The Simplicity of Asking
Pierre is a boy from
Congo who had spinal scoliosis so severe that without surgery it would
eventually take his life. The people at the orphanage where he received his
daily food asked our pastor to do something for Pierre’s situation. Pastor
Henning brought a picture and the need to me and our church. The situation was
overwhelming; there was nothing we could do but ask God to make a way. I, in
turn, asked Dr. Place, an orthopedic surgeon, the administration at Cardinal
Glennon Children’s Hospital, and the SLUCare faculty practice to help Pierre.
Through their generosity, Pierre’s spinal curvature was surgically corrected at
no cost. An amazing sequence of events brought about by asking….and a boy’s life
was changed.
Now we face another daunting but exciting challenge. Several of the churches we
work with in Congo have taken on the challenge of caring for orphans (a result
of AIDs and war) by bringing the orphans into their homes with financial and
physical support from the local church.
In addition to food and education, the churches would like to address the health
needs of these children. To do this, we plan on helping the churches start three
small nurse practitioner-led clinics in various parts of the city near where the
orphans live, but open to the community as well. In time, the clinics will be
self-supporting through the low overhead, use of volunteer support staff, and
the modest fees they collect. The most common diseases, such as malaria,
typhoid, cholera, skin and respiratory infections, will be treated. When
illnesses are more serious or if the patients do not respond to the initial
course of treatment, they will be referred to other medical centers.
This May 2007 I will be traveling back to the Congo. We will be setting up the
clinics and engaging dedicated, trained nurse practitioners and capable
administrative oversight staff for the clinics.
Starting these clinics in the Congo is a huge undertaking, just as impossible as
getting Pierre’s scoliosis corrected. And yet, the answer may be just as simple:
asking. Would you be interested in partnering with those caring for the orphaned
kids? We need $11,000 to start the three clinics. You could give a one-time gift
or give regularly over one year’s time, tax-deductible through New City
Fellowship. The clinics, by God's grace, will be self-sustaining by that time.
I would be happy to answer questions or talk with you further about involvement
in this venture. Contributions for the clinics of any amount received before the
end of April would
be beneficial as we plan for the trip in May.
Please make checks to: New City Fellowship
Memo: Congo Medical Clinic Fund
1142 Hodiamont Ave.
Saint Louis Mo 63112
(314)726-2302
Tim Rice, M.D.
Associate Professor
St. Louis University School of Medicine
ricetd@sbcglobal.net
