Spotlight on Mission

“MWANDI SUMMIT 2011”

Report from Ruling Elder Steve Swigart

     On October 7 and 8, the Rev. Jean Dow and I attended a special gathering in Mooresville, North Carolina, called by the American representatives on the Board of the Mwandi Christian Hospital in Mwandi, Zambia. This was a unique gathering, bringing together the many congregations and organizations which have supported the mission hospital for many years.  Since 1995, Immanuel Church has made four organized trips to this mission site along the Zambezi River in Zambia’s Western Province. Two years ago for World Communion Sunday, Immanuel hosted Keith and Ida Waddell, who are Church of Scotland missionaries at the Mwandi mission complex.

     The attendance far exceeded the organizers’ expectations. More than fifty people came from five states – Colorado, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.  We were pleased to represent Immanuel and Milwaukee at this gathering.  Many of the attendees had been to Mwandi several times, and it was fascinating to hear about the deep connections with the hospital staff and the village that have been made over time.

     The American Board reported on their meeting in Mwandi in April of 2011.  At that meeting, members spent time listening to the people who make all the programs work – staff from the school, the hospital, the orphan and vulnerable children’s program, the church, and residents of the village.  What they determined from these conversations was that the American Board can better serve the mission by focusing on financial and material support.  In order to help the mission have a more significant impact for the people it serves, there needs to be serious coordination among the stateside congregations that support Mwandi, as well as a way to monitor the use of contributions.  To start the process, the Board has developed a web site – mwandimission.org – that will assist with communication and coordination of efforts.  It is a site that is evolving.  This is all volunteer work.

     Those who have been to Mwandi recently indicate that there is good progress at the mission: there is a new hospital administrator and plans for an emergency room; the high school is continuing to grow; and a new church building is being planned.  A major goal is to help the various components of the mission to be self-sustaining, and the Board believes this is possible with good coordination, accountability, and support.  

     Jean and I were impressed with the folks at the meeting and their commitment to the Mwandi mission.  It was gratifying to be recognized by the others there for the financial and service commitment that Immanuel has made over the years to the mission.  There was significant interest among those in attendance to continue these meetings on an annual basis.

     Immanuel is hoping to take a group to Mwandi in late May and early June of 2012 to see and assist in the work of the mission.  If you are interested participating in this mission trip, please contact Ms. Dow in the church office (414-27-4757). 

    The "Spotlight on Mission" is a monthly column that appears in Immanuel's newsletter "The Tower Chimes."  The "Spotlight on Mission" highlights Immanuel's efforts to reach out in the community and the world through hands-on mission work and giving.