Ottoniel has a one-word answer when others tell him they are Christians: “Amen!” He also has words of praise for the Good News Health Clinic. Ottoniel’s been a clinic regular for many years. He moved to the United States from Guatemala more than 20 years ago. “It’s good here,” the soon-to-be 70-year-old said of the clinic. “It’s fine and they check me very well.”

Ottoniel works for an Indianapolis company that produces plywood for builders. While the job pays enough for him to meet his basic needs, it does not include health insurance. Ottoniel heard about the Good News Health Clinic from a friend. “I come here because my blood pressure is high and for my prostate,” he said. His cholesterol and blood sugar levels also are closely monitored by clinic staff. But Ottoniel would rather talk about his faith than his health.

“I am a Christian and have been going to church for a long time — maybe 15 or 20 years,” he said.” My job at the church is cleaning the church. The bathrooms and everything. That is my ministry.”

Ottoniel loves reading his Bible, especially the stories about Jesus in the New Testament. Scripture, his church and Good News have been sources of encouragement for him. That support has sustained him through the storms of life, including strained relationships with members of his family. “There is somebody there and they pray for me,” he said.

As Ottoniel himself might say, “Amen!”