N’Dali, Benin
Centre Medico-Social Luc au Jourdain
Before he was even born, Dr. Martin Luther Djiche Osse’s father told the midwife that his child would be a doctor someday — more specifically, a surgeon.
That vision has played out with remarkable accuracy. Today, Dr. Osse is one of the most renowned cleft lip and palate surgeons in all of Benin.
His ministry, Centre Medico-Social Luc au Jourdain, had its humble beginnings in a rented building across the street from its current medical campus, now employing more than 40 workers. Besides general consultations, the wide array of medical services offered includes: obstetrics, ultrasounds, laboratory, general surgery, cleft surgery and hospitalization.
The ministry also visits 10 partner villages, offering community health education in disease prevention and Bible education.
"I’m happy to be a part of this vision," Osse said.
About 70 percent of the ministry's patients come from Muslim backgrounds, which provides excellent opportunities to exemplify Jesus’ love in action.
Dr. Martin Luther Djiche Osse
About the ministry:
Name: Centre Medico-Social Luc au Jourdain
Location: N’Dali Benin
Director: Dr. Marin Luther Djiche Osse
Partnership: 2005-present
Staff: 42
Alumni PMT: Drs. Brent and Cindy Van Andel
Our mission:
“As it is said in 1 John 3:18, we want to show our love to God and people by action and truth. We use medical skills and social actions to make people know more about God’s love through Jesus Christ.”
Why I love being a director:
“Since I became a physician I wanted to dedicate my medical skill to my Lord instead of working for myself. I want to be a doctor for Jesus and for people. It’s an honor and a great pleasure to lead a team toward achieving this goal.”
About Benin:
Population: 13.3 million
Size: 112,622 sq. km, or slightly smaller than Pennsylvania.
Capital: Porto-Novo
Borders: Togo to the West; Burkina Faso to the northwest; Niger to the north; Nigeria to the east; Atlantic Ocean to the south.
Religious groups: Muslim, 27.7%; Catholic, 25.5%; Protestant, 13.5; Vodoun, 11.6%.
Primary language: French
Literacy (age 15+): 42.4%
Physician density: 0.08 doctors per 1,000 people.
Population below international poverty line: 38.5%
Life expectancy: 61.8 years
Infant mortality rate: 57.2 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Major exports: Cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood.
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid in the south; semiarid in the north.
Terrain: Mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains.
