Mobile Clinics

The importance of going to the sick is at the very heart of our medical work in Indonesia. We call them "Mobile Clinics". The medical teams will go to a remote village and stay from one day to three months. These clinics provide needed treatment for those in the remote islands and jungle villages where they do not have access to medical care. In a one day clinic the teams have seen over 200 patients. The teams that stay for over a week will also do training for the villagers in the area of hygiene, STD's and fire prevention. These teams are invited by the village leaders to come and stay in their village. The investment by our teams leaves a healthier village.

Finding Hope in Adelaide

This Sunday, Kasih, the little girl with the severe cleft lip/palate, starts her journey to Adelaide tomorrow. This is the culmination of many months of fundraising and coordination (many thanks to Dr Nicole Anderson and Lisa Robinson) for all their hard work in making this happen. Kasih will get first class surgical treatment in Adelaide. Sunday's trip will be from Halmahera to Manado. Kasih and her Mother will be escorted by a guest we have here at present - Martin Gare, who is also from Adelaide.

See also http://kasihsjourney.com/ for Kasih's story.

Dr. Nicole Anderson and Lisa Robinson have opened so many doors to see that Kasih has the best treatment possible. They are both amazing woman with huge hearts. Check out the link to see all the updates on her progress.

Doors Open

I just got the great news from Peter Scarborough, IFC Field Director, that the medical ward (small hospital) in Halmahera is now open. Peter sent the note,"The 16 bed ward - which has turned into a 21 bed ward is virtually complete and the first patients are already in. Many thanks to the Rotary clubs of Gippsland (especially Berwick and Warragul) and the local Gold Mine in Halmahera for this."

This project was funded by these Rotary clubs in Australia . It has been a challenge because of the rising cost of building materials. The in-patient ward will give the sick and injured a place to recover from their serious wounds or illnesses. There is a joining birthing center that will give woman in the region a safe place to bring life into this world.

We thank the good people from Gippsland and the leaders of the local gold mine for their heart and help in providing the funds for this ward. We know the people of Halmahera will receive the blessing of being cared for during their recovery time.

The Number is 35

The number is now 35 children in our care. These are children who are either abandoned or orphaned. We have older kids and new born babies. The older children like Merna, who lost both parents, is being educated and supported by us as we watch over her well-being. She is happy, loved and has a lot of friends. Merna is one of the 35 souls we have been given to provide a happy and nurturing life.

Esther Scarborough wrote about the most recent additions to our Children's Home. She wrote, "We have two new babies--one was to be aborted but after counselling the mother chose to keep her and give her to us. The baby has a full head of hair and is gorgeous - she needs sponsorship. The second one is the result of rape and also a dear little girl."

I spoke at the dedication of the Children's Home and knew there would be more than the 11 children we had at that time. Now there are 35 lives to guide and support. We will give them all we can and provide for a happy and nurturing years as they grow up.

Safe After the Shake

Peter Scarborough reported that the recent powerful earthquake did not result in any loss of life to his knowledge. The shake was felt at our medical base in North Maluku. The ground rolled and trees swayed for a short time. We have built the structures on our base to withstand most of these shakes. We have done our best to reinforce our structures. It helps to have structural engineers on our team.

We are thankful to report the minimal damage to structures in the region, no loss of life and no tsunami. Tsunamis are feared and for good reason. Indonesia knows all to well following the huge loss during the Christmas eve tsunami in Banda Aceh. There are thousands of islands and hundreds of villages on these shorelines. They live there because they survive off the sea and its abundance. It can put them in the way of the destructive power of those very waters that provide their daily food. The ocean remained calm and these hundreds of villages were safe.

7.6 Earthquake

I just got the news that there was a powerful earthquake that rocked the region we are working. I only have a little direct information about this quake. It was centered 55 miles from Manado and 75 miles from Ternate in the Molucca Sea.

Peter Scarborough reported that our base was fine and there were no injuries there. They did feel the quake. We are the only medical option for the poor in the region. If there are injuries we will be working 24/7 to treat their injuries.

I will share updates as I get them.

Doors Need To Open

I met with Mary Meier, a nurse, who is trying to open doors for Yulen to get the needed treatment for her burn injuries. Mary is a real hero and she is working on behalf of Yulen. There are several doors that need to open before we can order tickets and get Yulen and her husband here in the U.S. Her surgeries and therapy will take around one year.

I appreciate Mary and the heart that she has for this desperate situation. We have a lot to do to get them here by the end of November. There are visas, airline flights and funds to raise to begin her journey. I am confident that Yulen will get quality care and have a normal life.

Yulen

She was a beautiful young mother. Her home was filled with laughter and the daily chores of any Indonesian family in this region. Yulen and her husband were working hard and making ends meet. Then the tragic kerosene spill happened. She was burned over her chest and face. She went from a young mother to someone who is struggling for her life. She went to the IFC Clinic for help. They have been caring for her and keeping her burns clean and treating the infection. She needs expert care to help with the scares and infection.

We are seeking help for Yulen here in Alaska. If this door opens then we will transport her all the way to Alaska. She will need to be strong and able to adjust to all the changes. Join us in praying for her and the hope for a bright future. She has her whole life ahead of her and just needs to get past this injury and have a normal life.