Inspired by the profound obedience of Abraham, as chronicled in Hebrews 11:8, my recent mission to Egbe, Nigeria, was a step of faith into the unknown. After a spiritually enriching mission trip to Bali, Indonesia, and completing a Master of Nursing in Education during the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt a clear calling to continue with medical missions. This drive led me to a conference hosted by Samaritan’s Purse, World Medical Missions, which reignited my passion for service through an unexpected invitation.
A Renewed Call
In September 2023, amidst planning and spiritual preparation, I journeyed to Orlando, Florida, for a medical missions conference. The conference was not only a spiritual retreat but a pivotal networking event that reconnected me with past colleagues and introduced me to new friends in the field. The discussions reignited my commitment to health missions, particularly reconnecting with a hospital in Jordan I had previously worked with, prompting a heartfelt reconciliation and renewed partnership.
Preparation and Anticipation
Following the conference, preparations began in earnest for my trip scheduled for March 2024. This included logistical planning with Samaritan’s Purse, receiving vaccinations, and ensuring all necessary documents and clearances were in place. Each step was bathed in prayer, emphasizing my reliance on divine guidance and protection, recognizing the inherent risks of working in volatile regions.
The Mission Experience
Arriving in Abuja and later traveling to Egbe was an adventure filled with moments of grace and divine protection. In Egbe, I was welcomed into a community eager to learn and share. My days were filled with teaching nursing students at ECWA Hospital and ECWA College of Nursing Sciences, Egbe, conducting clinical assessments, and sharing knowledge that bridged cultures and languages. Each interaction was not just about imparting clinical skills but also about exchanging life stories and building lasting relationships.
Challenges and Triumphs
The mission was not without its challenges; from adjusting to the intense Nigerian heat to handling the emotional and physical demands of the work. Yet, the smiles of gratitude, the enthusiastic participation of the students, and the visible improvements in healthcare practices were profound triumphs. Amid these experiences, I navigated personal challenges, including battling and overcoming malaria, a testament to the risks and resilience embedded in missionary work.
Reflection and Impact
As I reflect on the weeks spent in Egbe, the impact is twofold: the tangible improvement in local healthcare capabilities and the indelible mark left on my own spirit and faith. The mission was a vivid illustration of faith in action, echoing the biblical assurance that obedience to divine call yields abundant fruit, both seen and unseen.
My journey to Egbe was more than a mission; it was a pilgrimage of faith, learning, and intercultural exchange. It reinforced the profound truth that service transcends boundaries and that faith calls us to step into the unknown, much like Abraham, with assurance in God’s faithful guidance. Each step taken in obedience is a step towards fulfilling a divine purpose, leaving a legacy of hope and healing. As I continue to reflect on and share these experiences, I am reminded of the power of collective effort and the grace that sustains it.
S. Morano
Orientation and planning training sessions together with staff of the hospital and college.
Teaching full patient assessments with nursing students from the College.
It was a privilege to meet and support the college leadership.
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