You Are Never Too Old

This third instalment of Robyn’s adventures continues with her insight into what you could expect to experience on a short term mission. Her four week adventure was a perfect mix of those under-the spotlight moments of evangelising and ministry, as well as the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a missionary team moving.

Part III Handovers and Hospitals

We all had a busy few days sorting a newly arrived container. Many friends and family came to help unload each day, to sort the contents ready for distribution to various hospitals and community organisations.

With just a tarpaulin spread on the dusty ground of TTN HQ and lots of tables to sort anything smaller than a hospital bed, tonnes of clothes, boxes of medical supplies and educational resources for the schools was separated and sorted ready for handover.

Many hours, boxes and trailer loads later the equipment was ready to be distributed as God led us to do so. Some was targeted to go Ndola Hospital, and Kabwe General Hospital. Both of which you can see in our upcoming Uncontained Love films.

We were privileged, as the visiting TTN Team to be part of the official party with Bishop Shonga of Kabwe Chapel at the Kabwe General Hospital handover. The Assistant to the Health Minister came to officially receive and give thanks to Kabwe Chapel, their Australian partners TTN Ministries and Operation Lift. The guest speaker excitedly told us that the equipment that has been donated to this hospital both now, and in the past, has resulted in Kabwe General Hospital being upgraded to a training hospital. Attracting many students to come to the region to be trained, which in turn will have a positive impact on the economy of Kabwe.

A huge thank you to those responsible for sourcing, collecting, packing and providing finance for shipping this disused, out of date equipment that is so gratefully received in this nation. Together we make a difference!

During my visit we accompanied our Chaplain Tamara Lungu during one of her daily visits through Kabwe General Hospital. While there we visited the ICU ward (no patients this day) the nurse in charge showed us around and mentioned that all the equipment including beds, monitors etc were all supplied by TTN and Operation Lift in Australia, that over the last few years it has been possible to fully equip this ward.

Visiting the Maternity and Caesarean wards where the beds were full with mums who had just given birth. Most had their babies with them, some had sadly lost their babies in childbirth. Tamara spoke a local dialect and shared the love of Jesus, that He will never leave or forsake them and the whole ward of ladies accepted Jesus as their saviour. Tamara is a gifted Hospital Chaplain, the Hospital Staff value her presence there as often there is no hope for some cases, she comes and prays for the patients and most get healed miraculously.

It was a wonderful experience, and I felt like a Mum and Nana to all of them as we handed out new baby clothes that have been kindly and lovingly knitted by a group of ladies in Queensland.

During this trip I have witnessed the gospel of Jesus Christ spread into another corner of our globe. I have heard voices sing out His praises continually, and it is often true that our poorer brothers and sisters have the clearest and loudest voices. Especially in Zambia, where To The Nations Ministries has been instrumental in bringing the gospel to cities, urban and rural areas. Doors have been opened.