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Dear PCP family,

It is with heavy hearts that we bring you the news of COVID-19 reaching Gemena and the Ubangi region of DR Congo this week. Amidst this serious development, we are thankful for your giving to PCP’s COVID-19 relief fund to this point which has made it possible for hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals to receive needed COVID-19 materials and preparedness training. There is a significant level of readiness that we count as the blessing of God in this situation. Thank you for your gifts!

We are working closely and in real-time with medical professionals who are present and managing the logistics. While COVID-19 specific measures are put into place, the emergency response aspects of the hospitals and clinics are also called to readiness. We anticipate increased need in materials, transport of medical personnel, and training. We are asking those who desire to give in support of this elevated level of need to please use the giving option for UCare4Congo at paulcarlson.org/donate.

Thank you for giving so that our Congolese colleagues could be prepared. Please pray now for wisdom, grace, stamina and protection for them as they work long hours. For COVID-19 patients please pray for recovery and for a limiting of spread of this virus.

We are thankful for each of you as our mission friends!

Renée Hale
Executive Director
Paul Carlson Partnership

COVID-19 Confirmed in Ubangi Region

PCP has learned that last weekend two doctors were med-evacuated from Gemena to Kinshasa over the weekend. One doctor, Dr. Freddy, tested positive for COVID-19 and is in serious condition. He works with IMA and lives in Gbadolite. He was distributing bed nets in South Ubangi for IMA this past month. This news confirms the virus is now in the Ubangi area. Please pray for Dr. Freddy and his family, as well as everyone in the Ubangi region.

Over the past two weeks, Dr. Deambi and Marta Klein have been able to provide COVID-19 training in PPE and case management in Karawa as well as in Loko and Bogose Nubea Health Zones. The training also included hospital staff who are further away; Bokada staff traveled to Bogose and Wasolo staff went to Loko. The Emergency Department in each of the hospitals now have a plan for patients and PPE for themselves.

The PCP Medical Ambassadors are currently discussing and coordinating with the doctors in the CEUM on protocols and use of a newly researched drug, dexamethasone. The drug looks to have promising results for patients who are oxygen deprived and in serious condition. With 20-35% of patients improving with this common and inexpensive drug, it's possibly a good way to help those in Congo in an area where ventilators are not available.

Again, we invite you to give if you are able, as we know this has been a difficult time for many. Please be in prayer for the logistics, plans, and people we know and love in DR Congo.

ECC Global Personnel in DR Congo
Due to the recent news of COVID-19 reaching the Gemena area, Pete and Cindy Ekstrand, Marta Klein, and Paul Noren will be leaving DR Congo on June 25, 2020. This is a few weeks earlier than their original departure date. The team is busy packing up their belongings, preparing for a more urgent transition, and saying goodbye to dear friends. Please be in prayer for the team.

Five Clean Water Sources Completed in Bokada

This month we received photos of five capped springs that have been completed in the Bokada region. The following villages now have access to clean water: Bosumaka, Bokuluna, Bodemele, Bokada Health Zone, and Bokada Pombo. Thanks to Trésor Moolo, water contract engineer, and Mozart Monzo, for their work!

Grieving the Loss of Friends

Bob Thornbloom, retired Covenant missionary engineer whose life was devoted to the work of the church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, died Wednesday, June 3, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 82. President Mboka commented, "Bob was the driving force behind the development activities in the CEUM." Peace to his memory. Read Bob's obituary.

Clay Dunn tragically died in Kinshasa on June 7, from severe malaria complications. Clay and his wife, Cindy, were the hosts at the Methodist Presbyterian Hostel (MPH) where the PCP team, and many other guests from around the world, would stay in Kinshasa. Clay was a wonderful host, always very welcoming and helpful. Peace to his memory. Please be praying for Cindy during this difficult time.

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