The first of our core values has always been Christ-centred healthcare.
We endeavour to obey Christ. Our desire is to be like Him. Following His example of compassion for the suffering and those in need, we embrace His concern for the whole person.
Our teams relentlessly pursue empathy and alignment with God over the needs of people, aspiring to be as concerned and engaged as He is.
Jesus gave us the Good Samaritan Parable which gives all people in all generations a template for demonstrating the best of humanitarian compassion. The Samaritan challenges us to enter in the suffering and pain of others, without being blinded by our differences.
It’s an invitation for us to risk and spend on behalf of others, without any expectation of reward.
The Samaritan operated a fully funded single-bed hospital with provision for unexpected expenses, to ensure continuity of services, inspiring pioneers who established healthcare bases all over the world which later became hospitals. These pioneers were typically followers of Jesus.
Care was, and continues to be, given on Christ’s behalf. Some of these hospitals like Mengo Hospital in Uganda and Kijabe Medical Centre in Kenya are still growing and serving beyond their centennial year. They are partners with national programs for higher learning and postgraduate training of healthcare professionals.
Throughout His life we see Jesus embodying Good Samaritan values: generosity, compassion, self-sacrifice, persevering care, and non-discrimination. His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s compassion for all people. We believe that obeying and becoming like Jesus is what has kept us relevant, resilient, and responsive to changes in medical missions for the past seven decades.
Today the best rural healthcare in low- and middle-income countries is majorly provided by Good Samaritan institutions, and not all are church or Christian owned
To learn more and support EMAS Canada programs that partner with mission hospitals in Africa, South America and Asia contact: peter@emascanada.org
Donate to EMAS Teams with Hospital Affiliations:
Zimbabwe: Gutu Mission Hospital
Peter Agwa is the Executive Director of EMAS Canada. A physician and surgeon in his native Kenya, Peter has a passion for Christ-centred healthcare and has a wealth of experience both hosting and sending short-term mission teams. Subscribe to Executive Director's Blog
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