Biblically speaking, many people see the number seven as an indication of completion. It was right around this time seven years ago that I began to seriously consider the job I was doing and if that indeed was God’s will for my life. While I know, without a doubt, that I learned a lot from that job that helps me every day in this ministry, I was very clear that it was not the place God wanted me to stay. There were too many moral issues at stake. So, I began my search and prayerful consideration of what God really wanted from me. January 2004 I began a 40 day fasting and prayer specifically directed and focused on discerning God’s will for my life. It was shortly after that God called me take a huge step of faith and quit my job before He would tell me what to do next. I gave a one month notice at my job trusting God to show me what the next step was. Two weeks into that notice, He revealed to me just what He wanted me to do – Healthcare Solutions – A Christian Ministry. I have been serving the elderly and disabled people of the Greater New Orleans area since May 2004 – and even reaching out to neighboring areas on occasion.
Seven years later, I am, once again, sensing God tugging at my heart to step back and consider something new or different. Only this time there are a few improvements to my life situation. I am surrounded by a group of leaders and church family members strong in the Lord who are affording me great wisdom and insight into hearing from God. The support is markedly improved. Also, I am not entering the unknown (at least not yet.) However, I have heard clearly from the Lord that He wants me to consider leaving the Greater New Orleans area. Last weekend I was in the midst of a few days of grasping this concept and was a little emotional about it. As God has opened my eyes to all that He has been showing me for almost a year now, I realize that He has been nudging me towards this for a while.
In the first year of this ministry, God did tell me that I would be doing this in many other places. The sense that I had at the time was that there would be many locations to Healthcare Solutions – A Christian Ministry.
I have met with my one of my pastors and an accountability partner this week. With great encouragement, I am opening myself to whatever God has in store. I find myself asking a lot of questions – like, who is going to take care of the people here if I leave. On Friday, there were several divine appointments that made me ask God, “OK and what about situations like this?” Each time I am quick to remind myself that it is not up to me to have the answers to those questions. My job is to be open to hearing from God and to be willing to be obedient to His calling for me – wherever that may take me.
I do not sense that this is something that will happen very quickly. I do think (at least at this point) that this will be several months in the making. I am also open to the possibility that God will take me to a certain point to test my willingness and I will not go anywhere.
However, this does not mean that ministry stops. The need is greater than ever and I continue to have ministry opportunities every day.
On Friday, a man in the Post Office stopped me and asked for help with his mail – all healthcare related issues.
A gentleman in my church is asking to meet concerning healthcare needs in this area as it relates to a specific project his company is considering.
One client has had recent new health issues that require my attention almost on a daily basis as she adjusts to the new medications and procedures relating to her new diagnosis.
On a more practical basis – I have many expenses that come up as a result of serving these people.
I tank up my car every two to three days – that is about $400 monthly.
Since I am rarely at a desk, my cell phone is the lifeline to service – that costs $120 a month.
Access to the internet costs $50 a month.
The cost of a phone line for a fax machine is $35 a month.
I pay myself an average of $800 – $1,000 a month – far below the going rate for what I do.
Miscellaneous office supplies – copy paper, printer ink, notepads, etc. – runs an average of $75 a month.
I have had over $5,000 in car repairs in the last five months.
Car insurance costs about $60 a month.
These are only a snapshot of the financial picture of this ministry.
I spell this out for you so that you will understand where the following request comes from. I am starting a campaign to raise $10,000 over the next 45 days. This would take care of a lot of lingering expenses that need to be paid off and allow a cushion to take me to the end of the year and into the new year. It will also afford me the opportunity to spend less time asking for support and more effort on seeking His will while serving. I ask each of you to consider how you might contribute to that goal. You can make a one-time donation or you can commit to a monthly donation for the next four months. All donations are tax-deductible and I think everyone will agree that this is a worthy cause.
I also ask that you each pray for me as I seek to discern God’s will for me and this ministry over the next few months.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.
Andre’ Waguespack
Healthcare Solutions – A Christian Ministry
521 Lake Avenue #18
Metairie, LA 70005
504-915-7380