HOLISTIC CARE IN THE ANDES
The often-disadvantaged Quechua people in Peru find new hope at the Diospi Suyana Hospital. They experience God’s love in a very practical way through their medical care. They hear the good news during devotions and conversations. In this way, the ministry to patients goes far beyond medical treatment. Dr. Daniel Ringli speaks enthusiastically about his ministry.
It is 6 a.m. People who wish to receive treatment at Diospi Suyana Hospital line up at the hospital entrance Monday through Friday. They hope to be selected in the lottery that day for same-day treatment. At 8:30 a.m., all patients and staff gather for a prayer service. Consultations begin at 9 a.m. Usually, about one-third of the people waiting can be treated during the consultation hours.
Outer and Inner Healing
Diospi Suyana Hospital is a place where people receive medical care—regardless of their background or financial situation. Poverty should not be a reason why someone cannot receive medical treatment. In such cases, the remaining costs are covered by the hospital’s charitable fund. Patients receive the latest, globally recommended therapies along with the corresponding affordable medications. In addition, there are various medical professionals—such as physical therapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and orthopedic technicians—who ensure comprehensive care.
But Diospi Suyana stands for so much more than medical treatment. It is a place where God is to be at the center of every moment. The Christian faith is openly practiced at the hospital. This includes morning devotions, in which visitors participate with great sincerity. Through a pastor employed as a chaplain, patients continually find hope in times of grief and pain.
A recent survey of patients shows that, in addition to the physical healing of their ailments, people often experience inner healing through their faith in God.
Like most local residents, this patient works as a farmer. She came to see us because of back pain. By lifting her leg, Daniel Ringli checked whether the pain radiated down to her foot, which, fortunately, was not the case.
Ultrasound and Prayer
My main responsibility is to treat patients during outpatient appointments. Many of them live in modest circumstances and make their living from farming. At Diospi Suyana Hospital, they often feel taken seriously and valued for the first time. Two other doctors and I also share the responsibility for performing ultrasound exams. Painful gallstones, appendicitis, and even cancer are common diagnoses. There’s also a 24/7 emergency room where I work about once a week. The patients’ openness and gratitude never fail to move me deeply. When patients share stories from their daily lives, we pray together, and I feel their trust, my heart fills with enthusiasm for my work.
God's Work
I fondly recall how Benjamin Zeier, who works as a urologist, ran into me one evening. I told him about a patient with unexplained abdominal pain who had been admitted to the inpatient ward for treatment.
Thanks to his advice to examine the kidneys using ultrasound, it was determined that urine was not draining properly. By inserting a urinary catheter that same evening, the urine was able to drain, and the patient’s life was likely saved.
Through this encounter with Benjamin Zeier that evening, God’s work became very tangibly visible to me.
The communal morning prayer invites us to live each day with our focus on God.
Sharing Life
The missionaries’ homes are scattered throughout the city of Curahuasi, allowing us to share life with the Peruvian people.
A year ago, a Christian home group for Peruvians was started, and I participate in it. Currently, we’re going through the AlphaLive course in the home group, sharing our personal concerns, and eating together.
After every home group meeting, I go home feeling strengthened and am amazed at how we can praise God together—despite our different cultures.
The name says it all
In the Quechua language, “Diospi Suyana” means “We trust in God.” He deserves first place.
Through the good news of the Gospel, combined with comprehensive medical care, people experience what is written in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” That is exactly what I get to experience here: people receive medical care, feel valued, find new hope, and encounter God. For this, I am deeply grateful.
Daniel Ringli has been working as a doctor at the “Diospi Suyana” hospital since August 2024. Daniel’s hobbies include playing music and playing Frisbee, which takes place every Monday evening with about 40 participants. He regularly accompanies the morning devotions at the hospital on the piano and is part of a small group of Peruvians, mostly Quechua. Daniel is thrilled that he can combine his profession with missionary work.
Mission Hospital Diospi Suyana
The Diospi Suyana Mission Hospital in Peru was founded in 2002 by Martina and Klaus-Dieter John. The majority of patients speak Quechua as their mother tongue and Spanish as a second language. In the years that followed, a radio and television station with twelve antenna masts, a school currently attended by around 560 pupils, children’s clubs, annual youth festivals and a Christian community centre were established. Diospi Suyana thus offers employment opportunities for people from many different professions, whether in construction, as teachers, IT specialists or medical professionals.
Join us!
We are currently looking for an ophthalmologist and a surgeon or a trauma specialist. Do you know anyone? If so, tell them about this opportunity!
