By Keresifon Ekanem, MMM

Mary Martin Hospital is a Medical Missionaries of Mary (MMM) Facility located in Uselu, Benin City, Edo State in Nigeria. I arrived there in September 2023. It was a new community and ministry in its evolving stage then, few sisters and few staff. When I arrived, I understood that it was going to be a multifaceted mission. I was handed over the office of the Hospital coordinator and the mission commenced almost immediately. I had barely arrived when we had an emergency in the Hospital. We were two Sisters only in the community that day, the other sister was not medically inclined but was helpful as she had ideas on basic things she could help out with and we pulled through. 

Being a Nurse/Midwife and Sonographer, I also worked in all the other units of the Facility as the need arose; being involved in all these activities widened my knowledge and I am grateful for the additional skills – administrative, pharmacy, cashier, consultation and laboratory. I had a deep sense of satisfaction being with patients; some of them shared their stories with so much openness and trust and at the end, it would be evident that not all sicknesses required medications. Some of them just needed someone to talk to and to be listened to patiently and with understanding, which gave them so much relief after they shared their concerns. 

Meanwhile, medications and presence alone did not suffice in all cases and therefore, incorporating Capacitar (a self-healing technique) into our services was a good initiative. Among others, I had a young person who suffered from severe sleeplessness due to anxiety and fear which did not improve with a series of treatment but ameliorated with Capacitar. When he walked into the consulting room, his fear and anxiety was so obvious. However, when I noticed his state, I engaged him in some conversations and he shared his concerns. I taught him a simple finger-hold technique for fear and anxiety. He went home and continued with it and over a short period of time, he came back and acknowledged that he felt more peaceful and was able to sleep and concentrate on his business; he was happy with the result. 

It was a Mission of establishing relationships with other healthcare workers in the neighbourhood for collaboration, positive presence to and holistic care for those who availed of our services as well as in our Chaplaincy, capacity building for staff by teaching them liquid soap and jik making skills and Capacitar. I feel fulfilled by my contribution in the Mission and I am thankful to God for what He accomplished through me!