Shona Priestley, Project Officer
‘But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you……”’ Isaiah 43:1-2
‘When the earth and all its’ people quake, it is I (the Lord) who holds the pillars firm.’ Psalm 75:3
Are you frightened, grieving, exhausted, surrounded by challenges that seem insurmountable? God the Creator of the universe, the Saviour and Redeemer God, calls you to come to him and promises you rest for your soul. Matthew 11: 28, 29
Give thanks and pray for Dr Santosh Mathew, EHA’s Executive Director and the 5 EHA Regional Directors: Dr Sunil Gokavi (North Central), Dr Uttam Mohapatra (North), Mrs Margaret Kurian (Eastern) Dr Vijay Anand (North East) and Dr Ashok Chacko (Central). They oversee the work in EHA’s 20 hospitals and 30 community based projects spread across 14 states of India. Pray for safety as they travel around the country. Pray that they will be an encouragement to those they serve and that they will draw their strength from God himself.
Give thanks for EHA’s nursing schools. EHA currently has 6 nursing schools:
- 4 General Nurse Midwifery (GNM) Nursing Schools (at Chhatarpur Christian Hospital, Duncan Hospital; Baptist Christian Hospital, and Burrows Memorial Hospital) and 2 Auxilliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) Nursing Schools (at Makunda General Hospital, and Nav Jiwan Hospital). Total intake of around 130 per annum
- Give thanks for and pray for the staff who work at the Nursing schools – the tutors and support staff
- Pray for the students who have just graduated. For them to settle quickly into their new roles in the hospitals and units to which they are attached, and for God to pour out His grace and mercy through them.
- Pray for the new intake of students this academic year, many from very poor backgrounds and many living away from home for the first time
Give thanks for the renovation work starting at EHA’s Chinchpada Christian Hospital. Give thanks for all the staff at the hospital. Pray that the work will be done well and that the resulting improved conditions and facilities for patients will result in an increase in the number of very poor patients able to access hospital services.
HIV/AIDS in Thane, Maharastra
Around 2 million people live in Thane where HIV continues to be a silent time-bomb. An estimated 100,000 people are infected or have a direct family member living with HIV/AIDS. The damage that HIV does is multiple – broken relationships, deep mental and spiritual anguish, failing health, impoverishment and finally death and the further meltdown of family structures. Because of the fear and loathing the disease evokes this takes place in silence.
Give thanks for Jeevan Sahara Kendra, which offers services to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in Thane. Currently Jeevan Sahara Kendra’s services are severely limited by inadequate premises. Give thanks that when the Lok Hospital moves into larger premises, Jeevan Sahara Kendra will be moving into the old Lok Hospital premises.
