By Norman Wetterau Md
The Free Methodist Healthcare Fellowship (FMHCF) was founded in the 1960s with the initial members being physicians and dentists focusing on medical missions and fellowship. Around 20 years ago Parish Nursing and their members became part of our fellowship.
Today the fellowship is open to any healthcare professional with a degree; this could include counselors, health administrators, hospital chaplains and medical social workers. There are several components to the FMHCF’s activities including mutual support via meetings and retreats and through publishing of articles for the newsletter. Support of medical missions remains a major focus with the newsletter, containing frequent articles dealing with health problems faced in our Free Methodist mission hospitals (e.g. see examples on our website fmhealth.org).
Articles in the newsletter also address other current health-related topics. Zoom meetings/workshops may be added as a means of reaching more Christian healthcare professionals. Providing scholarships for overseas doctors and nurses to complete their training continues to be a critical component of the Fellowship’s activities. For example, Eric Manirakiza, Director of Nursing at Hope Africa University, was supported as he completed his doctorate in nursing.
The FMHCA is committed to making changes as needed to maintain relevancy and sustainability. Around 15 years ago the FMHCF added the goal of helping our churches better address health issues; to that end conferences have been held on various subjects (see our website). Recently an outside consultant completed a thorough study of the group and identified potential future endeavors. The website is being developed as a source of information for pastors as well as our members. Health and healing were an important part of Jesus ministry; with this as a central theme, the organization strives to support Christian healthcare providers as they answer their call to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
If you know Free Methodist Health Professionals, suggest they sign up on our website fmhealth.org. If you have suggestions or want to be more involved email normwetterau@aol.com and/or call him at 585-705-8811. Interest in becoming board members is welcomed.
Our Current Board Members:
President: Norman Wetterau MD
Treasurer: David Lefler MD
Secretary: Sarah Crawford MD
Board members at Large:
Diane Destefano MSN, APRN
Susanne Mohnkern Ph.D, RN
Tim Kratzer MD
Darlene McCown Ph.D, RN