Dear Friends and Supporters,

It’s been a busy and full two weeks since we shared an update, and we rejoice for all that we have been able to accomplish in spite of the issues with COVID here in this needy environment where we are called to serve. Steve is continuing filling his days with consulting, teaching, and mentoring a new generation of doctors. He has been teaching surgical techniques to three eager young training ophthalmologists at the Richard Morris Eye Hospital, and although the cases are difficult, the doctors are eager to learn. He has also given lectures to medical students at the NUST college of medicine. The students do not have access to the internet (they cannot afford the expense), so Steve arranged to teach them in person at a classroom in the massive Mpilo Hospital in the western part of Bulawayo. The students here are very attentive and eager to learn, and Steve was able to expand their knowledge of ophthalmic diseases and diagnoses.

We have a young college student, Cole Bothun, who has joined us. He has an interest in pursuing a medical career, and flew out from the US a couple weeks ago. We arranged for him to shadow a family practice doctor, orthopedic surgeons, and a neurosurgeon here in Bulawayo. It has been a privilege to have him be part of our ‘team’. He played a vital and important role at our last eye camp at a large citrus estate in the southern part of Zimbabwe. We were able to take care of 250 patients, prescribing medications and giving glasses to 145 of those who needed them. Cole screened patients all day without breaks, other than a peanut butter sandwich in between patients.

It has been a different experience here with the COVID issues that have limited social gatherings, mandated curfews, and made the wearing of masks mandatory. However, we have been able to touch the lives of many here who are in great need. We think of the African gentleman who came to see us for a consultation. He presented with a loss of vision in his only good eye, and after Steve examined him, we checked his blood pressure. It measured 230/130! We rushed immediately to the emergency area of the hospital for treatment to lower his blood pressure.

So, we continue in the work that God has called us to in a land of great need and despair. We are privileged to touch the lives of those who need both their physical and spiritual eyesight restored.

Thank you for continued prayers for us as we labor and minister to many here in Zimbabwe.

Steve and Jane Beaty