What is MCWA?
The Medical Centers of West Africa, Inc. (MCWA) was founded in 1989 by a group of men and women who wanted to bring physical as well as spiritual healing to sub-Saharan Africa. MCWA established a clinic and hospital in the village of Meskine that opened in 1994. Today, the nonprofit organization runs a thriving 100-bed hospital in the Far North Province of Cameroon, West Africa, serving as the district hospital for 14 health centers. Hôpital de Meskine is staffed with 144 Cameroonian employees and addresses serious health problems in the province that may require inpatient care and possibly general surgery. On average, approximately 170 people per day who require medical attention visit the outpatient clinic. The surgical team averages eight cases per day. 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.
MCWA’s goal is to represent Jesus Christ through the medical work done by the employees and volunteers at the hospital. Through loving medical care, team members are able to give physical help as well as portray, in word and deed, the Gospel which brings eternal healing. MCWA strives for focus and purpose in the contacts with the many cultures and ethnic groups. Team members develop friendships and present Bible stories to those who welcome our invitation. Discipleship of believers at all stages of their development is also a vital and continual part of our work.
Two families who call the Chapel their home church are long-term team members with MCWA. Scott Pyles, the current Field Director with his wife Lee, Hospital Consultant, and their youngest child Jessica are currently in Cameroon. Their son Charlie lives and works in Baton Rouge (Chapel member) and other son Michael, is a student at USAFA. Danny and Frances Kennison returned to Meskine in December 2008 to rejoin the team after six years on home assignment during which time Danny served as MCWA's Director of Administration at MCWA’s home office in Baton Rouge. Their sons, Wes and Tyler, along with Wes’ wife Katie, are in Baton Rouge 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 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 from the USA
Ø Dr. Jacqueline Koster from Holland with Pioneers-UK
Ø Miss Kerry Stillman from England with Pioneers-UK
Ø Stephen & Rachel Thornton & their young child, Charlotte, with Pioneers-Australia; language study in France in 2011.
Many hospital needs in Meskine are met with short-term visitors, 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 volunteers 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 of the team’s 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 team members who began MCWA's effort to reach the lost more than a decade ago. Today the team of faithful workers is 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 offered in a compassionate and loving way since the opening of the doors has earned the hospital an excellent reputation. In addition, there is a growing core of followers of Jesus. 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: 225-343-1814 or by email: headquarters@mcwanet.org.