'God works in mysterious ways – these days he even works by text'
This was the headline on Radio 4 reporting the story of David Nott, a Christian surgeon who gives one month every year to work for Medicins Sans Frontieres in conflict zones. Last year he was sent to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, where he faced a boy needing an emergency forequarter amputation for a gangrenous gunshot wound. David, a vascular surgeon, had never even seen this operation performed. In this remote part of the world the internet rarely works but mobile phones do, so with great resourcefulness he texted a colleague in the UK for advice. Back came details of the anatomy and full surgical instructions. The operation was a success and the 16-year-old who had faced a miserable death was given another chance at life. Now 'See one, do one, teach one' can be replaced by 'Text one, do one, teach one'.
Developing Health Course 28 June – 10 July 2009
Bookings are coming in for this popular course which equips doctors and nurses for work in resource-poor settings. The two week course includes special interest days on paediatrics, tropical medicine, HIV, community medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and women's health. Participants can attend for specific days, for one week, or the fortnight. Details at www. healthserve.org
Revalidation
The introduction this year of licensing and revalidation will create challenges for doctors working overseas. The regulations have not yet been fully formulated and it is unclear how doctors going abroad can remain within the appraisal system, how those already overseas can enter the revalidation process, and what the re-entry criteria will be for those who lose their licence. Retired doctors not able to revalidate here may be unable to register in another country or obtain insurance.
A CMF working group is in dialogue with the royal colleges and the GMC. We want to ensure that requirements for revalidation do not become a barrier to doctors going to serve where medical work is so badly needed.
'Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution'
So says Matthew Parris, who describes himself as a confirmed atheist. His surprising article in The Times (1) describes the 'enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa'. Having grown up in Malawi and travelled through other parts of the continent, he has observed a striking difference in those who have become believers through the work of missionaries. Far from deploring it as cultural colonialism as many who share his world view would do, he states that 'Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.' An unexpected testimony to the faithful service of many missionaries and the transforming power of God.
Opportunities to serve
Kijabe Hospital, Kenya is one of the oldest and best established mission hospitals in Africa. Three long term positions become vacant this summer, and there is always a need for shorter term locums. meddir.kh@kijabe.net
Medics for Burma – A&E consultant Stephen Nash has been taking medical teams to Burma for the past five years. They train local doctors, dentists, paramedics and lay people to respond to the enormous needs in their communities and refugee camps. Doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives are all needed. admin@hope4theworld.org
Maasai Medical Mission – GP Richard Scott has done evangelistic mission trips to Maasailand, Kenya since 2002. He has been asked to bring a medical team in March 2010 for a two and a half week mobile medical outreach, and needs 10-15 people from different specialties. richard.scott@gp-G82105.nhs.uk
The HealthServe website lists a variety of needs, vacancies and opportunities.
Zimbabwe
Our appeal to help CMF Zimbabwe respond to the cholera crisis has had a great response and as we go to press has almost reached our target of £30,000. Thank you to all who have given so generously. This has not only bought supplies but has sent a huge message of support to the team there. One of the doctors said 'In places like Zimbabwe it's possible to feel abandoned, but your partnership has shown us that we are not alone and we have been overwhelmed by your support'. There is much more in the accompanying Triple Helix.
Micah Challenge – Rise up and pray
The credit crunch hits the world's poorest people the hardest and will make the UN Millennium Development Goals more difficult to achieve than ever. The Global Monitoring Report from Unesco estimates the 390 million poorest Africans will see their income drop by around 20%, far more than in the developed world. Concern is growing that progress towards the MDGs of poverty eradication and reduction in maternal and child mortality will not only be slowed, but may be reversed. (2)
As the leaders of the world's most powerful economies meet at the G20 summit, Micah Challenge is calling Christians worldwide to rise up and join together in prayer: that our new global economy might be more squarely founded on the values of our creator God; that the poor amongst us would be lifted up; and that out of the rubble of our global economy there might emerge the hope for a better world. Will you rise up and join?
www.micahchallenge.org.uk
Vicky Lavy is Head of International Ministries.
