To say that our journey to Ghana was an adventure would be an understatement. After several delayed or canceled flights due to a global IT outage, long bus rides, and meeting hospital staff to drive us the rest of the way, it took us 2-3 days longer than expected to arrive in Ankaase. But, God got us here, and we were graciously received by our hosts and well cared for the entire time. Everyone we meet has been incredibly welcoming, and we often hear “Akwaaba, you are welcome!” everywhere that we go. Ghanaians take their hospitality seriously, and it is common to greet strangers on the street and stop to have a conversation with them. Neighbors also pop into our guesthouse regularly to help us with various things. We have met the head of the hospital, the chief medical doctor, and the matron nurse. The matron and her family have been especially hospitable and helpful. They are our first source for any questions about Ghana culture, food, the Twi language, the hospital, and the Church.
As Ashley and I went through our orientation here, it was continually stressed how the overarching purpose of the hospital is to bring Christ to the patient. Our goal as Christians should not just be to win souls for Heaven, but also to bring restoration to individuals and communities while still here on Earth. Since God created each person to be a physical, emotional, and spiritual individual, there is a need to address the health of each. Hence the work of the hospital in partnership with the Church to bring healing to the whole person and to the community they live in. We learned that Ankaase Methodist Hospital tries to provide the highest quality care they can as they imitate Christ so as to be an example for other hospitals in Ghana to follow, whether they are Christian, private, or government-run.
It’s really cool just how integrated faith is in the hospital and the Ankaase neighborhood:
- Twice a week, doctors, nursing staff, and the chaplain will gather for morning devotion and prayer before the workday. Often, it was exactly what you needed to hear for that day going forward. We are reminded that it is God who works in us and through us, and if we are with Him, He will give us the strength to get through the day and minister to the patients He brings to us.
- One of the first phrases we learned here is “Nyame Adom,” literally meaning “God’s grace.” You often hear it used as a response to “How are you?” “Nyame Adom (meaning by God’s grace, I’m fine).”
- When we are back in the guesthouse, we often hear our neighbors singing worship songs at any hour of the day. It’s refreshing to see how open people are with their walk with God, and it is something that I hope to bring back with me when I return home.