Asociación Vida
Patzún, Guatemala
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.
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.
About the ministry
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.
