Ghana Mission 2009, Trip Report #6

Dedication of the Methodist Dorcas Clinic in Yipala, Gonja District, Tamale

What happened today is a dream come true for ten isolated villages situated at the edge of town.  It is also a dream come true for Rev. Marion Hubbard, Rev. Cherie Philips, and other colleagues who accepted the challenge of bringing HEALING and HOPE into this isolated community.  The real story of “Project Dorcas” will be told at a different day but today we are witnessing the joy of those whose prayers for a healthcare facility have been answered. 

Construction began on this facility in 2007 with the community supplying their manual labor for most of the work.  Donations from the New York Annual Conference funded the expenses for materials and work needed in addition to the manual labor.  Most of the funds were raised by Rev. Cherie Philips and Rev. Marion Hubbard with addition help from the Asbury-Crestwood UMC and the Bishop's Partners in Mission. Without their support, this celebration would not be possible.

The importance of this day is signified by the presence of dignitaries including the Bishop of the Methodist Church, Northern Region Area, the Director of Coordinating Council, Gonja District, the Director of Disease Control, Gonja District, and the Director of Nurses, Northern Region. 

The Northern Ghana area is in serious healthcare crisis.  This was emphasized throughout the speeches given by all the speakers.  It was confirmed that while the Ghana healthcare system seems to improve in many regions, the situation is worse in the northern region. The under-five mortality rate is three times as high as in other regions in Ghana (Ghana Report on the Millennium Development Goals).

Will today’s dedication of a healthcare facility bring a change and make a difference in the lives of those who are in desperate need? 

Will we continue to share God’s love and bring healing to this broken world? 

Answers to these questions bring many warm-hearted United Methodists from around the New York Annual Conference to support mission work both globally and locally.