Emma Houlden and her family spent time at Chitokoloki over the summer – this is their story:

We have had the great privilege of returning to Chitokoloki to help serve this summer. I am a nurse/midwife, my husband, Christopher, a general surgeon and we have 3 children, Jack (9) and Jesse and Anna (5). We were also joined by Emily, a good friend of ours and second year medical student.

We were at Chit 5 years ago and there have been some really positive developments since we were last here. The hospital is very busy but well supported by an excellent team of clinicians and a large building project is underway to increase bed capacity with the addition of a new ward plus siderooms, as well as a much needed clinic.

The Missions’ goal is to share the gospel and demonstrate the love of God to all who come, whether for spiritual, emotional or physical need.

There are many opportunities throughout the working day to share the good news of Jesus. The warm atmosphere and real commitment to clinical excellence are the first signs that there is something different about this place. Posters with bible verses to encourage and bless those who read them are dotted around the hospital.

The day starts with staff devotions where all are welcome to worship and reflect on a bible passage. Reaching out to staff is a huge opportunity and in many ways easier than patient outreach as the working language is English. Afterwards, as staff disperse to their various departments, work begins, as does the broadcast of a gospel message over the loudspeaker to each ward. This can sometimes present a challenge whilst assessing patients and making care plans during ward rounds but we can usually overcome this by turning the volume down slightly!

We are free to distribute tracts and bibles which are available in the various languages that are spoken in this region. I was asked for a Portuguese bible by a patient from Angola. The Book Room just opposite the hospital has many resources for those who are searching.

It is a real privilege to be able to pray with patients. This is routine practice prior to surgery. Some patients are with us for many months due to the nature of their illness or injury or the remoteness of their home, which allows relationships to develop and prayerful support may be offered. I was involved in what I call ‘big dressings’ clinic and doing the same dressings several times a week for 2 months meant that I really got to know these patients and their relatives and was able to pray into their individual situations.

There are also practical ways to bless patients in our care. For example, new mothers are all given a ‘baby bundle’ as a gift. We can often find sweets and toys for children as well as hygiene items to demonstrate love and care.

From a personal point of view, we have had many opportunities to share our motivation for this work with colleagues and friends at home. It has also been exciting to encourage our children to serve with us and they have been involved in various capacities such as visiting patients, befriending local children as well as missionary kids and attending Sunday school.

Although working in this setting has it’s challenges, it is very freeing to be able to concentrate on what really matters.

As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.’ Matt 10:7-8