Heritage Christian University (HCU) in Accra hosted this landmark Medical Missions Seminar Africa from May 22 to 24, 2025 – the first time by African Christian Healthcare on the continent… With the theme “Equipping Christian Healthcare Professionals for Medical Missions,”the event brought together doctors, nurses, administrators, church leaders, and healthcare students for a transformative learning and networking experience.
Opening Night: Christian Ethics at the Heart of Medical Practice
The seminar opened on Thursday evening at the Nsawam Road Church of Christ with a reflective and engaging session. Dr. Robert Lawrence, Chief Medical Officer of African Christian Healthcare, delivered the first keynote address titled “Who is Your Patient? Applying the Central Focus of Christian Ethics to Complex Medical Problems.” The session emphasized the role of faith in shaping a holistic approach to medical care, urging practitioners to consider the spiritual dimensions of healing.
Day Two at HCU: A Blend of Inspiration and Practical Training
The second day, held at the main campus of Heritage Christian University, was a full-day session packed with both academic and spiritual nourishment. Dr. Samuel Twumasi-Ankrah, President of HCU, officially welcomed participants, reinforcing the university’s mission of integrating conviction, character, and compassion into Christian leadership and service.
Dr. Shannon DeShazo, a U.S.-based family medicine physician, delivered a moving address on “Compassion Fatigue and How to Be Renewed,”shedding light on the emotional burnout common in healthcare and offering spiritual tools for renewal. The session served as a much-needed reminder of the importance of caring for caregivers.
Breakout Sessions: Bridging Theory with Mission Practice
Participants were given the opportunity to attend multiple breakout sessions focused on developing practical skills and mission-oriented knowledge. Topics included Mission Facilities and Cancer Care led by Tyler McDonald, Customer Service in Healthcare by Dr. Jerry Eshun, and Basic Wound Care by Dr. Linda Benskin, a globally respected wound care expert. The sessions catered to both clinical skills and strategic thinking for those aspiring to serve in underserved areas.
Keynote Highlights: From Surgical Care to Donor Engagement
The afternoon resumed with a keynote by Dr. Emem Akpanudo, a pediatric surgeon, on “The Need for Surgical Care for the Poor.” Her address challenged participants to reimagine surgical missions not as charity but as justice. Breakout sessions followed, including a compelling presentation by Kevin Linderman on “How to Attract Donors to Help Your Dream Project Become a Reality” and another by Dr. Kingsly Nnah on church partnerships for cancer screening.
Focus on the Church’s Role in Medical Missions
A unique element of the seminar was its focus on collaborating with Church of Christ health facilities in Ghana which were represented at the seminar-Hope Christian Hospital, Church of Christ Hospital at Bomso, Church of Christ Mission Clinic at Yendi and Dzodze Ghana Mission Hospital which were. Day three included updates from these institutions, highlighting existing services and upcoming opportunities for partnership. In one of the breakout sessions, Samuel Owusu Badu discussed volunteer roles within the Church of Christ Health Services (COCHS), while Dr. Emmanuel K. Nimoh addressed the critical topic of medico-legal issues in Ghana.
The Mission Calling: From Short-Term to Lifelong Commitment
In one of the most forward-looking addresses of the seminar, Dr. Alex Peasa-Kodua, Deputy Registrar of the Ghana Medical and Dental Council, spoke on “How Short-Term Trips Lead to a Lifetime Mission Calling.” His presentation encouraged young professionals to view mission work as a lifelong path of purpose rather than a seasonal activity drawing from his own life story.
Presidential Challenge: Lead with Compassion
The final keynote came from Dr. Samuel Twumasi-Ankrah, who addressed “The Power of Compassionate Care to the Sick.”Drawing from personal, biblical and practical insights, he called on Christian medical professionals to lead with love, humility, and spiritual strength—especially when dealing with society’s most vulnerable.
Renewed Commitment to Faith-Based Healthcare
The seminar concluded with debriefings and reflections led by Dr. Robert Lawrence and Kevin Linderman, who expressed hope that the seminar would inspire long-term mission work across the continent. Participants left equipped not just with medical knowledge, but with a deeper understanding of how their faith and profession can work hand in hand to transform lives in Africa and beyond.
