{"id":39193,"date":"2026-03-29T18:30:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T23:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationalministries.org\/?p=39193"},"modified":"2026-03-29T18:31:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T23:31:44","slug":"hope-health-and-wholeness-making-a-difference-this-world-health-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internationalministries.org\/hope-health-and-wholeness-making-a-difference-this-world-health-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Hope, Health, and Wholeness: Making a Difference This World Health Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Each year on April 7th, World Health Day invites us to consider the most pressing health issues around the globe. For Christians and the Church, this day can be more than just a moment of awareness. It can be a call to action rooted in God\u2019s mission and the heart of the gospel!<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout Scripture, Jesus heals the sick, restores what is broken, and is in community with those on the margins of society. Caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of others is central to our faith.<\/span><\/p>\n

International Ministries (IM) is committed to this holistic mission, and global servants bring it to life. They embody Christ\u2019s compassion as they address health and wellness needs worldwide. Global servants treat illness, build relationships, empower communities, and proclaim the Good News of Jesus, the ultimate source of healing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Global Servants Prioritizing Health and Well-Being<\/span><\/div>\n

In many parts of the world, access to basic healthcare is limited. Preventable diseases, malnutrition, and lack of health education affect millions. Yet, there is hope. The dedicated work of global servants and international partners is breaking barriers, giving tangible care to those in need.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many IM global servants are medical professionals and provide hands-on training for local healthcare workers. As family doctors, <\/span>Anita and Rick Gutierrez<\/span><\/a> understand the value of teaching basic care. This education helps prevent lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease. They train \u201chealth builders\u201d in South Africa to provide care out in their own rural communities. Similarly, <\/span>David Paraj\u00f3n<\/span><\/a> partners with AMOS Health and Hope in Nicaragua. AMOS works to reduce preventable diseases in rural areas. David supports this ministry by offering medical and public health training.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kristy Engel<\/span><\/a> uses her experience to serve as a global consultant. She leads health teams during crises like natural disasters, wars, and health outbreaks. In each situation, Kristy establishes vital systems that ensure care continues even after she leaves.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), global servants work with hospitals and international partners to provide compassionate care to underserved populations. <\/span>Kathy and Tim Rice<\/span><\/a> work with Vanga Evangelical Hospital. They train Congolese doctors, nurses, and administrators in whole-person care. This empowers them to make the most of their limited resources in the DRC. <\/span>Katherine and Wayne Niles<\/span><\/a> also address health concerns with training. Through partnerships, the Niles provide essential equipment and implement sustainable environmental solutions related to healthcare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann and Bill Clemmer<\/span><\/a> are regional consultants serving in partnership with HEAL Africa and IMA World Health. In Goma, Bill supports healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics, and Ann coordinates programs that provide education and care for orphans and widows.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the island of Hispaniola, <\/span>Kihomi Ngwemi and Nzunga Mabudiga<\/span><\/a> work to increase the health and well-being of Dominicans and Haitians. Nzunga supervises the Cap-Hatian Eye Clinic, and Kihomi works holistically with women and families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond Physical Health<\/span><\/div>\n

Just as physical health is vital to a person\u2019s well-being, emotional health plays an equally important part. Helping others work through trauma is key in the ministries of both <\/span>Mylinda Baits<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Kit Ripley<\/span><\/a>. Kit offers clinical mental health counseling and art therapy for survivors of trauma in Thailand. Mylinda also uses art therapy. She provides opportunities of renewal and healing for leaders and also trains others in restorative arts and creative expression. This extends emotional well-being to communities that may not have access to it otherwise.<\/span><\/p>\n

IM has many other global servants whose ministries focus on health and well-being. As a way to recognize World Health Day, would you take time to learn what God is doing through them?<\/span><\/p>\n