Offering Clinics, Crayons as the Hands of Jesus in Burkina Faso

November 13, 2010

Offering Clinics, Crayons as the Hands of Jesus in Burkina Faso

November 13, 2010

(November 12, 2010 - by Ralph Kurtenbach) In Colorado Springs, Colo., Beth Patton continues the HCJB Global drive to collect 640 crayons from staff members.

At a Colorado ranch, Nate Dell reviews his "tippy tap" instructions on turning a plastic bottle and string into a makeshift "faucet" to suspend from a baobab tree. The crayons will depart with Dell as he travels to the West African country of Burkina Faso.

Dr. Steve Nelson and his wife, Dorothy, are part of the same medical team that leaves Quito, Ecuador, on Sunday, Nov. 14. In his Quito office, Nelson is boning up on malaria. During his trip to Ghana earlier this year he wrote, "Almost every belly I felt had a large spleen, the telltale sign of living in a malaria zone and getting malaria over and over." Children, who are more prone to infections, were experiencing up to some 10 episodes of malaria annually.

These little bared bellies, distended spleens and weakened immunities only begin to reveal the suffering in this region as an even darker picture emerges. HCJB Global Hands nurse Jessica McMillan is bracing to confront an even tougher topic-female genital mutilation. The practice ties into what has been the fabric of traditional African culture, whereas Nelson hones in on a pathogen that is merely biological.

The team's African host, Etienne Kiemde of Radio Evangile Développement (RED), launched a radio campaign to combat this traditional practice. His efforts have sparked a favorable recognition from Burkina Faso's government. "I think there's international pressure [against this practice], so that's probably why the government recognized him (Kiemde) in his program for what he was doing," said McMillan.

"There are many medical complications that happen as a result of the scarring," she added. Complications can include a fistula (hole between an internal organ and the outside world) or infection. McMillan said she wouldn't be surprised if some of the ailments the team finds in Burkina Faso are related to female genital mutilation. She has served as a nurse in Malawi and Ghana.

The team's African partner has arranged a full agenda of medical clinics in villages around the capital, Ouagadougou.

Meanwhile, in Carcelén, Ecuador, Rebecca Weber brainstorms children's activities even as she rocks babies at an orphanage. A 2010 high school graduate in Quito, Weber has dreamed of missions in Africa since childhood. This will be her first trip.

The nine-member team, led by nurse Sheila Leech (vice president of international healthcare), also plans to work at a clinic/orphanage that houses 75 children. It is directed by Joanna Ilboudo, a former manager at RED. Part of the team (those whose visa requests were granted) will also cross the border into Bolgatanga, Ghana. HCJB Global Voice staff member Joseph Kebbie plans to join the team there. Students at the partner's school and radio station will from a medical clinic staged by the physicians and nurses.

Dr. Dora Leon and Dr. Xavier Sánchez are also part of the team. They are residents in the family practice program at HCJB Global's Hospital Vozandes-Quito. Emily Martin, a U.S.-based mission appointee who anticipates future ministry in Ghana, completes the team.

The director of HCJB Global's Sub-Saharan Africa region, Lee Sonius, will oversee the ministries on this medical trip. The children's ministry, however, is integral to the effort, according to Nelson, as "those kids are the ones who are first going to receive an impact regarding spiritual values or biblical principals if they (team members) can present it in a fun way."

With facial antics, songs and activities, Dorothy Nelson has ministered to children around the world on other trips. And between the fingers of hundreds of Burkinabè (people of Burkina Faso) and Ghanaians, those 640 crayons will certainly be a lot of fun!

Source: HCJB Global

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
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

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.