A Call to Support Eric Manirakiza in Pursuing His Doctorate

Image Courtesy of Hope Africa University

Eric Manirakiza is the director of the nursing program at Hope Africa University, and has been for 11 years. He is a graduate of the first undergraduate class of Nursing from Hope Africa University and a graduate from the first Masters-level class. In 2020, he completed a second masters in Nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College, and is now applying for the doctorate in Nursing Leadership at Spring Arbor University. He has also written a paper called Evaluation of Knowledge and Practice regarding Family Planning among Christians Pregnant Women of Gihanga Attending Antenatal Careat Vyizigiro Health Center, Bubanza, Burundi which can be accessed via the button below.

In the fall, Eric started his program at Spring Arbor University to obtain his doctorate, which is incredibly important to Hope Africa University and to Free Methodist Missions. He reached out to our medical fellowship to request assistance for tuition. Eric’s studies will enable him to provide expert leadership from an international perspective at Hope Africa University, and in his small country of Burundi in Central Africa. He is also attempting to pay tuition as well as take care of his three year old daughter and help support his younger brother and an additional orphaned lady on his limited income. Our board decided to help support him by giving him next semester’s tuition through the Thuline fund. The board also decided to have the FM fellowship set up an account to take tax deductible donations for this education, for this second year of his program. We are hoping many of our members will contribute to help support Eric in pursuing his doctorate. Friends of Hope Africa is also helping to raise support, but it is fitting that our fellowship, which includes nurses, also helps. His program is two years, so these donations will help pay for his second year. Supporting Eric will help the head of a very large FM University based nursing program an advanced degree.

If you have any questions about this, e-mail normwetterau@aol.com . Donations can be made online on our website or mailed to our treasurer, David Leffler. Mail checks out to Free Methodist Medical Fellowship and note nursing education in memo. Mail to:

David Lefler

235 Ridgewood Drive

Fort Ashby, WV 26719

Nursing Education in Central Africa: An Important Part of FM International Health Ministry

Image Courtesy of Hope Africa University

One of the gems of our church is our nursing programs in Central Africa, especially at Hope Africa in Burundi. We have nursing schools at Kibagora Hospital in Rwanda, Nundu in Congo, as well as a large University level course at Hope Africa in Congo.

When our church brought modern medicine to central Africa, there were medical missionaries and nurses, and eventually nursing schools followed. Now we have Christian Medical Schools, including our FM one in Burundi, Hope Africa.

Our April issue featured an article about the nursing department at Hope Africa, which can be accessed here. The article detailed the history of the baccalaureate program, and if you’re curious about the students that graduated, you can read about the spirit of our Hope Africa Graduates here, in an article written by Dr. Randy Bond last year.

Eric Manirakiza is the director of the nursing program program at Hope Africa, who, along with graduating from the first undergraduate program at Hope Africa University, has graduated from HSU’s first Master’s class, and has obtained his second Master’s Degree in Nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College. He plans to pursue his doctorate in Nursing Leadership at Spring Arbor University, and to read more about him, his work, and help him obtain his doctorate click here. Eric shared some more information about the Nursing Program at Hope Africa university in an update:

Q:  Around how many students graduate from Hope Africa University each year?

An average of 50 students graduate each year

Q: How many are in the graduate program?

62 students

Q: What careers have these students gone on to?

 Ministry of Public Health with its different departments and program, National

Public Health Institute, Hospitals, Health Centers and Clinics (Public and Private)

around the Country include Van Norman Clinic and Kibuye Hope Hospital, HAU,

Kibogora in Rwanda, Schools, etc…

Q:   How does the nursing program compare to other majors at HAU?

The nursing program is one the most important programs at HAU. It had trained

students from several nationalities: Haiti, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon, Rwanda,

Kenya, Burundi, Tchad, DRC. In 2021 and 2022 , we admitted more than 100

students each year.

Addressing Same Sex Attraction from a Christian Perspective: Fall 2022 FMHF Retreat

Image Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Our 2022 fall retreat was a success. Around 30 people gathered to explore the theme: Addressing Same Sex Attraction from a Christian Perspective. In addition to those who attended in person, around 10 people attended virtually. Unfortunately, we were not able to record and make our programs available after the conference but will provide a brief summary here and some references.

Dr. Rodney Bassett, author of Loving From Where We Stand: A Call to Biblically Faithful Ministry with the LGBTQ+ Community is an ordained elder, has a Ph.D, and had taught psychology and human sexuality at Roberts Wesleyan for many years. He provided an overview of homosexuality through the eye of a Christian psychologist. The question is often asked: is same-sex attraction genetic, or inherited, or is it related to early childhood experience? He presented various studies including twin studies that did not give a single answer. All these and other factors were involved. He also spent considerable time talking about how the younger generation views the issue. For many they see the nonacceptance of those with same-sex attraction and relationships as a justice issue. This issue also came up later when same-sex marriage was discussed. He recommended 2 books to give additional information, including Douglas E. Rosenau’s A Celebration of Sex: A Guide to Enjoying God’s Gift of Sexual Intimacy, which is a general introduction to a Christian view of sexuality (both editions are great), as well as any book by Mark Yarhouse, though the members of your association may be especially intrigued by Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture.

Rev. Bruce Cromwell is the author of Loving From Where We Stand: A Call to Biblically Faithful Ministry with the LGBTQ+ Community as well as an ordained elder, and has a Ph.D. His book is available at Life and Light Press, as well as on their website FreeMethodistbooks.com where one can listen to a podcast about the book and read an excellent summary by Jeff Finley. Although we do not have recordings on our retreat sessions, the book, podcast and summary will provide much information.

In the discussion at the retreat, the group struggled with the issue. Most agreed that God intended sexual activity to be between a man and women in marriage. On the other hand, simply having same sex attraction is not a sin. Also there can be much sin in heterosexual relationships. Everyone should be welcome in a church, even though the church may not approve of all that they do. The church is about forgiveness, yet one does not define forgiveness by saying that all they are doing is fine. The church is to draw all people to Jesus. We do not have to approve of all that everyone does but we are also not to judge them when there are no innocent parties being hurt that need protection. Those who are in same sex relationships are welcome in our churches although maybe not in a leadership role. A chapter in Rev. Bruce Cromwell’s book discusses this in detail. Those who come having been married outside the church are to be recognized as legally married, but the church will not marry them. Here marriage is a legal issue.

It was noted that churches can have three views toward homosexuality. One is to condemn and judge it. Those in same-sex relationships are not welcome at these churches. A second view is affirming what they are doing. But there is a third alternative, and our church is a leader in this: acceptance without affirming. Our church cannot affirm their choices or perform same sex marriages. However, we accept them as children of God and invite them to fellowship and grow as Christians in our churches. Their activity is not the unforgivable sin. Yet at the same time we do not promote same sex activity or marriage as some churches do. Pastor Cromwell noted that as the United Methodist Church struggles with this issue, a number of their churches really like our position. They have problems with those churches that totally affirm same sex activity and celebrate it, yet they do not want to judge and condemn these people. Our churches position allows us to accept the individuals without celebrating their activity. As the United Methodist Church struggles with this issue a number of these churches are very interested in our position since it is one of love but not of celebration of something which is outside Gods perfect will for humans.

Finally, there was a discussion of medical aspects of those with same sex activity. There is a wide spectrum of medical aspects. For those in relationship with just one person there may be few or no medical issues. Issues of having children could be an issue. For those in multiple relationships there are potentially many problems. Drug addiction is common in those with multiple partners but that is equally common in those with multiple heterosexual partners and in younger people in general. Males who have anal sex with multiple partners have a high incidence of HIV. Suicide rates are high, especially among transexual youth. Health care professionals need to be sensitive to the needs of all these individuals. They are all children of God. There was considerable discussion around all these issues.

This retreat was a time of fellowship but also sharing thoughts around these issues We want to take them back to our congregation. Our position: to accept but not celebrate is one that needs to be shared. Also consider ordering the recommended books, especially Rev. Dr. Bruce Cromwells book Loving From Where We Stand: A Call to Biblically Faithful Ministry with the LGBTQ+ Community; for your church library.

FMHF Receives a Bequest from Marcia and Dale Thuline

Recently the Free Methodist Healthcare Fellowship has received a bequest from the estate of Marcia and Dale Thuline. The amount is in excess of one hundred thousand dollars, and this will enable our organization to better serve our members, do new things and help reach out to our churches. Funds could also be used to help our healthcare professionals in what use to be our mission hospitals. Our board will discuss this at our annual meeting in September. We welcome suggestions and will report back at our annual retreat in September.

Marcia (Lerew) and Dale Thuline grew up in the Free Methodist Church and were very active in Bible Quizzing. They were childhood sweethearts. Both went into the medical field, Marcia a nurse, and Dale a doctor.  Once Dale completed his medical residency in Panama, they felt called to the mission field, where they served in both South Africa and Transkei in the 70’s.  After returning to the states he joined the clinic in Arlington, WA, which had a unique program whereby doctors covered for one another while one would rotate for a year or more in a FM mission hospital. Dale continued to serve through missions, with brief trips to Haiti and Africa.  Both he and Marcia lived a life of service.

In addition to mission travel, Dale & Marcia loved to travel and obtained their goal of visiting every National Park in the US and most of the National monuments. Their final foreign travel was to the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador.

Nursing Education at Hope Africa University

Image courtesy of haufriends.org

by Darlene E. McCown

Professional Nursing education at the baccalaureate level began at Hope Africa University (HAU) in 2006 with a  first class of 12 eager students (2 women and 10 men). There were no text books and limited equipment. An African nurse and a U.S. visiting professor served as the faculty.

Over the next 15 years, the baccalaureate program developed with a basic professional curriculum, additional visiting faculty, stable clinical site experiences and expanding professional recognition and East Africa accreditation. The early development of a Nursing skills laboratory with medical equipment, anatomical models, microscopes,  ophthalmoscopes, audio visual materials, etc. revolutionized the education for nurses at Hope Africa University.

In 2011, under the direction of Dr. Darlene McCown, a 2-year Masters of Nursing degree program was started with 8 students (2 women and 6 men).  Six of the students were graduates of HAU and 2 were from other institutions. A thesis written in English was required.  All the students successfully completed their program. They all serve in Africa in positions of leadership in Nursing.

To date, HAU has produced more than 650 graduates in Nursing. Currently, 196 undergraduate and 47 graduate students are enrolled.

The Nursing program is directed by Eric Manirakiza who is a graduate of the first undergraduate class of Nursing from HAU and a graduate from the first Masters-level class; in 2020, he completed a second masters in Nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College, and is now applying for the doctorate in Nursing Leadership at Spring Arbor University, The Nursing faculty at HAU  consists of Eric who also serves as director, three fulltime nurses, and some part-time faculty for general courses. Visiting faculty assist with teaching as needed.

God has provided for this educational ministry over the years since 2006 and has changed the health of the small nation of Burundi through the work of the Free Methodist church and dedicated faculty at HAU. For more information on Hope Africa go to the Dec 2021 newsletter and read: Hope Africa Graduates.

Life and Light Article Promotes Our Fellowship and Fall Retreat

By Norm Wetterau

Jeff Finley wrote an excellent article on our fellowship and upcoming retreat for Life and Light titled FM Health Fellowship Connect and Inform. Read it HERE.

Send this link to others and ask them to sign up for our newsletters on fmhealth.org. We want to add several hundred more healthcare professions to our mailing list. We have so many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in our churches but they say they have never heard of our group. Now they have but they need to be encouraged to sign up to be on our mailing list. Some may want to come to the retreat or go virtually but for others just connect them to our group. We may want to plan some regional events and need names and e-mail addresses so we can connect.

Being a member might be coming to our annual retreat, or a virtual event, reading our newsletter, writing something for it, or helping your church address the many health issues their pastors and members deal with . We also hope that our group can help our members prevent burnout and grow spiritually. This year’s retreat is on same-sex attraction but we will continue to address many other issues in the future. As the article says, our fellowship connects and informs.

FM Health Fellowship Members Go Overseas

By Norm Wetterau

Jerry and Lillie Ann Rusher

Going to Togo, West Africa for 2 months. We will be serving in L’Hopital de Esperance that is located in Mango, Togo. It is associated with ABWE. To see more about where we will be, you can look at their site ABWE/Hospital of Hope/Togo.

“Samaritans Purse has made the arrangements for our flights. SP paid for Jerry’s airfares also. We will be serving in a predominately Muslim community. When we were in Togo 3 years ago it was farther south in the country. This hospital is an 8 hour drive north of the capital, Lome. We appreciate prayer for us as we face a number of challenges. No doubt Jerry will be busy and will need to adjust to their procedures. The heat and humidity will be discomfiting but nothing compared to what our Lord experienced for us. “

Be Blessed,

Jerry and Lilly Ann Rusher

Alice and Randy Mathewson 

They are in Congo for 4 months where they help in facility development. The solar power unit is not enough for the 

hospital needs and they plan to look into that and help with possible expansion. Also there are numerous other projects they may become involved with, their church, Warm Beach  Free Methodist, donates salary for all the hospital maintenance staff.

Tim Kratzer and his Two Grandchildren

They will be going to Congo in June to visit Deaconess Hospital and also meet with the church leadership as champions for Congo (www.congohealth.org) and  look at the best ways to help out with our limited funds.

The Malaria Vaccine: Covid is Not the Only Issue

The NEJM, March 17, 2022 issue, had an article titled:

A Malaria Vaccine for Africa, an important step in a century-long quest.

(Pedro L Alonso MD and Katherine L O’Brian MD  Global Malaria Program,  WHO

As Free Methodists who have started hospitals in India, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo,

Haiti, South Africa, and Mozambique, this should be important news.  For other Americans, whose vision ends with our shores, it may seem less important.

Frankly many Free Methodist Children around the world die of Malaria and many others are treated in our global medical clinics and hospitals. The article reminds us that

Malaria is still with us with over 240 million cases and 627,000 deaths, mainly 

In children under 5 years of age who live in sub-Saharan Africa, which is where Free Methodists have many of our hospitals and clinics, plus a medical school in Burundi. What the NEJM article does not tell us is that it only costs a few dollars to treat a child for malaria. In Congo a 2 day hospitalization, medicine, IV and blood transfusion only costs fifty dollars, which is more than many families can pay. (Most people earn less than $2 per day)  Children die due to lack of funds, or the inability to travel to get the treatment, yet thousands more do get treatment.

In spite of vector control, nets and medications, malaria deaths have increased in many countries. The article has a map which shows countries where malaria mortality has increased since 2015.  In Congo the increase has been over 25%. If you talk with our Free Methodist doctors and nurses who practice in Congo, they will confirm this and see it every day.

The article discusses both prevention, treatment and a new vaccine which has been tested and given to over 850,000 children in Ghana, Malawi and Kenya. Vaccines are not always easy to develop. There is still no effective vaccine for HIV.  It has taken many years to develop this malaria vaccine and it requires a series of 4 shots. It does no give full protections, but along with other measures, it helps. Yet despite the difficulties of giving a series of vaccine in Africa it did happen in 3 African countries. “The use of routine vaccination channels resulted in vaccine administration in 60% of children who had not been reached by mosquito -net distribution programs, thereby increasing the proportion of children with access to effective malaria-prevention tools to more than 90%, Vaccine implementation resulted in a 9% reduction in all -cause mortality and a 30% reduction in hospital admission of children with severe life-threating malaria”.  NEJM March 17, 2022 1005-1007  Much of  this was funded by the Bill Gates Foundation.

 It can be done. The article also discussed the pushback on developing and testing such a vaccine.  It will not be a great money maker for the biomedical industry, yet in spite of vector control and medications, deaths continued to increase in many countries.

When we consider the 25% increase in malaria deaths In the Congo from 2015 to 2020, this vaccine, along with many other measures, might help. People can read more details in the article itself, as well as on the WHO website under world malaria, which one can google. But I think there are some special lesions that our churches and members might learn. First, malaria is still with us, and in Congo, deaths in children increased by over 25% from 2015 to 2020. Net distribution and treatment with medicine work, but this is not working for many, including those in Congo.

Vaccination can also help, but this does not give complete protection and is costly.

AS one reads the article it appears that malaria seems neglected in relation to other disease in the United States. It is neglected by the medical industry and our medical schools.

Frankly it is also neglected by our churches. Only two Free Methodist churches contribute to medical care in Congo and the figures for other Free Methodist Medical ministries is also low. Most of our churches do not contribute to our medical facilities in the poor countries where we have facilities and in fact, many have no knowledge of what is happening there, or that we even have hospitals. How many of our members, or for that matter Americans,  even know that over one half million children under 5 die of malaria in sub-Sahara Africa. The Gates Foundation knows and we know. Let others know.

An Invitation to the Free Methodist Health Fellowship Fall 2022 Retreat

September 16-18 2022

The Essenhause in Middlebury, Indiana

In Person and Virtual Attendees Welcome

By: Norman Wetterau

For those who come: the program, fellowship, getting back together, sharing and honoring some who have gone to heaven since we last met. 

For all; a very challenging program: Addressing Same Sex Attraction from a Christian Perspective.

Our board felt that this was a very current issue in our churches, and an issue that has theological, social, psychological, and medical perspectives. We have two speakers, plus a panel of our members who will present medical perspectives and respond to the speakers.

Rodney Bassett: Has a Ph.D. in psychology from Ohio State and taught psychology for 44 years at Roberts Wesleyan College, including courses in Human Sexuality. He has published over 100 articles on a variety of research projects with his students, that shared the common theme of viewing psychology through the lens of Scripture and the Christian Faith.

Rev. Bruce N.G. Cromwell:  A member of the FMCUSA’s Study Commission On Doctrine (SCOD), and Superintendent of the Great Plains and MidAmerica Conferences. He has written a book, ”Loving From Where We Stand”. Here he tackles one of the most pressing issues of the day in this practical guide for Free Methodists. In reviewing the book Dr David Bauer says that “Bruce Cromwell offers a vision of the Church’s response to those who experience same-sex attraction, that is truly biblical, is richly theologically informed, and holds the promise of being pastorally and missionally effective…..  He compellingly insists that we must avoid the false alternative of either loving the homosexual or maintaining the biblical perspective.  This is one of the healthiest and most holistically biblical treatments of this issue that I have encountered.”   During his talks on Friday night and Saturday morning he will present key points from the scripture, suggest positions a church might take and then present what our Free Methodist Leadership has chosen as our position. There are two important parts of our position: whether the activity is right or wrong, and how we treat those who are involved in that activity. He proposes expressing love through a welcoming inclusion with accountability.

Rod Bassett is a psychologist who has taught at a Christian College all of his career. In the Friday night session, he will present an overview of homosexuality through the lens of psychology. Do we know why people become homosexual?  Are there biologic differences between heterosexual and homosexuals? What are some of the possible psychological /biological explanations for why some people become homosexual? As part of this discussion, he anticipates talking about different way to conceptualize same-sex attraction and statistics on frequency.

On Saturday morning’s session he hopes to address changing attitudes he has observed among college students. For many of these students this topic has shifted from a Biblical issue to a social justice issue. He plans to discuss Moral Foundation Theory and to spend time talking about psychologic suggestions for being able to love your neighbor when that neighbor h adopted a lifestyle or views that are contrary to your own

Both speakers, social psychologist Dr Bassett and Theologian Bruce Cromwell will address the theme of loving the sinner but not the sin. Is homosexual activity a sin, and if so, how do we individually and as a church relate to those who practice this. (this is really the theme of Dr Cromwell’s book) Also what aspects of this is a sin: the attraction, any sexual relationship or as in the case of homosexuals, any relationship outside of marriage?  Should we as Christians or a church recognize same sex marriage?

There will be over an hour set aside for questions on any aspect of this topic.  On Saturday afternoon there will be a 2 hour zoom session for just college students and young people. There will be a brief review of what has been covered Friday night and Saturday morning but with a special emphasis on how we view and treat homosexuals. Over half of that 2 hour session will be devoted to questions and discussion. 

Saturday evening the speakers will address the issues of companionship and intimacy. If Christians believe that sexual relationships are only acceptable in a marriage between a man and a woman, then how can single people develop close companionship and intimacy at some level?  Also , churches tend to be made up of married people with children. How can the church promote healthy Christian relationships for those who are not married, which could include people with same sex attraction who choose not to have sexual involvement, as well as single heterosexual people, those divorced or widowed?  On Saturday evening several board members will also address how we as health care professionals should care for those in same sex relationships. Are there special health issues that need to be addressed?

All sessions Friday night and Saturday morning will be available on zoom for those who cannot attend in person.  They will need to register and pay a small fee. In addition, our fellowship wants to reach out to college students.  There will be a special 2 hour zoom meeting Saturday afternoon for students or other young adults who may not be members of our fellowship. We hope that as a result some may join our group. Students can attend all the sessions on zoom, or in person if they wish (some scholarships are available) but many may choose to just attend this special session which will include at least a half hour for questions and answers. There will be no charge for students. Address questions to: normwetterau@aol.com

Mark your calendars and share this information with others.  More information on how to register will be sent out in May and will be available on www.fmhealth.org. By mid May, one can register for both the in person retreat and the online sessions on our website www.fmhealth.org .

Pictured: Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center, Middlebury, Indiana

Advancing Spiritual Care

By Dierdre L. McCool, Butterfield Foundation

Matthew 9:35-38 reads:  And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom; and healing every sickness, and every disease among the people. When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.  He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.  So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Jesus engaged.  He loved everyone and intentionally went after the vulnerable.  

Jesus taught.  He talked about the importance of loving God, neighbors, strangers, and enemies. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness and repentance.

Jesus shared.  He wanted everyone to know He was the way, the truth, and the life.  

Jesus healed.  He cured people from sickness and disease.  

Jesus cared.  Compassion was a primary attribute of His.  He longed for the crowds to experience peace, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.  

Jesus set the standard for whole person healthcare and restoration.  For one to flourish, He taught the body, soul and spirit of each man and woman had to be transformed by His power.  As His disciples, we are called to follow in our Shepherd’s footsteps.  

At the Butterfield Foundation (Foundation), we constantly seek innovative ways to practice Spirit-led stewardship that transforms lives.  We seek to go after the poor and disenfranchised throughout the world via our funding. We endeavor to build and maintain unity through love and forgiveness.  We strive to be Gospel-centric in our interactions and granting. We fund initiatives to promote physical healing and are seeking ways to address mental, social, and spiritual brokenness too.   We base our ministry on compassion, purposefully and sacrificially extending grace to each person with whom we encounter.

Spiritual health is often over-looked as an indicator of overall well-being.  Therefore, the Foundation recently launched an initiative to advance spiritual care in charitable Christian clinics and Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHC’s).  Students from Christian learning institutions who are studying to be pastors, chaplains, missionaries, etc. are given an opportunity to grow their skills and engage in meaningful conversations with patients from a variety of different backgrounds through the Eric Baird Spiritual Care Internship (EBSCI).  

The pilot for this program started in partnership with Mid-America Christian University (MACU) and Crossings Community Center & Clinic (Crossings).  Savannah Balute was the first student to take part in the internship during the 2021 spring semester. She indicated serving at Crossings not only challenged her but connected her with those who are from very different places, backgrounds, and beliefs.  She said, “This internship taught me that you do not need all the answers and fixes to people’s problems.  Instead, it’s about trusting the Holy Spirit and His guidance.”

(Pictured from left to right:  Marq Youngblood, Executive Director, Crossings; Savannah Balute, MACU; Dierdre L. McCool, Executive Vice President, Foundation) 

Interest continues to grow in this program. The Foundation now has partnerships with the following entities: The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital; Christ Community Health Services; and Harding Theological Seminary. The primary purpose of this initiative is to motivate students to consider careers serving vulnerable populations in the healthcare field. To learn more information about the EBSCI, visit our website at www.butterfieldfoundation.org or contact Dierdre L. McCool, Executive Vice President at dierdrem@butterfieldfoundation.org.

BIG KNIFE - Operating for God in Africa

FMHF member and long term missionary, Frank Ogdon, publishes his story in a book.

Share information about this book with your friends and pastors. Buy one for your church library.

We are pleased to announce the release of Frank’s life story in paperback: BIG KNIFE—Operating for God in Africa which is now available for purchase online at Xulon Press or on Amazon for $22.49. It includes 40 color photos. 

However, we want to give you the author’s discount of $18 (includes postage). Send Frank a check with your mailing address:

Frank Ogden
620 12th St. S.W. #17
Everett, WA 98204

Here’s an excerpt from the Foreword by Dr. David Goodnight.

“This is the incredible story of the miraculous growth of the Kingdom at Kibuye Hospital in the upcountry of Burundi, Africa, and a faithful servant, Dr. Frank Ogden. If you visited Kibuye Hospital today you would find it buzzing with well-trained doctors and staff. You could tour a thriving medical facility with over 300 beds. Fifty years ago no one could have imagined this. The surgery center was primitive. The Frank Ogden School of Medicine did not exist. Electricity was not reliable. But the power and presence of the Kingdom was absolutely active – and growing…”

In Frank’s own words: “This is the account of my preparation for missionary service and the medical adventures I had in the development of rural hospitals in three Central African countries. But more than that, it is the story of how God advances His cause through committed servants of Christ, using medicine to relieve physical suffering and pointing people to Christ.

Hope Africa Graduates

By: Dr. Randy Bond

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

In the last week or so I have met socially with leaders of the promotions of 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2014 and some others from other promotions. They have updated the “who is doing what” list for their people and a few in other promotions. I attach the most recent version. I want to highlight several encouraging themes I have heard.

1. Our graduates are increasingly recognized as competent. There was hesitation at first to accept them but as they have proven themselves they are increasingly hired and accepted. Most notably, in a recent expansion of the health care system focusing on community clinics and hospitals an exam was given. All of the HAU grads who took it passed and something like 40% to 50% of the national positions went to our grads. There are many unemployed physicians so this was a feather in our cap.

2. Among nurses and paramedical personnel, HAU grads are looked at as compassionate with patients and collaborative with non-physician professionals—not aloof, demanding, or demeaning.  Different from grads of the other two schools.  The students attribute this notable difference directly to their experience at Kibuye and the modeling of Serge physicians.

3. HAU women physicians are leaders. We have by far the largest group of Burundian female physician graduates.  They started the Burundian Women’s Medical Society, they are volunteering in “girl empowerment” programs for young girls, have started local non-profit associations to do that, including menstrual education.

4. Few of our graduates, seem unemployed unless they choose to be

5. Many are volunteering to serve the underserved, some are doing only ministry and some are focused on non-medical community development associations.

6. I did not count the number in or having completed residency but OB/GYN, Surgery, and Anesthesia seem to be the most popular residencies. Many are pursuing MPH studies. 

7. They are everywhere--unafraid to work in the rural environment!

Future of the FMHF and Our 2022 Retreat

BY: NORMAN WETTERAU, M.D. - FMHF PRESIDENT

In spite of Covid, additional people have been signing up for our newsletter. Our fall retreat was virtual but excellent. Several doctors from Africa attended by Zoom. In the coming year, we want to make more connections to African Doctors. Some will receive our newsletter and I invited them to submit articles.

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

The board decided to plan on a face-to-face retreat next year. The dates are Sep 16-18 at the Essenhaus in Indiana. More information including the theme and speakers will be sent out in our February newsletter. We plan to have some of the sessions virtual for those on the Westcoast who do not want to travel far and for those overseas, but many of us want to meet in person.

We are also considering some special 1 or 2-hour zoom programs for churches and pastors, or for students. We are a fellowship, but we also have a mission to assist churches in addressing health needs. (those sick, elderly, disabled, mentally ill, or anyone suffering) We have appreciated what the chaplains have taught us and together we want to help our churches. Covid has shown us the importance of this.

If you have comments or suggestions, go to www.fmhealth.org and click on contact and you can leave a message. The messages will be forwarded to our board and one of us will give you a call If you want one and you leave your phone number. We welcome input and also welcome articles for our newsletter but please run them by me before writing.

A Service of Lament at the FMHF Retreat

Comments BY: NORMAN WETTERAU, M.D. - FMHF PRESIDENT
Service By: Dr. Wayne McCown

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

After the presentations and discussions on Lament, Wayne McCown lead a brief service of lament. It was based on Psalm 13. For those who attended, spend some time going over this in a prayerful way. That time with God may be more useful than all the things we can write. If you were not able to attend, read and pray through this. It can be a retreat of Lament with God and lead by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 13 (NIV), a Psalm of Lament
For the director of music. A psalm of David.

Turning to the LORD with Your Complaint

1 . How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2. How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Bolding Asking the LORD for an Answer:

3. Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

Placing Full Trust in the LORD

5. BUT I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the LORD's praise, for he has been good to me.

After you have read and prayed through this psalm, read Wayne McCown’s comments below and repeat your prayers and readings.

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Introductory comments on Psalm 13

Psalms of Lament (over 50)

• Most have a similar pattern, as represented here

• 1st step = Turning to God, often/typically voicing hard questions such as Why? and/or How long?

  • Here, no less than 4x he says, “How long?”

  • Simply voicing it does not evoke an answer.

  • Addressing it to God does: “How long, LORD?”

  • Lament = turning to the LORD with the hard questions of theology and life.

  • Beyond the pandemic, where else in your life are you pleading with the LORD: “How long?” What are some of your “unanswered” prayers?

• 2nd step = Bolding presenting to God your specific personal struggle

  • What “enemy” or “foe” are you facing today?

  • Physical, mental, psychological or spiritual condition; anxiety, fear, depression?

  • Address it to the LORD and ask for his help.

• 3rd step = Turn away from yourself (and your limited resources) and turn back to the LORD

  • Put your trust – fully – in him.

  • Typical of Lament: conclude with a reaffirmation of faith, introduced by “but” or “yet”

  • In your time of reading this and prayer, Walk through the sequence of steps together.

• Comments by Dr. Wetterau: The evangelical church likes to be positive and triumphant.

  • People have not often shared unanswered prayers or failures. Covid has changed this. We in the health care professions see sickness and apparent failures. Many of us have said Psalm 13, and other psalms of lament but I often do not spend time to really pray through the psalm and through the issues that bother me. In this time of covid and national depression, call on your Christian friends and small groups to share their concerns and lament. The medical profession is very concerned with all the covid depression, the increase in drug overdoses and suicides (deaths of despair). Our churches need to be equally if not more concerned. People are looking for answers. Psalm 13 and others have some answers if we can spend the time to pray and allow God to show himself. The answers will not be found in one sermon or in our back pockets.

Fall Retreat – Improving Practice Through Emotional Intelligence and Lament

BY: Susanne Mohnkern - FMHF Board Member

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Have you ever been in a situation where emotions got out of control and you wished you had been able to handle it better? Attendees at this fall’s FMHF retreat were able to reflect on just such a situation and learn more about emotions and the related topic of lament. After careful deliberation, the Fall 2021 Retreat was moved to a fully online event on Sat. September 18th The Rev. Larry L. Lyons, Manager of Spiritual Care Trinity Health System in Livonia MI, provided those in attendance with two seminars - Emotional Intelligence: Patient-Centered Care and Lament: A Journey in Resilience. In his role as hospital chaplain over the past 18 months, Rev. Lyons has been privileged and challenged to work in some of the most extreme conditions seen in the past 100 years in health care as the nation dealt with the global pandemic that strained hospital capacity and exhausted health care providers at all levels.

Emotional Intelligence: Patient-Centered Care - Rev. Lyons provided an overview of emotional intelligence (EI) from Ted. A. James, MD, MHCM at Harvard Medical School. EI consists of self-awareness (knowing your emotions, strengths, weaknesses), self-management (the ability to stay calm when emotions are running high), empathy (identifying with & understanding others); social skills (managing relationships). As such, EI helps individuals outperform those with only high IQ leading to better clinical outcomes via improved communication & teamwork, ability to respond well under pressure, increased empathy, better quality of care & career satisfaction. Chaplain Larry added that EI helps one to recognize the emotion within those for whom we care. He suggested that with increased emotion, the caregiver needs to slow down, recognize the emotion in the room, and perhaps take an emotional time out. Physicians and nurses are striving for positive patient experiences with good patient satisfaction ratings. “Being there” and taking time to sit down and listen are important to patients. Larry quoted a study from the University of Kansas where seated visits took statistically no longer than standing visits but the patient perceived the seated encounters as being almost 2 minutes longer (statistically significant). The related topic of spiritual care during the healthcare encounter was also discussed. According to a multi-site study, a substantial minority of patients desire spiritual interaction in a routine office visit. In the hospital setting, when patients are presumably more severely ill, addressing spiritual & emotional issues is one of the most important parts of care. Since nurses are with the patient and family after the M.D. leaves the room, they play a critical role in provision of spiritual care. A breakout session with small groups helped attendees have a more in-depth discussion. Many practical suggestions offered were thought-provoking and helped practitioners imagine incorporating them in future patient encounters.

Lament: A Journey in Resilience - Continuing with the theme of how our emotions affect our practice, lament was defined for us as a passionate expression of grief/sorrow often expressed in a physical manner. Although painful, lament is essential to psychological health and is often the main pathway to personal growth, compassion, and wisdom. Rev. Larry shared some insights from the Book of Lamentations including how this literary work is a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit’s will to live. What followed was a look at the topics of: 1. models of biblical lament; 2. recovery of biblical lament; 3. biblical response to grief and pain is not denial; 4. experiencing lament in not spiritual weakness; 5. feeling distant from God in the midst of lament; 6. the possibility that feelings expressed during lament may not seem very spiritual (e.g. Psl. 13 where King David yelled at God); 7. we can completely trust God and engage in lament; and 8. honest pain turns to honest trust. Honest biblical lament will bring healing and resilience, unity to the church, point us to Jesus/Comforter/Father and move us to action. Attendees were encouraged to question why the Holy Spirit is called the comforter if we were not intended to grieve. With the emphasis on praise and worship, is there space for lament in our churches today? How can increasing our own EI bring healing and comfort to those we encounter? Throughout both seminars, Chaplain Larry used illustrations from his practice to facilitate our understanding of EI and lament. We thank Chaplain Larry for sharing with us such important topics pertinent to our world and our practice as we continue to navigate a global pandemic and healthcare worker shortage.

Obituary: Dr. Bruce Davenport, M.D.

Dr. Bruce Nelson Davenport

One of FMHF founders Dr. Bruce Davenport, age 93, joined Jesus on July 10, 2021. He was a medical missionary, as well as a pastor, and continued seeing patients into his 80s, specializing in house calls. He always brought some inspiring thoughts at our annual retreats and planned to attend this one with his wife, Harriet, and his brother and his wife Edward and Shirley. I remember he would pray through his appointment schedule daily before starting. His voice was soft but his messages were powerful.

The following was copied from his obituary:

Dr. Davenport attended the Saranac Free Methodist Church where a missionary came to the church and talked about missions. Bruce felt a strong calling to go to Africa as a medical missionary. After graduating from Lowell High School, he went to junior college in Spring Arbor where he met Mildred Avis. They were married on August 29, 1947. They moved to Adrian where he was appointed to Pastor of the Petersburg/Townline Churches. A year later they were appointed to the Sherwood Free Methodist Church. While he was there, he felt a renewed call to medical missions, so they moved to Seattle, WA where he finished his pre-med and medical school. After finishing his internship, they moved to Spring Arbor in 1958. In 1967, he worked at the mission hospital in Greenville, South Africa. In 1982, he was able to return to South Africa. After a miraculous deliverance in 1986, it became clear that they should return to the United States. On October 19, 2012, his wife Mildred Avis Davenport passed away. They had been married for just over 65 years. Later, he married Harriet Wheelock, a former missionary who served in Central Africa.

We hope we can all meet in person at next year’s retreat and celebrate his life with his family and all of his friends who are part of our group.