New Center at Hospital in Colombia Provides Spiritual and Emotional Support to Patients

The initiative, supported by the Adventist Church, combines medical care with spiritual wellness at a private hospital.

January 9, 2024 | Medellín, Antioquia | Cristin Serrano, UCN, and IAD News Staff

A newly launched center is providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families at a private hospital in Bucaramanga, Colombia, thanks to the efforts of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the region. Inaugurated at the Hospital Internacional de Colombia, the center was unveiled during a ceremony attended by hospital staff and church leaders. The space features a curated bookshop with titles published by the Inter-American Division Publishing Association (IADPA), a healthy food corner encouraging positive habits, and a section offering other resources and art products for both adults and children.

The center, named Letras de Vida (Letters for Life), serves as a center of influence with support from the East Colombia Conference. Its mission is to promote health through the knowledge of God, marking a significant milestone in hospital care by integrating not only medical treatment but also emotional and spiritual support, according to local church leaders.

Dr. Jonathan Cáceres Prada, a Seventh-day Adventist and the medical director of Hospital Internacional de Colombia, is the visionary behind the initiative. He believes the space will provide comfort to those facing difficult times at the hospital.

A Beacon of Hope for All

The center also offers a unique book-lending service in the form of a bookmobile, delivering books directly to patients’ rooms. With over 100 titles available, the selection covers topics such as personal growth, spirituality, family strengthening, and health. Patients can request books through the center’s official website where they will receive personalized service via an online chat feature.

“With God’s guidance, we begin a new chapter. Letras de Vida is a beacon that will undoubtedly guide many people,” said Dr. Cáceres during the center’s inauguration on December 6, 2024. “Thank you all for being part of this dream turned into reality.”

The center has received strong support from the East Colombia Conference, which coordinates volunteer missionary service both locally and internationally through its School of Missions initiative. As part of this collaboration, the center also provides suicide prevention support and organizes volunteer-driven social initiatives, welcoming participation from the entire hospital community.

Pastor Elie Henry, president of the Inter-American Division, commended both hospital and church leaders for their efforts in addressing the needs of patients, families, visitors, and hospital staff. “We praise God for this special space, which will create opportunities to connect with those who are ailing and in need of healing and hope,” he remarked.

Impact Beyond the Hospital

The opening of Letras de Vida garnered widespread attention in the local media, highlighting the positive impact of the initiative. “Projects like this reinforce the Adventist mission of serving society, bringing hope and well-being beyond church congregations,” church leaders said.

Dr. Cáceres added: “Having the opportunity for books filled with hope to reach those who need them most, providing guidance and direction toward restoration, is a great blessing, and all of this has been made possible by God.”

Faith That Moves Mountains

Dr. Cáceres emphasized how faith has been crucial in the development of this project, recounting key moments when God guided the process. “When we didn’t know how to build the website and time was running out, God sent a marketing expert from Mexico who resolved the challenge with excellence,” he shared. “And when we were uncertain about how to stock the center with various products, God used a young man to offer his resources and expertise. These are just a few examples of how God has brought together lives, knowledge, and resources to make this mission a reality.”

Letras de Vida is expected to not only enhance the quality of life for patients and their families but also to humanize the hospital experience by providing a space for comfort and reflection. The center is open every day of the week, except Saturdays and Sundays.

To learn more about the Letras de Vida center or to order a book for a patient, visit letrasdevida.com.co