Glasses donated by S.C. Methodists help people of Guatemala

People in Guatemala can now see clearly thanks to a glasses collection effort organized by the Columbia District Outreach Committee.

United Methodists in the Midlands and across South Carolina collected used eyeglasses, both prescription and non-prescription (readers), as well as prescription sunglasses and cases.

The glasses were sent to Healing Guatemala, a United Methodist medical mission and clinic led by South Carolina pastor Dr. Luke Rhyee that offers ophthalmology, dental care and basic medical needs, both at the clinic and in rural communities in the Chuisajcaba, Guatemala, region.

Rhyee said poor Guatemalans are not able to afford glasses, and they have been distributing the glasses to the people, who are extremely grateful.

“Thank you so much for your love and dedication to Guatemala,”

Rhyee said. Beginning Jan. 7, the clinic there has been holding a weekly glasses giveaway where participants get an eye exam and glasses free of charge. In February, they plan to have a cataract surgery camp and open 40 eyes in the name of Jesus.

For more on Healing Guatemala, visit https://healingguatemala.org.