Opportunity Title: Medical Ministries Volunteer
Location: Jos, Nigeria
Number of Positions: Various
CRCNA Ministry Involved: Christian Reformed World Missions
Time Commitment: At least one month - the length of your time in Nigeria could vary greatly depending on your interests, the time of year you are in Nigeria, and your availability.
Dates Opportunity is Available: Immediately
Purpose: To work with Evangel Hospital to provide quality medical care to the people of Plateau State and the Nigerian mission community.
Background on ministry partner: Evangel Hospital is owned and operated by the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) and is closely connected with the mission organization SIM. Located in Jos, Nigeria, Evangel Hospital is a Christian hospital that largely serves the people of Plateau State and the Nigerian mission community. As a Christian Hospital, Evangel seeks to provide quality medical care.
With 150 beds, Evangel provides core medical services in the following areas:
• surgery
• internal medicine
• pediatrics
• obstetrics and gynecology
• ophthalmology
• ear, nose, and throat
• dentistry
• vesicovaginal fistula (VVF)
• HIV care, counseling, and testing
Specific Responsibilities:
While this volunteer position is flexible, it needs to be noted that this will largely be an observation posting. The medical services and standards provided in Nigeria are vastly different than that of North America. As such, medical volunteers can at times become frustrated by the lack of hands on medical involvement. That does not diminish your impact however! Below are some possible ministry opportunities for you to become involved in:
1. Hospital Rotation:
To work closely with a Nigerian resident doctor in training to provide medical care to patients to Evangel Hospital:
a) attend daily morning devotions with the medical staff of Evangel Hospital
b) go on rounds with the medical team
c) evaluate and treat patients in the Outpatient Clinic and Emergency Room
d) assist in the management of patients in the wards
e) assist in the mentoring and development of Nigerian medical staff
2. Medical Outreach:
To serve on a mobile medical outreach team that serves communities surrounding the Jos area by assisting in whatever ways are needed for this team.
NORTH AMERICAN RESPONSIBILITIES
• Educate the CRCNA and others about the nature of the global church and its mission.
• Encourage CRC churches to develop a deeper passion and involvement in international missions.
• Communicate the nature and value of CRWM's ministries to the CRCNA and beyond and participate in support-raising for those ministries by developing and maintaining a network of supporting churches and individuals which will provide prayer, care and financial support for the ministry.
Qualifications:
• Mature Christian committed to Christ, who is a Canadian or US resident
• Flexible and adaptable
• Compassionate and respectful of other cultures
The qualifications and interests necessary for this volunteer opportunity will vary greatly. It is recommended that the interested individual have some of the below qualifications and/or interests:
• nursing – studies and/or experience in nursing, basic healthcare, medical assistance, etc.
• physiotherapy – studies and/or experience in physiotherapy, nursing, basic healthcare, etc.
• clinical experience – medical students with clinical experience and background
• physicians – experience as a resident, consultant, physician, and/or medical practice
Expectations of the volunteer:
1) Complete and submit a volunteer application form and resume/CV;
2) Ability to pass a background check;
3) Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and /or churches to give to this opportunity;
4) Attend an orientation session in the Home Office
5) Adhere to CRCNA Standards of Conduct
Budget: Please note that costs are estimated and listed in US funds.
BASED ON 3 MONTH STAY
Transportation to and from the field: $1800 - 2500
Transportation on the field: $120
Housing and utilities: $1260
Ministry expenses: $300
Other expenses: $600
Total cost: $4080 - 4780
Benefits:
1) Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
2) An opportunity to foster new attitudes, perceptions and relationships;
3) A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
4) The opportunity to share your Christian faith with others who may not know the Gospel;
5) Serve as an encouragement to Christians in Nigeria;
6) Apply your current gifts and talents and discover some new ones;
7) Develop a personal perspective on poverty, missions and/or development work;
8) Grow in your understanding of the basic principles for international missions;
9) Gain personal satisfaction by seeing first-hand how your prayers and contributions to CRWM have impacted communities in Nigeria
10) Assist in educating and raising awareness within North America about the social/political situation in Nigeria.
11) Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.
Support Services Provided: ServiceLink and CRWM agree to provide:
- orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers and local community;
- pre-trip orientation (required)
- consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available;
- opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done;
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact us today at volunteer@crcna.org.
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