Dear Friends and Supporters,

Since we shared our last blog, our schedule has ramped up and we are very busy with work and ministry here in Zimbabwe. Steve has continued his teaching in surgery with three younger doctors, but has found that the original two doctors he trained are now mentoring this next group. He watched as Dr. Moyo and Dr. Malemane assisted and intervened to successfully perform surgery on several patients by these young doctors this last week. It was heartwarming to see that the skills Steve has imparted are now being passed along to the next group, and the teaching program at the Richard Morris Eye Hospital is continuing even while he is not present.

We had the opportunity to conduct an eye camp this week at a community called Mawabeni, about 40 miles south of Bulawayo. As we arrived at the church where the camp was conducted, the crowds of people pressed in upon us. They had not received any eye care in this area for many years. Steve saw some sad cases of blindness from undiagnosed glaucoma. One particular lady who was only 43 years old had run out of her medications months ago, and her eyesight had almost completely been extinguished by her disease. He was able to give her enough glaucoma drops for a year, but had to inform her that her vision would not return. We saw a total of 104 patients and Jane gave out about 90 pairs of glasses. Many expressed great joy at being able to see clearly again. The gospel was preached, and we pray that many will respond to the call to receive Christ.

We are planning to have two other rural eye camps this coming week, and Steve will be leading a pilot study to look at two different cataract surgical techniques in a Zimbabwe hospital setting. We also have a number of patients in the consulting practice with very difficult and serious eye conditions that Steve is treating. We will also be working with them this week.

Thank you again for your prayers for us here. We have seen the plight of so many who cannot afford even basic healthcare, and we feel privileged to bring relief and joy to those we have encountered and served.

Sincerely,

Steve and Jane Beaty