Who
WE ARE
During His brief 3 years of public earthly ministry, Jesus performed 34 distinct miracles as recorded in the four gospels. Of those 34 miracles, a full 26 of them were what we call "healthcare miracles"; instances when Jesus alleviated physical pain, suffering, disease, ailments, and even death. Yes, 75% of Jesus miraculous outflow of power was spent on bringing wellness to people’s physical bodies. There’s a reason Jesus earned a reputation as The Great Physician.
Healthbridge Global founders, Jonathan and Rebecca Hallsted, understood this theoretically, but seven years overseas convinced them of the fact that meeting medical needs, in the spirit and name of Christ, builds bridges for true Gospel impact and transformation of people and communities. It's also what we are instructed to do. "Heal the sick in it and say to them, 'the kingdom of God has come near to you.'" Luke 10:9
Together, with a few trusted friends and some pocket change, they launched Healthbridge Global in 2012.
Our mission is to Connect the Beauty of Healthcare to the Hope of the Gospel. We do this by follow in the model of healthcare ministry given to us by Jesus Himself; partnering with Him in the demonstration of grace, compassion, and dignity to the physical healthcare needs of others around the world.
Especially in places that are limited, by either blocked access or a resistant culture, healthcare is the primary bridge by which we can bring the Gospel to closed NATIONS, closed CULTURES, and closed HEARTS.
Our desire is to partner with local leaders to bring lasting medical impact, while allowing the Gospel and the hope of Christ to shape and flow through everything we do. We believe that nothing less than strategic, thoughtful, compassionate, and sustainable approaches should be employed so that we honor our Creator as we care for his creation in the form of other human beings. Our name communicates it well; we use healthcare to build bridges to hearts around the globe.
What
WE VALUE
True Partnership in Mission
December 5, 2019
Integrity in Mission and Funding
December 5, 2019
The Mission of Healthbridge Global
December 5, 2019
Dependence on God
December 5, 2019
Indigenous Leadership
December 5, 2019
LIFE Medical Center Project Update Part 1
December 5, 2019
Frequently Asked
QUESTIONS
We partner with projects and organizations in developing nations, led by local leaders, that are addressing local concerns with local needs and resources. Our goal is to help them build capacity and take significant steps forward in their call to meet healthcare and gospel needs. For a more detailed version of these guidelines please feel free to contact us directly.
No, not really. Financial support is one way we try to help worthy projects in organizations. However, the process is a little different than a typical “Grant-Making Foundation” because of how we are funded and structured. Feel free to contact us for more details of how you might be involved.
Through the generosity of people, churches, and organizations who believe in what we do in who want to make a difference together. We also seek help from like-minded foundations, and/or corporations who have access to greater resources than us.
Yes! Although the majority of our partners are individuals we've received a significant amount of support from foundations and corporations involved as funding partners. If you have a strategic connection within a corporation or Foundation, we'd love to talk about the possibilities. In addition, many corporations will match (and sometimes triple) the donation of their employees. If you are already a donor, reach out to see if your company will partner with you, as you partner with us.
Yes! Healthbridge Global is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charity organization, and therefore all donations made to Healthbridge Global are tax-deductible.
Our
LEADERSHIP
Jonathan Hallsted
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I was born and raised in California, and have spent most of my life there, with the exception of 6 years in Eastern Europe. I’ve had the privilege to serve on four separate non-profit boards, and I have a passion for combining practical issues with spiritual issues. That’s not to say that spiritual issues aren’t practical, because they are; that’s the whole point. During my experience in non-profit work overseas, the concept of local financial sustainability resonated with me deeply, and it's something I'm passionate about in all our work. My free time is usually spent with family. I also enjoy a good book, a good cup of coffee, and pretending that I can play the guitar well. I love traveling to new places and trying new foods. I would like to have more time to play tennis and surf, and living a little closer to the ocean wouldn’t be a bad thing either. I’m supported in all that I do by my gracious wife Rebecca, and 4 of the best looking kids on the planet.
Born and raised in Southern California , I now live in Olympia, WA with my beautiful wife and 4 amazing daughters. Our family has been involved with Healthbridge Global since the inception as board members. I enjoyed 13+ years at PepsiCo in various sales, operations and marketing roles, and currently run my own marketing agency, Tilladelse. While I enjoy my profession, my real passions have always been with my family and gospel centered activities. In the last twenty years God has allowed us to be involved internationally in various ways; support of several individual missionaries, mission based philanthropic organizations, as well as visits to Mexico, Romania, and Cambodia. As I look forward to the future, my hope/desire is that God will continue to open doors where Healthbridge Global can make a difference.
Eric Hanson
BOARD MEMBER
Kimberly Epperson
BOARD MEMBER & SECRETARY
I am an RN at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and have worked in labor and delivery for the past nine years. I thoroughly enjoy supporting laboring women in this exciting and sometimes scary event of welcoming a new baby into their family. In addition to being an RN, I am a limited obstetrical sonographer. I have been able to use my skills at Care Net Pregnancy and Family Services. My time there has offered me many opportunities to meet the physical and spiritual needs of women and families in times of crisis. I've also served internationally in Mexico, Panama, Togo, Botswana and Bangladesh, providing me an opportunity to see how medicine is practiced around the world. In my free time, I enjoy running, skiing, hiking, and drinking chai with friends. I am the wife of a wonderful man, Josh and mother of two, and we’re currently living in Seattle, WA.
Jason Buono
BOARD MEMBER & TREASURER
Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska I spent my time playing soccer, fishing, cross country skiing, camping and working summers above the Arctic Circle. I knew from the time I was a freshman in high school that I wanted to be a Physical Therapist. After graduating high school, the next seven years were dedicated to just that. After graduating and meeting my amazing wife, Erin, who is also a physical therapist from Alaska... go figure... we moved from Oregon to Washington to work for a Catholic non-profit hospital system. It was this first career position that made me appreciate how Christ-centered healthcare can truly change a life. I also found how being a provider who has compassion and empathy for his patients can produce truly great results and change lives forever. With two young children, Erin and I have been dedicated to raising them to care for their world (local and global) with our family mission of "Leave the World a Better Place". Being a part of Healthbridge Global does that with unabashed attention. I am pleased to give and serve on this amazing board that I have no doubt will reach its goals and change the world.
Greg Urquhart
BOARD MEMBER
My wife, Kristin, and I reside in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California where we split our time between our family farm, a demanding career, our four kids, and serving God in a variety of ways, including in our local church. I've been working for Microsoft off and on for nearly 22 years. My current role is that of a Global Sr. Director. My career has included periodic breaks from Microsoft to help launch start-ups and spend time serving overseas. Our family has spent two very meaningful seasons abroad, starting with a number of years in France working for Microsoft, followed by 4 years in Rwanda where we were blessed to be a part of a team that launched successful missional business enterprises. We have a passion for the Gospel and for cross-cultural impact, and strive to make that evident in the way we spend our time and use our gifts.