Illinois Great Rivers partners with Mary Johnston Hospital
Mary Johnson Hospital - Healing Together
"Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord." — James 5:14 (NRSVUE)
Ministry Engagement at Mary Johnston Hospital
In December 2024, we visited Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo, Manila, at the invitation of the hospital leadership to support its healing ministry. During the visit, we delivered a lecture to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) students, participated in a feeding program for underprivileged children, and helped support the renovation of a hospital room for children with cancer. These activities contributed to the hospital’s mission of holistic care by addressing the community's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Partnership and the Wesley Room Renovation
A highlight of the visit was the launch of the “Wesley Room” project, which involved renovating a patient room dedicated to caring for children with cancer. The renovation was supported by generous donations from Bradley Wesley United Methodist Church and Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Kankakee, to the Philippines Partnership Advance Specials of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference (IGRC). Both churches made monthly financial contributions to the Philippines Partnership Advance Specials until the renovation is complete, demonstrating the United Methodist Church’s connectional mission and commitment to spreading Christ’s healing ministry across communities and nations.
Fundraising Support for the Renovation
In addition to monthly support, Bradley Wesley United Methodist Church held a fundraising event on April 27, 2025, to advance the renovation project at Mary Johnston Hospital. This effort demonstrated the congregation’s commitment to global mission and partnership, helping ensure that the hospital can continue its ministry of healing for patients in need.
Continuing the Ministry of Healing
Founded in 1906 through the missionary efforts of Dr. Rebecca Parrish, Mary Johnston Hospital remains the only United Methodist Church hospital in the Philippines. Located in the densely populated community of Tondo, the hospital continues to serve individuals and families facing both medical and financial hardships. Through the dedication of healthcare workers, chaplains, and mission partners, the hospital embodies the biblical call in James 5 to pray for the sick and care for those in need. The Wesley Room now stands as a symbol of the shared commitment of the churches of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference to bring healing, hope, and compassion to vulnerable communities.
