Church group’s mission is to bring hope to Guatemala

By: Matt Kirdahy
   Some Cranbury residents have spent the past decade traveling to Guatemala, supplying residents there with medical and educational assistance.
   These volunteers from the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury are preparing for yet another trip to the country, a one-week mission trip in June to San Luca Tolmon, Guatemala.
   This year’s mission, titled Spring of Hope, is part of an annual drive sponsored by the church to provide medical and dental care to Guatemalans. The trip will run from June 20 to 28.
   Trip organizer, George Conley, said this year’s participants are very enthusiastic.
   Thirteen missionaries from Cranbury, including Mr. Conley, will attend. This year all of the volunteers are adults, but in the past adolescents have joined with their parents, said Mr. Conley.
   While just who will attend has yet to be determined, Mr. Conley said there are more than enough applicants.
   "Of course, first priority are the medical professionals," Mr. Conley said. "Then I’ll just pick names out of a hat in lottery fashion to see who can attend, as space is limited."
   The Cranbury missionaries will be joined by those of the Allentown Presbyterian Church. The churches cover all other costs except plane fare.
   Money to purchase prescription drugs and to help underwrite the costs of the mission’s children’s ministry, which provides daily meals to the Guatemalan town’s children year-round, is raised through donations.
   Volunteers will be permitted to take two suitcases filled with personal necessities and medical supplies.
   The group used to bring clothing donations, but realized that it required too much space.
   "Through a drive at the church we used to collect children’s shoes," Mr. Conley said. "Some years ago, when we gathered enough to bring with us, we had about 30 suitcases for less than half that many people."
   Contributions can be sent to the Guatemala Fund, in care of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, 22 S. Main St.
   For more information, Mr. Conley can be reached at (609) 395-0513. Any donations of medical supplies and classroom/office stationery are welcome.