In the heart of southern Africa lies Eswatini, a nation grappling with the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection globally, standing at a staggering 26%. In the face of this health crisis, The Luke Commission (TLC) has emerged as a beacon of hope, tirelessly working to provide comprehensive and compassionate healthcare to the most isolated and underserved populations of Eswatini.
The Foundation and Mission: Founded in 2005 by Dr. Harry and Echo VanderWal, TLC has evolved into a force of over 650 staff members, with an impressive 98% of them being Emaswati. Their mission, succinctly put, is to deliver compassionate, comprehensive healthcare to the most isolated and underserved populations of southern Africa. Regardless of age, socio-economic status, or health condition, TLC sees all humans as precious and strives to serve "Every Last One."
The Luke Commission's unwavering commitment to serving the isolated and underserved communities of Eswatini showcases the transformative power of comprehensive healthcare. Through their mobile health services, the Miracle Campus, and a united team of dedicated professionals, TLC is not just treating illnesses, but healing hearts and building a healthier, more connected future for Eswatini.
Comprehensive Healthcare Approach
TLC's approach to healthcare is holistic and patient-centric. They provide a full panel of more than 40 health services, aiming to address not only the immediate health concerns but also the broader well-being of the individuals they serve. This comprehensive model significantly reduces the stigma associated with treatment, fostering an environment of dignity and respect for each patient.
Collaboration and Coordination
TLC understands the importance of collaboration. Working with a diverse group of partners, including the Eswatini Ministry of Health and various U.S. government organizations, TLC innovates and implements best practices for comprehensive healthcare. Coordination with the Ministry of Health ensures that services are streamlined and avoid duplication, maximizing the impact on underserved communities.
Breaking Barriers to Access
One of the significant challenges faced by many Emaswati is the lack of access to health services due to transportation limitations, especially in rural communities where 70% of the population resides. To address this, TLC conducts over 100 mobile hospital outreaches each year, reaching homes, churches, factories, urban centers, schools, and community centers. Additionally, an innovative transport sponsorship program ensures that patients can reach the Miracle Campus to receive the care they need.
Mobile Health Services
TLC's mobile health services extend across all four regions of Eswatini, radiating from the Miracle Campus in central Eswatini. These outreaches, occurring nearly every week, involve a series of numbered stations where patients receive services from highly trained personnel. A scannable token ensures efficient tracking of medical history through a custom-designed electronic medical record (EMR).
Miracle Campus
A Hub of Healing: Situated in Sidvokodvo, the Miracle Campus serves as a focal point for comprehensive and specialty health services. From outpatient care to High Dependency Units (HDU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services, TLC addresses a wide range of medical conditions, including tuberculosis, eye conditions, and HIV/AIDS. Specialty care and surgical services, mental health, disability, counseling, rehabilitative services, emergency response, and telehealth services contribute to the holistic healthcare approach.
Support Services
Building a Small Town of Care: With 38 departments and over 500 team members, TLC operates the Miracle Campus like a small town. Beyond medical services, various departments such as agriculture, automotive, construction, and more work cohesively together to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and provide compassionate and quality healthcare services.
Ministry Overview:
The Luke Commission delivers comprehensive healthcare to Eswatini's isolated communities through outpatient, inpatient, surgical, emergency, and critical care services at the Miracle Campus. With a staff of over 650 (98% Emaswati), TLC collaborates with partners, including the Eswatini Ministry of Health and U.S. government organizations, to innovate and implement best practices in healthcare.
Prayer Request:
Pray for the success of this ministry, that their ongoing efforts effectively spread the Gospel and bring comprehensive healthcare to more isolated communities of Eswatini.
Your generosity fuels our mission!
You can support ministry work that matters to you with confidence, knowing your gifts advance our key charitable purposes and uses funds efficiently and effectively to fulfill the ministry goals that you cherish.
The following information is provided as a requirement of Alberta's Charitable Fund-Raising Act, RSA 2000, c C-9.
The Great Commission Foundation ("The GC") is a charitable trust, established by a Deed of Settlement made as of September 1, 2002 and governed by an Amended and Restated Deed of Settlements made as of October 22, 2024.
The GC is a public foundation that is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (with Canadian Charitable Registration Number 859928483 RR0001).
The charitable objects of The GC are:
1. The advancement of Christianity by spreading its principles;
2. The relief of poverty by the assistance to those persons lacking the necessities of life by giving them food, clothing, shelter or financial assistance;
3. The advancement of education including, without limitation, by the teaching of scripture and the promotion of literacy; and
4. The advancement of other "charitable purposes" as defined within subsection 149.1(1) of Income Tax Act, which includes the disbursement of funds to "qualified donees" as also defined in subsection 149.1(1).
We engage other ministries as agents to carry out projects that fulfill our charitable objects.
The GC anticipates raising an estimated amount of $12,000,000.00 this year from donation for the fulfillment of its charitable objects from donors in Alberta, Canada. The processing of these donations will cost, on average, six percent. The money raised will be going to fulfill the charitable objects of The GC.
For further information, please contact our Donations Team at donations-ca@thegc.org or call us at 1-855-488-7020. To speak directly to the GC's Donation's Manager, please call Kathy Stewart at (604) 229-8008. The GC has two (2) Canadian offices. Please visit our contact page for further details
*The Great Commission Foundation (the "Foundation") operates on the basis of Donor-Advised Funding. It is our utmost goal to meet the Donor's desire and intent to provide support to particular Foundation projects but, ultimately, the responsibility for the disbursement and ministry use of funds is the Foundation's. If the Foundation does not use the donation in the way the donor prefers, the Foundation will not return the donation to the donor.
*You will receive an official Canadian tax receipt for all eligible donations by the end of February of the following year. Thank you for your support of the missions and programs of the Foundation.
Do you have questions or want more information about The Great Commission Foundation or our projects?
Contact us - we’d love to help!
Since 2002, The Great Commission Foundation has enabled ministry projects to thrive by providing charity admin expertise and guidance while promoting collaboration in fulfilling the Great Commission. We are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency for charitable work (charity number: 859928483RR0001RR0001).
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