Dear Partners in Ministry,
We are encouraged to report to you this week that although things are ever-changing in this current climate, ministry in DR Congo continues. Projects may adapt as needed, but God leads us through. We recognize that for some of you this is a time of unexpected financial stress. Our purpose is to keep you updated on what God is doing and ask for your continued prayers. Others are still able to generously give and so we also want to share opportunities for you to give toward ministry in DR Congo as you are able. We are thankful for each of you as our mission friends!
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COVID-19 Update in DR Congo: April 24, 2020
Currently there are no cases pf COVID-19 in the Ubangi-Mongala provinces where the CEUM resides. However, on April 9, PCP sent $5,000 to the CEUM Medical Team to use toward a COVID-19 preparedness plan and we are currently accepting donations for this effort. In addition, Covenant World Relief sent $3,000 to the CEUM for emergency response needs through the Covenant COVID relief campaign.
. The CEUM Medical Staff will divide up the funds as appropriate between the five hospitals. Dr. Gado, the CEUM Medical Director, challenged each hospital to come up with their own appropriate plan using Karawa Hospital as a model:
- Set up needs for isolation wards and triage protocols
- Hand-washing stations in more locations in the hospitals
- Masks, gloves, and other Personal Protective Equipment
- Communication/Education materials for Dr. Deambi to present to local residents on the Karawa radio station regarding hand washing, coughing, social distancing, and COVID-19 symptoms.
As of April 24, Congo has 25 deaths and 394 reported cases. The past five days have shown new cases steady. The virus has only been seen in Kinshasa and an adjoining province and three provinces in the east. We are grateful the virus has not reached the CEUM area and are encouraged to hear reports from half of the regions that they are actively preparing COVID-19 response programs if and when arrives in their area.
We are asking for prayer for our partners in Congo; that the virus would not reach their area and that God would give them wisdom as they create plans in advance of an outbreak.
Thank you for your partnership!
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ECC Global Personnel in Congo
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Mask Making Project
Marta Klein, PA and PCP Medical Ambassador, discussed with Dr. Gado the idea of making cloth masks for the healthcare workers in the region. With his encouragement, she has hired 4 tailors and has a goal of making 1,800 cloth masks for healthcare workers at 5 hospitals, more than 100 clinics, and a number of health outposts. So far, 571 masks have been created!
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COVID-19 Education and Training
Marta and Dr. Deambi, the Director of Training, have completed two training sessions about the virus with deacons and pastors in the Karawa area. Other regions have begun similar trainings.
In early April, Cindy Ekstrand started teaching people about Coronavirus: what it is, what to do if you feel some of the symptoms, and most importantly, how to protect yourself. She will continue with pastors, deacons, deaconesses, and other women's leaders in the coming days.
(photos from Marta Klein and Cindy Ekstrand)
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Kpoda's Coffee Dreams
Kpoda Ngandali, a 54 year old widow for eight years, lives about 200 feet from the main road, at a path marked by a trio of round houses made of mud and thatch. Coffee plants hover over her head, some bearing bulbs of pale green, the color of young coffee cherries.
Ngandali remembers when two civil wars broke out in the Congo in the 1990s, “It was rough. We broke out and just ran into the bush.”
Conflict and instability would reign in Congo from civil wars that began in 1996 and continued into the 2000s. During the wars and their aftermath, soldiers destroyed gardens, killed livestock, and looted homes, schools, and clinics, including the Covenant hospital at Karawa.
Click here to read her story and watch a short video of Kpoda.
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Two Nurses Selected for Ophthalmology Training
Désireé ATONGA NDELE and Matthieu KANGI KAFI are two nurses from the Karawa area who were chosen by the CEUM to attend a three year training program in ophthalmology. These two individuals were chosen based on the integrity of their Christian walk, high intellect, and commitment to the return to the Karawa area where they have family. These nurses will receiving training in Kinshasa and will return to Karawa to carry on eye care for the general population that nearly ceased in 2017 when the principle trained ophthalmologist in the area passed away. The PCP Medical Ambassadors and one friend contributed funds for the first year of training. However, due to COVID-19 the training program has been delayed.
If you would like to read more about Désireé and Matthieu, please click here.
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Clean Water Is Crucial to Health
Clean water in DR Congo has been an extremely important focus for us and our partners, but many people in the area still do not have access to clean water for drinking or washing their hands. Our partners are continuing their capped spring projects in rural villages near clinics. Below are several reports from the following Health Zones:
- Karawa Health Zone: Covenant Kids Congo/World Vision has provided funding to complete the Karawa Hospital water system, as well as local community water kiosks and latrines. Water is flowing through the taps in the Hospital and the number of hand-washing stations have been increased due to access to clean water.
- Loko Health Zone: Mark Thornbloom visited the Loko area in late February to encourage and plan with Kade Zongalinga. Currently, seven villages have clean water access, with plans to develop three more. Hand pumps may be used in places where springs are not available. PCP and the CEUM are in the process of repairing the water system at Loko Hospital.
- Bogose Nubea Health Zone: Trésor Moolo visited in December 2019 and reviewed all seven water sources in progress. Currently, ten water sources are in progress for 2020.
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