Jessica Morgan’s Blog

An Update from Kumbo

Thank you for standing with us! God has been very busy among us this week and we have made huge progress with our project. We must apologise for not blogging as regularly as we would like - if we have electricity here we’re doing well, so internet is a bonus!

We have assembled most of our equipent and the majority is now ready to be handed over to the staff. The ward is looking very modern now that there are five shiny new beds and four cots. This has meant that the nurses were able to throw away several beds that have been in the ward since it was built (some 50+ years ago!) and that are no longer fit for purpose. We were all very moved to see many of the parents on the ICU helping to unpack matresses and assemble the beds. Nurse Esther said that this is because “they are all so happy about what you are doing”. The paintings on the wall are now very close to being completed - all that remains to be painted is a black outline on each design, which Elinor has taken charge of. The Children’s Pastor was delighted that we have chosen scriptural pictures rather than cartoons because she can use them to tell stories to the children. We have painted: Mary with the baby Jesus; a dove; Noah’s Ark; the Triumphal Entry; and two fish and five loaves.

On Sunday we all had a wonderful time at the baptism service and at Nadine’s celebration. We learned many African songs and enjoyed dancing in a giant ‘conga’ line around the house. Emmanuel and Rose threw an enormous feast. We ate until we were overflowing with traditional Cameroonian food and were even treated to a bottle of Fanta! We are sure that half the town ate there that day! 

The girls held their second ‘Esther’ Bible study for local teenage girls last night and this was a great success. We were very encouraged to see some new faces and everyone learned something new about the story. In Kumbo much teaching is focussed on the New Testament, and so Esther has been fresh to all of our guests. We were glad to hear some of their responses during discussion. 

Colin spent an afternoon with one of the chaplains at the hospital on Monday. They went on a ward round and met many patients. They spent time comforting them and chatting with them, and prayed for many people.

Some excellent news: Kayleigh’s luggage is now in Douala! There has been some further delay with the airline’s administration of this matter, but we hope to have her bag before we have to leave at the end of the week. Kayleigh was a little unwell with a cold for a couple of days but, praise God, is feeling much better now. Jess stubbed her toe last night and it is broken. This is quite painful, but she is able to walk without any limping. We would very much appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery.

The boys are going on an outreach with the Jesus Film Ministry tonight. They will be going to a village in the Bush to show a film of the Gospel of Luke in the local dialect to share the Good News with some people who may not have had the opportunity to hear it yet. Many people in this part of the world have yet to hear the name of Jesus. Please pray for their safety, and that God would use them powerfully through His Spirit to bring many people into a personal relationship the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, we would appreciate your prayers for the remainder of the project: that we would finish all the work that needs to be done, including the medical training tomorrow afternoon, in time for the opening ceremony on Friday morning. We are all feeling a little tired, but we know that God has more to do through us and we will push on and finish this race.

 We really appreciate your support - our God will certainly reward your faithfulness to His mission! Amen!