In the hot, dry climate of sub-Saharan Africa, the phrase “Sai Galmi” is heard often Taouha region of Niger. When someone is sick, injured, or – especially – when a woman is having trouble in pregnancy, they will be told “Sai Galmi”, which means “you will find hope only in Gamli.”

They refer not to the town of 5,000 in southern Niger, but the mission hospital located there. Founded 60 years ago by missionaries, Galmi hospital provides the last hope of medical help and healing for many. Liebenzell missionary Dr. Esther Pflaum has served here since 2005 and, although her specialty is obstetrics and gynecology, she is often asked to work in other areas as well. Since the great majority of women give birth at home, they only come to the hospital when there is a complication or difficulty. Unfortunately, it is often too late to save the baby, the mother, or sometimes both.

This is one reason why, as Dr. Pflaum puts it, “spiritual care is not just an appendage to our work but an essential part of our ministry. Health is far more than the normal function of organs and body. The emotional, spiritual and social well-being of every person is important. The deeper needs of the people are sin and separation from the living God. We must deal with that as well as physical health, because real "Lafla" (“health” in the Hausa language) only occurs when Jesus bestows liberation and salvation!”