In sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 56 million individuals lack access to basic surgical care, the Thiessen family has embarked on a remarkable journey to bring hope and healing through their skills in medicine. Jesh, a general surgeon, and Julie, a talented homemaker and chef, hail from the Okanagan, British Columbia, but their path has taken them across the globe. From medical school in Calgary and residency in Kingston to missions in places like Burundi and India, their journey has been one of diverse experiences and unwavering faith.
Their calling to full-time missions was not immediately apparent when they first met. Before their marriage in 2008, both Jesh and Julie had already begun serving overseas - Jesh with building projects in the Dominican Republic and through medical work in Myanmar, and Julie with teaching stints in Burundi and India. However, over nine years of marriage and raising three children, the call to missions became increasingly clear. In 2015, they ventured to Burundi to work at Kibuye Hope Hospital, an experience that profoundly impacted their perspective and strengthened their resolve to pursue long-term missions.
Accepted into Samaritan's Purse's Post-Residency Program in 2016, the Thiessen family received the support they needed to continue their mission work. After language training in France, they spent time at Kibuye Hope Hospital in Burundi before moving to Hospital of Hope in Togo, West Africa in 2019. Their journey then led them to the Good News Hospital in Madagascar in 2020, where they helped launch the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons residency training program. Through this program, they aim to provide quality surgical care while empowering African doctors with both medical skills and spiritual guidance, embodying their vision to share Christ's love through compassionate healthcare.
In addition to their work in providing surgical care and training, the Thiessens have been actively involved in several impactful projects. One such endeavor is the "Out of the Waiting Room Appeal," a partnership with Fellowship Aid & International Relief, and the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons to train two Malagasy surgical residents at the Good News Hospital, starting in January 2022.
Another vital initiative is the "Hospital Engineering Project," where the Thiessens are working with Engineering Ministries International to support the expansion of the Good News Hospital's operating rooms. As the hospital grows, there are increased demands on water and electricity, and their aim is to ensure sustainable and efficient development.
Furthermore, the family is dedicated to patient care, offering ongoing support to individuals in need of financial assistance for their medical treatment. Their commitment to holistic healthcare extends beyond the operating room to ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care they require.
Lastly, the Thiessens have been instrumental in the "Without Water Campaign," a collaborative effort with Engineering Ministries International (EMI) and the Madagascar Water Project (MWP). This campaign, which is now fully funded, aims to bring clean water year-round to the Good News Hospital in Mandritsara, Madagascar. Any additional funds raised will be allocated to other critical projects essential for the hospital's operations and community impact. These projects highlight the Thiessens' holistic approach to healthcare, addressing not only surgical needs but also infrastructure needs, patient support, and sustainable growth.
Prayer Request:
Pray for the Thiessen family as they journey across the globe, bringing hope, healing, and the love of Christ through their skills in medicine, impacting lives in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
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