originally written by: Steven Reames
The goal of Genesis is not just to assist people in their time of need. It is to start with the need as a springboard for a relationship that leads to health transformation through an empowerment process.
There are some people who just need temporary health assistance and that is fine. But usually, the people we are helping have been in their desperate circumstance for a long time. The most loving thing we can do to assist them is figuring out why and together coming up with solutions to change that.
This is not an easy task because long-term problems require long-term investment and assistance in people’s lives, with successes and setbacks along the way. But it is well worth it.
We have seen the smiles of people who suddenly have an “AHA!” moment. Recently, we introduced our wellness wheel concept to a patient at the Garden City Community Clinic. As this woman began to see how different aspects of her life affected her health – relationships, recreation, food choices and so on – she sat back in her chair temporarily stunned. “Why didn’t you tell me this four years ago when I first came to the clinic?” It’s the beginning of a new phase for her as she starts on a pathway of holism.
It was about the same time, in 2009, that we began our work in Burangi and the road we’ve travelled – literally and figuratively – is not usually smooth or straight. But once again, we have seen dramatic changes during that time: people with new income opportunities, men whose livelihood is regained through medical treatment, a decrease in cholera related to flooding. The hope is even brighter as the assistance we’ve given them on their access road comes to completion.
Your investment and contributions have made this kind of change possible and we’re glad to have you partner with us in the work.
