Seventh-day Adventists recently celebrated half a century of dedicated service and healthcare outreach through the Valle de Angeles Adventist Hospital (HAVA), located in Valle de Angeles, Honduras. The two-day event, held on November 15-16, 2024, brought together former and current staff, administrators, church leaders, and members to reflect on the hospital’s remarkable journey from a humble medical clinic to a cornerstone of healthcare in the region.

“This has been an extraordinary experience to share with our founding pioneers, former collaborators, church officials, and members of the hospital board, all of whom have contributed in one way or another to the success that Valle de Angeles Adventist Hospital enjoys today,” said Reynaldo Canales, administrator of HAVA. “After 50 years, it’s something unexplainable. It’s an honor to be part of this family and to continue the legacy they left us.”

With over 120 employees and 60 physicians, HAVA boasts three operating rooms, radiology, physiotherapy, laboratory, dental, and medical consultation services, as well as long-term care for elderly patients.

A Vision that Transcended Boundaries

Part of the anniversary celebration honored the legacy of the late Robert S. Folkenberg, former president of the Honduras Mission, who envisioned a medical ministry for the region in the early 1970s. After flying over the Valle de Angeles valley, Folkenberg pointed to the location where the hospital would eventually be built, thanks to international donations and the dedication of engineers, medical missionaries, and local church leaders. The clinic officially opened its doors in November 1974.

Folkenberg, who later served as president of the General Conference in the 1990s, was fondly remembered during the celebrations. His son, Robert Folkenberg Jr., president of the Southern New England Conference, recalled his childhood memories of the valley. “I remember running across the pine fields here and seeing the passion and drive that went into getting this hospital built,” said Folkenberg Jr., who traveled from the U.S. to attend the celebration.

Spiritual and Medical Impact

During his message on Sabbath, Folkenberg Jr. shared a message with the congregation, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Elisha, who was surrounded by enemies but remained focused on God’s guidance. “There were many challenges to building this hospital, but fifty years later, we are here, and God’s angels have cared and protected it,” he said. “Just as God has guided us in the past, He will continue to help us face the future.”

For doctors Frank and Janet McNeal, who arrived in Honduras in 1974, as the first medical missionary doctors, the experience had a lasting impact in their lives. Janet McNeal shared her family’s journey and experiences with their two young children.

“If my husband, who passed away, were here, he would be so happy to see how the hospital has grown,” she said. “This dream come true has opened doors to reach people in their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, providing healing over the past 50 years.”

A Legacy of Dedication and Service

For David Velazquez, HAVA’s longest-serving staff member with 38 years of experience in the laboratory department, the hospital holds a special place in his heart. “I remember when the land for the hospital was purchased. It was the first in Honduras to offer physiotherapy and ultrasound imaging,” Velazquez said.

Dr. Floyd Courtney was the first to provide physiotherapy and rehabilitation at HAVA in 1974. “I remember providing preventive medicine to persons who came into the hospital, and we were able to study the Word of God and talk about His plan for our lives,” he said.

Dr. Albert Handal, HAVA’s first Honduran doctor, reflected on his early years at the hospital. “I met my wife, Darlene, here at HAVA. We have now been married for 46 years,” he said. Handal, who later became an OBGYN in the United States, recalled how missionary doctors taught him valuable lessons in both medicine and service.

Zelandia Zambrano traveled from Texas, United States, to take part in the reunion. She served as a nurse at HAVA and remembers the many experiences and many of the delicate cases that the doctors were engaged in. “HAVA was really a light in the community, and it grew the admiration and respect from the community very quickly.”

Matthew Davis has fond memories of his early years in Valle de Angeles, where he traveled to represent his parents, Tom and Pauline Davis, who served at HAVA from 1981 to 1984. “I remember playing soccer and being immersed in this vibrant Adventist community. Seeing the incredible work happening here today fills my heart with joy.”

Growth and Vision for the Future

During the event, church leaders unveiled a new chapel named after the late Robert Folkenberg, which is located adjacent to the hospital’s main entrance. The chapel serves as a lasting symbol of the hospital’s commitment to wholistic care and its spiritual mission, church leaders said.

A special plaque commemorating HAVA’s 50th anniversary was also unveiled.

The road to success has not been without its challenges. Pastor Adan Ramos, president of the Honduras Union and HAVA Board Chairman, spoke about difficult moments, particularly during the late 1980s when the hospital faced financial crises. “There were payroll challenges, and the hospital’s reputation suffered,” he said. “However, after signing an agreement with Loma Linda University’s Adventist Health International and Adventist Healthcare Services Inter-America, things began to turn around.”

HAVA’s CFO, Linda Oliva, shared insights into the financial struggles that have shaped the hospital’s journey. “Managing during a recession and economic crisis has been challenging, but God has helped us, and I am confident He will continue to do so,” Oliva said.

Recently, HAVA opened a new rehabilitation gym, complete with hydrotherapy pools and massage therapy rooms, marking another milestone in the hospital’s ongoing expansion.

Plans for Sustainability and Excellence

Looking ahead, Canales shared plans to expand HAVA’s emergency services, introduce a vegetarian cafeteria that promotes the church’s health message, and build a new 10-story Adventist hospital in Tegucigalpa.

“Our goal is to make Valle de Angeles Hospital the leading healthcare institution at both the community and national levels,” Canales said. “We aim for ISO 7101:2023 and Joint Commission International certification and to be recognized as the best medical service institution in Honduras.”

Canales emphasized that HAVA’s mission is not just about physical health but also about spiritual well-being. “Our primary goal is to serve, heal, and save those who come to our institution,” he said.

Elie Henry, president of the Inter-American Division, praised the faithful service of the hospital’s staff and volunteers. “You have been part of a beautiful institution that has grown and moved forward, showing God’s love while serving the community,” he said. “May God continue to bless your work and guide you as you provide compassionate care.”

Key organizations, including the Inter-American Division, Adventist Health International, AdventHealth, and others, were honored for their contributions to HAVA during an evening dinner program on November 16, 2024.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division website.