HCJB Global sells Equador hospital to launch new mobile clinic ministry

Dr Fernando Espinoza examines a patient during a mobile medical clinic in Ghana. More mobile clinics like this one will provide far-reaching Christ-centered healthcare to rural, remote and poverty-stricken global areas.

HCJB Global is using money from the sale of a hospital in Quito, Ecuador, to launch a new worldwide mobile clinic ministry.

The new ministry reflects a shift in the organisation's strategy as it seeks to reach rural and remote communities with vital healthcare.

The clinics will be set up in areas where the gospel has not yet been heard, the organisation says.

"Today we celebrate the physical and spiritual healing experienced by hundreds of thousands at Hospital Vozandes over the past 58 years," said Wayne Pederson, president and chief execute of HCJB Global.

"We especially praise God for the multiplied ministry of hundreds of doctors and hospital personnel who were trained in Christ-centred healthcare here and who are now serving multitudes around the world."

Hospital Vozandes was established in 1955 to fill a gap in healthcare in Ecuador. The country's healthcare provision has improved over the decades and the hospital is now being run by Ecuadorian nationals and Latinos. HCJB said the hospital staff were in the position to minister without outside help.

"Just as HCJB Global transitioned itself from shortwave radio in a single location in Quito and planted over 400 Christian FM stations worldwide, the sale of the hospital enables us to be more nimble and global in spreading healthcare resources through opening doors in Africa, Haiti, Eastern Europe and Nepal," said Pederson.

The new parent company, Ginsberg Ecuador, has pledged to maintain the hospital's Christian philosophy and values, including its chaplaincy services, medical education and assistance to the poor.

The agreement reached with Ginsberg will also allow foreign missionaries to continue helping at the hospital.

HCJB Global will maintain ownership and management of the hospital through a transition period until 30 June 2014.

"This is not about the sale of an asset. It's about taking what we've learned in Latin America to the hard-to-reach places of the world," said Pederson.

"This shift will enable less management of property and more ministry to needy people. It's about being more mobile and far-reaching to those who have yet to experience the loving hands of Jesus."