January 2026 Mission Trip Update #1

Below is the first update from Father Festus, reflecting on the initial week of medical outreach in his village in Nigeria. He shares the challenges, the urgent needs, and the impact already being made through this mission.

"The first week of our medical outreach in my village has been both demanding and deeply

rewarding. From the very first day, children, infants, and the elderly came out in large numbers,

eager to receive medical check-ups and much needed treatment. The turnout exceeded

expectations and reflected the long-standing healthcare needs within the community.

Before attending to patients, significant preparation went into ensuring the outreach ran

smoothly. This included organizing medical supplies, setting up triage and consultation areas,

coordinating healthcare personnel, and educating volunteers on patient flow and record-keeping.

Medications were sorted according to common illnesses anticipated in the village, and protocols

were established to prioritize vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, and

the elderly.

As expected, the outreach encountered a wide range of medical issues. Malaria and diarrhea were

especially prevalent, particularly among children, alongside respiratory infections among adults

and the elderly. Many patients had lived with these conditions for long periods without access to

proper medical care. Consultations, laboratory testing where needed, and immediate treatment

were provided, bringing relief to many who had endured discomfort for far too long.

The excitement and gratitude of the villagers have been overwhelming. Their joy is palpable –

seen in their smiles, words of thanks to the sponsors in the United States, and quiet relief as they

received care, medication, and reassurance. For many, this outreach marked their first encounter

with organized medical service. Parents expressed deep appreciation as their children were

treated and showed signs of improvement.

Alongside medical services, the soup kitchen has revealed another critical need. Large numbers

of hungry and malnourished individuals - especially children and the elderly - have been served

daily. The presence of visible malnutrition underscores the intersection between health and food

insecurity in the community, making this aspect of the outreach just vital. These are some of the

major highlights from the first week of the medical outreach. The outreach is ongoing, the needs

remain great, and there is much more to come."