Remembering Eddie Lyle, founder of MAI

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Eddie Lyle, MAI’s founder. He died on 19 September 2026 in Oxford, UK, following complications from heart surgery. He was 73.

Eddie’s life was marked by a deep commitment to standing alongside Christians facing persecution around the world. He traveled extensively, including to northern Nigeria. It was when working at Release International that Eddie heard about a hospital in northern Nigeria that was overwhelmed by the numbers of wounded from violent clashes between the Nigerian military and an Islamist sect. He then founded Medic Assist International in 2003 to provide support to this hospital, and to others providing healthcare in persecuted communities.

Steve Travis, MAI’s Executive Director, shares, “MAI would not exist without Eddie’s passion for providing care for those in need around the world. He has left a legacy of thousands of people receiving the love and compassionate health care they need in their darkest times.”

Eddie joined the charity Open Doors in 2005 and spent two decades with the organisation serving as Chief Executive and President. In later years he supported Christian mission in north east Ukraine and co-founded Springbrook Partnership, a leadership coaching consultancy.

We give thanks to God for Eddie’s life, his faithfulness and the many lives he touched. Our prayers are with his family and all those who knew and loved him at this time.