Would you prefer a printable PDF? Sign up here to get PDF copies of these letters by email.
Lucia Bastos
September 2026
Bountifully dealt
"I will sing to the Lord,for he has dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13:6
The beauty of learning a new language as an adult is that there will always be opportunities for further learning. No matter how long we've been learning it or how fluent we are in this newly acquired language, we'll always be learning a new word, or discovering how to use a word we already knew in a different context, or even a new expression.These opportunities arise from life experiences in the context of using that language.This week, whilst praying with a friend, she suggested a song based on Psalm 13. And as I read it, the word 'BOUNTIFULLY' leapt out from the lines of the last verse of David's psalm.It is a new word in my English vocabulary, one that fully expresses the way in which God has been guiding my life.He has dealt with me bountifully in love, challenges, processes of transformation and mercy, especially during my time in Chad.
In September, we received a new ultrasound machine as part of the investments made using the hospital's own funds last year, and a new sterilisation machine for the operating theatres, which meets the hospital's growing demand for operations. A donation from one of our partner churches made this autoclave possible. This demonstrates how the Kingdom of God advances through the efforts of many hands, yet the head remains the same: Christ Jesus. Your support and donations truly make a difference and inspire us all.
Although the last two months have been challenging, we will “sing to the Lord, for he has dealt bountifully” with us (Psalm 13:6). To some extent, I have deliberately kept a little more distance from the day-to-day activities of the finance department, focusing more on facilitating the decision-making process for the members of the hospital's finance team. And it is so encouraging to see that Daniel (Treasurer), Emmanuel (Accountant) and Dorcas (Inventory Officer) are coming up with solutions and making decisions that are in line with the principles which, since my arrival in January 2024, have guided my work: stewardship, transparency, integrity and excellence.
This realisation brings reassurance and peace of mind regarding a personal decision that was neither taken lightly nor hastily. After a long period of prayer and discussions with my mentors, I believe this is the time for a new season of ministry. To prepare for this, I am beginning to prepare the finance team for my departure, scheduled for next spring, and I trust that the team will continue to serve with excellence and integrity.
Please, I would appreciate your prayers for clear guidance from the Holy Spirit regarding the next steps and for revelation of what He has in store for my ministry in this coming season. Let us pray together for wisdom as I prepare the hospital's finance team for my departure, trusting that God's guidance will lead us forward with unity and purpose.
Over the last two weeks, I've been reflecting on my time at the hospital and in Chad. Seeing the results – in figures and in people's lives – along with the finance team and some of the friends I've made, highlights what we've accomplished together. It all feels worthwhile, and I am thankful for the collective effort that made it possible. In a land of so many shortages, God has treated me so bountifully.
Please thank God with me for all he has bountifully done in our lives here at Guinebor 2 Hospital!
Let's pray together for Claire as she returns to the UK at the beginning of October. Also, pray for the finance team and me as we transition to the next season of our lives.
If you could prayerfully consider if you are able to support my work by becoming a 24:7 Partner, you can find more information here: https://www.bmsworldmission.org/people/lucia-bastos/