The Power of Egbe's Community
The other day I was asked “What makes the Egbe project different from others?” The first thing that came to mind was “the participation of the community in the revitalization.”
Community participation in government or missional development programs is still very lacking in most African countries. However, the unique difference in the revitalization of the medical complex over the past 12 years has been the partnership of the Egbe community and national leadership.
The progress has been exciting as we have rebuilt, remodeled, re-equipped, and revitalized every inch of the 50-acre medical complex. With more than 80 buildings, clean water, solar-assist electricity, new medical equipment, outstanding Nigerian staff in place at ECWA Hospital Egbe, and the near completion of the revitalization of ECWA College of Nursing Sciences, there is no question your generosity and working with the local community, has enabled the dynamic transformation.
What has the Egbe community partnership looked like over the years?
- Warm Welcome and Support: Consistent warm welcome and support of missionaries and volunteers by the Elegbe (King) and 12 community Chiefs.
- Active Involvement: Over 500 community citizens have helped dismantle and rebuild the hospital and water reservoir.
- Spiritual Engagement: Local pastors welcome visitors with gifts, pray with missionaries and volunteers regularly, and organize dedications of buildings upon completion.
- Community Prayer: Weekly 4:30am prayer vigils over the past 12 years.
- Financial Contributions: Significant financial donations from the local “Friends of ECWA Hospital Egbe Association” toward constructing the mortuary, triage center, four-unit guesthouse, duplex for physicians, and, most recently, toward equipment for the new surgical ward.
- Financial participation in the College of Nursing Sciences towards constructing hostels and other buildings.
- Leadership Participation: Active participation of the Hospital and College leadership in revitalization decisions.
- Resource Contributions: Local businessmen have contributed financially or provided resources and opened government doors to support the project.
Today, the leadership of the hospital and college is entirely national, with expats supporting them through training and mentorship.
The Egbe Medical Mission team could not have envisioned what God has made possible – improved health care, jobs for close to 300 people, spiritual renewal, evangelism to 1,400 monthly, personal and professional staff development, and community transformation – all significantly impacting Christ in the region.
Your support translates directly into hope, healing, training, and the opportunity for thousands to experience God’s love through partnership with the local community.
