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Praying for Comfort
This past week, Etienne and Paulette experienced a very difficult circumstance. Paulette's sister died along with her baby during childbirth at a government hospital in the capital of Cote d'Ivoire. Paulette was on vacation visiting her sister to be with her after what was expected to be a normal labor and delivery. As you can imagine, this tragedy leaves the family grieving deeply. Please pray for this young father and their two other children as well as Paulette, Etienne and the extended family. Paulette's father was a leading pastor in the Baptist Association in Cote d'Ivoire and all Paulette's siblings are Christians. The funeral was held today (August 28). Please join us in prayer lifting up this heartfelt sorrow to the only One who can give lasting peace and comfort during a time like this.
Pictured above is Paulette and Etienne while on a spiritual retreat. Etienne is serving as the CEH Director and Paulette is the CEH Hostess and Guest House Coordinator. |
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Travel Update
Ulli and I (Dwight) are traveling today to Guinea. We will return September 13, Lord willing. Please remember us in your prayers during this time. Pray for the details of each day and for our families while we are away from them.
During this short visit, we will be speaking with and listening to the key national members of the CEH staff. There will be times of private interviews and corporate spiritual celebration. Since my last visit in November 2009, new staff have been added: an administrative assistant for Etienne, a new chauffeur and five new nurses. Ulli and I will participate in an orientation program and a spiritual retreat for the new staff.
We hope to assist in the inventory check of the pharmacy, medical supplies and equipment (both construction and medical). In preparation for the audit this fall, the financial report will also be reviewed. We plan to visit the U.S. Embassy and several government offices during our stay. We will also have contact with the leadership of several other sister missions in Guinea.
August 11 through September 9 is Ramadan for the Muslims; during which they feast at night and fast during the day. This will affect the scheduling of our meeting with some of the local people. We will use this to our advantage and spend more time with our internal contacts and administrative projects. |
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Construction Update
The most recent construction update is encouraging. The roof of the Surgical Building will be completed this week and the doors and windows are being fit. Identifying and mobilizing a team for the electrical and plumbing is still in process. Please continue to pray with us about this. Once the team is assembled, plans will be made to get the electrical and plumbing materials shipped to Mamou. The funding for this building is complete, thanks to Autumn Ridge Church in Minnesota.
Surgerical Building worksite progress |
The next scheduled building project is the "C" Ward which will add eight more beds to serve those who are cared for in surgery. This project is largely funded by The John Slater Memorial Fund and The Lankton Estate Gift. Ulli and I hope to participate with the staff in the ground breaking of this project while in Mamou.
In addition to these two construction projects, there is a need to have a second well drilled this fall. During the last dry season we had several prolonged periods with little water.
How grateful we are for each of you who have materially partnered with us in the work. Without your ongoing support, we would not be able to continue to serve the people who come daily for medical care. |
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Guinea Political News
The polical situation in Guinea seems to remain calm as the nation proceeds to their first truly democratic election now scheduled for September 19. We pray for continued peace in the nation and our area of work within it. |
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The next CEH Board Meeting is scheduled for September 18. This is a time of mutual accountability and prayer as we seek God's direction, purpose and wisdom in the work He has given us at Compassion Evangelical Hospital. Pray that those in leadership will benefit from this time together and make decisions that honor God.
Since this meeting is within a few days after Ulli and I (Dwight) return, pray we will be able to prepare well for this meeting as well as share effectively about all that we are experiencing during our current trip. |
