Wow! A lot has happened since my last update. I did not realize how long it has been since I have written.

I am happy to report that another client was approved for Social Security Disability – without having to appeal or hire an attorney. This is such evidence of God’s grace in my life overflowing as the gifts and talents He has given me are directed towards those in need.

I am not quite over the hurdle with the lady that needs a current resident card. But, I do see light at the end of the tunnel.

I continue to work with one lady in pushing her to become more independent. I think she struggles with independence vs the security in having me to depend on. As I push her to do more on her own she tends to try to lean on me even more. There is a fine balance there that I hope to achieve – for her benefit more than any. As she is capable, it is only beneficial for her to be able to take care of herself.

I had a Divine Appointment last week. Let me back up and share a little more of what God has been doing as far as revealing the next adventure for me. While I was in Washington State I learned of an organization called Love Inc (In the Name of Christ.) It is a national non-profit that has been around for over 30 years. There are over 150 affiliates all across the US and even one starting in Kenya. This group mobilizes local churches into one place to better serve the needs of the community. As someone is in need, Love Inc assesses the situation and determines which church in the community is best equipped to meet the need. Sometimes it is one church. Sometimes it could be several churches coming together to meet needs. As I researched this organization, I found that there is only one affiliate in Louisiana – in Lafayette. I knew right away that this is something New Orleans desperately needs. I know many churches that struggle with the number of calls they receive and the inability to meet the needs. Each affiliate works with all Christian denominations in the area.

I do not think I am the one God wants to be director of this new affiliate. However, I do believe that He wants me to get the ball rolling for the process to begin. While I was up in Washington, I met with a Love Inc affiliate in Chehalis, Washington in Lewis County. It was an awesome meeting as they shared with me and as I shared my desire to seek the Lord’s will for me. As we were talking, the gentleman said they have been praying for the Lord to provide someone to start an affiliate in Olympia, Washington. I bent my ear in as I wanted to know if that was God speaking to me. I am still praying and waiting God’s direction for me.

In the meantime, I decided to make an appointment with the Director of Love Inc in Lafayette. Unbeknownst to me, this lady was one of a few who have been praying for a Love Inc affiliate to start in New Orleans. As I met with her, she explained. She goes to a Baptist church in Lafayette that is about to take over a Baptist Mission Church here in New Orleans. Because of the success and deep need for Love Inc in Lafayette, her pastor commented that it would be nice to have a Love Inc in New Orleans. Not long after her conversation with him, I called to make an appointment and shared my desires with her. We had a great meeting. She gave me the name of a lady who served on the Board of Directors there who has re-located to New Orleans. I will be looking her up for a possible Director position.

I continue to do more consulting and less day to day work with clients. I have helped several apply for benefits as well as consulted to direct families on where to go. I continue to be amazed at God’s hand and provisions in this ministry.

This is the time of year where giving is stressed. I ask that you prayerfully consider a tax-deductible donation to this ministry. There is a need for at least $1,000 before the first of December. The need continues to be great. Thank you for your prayers and support.

As you read this update, I ask that you prayerfully consider how you may financially support the needs of this ministry. Even from Washington State, my phone rings early every day. The cost to run this ministry is about $2,500 per month. There is an immediate need for about $800. Thank you God for a large donation last month that helped tremendously.

So, what is happening with Healthcare Solutions – A Christian Ministry from Washington State? I was able to set up caregiver services for one family. Another family called that is also seeking direction for their 88 year old loved one. I continue to help a family with the Social Security process as well as applying for Food Stamps. I continue to manage one lady’s finances and medication refills from here. (Thank you to those of you who helped with this particular lady.) I have managed and scheduled upcoming appointments for clients. The day I return I will be busy with client needs as soon as my plane lands. I am working with a lady to apply for transportation benefits. It looks like nine months of hard work will pay off as one lady will finally get her resident card straightened out. I have also monitored applications submitted to various pharmaceutical companies for one gentleman’s medications. This gentleman also moved and I have fielded phone calls directing him on various issues relating to his medications as well as doctors and his Social Security benefit.

One thing I am very happy to report is that in my seeking the Lord’s will for my future, I have found a national non-profit organization that has been in operation for over 30 years that will fill a tremendous need in the Greater New Orleans Area. I am working on obtaining information on how to start a local affiliate and will bring more news to you as I am able.

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement.

As you read the accounts below, please consider a financial donation to this ministry. Almost six weeks ago, I began a quest to raise $10,000 by this Sunday. To date I have received $3,725. I will receive another $400 this Friday. That is a far cry from the goal I set. Please prayerfully consider how you might support the incredible work that God has me doing here.

More Divine Appointments

Last week I had another day that went nothing like I had intended – but every bit as God intended. I had plans to meet with an accountability partner – something we should all do on a regular basis. But, first thing in the morning, I had to go to the VA to take care of a couple of things for myself. As it turned out, I could not see the person at the VA that I wanted to see. So, I did one other thing and headed out – less time than I anticipated. In the meantime, my friend called to see if we could change our plans. At that point, we agreed to meet at my house. When I got home, I did a few things at my desk and then she called to let me know it just was not going to happen. So, I picked up on a few other things I needed to do. I decided to go visit a client in the hospital – something that was not on the calendar for that day. However, as God would ordain, that was exactly where I needed to be at exactly the time I showed up. Physical Therapy was there early and his daughter was not able to be there to help out. It was much needed for someone else to be there to assist in this task and I was there just when God wanted me to be there. If my day had gone as I had planned I would not have been where God needed me.

Yesterday I had another incredible day ordered by God. I have been helping this family. First, it was the daughter whose husband has dementia at the age of 29. It is really a sad case – something none of us should ever have to experience. Several months ago, I took her to apply for disability for him. While it is not much money, every little bit helps. The Social Security worker that day was so kind to us. At the end of the interview she even acknowledged that it was probably the hardest case she has ever taken. She admitted holding back tears. Yesterday, I took this young woman’s mother to apply for disability for the son. Another sad case. I went to her house before to make sure we had everything we needed and to pray with her. I prayed for God to ordain the visit with Social Security and to give this lady peace. I encouraged her to let me bear the burden of making sure all went well. When we got to Social Security, the first lady we saw was not encouraging. But, that always happens. So, our name was put up for someone to maybe help us. We were called back by a lady who looked familiar to me. However, as many times as I have been to that office they are all familiar to me. As we sat down I realized something. This was the same lady that helped her daughter and me several months ago. It was awesome to make that connection and tell the Social Security work who this lady with me was. She remembered and was very helpful. We needed to try to connect with her son on the phone for the worker to get permission to take the application from his mom. The very first try, he answered the phone and gave permission. The whole thing went so well. And my client clearly agreed that it was God’s hand in the process.

I lost a client today. He had been in the hospital for over a month. We were pushing to get him discharged home this weekend. He went home alright – just not the home we thought. But, God is so merciful. This man fought the Gospel for years. Yet, he accepted Christ in the ER when he first came to the hospital. And we had several opportunities to confirm the sincerity of his profession. It is never too late for someone to be saved. The thief who hung on the cross next to Jesus was saved only hours before he died. This is a perfect example of the same thing. God’s timing is not our timing. Please pray for the Levy family as they lay him to rest.

Again – these are only two of many examples of the Lord using me in people’s lives. There is such a great need. Your support is greatly appreciated.

God Bless you all.

Andre’ Waguespack
Healthcare Solutions – A Christian Ministry
521 Lake Avenue #18
Metairie, LA 70005
504-915-7380

I had a Divine Appointment last Wednesday. My day started early. I had to bring someone to get some fasting labs. The lab was crowded and it took longer than expected. I had to call her next appointment to let them know she was running late. My next appointment was picked up much later than expected. However, she was on time for her appointment. We had two legs to her appointment. In an effort to get her to somewhere she wanted to go, I was pushing to finish up. It is in those moments that I get anxious. I have trouble being patient with people. And, if I come across someone who is in the mood for talking – which means they stop working – I have to work hard to just let it be. After I dropped this lady off, I had a gap in my schedule. So, I called someone to see if I could drop off a check to her. She was not there. So, I decided to head to my apartment and check the mail. The mail carrier was down the street taking a break in her truck. I pulled up to chat with her for a minute. It was then that the Divine Appointment took place. I heard someone call my name. When I turned around I saw the mother of a gentleman that I have been trying to help. She happened to be dropping him off after grocery shopping. An attempt had been made to apply for food stamps on-line (unsuccessfully.) We talked a minute about his situation and then I remembered that I had a food stamp application in my car. So, I got it out and went inside and we filled it out. Now, none of this would have happened if the lab had been on time and we got to the next appointment earlier and then the next … Well, you get the picture.

Over the last 6-1/2 years, this has happened over and over. God has ordained my steps in a day that takes me to a random (or not so random) encounter with someone who needs my help.

Three weeks ago, I began a quest to raise $10,000 in 45 days. It is the halfway mark and I have not received near half of the goal. At this point, I have received donations and commitments for around $3,000.

I ask again, that you each prayerfully consider a donation to this ministry to help sustain the work that God has me doing.

In the last two weeks I have had over 30 appointments. That is an average of three appointments a day. And that does not count the various phone consults that take place on a daily basis. No appointment takes less than an hour and most take at least three hours. I have had several appointments in the last two weeks that have taken four hours or more.

God continues to send new people to me for advice and direction in healthcare decisions. This Saturday, September 11th, I will be speaking before a group of people about options in healthcare and how to access benefits.

Two weeks ago, I sent out an update and began a quest to raise $10,000 in the next 45 days. With 31 days to go, that goal seems insurmountable. But, I know that God is bigger than that and I have to trust that He will provide just what is needed. To date, I have collected just under $1,500 (a far cry from $10,000) with a possible commitment of $500. I receive $350 in regular committed monthly donations.

I ask that you each prayerfully consider how God would have you support this ministry financially. If 100 people gave $100 each that would reach the $10,000 goal. If 200 people gave $50 each that would also reach the $10,000 goal. Even if you can only give $10, that will help to reach the goal.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

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

Every time I sit to write a ministry update I struggle with what to say. What I do is something incredibly unique. It is a walk of faith and each and every day God reminds me of that in one way or another. In recent weeks, I have been challenged to walk out my faith in many ways. And today, I am even stepping back and taking a hard look at where this ministry is going and just exactly what God wants from me at this point.

The challenges with Mental Health issues has continued – but they are dwindling. I have, once again, had to back away from a situation. The family and I are very concerned, but the doctor insists this lady is capable of making her own decision. We fear it will come back to haunt us. But, our hands are tied. My goal is always what is in the best interest of the client. Yet, oftentimes, professionals seem to think I have an agenda. That is one of the biggest challenges of this ministry – expressing clearly that I have nothing to gain from trying to do the right thing for anyone.

I have helped a few people apply for Social Security in the last year and have had some success. I have worked with several people on VA benefits. I continue to field calls and have appointments to point people in the right direction for benefits. The level of care that I was giving with individuals has declined. I only have a few people that I am intimately involved with on a regular basis. That, in itself, has caused me to step back and question what is next.

One major obstacle that is constantly in the way is finances. I have never been more certain that God does not want me to charge for what I do. It takes about $2,500 a month to run this ministry. I really have a hard time asking for money. But, the reality is, it is needed. I ask that you each consider a donation at this time. I need $1,000 in the next 10 days and the full $2,500 by the first of September. The information is at the bottom of this page for sending donations.

Thank you for your consideration and your prayers.

My time continues to be consumed with Mental Health issues. Currently, I have four different clients who have major anxiety issues. One in particular has family that just does not get it – they keep telling her things that she really does not need to hear. Then she calls me and I have to undo the damage. Please be in prayer that I would respond to these people in a manner worthy of the Gospel. I want to respond as Jesus calls me to. It is so hard to not “go off” sometimes. I get very protective of my clients. When they are mistreated it is just like my own family member is the one being hurt.

I have another client who was on hospice and then decided to get off a few months ago. I continue to have to help her understand what was covered by Medicare on hospice is not necessarily covered now that she is off of hospice. And to add to that one of her family members decided that it would better to dis-enroll from a Medicare HMO. Now I will be faced with explaining to her all that she gave up when she dis-enrolled. While I would not have necessarily talked her out of it, I would have tried to make sure she was informed about the decision. This particular lady is the 80 something year old matriarch of her family. She is headstrong and does what she wants when she wants. I am concerned that I will be backed into a corner and forced to quit serving her if she keeps doing stuff like this. It is very difficult to manage someone’s care when they keep putting me on the periphery and then want me to be front and center to clean up the mess they have created.

There are also many out there who need my care and do not know how to ask. Many I have consulted with but have not gone further because of their hesitation. Many do not want to let me help them because they cannot afford to pay. No matter how much I tell them my services are free, they just can’t get past feeling like they are taking advantage of me. Others feel like they can do it themselves not realizing that they can use the experience and expertise I offer. Please pray for those families as well – whoever they might be. Pray that God will show me clearly who I am to serve and would also point people to me that need my care.

I am very blessed to be able to go to the beach this week. I am going to be able to have a mini retreat and fill up my spiritual gas tank. It will be nice to get away and relax for a few days alone. Although, my phone will come with me.

The financial need is ever before me. I need about $1,000 before August 1. Please consider a tax-deductible donation. The information is below.

Have a good week everyone!

Thank you to everyone who sent in a donation. I have received enough to carry me through July. For those who have not donated – please consider doing so to help me get a little ahead for August.

This past week has been a “mental health” week for Healthcare Solutions. Anxiety seems to be consuming several clients. One has ended up in an inpatient Psychiatric unit. I am hopeful that this is really a good thing so her medications can be managed properly. My heart aches for those people who have severe anxiety issues. These people have great difficulty because of the chemical imbalance in their bodies. I am always humbled when God uses me to minister to someone like this.

I have been working with Social Security for several people this week. Someone that I helped apply for disability received a huge check for back-pay. Praise God. And then I went to an appeal hearing for someone else applying for disability. I am praying that God will grant favor to this gentleman. He too is anxious and did not testify well on the witness stand. I am also trying to help push through another application that the Case Worker is bent on filling all the gobs of forms they send out. This man is already being placed in a nursing home at the age of twenty nine.

Again, thank you all for your continued support. Below is the information if you can send a donation.

The need is great! I need $1,000 by Friday and another $1,000 by the end of the month. Please consider a tax deductible donation. Information is below for donations. Thank you for your consideration.