Peter Armon writes

Many thanks to those who have been in touch following the last newsletter. It's good to know that it's read! I think we have found a home for a few old spectacles, some surgical equipment and books. It's also been good to hear from some who are about to travel overseas and want to be put in touch with CMF mission partners in the area they are visiting.

Old BNFs

These are always in great demand and are treated like gold dust by some of our overseas partners. Don't throw them away, we can usually tell you of some one who needs them. Please get in touch.

Availability for overseas Locums

Several folk have expressed a willingness to have their names put on a database of available locums and I am working on that in conjunction with MMAHealthServe. Don't expect an immediate call but it's good to know who can be called upon when a need arise.

Refresher Course

This year's Refresher Course again took place in the beautiful surroundings of Oak Hill College, North London from 24 June - 5 July 2002. Thirty-four doctors, nurses and midwives attended including five who came as day visitors. Several different nationalities were represented and they came from many different working environments around the world. There were 'old timers' in cross-cultural work and several about to start out on an overseas assignment.

It proved to be very much a 'family affair' with 8 children present, ranging from 20 months to 9 years of age. Helen Clegg did an excellent job overseeing their care with some assistance from parents and others on occasions. David Clegg was back - as a participant during the first week and then to take over from Peter Armon who attended the ICMDA Conference in Taiwan during the second week of the course.

Several new speakers added their own particular spice to the mix. The majority of the participants evaluated the course as good or very good - both in presentation and content - with comments such as 'brilliant', 'very practical' and 'just what I needed'. It was interesting to find that several participants had been before and were coming back for more. Our thanks go to all the speakers who so willingly and freely give of their time and expertise year by year.

Many thanks must also go to Peter and Hilary Bewes who once again did a brilliant job of hosting the course and making every one feel at home. The more informal evening meeting where participants shared some of the joys and sorrows of their work were much appreciated, as were the morning and evening worship and Bible study sessions.

Several requests were made for some round-table discussions and practical workshops to be included in future events. So, watch this space. The 'member care' sessions were also much appreciated.

Next year's course will again be held at Oak Hill College in North London from 7-18 July 2003.

Please make it known to those who you think might benefit from it. Brochures will soon be available. Let me know if you want some.

Healthcare Mission forum - 27 November 2002

To be held under the auspices of the Healthcare Missions forum of Global Connections, this will take place at Partnership House, 157 Waterloo Road, London.

Aimed particularly at the CEO's of Mission Agencies and NGOS, it will consider the role of the Mission Hospital in the 21st century. Speakers with considerable experience on the field, both expatriate and nationals from Asia, Africa and South America have been invited. If you are interested in mission, don't miss it. For more information contact Steve Fouch at MMAHealthServe. (Email steve@healthserve.org; Tel: 020 7790 1336))

Conference for returned missionary couples 3 - 8 November 2002

Burrswood Christian Centre are holding a conference for missionary couples re-adjusting to life in the UK. It offers an opportunity to 'come aside and rest awhile' and a chance to take stock and recharge the batteries. The course will include training workshops, group work, personal interview, worship and recreation.

For more details, contact: Fiona Lloyd-Williams, The Conference Centre, Burrswood, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PY. Tel: 01892 86363