Dear Supporters of Eyecare To The Needy;

Greetings again from here in Zimbabwe where we rejoice in God’s protection and provision. We said goodbye to the twelve tennis players and coaches from Athletes in Action last Thursday. We drove them from Bulawayo to the Victoria Falls, normally a five hour drive, but now is a seven hour ordeal. The road has been torn up by trans-Africa trucks, and potholes now dominate the journey, making it quite hazardous. Thankfully, we had no incidents or accidents, and our guests were able to see one of the seven wonders of the world before departing back to the States.

Steve has resumed fairly intensive clinical work. He delivered 2 lectures this week, and continued consulting at the Mater Dei Hospital. He performed two plastic surgical procedures on two gentlemen, using the opportunity to teach the surgical techniques of these cases to local colleagues. He does not teach cataract surgery any more, referring all who present with cataracts to his colleagues who are now fully competent.

Steve did encounter a number of tragic patient presentations while on ward rounds at the Richard Morris Eye Hospital. A 33 year old lady with HIV delayed medical care for a growth in her eye because she was unable to afford care. She presented with a large cancer (related to her immunosuppression) that has invaded her whole eye. She will need to have a very disfiguring operation to remove the eye and eye socket. It was a heartrending sight to encounter this lady with a small baby that she was nursing as we examined her in the hospital. Our apologies for the graphic photographs of patients; these are representative of what Steve faces as he works with his local colleagues at the hospital.

Steve saw end stage retinoblastoma (a childhood malignant cancer of the eye), severe infections in both children and adults presenting  late because of no funds, and many other eye disorders that could have resulted in better outcomes with timely care, but because of the severe economic situation in this country, they delay in going to the hospital. Our hearts are heavy and broken to see so much suffering here.

Steve started back leading a young men’s Bible study, and this week he had seven young men coming to study the Word. Jane cooked dinner for them, and it was wonderful to fellowship around the table with them.

We will be continuing to use our talents, skills and gifts to help change lives, and bring physical and spiritual eyesight to many who we encounter and serve in the remaining weeks that we have here in Zimbabwe. Thank you for your continued prayers for us.

Steve and Jane Beaty