Weekly devotion: How are we being called to notice the needs of others?
Harpur Nursing School
A trainee nurse at Harpur Nursing School examines a prosthetic limb. (Image credit: David Uttley, Compelling Story)
In Egypt, a serious shortage of properly trained nurses undermines patient care. Many nursing students lack sufficient practical experience, and curricula often lag behind modern, evidence‑based standards.
Seeing this gap, Harpur Memorial Hospital in Menouf launched the Harpur Nursing School in 2017. Supported by Embrace, its two‑year programme, unique in the Nile Delta, combines classroom theory, laboratory work and hands‑on clinical training.
The school also emphasises holistic care. Nurses are taught to see more than just symptoms: to understand how illness affects the whole person, and to value the role of conversation, patient education and prevention. In many Egyptian hospitals, doctors are severely overburdened, seeing large numbers of patients daily, which leaves little time for talking to patients. Harpur’s trainee nurses are encouraged to involve patients in their own care, giving them the knowledge and confidence to make healthy choices.
Each year, the school celebrates a new graduating class; after graduation, the students are absorbed into full‑time roles at Harpur, putting their training directly into practice. Please pray for these students, for the staff training them, and for the school’s vision to strengthen healthcare across the region—bringing hope, dignity and better outcomes to those in need.
Bible reading
‘Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.’
Philippians 2:4-5
Thought
In Egypt’s overstretched healthcare system, nurses are often the ones who take time to listen, explain and care holistically for patients. The Harpur Nursing School is equipping a new generation not just with medical skills, but with compassion and dignity—restoring a human face to healthcare. Their work reflects Christ’s call to look beyond ourselves and serve the needs of others with humility and love.
Ask yourself: How am I being called to notice and care for the needs of others today?
Prayer
Gracious God,
We lift before you the work of Harpur Nursing School. We are humbled and inspired by the big vision they have to train up nurses and improve patient care in Egypt.
You know each and every one of the trainee nurses by name. May you pour out your blessing upon them as they embark and progress on their learning journeys. Help them to work hard for your glory, and to find meaning, joy and satisfaction in their work.
We pray for all the patients the nurses care for – may they recover well and regain their strength, and know that they are loved and valued.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Anat’s story
Anat was working as a cleaner at Harpur Memorial Hospital but her ambition was to become a nurse so that she could help people. Read her inspiring story here:
Inspired by what you read here? Share it on social (don’t forget to tag Embrace!):