Through a random

drawing, parishioners chose Guatemala as the focal point of their efforts

and the church was soon connected to the Diocese of Huehuetenango.

"That

was the start of a deep bond between the Peachtree City parish and the

impoverished citizens of San Mateo, a bond that grows stronger as the

months pass," according to a statement from the church.

Father Fernando

Molina-Restrepo, parochial vicar at Holy Trinity, described the trips

as "an opportunity for us to stretch out our hands to our brothers

and sisters in Central America and to share with the less fortunate. We

also are nourished in return by their faith and their faithfulness to

the Church."

He added, "We

go to serve and we receive so much more. We go with the Gospel message

and are greatly enriched by their prayers and appreciation."

The first mission

trip was one of investigation, when eight members of the parish accompanied

Father Fernando on a fact-finding trip that took them to remote regions,

visiting eight towns to determine the many needs of the people. It soon

became apparent to them that medical needs were primary and a second mission

trip was planned with a decided medical dimension.

Four nurses

and an interpreter joined Father Fernando for that trip last September

to San Mateo, a tiny village in the mountains of Guatemala. Suitcases

were filled with medical supplies to meet the needs of the people.

A small clinic

was set up in the town and residents soon began lining up in the rain,

waiting to be seen by the medical team. The line was long, the wait longer.

But the people were patient and happy to receive this rare medical attention.

Awilda Guadalupe

served as interpreter for the Holy Trinity mission and described the experience

as "very emotional. The people are a very shy culture and they were

genuinely moved by our presence. When we touched them, they smiled in

return, reaching out to us."

Guadalupe said

she thought many of those in line came "just to see who we were."

Apparently, they liked what they saw.

The team of

nurses administered medical help for wounds, backaches, infections, skin

conditions, parasites, malnutrition and gastrointestinal problems. They

reported a great need for basic hygiene, nutritional counseling, infant

care, first aid treatment, and prevention of injuries. A pledge was then

made to return with more medical help.

Members of

Holy Trinity committed $4,000 a month during the year 2000 to help several

parishes in Huehuetenango provide a much-needed breakfast program for

their children, most of whom arrive at school not having had any nourishment.

There is none in their home.

Since the September

visit, letters from the Bishop to Father Fernando and Holy Trinity have

expressed great gratitude for this program that is providing nutritional

assistance for young children. What began as a special Jubilee Year project

will continue in 2001 with a commitment of $1,000 for the breakfast project.

Holy Trinity

has also been asked to assist with the construction of a parish hall type

facility that would cost an additional $15,000.

Parishioners

have become so dedicated to the Guatemala effort that they formed a special

group, the Guatemala Action Project (GAP), to develop and implement programs

in the parish that would continue Holy Trinity's role of support.

"We have

struck a special chord in the hearts of our parishioners," said Father

Fernando. "Their generosity and commitment in the name of Christ

is unbelievable."

In mid-May,

several nurses, possibly a doctor, and perhaps a dentist will join Father

Fernando and a few Holy Trinity parishioners for a second medical mission.

Some donations of medical supplies have already been given, but more are

desperately needed.

In addition,

the mission group hopes to take along small items for the children such

as hair barrettes, toiletries and small games. Plans include shipping

many of the donated medical items by air so they will be there when the

mission group arrives.

The mission

group will leave Atlanta May 13 Mother's Day. "That seems appropriate,"

says Guadalupe, "since we consider them as our children. Our parish

has taken them into their hearts and we go to be with them bringing great

affection and prayer."

"We go

as Christ would go, to these children, these needy," said Father

Fernando. "We hope we will be able to bring them significant help

as we join them in their sufferings."

Donations may

be made to Holy Trinity to assist the May mission to Guatemala. Call 770-487-7672

for more information.