Testimonials

I've served on the Acuña mission trip for 17 years, alongside my husband, Hector. After the first couple of years, the two of us took over managing the trips — and two years ago, when our church could no longer sponsor them, with the help of my husband, Hector, and some close friends, I started Humbly We Serve 513 so the work wouldn't stop.

I'm not a doctor or a dentist, and I'm not bilingual. What I have is a calling to serve people who have far less than we do. During a clinic I run our patient management — walking each person from the doctor, to the dentist, to the pharmacy — and between trips I look after the volunteers and the day-to-day. We go back to Acuña several times a year for a simple reason: without us, many of these families would never see a doctor or a dentist at all. We meet people who haven't eaten in days, who barely have a roof over their heads.

Every trip is different, but the moment I hold onto is always the same — someone walks in hurting and leaves smiling. One elderly woman had never seen a dentist in her life and was terrified. When she left, she was beaming. She told us that when she arrived she had no hope, and now she does.

The volunteers we serve with — here and in Acuña — have become family. I can't imagine my life without this mission, and I'm grateful that Hector and I — and our kids, who've grown up on these trips — get to share it.

After retiring from an active dental practice of 27 years and moving to Texas, I was not sure how the Lord would use my dental skills. A nurse practitioner in my church's small group introduced me to a group that sponsors a mission trip to Acuña, Mexico three times a year. I contacted the team leader and inquired about joining the mission team. That was several years ago. Now I am able to serve as the dental director of Humbly We Serve 513.

Humbly We Serve has greatly expanded the services offered on its mission trips by adding three portable dental chairs, a pressure pot sterilization system, an ultrasonic instrument cleaner, and most recently a portable dental delivery unit. The addition of this equipment has made it possible to expand the number of dental providers (dentists and hygienists). It also allows the dental team to offer cleanings, fillings, and extraction of non-restorable teeth.

Partnering with Humbly We Serve is such a pleasure, because the team does more than meet the medical and dental needs of a neighborhood in Acuña. We join with Primera Iglesia Bautista de Acuña in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The medicines that are dispensed will run out, the restorations done may fail, but if our patients become Christ-followers, their lives have been changed for eternity.

I am so grateful for the opportunity of ministering with Humbly We Serve 513.

There are so many wonderful things to say about the Acuña Mission, now known as Humbly We Serve 513. Having participated in mission work since I was very young, I can truly say that at 77 years old, this is the very best mission I have ever been a part of. My love for the people of Acuña runs deep, and I feel blessed to attend all three mission trips every year.

As a native of Chihuahua, Mexico, who came to the U.S. in 1974 to attend the University of Texas at El Paso, I deeply understand the spiritual, physical, and medical needs of the people there. I have been a member of HCBC for nearly 40 years and have gone on various international missions, but the Acuña mission holds a special place in my heart. When HCBC stopped sponsoring it, it was a major shock. However, a miracle happened when the Valenzuela family stepped in to continue this vital work through Humbly We Serve 513.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible leadership and staff:

• Deanna Valenzuela (President): an amazing leader with the unique gift and skill to guide volunteers exactly where they need to be.
• Hector Valenzuela (Vice President): an incredible man who loves the Lord and serving Acuña.
• Stacie Collins (Treasurer), Trey Collins (Secretary), and Steven Lin (Director).
• Dr. Michael Blackmon (Lead Doctor) and Dr. Phil Aday (Lead Dentist).

This mission has impacted me in beautiful ways. While we go to help, we ultimately learn so much from the patients. Many of them work for American maquilas providing cheap labor, and they face immense poverty and hardship. This mission has taught me true humility. For many of these patients, we are their only hope to see a doctor and receive free medications, especially for diabetes and high blood pressure. I have built lasting friendships with both the volunteers and the patients. I even text several patients to let them know where we will be stationed next, as we always move to the areas of greatest need.

One of my most profound memories from my early trips involved a woman who was a victim of domestic abuse. A fellow volunteer asked for my help to translate and comfort her. Though I felt underprepared, the Lord gave me the words to share His love. After reading Romans 10 to her, she accepted Christ as her savior. I still pray for her safety and the safety of her three children today.

Thank you, Deanna and Hector, for everything you have done for so many years. God truly honors your efforts, and I am so grateful to serve alongside you.