Clinic in container offers free treatment to
community around Riviera UMC

By Cindy Layton
Riviera UMC
The Lord works in many ways to give children of God opportunities to unite in service, and a new clinic at Riviera UMC is a perfect example of that very thing.
Riviera UMC was given an incredible gift not too long ago by Atascocita UMC, Humble. We received a Container Clinic.
That’s an 8-foot-by-40-foot storage container that houses a medical clinic complete with examination rooms, examination tables, a dentist chair and various medical supplies. The container is wired for electricity and will have running water from two sinks.
This gift arrived at Riviera UMC just after Thanksgiving on a flatbed 18-wheeler.
When we realized how large the container was and that it was going to take some muscle to get it into place, we sent out the call through our little community for some help. Before we knew it, eight able-bodied gentlemen were waiting at the church to help with unloading the clinic very carefully and setting it onto railroad ties.
The young man driving the big rig was impressed by all the volunteers that showed up to help with this task. Some of the volunteers were from Riviera UMC, but most were men from the community interested in the clinic project.
Since the clinic was delivered, a permanent slab has been built and paid for with very generous gifts from different community and church-related organizations. The plan is to install the clinic on its permanent site in the next couple of weeks. On that day we will truly have a community celebration as we praise the Lord for bringing the clinic to Riviera UMC.
The clinic opened its doors to the public Jan. 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. The Wesley Nurse from First UMC, Kingsville, was on hand to check blood pressures, do diabetes blood counts and give lots of helpful medical advice. Seventeen people showed up during those two hours for the free services.
People came from all different segments of the Riviera community, and all were thankful for the clinic and what it will mean to the community in the future.
There are no medical doctors or dentists within 15 miles of Riviera. This community will truly be helped by having nurses and, we hope, visiting doctors offering free medical care.
The outpouring of community support and encouragement as this clinic has become a reality has truly been a blessing to all involved. Once again we have seen a glimpse of what the kingdom of God will someday be—every tribe and tongue praising God around the throne without any separation or distinction.