Family and Friends,
Have you ever had so much to say that you were not even sure how to begin? This is one of those moments for me. I am praying that God will give me grace as I enter into a conversation that is utterly earth shattering and life changing… in the most amazing way possible :)
Over the last weeks and even days my plans have been evolving and the Lord is continuously guiding me and I believe that he is going to place me EXACTLY where I need to be. I have been asked by Respire Haiti, a non-profit organization, to start a medical clinic and birth center in the community of Gressier, Haiti. Gressier is a community of approximately 25,000 people with currently no doctor, no nurse, and no midwife to serve the people. Often times the people with HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and even those with simple problems like abscesses and lacerations go untreated. Women die every day in Haiti because no one is with them when they give birth. Thousands of children are orphaned because there is not a skilled health worker who is present when a complication arises. All of these daunting issues that I listed above have a solution. The solution: skilled health care workers living among the community of Gressier.
On March 29th I will fly into Haiti to be a part of the solution. Leaving my job as a well paid registered nurse at St Francis Medical Center and moving to the poorest country in the western hemisphere for no pay is probably crazy. But I cannot think of anything else that I would rather devote my life to. Serving the least of these and to make Jesus’ name known is my heart’s greatest desire.
One of the best parts about this new journey is that it is not one that I can travel alone. I need a ministry team and supporters who will be willing to stand beside me with prayer, finances, and time. I am asking you to pray and consider if the Lord would have you contribute in any way that you feel lead.
There is much more than just a physical poverty in Haiti. It runs much deeper. Respire Haiti needs your prayers so that we can find strength in the Lord each day to get up and fight for justice for the Haitian people. We are praying that as we strive to meet some of the most apparent physical needs that doors will be opened for us to meet the deeper spiritual needs. Prayer warriors are needed to bring our needs before the Lord so that He can continue to break down the strongholds that seem to engulf Haiti.
Financially it looks like it will cost approximately $3,000/month for me to live and run the medical clinic/birth center. This does not include the beginning purchases that I will need to make when I arrive i.e. furniture, house items, etc. If you would like to make a onetime donation towards our ministry or commit to make monthly donations you can donate by one of two ways. Visit Respire Haiti’s website at www.respirehaiti.org and click the tab that says “donate”. Place the amount desired into the “amount” tab and write a note that it is for Jessica Williamson and/or the medical clinic. You can also write a check. All checks can be written to Respire Haiti and mailed to 215 Karen Dr. Lafayette, LA 70503. Donations are tax deductible as Respire Haiti is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
There is also a huge need for medical volunteers (MD’s, nurses, midwives, doulas, pharmacists, dentists, dental hygienists, paramedics) and for medical supplies. If you are interested in donating your time and or/medical supplies to help us provide medical care and child birth assistance in the community of Gressier, please contact me via email at jessicarenaewilliamson@gmail.com.
Looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses us to further His Kingdom in Haiti and to the ends of the earth :) You can follow this journey through my blog: www.nolongertiptoeing.blogspot.com. This blog is where I will consistently post our greatest needs and updates on what we have accomplished. Please, come join me!
