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Critical Supplies for Christian Pakistan Hospital Sit Awaiting Shipment Funds

United Christian Hospital (UCH) in Lahore, Pakistan has an urgent need to replace old and nonfunctional equipment. Through Project CURE, MBF has the equipment the hospital needs, but does not have the unrestricted funds to ship the container.

The hospital’s need is especially critical now because they have been awarded a US/AID grant to open five OB/GYN centers in the slums of Lahore where mother and child mortality is very high. “This is a God-given opportunity for Christian witness through a healing ministry that could form a bridge of understanding and communication between Christians and Muslims in the US and Pakistan,” says Dr. Bill Sager, retired medical missionary who served in Pakistan. “Christian involvement in the healing ministries is acceptable to Muslims in Pakistan. It can open doors of cooperation and understanding in so many creative ways to help transcend the current sociopolitical animosities.”

Please help us take advantage of this opportunity to support United Christian Hospital at this critical time. Send your contribution today for shipping equipment to Pakistan.

Update from Mission Workers in Troubled Madagascar

Dan and Elizabeth Turk, PC(USA) mission workers in Madagascar, report that their work with the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM) goes on, in spite of the political unrest in that country.

Elizabeth recently participated in HIV/AIDS training for Ivato seminary students. The community health program, with malaria and safe drinking water as major components, continues, and an intensive program involving FJKM dispensaries and community health villages will begin in July.

Since the change in government in mid-March, the people of Madagascar have suffered greatly, facing rising prices for basic goods, with many losing their jobs and living without money for food o r medicine. Some radio and television stations have been shut down. In addition, protestors of the new government are dealt with harshly, with shootings and arrests becoming more common.

“There does not appear to be a solution for a just and durable peace in sight,” the Turks write.

Dan and Elizabeth continue to thank those who are praying for them and for the country of Madagascar.

Malawi Facilities Face Doctor Shortage

“The doctor situation for the Synod of Livingstonia’s three hospitals is close to rock bottom,” writes Dr. Martha Sommers, medical mission worker in Malawi. “I am the only doctor working full-time... and there is a very-part-time new doctor from Holland at Ekwendeni. No others.”

One reason for the shortage is that qualified medical personnel are accepting non-medical jobs in Malawi’s cities, leaving the rural hospitals with limited staff. “The shortage of doctors and formally trained health personnel makes us push the boundaries of who does what procedure,” Dr. Sommers explains.

Recently, a woman in late-stage AIDS came to Embangweni Hospital for a C-section. Usually, these procedures are done at the hospital by clinical officers with four years of training. This time, the newest clinical officer intern performed the surgery, assisted by the newest patient attendant. Dr. Sommers reports that, much to her relief, the two did a fine job. “But, it still makes me nervous,” she says, “because, although we do much better than the national average, I understand why one out of fifty women in Malawi that has a C-section dies."

MBF helps to support Dr. Sommers and other mission workers like her. Giving to Missionary Support is one way to be a part of this important work. Giving to Indigenous Healthcare Training addresses issues such as shortages of medical personnel.

New Issue of MBF Mission Connection Available

The Summer 2009 issue of MBF's newsletter, Mission Connection, is now available. Click HERE to subscribe in order to receive notice whenever new issues are available. To read the summer edition, please click here.

MBF Seeking Temporary Funds for Sudan Doctor

A former “lost boy” of Sudan, who is now a medical doctor, has been a key figure in bringing a Sudan hospital back to life. Before Dr. Michael Tut came to Presbyterian Hospital in Akobo two years ago, the hospital was a run-down facility with one bed and a technician. Today the hospital has 58 beds, two physicians, and a full staff of nurses and technicians.

Presbyterian Hospital in Akobo is in Southern Sudan and the only hospital within 100 miles. In March during a period of tribal violence, the hospital was inundated with victims of that violence. Bill Andress, moderator of Trinity Presbytery says, “We thank God that we are able to support Dr. Michael so that he can continue to make such a difference for the people of Akobo and the surrounding area.”

Financial problems of the government of Southern Sudan and delayed contracts have put Dr. Michael Tut’s salary in jeopardy. MBF, in partnership with Trinity Presbytery in Sudan has agreed to raise funds for Dr. Tut’s salary until more permanent funding can be arranged.

To help in this time of need, please click here, and type "Dr. Michael Tut salary support" in the "send card to:" box on our donation page

Update on Akobo Hospital in Sudan:
Tribal conflict over cattle continues to plague the area of Sudan served by Presbyterian Hospital in Akobo, writes Dr. Michael Tut. “Today three wounded patients were brought from Ogale across the Akobo River. Discussions are going on with authorities and civilians to be peaceful and calm despite the uncertainty and fragile peace with these two neighbors (the Nuer and Murle tribes).”

Reuters quotes John Holmes of the U.N., "The scale of conflict, scale of death, scale of destruction is really worrying. It suggests there's a real problem about how to reconcile the communities, because this fighting has not necessarily stopped."

Presbyterian Hospital in Akobo was filled beyond capacity during March and April when hundreds of tribal people were killed in the ongoing conflict. The hospital continues to use its limited facilities to treat the wounded. Additional concern is for the health of the more than 20,000 people in the surrounding villages who have been displaced by the fighting and are living with inadequate shelter, water, and food just before the rainy season.

Clinton Named UN Envoy to Haiti

The UN has appointed former president Bill Clinton as its envoy to the impoverished country of Haiti. Last year four hurricanes and a number of riots left Haiti in even greater poverty and confusion.

"Last year's natural disasters took a great toll, but Haiti's government and people have the determination and ability to 'build back better,'” Clinton said.

One group with that determination and ability is the recent graduating class of FSIL School of Nursing in Leogane where funds channeled through MBF helped build the school. These young men and women have the opportunity and skills to help bring new health to Haiti’s people and their government.

According to Reuters, the UN believes that low labor costs, proximity to the United States and Canada, and the duty-free access it will enjoy in the U.S. market for the next nine years could underpin future economic growth.

MBF will continue to raise funds for FSIL School of Nursing and for scholarships for young Haitians to prepare to serve their struggling country in the field of medicine.

Learn more about MBF in Haiti

Turks Return to Madagascar

April 7, 2009 - Dan and Elizabeth Turk, PC(USA) co-workers in Madagascar, and children have returned to that country after leaving in mid-March during the recent political crisis there. The Turks are thankful for prayers for direction as to when to return to Madagascar, and ask for continued prayer for resuming their work with PC(USA) partner, the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM). For earlier reports on this, please see below. [Related Reuters latest news in Madagascar]

UPDATE ON TURKS IN MADAGASCAR, May 20, 2009

“This is one of the darkest times that Madagascar has faced,” writes PC(USA) mission co-worker Dan Turk. “Thank you so much for your love and concern for the Malagasy people. The country and people desperately need your prayers.”

Dan and Elizabeth Turk and their two children returned to Madagascar in early April after fleeing the country during the political crisis there.

The Turks ask for prayer during this difficult time, especially:

• For the FJKM church and other churches in Madagascar, that they may be God’s light.

• For those who stand for justice.

• For wise leaders who can find the right balance between justice and reconciliation.

• For those who suffer or will suffer because of the crisis.

• For the Malagasy people as the economy faces challenges.

Please pray for the safety of Dan and Elizabeth and their children, Robert (13) and Frances (10).

If you would like to help support Mission Workers like the Turks, please feel free to contribute here...

MBF SCORES BEST RATING ON CHARITY NAVIGATOR

April 2, 2009 – The popular organization and website known as Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) has recently released its new ratings, in which Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) has scored 4 stars (the highest rating available)!

Charity Navigator is the largest and most widely used guide for donors in selecting “truly effective organizations”. The rating is derived by evaluating two broad areas of financial health: ‘organizational efficiency’ and ‘organizational capacity’. A set of financial ratios or performance categories is used to rate each of these two areas, and an ‘overall rating’ is issued that combines the charity's performance in both areas. Highlights of MBF’s assessment include: a 10 out of 10 rating in program expenses (percent of total functional expenses spent on management/general), fundraising expenses and efficiency, and the same top rating in ‘working capital ratio’ which is a determination of how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net liquid assets, or working capital. According to Charity Navigator, an overall rating of 4-stars means the organization is “exceptional” and “exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its cause”.

The board and the staff at MBF have worked hard over the past year to focus on being the best stewards we can be of the funds entrusted to us by donors. What really excites us is that we still have much more potential and many active plans in the works to do an even better job going forward. With your continued prayers and support, and God’s will, we look forward to serving even more of those most in need in Christ’s name.

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