What is MCWA?
The Medical Centers of West Africa, Inc. (MCWA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1988 by a group of men and women who believed God wanted the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to be preached among all nations. With that goal, MCWA was established as an independent medical mission to proclaim the good news of forgiveness and eternal life in Christ Jesus to the people of West Africa, particularly the Fulbé (formerly known as the Fulani) people of the Far North Province of Cameroon. About 1 million Fulbé live in Cameroon, yet there are few believers among them. The hospital was the result of MCWA's desire to evangelize and plant a church among this unreached people group.
MCWA established a clinic and hospital in the village of Meskine that opened in 1994 and has since grown to a 100 bed inpatient facility, serving as the district hospital for 14 health centers. Hôpital de Meskine addresses serious health problems in the province that require inpatient care and also has the capacity to perform general surgery. On average, approximately 150 people per day who require medical attention visit the outpatient clinic. Quality medical care is facilitated by a well-run lab, x-ray and sonography department. Affordable medicines are available from the hospital pharmacy. The hospital's ministry is not confined to the people of Meskine, the small village where the hospital is located, but serves patients from all over the province, other parts of Cameroon, and the neighboring countries of Chad, Nigeria, and Central African Republic. Although the national language of French is prominent throughout the hospital, many tribal dialects can be heard among patients and their families.
Two families who call the Chapel their home church are long-term missionaries with MCWA. Scott Pyles, the current Field Director with his wife Lee, Hospital Consultant, and their youngest child Jessica are currently in Cameroon. Their sons Charlie and Michael are continuing their education in the United States. Danny and Frances Kennison have returned to Meskine in December 2008 to rejoin the team after six years in Louisiana. Their sons, Wes and Tyler, along with Wes’ new wife Katie, are in the USA at this time. Danny is the new Hospital Director and Frances is managing the guest house living quarters.
In addition to these two families, the present long-term missionary team includes:
Ø Andy and Kari Downer and their two young children Elizabeth and Josiah from the USA
Ø Dave and Patsy Alfors with ReachGlobal (EFCA) from the USA
Ø Dr. Jacqueline Koster from Holland with Action Partners Pioneers
Ø Miss Kerry Stillman from England is with Action Partners Pioneers.
Ø Carsten and Annett Kretzschmar and their three children are with VKTM from Germany.
Many hospital needs in Meskine are met with short-term missionaries, including positions such as surgeons, general practitioner physicians and medical students. MCWA has been able to accept short-term assignments from the USA, England, and Europe. Short-term missionaries work alongside the Cameroonian employees at the hospital and our long-term team members to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the patients and their families.
There are unique opportunities for individuals with both medical and non-medical backgrounds to serve as short-term volunteers with the Meskine team in Northern Cameroon. Jesus' command to go into the world and preach the gospel is the launching point for all missionary efforts. The time between planting the seeds of the good news of Christ and seeing the fruits of obeying His command can often take many years.
Language, religious beliefs, and cultural differences were all hurdles faced by missionaries who began MCWA's effort to reach the Fulbé more than a decade ago. Today faithful missionaries are enjoying the fruit of many years of labor in northern Cameroon as they watch God work in the hearts of those who have professed faith in Christ and wish to grow.
MCWA is experiencing exciting days. The medical work that has been done in a compassionate and loving way since the opening of the doors has earned the hospital an excellent reputation. The work continues to grow. In addition, there is a growing core of converts. When Jesus told His disciples that the harvest was plentiful but the laborers few, He went on to instruct them to pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest field.
Please join with us in asking Him to send out workers to help in this growing work.
If you are interested in knowing more about the work or if you would like information about serving with The Medical Centers of West Africa, you may contact them at the home office. Tel: 225-751-1717 or by email: headquarters@mcwanet.org.