Congenial fellowship, good food, and fun were hallmarks of the VA Fall Luncheon, held September 17 at Arlington Hall in Dallas to focus on opening the doors of the Agnes Onuoha Memorial Hospital.  The highlight of the event, though, was the remarks of our speaker, Jane Onuoha, daughter of our founder and sister to Agnes. 

Jane’s impassioned speech reminded us that Vision Africa is more than a charity, more than mere programs, even more than a ministry. It’s “what happens when God’s love refuses to stay in one place.”  She related her personal experiences of taking God’s love into prisons, the Motherless Babies’ Home, and Media Institute, where, by its actions, the ministry says, “You matter,” and “You are not forgotten” to those thirsty for that reassurance. 

She went on to explain the desperate need for the hospital in its particular location at this particular time. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country yet is consistently ranked in the top three of countries with lowest life expectancy. It makes up 27 percent of the global malaria burden, with 200,000 deaths a year, and has the world’s highest maternal mortality rate with 993 deaths for every 100,000 live births. And these problems are only getting bigger, she noted. By 2050 Nigeria is projected to be the fifth most populated country in the world.

Malaria is readily treatable when caught early, and pregnancy can and should be safe for mother and baby with regular medical treatment and intervention when necessary, Jane noted. Yet deaths from these and many other treatable injuries and ailments occur every day in Nigeria. The placement of the hospital is “intentional” she said because it is within walking distance or easy access to a large population where current medical care is hours away.

Jane knows the enormity of this difficulty first-hand. As a child in Nigeria, she injured a toe while playing with her brother. It was tremendously painful, but while her parents took quick and decisive action, they were two hours away from medical care of any kind. Fortunately, they had a car to make the journey, and Jane was cared for relatively quickly after they arrived, but the memory is still fresh in her mind. What happens to those who don’t have those resources?, she asked the luncheon guests. That’s the gap VA hopes to breech with AOMH.

She closed with the reminder that VA cannot do any of this work without partners who share the vision. “Take one step,” she urged. “Start or continue to walk this journey with us. Because God’s love is too powerful, too transformative, and too urgent not to move forward.”

Dina Steele, a life-long mentor and friend to Agnes, gave a moving prayer to close the event on a note of love.

You can still support AOMH and all the ministries of Vision Africa by clicking on the Donate button below to help us spread the light of God’s love.