December Update
An update is way overdue, especially considering how
deeply we feel the need of your prayers these days. The Knoxes left at the
beginning of the month. The Tricaricos left just last week. Then Taryn Dieckmann
left this week. Our team feels extremely small at the moment. Saying goodbye to
teammates has been bitter sweet. On the positive side, it has provided
wonderful opportunity to reflect upon our years together and how much we have
been blessed by our friendships. The bitter part is obvious. Seeing them go has
left much sorrow in our hearts this Christmas Season. I suppose it should help
us to think about the sorrow endured by the Son of God who for a time left
behind his home in glory with the Father and came into this world to suffer for
us. We rejoice that his sacrifice means such a wonderful reunion which we will
all enjoy together in glory one day!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
Dave
As for the departure of the Knoxes and the ongoing work
of the Clinic, some of you may have already read what I wrote for a recent
edition of Telenews:
Sadly,
December will begin with the Knoxes’ departure. We will miss them greatly but
are so thankful for their years of faithful labors among us. Join us as we pray
for them and their transition into life back in the States. Pray as well for a
new doctor to come to Karamoja and carry on this good work.
In
the meantime, the work will not cease. We expect to reap wonderful benefits of Dr.
Jim’s and Nurse Jenny’s hard labors. They have trained our African staff who
will continue to deliver quality medical care. They have also been working with
Missionary Associates who will help oversee the work. Christopher Verdick has
begun serving as interim administrator and Hannah Van Gorkom is also assisting
with various administrative duties. We praise the Lord for these fine servants
and their willingness to take on these new labors.
We have
every reason to expect that patients will continue to come. Yes, it will be a
challenge to carry on the work while waiting upon the Lord to provide a
missionary doctor. But this is His work and He will surely provide all of the
wisdom, grace and strength that we need. And we know that He will do so in
answer to your prayers. Please pray for the Clinic and our efforts to provide
not only good medical care but as we pray for the patients who come and as we
share with them the good news of salvation through our crucified and risen
Savior. “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved,
for you are my praise” (Jeremiah 17:14).
Taryn Dieckmann also served well, working with the
Pre-primary school for two years. During her time here, she met Stuart who was
here for a brief visit. We will miss Taryn but we rejoice with the two of them
as they plan to marry in the Spring. God is good! Maybe we’ll see them back in
Karamoja some day.
And we will greatly miss the Tricarico family. Their
labors for the gospel and their hospitality to all of us has been such a
blessing. Now they are stateside transitioning to life there. Pastor Al has
taken a position in Home Missions for our denomination. For over ten years we
have labored side by side, supporting one another through the many challenges
of ministry here. It is hard to imagine life without him. Though I will miss
him greatly, I know how much our church will be blessed by his labors back home.
You may recall that, Lord-willing, we will soon be joined
by another pastor and his family. The Robbins plan to arrive sometime in
February. Their housing will require a substantial renovation job before then.
Please pray for Bob Wright and those who will carry out this important work.
Dave
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