A Run to “Raise Up Nurses”
On a Sunday afternoon on the island of La Gonâve, Haiti, a six-year-old boy was pulled from the water after nearly drowning. Unconscious and struggling for life, he needed immediate help. Nearby was Thimotée Joseph, a student at the Wesleyan University of Haiti School of Nursing. Drawing on the training he had received, Thimotée quickly assessed the child’s condition, cleared water from his lungs, and accompanied him to La Gonâve Wesleyan Hospital, where the medical team continued resuscitation efforts until the boy was stabilized. One little boy is alive today because a nursing student was prepared when the moment came.
That story reflects a much larger one unfolding in Haiti. For the past several years, political instability, gang violence and security concerns have made it nearly impossible for North American missionaries to serve regularly in the country. Rather than slowing the ministry, however, their absence has highlighted the strength of Haitian leadership.
At the Wesleyan University of Haiti School of Nursing, Administrator Pastor Moïse Cenatus and Vice Dean Miss Leandre have faithfully led the school through extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, the Global Partners Health Network and missionary partners have continued to encourage, mentor, advise and help resource the ministry from outside Haiti. Together, they are investing in Haitian leaders who are preparing Haitian nurses to care for their own communities.
Runners at Southern Wesleyan University helped make last year’s R.U.N. Run 5K a great success.
As Haitian leaders have stepped forward, the global church has an opportunity to step alongside them. In 2025, Global Partners Health Network launched the R.U.N. (Raise Up Nurses) Run, an event designed to rally people around the ministry of the Wesleyan University of Haiti School of Nursing.
More than a fundraiser, the R.U.N. Run is an opportunity to introduce more people to the remarkable work God is doing through Haitian leaders, while helping provide the financial support the school needs to thrive.
The response to the first R.U.N. Run exceeded expectations. Participants gathered for a 5K race at Southern Wesleyan University, while the event also connected participants virtually, from Indiana Wesleyan University to nursing students serving in Zambia and even a missionary in Nicaragua.
This year, on Saturday, September 19, we are praying for an even greater response. Imagine churches, schools, families, missionaries and friends of Global Partners running or walking together across North America and around the world, united in one purpose: raising up the next generation of Christian nurses for Haiti.
The School of Nursing depends on partners who believe in its mission. Tuition alone cannot cover faculty salaries, student meals, scholarships and the resources needed to prepare future nurses. Every registration and every gift helps Haitian leaders continue training nurses who will bring compassionate, Christ-centered healthcare to their communities.
Whether you run, walk, or participate virtually from wherever God has placed you, you will be joining a global community committed to strengthening this Haitian-led ministry. We hope you’ll join us on September 19 as we continue raising up nurses who are bringing the healing love of Christ—and sometimes even saving lives—to the people of Haiti.
Unable to participate? Give at gponline.org/06-1420
To register for the race, scan the QR code.