Update December 2006
Philemon, the director of Kapsowar Hospital, sent us an email in early October saying that he and Dr. Steve Lee were flying to the USA and hoped to visit our church on 11 November, returning on 12 November. We replied that although this was not a very favourable time, if they came we would welcome them warmly. However, as it so happens, the situation resolved itself, for some weeks later he contacted us again to say that he had only been granted a transit visa into the UK, and would not be able to leave the arrival lounge when he arrived in Heathrow. As I would not have been allowed to enter the International Transit lounge, a meeting was impossible. However, Philemon then told me that he was planning a study period in Edinburgh University sometime between April and May next year. There is therefore a very good chance that he will be able to visit our church during this period. We will keep you informed.
Philemon and Steve had a very successful trip to the USA, where they had been visiting the World Medical Mission, a major charity, to discuss with them some of the needs of Kapsowar. The Mission was very impressed with the progress that Kapsowar had made and pledged to provide the hospital with an X-Ray machine, back up surgeons to provide cover for staff absences, and additional funds to ensure that the project to train nurses could start next year. Therefore, after many difficult years, things seem at last to be beginning to go well for them. Philemon and his staff see God’s hand in this wonderful situation, and are grateful for the support that Ponteland URC has given and ask us to pray for the success of the Hospital and its staff.
|
