Story of Redemption

The 50 year history of the Baptist Medical Center here in Nalerigu is an incredible example of how God can use mission and medicine in particular to actually change a city. While sin is still abundant here, there is hope in the darkness. The BMC is a bright spot in a difficult world here in West Africa. 50 years ago, right around the time that Ghana was becoming independent God called Dr. Faile senior to Ghana from Nigeria. Back then Nalerigu was an vastly underserved area and deeply in need of medical services and the Gospel. In this traditional Muslim area, the IMB planted a hospital that would grow to become superior to government programs and serve people from incredible distances.
When Dr. Faile started the hospital 50 years ago Nalerigu was a remote village of 3,000 people. The clinic was three-quarters of a mile outside of anything resembling town, and there were essentially no Christians. Now there are 15,000 people in Nalerigu and the BMC is an integral part of life here. There are 10 churches now in town, each filling up about the largest structure you can make out here. The 10 churches have an impressive sense of unity and seem to be doing well. Because of the missionary efforts in Nalerigu the Christians do not face as much persecution here as in other villages in this region simply because of the strength in numbers.
Dr. Faile Jr. and numerous doctors throughout the years have served here and still are. Dr. Faile and Dr. Hewitt work incredible loads seeing hundreds of patients a day, doing surgeries, taking call EVERY night. There is no glamour, there is little adventure, but there is an image of Christ and it is worth it in the end. These men here make scripture come alive. When Jesus consoles his disciples telling them that anyone who has given up home and family to follow him will be richly blessed, he had these men in mind.
God is in the business of bringing glimpses of redemption on Earth now. Here the Baptists have joined him in that. It is incredible to see, and great to be a part of.