by Belinda Forbes

For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
—2 Corinthians 4:6, NRSV

Wilber Alvarado, 33, holds a chemistry degree. He is active in his church, works with university youth groups, directs a health-development program in rural communities and reaches out to gang youth in his barrio to offer an alternative to street violence. He supports his younger brothers and sisters. He drives a minivan, transporting youth all over Nicaragua. Wilber is a testimony to Christ’s love in the world and to hope found through faith and action.

What is remarkable is Wilber does all of these things without the use of his legs. One of Nicaragua’s last victims of polio, Wilber has learned to meet life with the help of two crutches and God’s grace. His powerful arms and hands bear calluses from the pressure of so many steps in his life journey.

When Wilber comes to the Acción Médica Cristiana Clinica (Christian Medical Action Clinic), he pulls his braced legs onto the dental chair. Wilber is full of smiles and enthusiasm about God’s will for him to struggle for the rights of persons with disabilities—a calling that takes him all over Nicaragua and to other Central American countries to raise awareness with organizations and government authorities.

TWilber is not alone. Most of my patients walk for hours, sometimes all day, in the rain, through the jungle, bearing a machete, wearing boots if they have them and carrying some food. I am in awe of people who live in such limited conditions, and I am mindful of the structures in the world that allow such conditions to exist. God calls us to serve, to witness and to speak out on behalf of those with no voice.

God gives us the Wilbers of the world to teach us to be responsible in using our gifts to serve others and to build God’s realm on earth. Through the Advance for Christ and His Church, we, too, work for God’s glory. Thank you!

God, thank you for the diversity of your creation. Let us share generously the gifts you have given each of us to serve you. In your name we pray. Amen.

Belinda Forbes, dentist, Acción Médico Cristiana, Managua, Nicaragua

Advance Links: Here I Am Lord: Missionary Minutes Home http://gbgm-umc.org/advance/hereiamlord/ Health and Training, Managua, Nicaragua, #14845 http://gbgm-umc.org/advproj/AdvProj_Detail.cfm?ID=14845

Your local church may choose to enter into a multi-year Covenant Relationship with Belinda Forbes,  or other United Methodist missionaries, for ongoing support of their work. For further information, please contact: The Advance General Board of Global Ministries 475 Riverside Dr, #350 New York, NY 10115 Phone: 212-870-3718 Fax: 212-870-3775 Email: covenant@gbgm-umc.org Web: advancinghope.org

You can make gifts to support the mission work of Belinda Forbes, by making a donation through The Advance. The Advance is an accountable, designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church that ensures 100% of each gift reaches its intended mission or ministry. Make a secure gift online: Visit Global Ministries Online Giving Checks may be written to 'Advance GCFA' and placed in collection plates at United Methodist churches, or mailed directly to: Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO, New York, NY 10087-9068. Credit card donations may be made by calling (888) 252-6174. Please note on your check the name and The Advance Number of the missionary you are supporting: Belinda Forbes, Advance Number: 12109Z >> Biography

	See Also... Topic: Communities |  GBGM programs |  Missionaries |  United Methodist Church |  Advance |  Geographic Region: Nicaragua |  Source: Advance
	Print this page Email this article

View Listing of Missionaries Currently Working in: Nicaragua

Date posted: Feb 20, 2006