Demonstrate Christ’s love to African patients by providing care in a national network of Christian outpatient clinics. The applicant(s) will inspire Christian healthcare workers in the art and science of medicine as wholistic ministry. They will contribute to research applicable to the West African setting in collaboration with both Christian clinics and top government university hospitals to strengthen and equip the nation’s Christian medical leaders to change and heal their nation.

Responsibilities

• Member of the team’s medical initiative, and meetings monthly
• One to two days per week outpatient clinic care, where some locations may require travel with overnight stays within a national network of Christian clinics
• Conduct research and mentor Christian healthcare workers in wholistic ministry and best practices during above visits to clinics
• Disciple and mentor Christian West African doctors by participating in ongoing prayer groups, assisting with yearly medical conference for Christian healthcare workers, and attending or teaching monthly professional development sessions and journal club
• Maintain professional and spiritual acuity by attending biennial CMDA Christian medical conference; see link for info: https://cmda.org/

Required Qualifications

• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of Certificate level) or equivalent
• Two years post-residency work experience
• Recognized medical degree
• Current licensure and up-to-date certifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare team management
• Experience in research methodology and publication

Biblical Characteristics Desired

• Kingdom-minded
• Biblically grounded
• Spirit-dependent
• Competently skilled
• Self-aware
• Self-disciplined

Timeline for Deployment

Summer/fall 2022. All appointees are required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and Pre-Field Orientation prior to deploying.

General Information

This major urban area often defies expectations of life in Africa. The weather is generally cooler than the interior, beaches abound, modern supermarkets and goods are available and there are lots of options for eating out. On the flip side, many find it harder to build relationships, and battling traffic is always an issue. Dress is more conservative, especially for women.

Language Expectations

Language is an essential part of ministry. The successful applicant(s) will receive one year of intense language study, followed by ongoing language and cultural acquisition. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.

The worker spends a school year in French language study in France, and then may have the opportunity to attend an introductory tropical medicine course in French before arrival in the country. This allows the worker to be more conversant in French in topics that are more commonly experienced in West Africa. Upon arrival in the country, the worker will study a local language and culture for a year before taking on full team member responsibilities.

Health Considerations

The city is on the coast and has a milder climate than interior regions, which can be extremely hot annually from May through October. The city has high levels of air pollution at times, which can affect those with respiratory issues. All typical healthcare specialties are served well here, though people often have chosen to seek very specialized care elsewhere.

Expectations for Spouse

Spousal roles vary, based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities, as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives, depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc.

The Medical Ministry Initiative is part of the larger team which also works in urban CP, media ministries, reaching urban professionals through business and leadership training, and CP among an unreached people group.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options

Some team members’ children attend private French schools that use the French system and are taught by national teachers. Most of the children’s classmates are other expatriates from around Africa and Europe, as well as national children. Other members’ children attend an international pre-K-12 school following the American system with all courses in English and taught mostly by Americans, as well as some foreign English speakers.

For workers who choose to live outside the city, a Christian school in the region offers teaching in English that follows two systems from England, and where boarding also is offered.