Dear Friends of Eyecare to the Needy,

Once again, our apologies for the delayed blog which is coming just as we have wrapped up our last ministry trip to Zimbabwe for this year. Unfortunately, internet service while there was almost non-existent for most of our stay, so we were not able to bring you as much news while working in the Bulawayo area. What words can express our hearts’ emotions as we think on all that was accomplished during this time of work and ministry? We are filled with joy as we think of the many patients who were seen and helped, the assistance and skills transferred to our local Zimbabwe doctors and healthcare providers, and the new friendships made and old relationships strengthened while we were there.

Throughout the month we had three teams accompanying us in Zimbabwe. The first worked with local tennis leaders and led tennis clinics at a number of schools attended by disadvantaged children and teens. We received feedback and comments from our tennis partners at the conclusion of the ministry of the significant impact upon the lives of so many and we rejoice in that good news. Our second team, led by Dr. George McCluskey, a renowned orthopedic surgeon and shoulder specialist, worked with  local doctors in the city of Bulawayo. The third team consisting of Dr. and Mrs. Butch Wolff, Dr. and Mrs. George Jarrell, and Dr. Rusty Simmons, all worked and instructed with their counterpart doctors in general surgery, anesthesiology and urology respectively.

Dr. Steve Beaty and his team assisting him in eye camps, surgery and teaching were also very busy the last two weeks. Jane was the chief driver, cook, glasses dispenser and wore many other hats as well. We also had a close friend with us, Thomas Carroll, who helped out in a multitude of ways, including assisting in eye surgery and documenting the ministries with both photo and video. Rachel, Steve and Jane’s daughter, who had completed her second post-graduate residency in pharmacy, gave a number of lectures. She was also able to enlighten the pharmacy community in the realm of hospital pharmacy, which has blossomed in our health care system here in the US.

All in all, 36 lectures and talks were delivered by the teams. The first laparoscopic gall bladder operation was performed by a local surgeon assisted by Dr. Butch Wolff; clinical rounds and operative techniques were share with the Bulawayo Physicians; and nursing and pharmacy interaction was accomplished and well received. In addition, we were able to treat over 500 eye patients, and around 300 pairs of glasses were dispensed to those in need during several eye camps. We also performed 55 eye operations during the trip. It is simply indescribable and a true blessing to experience the joy of blind people seeing again.

Our shipping container (loaded with medical supplies), which was sent with the help of St. Francis hospital, arrived the same day we departed. However, we were able to unload an ultrasound machine which will be used for anesthesia, and Dr. George Jarrell was able to give a quick teaching session to the anesthesiologists before we rushed to the airport to fly home.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers during this trip. We are so thankful to report your prayers were answered as we had no accidents, sicknesses or other mishaps and saw some amazing results from our labors. We look forward to sharing with you more in our next correspondence,  so keep in touch until our next time together.

We are planning to launch some new features on our website very soon, so be sure to stay tuned for a newsletter update this fall! God Bless you all!