Experience at Kipushi ADP

Praise Him!

Internet access is very slow and hard to come by, but we will reply as soon as we can.

Praise The Lord

We have left the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kipushi ADP.

The experience was impactful and dramatic for those who are in Africa for the first time as well as for those of us who have been blessed to minister in these regions for quite some time.

We worshipped and rejoiced with hundreds of our brothers and sisters in the Congo on Sunday at three different churches. The Lord's favor was with each of us as Bis Mark Tolbert ministered at one church, Bis Carl Turner at another and myself at another. We needed these experiences to be able to be effective on Monday as we had to meet the people 'where they lived!!'

The team joined Sis Smith and myself as we served the people at the maternity clinic and the general health clinic. Over 70% of the children we saw were infected with malaria. Many had other infectious diseases, that are rarely seen in the United States. WE SHOULD APPRECIATE HOW BLESSED WE ARE!!

Many of those we saw were also able to receive the therapies we proscribed, however, many others did not have the small amounts necessary to get the medicines. World Vision came along-side to help those most indigent get the medicine they needed.

The underlying reason for so much disease is the need for basic infrastructure that we take for granted, like fresh running water, basic innoculations, and immuizations, nutrititious food, and basic education regarding health and hygiene. The staff on site are wonderful and well trained. They need more personnel and better equipment.

We assurred them that we will continue to do all we can to get them the resources they need.

While they are doing a great job addressing the issues surrounding the HIV\AIDS pandemic, much more is needed, especially getting the needed medicines. They have made great strides in getting testing and treatment for adults. They are just beginning to tackle the job of getting the proper anti-retrovial medicines to the infected children. Fewer are becoming infected from maternal transmission because of medicines available to pregnant women in their last trimester of pregnancy.

The last child I attended was very sick and HIV positive. What makes this diagnosis more overwhelming is the stigma attached to it. Children infected are often shunned to various degrees. Education is helping to address this and great strides are being made. The pastors and churches here are coming together to unite in addressing this issue.

The last meeting we had in DRC was with over 30 pastors. We were able to dialog with them and here their challenges. They were especially interested in how we structure our churches, how we use women in ministry and how they can be better trained in outreach.

WHEW!!!

We are now in the country of Zambia. We will be able to visit the various programs that minister to the thousands of children that many of you sponsor. We will give them your love and greetings.

The entire team send their love and greetings to their families and to all of your. We appreciate and depend on your prayers and support as we represent you, and bring the love of the Lord Jesus to our brothers and sisters in Africa.

We will do all we can to respond to your thoughts and questions as the technology permits.

God bless you all.

Dr. Horace Smith