The community of El Recreo, in Chiapas, received medical care, hope, and God’s love through volunteer service.
With the goal of sharing God’s love through health services, a Nazarene Medical Brigade (NMB) arrived on Saturday, May 23, at the Church of the Nazarene El Recreo, located in the community of El Recreo, La Concordia, Chiapas. The brigade included a general practitioner, a dentist, and a team of 20 volunteers.
During the event, more than 130 people received medical care and heard the message of salvation. The activity was organized by Jacob Ortiz, district coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) in the Sierra District, who, together with his team, provided medical and dental consultations, medication distribution, vital sign checks, and door-to-door evangelism. Children also enjoyed activities with clowns, and clothing in good condition was given to those in need.
“My dream was always to wear the NCM vest,” shared volunteer dentist Shalma Hernández. “Now, every chance I have to serve through my vocation—helping people with no access to public healthcare—inspires me to keep going with faith, love, and passion for God’s work.”
The community expressed deep gratitude, as instability in the Sierra region in recent years led to the closure of many local clinics, and medical care has not yet been fully restored. The people of El Recreo primarily work on coffee plantations and on corn farms, and the local Church of the Nazarene has an active membership of approximately 100 people.
Nazarene Medical Brigades in Mexico began in 2017 as a compassionate response to the earthquake in Juchitán, Oaxaca. Since then, nearly 350 brigades have been carried out across the country, all led by volunteer health professionals.
“Most of the medical volunteers are young people who have just graduated,” noted Edi Montejo, NCM coordinator for southern Mexico. “Many other volunteers also serve in different areas. NCM is a great opportunity for young people to serve with purpose.”
Thanks to the growth of this ministry, NCM Mexico has strengthened its structure. In the southern region, Dentist A. Shalma Hernández was appointed as coordinator of the Medical Brigades, and Dr. Magdalena Nuño was appointed as coordinator for northern Mexico.
“It is a joy to serve others through our vocation,” concluded Shalma Hernández. “We invite others to join the Nazarene Medical Brigades of NCM Mexico.”
Source: Shalma Hernández, Coordinator of Nazarene Medical Brigades, Southern Mexico Region.
