Health workers receiving training in Feb 09
Missionary Ventures Zambia began a medical ministry in 2003 in response to the overwhelming needs seen by the missionaries living in the Zambezi Valley, Zambia. Karin Engelbrecht (Field Coordinator in Zambia) and her daughter, Michelle, began by treating wounds, sicknesses, and various other ailments that the Tonga people came to them with. As word spread of their ability to provide basic medical treatment, even the local hospital began referring patients for care. Karin and Michelle began seeing so many patients that they had to establish ‘clinic’ days when they could be available to treat people.
The Engelbrechts began praying for volunteer medical personnel to come and help train local Health Workers in basic Primary Health Care. From August 2007—September 2008 Pastor Fanwell Mulauzi and his wife Agnes, together with Mary Syabwela and Maureen Kaluwe successfully received training as health workers and in the re-nutrition of severely malnourished babies. This small team form an in integral part of the ministry team at the mission. Superstitions, ignorance and occultic practices often influence the recovery of a patient, but at Longezia Mission patients not only receive physical and emotional care and support BUT also much needed spiritual care and guidance into their lives.
During 2009 the team continued to receive follow up training, focusing specifically on assessing, diagnosing and treating children and babies 5 years and younger through a program of World Health Organization. Pastor Mulauzi also received intensive training by a podiatrist from South Africa in treating wounds on the legs and feet of patients, as well as training by a medical doctor from the USA in general medical care.
Another aspect of the program is facilitating Short Term Medical Outreaches. Christian doctors, pharmacists, dentist, nurses
Pastor Fanwell and Dr. Ken praying for a mother and sick baby during a medical outreach in 2009
and other medical personnel volunteer their time and expertise to come and minister to the Tonga people. These teams work under the supervision and guidance of Pastor Fanwell Mulauzi who now oversee the Medical Support Program. Vast numbers of patients benefit from medical care, medication and personal attention. These outreaches are often used in preparation for new church plants with a local church ministry.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- By making a financial contribution towards this program.
- Donating medical supplies, such as: gloves, band aids, thermometers, wound dressings, tape, ace bandages, pens, baby wipes, etc. These will need to be brought with a team as shipping is not feasible.
- Donating new or used towels, bedding, washcloths, medicine cups for use in the clinic. These will need to be brought with a team as shipping is not feasible.
- Asking your local doctor’s office or the OB/GYN department of your hospital for any medical supplies they plan to dispose of that could be reused, such as: outdated equipment, gestational wheels, etc.
- By coming on a Short-Term Team to Zambia!
- By regularly praying for this program!