Guatemala, 2014
Here is a testimony from Dr Brian Nichols, OD who was the optical team leader:
=================================================
From: BRIAN NICHOLS [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxxxx]
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2014 6:34 PM
To: Holland Kendall
Subject: Testimony.
Holland your ministry is an answer to prayer. After my first trip to Guatemala, I knew
that if I could just have access to a handheld autorefractor, I could serve more patients
during our week long mission. I investigated the cost to purchase a handheld
autorefractor and the cost was prohibitive, simply because I would only use the instrument
for 1 week out of the year, unless I get involved with additional missions in the future.
I had no need for the handheld device at my office because we use a table top version of
an autorefractor; and, of course, this instrument is not portable and conducive to travel
on a mission trip. God led me to your ministry through contact with another optometrist
that I did not even know at all. For the last three years, I have used your autorefractor
on my mission trip, which has made the process of seeing patients more efficient and
easier, allowing me to serve more patients during our stay. Once the prescription is
refined through subjective refraction, we prescribe the lenses. We are fortunate to have
2 lens edgers on site in our clinic, so we are able to make custom glasses for all of our
patients that we examine from our own stock of frames and lenses that we ship down to
Guatemala ahead of time.
One patient in particular on our 2014 trip comes to mind. She was in her 70s to 80s with
developing cataracts. She stated that all she wanted to do was to be able to read her
Bible again, as she had been unable to do so in recent years. Despite her cataracts, we
were able to custom make her a pair of glasses strong enough to allow her to read her
Bible. She was very grateful and tearful and stated that "we had given her back her
life." (Her picture was included in previous email.)
Again, Holland, I am thankful for your ministry. You have thought this process out
thoroughly. Even though we don't take advantage of your computerized inventory of Lions
Club glasses, from what I have read, this system removes the stumbling block that many
missions face when using Lions Club glasses. Finding the correct set of glasses is much
like finding a needle in a haystack in most circumstances. However, Holland's system
removes this obstacle and allows for lay people to go into underserved countries and give
the gift of sight to those in need that would not otherwise have any hope. Once they are
able to see, then those that come to know Christ, or already know Him, may continue to
develop their relationship with God through reading of the Word. May God continue to
bless your ministry!
Brian K. Nichols, O.D.
|