She patiently answered each of my questions just as Jesus patiently answered Thomas, who needed to see Jesus' pierced hand and touch Jesus' side before he would believe. Dr. Carolyn Klaus, a Christian physician, started Esperanza more than 10 years ago. Today, all of the clinic's employees are evangelical Christians. Additionally, more than 90 percent of the HIV-positive patients seen at Esperanza have come to know Christ before passing away. The clinic's staff includes an infectious disease specialist, an internist, a pediatrician, two family practice physicians, a cardiologist and two nurse practitioners who specialize in HIV care and women's health.
Esperanza physicians work hand in hand with on-site counselors to ensure complete care.
Since the summer outreach began in 1992, Esperanza volunteers have knocked on 51,000 doors, given 4,256 children a total of 10,224 shots, administered 6,683 shots to adults and have conducted countless screenings for HIV, anemia, asthma and lead poisoning. But perhaps the most vital element of the clinic's care is its collaboration with local churches. She explained that about 10 days earlier, she had become so discouraged that she felt she couldn't bear to live any longer. In desperation, she and her mother had completed a three-day vigil of nearly ceaseless praying, pleading indignantly with God that Brenda might be delivered from her condition. Unknown to them, Brenda's brother was also fasting and praying during this same time.