Who is Jabez in the Book of Chronicles? What is his significance to Mary Johnston Hospital (MJH) today?
Jabez is renowned as the biblical figure who boldly implored God to expand his territory. In his famous prayer, he cried out for protection and blessings, demonstrating his unwavering faith and dependence on God.
Jabez’s audacity to seek divine favor with an open heart serves as a testament that boundless possibilities await those who dare to ask. Like Jabez, MJH has been fervently pleading for an expansion of its own territories.
Founded as a mission institution at the turn of the 20th century by American missionaries introducing Protestantism to the Philippines, MJH now operates in Tondo, one of the poorest areas of Manila.
The rise of modern medical centers with state-of-the-art facilities has pushed Mary Johnston to the bottom of the list of desirable hospitals. For years, MJH has struggled to reclaim its standing in the medical field and expand its reach.
Then, a miracle occurred late last year. Seven American bishops visited the mission hospital in Manila, initiating talks of partnerships. God is beginning to answer MJH’s “Jabez Prayer.”
The first of several partnerships is set to unfold soon. On May 24, 2024 (May 23, 2024, in Seattle, WA), a consecration service will mark the covenant between MJH and the Greater Northwest Area (GNWA) of the United Methodist Church (UMC). The event’s theme, “Healing Together and BEing Well,” aptly reflects the hospital’s mission to bring health and well-being to the poor and marginalized sectors of Philippine society. This theme combines MJH’s 2016 tagline, “Healing Together,” and this year’s GNWA annual conference theme, “Being Well,” inspired by the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in the Gospel of John, Chapter 4.
In this biblical narrative, Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman, breaking cultural and social barriers, and offers her “living water” that leads to eternal life. The interaction leads to her transformation and that of her community, illustrating that healing transcends physical wellness to encompass spiritual and emotional restoration. MJH and GNWA are uniting to demonstrate that healing is a communal journey.
By joining forces, they aim to achieve greater wellness for all. This partnership represents a crucial step in MJH’s mission to modernize and innovate, bringing world-class medical services to the poor and marginalized in Tondo and beyond.
The MJH is not just praying for expanded territories; it, along with GNWA and the other current and future partners, is taking bold steps to make it a reality.
There is a call to action to support this mission. Join this transformative journey and help MJH provide the medical care that the underserved communities of the Philippines deserve.
