Healing the World: Gustavo Parajón, Public Health and Peacemaking Pioneer

In a world ravaged by crises, this inspiring biography of Nicaraguan public health pioneer and peacemaker Gustavo Parajón encourages readers to courageously reach out to the world’s neediest people. From his family, Parajón inherited a deep Christian faith that made him a fearless example of how to navigate dangerous conflicts and public health crises.Gustavo described his mission as simply following the example of Jesus, but he did so in such a unique, tireless and effective way that his admirers included former President Jimmy Carter and U2’s Bono.This doctor, pastor, health care visionary, prophetic voice and peacemaker was a leader in developing disaster-relief and development programs. His work lives on through organizations he founded. Those who follow his example now circle the world.Gustavo Adolfo Parajón Domínguez was born November 22, 1935, in Managua, Nicaragua. He often shortened his name to initials GAPD in the voluminous letters and messages he sent to colleagues around the globe. One reason this book is so important is that Gustavo always downplayed his own importance. A London media personality interviewing him before a live audience was unable to get much about his personal life, only about current news from Nicaragua. The interviewer turned to the audience and said, “It’s difficult to interview the most humble man in the world.”Those who knew Gustavo understood the importance of his life, his teachings and the programs he established. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by former President Carter. He also was awarded the Francisco Morazán Medallion from the Central American Parliament in a special ceremony held at his church, First Baptist of Managua, an unprecedented action in this predominantly Catholic region of the world.Among his core missions was training and sending ordinary people to become health promoters and vaccine providers in poor communities beyond regular health systems, setting up the structures and trainers to provide that care.This man with a limp from a childhood bout of polio launched a massive campaign to eliminate the disease from his country. In the ruins of a massive earthquake that shattered his city, he gathered church leaders under a mango tree to initiate an organization that would have a deep and lasting impact on the poor of Nicaragua. As a reconciliation effort during a war turned into a riot, he formed a ring of church leaders to protect the political leaders and led them through the hostile crowd to safety. He went unarmed into front-line regions to meet with insurgent leaders to explore paths to peace. The global rock star Bono of U2 once put on a disguise so he could slip into a British Christian rock and justice festival to hear this man speak.Now, you can read Gustavo’s inspiring story. The book is also ideal for small-group discussions in your congregation or community. Read more