MARCH-ing forward....

The work and improvements have continued this month.  Our new Digital X-Ray machine has arrived and been installed!!  This is a great improvement for our hospital and community.  We praise the Lord above and our Christian brothers and sisters who provide us with support.  With God all things are possible!  and he is using us to help this community.

There were 5 big heavy boxes which were off-loaded during the night with a big lift.  We then closed our x-ray department for removal of the old, remodeling and installation of the new.  We were without x-ray for 15 days.  But now look what we have! 

Next we will need to install hospital-wide internet and purchase computers for all the doctors offices and wards.  This way all x-rays can be seen anywhere in the hospital by any doctor.  Of course, with installation of hospital-wide computers, we will be able to begin converting to computer documentation and reporting as well.  This next phase will cost us between $30,000 and $35,000.

AMBULANCE

Look what we did!  The leadership of the hospital knew we needed an ambulance for transporting patients to Mbeya for cases we cannot handle here.  So last year in July, they began setting aside $2,500 each month for this purpose.  At the first of March, 3 of us traveled to Dar es Salaam to see if we could fine one we could purchase for the amount of money we had.  Below is what we purchased.....

FARM

I have been telling you about our progress on the farm which is on the mountain.  As I informed you last month, we lost our first crop of potatoes, but replanted.  We also planted about an acre of beans.  The re-planting of the potatoes is pretty much another failure, however, the beans are doing great as well as the maize.  Below are a few pictures.

As you can see, our maize is healthy at this time and has several ears of corn on each stalk.  We will continue to pray for God's blessing on this crop.

Here is a picture of our new crop of beans.  They are coming in nicely and we pray for a plentiful crop here as well.

We have also attempted to grow some avocado trees.  This has not been extremely successful yet, but I remain hopeful.  We planted 24 seedlings, but only 6 are looking healthy.

As I have mentioned before, we would like to increase our farming program.  We need assistance with about $25,000 to purchase a tractor and a few other farming implements.

FUTURE PLANS

March is also when we start planning our budget for the next year (July 18-June 19).  We have finished our plan and have three major projects we would like to accomplish above the hospital-wide internet.  

First we would like to purchase a refrigerator for our morgue and re-model it.  This would allow the community to delay burial for a day or two for preparations.  Currently, bodies must be buried within 24-36 hours.  The refrigerator will hold 3 bodies and will cost $15,000.  The re-model will run about $6,000.  So we will be trying to raise $21,000 for this project.

Second, we would like to purchase a new ultra sound machine.  Several times, physicians from America have donated U/S machines to our hospital and they have been shipped over here.  After some time, the machines need adjustments or repair and no one here knows how to fix them or where/how to get the parts.  The one we currently have is not providing us with accurate measurements.  To purchase one from Tanzania which can be maintained by engineers here will cost us $28,000.

And third, we would like to update and re-model our surgery suite and add a post-op recovery room.  We will need about $75,000 for this under-taking.   If you remember, we purchased an anesthesia machine this year in preparation of up-grading the surgery.  Currently, our surgery department is not sterile....actually not even very clean. 

So, we are asking for support of $125,000 to accomplish all of these goals.  We will also do our best to contribute what we can as well.

We are reaching high!  But this is not too high.  In 2017-2018, you, our supporters generously assisted us with close to $170,000.  And as we all know, all things are possible with God.  If we do not dream BIG, we will not be able to accomplish anything.  Please consider how you can assist us in this next year.

Many people do not truly understand the importance of medical missions.  I believe that this is exactly what Jesus modeled for us.  Once people receive good medical care, they are open to the Word of God and His teachings.  We have  many preachers here at Chimala Mission who are actively reaching out to those who we treat.  This hospital reaching thousands of people every year, both physically and spiritually.  We pray for God's continued blessings as we strive to do His will by going into all the nations, teaching and preaching His Word.

May He bless us all in all our efforts.

Cheryl