Public Health the Focus of Graduate-Level Course Taught in Ecuador

April 9, 2010

Public Health the Focus of Graduate-Level Course Taught in Ecuador

April 9, 2010

April 9, 2010

Source: HCJB Global (written by Ralph Kurtenbach)

Weaving together scientific fact, scriptural principles and experience as a physician to Bolivia, Dr. Steven Hawthorne, taught an intensive graduate-level course in Quito, Ecuador. Hawthorne is an adjunct professor with Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill.

About three dozen people from across Ecuador attended the March 15-19 course offered by HCJB Global Hands' community development department. The course focused on the history of public health, its vocabulary and principles of epidemiology-the study of diseases that affect populations. It was the fourth consecutive year Hawthorne has taught a community development course in Quito.

"What made the course especially valuable was its focus on Christian ethics and a biblical view of what public health work should look like," said Maria Slater, a class participant from North Carolina. She is assisting as a working visitor in community development for a few months.

Hawthorne, an SIM International missionary operating a family practice clinic in Bolivia, taught much of the course material through personal stories of diseases and public health problems he has encountered. Earlier this year he taught the course in Thailand.

In Ecuador it was offered in conjunction with the Wheaton College Graduate School and the Universidad Técnico Particular de Loja (Technical University of Loja) in southern Ecuador. Academic credit was available from both universities. Four Ecuadorian professors each contributed a lecture.

One of Hawthorne's texts was the Pan American Health Organization's "Health in the Americas," covering diseases and maladies ranging from those that can be prevented by vaccination to family and societal violence.

Pinpointing public health challenges in Ecuador at times, he also gave a broader picture of Latin America. Teaching his audience how to inform themselves, he referred to various websites that regularly update statistics and information on public health issues.

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.