“Suddenly, jolting us out of our lethargy and our routine,
come experiences that change the course of life. How wonderful they may be, and
yet sometimes how utterly devastating and traumatic. Whatever comes, our
confidence as children of God is that all things work together for good to them
that love God.”
~Dr. Bob Foster (first physician to Mukinge Hospital)
It started out as a fairly normal Wednesday evening here at
Mukinge. The missionaries gathered for our weekly meeting to pray and worship
together. As we dispersed to go home, the doctor on call was notified that
there had been a bus accident about two hours from us and that the victims were
beginning to arrive. Nurses from the
various wards converged in the ICU to help triage patients. Lab and x-ray
technicians were called in from home. Patients in various conditions were
brought in, and we went into action.
We worked until early in the morning to assess injuries and
tend to the wounds of each patient. Later, the mangled bodies of the deceased
would arrive as well. I was so proud of our hospital staff for the teamwork
displayed and the loving care that was shown to scared and hurting patients and
their families. At Mukinge, we work with the knowledge that we treat, but Jesus
heals, and we are grateful for God’s healing hand and protection over each of
our patients. How quickly things can change – a normal Wednesday evening melted
into a night of mass casualty triage and trauma care. All too soon, the sun
came up again, bringing to light answers to questions and details of the
accident. In Zambian culture, grieving is a public process, and the grief of
those who lost loved ones is felt by each of us as well. We mourn alongside those who are mourning,
and we rejoice over the lives of those who were spared. We continue to trust
that God does indeed “work all things
together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his
purpose.” Please join us in praying for all involved and for God to be
glorified in all that follows.
