A NEWSTART for Miguel

A Silent Killer  

Each year, hundreds of thousands of American deaths include high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often referred to as “the silent killer” because it typically produces no noticeable symptoms until after significant damage has already been done to the cardiovascular system. Because it is often symptomless, almost 20 percent of Americans who have high blood pressure don’t even know they have it.

Meet Miguel. Miguel is a volunteer missionary currently serving as director of an orphanage/school in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia. Recently Miguel visited a doctor in the city of La Paz, Bolivia because he was experiencing some frustrating back pain. During the visit, the doctors discovered that a pinched nerve in his back was causing his discomfort; however, they also noticed something even more insidious. Miguel’s blood pressure was registering in the dangerously high range (174/124). True to its nickname, the “silent killer” hadn’t produced any noticeable symptoms and without the pinched nerve, Miguel would likely have not sought medical attention. What a blessing his back pain turned out to be!

Miguel doesn’t seem like the stereotypical candidate for high blood pressure, yet this is not the first time he has dealt with this issue. And so, we would like to help him find the underlying cause(s) affecting his health.

Miguel has the opportunity to attend the September NEWSTART program on the campus of Weimar Institute. “The NEWSTART Program is a physician-monitored, scientifically-researched lifestyle change program based on eight fundamental principles proven to help you achieve optimum health….This health recovery program is designed to prevent and reverse disease through natural methods.” (www.newstart.com) 

NEWSTART has agreed to give Miguel a $1000 need-based scholarship, but Miguel still must pay the remaining cost of the program by August 27 as well as pay for his travel expenses from Bolivia to California. Please join us in praying that Miguel can find a long-term solution for his high blood pressure and, if you are so inclined, please consider helping Miguel to attend NEWSTART so he can continue to serve in the mission field for years to come.