[Episcopal News Service] Episcopal missionary Jenny McConnachie has devoted her life to the poorest of the poor. Jenny and her late husband Chris moved from North Carolina to South Africa’s Eastern Cape in the early 1980s. Together, the McConnachies set up African Medical Mission, strengthening the most vulnerable communities with commitment and compassion.

Chris transformed and managed a 200-capacity orthopedic hospital. For many years, he was the only certified orthopedic surgeon in the Transkei. Sadly, Chris died from leukemia in 2007. He leaves behind an incredible legacy. Jenny launched a medical clinic where it was needed most – in the impoverished shantytown of Itipini, a community quite literally built on a garbage dump. Unfortunately, Itipini is no more.