Mission Reports (scroll down)

Dr. Jacob and Celeste Caraotta led a chiropractic and eyeglasses outreach in Costa Rica, working with a team of four doctors, support staff, and volunteers from abroad. Pastor Luis organized the first three outreaches, which were organized, busy and productive. He provided translators, exercise personnel and intentional prayer teams focused on praying with patients for salvation. Before the outreaches the pastors and church people went door to door through the neighborhoods passing out flyers to advertise the event.

A Costa Rican doctor joined our team at one location, and a physical therapist stepped in at another, expanding our ability to serve. Over 500 patients received care during the first three outreaches, and 167 people made decisions for Christ. Pastor Luis brought his church team to mentor other congregations and equip them to lead future efforts. He asked the team to consider an expanded outreach next year in Cabagra to reach the Bribri tribe.

The team had a day off mid-week to do some touristy activities. Some went on a tour in the wilderness area to see waterfalls and indigenous animals, while others enjoyed beach activities and snorkeling.

The last two outreaches were organized by Pastor Roberto and Marie Liz in La Carpio, serving Nicaraguan refugees at a church led by missionary pastors from Christ for the City. Every patient received prayer by one of the pastors or church leaders. Pastor Roberto and Marie Liz have identified an even more impoverished Nicaraguan refugee community as an additional location for next year’s outreach.

In total, 740 patients received care, and 719 pairs of eyeglasses were distributed. Encouraging reports continue to come in from pastors at various locations. One shared that several women returned to his church for a women’s program. Another reported that a patient who received prayer went through a medical procedure with minimal discomfort. An eleven-year-old boy was overjoyed to see the mountains for the first time after receiving glasses, and another individual who was legally blind could read. The doctors treated a range of conditions stemming from motorcycle injuries, heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and chronic and degenerative issues.

March 2025 Piedras Negras, Mexico

The 21st annual mission trip to Piedras Negras, Mexico, led by Drs. James and Terri Coats, sponsored by the Rotary Club, was impactful. Eleven doctors and eight support staff provided medical care, and several team members prayed with individuals. A 42-year-old man with left knee pain reportedly sought medical care previously and was told there was nothing wrong. Upon examination, he was found to have an untreated four-month-old fracture-dislocation of his left knee. The patient was educated on the limitations of supportive treatment and given exercises to perform at home. During this interaction, he prayed to accept Christ. A 56-year-old woman, who had been in an auto accident two weeks earlier while crossing the border, presented with moderate neck and lower back pain. She reported a history of prior low back surgery and expressed fear of chiropractic treatment. After receiving care and experiencing significant relief, she shared that she was under a lot of stress and had many fears, especially of men. Without probing, a local Christian believer was invited to the exam table and told her about a church with a women’s Bible study, which she plans to attend.

A translator who was misled by Universalism demonstrated compassionate care while using a handheld massager on a patient. The woman, deeply moved by this kindness, later prayed with another team member to receive Christ in the exercise station. Remarkably, the Lord used a non-Christian support staff member to open the patient’s heart to the Gospel.

A woman in her forties limped to the exam table after suffering an injury from a fall the previous week. After receiving treatment, she was able to ambulate normally. With tears in her eyes, she shared that before arriving, she prayed for healing by the medical team and believed that God led her there. She was given a copy of God, the Final Frontier, along with a Spanish Bible, and she requested additional books for her mother. Two translators assisting her were deeply moved by her faith and asked for the same books.

The plan of salvation in Spanish was printed on the back of the exercise sheets and given to everyone at the exercise station, facilitated by Celeste. She worked alongside a Buddhist volunteer in exercise and shared with her the Christian belief that Jesus is the only way to heaven. High School and Middle School students assisted in exercise, and Celeste shares, “It was a joy being able to teach the students how to do exercises and see the two students pray to receive Christ.” A total of 1,257 patients received care, many were prayed for, and 8–10 individuals came to faith in Christ.

Several Christian team members shared their faith and built meaningful connections with the non-Christian staff. This mission trip reaffirms that when believers intentionally engage in humanitarian outreach, they can make a lasting impact for Christ. As Scripture teaches, whatever one does—whether providing food, medical care, or compassion—for those in need, they do it unto the Lord (Matt. 25:40).

November 2024 Thailand

The medical mission trip to Thailand, led by Dr. Adam and Rhonda Reed, was incredibly productive. The team of nine held five clinics in different locations, serving individuals from several ethnic groups, including the Burmese, Hmong, Filipino, Lao, and Thai. Many patients presented with neck, back, trigger fingers, and upper and lower extremity disorders, which responded remarkably well to treatment.

The nursing station was busy with evaluations, draining abscesses and removing old stitches. An advanced goiter was identified, along with several unusual skin conditions. A Filipino doctor assisted in one of the clinics, offering his expertise on endemic conditions and was instrumental when a refugee presented with leprosy. It is illegal for medical providers in Thailand to treat refugees. The eyeglasses team faced a unique challenge when they discovered they didn’t have a reading chart in the Burmese language. Thankfully, the pastor found two Burmese Bibles, which were creatively used as reading charts. The government did not allow the team to bring medication into the country, however, we had OTC medication bought locally which was helpful in the impoverished areas.

The team was allowed to see patients in a government building in which 168 patients were seen and 138 individuals trusted Christ as savior. The host church is planning on planting a church in that area. The churches were trained in evangelism prior to the team arriving and the pastors and prayer teams were intentional. Many were hungry for the truth. Numerous individuals wore miniature Buddhas around their necks, and there were shrines on the street to offer sacrifices to gods. Many never heard of Jesus, but when presented with the gospel, more than half of them put their trust in Christ. The team saw 601 patients and there were 358 decisions for Christ! During the free time we had a chance to go to the city market, tour the area, and ride elephants!

August 2024 Crow Nation, Montana

The Chiropractic outreach in Crow Nation Montana (during Crow Fair) led by Dr. Will Neff, Dr. Tom, and Rachel Baur went well. The CCA has supported this festival for over thirty years in which Native Americans from all over the USA and Canada attend. Seven Chiropractic Physicians were assessing and treating patients. The support staff of ten taught exercises and formed the prayer team. The doctors rotated between serving at the rodeo, church, and arbor, treating chronic problems and acute injuries from rodeo casualties, and over 1,000 patients were seen in three days.

A couple of the support staff dressed as clowns made balloon animals for the children and did a puppet show with a salvation message. Dr. Jack Foughty rented a pickup truck, decorated it with posters advertising the “Free Chiropractic” event, and drove it in the parade, with staff throwing candy to the children. The Crow people have embraced the CCA doctors and “adopted” some into their tribe.

Many of the Native Americans practice syncretism, blending Christianity with Indian religion, and feel that abandoning their Indian religion is abandoning their heritage. In spite of this hurdle for sharing Christ, over 300 Bibles and Christian literature were distributed, many doctors prayed with patients, and there were several decisions for Christ. 

July 2024 Guatemala

The Medical mission trip led by Rick and Jen Lalli with CPI was a huge blessing. Rick led the devotions in the mornings, and there was debriefing at night. Twenty-five people from the US served, including physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists, and pharmacists. The team was joined by Guatemalan professionals and support staff. 842 patients were seen in three and a half days, and everyone had a one-on-one presentation of the gospel. There were 58 decisions for Christ.

The physical medicine department saw several post-surgical cases needing rehabilitation. One lady who had ankle surgery walked at a 45-degree angle with a walker.  After intensive muscular work and exercises over the course of two days, she was able to walk upright with minimal assistance. She and her daughter came to church on Sunday, and during the worship songs, she stood erect and lifted both hands in praise (viewed in the picture above).

A two-year-old boy with microcephaly was barely walking. A Guatemalan physical therapist that Dr. Butler led to the Lord on a former CPI trip worked with the boy for two days. At the end of the second day, he was able to walk all around the clinic when held by the back of his shirt.  

We were blessed to have an ophthalmologist and optometrist serve alongside the eyeglasses personnel to identify and treat more intricate eye problems. There was a minor surgery performed on a man who had an old infected gunshot wound.  On the last day of the clinic, the mayor and his wife brought us lunch. On the free day, some rode ATVs, walked to the historic cross, went to the jade factory, or made chocolate.

June 2024 Ensenada Mexico

The medical mission outreach in Ensenada, Mexico, was met with some challenges, but God had a plan! The event had limited promotion before we arrived, but the leadership and the girls of a foster home we served in assisted by canvassing the area with flyers at the last minute, and this was a game changer. Two outreaches turned into five, and each location was productive!

Some of the girls assisted with set-up, eyeglasses, face painting, and praying through translation. There were several decisions for Christ. When the gospel was presented to a kickboxer from Chili, he said, “This is what I was looking for.” After Dr. Bud treated a man for a back problem, he prayed with him for a family issue, and the patient made a decision for Christ. Another girl who was angry with God had a tear come down her cheek as she prayed to receive Christ.

One man had a recent knee replacement in which therapy was not helping. After treatment, he was able to ambulate more freely with minimal pain. A house call was made to a man who was in a major car accident in which four individuals died. After looking at the x-ray of the post-surgical femur, though it was painful, we got him weight-bearing and admonished he needed to get out of bed and exercise. As Claudia prayed with him for healing, he teared up.

New contacts were made for future outreaches with YWAM and a Korean church. Dr. Bud and Claudia arranged a boat ride for the team and the girls at the foster home. Many of the girls had not been on a boat, so there was a lot of fun and smiles. Before we left the girl’s home, many hugs were given, and a few tears were shed by the close relationships developed.

April 2024 Costa Rica

The Costa Rican team of eight, consisting of three doctors, eyeglasses personnel, and support staff including a ten-year-old boy, served diligently in five busy locations in the San Jose region. Local dental students joined us to conduct dental evaluations at one location.

The team treated various musculoskeletal disorders. There was a motorcycle accident victim who presented with a seven-year injury in which he could not lie prone. Two doctors worked on him, and afterward, he was able to lie prone and ambulate with minimal pain. At another outreach, an individual limped with a significant leg length discrepancy. After he was treated, he stood up and jumped up and down on both feet as one would cheer at a football game. 

When one woman was fitted for eyeglasses, her husband, who was translating, shouted, “It is a Miracle.” She had been wearing prescription glasses for over a year that were not working, and she could now read fine print. Another lady who received a pair of reading glasses said she was not able to read for 5 years and began crying.

The team provided medical assistance to 135 Nicaraguan refugees in a church run by Christ for the City missionaries. Later we toured a community center for the refugees bordering a garbage dump and learned of the forgotten “downstairs refugees” in which no groups are assisting. We learned of an aquaponics project they are praying about that will cost 50K to grow plants that could feed 1000 families per month. 

Several life-changing testimonies were heard, including reports of a marriage being restored at one of the outreaches. At a different outreach, the pastor said he had been there for 40 years but never reached out to the community. He caught the vision and is planning on doing more outreaches. 

The team had a day off, during which we hiked in the rainforest at La Fortuna with a tour guide, seeing various wildlife animals, waterfalls, and volcanos. We also walked on wire suspension bridges over lush valleys and were rewarded with hot spring pools at the end. 

Overall, 537 eyeglasses were given, along with an estimated 580 Chiropractic treatments. There were many moving parts and unpredictables, yet the camaraderie and flow were exceptional! Prayer teams were intentional at all sites where our bilingual staff member assisted, and there were many decisions for Christ. 

Thank you for your unwavering prayer support! The outreaches were not negatively affected despite the flight delays, rental car breakdown, and several traffic jams. The team flowed with the waves and was ready “in season and out of season.” Everyone shared a few words at churches and prepared a devotion for the team. We saw the Lord’s protection, blessings, and hand in many ways. 

March 2024 Piedras Negras Mexico

Doctors James and Terri Coats led the trip to Piedras Negras, Mexico, marking the twentieth anniversary of the outreach, which originated through a trial in the Coat’s life. Over two decades ago, their daughter Janeice had a physical ailment, and the Coats consulted a physician in Mexico for treatment. The doctor suggested that since he and the Coats were Rotarians, they should do a medical outreach for the people in Piedras Negras. Hence, the Rotary clubs of Arkansas and Piedras Negras, Mexico, have been joining forces for the last twenty years. This outreach has gained the attention of the mayor, who frequently attends the event, and the media. Restaurants rally around the event and provide free meals to the team. This year, 14 doctors, one student doctor, and 11 support staff served 1500 people in two and a half days.

This is a humanitarian outreach. However, prayer was before meals and at the start of the outreach. Some Christians passed out literature and prayed with people for salvation. Spanish Christian music was playing in one room. One man had a significant leg length discrepancy and was walking antalgic. He returned the following day, and the gospel was shared with him. He could not read but was shown how to access a Bible app that read for him.

A 72-year-old lady who could not ambulate was prayed for, and she and her daughter prayed to receive Christ. A man who ambulated slowly with a cane presented for treatment for three days. On the second day, he was prayed for, and on the third day, he was prancing around the room, “showing off” how quickly he could walk. He prayed to receive Christ.

There was a lady who came in with her 7-year-old son, who was injured in a gang fight. He had groin and knee pain, and his mom had TMJ syndrome. Celeste prayed for protection for the family. The next day, she returned, and after receiving treatment, she prayed to receive Christ. Yes, Christians can share the gospel on humanitarian outreaches if they are intentional, discreet, and respectful of the leadership.

February 2024 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Dr. Brad and Kim Zisch led five doctors and support staff in six medical outreaches around Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. A last-minute change led to the team treating fishermen in a village where chiropractic tables were set up under palm trees. With no formal prayer team, bilingual locals helped translate and pray. One translator assisted five individuals in praying to receive Christ—then prayed to receive Christ himself after admitting he was not yet a believer.

Another outreach was held at a multi-million-dollar sports complex built beside a dump to serve the poor. Tom, the Canadian builder, said he does not believe in God but observed the doctors caring for patients and the prayer team in action. Please pray for Tom’s heart to be opened.

Additional outreaches included the Salvation Army, two local churches, and a hotel staff outreach where the team was staying. Celeste fit eyeglasses for several children who struggled to read the board at school and heard one man say, “I forgot how colorful things are.” The support staff fit individuals with 419 pairs of glasses. Over 600 patients were treated. Pastor Ric, the church planter coordinating the events, was grateful. The team was on target with taking care of individuals physical needs, which opened them up to receiving the gospel message.

January 2024 Peten Jungle Hospital Shalom

Dr. Jacob and Celeste Caraotta traveled from Guatemala City to Hospital Shalom in the Peten Jungle with a CCA team of six doctors and a large support staff. Patients were seen at the hospital and two village clinics in areas without addresses. Their physical needs were great, and when treated, this opened many individuals spiritually. I had the occasion to pray with a 23-year-old man who felt something different when he entered the room. I explained to him what that was and he put his faith in Christ. A Guatemalan pastor prayed with 45 individuals at one outreach and was in tears when he later shared it with the team. There was much bonding amongst team members. We shared meals together and had a free day to tour the Mayan ruins in Tikal.

October 2023 Caribe / Cabo San Lucas

The Cabo / Caribe outreach led by Dr. Michael Budincich and Claudia was attended by Dr. William, Mary, and Adam Bucur, Pastor Mark and Gail Caplinger, along with Celeste and I. In spite of the hurricane threat, rain, vehicle problem, ailment of one of the team members, and logistical detail on the first outreach, much ministry took place. There were five outreaches in four different locations in which Chiropractic and eyeglasses were provided. On the first outreach there was a food distribution to one room houses in Caribe with no plumbing and dirt floors. 

Pastor Mark was key in the prayer ministry that took place. Before starting one event, he preached a 10-minute salvation message which was well received. Several individuals prayed to receive Christ with him after they received chiropractic care. Their names were recorded and given to the pastor.

Nine-year-old Adam Bucur came with the expectation of teaching the children how to play soccer. He played with several children in two outreaches and left two soccer balls with them. Mary prayed with several individuals, Gail helped in prayer and eyeglasses with Celeste and Claudia. At one outreach there was a lack of bilingual individuals and the staff had to switch gears to meet the needs of the people. Christian literature was passed out, and at two events Tamales were provided along with a clothing distribution.  

August 2023 Crow Nation Montana

The mission outreach to the Crow Tribe, led by Dr. Will Neff, was a great success. Over three days, seven doctors treated 1,054 patients—a record number—with many coming to Christ.

Some doctors treated acute injuries at the rodeo, where participants often face serious trauma. Dr. Foughty brought five church members who served as the exercise and prayer team and helped promote the outreach in a parade, tossing candy to children. The doctors’ wives played key roles: Claudia did face painting, Celeste assisted in prayer and exercises, and Rachel managed logistics. The unity among the team was strong, and Dr. Neff said it was the best outreach he had experienced.

During free time, the team toured Custer’s Last Stand and watched the rodeo, where a patient who accepted Christ last year won the Indian relay race. On the final night, the team dined with tribal members, enjoying grilled salmon and buffalo burgers from a recent hunt.

July 2023 Belize

The medical mission team of 30 in Orange Walk, Belize, led by Rick and Jen Lalli, was very successful. The team included physicians, nurses, ophthalmologists, eyeglass providers, pharmacists, and a physical medicine department comprised of chiropractic physicians, a non-surgical orthopedist, physical therapists, and trained exercise personnel. The physical medicine department treated chronic conditions, helping several individuals regain the ability or walk. Celeste served in eyeglasses, and many patients were thrilled to see clearly, including an 8-year-old girl who could now read the board at school.

Ophthalmologists Drs. Bill and Bob Helwig addressed more serious eye issues, and Dr. Erin performed a minor surgery. Despite spiritual warfare—delayed flights, transportation issues due to a broken church van, power outages, lost hotel reservations, and temporary water outages—the ministry was effective. Over four days, the team saw 681 patients and witnessed 167 decisions for Christ, including a nurse serving with the team with no Christian background who came to faith. On the free day, the team went snorkeling, enjoying God’s creation beneath the sea.

May 2023 Hospital Shalom Peten Jungle Guatemala

The medical mission in the Peten Jungle went well. Hospital Shalom, known for its excellence and for being Christian, built a small clinic to service a Mayan population in a village two hours from the hospital and offers health care at a fraction of the cost. Once the staff gains the trust of the village leaders, they present the gospel and have seen villages come to the Lord. When seeing patients in the village, English was translated to Spanish, and then into K’iche to lead patients to Christ. The physical medicine and eyeglasses outreach drew more men to the clinic. A public health official who was leery of treatment was treated, extremely pleased when he received chiropractic care, and had his grandson jump up on our table. This is significant since he regulates the health care in the community and sends people to Shalom.

When serving at the main hospital, an announcement 8 hour prior resulted in several patients lining up before 5am, and security had to send some people away. The founder of the Hospital along with several board members served as support staff in translating and teaching exercises. This was a pioneering trip led by Dr. Jim Powell, D.C., a board member at Shalom. After evidencing the effectiveness, and seeing the potential for evangelism, a larger outreach is planned for January 2024

April 2023 Costa Rica

Many blessings were seen on the Costa Rica mission trip with Dr. Bryan Lo, Dr. Jacob, and Celeste Caraotta. Before the outreach, we prayed against spiritual warfare—unaware that Nehemias, our coordinator and driver, would face a family emergency and be unable to join us. Within an hour, two canceled outreaches were replaced, and transportation was arranged—just the first of many miracles.

At Pastor Luiz’s church, which usually averages 35 attendees, 120 came for a lively worship service and outreach. Ten people prayed to receive Christ, and a former youth pastor rededicated his life to Christ.

At Pastor Roberto’s church, Nicaraguan refugees were bused in. University dentists provided care, and 50 people accepted Christ through the efforts of a newly trained prayer team. The pastor and staff asked when we would return.

At Pastor Alvaro’s church and school, many staff, pastors, and locals were treated. Originally scheduled for one day, the outreach was extended to three. This allowed treatment of individuals with chronic pain over multiple visits, resulting in notable improvements. Over 500 people received chiropractic care, and 409 eyeglasses were distributed. We give God the glory for every healing, salvation, and divine appointment!

March 2023 Cabo San Lucas

On the first day, an unintentional scheduling conflict resulted in two outreaches being planned at the same time. The Lord used this “accident.” The doctors divided, and at one outreach, twenty people came to the Lord.

While praying in a parking lot before departing for an outreach, a bilingual Christian family noticed us and asked what we were doing. They followed us to the outreach and provided much-needed translation help that day.

At a new site, a pastor prayed with several individuals; two accepted Christ and will receive follow-up home visits. Others expressed a desire to grow in their faith and will join a discipleship program. Another patient shared his background in addiction counseling and a call to ministry. He was connected with missionary Brian and Pastor Marcos.

Doctors and staff shared knowledge on mission strategies, chiropractic techniques, nutrition, and logistics. A generous donation allowed distribution of God the Final Frontier to several key individuals. At the final outreach, Louis, a familiar face from past years, brought his girlfriend, Marina. Pastor Raoul and Karen prayed with them showing the importance of having repeated outreaches in the same area. Ongoing presence in Cabo continues to plant seeds and reveal lasting transformation.

March 2023 Piedras Negras Mexico

The Chiropractic mission trip led by Drs. James and Terri Coats to Piedras Negras, Mexico, sponsored by the Rotary Club had an evangelistic presence. Over three days, six doctors treated 1,000 patients.  The leaders initiated prayer before meals and outreaches, and Spanish Christian music played throughout the event.

The Lord provided three Christian translators who assisted with exercises and prayed with patients. Several individuals prayed to receive Christ. A Mormon couple accepted the Lord after learning the doctrinal differences; the wife said she felt peace after praying, and was told that Jesus gives peace. One translator asked to bring a church team next year to pray and teach exercises—Dr. Terri Coats welcomed the idea.

The medical director from the health department observed patients being treated, received chiropractic care himself, and he expressed interest in future collaboration. Contact information was exchanged.

January 2023 Caribe / Cabo San Lucas

The chiropractic and eyeglass outreaches successfully saw over 400 patients in five locations. Two of these sites were combined church and feeding centers where children and parents were treated and prayed for before meals were served. At another location, the doctors worked under tents in a park alongside a clothing distribution effort.

A man in his fifties arrived walking slowly with a cane due to chronic back and knee pain. Dr. Chuck Vallee treated him, the pastor prayed, and the Lord intervened. The man walked away briskly and upright, without assistance.

A chiropractor from Mexico City came for treatment and observed the U.S. doctors. His training had been significantly abbreviated compared to U.S. standards. The doctors received him warmly, answered his questions, and before he left, he prayed to receive Christ with two of the team members.

Despite spiritual warfare—including customs detaining equipment and last-minute team cancellations—the Lord prevailed.

January 2023 Guatemala

The Guatemalan outreach was very successful. A team of 20 saw about 854 patients in three and a half days. There were 108 salvations, and all the patients had a clear one on one presentation of the gospel.
Santos presented to the clinic with a walker and x-rays showing a hip replacement. He did not think that he would be able to walk normal again. After treatment and prayer, he was able to walk without his walker, and he prayed to accept the Lord. His sons could not believe it, and reported to the clinic to see what was happening. Both of his sons, in their twenties, also prayed to receive the Lord. After three days of treating Santos, he could ambulate quickly, and was not in any pain. To God be the glory.
There was a lady in a wheel chair who was not walking for 14 months. Dr. Kyle and another doctor worked with her for three days, and taught her granddaughter how to assist her at home.  She was able to walk slowly with the assistance of a cane, and her back and hip pain was greatly reduced.
After obtaining glasses, one lady cried because she was unable to work for 6 months because of her eyesight. She knitted for a living. Several minor surgeries were performed. A local doctor who had 10,000 followers on Tik Toc advertised the event and people came from over 2 hours away. 
Several students participated in the outreach, and there was a lot of mentoring by the physicians and nurses, eyeglass, and pharmacy departments. The pastors were encouraged, several salvations were evidenced, and team members were drawn closer to the Lord.
Thank you for Praying!!!