A Winning Team
We have just returned from a team activity with the objective of saving lives both physically and spiritually. The coach of course is God, and while he is well able to do it alone he graciously selects his team. In this case the team involved 7 doctors, 1 dentist, 1 physio, 3 drivers, 2 administrators, 2 M.A.F pilots and the support team of Congolese partners.
The big games were played in 3 locations and involved surgery, preaching, supplies and training. Dr Graham Fry and Dr Andrew Walls worked with 5 Congolese doctors, training in surgery and diagnostic skills. Dentist Andy Patching taught dental care and teeth extraction. Drivers Mubanga & Andre trucked in 5 tons of medicines and some building supplies. Another 10 primary schools and two high schools received textbooks for teachers and Murray made payments to pastors and evangelists while checking on building projects. Over 120 sight- impaired people are fitted with pairs of glasses by Debbie and Alice. At night the team swapped notes and ate a combination of local fair and imported treats supplied by the visiting team! Goat & jelly, mangos and chocolate.
It was particularly encouraging that our visitors were prepared to endure the 15 hour bush drive in order to visit Luanza Hospital. Thousands of pot holes, rocks and mud left them rather jaded but happy to arrive at beautiful Lake Mweru. Progress on the building of an operating theatre in Luanza has progressed really well.
Pilots Dan & Nate handled difficult weather conditions to deliver the team, medicines and Christian literature to Mulongo and Luanza.
On arrival back in Lubumbashi 3 evangelist we funded for a trip up to the Tanganyika area had returned to Lubumbashi. They had traveled hundreds of km teaching & preaching. One of the evangelists preached 33 times -there were over 630 responses to the gospel 190 people baptized!! By boat, truck and walking he covered 1740 km during the 1-month trip.
Next year we plan to expand this teaching preaching programme with key Congolese partners.
Thanks to all of you who helped our team to make a difference through prayer and sponsorship.
Love Murray & Joy
