Here are a few stories and updates of the past few months.
Due to lack of winter rains, famine has become a threatening problem in our region. Some food distribution has helped.
Asefa,
a malnourished nine -year -old boy from the countryside, arrived at the
hospital with a right leg swollen to twice the size of his left leg and
he refused to move the hip or knee. The father hovered over him as Duane examined him. An
X-ray revealed severe infection of the femur. He was also very anemic.
We knew he could not stand a major surgery so we took him to the
operating room and drained quite a bit of pus. Intravenous antibiotics
were given and we daily changed his wounds. We realized he needed a
major surgery to remove the dead bone but he needed a transfusion. We
typed his blood but his father was not compatible. The father did not
have money to purchase blood so Duane decided to donate his own which
matched the boy’s. The following day the boy had surgery and then we packed the wound with bleach-soaked gauze.
After a second surgery, Jackie gave her blood. I had never given blood but was reassured that I just needed to drink a coke. I
hoped to be an example to the Ethiopians who still resist the idea of
giving blood, but unfortunately, I fainted when I stood to leave. I woke up with many black faces staring at me and needed help to walk home. I was a hero to the father! At
the time of discharge, the boy had excellent knee motion and was able
to walk with one crutch. The father was disabled because of a war
injury to his hand but he began working around the compound, picking up
garbage. We were impressed with his work ethic and compassionate care
of his son. This is one of many stories that encourage us that God is
working in lives, one by one. And YOU are an important part of this ministry when you give to the hospital foundation.
Wall update:
we have completed part of the wall at the back corner of the property,
near the houses. A nine foot wall is 90% finished for 80 meters.
Another 70 meters is 40% finished. The price of
cement has doubled so that the cost of the wall has escalated. We have
used the donated money and are waiting for further donations. We are seriously considering changing the design in order to build more economically.
The education building
is almost complete. I (Jackie) am eager to get it up and running this
year. We still need tables and chairs and bookcases for the library.
Donated laptops will be used for teaching English and typing. I am
calling the ministry “One by One” which will help sponsor children
needing English and tutoring. A sponsor can help provide school books,
tutoring, school clothes and a meal for $25 a month. You can donate
through St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation.
- Pray for the PAACS program to be credentialed by the Ethiopian government.
- Pray for our health and safety as we return August 20th.
- Pray for the completion of the wall and other unfinished building projects.
- Pray for food for the hungry
- Pray that discipleship small groups will be life changing
Thanks to all—Duane and Jackie Anderson
