Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Ps. 23:4
Middle East
The last 2 weeks have been dominated by what is happening in the Middle East so we want to share the latest from our partners who are involved in ministry in the region.
Al Shabiba Risala (Seek Peace)
Lebanon is officially in a state of war with the number of displaced people growing rapidly. The team are on the ground responding to the needs of the people and are seeking to provide emergency relief to 500 displaced families with essential food, hygiene kits, daily medications and blankets. They are expanding their psychosocial support and prayer meetings to help the community find peace and spiritual comfort in the midst of chaos.
99 Lost Sheep
With all that is happening in neighbouring regions the team in Jordan are safe and largely carrying on with life as usual. The only difference they have found is when sirens warn of possible debris falling from overhead missiles being intercepted, with potential to cause damage. The Centre closed for the first couple of days as a precaution whilst assessing the situation, which will continue to be monitored. While the wider situation is uncertain, the immediate surroundings for the Centre and the team are calm at present. Please pray for continued safety and wisdom during the present situation between neighbouring countries.
International Health Partners
Their first disaster response shipment has arrived in Lebanon to address the growing health needs amid the unfolding humanitarian crisis across the Middle East. The shipment contains medication to support 36,000 patients with long-term health needs, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and acute primary healthcare needs.
Three further shipments are currently in progress and will arrive over the coming weeks. These include antibiotics, Essential Health Packs (EHPs), further NCD medication and healthcare supplies to equip health centres and mobile healthcare units. Together, they will help serve 28,000 people in vulnerable and displaced communities with access to essential healthcare.
IHP is working with partners across Lebanon and the wider region to respond to escalating health needs. Their partners report health facilities facing an influx of trauma cases and critical shortages of essential medication and medical supplies.
WhatsApp Community
Medical Mission Network now has an updates page on WhatsApp - for updates from our partners, emergency prayer and details of upcoming events, please follow us via the link below.
Notifications
To make sure you get notified on your phone about updates from MMN, click on Updates at the bottom of your WhatsApp then select the Medical Mission Network Channel, click the bell symbol in the top right corner to make sure there is not a line through it - notifications from our channel will then appear on your phone.
Shipment
All the goods for the container are in and most are now packed on to pallets for loading onto the container. We are working towards them being collected by the end of March.
The next time we ship to Zambia will be when the next medicine orders are ready. We estimate this will be in July/August time and will be using our new processes and location for the first time. We will share more details as we get nearer the time but it is important to note that no boxes can be sent until a month before the container will ship.
Electives
We've recently had Georgia, one of the medical students we supported, who did her elective at Kijabe Hospital in Kenya return home. In her report she made the comment: "Overall, this experience has stretched me, humbled me, and taught me not to take things for granted. I came wanting to contribute as much as possible, and while I hope I have, I’m also aware of how much I’ve received. The faith, resilience, and generosity of the people I’ve met here have left a lasting impression on me." Read her full blog here.
Please be praying for Lois, Meghan, Philippa and Zea who are currently serving in mission hospitals overseas; that God would strengthen them and encourage them during their time on their electives.
Project Focus
Our project focus this month is Kisiizi Hospital who started off a small healthcare facility and now serves thousands from the local community, either within the hospital itself or through their community medical outreach programmes.
