Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Heiland.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been helping pregnant women get the education and resources they need to take care of themselves and their children since 1995. I have worked in pregnancy ministries in Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut and Florida. In 2012, a donor gave us a house in Costa Rica where we opened our first international pregnancy ministry. Since then, we have opened over 50 pregnancy ministries in 17 nations.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. Balancing ministry and family life is always complicated. I raised six children with a husband who was involved but traveled each week with his job. There have always been naysayers, but also many who have worked diligently to protect women and children. It is certainly not a task that is accomplished by one person, but through the hard work, prayers and financial contributions of many who believe in protecting the lives of the most vulnerable.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Beautiful Feet International is a mission organization that starts international pregnancy ministries. BFI has over 50 pregnancy ministries is 17 nations in Central America, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia. We train nationals to provide education and counseling to pregnant women and young mothers so that they can care for themselves and their children. We provide prenatal vitamins, ultrasounds and other resources that protect mothers and children.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is when a mom is able to take care of her child. She has joy in caring for her child. At times, clients will come back and receive the training they that they need so that they can teach others what they have learned. It is rewarding to see women and girls who were afraid and alone have confidence as they care for their children. It is also exciting to see nationals running the ministry. Watching people who previously had no concept of what a pregnancy ministry would look like create new and innovate ways of serving mothers and children in their communities is a great blessing.
Pricing:
- All of our services are free of charge
Contact Info:
- Email: bfi.melissa@gmail.com
- Website: www.beautifulfeetinternational.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulfeetinternational/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulfeetintl/
