History of the Presbyterian Medical Clinic
(Adapted from history written by Mrs. Helen Lacey in 2002)
The medical ministry began with the theme verse of Matthew 9:35 which tells us that Jesus went abut into all the villages, teaching and preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing the sick. The clinic construction began in 1990 and on January 17, 1992 the Presbyterian Medical Clinic was opened with much praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for all the provisions and help given to open this facility.
Soon after the clinic was on its way, Rev. Tom Lacey was diagnosed with a brain tumor which eventually took his life in November 1994. After Tom's death, the clinic was closed as no suitable person was found to administer this growing work.
In 1997, Mission to the World (MTW), the mission agency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), was asked to assume the leadership of this clinic and has since sent doctors and nurses. In 2006, a national board of directors was set in place to govern the medical ministry. Dr. Wiley Smith served at the clinic from 2000-2009, along with a staff of nurses from MTW. More recently, we had Dr. Jen Bigelow, family practitioner from Indiana, who served with her family from August 2012 - August 2014. We have a Belizean chaplain at the clinic, opening every morning with a devotional time and prayer for waiting patients. Christian films are also shown on the TV in the waiting area.
The clinic has seen more than 12,000 patients over the past several years. Many visiting specialists have served at the clinic, along with dentists who serve in the dental clinic. The clinic has been a blessing to many and a witness of the Great Physician, our Lord Jesus, is given to each patient as many ask for prayer for their needs. Many have come to faith in Christ and one mission church was started by a group of these patients in the village of Caledonia several years ago.
The medical ministry began with the theme verse of Matthew 9:35 which tells us that Jesus went abut into all the villages, teaching and preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing the sick. The clinic construction began in 1990 and on January 17, 1992 the Presbyterian Medical Clinic was opened with much praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for all the provisions and help given to open this facility.
Soon after the clinic was on its way, Rev. Tom Lacey was diagnosed with a brain tumor which eventually took his life in November 1994. After Tom's death, the clinic was closed as no suitable person was found to administer this growing work.
In 1997, Mission to the World (MTW), the mission agency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), was asked to assume the leadership of this clinic and has since sent doctors and nurses. In 2006, a national board of directors was set in place to govern the medical ministry. Dr. Wiley Smith served at the clinic from 2000-2009, along with a staff of nurses from MTW. More recently, we had Dr. Jen Bigelow, family practitioner from Indiana, who served with her family from August 2012 - August 2014. We have a Belizean chaplain at the clinic, opening every morning with a devotional time and prayer for waiting patients. Christian films are also shown on the TV in the waiting area.
The clinic has seen more than 12,000 patients over the past several years. Many visiting specialists have served at the clinic, along with dentists who serve in the dental clinic. The clinic has been a blessing to many and a witness of the Great Physician, our Lord Jesus, is given to each patient as many ask for prayer for their needs. Many have come to faith in Christ and one mission church was started by a group of these patients in the village of Caledonia several years ago.