Dear Friends and Supporters,

We’ve come to the end of another chapter in our journey of ministry and work in Zimbabwe. Since our last communication, we’ve had the opportunity with our local partners to lead another eye camp located in probably the poorest shanty area around Bulawayo. The people there are now in their third generation of living in shacks made of cardboard, wood and pieces of tin. The men make their livelihood by panning for gold in the nearby mines. They spend their money on strong alcohol and women. The women in this poverty-stricken situation do what they can to do ‘piece’ jobs (selling vegetables, working in houses nearby as servants, etc.), and raise children, most who do not attend school. HIV is rampant in this community where hope is non-existent.

We led a team there to conduct examinations and to distribute glasses and medications. Our ‘office’ was a tin shack; Steve had his instruments set up in a tent, and we shared the Good News as we examined and treated patients, some who were badly drunk and difficult to interact with. Our local pastor and team members were able to counsel with quite a number of people. They will return and continue to minister to these outcasts of society. 

Steve was able to perform and teach a difficult plastic surgery procedure to one of the resident doctors. He now has the skill to perform this particular operation on a case which is quite common here in Zimbabwe. 

Steve’s intention is to ‘work himself out of a job’ as he conducts skills transfers to his colleagues here. He stopped performing advanced cataract surgery a couple of years ago because of the excellent surgery now performed here in Bulawayo. 

A new eye center of excellence will be completed in the next few months. It will house advanced surgical and medical equipment for the doctors to practice a higher level of eye care. We are also progressing forward with adding a surgical retina service here in Bulawayo. This will complement the services of the only retina surgeon in the country who is located in the capital, Harare. 

So, we leave again with full hearts, rejoicing in what God has done and is doing to transform lives and to bring hope to so many in need. Blessings to you until next time.

Steve and Jane Beaty