Clinic of Hope
// Rachel DeTellis
Medical care has always been an important part of what New Missions provides in the communities we serve—because it is a vessel for sharing the Gospel.
In the beginning, the clinic was a table under coconut trees. There were no other clinics and no moped taxis to transport folks. Often, missionaries were called at all hours to help delivery a baby or for an emergency. Those “midnight calls” are rare now due to midwives. The midwives are New Missions graduates who are already skilled nurses, and have received extra training in midwifery. They are now helping in their communities with both deliveries and emergencies.
Most of our clinic medications are purchased wholesale in Haiti and then bagged or bottled as prescribed.
Today, we have two clinics in Haiti: the Hope Medical Center in the mountains of Tom Gateau, and the Clinic of Hope in the Bire community—serving our students and families throughout the Leogane Plain. They are staffed by Haitians, including Marie Chantale Philipe, a New Missions graduate, who is the director. Infants and women are cared for through our clinic programs. Consultations and medications are given and lab work is performed when needed.
Marie Chantale Philipe (left), and Claudine Abellard (right), provide education and leadership at the Clinic of Hope.
Community health trainers, clinic staff, and Rachel DeTellis are in front of the Clinic of Hope in Bire.
Nurse Claudine Abellard says she always reminds patients that the medicine can make them well…but only God can save and heal them forever. We hope to partner with eye and dental teams to also meet these crucial needs. God is at work healing and giving hope! ~Rachel DeTellis
