As I looked out the window of the van, bouncing down the “bad road” into Egbe, I knew Jesus was in the details of what was unfolding in this town. I was greeted with faces full of joy and excitement—people who have so little yet feel they have so much. This same spirit is reflected at ECWA Hospital Egbe when I arrived as a Nurse Volunteer.
Inside the walls of ECWA Hospital Egbe, patients find hope, nurses discover purpose, and doctors provide cures. This sacred place was where I had the privilege to serve in the Pediatric/Female Ward. Each day began with vital signs, wound dressing changes, and bed baths. As a Western-trained nurse, I initially struggled with the lack of resources and different sanitation standards. But the kindness of Jesus reminded me to meet people where they were. My role was not to change their perspective but to come alongside them with love, to learn, and to have fun while doing it. This shift in mindset allowed me to focus on what we did have—the care we could provide and the friendships we could form.
During my time, educational opportunities emerged. Together, we performed head-to-toe assessments, building relationships with patients and their families while learning their stories. I also spent time with the nurses and nursing students, teaching and learning alongside them. These interactions left lasting memories, three of which highlight the incredible care at ECWA Hospital Egbe and Christ’s presence in challenging moments.
Moments of Christ’s Presence
A Song of Faith
One day, a nursing student and I were feeding a set of twins when the power went out, cutting off the oxygen to their nasal cannulas. As we searched for a working electrical outlet, the student began singing “Because He Lives.” We both sang together, rocking the twins to sleep. In that moment, Christ reminded us that He holds the future, even in the face of limited resources.
Nurse Volunteer Tells Gloria’s Story
During my time, I met Gloria, a long-term patient in the Female Ward awaiting a skin graft on her leg. Each morning during her wound dressing, she shared her story. She had lost her family and moved to Egbe after becoming unable to work as a seamstress. One day, as we looked out the window, she said, “I am an orphan with no family, but Jesus is good to me.” Her bravery and perseverance deeply moved me. Gloria and I spent afternoons walking outside, and I spoke with the staff about showing her compassionate care. Though she was seen as homeless due to her long stay, I reminded the team that they were her family now. Gloria has since passed away, and while I mourn her loss, I am grateful for her lessons of faith and resilience. She taught me that Jesus is truly all we need.
A Fight for Life
October 30th began like any other day. During handoff, we noticed a 3-day-old baby who was lethargic, with dangerously low heart rate and oxygen levels. What started as CPR turned into an all-day effort to save his life. Despite the challenges of tetanus and limited resources, the team came together. Though the baby passed into Jesus’ arms that afternoon, we took solace in knowing we did all we could. I am forever grateful for the joy and sorrow I experienced alongside my new Nigerian friends.
Connecting Outside the Hospital
Outside of the hospital, I found opportunities to learn about Egbe and build relationships with coworkers and friends. Afternoons were filled with pickleball, swimming, touring Egbe, and sharing meals. A highlight was inviting nurses and nursing students to the guesthouse after a shift. Over snacks, we connected through questions about nursing and favorite foods, learning about Nigerian culture and realizing our shared passion for patient care.
A Life-Changing Experience
My time at ECWA Hospital Egbe and in the community was nothing short of transformative. It’s hard to put into words the impact this place and its people have had on my life. The Lord brought immense joy to my heart as I served those in need. He met us in every moment, showing me what it means to pray without ceasing and trust His provision. I’ve come to know the heart of Christ more deeply because of this experience.
I am honored to use my skills as a nurse to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) and grateful for what Jesus is doing in Egbe and at ECWA Hospital Egbe. All for His glory, may Christ continue to be magnified in this special place.
Hanna F., Volunteer Nurse
