15 April 2004

Two letters to us. One from Haitian Elimonde Francois--the other from John Ackerman.

A Letter from Elimonde Francois:

 I would like to tell you of a very important time in my life.  Back about seven years ago now I began having a cough and was getting weaker and weaker as the weeks passed.  I live in Prospere, Haiti where John Ackerman, a missionary, has had a clinic for many years now.  I am 54 years old and live with my wife, 7 children, and 2 grandchildren. 

 My brother, Pastor Francois, who works with Dr. John at the clinics, brought him to my home one day in August of 1997 to see me because he thought that I was dying.  I really don’t understand everything that happened since that time because I was not even able to walk or speak.  What I do know is that when Dr. John saw and checked me he gave me many pills and a shot then told my sons that they were to get me to the hospital that day or I would certainly die without the constant care a hospital could give.

 I live today to be able to continue to work in the fields, to play with my grandchildren and children, and keep the home my wife and I started more than 34 years ago.  I thank you for this time you have given me through your support of Dr. John.  He takes care of my whole family whenever they get sick.  Thank you for helping him to be here.

--Elimonde Francois

A Letter from John Ackerman:

The way I saw it: Elimonde Francois was the brother of Espasin Francois, the pastor of the Church of God in Prospere.  When I was sent to his home back in August of ‘97 he was sitting on the dirt in front of his mud and wattle house, being held up by his two oldest sons who sat beside him.

 He was barely able to breath, was unable to speak and had a very high fever.  After examining him I concluded that he was suffering from  malaria, tuberculosis, and pneumonia, all at the same time. I treated him for all these problems at that time but frankly didn’t think Elimonde would make it through the weekend if he didn’t receive continuous care.  I told his sons that they MUST get their father to the hospital in Port-au-Prince by the next day or he probably wouldn’t live.

 They did and he did.  He was kept in the hospital for about a month and continued on tuberculosis medication for more than six months after his release. Today he is well, still supporting his family by working as a farmer in the fields of Prospere.

 This is just one of the many times that God has privileged me to be used by Him.  Thank you for allowing me to be here in Haiti as your representative, giving a “cup of cold water” to those who are in need, such as Elimonde Francois.

--John Ackerman