As a little boy in Zambia, Joachim Chisanga’s destiny was writ large. Many who knew him, including his mother, believed he was destined for the ministry.

“It was just my personality,” he says humbly.

Joachim’s friends and family were right. At 21, he chose a life in ministry, but what no one predicted is that his decision would take him to VGH. Or, that after completing his internship at VGH, he would help blaze a new trail as a spiritual care Resident.

Higher calling, higher learning

Joachim’s journey from Zambia to VGH isn’t a straight path. After graduating from college in Zambia, he and his wife, Nancy, immigrated to Botswana as missionaries. They built a church, their congregation grew, and then they had to leave it all behind.

“The government changed and we were forcibly removed and returned to Zambia,” he explains. “It was like starting all over.”

Since then, the father of four has pursued higher learning. He’s currently, pursuing his Masters of Arts in Public and Pastoral Leadership, with a specialty in Spiritual Care, at the Vancouver School of Theology (VST). And, thanks to Reverend Doug Longstaffe, he’s one of two VST students completing their spiritual care residency at VGH.

“Much like medical Residents, our spiritual care Residents are full-fledged members of their profession,” says Doug, professional leader of VCH Spiritual Care and Multifaith Services. “They’re fully qualified to provide spiritual care and are now pursuing program specialization through supervised, directed studies. There’s no other residency program like it in BC.”

More than religion

Joachim’s studies are focused on spiritual care within the framework of mental health and psychiatry. You can find him at VGH, on various psychiatric units, and at Banfield, where he supports families and patients with dementia, depression, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.

Spiritual care practitioners like Joachim support people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. “If you have feelings and emotions, you’re spiritual. Spiritual care may be tied to someone’s religion, but it doesn’t require religious belief and it isn’t the same as religion,” he says.

Joachim may be called upon to facilitate patients’ access to local clergy, help patients and families renew or discover new religious practices, such as meditation, or explore more secular forms of spiritual expression.

“I’m trained to listen, to help patients express themselves, and I help them explore their feelings,” he explains. “Sometimes I’m just a presence. With dementia patients, I might sit with them, hold their hands, look into their eyes and give them my undivided attention.”

Working at the intersection of emotions and values, Joachim strives to provide patients a safe environment to explore the spiritual and emotional aspects of their health journey.

“My hope,” he says, “is that I can support patients and families to find community and inner spiritual resources to help them cope during a period of illness.”

Recognizing the value of spiritual care

October 17 to 23 is Spiritual and Religious Care Awareness Week, and we thank the entire VCH Spiritual Care and Multifaith Services Team for their daily contributions to quality patient care.

If you would like to learn more about their services or make a referral (adults only), call the team’s office at 604 875-4151.