First post of 2008

First things first – A very Happy New Year to all. May it be a year of many blessings.

The last two weeks has been such a great time and a mixture of travelling and relaxing. A lot has happened, here are a few highlights

1. Great time in Livingstone with Clare and Adrian. One of the highlights was the trip to Livingstone Island where you are right at the edge of the Victoria Falls. It is only possible two months a year and this was our first time;

2. Christmas afternoon in the hospital singing carols and giving out gifts. Thanks to my Uncle Graham and his Rotary Club for their help.

3. Meeting Grandma and Grandad at the airport for the first time;

4. Christmas day (on the 27th December) with all the family. Thanks to everyone who sent cards and presents for Luke. We have been truly overwhelmed and very encouraged by people’s kindness. A dodgy Santa Claus visited us too;

5. New Year’s Eve at Chisamba Lodge. A mini safari on the game farm and lots of great conversations, walks and laughs.

6. A night in Lusaka so that we could to have some nice for and were able to have a proper shower. The water at Chikankata is not good just now

It’s been extra special this year to have Luke and the Bradbury clan around. We realise how blessed we are to have such a great family.

In more recent days many of our conversations have drifted towards the future and what 2008 holds for us. Heidie and I need to make serious decisions about our future. Man, it’s difficult! The head and the heart are positioned differently and getting them to talk to each other is difficult. We are also hoping that we will hear God’s voice a little stronger in all our of our consideration (or more likely we just need to be better listeners!)

I also feel that we as a Hospital need to get back to basics. It seems that the ‘professionalisation’ of the Health services in Zambia has meant that across the board the standard of health care across Zambia is improving. However for places like Chikankata, the ethos of serving has become diluted. I was reminded this week that our main purpose is to introduce people to Jesus and all other things stem for this. This is something that needs consideration so that we can truly call ourselves a Mission Hospital.

General Gowan's prayer for the excluded in 2002 is my prayer for Chikankata 2008

"Christ of compassion grant the people called Salvationists a fresh baptism of compassion. Make us genuine carers for the impoverished. Help Your Salvation Army everywhere to recapture a passion for the poor and the determination to integrate the excluded in Your Name."

P.S. And what I pray for Your Army, Lord, I pray for myself!