Blended Callings: Faith, Medicine, and Ministry at Kiwoko Hospital

After a stressful journey of delayed flights and lost luggage, the 3 medical students from QUB arrived safely at Kiwoko Hospital in Uganda. Immediately they were embraced by a remarkably warm and welcoming community. Join Holly, Carrie and Sophie as they reflect on the halfway mark of their elective placement, where they are witnessing first-hand how faith and world-class medicine seamlessly intersect.

We thank God for our safe arrival to Kiwoko Hospital. It was a stressful travel day with delayed flights and luggage but after finally arriving in Uganda we were met by such a welcoming community here at Kiwoko, who have made us feel at home ever since.

The hospital's motto is 'We treat........Jesus heals' and it has been such a blessing to be able to become part of a team of physicians who are doing God's work with their hands. Coming from placement in hospitals in Northern Ireland where there are barriers as to how our faith can openly intersect with our work, it is refreshing to witness patient care that focuses not only on health but also addresses a patient's spiritual needs. For example, last week in maternity theatre everyone stopped to pray before the operation commenced. This just emphasised how the staff here recognise that God is the one who has given them the gifts to work in healthcare and that He is ultimately in control of patient outcomes.

Each morning we attend a service at 8am before our day of placement starts. We have been so encouraged by the worship and it is such as joy to worship alongside brothers and sisters in Christ here in Uganda – a wonderful reminder of how vast God's kingdom is. We've been introduced to many new songs, which we look forward to bringing home with us! The service always ends with the phrase: 'The service has ended, let the worship begin' and this has been a great reminder of the importance of committing our work to the Lord, doing all things for His glory. 

Kiwoko Hospital, established in 1987 by Dr Ian Clarke (CMSI mission partner) working out of his house, is now a flourishing hospital with several departments including outpatients, maternity, medical and surgical wards, theatres and paediatrics. We are spending time rotating throughout different specialities. While the practice of medicine here is largely similar to home, it has been interesting to see some ways in which it differs, largely due to the hospital's rural location and cultural factors. Almost daily we are coming home with a new condition to read up on or discuss, having been exposed to medicine in a tropical environment!

Every Wednesday, staff and students run ward ministry. This involves splitting up into groups and going to different wards, where we share scripture and a short message and then pray for patients. One of the many examples is from our first week on ward ministry. Deuteronomy 1v29-30 was shared with the mothers of unwell babies, and afterwards many responded by sharing testimonies of the comfort they have found in God, praising His faithfulness and answered prayers. Seeing patient's abundant faith in God's provision and sovereignty, even in some of the most difficult situations, has challenged us to consider how often we truly depend on God in our own lives.

Uganda is a beautiful country and has provided many opportunities for life outside of the hospital. This past weekend we ventured up to Murchison falls where we went on safari, a boat cruise on the River Nile and hiked to the top of the Falls, which was a truly unforgettable experience. 

We thank you for your continued prayers. It is hard to believe we are halfway through our time here and we look forward to all God has in store for us during the remainder of our time in Kiwoko.