Anderson Newsletter- March 8, 2010

A BUSY WEEK   by Jackie

BIRTHDAY PARTY

   Dr. Solomon is a former surgical resident now working across town at the government hospital. His son celebrated his fourth birthday on Saturday. Duane and I went by motorcycle in a fine drizzling rain to his house across the street from the old hospital.       We discovered that five former mission houses were lined up along the street. Dr. Solomon’s house was set in a large yard with beautiful flowers. Recently, the son of the former missionaries had visited and cried when he discovered a Christian general surgeon living in the house. His parents had left many years ago during the dirge and had prayed that someday a Christian surgeon would again use their house.

The party was set inside the large living room, but Bertequan, Solomon’s wife, had earlier cooked outside on a fire. We had lamb tips, which were excellent with the injerra, rice, vegetables, and cake. We even sang happy birthday in English and lit a candle that was shaped in the number four.

 We were encouraged to hear that Dr. Solomon has started two small group Bible studies at the hospital. He enthusiastically praised the program. He says the things he learned at Soddo Christian Hospital have changed his life. He starts his day with rounds with patients and visits them at the end as well. This is not typical Ethiopian practice. He says he has learned compassion and excellent care after his very hard years of residency training.

PAACS VISIT           

   Dr. Bruce Steffes, CEO of our PAACS surgical training program, and five others visited our site for the weekend. We gave the four doctors a tour and they all participated in a difficult surgery of a facial tumor on Saturday. We gave them an authentic mission experience since we had no water for five days. Despite this, one general surgeon is seriously considering joining us in a year and a half. 

LEADERS’ TRAINING A BIG SUCCESS

   Almost 20 small group leaders of Bible studies gave the morning of their holiday for training on March 2. Desalegn, our hospital administrator, began by telling about his houseguest who joined his family for a Bible study. She was so impressed that she wants to return to Awassa and make her home a center for small groups.

   We then went through the steps of a typical small group study. We discussed problems and solutions. We then asked how this group study had changed their lives. One leader commented, “Before I knew about God, but now I know God and myself.” Another shared that he “now has courage to share my faith.” One woman leader says she has gained a burden to intercede for others in prayer. Another says he was bored in church but now loves to study the Word and has an interest in every word of the stories.

 Dr. Haile encouraged us by saying, “At first, I did the group as an assignment from Dr. Anderson. But then I began to build relationships and care about the people in my group. We visited the sick and helped. As I reached out, they were drawn in. Many have confessed and are brought to tears as we meet.”

   The great attendance for this meeting on a holiday reflects the commitment and serious spiritual life of our leaders.

 Seventeen groups are meeting every week. Ten more are outside the hospital in the churches and community. We are excited to see what God will multiply in the coming year.

NEW ROAD MARKS PROGRESS FOR SODDO

   The city only had one paved road five years ago. In the last two years, Soddo has paved the major roads. Now a cobblestone road is stretching in front of the hospital.

   This will eliminate many of the deep ruts and running mud. No more slippery slides during the rainy season.

Continue to pray for the release of ten bags of medical equipment. Three bags of orthopedic replacements were released.

Blessings,  

Duane and Jackie
 

jdandersonafrica@yahoo.com

www.soddo.org.