When Will and Lauren landed in Egbe, Nigeria, they weren’t just stepping into a new country—they were stepping into a calling. Motivated by faith and a deep desire to serve, the couple committed themselves to supporting ECWA Hospital and the surrounding community through practical ministry.
Their journey began with a simple prayer: “God, use us.” That prayer carried them from Alabama to the heart of West Africa, where their skills and compassion were needed most.
Will, a SERE Specialist in the military came with a familiarity in construction and strong leadership background; was prepared to take on hands-on projects that would strengthen hospital infrastructure. Lauren, currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, came with a passion to help the nursing students not just with physical needs, but also spiritual and emotional needs.
Together, their mission is not just about tasks. It’s about relationship, restoration, and living out the Gospel in everyday service.
First Impressions in Egbe, Nigeria
Upon arrival in Egbe, Will and Lauren were welcomed with warmth and hospitality. The dusty roads, early morning chapel services, and the joyful greetings from hospital staff all signaled the beginning of something special.
Their first week was a flurry of orientation: meeting the doctors, nurses, chaplains, and missionaries who had been serving faithfully for years. It was clear from the start that ECWA Hospital was more than a place for medical treatment. It was a center of hope for the region.
Lauren was quickly drawn to the nursing school, working alongside the school counselor and Chaplain, Mrs. Florence, to meet the spiritual, physical and psychological needs of the students.
Hands and Feet: Projects That Make a Difference
Bush Outreach: Reaching the Unreached
One of Will’s most moving experiences came through rural bush outreach, a ministry that brings medical aid and the message of Christ to remote villages. Traveling with ‘Mr. Rick’, the team visits communities that often have no access to healthcare or churches.
During one trip, they visited a Fulani village, where the villagers welcomed the team respectfully. Will’s goal on these visits was to help build bridges between the Fulani and Yoruba communities while sharing the gospel.
“These weren’t just community outreaches,” Will recalls. “They were reminders that no one is forgotten.”
Solar Farm: Powering Hope
Back at the hospital, Will took on a more technical challenge—leading the construction of a solar power grid to provide reliable electricity to then entire Medical Complex (including critical areas like operating rooms and the neonatal unit at the hospital) as well as staff and volunteer housing and the School of Nursing.
Power outages are common in Egbe, and relying on diesel generators is both costly and inconsistent. The solar project, once completed, will provide stability for life-saving equipment and improved working conditions for hospital staff.
During his time in Egbe, Will coordinated contractors, sourced missing materials, and often prayed through obstacles. He describes it as, “one of the most fulfilling projects he’s ever tackled.”
Nursing Student Meals Program: Fueling the Future
Lauren quickly bonded with the nursing students at ECWA’s School of Nursing Sciences. Together with Florence, she held counseling sessions with over 30 different students. One problem she noticed that needed to be addressed was the amount of nursing students going hungry.
Determined to help, Lauren created the Student Meals Program, which provides at least one nutritious meal a day to every nursing students that are in critical need of food. The program has dramatically improved student energy levels, concentration, and morale. But more than that, it has strengthened them spiritually and emotionally, helping them realize they’re not alone.
“Providing a meal for students does more than fill their stomach,” Lauren explains, “It allows them to focus in school, boosts their moral, takes stress off themselves and their family and overall, helps them become better nurses.”
Beyond meals, Lauren has also invested personally in the lives of the students, offering mentorship, encouragement, and friendship. Her presence has brought not only support but stability to a vital educational program.
A Journey of Obedience & Transformation
Will and Lauren’s time in Egbe has changed lives, but it has also changed them. They arrived with open hearts and willing hands, and they’ve become part of a story bigger than themselves.
They’ve seen God work through solar panels, student lunches, and long bush drives. They’ve witnessed healing in hospital wards and shared laughter in village huts. Through every challenge, they’ve learned that obedience doesn’t always look glamorous, but it’s always worth it.
As Lauren reflects, “Though we set out to bless others, we leave feeling blessed beyond words. This mission has grown our faith, opened our eyes and drawn. us closer to the heart of God.”
For the supporters who have prayed, donated, or simply followed along, this is what your partnership has made possible.
Get Involved
Will and Lauren’s mission concludes they continue forward with hopeful hearts and ongoing needs. You can support their work in several ways:
Donate to projects like the Student Meals Program or Solar Farm Construction.
Pray for the hospital, the students, and the people of Egbe.
Share their story to help others join in the mission.
To learn more details about Will & Lauren’s mission trip to Egbe visit: www.willandlaurenmissions.com
This isn’t just a story of two missionaries. It’s a story of lives being rebuilt, of futures being formed, and of God’s love reaching every corner of the world where people are feel forgotten.
Will and Lauren answered a call, and they’re impact will continue to be felt: one meal, one solar panel, and one prayer at a time.
