Charles Thompson and Mike Deese serve up fried fish for a fundraiser for the First Baptist Church of Hamlet, who is planning a medical mission trip to Honduras.

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The First Baptist Church of Hamlet raised $1,650 for a medical mission trip to Honduras in October.

Candy Martin, part of the fund-raising team and part of the medical mission team, said, “We had a ton of people volunteer.”

The church is planning another fundraiser for July 13-14, a yard sale, that will be held in the fellowship hall at the church, located at 206 Charlotte St. in Hamlet.

Martin said all proceeds go to medical supplies and to pay translators while the team is in Honduras.

The team will work closely with a Honduran doctor, who has advised them that in a five-day period they will see about 1,000 patients.

“We’re going to try to give each patient a one-month supply of vitamins,” said Martin. “We’ll also give out anti-parasitic drugs because they have no sanitation standards and most everyone carries parasites. We’ll also deliver the gospel message, but we’ll be taking antibiotics and pain relievers and will be treating quick care, like stitches. We may treat severe infections.”

Martin said that many of the people she and the team will see have never been to a doctor. The nearest hospital is several miles away and can be difficult to reach, and has mold. According to Martin, the team will consist of two nurse practitioners, a pharmacist, medical assistants and two spots remain open.

“We would love to have another doctor or medical provider to sign up,” said Martin. “That would be wonderful.”

Martin went to Honduras before, to build a house, which was a learning experience for her. Like many who go to Honduras to impart the message of Jesus Christ, she too came home feeling more blessed than when she left.

“It just cracks your heart wide open. I don’t know how else to say it. They are exceedingly nothing but the kindest most gentle people. They will tell you how blessed they are, and they’ll have a cardboard roof over their heads,” said Martin.

Martin said all the medical supplies they take with them that are not used will be donated to the Honduran doctor.

If you are interested in learning more about the mission trip, contact the church’s office at 910-582-1164.

— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.