About CHIA

Christian Hands in Action (CHIA) is a Christ-centered nonprofit driven by compassion. CHIA exists to Touch the World with gifted hands through medical care and clean water, and to Change Hearts with the soul-saving message of our Lord Jesus Christ. We offer healing through medicine, hope through clean water, and salvation through the gospel.

We live out this mission by organizing short-term mission trips throughout Central and South America and Africa. On these trips, our teams evangelize while distributing water filters, setting up medical clinics, and providing food support to families in need.

History

CHIA (Christian Hands in Action) was founded in 1981 by Dr. John “Doc” Sherman and his wife, Sue. With backgrounds in the medical field—Sue as a nurse and John as a general medicine doctor—they recognized the urgent need for accessible healthcare just across the Mexican border and felt called to respond.

For more than four decades, their vision has shaped CHIA’s mission to bring physical and spiritual care to communities in need. Dr. John Sherman passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service. Today, Sue Sherman continues to serve on CHIA’s Board of Directors and remains active on mission trips, carrying forward the heart and calling that began this ministry.

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

—Romans 10:13-15