Kalbassou's Newletter

Our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government has expired, and we are in the process of renewing it. The department responsible for NGOs must carry out an assessment of our achievements to approve the document.

We are hopeful that the Government will approve the land ownership for the hospital site.

We are seeking local reputable individuals to help establish a national NGO, to ensure effective coordination of partners' activities and the local management of operations at grassroots level.

We are in the process of recruiting a chaplain couple who will be able to provide spiritual support to staff.

Other achievements of note include:

- Big progress in financial management.

- Several lifesaving caesarean sections that have been carried out successfully, resulting in live births.

- Many trauma patients with fractures, following road traffic accidents, have been treated and have returned home safely. One such example is that of a small girl coming back from Qur'anic school who was knocked over by a motorbike: she fractured her right leg and arm. We took her to the theatre and surgically repaired both her leg and her arm. Now the family is happy.

- The hip replacement programme has blessed the lives of many people, who have returned home full of gratitude, for example, Mr G. had suffered for years from osteoarthritis of both hips; thanks to a new surgical instrument, which made the operation easier, he has rediscovered the joy of walking on both legs without pain.

On a personal note, my family is well; the children have successfully completed the school year, except for one of them who failed their exam. I had a lovely time at our church's headquarters in eastern Cameroon during my holidays.

This is an emotional time for my family: our daughter Esther is getting ready for her wedding in the USA, Josue is preparing to start his second year of medical school, not to mention the others who have gone back to primary and secondary school.

On the other hand, our eldest daughter is facing problems at home. Also, our son, who is married, is looking for a job but cannot find one – these are matters that my wife and I spend much of our time praying about. We hope that our God will restore order to our children's lives.

My solar panel system has been upgraded to a higher capacity, which has enabled me to use an air conditioner. We are deeply grateful to BMS for providing us with this equipment, which keeps our bedroom cool.

The impact of relationships is very moving, because many people are positive about our work. My relationships with people at the hospital and in the town show that there are very positive people who are willing to contribute to the well-being of others.

Many are also more friendly. I have seen the commitment of some of my colleagues in the operating theatre, which proves that they have embraced the vision of contributing to the well-being of others, for example Mr Paul, who works with great dedication.

We have faced some challenges, however:

- Parents who refuse a caesarean section putting at risk the child and the mother.

- Parents who refuse to allow their child to be hospitalised for care.

I have learnt to build relationships that have a lasting impact, and to make disciples of Jesus Christ by spending time together.

- I have learnt to be more patient with all local people to help them, and with my colleagues.

- I need to encourage the security guards to carry out their duties firmly but also with a calm heart.

- Knowing how to motivate neighbours to raise awareness amongst families about the importance of following medical advice and decisions regarding caesarean sections.

Praise God for:

- The gift of a bone saw from Dr Steven Green which has been a great help to us in theatre.

- Claire Bedford's amazing service at G2 over many years.

- Her support for the medical and spiritual work at Guinebor2 Hospital.

Please do join us in praying:

- That the evaluation of the hospital's activities will be a success, leading to the signing of the MOU with the government.

- For the Government's favour in granting ownership of the land to Guinebor 2 Hospital by decree of the President of the Republic.

- That God will provide us with chaplains to offer spiritual support to our staff.

- For peace in our relationships: amongst staff, visitors and carers.

My family and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the churches and individuals who support us financially and spiritually through BMS.

We are very grateful for your prayers for the work at Guinebor 2; God has answered your prayers, so take heart.

We thank BMS and its entire team for their support and encouragement.

May God bless everyone's efforts to ensure that Guinebor 2 Hospital fulfils its purpose.

May God bless you.

Yours sincerely,

Kalbassou Doubassou