Site Info
- Site Coordinators: Leanne Barnard and Hannah Trosen
Located on the western coast of central Africa, Gabon is a republic about the size of Colorado. This French-speaking country has a population of 1.5 million. Roman Catholic Christianity is the major religion, followed by Islam and traditional religions. Large influxes of immigrants from Muslim countries are multiplying that religion’s influence in Gabon. An estimated 7% of the population is HIV positive, and there are limited facilities for education and treatment.
The Gabonaise Alliance Church is strong, and if you come through Envision you’ll walk alongside believers who are dedicated to reaching their country for Christ. Envision works solely with the Gabonaise Alliance Church and its social ministries, and so solid, Christ-based relationships between North American and Gabonaise believers are foundational.
There are two Envision Centers in Gabon: one in the capital city of Libreville, and another in the jungle 500 kilometers south at the Bongolo Hospital.
In Libreville, Envision works with medical, children’s, and construction ministries. The two medical clinics are operated by Gabonaise Christian nurses and doctors, who share the Gospel while caring for people’s basic healthcare needs. Hope House, a home for abandoned children founded by an Alliance pastor and his wife, cares for the physical, emotional and educational needs of more than 30 children. The vibrant Gabonaise Alliance churches also continue to plant and build new churches to reach those in their country who have not heard the gospel.
At the Bongolo Hospital Envision Center, you can get your hands dirty helping with construction projects in and around the Hospital, or organizing medical supplies. Depending on your level of medical training and your proficiency in French, you may be able to shadow nurses and doctors and observe in the Operating Room. (If you would like to serve in Gabon in a strictly medical capacity, please contact us before applying [gabonenvision@gmail.com] because we take those case by case.)
If you come for an extended period of time (a whole summer, for example), you could help lead short-term teams. If you are interested in longer-term opportunities, you might consider joining our team for 6 months up to 2 years.
What’s Included
Trip cost includes ground local transportation, room, board, travel insurance and ministry experience and is based on 10 full days on the ground. If a trip extends longer than that, a charge of $50 per-person, per-day will be added.
A 20% non-refundable deposit for the total trip cost is due upon registration. The balance for all trips is due 60 days prior to the trip. Late payments are subject to a fee.
Gabon