Beloved Brethren,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. I trust we have all been well. The first half of the year was largely a remarkable one, with a host of activities, programmes, and memorable events beginning with the Galmi Missions outreach, General council meeting, Training series, and conferences; particularly the Zonal Prayer and Missions, as well as the ICMDA Arusha conference.
For His guidance, protection, and provision in helping us sustain this vision of caring for the whole man, we are indeed most grateful to the Almighty God.
The month of July which ushered us into the second half of the year has sped away almost as quickly as it came, but not without its own unique happenings. We heartily congratulate our very own Dr. Osemwem Asemota, a brilliant family physician and Chief Medical Director of Rhema Foundation Hospital, Kwali, in FCT Abuja, who successfully completed his tenure on the 9th of July, 2023 serving on the board of the ICMDA for 9 years. Dr Asemota, a veteran missionary, has contributed immensely to the service of humanity, having served faithfully in various capacities within the body of CMDA as Regional Secretary, ICMDA West Africa, and National President CMDA Nigeria, for a total period of 12 years before his sojourn in the ICMDA. We bless the Lord for strengthening him for this good work and for upholding him all through his years of impactful and exemplary service.
In our various chapters,all efforts were channelled towards early preparations for the regional conferences in all three zones of CMDA Nigeria, beginning with the eastern zone, and ending with the northern, and western zones respectively. The zonal conferences, a regional meeting of all our brethren dispersed across various chapters in the country, is a bi-annual event organised for brethren in their respective zones to retreat, refresh, and be revived in a serene atmosphere of worship and fellowship. Members get the opportunity to travel, meet, and interact closely with fellow christian doctors in far away chapters from within and outside the state for a couple of days; away from their busy work and routine schedules. For more information on the conferences, please visit our official website: (www.cmdanigeria.org).
Speaking of conferences, the CMDA Nigeria Students’ arm is not left out, as plans are currently ongoing in earnest for hosting the students national conference for this year in Lagos state Nigeria come next month. During a brief visit to the east I was opportune to spend some time with the Student National President of CMDA Nigeria Bro. Josephate Chukwu of NAUTH Chapter, Anambra State to support and encourage him for all the good work being done for the Student body; particularly in preparation for their upcoming conference. We took some shots together afterward before my departure.
The CMDA Global arm has continued to meet regularly for their monthly meetings. We join them in prayers as preparations are being made towards the regional meetings in the United Kingdom and Americas respectively.
Sadly, one of us; Dr. Adedotun Ajibade passed onto glory to rest in the bosom of our Lord (Dec 1977 to July 2023). He served as the School president of the Nigerian Conference of Christian Medical and Dental Students (NCCMDS), in the year 2000. Until his demise, Dr. Dotun Ajibade was a Family Physician in Cochrane, Alberta. Canada. He was a loving Christian, with a cheerful countenance who always wore a smiling face. We pray the Lord in His infinite mercies comfort his family and grant them the fortitude to bear this loss during this difficult season.
Finally brethren, as prayers are being made ceaselessly for all projects, meetings, conferences, and especially our brethren preparing for their professional exams, I urge us not to relent in making fervent prayers for our nation, the peace and wellbeing of the nation will translate to peace for us all.
May the month of August bring us good tidings and God’s manifold blessings in Jesus name, Amen.
#MyPartIWillPlay
His Servant and Yours,
Chima Onoka
CEO, CMDA Nigeria
EASTERN ZONAL CONFERENCE
The Eastern Zonal conference was held from Thursday, the 27th of July to Saturday, the 29th of July, 2023. Registered members from all CMDA chapters in the eastern zone made their way to the Event Hall, Our Saviour’s Chapel, University of Port Harcourt, Abuja Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria.
This year’s conference themed: “A Light To Nations” , was indeed a life-changing event that focused on the role of Doctors as light in the health sector today. Participants were refreshed and enlightened, as they spent time and experienced an awesome time of fellowship together.
INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL MISSIONS TRAINING COURSE: EASTERN ZONE
The Institute of Medical Missions (IMM) was founded in 2006 to impart, transform, and equip participants with the requisite skills needed for effectiveness in the mission field. It is a Missions-oriented training platform/ initiative of CMDA Nigeria set up to mobilise, train, and mentor doctors, medical/nursing students, and other health workers toward mission-mindedness through its foundational and advanced courses respectively.
Every year, the foundational training course organised by the IMM Faculty members is held in all three zones of CMDA Nigeria across the country. This year’s training began with the Northern Zone, in the University of Maiduguri, Borno state, and continued with the Eastern Zone at the Qua Iboe, Leprosy Hospital, Etinan, Akwa-Ibom from the 22nd -30th of July, 2023.
Participants were exposed to practical teachings on the History, Biblical basis, Vocation and Calling, etc by about 10 facilitators and participants respectively. Details of the Western zonal foundational training will be communicated on our various announcement platforms in due course.
CMDA NIGERIA GLOBAL NETWORK MONTHLY MEETING
The CMDA Nigeria Global Network family held their regular virtual meeting for the month and members of the secretariat were available to provide technical support. The Africa region’s Regional fellowship meeting had about ten participants in attendance and was facilitated by Dr. Ojimadu. They discussed the topic: “Building the vision”.
The Africa Region of CMDA Nigeria Global Network comprises members who are residents of Ghana, Liberia, South Africa, and other African countries.
Members of the United Kingdom region held their meeting on the last Saturday of the month. The meeting had 28 persons in attendance and was moderated by Dr. Babatunde Yusuf. they shared fellowship and discussed the topic: Quality improvement projects
Reminder announcements concerning the upcoming in-person regional meetings in October were made.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WESTERN AND NORTHERN ZONAL DOCTORS’ CONFERENCES
The Doctors’ Western Zonal conference will be hosted by the Onabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Sagamu, Ogun State CMDA Chapter, Ogun State, Nigeria. The conference, slated for the 3rd-5th of August with the theme: “The Great Physician: Our Role Model” is set to explore the example set by Jesus Christ and the corresponding impact on our role as Health professionals in the field and practice of Medicine. Save the date, pray, and plan to be blessed as you attend.
The Doctors’ Northern Zonal Conference for the month is set to be hosted by the Kaduna & Zaria Chapters of CMDA Nigeria at the Chapel of Redemption Kaduna Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State themed: “Whole Life, Whole Faith, Whole Practice” Nigeria from the 24th-27th of August, 2023. Are you a Christian Doctor resident and practicing in the North? Join us at the Northern Zonal Conference. It promises to be a life-changing experience!
ANTICIPATE! INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE AND LEADERSHIP BASIC COURSE COHORT II {IfEHL 2023 (02)}
The Institute for Excellence in Health Care and Leadership (IfEHL), is an initiative of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (CMDA Nigeria), established in 2018 as a platform to raise and comprehensively equip purpose-driven individuals who have the potential, passion, and burden to address the numerous challenges plaguing the Health Sector in Nigeria and other developing settings.
The IfEHL Basic Course is an intensive 7-day training packed with insightful teachings framed in course modules and facilitated by experienced tutors/ faculty members. IfEHL has so far produced six generations since its inception (i.e. from 2018-2023); the most recent being the Gideon Generation(i.e. the first cohort produced earlier this year in the month of April 2023.)
The Basic course training for the second cohort in 2023 is slated to be held in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria in late September. More information will be made available on our social media platforms @cmdanigeria on Facebook and Instagram respectively, and on our official website(www.cmdanigeria.org).
CMDA NIGERIA GLOBAL NETWORK UPCOMING EVENTS
UK REGIONAL SUMMER GET TOGETHER
CMDA Nigeria Global UK Region would be having her summer get-together in the month of August. All members are invited to attend as it promises to be a fun-filled and interesting time together.
Theme: Reunite, Refresh, and Refocus
Date: August 18-20th, 2023.
Venue: Cloverly Hall, Whitchurch, Shropshire England
THE AMERICAS IN-PERSON MEETING
Our CMDA brethren in the Americas are invited to attend the regional in-person meeting.
Date: October 6th-8th, 2023.
Venue: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Arpt West – Camp Creek, 3833 Princeton Lakes Ct SW Atlanta, GA 30331
EASTERN ZONE
CMDA IMO
Imo state chapter of CMDA Nigeria met at Dr. Udonyang’s premises for fellowship and a free CME academic discussion session on the 16th of July, 2023. Both sessions were facilitated by Drs Anele and PDM Njemanze respectively
.
CMDA ANAMBRA:
CMDA NAUTH chapter in the month of July held a welcome congress for the new house-officers in their midst during the fellowship meeting at the Clinical building premises.
CMDA ENUGU
CMDA Enugu had a joint monthly fellowship at the NOHE Conference Hall. They also had a logo exploration session and discussed plans in preparation for the eastern zonal conference.
In the first week of the month, they partnered with “Model for Christ Africa” for a missions outreach at Orie market and MRC Hospital, Ikem.
CMDA UMUAHIA
CMDA Umuahia convened for her monthly fellowship at the Roots and Café Restaurant. They discussed the topic: “Stress Management for the Christian” which was facilitated by Dr Samuel Abah during the first week of the month.
CMDA DELSUTH
CMDA DELSUTH Chapter convened at the Hospital cafeteria for a doctors’ get-together on the 7th of July, 2023.
CMDA ASABA
CMDA Asaba chapter had a session of logo exploration during their monthly meeting at the Paediatrics basement.
WESTERN ZONE
CMDA LUTH
LUTH Chapter, held her regular prayer meetings virtually via Google Meet. They had a medical outreach in partnership with RCCG parish, at Aguda, Surulere.
They also collaborated with Kingdom Outreach International Ministry for Wholeness Medical and Evangelism Missions Outreach at Ajara-Agamathen, Badagry, Lagos.
CMDA ILE-IFE
CMDA Ile Ife held her regular prayer meetings earlier in the month. They went on a mission outreach at the Covenant Orphanage & Welfare Centre at Olopomeji Awolunate Zone 3, ILE IFE on the 22nd of July, 2023. During their family meeting for the month, they discussed the topic: ” Care of The Terminally Ill Patient: Christian Perspective”
CMDA IDO-EKITI
FETHI Ido-Ekiti chapter organized a marriage seminar during their monthly general meeting. The meeting, themed: “Singles and Married” seminar hosted three panelists for the panel session discussion namely Drs Olabinri, Ekpa, and Olaoyoade.
CMDA UTH OSOGBO
CMDA Osogbo chapter, met at the Chapel of Hope premises, University of Osun state for their monthly general meeting on the 21st of July, 2023. They shared a fellowship together and discussed the topic: “Understanding the times we live in” to help members cope with the reality and demands of this current season.
CMDA LASUTH
LASUTH Chapter month held their prayer meeting during the second week of the month at the chapel of St. Luke the great physician on the 5th day of July 2023.
CMDA FETHI, EKITI
FETHI Ekiti chapter held her weekly prayer and Bible-study meetings for the month of July. They visited the medical ward for evangelism on the 13th of July, 2023.
CMDA OOUTH SAGAMU
CMDA Sagamu, Ogun state met during the month for their regular prayer meetings.
CMDA EKITI
Ekiti chapter held her weekly prayer and Bible-study meetings for the month of July. They visited the medical ward for evangelism on the 13th of July, 2023.
NOTHERN ZONE
CMDA FCT GWAGWALADA
FCT Gwagwalada chapter convened at the Wholeness House secretariat facility for their monthly family meeting. The meeting focused on the lessons gleaned from the just concluded ICMDA Arusha conference, and was facilitated by Dr. Osodin Timothy.
CMDA BENUE
CMDA Benue chapter in partnership with Faith and Power ministries international, U.S.A. conducted an outreach in the Gboko area of Benue state. The spiritual and health needs of the community were met during the outreach and the people were blessed.
CMDA FTH LOKOJA
FTH Lokoja CMDA Chapter went for Hospital evangelism at the gynaecology ward in the third week of the month. They also met regularly for their prayer meetings during the month.
CMDA BIDA
CMDA Bida chapter held a breakfast meeting during their monthly general meeting at the Praisefield Chapel premises. They met virtually for their monthly prayers throughout the month of July.
CMDA SOKOTO
The Sokoto chapter of CMDA Nigeria met during the month for their monthly meeting and discussed the topic: “Staying strong in difficult times” at the SON, Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital premises.
CMDA GOMBE
The Kaduna chapter of CMDA Nigeria held a prayer/ breakfast meeting at the Academic Block 3 during the month.
CMDA PLATEAU
The Plateau state chapter held a breakfast meeting in the … During the meeting, they organised a panel session to discuss the Christian doctors’ response to brain drain in the Nigerian health sector.
CMDA ZARIA
The CMDA Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital Zaria chapter met physically for their monthly meeting for prayers, word study, and a teaching session on “ “Mentorship” of younger doctors by the older doctors. The topic was facilitated by Dr. Nmadu Josiah Ndagiyisa.
CMDA GOMBE
Members of Gombe CMDA Chapter in partnership with all other CMDA chapters in the Northern zone partnered with Pro-Health International for a missions outreach at Tula- Kaltungo LGA of Gombe from the 6th-12th of July, 2023. The spiritual and health needs for members of the community were met.
“… For I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he can guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” 2 Tim 1:12 (NLT)
God can always be trusted irrespective of times and seasons.
1 Thes 5:16-18 AMP “Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”
PRAYER POINTS
1. Worship God. Great is the Lord and most worthy of our praise.
Psalm 145
2. Let us thank God for the house of CMDA Nigeria. Thank him for all he has done in building CMDA into what it is today.
Heb 3:4
3. Thank God for his provision and sustenance in your life and that of your family.
Rom 11:36, 1Cor 1:30
4. Ask God for grace for members of CMDA Nigeria to trust God through challenging seasons of life. Hab 3: 17-19, Job 13:15
5. Pray that God will heal every ailing member of the house. Ish 53:5
6. Pray for the upcoming CMDA Conferences (Zonal Conferences and Student’s National Conference). Pray that God will prepare the resource persons and that he will encounter and bless each participant.
John 3:27
a. Western Zonal Conference at Sagamu: 3rd – 5th August 2023
b. Northern Zonal Conference at Zaria: August 31st – 3rd September 2023 and
c. Student’s National Conference at Lagos: 17th – 20th August 2023
7. Pray for Nigeria’s Health Sector. Pray that God will intervene in the ongoing NARD strike.
Psalm 121:1-2
8. Pray for the body of Christ in Nigeria and members of CMDA to remain steadfast & focused on our calling in Christ.
1 Cor 15:58, Prov 4:25.
9. Pray for Nigeria. Pray that our government leaders will lead aright.
1 Tim 2:1-2, Prov 21:1
10. Ask God to intervene in the planned NLC strike. Pray that the issues will be resolved amicably.
Ish 46:9-10
Thanksgiving
ACCOUNT DETAILS
Naira Account
Zenith Bank
1011182754
DOLLAR ACCOUNT
Zenith Bank
5070061715
If you wish to give from outside Nigeria, you can give through any of the following:
Zelle
[email protected]
(4435274199)
CashApp
$CMDANGLOBAL
Checks By Mail (No Cash)
To: CMDA Nigeria Global Network
1928 Woodlawn Drive, Woodlawn, MD 21207, USA
Direct Bank Deposit
CMDA Nigeria Global Network
Bank of America
Routing #: 052001633
Paper/Electronic: 026009593
Wires Account #: 446046714370
May we continue in the practise of whole health as God grants us grace to walk in His footsteps He being the greatest Physician .