Empowering Communities in Ethiopia: How a Fall River Nurse Practitioner Fuses Health, Faith, and Hope

Jim Hodson, a family nurse practitioner from Health First in Fall River, recently returned from a life-changing mission trip to Ethiopia. He traveled with It is Written and Pastor John Bradshaw in late April.

Upon arriving in Addis Ababa, Hodson and his team headed to Hawassa. Each day, he treated around 70 patients with various medical needs. In the evenings, he preached an evangelistic series in a village named Qege (pronounced Ke-gay).

The results of their efforts were remarkable: over 2,000 teeth were extracted by a dentist, more than 900 cataract surgeries restored sight to many, and they performed over 2,000 medical consultations. Additionally, they distributed 300 toothbrushes, 200 pounds of clothing, and 100 pounds of medication. A total of 3,600 people were baptized during this mission.

Working alongside RippleAffect, the team also provided free water filtration systems, allowing over 7,500 people to access clean drinking water for the first time.

One standout moment for Hodson involved a simple but effective handheld gravity-fed filter. He shared a touching image of an elderly village elder, over 80 years old, experiencing clean water for the first time. The joy and surprise on his face captured the impact of their work.

Experts emphasize the importance of such missions. Dr. Meddy Kassa, a public health researcher, notes, “Access to clean water is crucial for health. It prevents diseases and improves quality of life.” This trip not only provided immediate aid, but it also highlighted the ongoing need for clean water in many regions. According to a report by UNICEF, around 771 million people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water, underscoring the importance of such humanitarian efforts.

Hodson plans to return in 2026, stating, “These trips humble me. They enrich my experience as a medical provider and help me serve my community in Fall River better.” His commitment to both local and global health reflects a growing trend among healthcare professionals who seek to make a difference beyond their immediate environment.

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