Patzun, Guatemala
Asociación VIDA
Dr. Axel Suquen was ready to go into a career in the military when an invitation to church one day turned his life around. His introduction to the Lord changed his outlook on life, and today he spends his days as a Christian soldier outfitted with the armor of God.
Suquen is the director of Asociación VIDA in Patzún, Guatemala, a ministry supported by the Luke Society since 1996. The ministry offers affordable dental and medical services in its Patzún clinic and brings a variety of community health outreach opportunities to the mountain villages of greater Tecpán.
Health education programs are aimed at empowering community members to promote health through disease prevention, proper nutrition and good hygiene. Suquen also offers assistance to certify midwives.
The ministry works with pastors in the region to build relationships, foster spiritual growth and assist with social needs.
Dr. Axel Suquen
About the ministry:
Name: Asociación VIDA
Location: Patzun, Guatemala
Director: Dr. Axel Suquen
Partnership: 1996-present
Staff: 17
Alumni PMT: Dr. David and Esther Claus; Alan and Susan Field.
Our mission:
“To be a missionary team of and in Christ, trained and empowered with financial self-sustainability that publishes its successes and failures. We education people for compassion and justice from the Gospel, opening new markets hand in hand with local and international strategic partners, individuals and institutions.”
Why I love being a director:
“It is a call from God our heavenly Father. He chose me in Christ, not being worthy. I have His spiritual and material support and His power made available to me by faith in His Son. It is my story of integral mission and I love it. I want everyone to know the wonderful love of God.”
About Guatemala:
Population: 17.4 million
Size: 108,889 sq. km, or slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Capital: Guatemala City
Borders: Mexico to the north and west; Belize, Honduras and El Salvador to the east; Pacific Ocean to the south.
Religious groups: Catholic, 41.7; Protestant-evangelical, 38.8.
Primary language: Spanish
Literacy (age 15+): 80.8%
Physician density: 0.36 doctors per 1,000 people.
Population below international poverty line: 59.3%
Life expectancy: 72.6 years
Infant mortality rate: 26.8 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Major exports: Sugar, coffee, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits, vegetables, precious stones and metals
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid in the lowlands; cooler in the highlands.
Terrain: Mostly mountainous with narrow coastal plains.
