Dear Friends and Supporters,

We arrived back into the US several weeks ago after 3 flights and a long 37 hour journey. Why is it, as we age, these journeys seem to be more arduous, and we are more weary when they are completed? I believe this is one of those issues in our lives that is universal – we are not as strong and resilient as we once were. But, we are filled with such joy at what we are still able to do even in this stage of life.

As we reflect on the last 7 weeks of our mission to Zimbabwe, we marvel and thank God for so much that He accomplished through us. Our last week of work in Bulawayo was filled with teaching medical students. Steve gave 4 hours of lectures on clinical topics and also taught students in the clinical setting at the Richard Morris Eye Hospital. He also proctored and assisted in several complex cases involving cataract surgery, and mentored another group of doctors who were learning the phacoemulsification technique of cataract surgery from Dr. Moyo and Dr. Malemane. These two gentlemen, besides teaching the next group of doctors, are now proficient in this technique and are receiving cataract surgery candidates from places as far away as Botswana. The Center of Excellence that we have envisioned is evolving in Bulawayo!

Steve was able to teach Dr. Moyo and Dr. Malwmane a plastic surgical case involving a man who had been severely beaten up by assailants with a hammer, hacked with a machete and left for dead. He had miraculously survived and had already undergone numerous operations. Steve used his skills and experience to repair this man’s lower lid deformity to teach his colleagues. The gentleman was touched by the prayer that we offered before we began the procedure.

We will be soliciting a company here in the US for a new cataract machine to be placed at the Richard Morris Eye Hospital. The present machine will, unfortunately, become obsolete at the end of this year as we will not be able to obtain the supplies needed to keep It functioning. We hope that our requests will result in the donation of this vital piece of equipment.

Due to COVID, this visit was our first in over a year where we held eye camps in rural villages. We went to 3 different rural locations and treated over 350 patients along with our local fellow laborers sharing the Gospel.

There is so much more to share with you of the many ways that God worked through and in us to bring hope and help to so many who were in need. Our hearts are full of joy as we remember all that transpired, as well as the protection and provision given to us by our Heavenly Father.

Our next international outreach will be to take our skills and talents to Brazil with a medical mission team in May. We are praying and preparing even now for this next endeavor.

Thank you again for your prayers and support as we continue to use our skills to reach so many who are in need of physical and spiritual eyesight.

Blessings,

Steve and Jane Beaty