Peter Agwa

In November 2013, Dr. Peter Agwa was appointed the Executive Director of EMAS Canada. A physician and surgeon in his native Kenya, Peter moved to Canada in 2005 where he began working with the Navigators at the University of Toronto, helping medical students survive and thrive spiritually. Peter has a passion for Christ-centred healthcare and has a wealth of experience both hosting and sending short-term mission teams and serving as a Board Member for various non-profit organizations. Married with three grown children, he lives with his wife in Burlington, Ontario.

There is also a profound degree of learning that happens within a team-based mission trip. Many first-time participants are surprised by the complexities of providing healthcare in a new cultural context. During the mission, however, they have the opportunity to learn volumes from local healthcare providers and other team members. Upon returning, many participants report having a better sense of how to care for immigrants to Canada who visit their clinic or hospital.

Many EMAS teams have also become close-knit communities back in Canada. They meet regularly throughout the year to enjoy BBQs, participate in fundraising events, and prepare for upcoming mission trips. Team members also include friends and family who never leave the country but play a vital role such as praying for the work or coordinating logistics.

Overseas teams range in size from 4 to as many as 80 people. To keep costs low, all EMAS Canada team leaders volunteer their time.