisphere, was deeply affected by the years of civil war, resulting in the displacement and suffering of thousands of people. Forced to flee their small adobe homes, many sought refuge in displaced people camps, which seemed to emerge almost overnight near the provincial department capitals. Undoubtedly, the demand for help was abundant, and Paralife, with its mission firmly rooted in reaching out to those in need, had no shortage of individuals to serve.
Another significant factor contributing to the rapid growth of Paralife was the answer to our prayers for financing. We were blessed with financial support from numerous church groups in the United States and even from Europe. This funding enabled us to hire enough trained Salvadoran professionals. We were able to recruit talented medical doctors, nurses, technical staff, and development specialists from within El Salvador. These compassionate and skilled individuals dedicated long hours to providing healing and care to those displaced from their homes and gardens in the camps. Additionally, some of them focused on community development by teaching health and nutrition classes, while others supported these efforts by delivering healthcare services at the Paralife clinic.
By mid-1985, as the ministry continued to grow, I recognized the need for additional managerial assistance. It became clear that we required a chief physician to oversee the operations of the clinic. Furthermore, a public health specialist was necessary to supervise the community development programs. Considering my extensive travel commitments for fundraising purposes, we also needed someone who could effectively coordinate activities between the central clinic and the community programs. I shared these concerns and needs with Jorge Martinez and Pastor Hector Bojorquez, both members of Paralife’s board of directors whom I frequently prayed with. Together, we began to earnestly pray for a Salvadoran individual who possessed the combined qualifications of being a clinician, a public health specialist, and an effective administrator. We fervently prayed for these three qualities to be found in one person, and we asked God to send such an individual as quickly as possible.
Approximately two months after we started praying, Bill and Libbey Stennett, Southern Baptist missionaries, introduced me to Dr. Luis Palma. Dr. Palma was a pediatrician who had recently completed a post-graduate public health program in Puerto Rico and had gained experience in administrative responsibilities. Two months later, I had the privilege of hiring Dr. Palma, and for the following five years, he played a crucial role in the growth and management of Paralife.
Two individuals who played crucial roles in Paralife’s development, contracted by the board of directors, were Dr. Victor Rivera and Dr. Martha Martinez. Dr. Rivera, a surgeon with post-graduate studies in public health, joined Paralife while serving as the dean of the Evangelical University medical school.
Similarly, Dr. Martha Martinez, also a pediatrician, had worked with the Salvadoran Ministry of Health for several years. Although not formally trained in public health, she possessed extensive practical experience in the field, surpassing both Dr. Palma and Dr. Rivera in this regard. Under her guidance, Paralife’s community development programs focused on assisting rural mothers in providing healthcare for their families. These initiatives included nutrition programs targeting malnourished children in Colima, Porfiado, and other communities. Furthermore, Paralife provided purified water wells and water systems in Colima and Porfiado. Overall, the programs overseen by Dr. Martinez resulted in a significant reduction of infant mortality rates from 125 deaths per thousand to 54 deaths per thousand. Additionally, the incidence of illnesses related to malnutrition decreased in all areas where Paralife programs were implemented.
These developments held great significance as they highlighted how young North American individuals were used by God to initiate and advance this special project. The presence of these dedicated visitors from North America was transformative in multiple ways. Not only did they provide essential services, but they also demonstrated the values and principles of God’s kingdom. While some of them provided their services and subsequently left the country, others stayed for varying periods of time. Salvadorans witnessed the willingness of these individuals to give their time and resources to assist those in need. Consequently, Salvadorans were inspired and motivated to actively participate in rebuilding the lives of the less fortunate in their country. Many Salvadorans rose to the occasion and accepted the challenge to bring healing and restoration to their nation. As a result, Paralife became a powerful vehicle through which God worked. Within a short span of time, Salvadoran personnel filled important and functional positions, serving as instrumental agents in the healing and transformation of their land.
Summary:
In the article, the author explores the establishment of the Paralife Clinic and its mission to address the unique healthcare needs of poor communities. I briefly describe the conditions of many communities who consistently produced sick people with totally preventable conditions. Drawing from their experiences working in displaced persons camps, it became evident that there was a pressing need for a clinic that could cater to the specific requirements of impoverished individuals.
The Paralife Clinic and its dedicated team endeavored not only to treat illnesses but also to educate the inhabitants of impoverished areas in El Salvador on preventative measures for common ailments. The study underscores the importance of individuals who are committed to healing and restoring both physical and spiritual well-being, acknowledging their crucial role in making a difference.
The article concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the diligent workers who played a pivotal role in the establishment and success of the Paralife Clinic. Their unwavering dedication has contributed to the healing, prevention, and reconciliation of God’s creation in the communities they serve.
Revised August 1992
Revised January 2024 Pages 16 Words 4,323
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