“Are you going to leave us after you finish building the clinic? Are you with us for the long run?” A village elder asked one of our team members at the early stages of our involvement in the community of Gambade.
They had heard about NGOs that establish projects and programs then abandon them with schemes they cannot manage on their own. They knew the frustration of raising their hopes only to have their dreams left in the dust. What they wanted was dependability and commitment, two things we hold dear.
Experience with our partners, El Shaddai, a holistic community development program in Port-au-Prince, has taught us that contributing to Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Poverty Eradication, require long-term engagement for meaningful impact.
Haitians have lived for many years with poor health and disease, inadequate schooling opportunities, and poverty among rural communities. Furthermore, disruptions by recurrent natural disasters are a constant challenge and create hurdles and roadblocks to realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
The Gambade Medical Clinic Team is responding to the needs of the people of Gambade.
Of immediate concern is the report of deaths due to malnutrition among children, and undernourishment among prenatal clients served by our staff.
A practical interpretation of our Core Value: Christ-centred Healthcare means that like Jesus we will act now and demonstrate God’s faithfulness to the people of Gambade at their point of need.1
God’s Standard of Faithfulness
If it sounds overly ambitious that an organization would have Christlikeness as a core value, our audacity is justified by the appeal of one New Testament writer that Jesus be considered as the standard of faithfulness to God.2 We accept that standard because we are expected to be reliable and trustworthy servants; and our ambassadorial role calls for the highest fidelity to God’s Best.3,4,5
We will be helpful in Gambade and beyond, not because of our resolve, but because God has a reputation for constancy.
Our food program called the Starfish Project will not feed everyone just as Jesus did not eradicate blindness from Israel, but we will make a difference for one village by reaching one child and one mother at a time. We will allow God to speak for Himself through our dedication to our partners in Gambade. Malnutrition brings frustration and despair, with God’s help and your support, will bring hope.
Helping mothers and children
We invite you to share with us in saving lives and improving health the children of Gambade, and their mothers by giving designated donations to Haiti Gambade Clinic Project Fund.
Share The Starfish Project video with your all your friends, family, and contacts through social media; it is our best and we are proud of it. Help us spread the word about the urgent needs in Gambade.
Follow our team updates on YouTube
TAKE ACTION
1. Jesus on several occasions was seemingly interrupted by acute healthcare problems to which He invariably responded without hesitation: Matthew 8:1-4; 8:5-13; 9:1-8;18-26; 9:27-31, John 4:46-54
2. Hebrews 3:1-3
3. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
4. 2 Corinthians 5:20
5. Luke 12:42
All Scripture references are taken from the New International Version (NIV)
Feature image: photo by Raphael
A physician and surgeon in his native Kenya, Peter has a passion for Christ-centred healthcare and has a wealth of experience both hosting and sending short-term mission teams.
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