# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1956_S413
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MISSIONS 413

Report of the Lutheran Medical Mission Association
(Report 415)

Great progress has been made in the medical mission work of
our chureh overseas during the last three years.

In Nigeria, West Africa, the Lutheran Hospital at Eket (96
beds) was dedicated in 1953. During 1954, 12,650 patients were
treated. At present the staff includes two American doctors, four
American nurses, and four African nurses.

At Ambur, India, expanded hospital facilities were dedicated
in 1955. These facilities were made possible largely because of the
generous grant of $70,000 from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary
League. 48,551 patients were treated in 1954. The staff includes
one American doctor, four Indian doctors, three American nurses,
19 Indian nurses. An American chaplain is also attached to the
hospital. Dispensary work is carried on among the Muslims.

In New Guinea the hospital at Mambisanda has operated in
temporary quarters with 115 beds. The new hospital is under con-
struction by seven Walther League Builders, with funds from the
“Conquest for Christ” offering. The staff includes one Australian
doctor, two American nurses, 25 new Guinea orderlies. 2,388 pa-
tients were treated in 1954.

In the Philippines, dispensary work has been carried on at
Candon and Guinzadan. Five Filipino doctors volunteered part-
time service. The Philippine Conference is considering the appoint-
ment of a doctor for full-time service in medical work.

In Guatemala, consideration is being given to the reactivation
of the medical work at Antigua. An American doctor is considering
an appointment to this field.

Medical work in India, Hong Kong, Japan, and Nigeria received
further impetus by special grants of $103,000 from the Wheat Ridge
Foundation. Although these funds were given especially for TB
work, the entire medical program will benefit.

There has also been progress in the last three years on the
home front. Three national conventions of the Lutheran Medical
Mission Association have been held. Approximately 90 delegates
from all over the country attended. The medical people have
shown a great interest in this phase of the Lord’s work.

Approximately 5,600 names of professional medical people are
on the mailing list of our association. Local chapters have been
organized in Buffalo, Chicago, New York, Omaha, Seattle, St. Louis,
San Francisco; and one state-wide chapter, Texas. Through dues
and contributions the association has made specific grants for items
not covered by Mission Board budgets.

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