Dear Friends & Supporters,

As we prepare to depart on another mission to Zimbabwe, Africa, we also rejoice in a short trip we took to Jamaica last weekend with a team from Dublin, Georgia to assist in eye surgery. There was a backlog of 35 patients needing cataract operations, and we flew down to spend two days in the operating room with them. It was a joy to see the expressions of delight as the patients’ eye patches were removed to once again see the world around them. The four day trip was so rewarding in service and fellowship with our like minded friends.

We also want to tell you of our plans and goals for this coming trip to Zimbabwe. It promises to be a richly rewarding one for both us and the people to whom we will serve.

Firstly, we shipped out two crates of supplies a couple of weeks ago, and we expect them to arrive in Zimbabwe soon after our arrival. In the shipment, there are approximately three thousand pairs of eyeglasses and other surgical and medical supplies, along with medical textbooks and an ophthalmic laser. We will use the laser, generously donated by the West Georgia Eyecare office, to teach doctors in training, and to treat indigent patients in the city of Bulawayo.

We will have a team of ten people joining us for the first part of our mission. The team will include four high school students, three teachers, two doctors and a photographer. These will work with local partners in their fields of expertise. The students will link up with a sister school in educational and cultural interaction. They will also participate in an eye camp while in Zimbabwe. We know and expect that the team will impact the lives of many in Zimbabwe while they minister.

Besides Steve’s teaching role at the Richard Morris Eye Hospital, he will be leading a 2 day cataract surgical course at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. We will also partner with Great Commission groups in conducting several eye camps in rural village settings, and lead the Zimbabwe Low Vision Support Group meetings during our visit.

Thank you for your support in prayer. We will send updates of the work and the great things that will transpire as we continue in the ministry in Zimbabwe. We are blessed to have now worked in this needy area of Africa for twenty years, and we thank God for His mighty hand of provision and protection to us.

May you each be blessed,

Steve & Jane Beaty