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The Lynch Family
An Australian family working as missionaries at Bembéréké Hospital in the Republic of Benin. We are working with SIM, an Evangelical Interdenominational Christian mission organization.
The aim of Bembéréké hospital is to provide medical care in a country deprived of resources and through this we seek to show the love of Christ and explain His way of salvation. Evangelism and medical work go hand in hand at Bembéréké Hospital. Who We Are
We are members of Islington Baptist Church
We (both Neville and Faye) were brought up in Christian homes. God planted the seed of missions in us both at an early age through the challenge of mission presentations. As time progressed I (Neville) thought that I was not missionary material because I didn't see myself as a Bible teacher or and evangelist. Later after marrying Faye, the Lord once again challenged us both through a friend that practical people are needed as missionaries to support the ministries of evangelism and translation.
I (Neville) have training in the electrical and electronics fields together with a wide experience in building construction and general maintenance.
Faye has qualifications in general nursing and midwifery.
We have three children
Katrina 14/12/84
Candice 7/7/87
Scott 4/9/90
During the years 1988 to 1990 we served with SIM on Special Assignment at Galmi Hospital in Niger, then in 1991 the Lord lead us to the Bible College of New Zealand, where we spent two years in preparation to return to West Africa. God was directing us to Bénin Republic.
In 1995 we commenced 10 months French study in France before arriving in Bénin to take up our responsibilities.
We served at Bembéréké from August 1996 until the end of 1999.
The year 2000 we spend on Home Assignment in Australia before
returning in January 2001 to Bembéréké to continue our roles
there.
Our Work
Neville: As head of the maintenance department at Bembéréké hospital my days are usually full of challenges. The dept. consists of a staff of 7 Beninese (locals) who are full time hospital employees. We together, as a team maintain all the buildings, machines and equipment at Bembéréké hospital. This includes 3 Caterpillar generators, an internal telephone system, water supply, hospital vehicles, hospital buildings and more than 20 houses. In addition to that I am in-charge of new building construction when needed.
As well as supervising the national staff, I am seeking to improve the skills and work practices of the Beninese staff.
My electronic background has proved to be invaluable in West Africa. I am responsible for the repair and maintenance of the medical equipment (x-ray machines, monitors etc) not only at Bembéréké but at times I am called upon to repair equipment at Galmi Hospital. (Our sister hospital in Niger).
In addition to the repair of medical equipment I am responsible for the installation and upkeep of the hospital's computer system. This includes a network of 7 computers plus at times up to 10 personal laptops and computers belonging to individual missionaries.
Neville is also called upon to maintain the computers in our SIM
area in Parakou 120kms to the south. This in itself is a full time
job at times.
Faye's roles have changed since we first arrived. For the first 2 years she was involved in home schooling Scott. She was also able to put her training to good use by working in the hospital 2 days per week. Since Scott now lives at boarding school in Niger, Faye has been able to use her time for things like visitation and encouraging local church women. On Sundays, Faye helps out the pastors wife with Sunday School at our local church. In addition to all this she has plenty to do in the house, buying and preparing food is at times challenging.
Our Children live and go to school at Sahel Academy. This is an SIM missionary boarding school located in Niamey, the capital city of Niger (the country to the North of Bénin). Niamey is approximately 510 kilometers by road from Bembéréké.
The school has approx. 60 students while the dorm holds about 18 students. The majority of the school is made up of day students that live in Niamey with their parents.
The staff of this school consists of missionaries from both SIM and SIL mission organizations.
If you want a rewarding teaching position, one where God will use you greatly and teach you many things about yourself while experiencing living in another culture, why not think about working at Sahel Academy.
SIM's WORK in Benin
(Extract from SIM NOW)
Most Beninese live on whatever they can grow. Only one out of five can read and write, and few live more than 47 years. The majority worship spirits found in nature or man-made objects. SIM arrived in Benin in 1946. Out of our ministry grew the UEEB (Evangelical Church of Benin)., an association of 150 locally pastored churches with more than 15,000 members working in 10 language groups. People are increasingly receptive to the gospel. Radio broadcasts create awareness and openings for evangelism among groups such as Muslim Fulani. UEEB/SIM translation teams are producing Bibles and other books so that the Beninese can learn about Christian life in their own language. We are also involved in youth study centres, theological education, a girl's school in Nikki, and women's groups. UEEB/SIM's largest medical work in Benin is our 100-bed hospital in Bembéréké, and up to 250 patients are treated every day at the Simpérou clinic. In addition to expanding these present ministries, future emphasis will be on leadership training, media, and Benin's many unreached minority people groups.
Bembéréké hospital was opened in 1961 and is a vital part of the church's ministry in Bénin. It is jointly run by the local church and SIM and it's 100 national staff and 16 mission staff seek to provide a real medical ministry. With 100 beds, in-patient facilities and a large out-patient department, it serves to meet the medical needs of the northern half of Bénin and currently helps over 50,000 patients each year.
The work of the hospital is closely linked with the health care of the local community as well as Primary Health Programs in out-lying villages
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