Healed Ghanaian Man Gains New Identity--Emmanuel--God with Us

December 25, 2013

Healed Ghanaian Man Gains New Identity--Emmanuel--God with Us

December 25, 2013

Sheila Leech dresses the wound on Emmanuel's foot.

(Dec. 25, 2013 - edited by Ruth Pike) Emmanuel wasn't always called Emmanuel. His name today reflects a change that has come about in his life. Emmanuel means "God with us." He didn't always know or acknowledge that God was with him.

Emmanuel-or Tome as he was previously known-lives in a small village in New Bakpa in Ghana's Volta region. For many years he suffered from lymphatic filariasis, a tropical disease more commonly known as elephantiasis. The illness is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying parasites that cause abnormal enlargement of body parts, resulting in pain and severe disability.

Emmanuel's leg was swollen and the skin had broken down, forming a large ulcerated area covering the bottom third of his leg. He believed that his suffering was caused by evil spirits. His family had abandoned him and his wife had divorced him, blaming his condition on his worship of idols.

In June a team of HCJB Global summer interns and medical professionals joined with staff members from Ghana-based partner Theovision International and traveled to the country's Volta region. That's where they first met Emmanuel, standing in the hot sun, waiting to be seen by doctors. Sheila Leech, HCJB Global's vice president of international healthcare and a registered nurse, decided to clean his leg.

"I saw that his lower leg was covered with filthy rags so I decided to clean it up to make it easier for the doctors to see what the problem was," she said.

Cleaning Emmanuel's ulcerated foot.

"As I took the rags away, my heart sank at the sight of what looked to be a huge necrotic sore on Emmanuel's leg and foot. Necrosis usually needs to be surgically removed and I was fearful that Emmanuel would lose his foot."

However, as she gently cleaned the wound, she realized that the black appearance had to do with local remedies and leaves that had been applied. "There was a huge sore there, but maybe this leg could be saved," Leech thought.

As doctors attended to him, Emmanuel shared his story with them. "Abandoned by family and friends because of the ugly malodorous leg that afflicted him, he literally had nobody to take him to the hospital and nobody to help pay his bills," she explained.

Emmanuel was quoted as saying, "I inherited idols from my fathers. After years of practice I realized that my leg was swelling up. There was nobody to take me to the hospital because my immediate family had abandoned me due to my idol worship." Emmanuel was now living with a friend who also worshiped idols.

Two of the staff members from Theovision accompanied Emmanuel to the local hospital where he was given a clean dressing for his leg. However, Emmanuel would need further hospital visits for his dressing to be changed.

"Thankfully, the Theovision Bible-listening club was able to continue supporting him with the help of HCJB Global donors who covered the costs of dressing changes and his bus fare to the hospital each week.

Emmanuel's whole demeanor changes after experiencing healing in his foot and soul.

Four months later, HCJB Global missionary doctors Mark and Laurie Nelson and engineer Adeline McCartney were able to do a follow-up visit. They were astonished to find a man radiant and praising God. It was Emmanuel. His leg was healed, and through receiving love and kindness from members of the Bible-listening club, he had listened to the Word of God and committed his life to Christ.

"Now the elephantiasis-the disease that he thought was caused by evil spirits and threatened to consume him-had been conquered," said McCartney. "And through this united witness he has given his life to Christ, and he has been baptized with a new name, Emmanuel."

Emmanuel is now attending a Bible-listening club and services at New Bakpa Baptist Church, but McCartney stressed the need for people to continue praying that he "wouldn't be tempted to return to idol worship and that he'd be a witness to his idol-worshiping friend."

"Emmanuel is a testimony to Jesus' saving and healing power," said Leech. "Emmanuel. God with us? Yes, all the time; not just at Christmas!"

Sources: HCJB Global, Theovision International, World Health Organization

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
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Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.