ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa) Hospital, Liberia West Africa.

Thanks for your prayers for James as he was at ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa) Hospital in Liberia. The work-week went by very quickly as he installed 3 new analyzers and trained 4 of the staff. His students were eager to learn, and did a great job gaining new skills.

James had been to this same location 2  years ago in August 2013, so it is always special to make a return visit to a 'familiar' place. While he was there, he was able to repair their current chemistry analyzer so they can use the many supplies that they still have.

One of the highlights of the trip was spending time with N & D - SIM missionaries who were at ELWA last year during the Ebola crisis. N actually contracted the disease and was eventually evacuated to the US for treatment. To hear their story 'first hand', and to be in the house where she was isolated for many days, was a special privilege. Their testimony of God's Grace and Faithfulness was truly amazing. 

Ebola certainly took its toll on the country of Liberia. Thankfully, there are NO known active cases at this time. The Ebola Unit which was filled to overflowing last year at this time is now EMPTY -  PTL!

Pray for the missionary team as they rebuild and recover from this very difficult time. Construction of the new hospital build was suspended during the crisis, and is just now starting to resume. The hospital administration is hoping that WWLAB can return in a year or 2 to outfit their new lab. 

ELWA Hospital, Monrovia Liberia.

James returned safely from ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa) Hospital on Saturday, August 31st.
Here are a few reflections from James regarding his trip:

 I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ELWA Compound is built right on the ocean. This is the view from the front door of the SIM Guest House. It was great to meet other SIM missionaries. It was a privilege to get to know them better through their hospitality and fellowship.

 My first day involved checking their equipment to begin cleaning and repairing it. You can see that it had been many years since these machines had been opened!

Once their present instruments had been repaired, we began training on the new ELISA methodology and instrumentation. They were eager students, and learned quickly.

We spent a great deal of time going over the importance of quality control. Hopefully they will remember and put it into practice.

My 6 students received their certificates on Friday morning. I felt like a celebrity with all the cameras and pictures that were being taken. They love their digital cameras! Pictured with the lab group is Dr. Debbie Eisenhut, my liaison with ELWA Hospital who is also an SIM missionary.

*B's formal Lab graduation took place on Friday afternoon. He was able to spend some time with us on Friday morning before the ceremony. During that time, the lab presented me with a special shirt from Liberia as a token of their appreciation. I even wore it home on the plane.

On my last day I had a tour of the hospital. This is the OR (Operating Room). Conditions are very challenging for the staff. A new hospital is currently being built on the ELWA campus. They hope that WWLAB can come back in a couple of years to install equipment in their new lab.

Thank you for your continued prayers as I traveled to Monrovia, Liberia. The flights were long and tiring, but God was faithful and kept me healthy throughout the week. I am thankful that God has opened up this opportunity for me to use my gifts to serve Him.