Seek medical care when ill: Rev. Steve Mensah to Christians at Cape Coast crusade
The Founding Bishop of the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministries (CEM), Rev. Steve Mensah, has encouraged Christians to seek medical treatment when ill, highlighting that relying on faith should not prevent one from accessing healthcare.
Speaking at a five-day non-denominational crusade and medical outreach organised by the CEM at the Adisadel College Park in Cape Coast, he emphasised that it was crucial to recognise the value of both medical intervention and faith-based healing.
The Cape Coast for Christ Crusade was organised in collaboration with the local council of churches in Cape Coast to preach Jesus Christ and support the vulnerable.
Rev. Mensah said it was time Christians understood that while miracles are vital, they should complement, rather than replace, the use of medicine.
The outreach combined medical services with spiritual nourishment, making it a significant event for the Cape Coast community.
A surgical team made up of 50 doctors, in collaboration with the Cape Coast Metro Hospital, began a series of surgeries over the five-day period.
About 200 people suffering from conditions such as goitre, hernia and fibroid were treated at no cost.
The initiative was designed to cater to individuals who otherwise might not have had access to such essential health services.
Alongside the surgeries, about 7,000 persons in and around Cape Coast received a wide range of relief items including clothing, mattresses, toiletries, food and wheelchairs.
The gesture, he said demonstrated the CEM’s broader commitment to supporting the community’s physical and material needs.
A team of over 200 healthcare professionals, including optometrists, dentists and general doctors provided free consultations and medications for various ailments, further extending the outreach’s impact.
Galamsey
During his address, Rev. Mensah also touched on the ongoing issue of illegal mining (galamsey), which has caused environmental and health problems across the country.
He observed that dangerous medical complications stemmed from galamsey activities and stressed that the issue needed to be addressed without political influence.
He explained that tackling this concern impartially would ensure better health outcomes for those affected, reinforcing his call for a solution driven by genuine concern for citizens' well-being.
In addition to the medical services provided, the outreach included three nights of crusade, a series of pastors and church leaders and women and youth meetings for spiritual empowerment.
People from Cape Coast and neighbouring communities gathered to seek not only physical healing but also spiritual support, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose.
Beneficiaries
Elizabeth Warden from Elmina was one of the many who benefited from the outreach and expressed her views thus; "My eyes have been troubling me for quite some time, but I didn’t have the money to go to the hospital.
I heard the announcement on the radio and decided to come for a check-up. I’m overwhelmed by what I’ve experienced. I didn’t have to pay anything, yet I’ve received medication and glasses. It’s beyond what I expected," she said, expressing her gratitude for the care she received.
Another beneficiary from Abrafo, Cecilia Mintah, said "I heard about the crusade and decided to attend since I had never been to one before.
I’ve been here for three days now, staying with a friend. Today, I came with pains in my waist and knees, along with problems with my eyes. By the evening, my vision gets blurry and I usually stay indoors. But they examined me thoroughly and didn’t ask for any payment. I am so grateful to them," she remarked.
Commendation
The Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, also commended the CEM for its efforts, saying that while many groups donate items to communities, the CEM had gone further by providing free surgeries to those in need without charging them for the expensive procedures.
"This is truly remarkable. Not only did they donate, they also made sure the surgeries were carried out free of charge. It’s hard to put into words how much this means to the community," he said, emphasising the positive impact of the outreach.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta further encouraged the people to show kindness to one another and to continue to foster unity in their daily lives, reminding them that acts of compassion can strengthen the entire community.
He said the five-day event was more than just a gathering; it brought tangible change to many lives through both medical care and spiritual support.
The CEM’s outreach demonstrated how the combination of faith and practical action can address critical needs and uplift individuals, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, receives the help they require.