Ebenezer Venero Chambi

Friday, August 28, 2020, was a disconsolate day in the city of South Gate, California, when the patients of their beloved Dr. Ebenezer Chambi learned the heart-breaking news. More than 30 patients decided to rush to his medical clinic to cry and mourn his unexpected passing rather than go to work. With tears they said, “He loved us and when we had no money, he would not charge us. He made us happy with his marvelous sense of humor and we were always grateful for his effective medical treatments.”

Ebenezer Venero Chambi, a physician who served South Gate, California, and a lifelong Christian of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, died August 28, 2020 at the age of 67. He was born in Abancay, Peru, on December 23, 1952. As a dedicated member of the medical profession and his community, he served tirelessly from his early days as a young physician to his final days; including treating patients with Covid-19 symptoms. He put his own health at great risk, including on Father’s Day, as he worked to help those suffering from the disease. Sadly, Dr. Chambi passed away from complications of Covid-19. He lived a life of service to God and love for his fellow man.

In 1970, Dr. Chambi completed his pre-medical studies at Universidad Peruana Unión, and completed his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, México, in 1975. Soon thereafter, Dr. Chambi successfully passed the American Medical Boards on the first try and was granted a medical license to practice medicine in the United States. This began a medical and community service career that lasted almost half a century. His early work included practicing general medicine in Mexico before working with a research team to study epilepsy in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Chambi worked for most of his career in South Gate, California. In addition to providing quality care to his patients, Dr. Chambi brought his Christian commitment to bear on his profession by continually promoting preventive care and healthful living to his patients, church members, local community, throughout the U.S., and internationally. Dr. Chambi led church and community health seminars, authored books and health themed calendars, and distributed complimentary CD and DVD presentations. He also directed and assisted in health fairs, anchored radio station health programs, recorded television programs for Viva Mejor Internacional and 3ABN “Maravillosa Creación,” and led and financed medical missionary trips, primarily in Central and South America.

Dr. Chambi was also part of several significant events that greatly impacted his community. In 1989, he led his church in a peaceful protest against a beer company that used billboards in the southern California area, in both English and Spanish, to promote alcohol as the pillar of the community. After interviews with local Spanish and English news stations, the billboards, with their community-destroying messages, came down only a few days later. In 1994, after the powerful Northridge California earthquake, Dr. Chambi, quickly realized there was a community of approximately 2,000 Hispanic residents in Canoga Park who were in desperate need of immediate medical care. He sprung into action as a volunteer and became the medical director of the temporary Adventist Community Service clinic, providing medical care to the earthquake victims housed in tents. When asked about his choice to leave his practice to volunteer, he said, “The community has given me a lot and I want to give back. It’s a two-way street.” In recognition of his service to the community, he received the 1994 Rector’s Award in Humanitarian Services from La Sierra University, California.

Dr. Chambi was one of the founders of the medical school at the Universidad Peruana Union. His wisdom and charisma played an important role in obtaining approval from the Peruvian medical school authorities for establishing the medical school.

Dr. Chambi looked forward to his birthdays and held a yearly musical birthday program at his brother Israel’s banquet hall. He was also known for carrying a video camera with him to record events everywhere he went. Dr. Chambi also enjoyed family gatherings, being in nature, especially Yellowstone National Park, spending time at his cabin in Idyllwild, California, hiking, traveling, and creating and editing video content.

Dr. Chambi is survived by his daughter, Esther Janet Chambi Herold; son, Ebenezer Howard Chambi; son, Eber Caleb Chambi; four grandchildren, Michael, Lucas, Katherine, and Adele; father; Pedro Mateo Chambi; and five siblings; Israel Pedro Chambi, Enoc Venero Chambi, Elias Haroldo Chambi, Flora Elisa Chambi, and Ruth Felicidad Chambi-Hernandez.

He leaves a legacy of unmatched love for his patients, family, church members, and the community. His joyful and vibrant personality would always light up any gathering. He had a special talent for connecting with people, saw the good in all, and always had a kind word or compliment. His love and unconditional service will always live in the hearts of his patients, family members, and friends around the world. And we have the blessed hope that one day very soon, Dr. Chambi will rise again on the great day of the Lord.