April 7 at 2:30 Walla Walla City SDA Church

Come and hear stories of our trip to Bolivia and see pictures and videos. Also hear about the emergency trip to S Sudan and see pictures from Gatbel.
All are welcome.

Gatbel's Report from Sudan

A mass massacre of Akobo took place March 9, 2012. It was carried out by the Murle tribe of S Sudan toward the Lou Nuer tribe also of S Sudan. Both tribes are nomads with their lives depending on their cattle. Cattle rustling during the dry season has been going on for hundreds of years between these tribes but nothing has happened to this magnitude before.

After South Sudan gained their independence in July, 2011, North Sudan has been arming these tribes to disturb peace in this new nation.

An urgent request for medical assistance was made to Second Hope Ministries International by South Sudan local authorities and the Nuer Community Development Service in USA. SHMI sent out an appeal for medical professionals and associated organizations in the USA to respond to the critical medical needs resulting from the attacks. Dr. Tim Riesenberger, ER Physician from the NW, Dr. Joan Martin, a family physician and Gatbel Chamjock PA (both from Colorado) responded immediately.

Medical supplies were collected: 50 lb. bag of oral medications, 70 lbs of IV antibiotics, IV pain medications and surgical equipment as well as 50 lbs of activated charcoal. Some donated and some purchased.

On March 18, 2012, these three boarded airplanes to Akobo South Sudan. After delays and missed flights, they finally met up in Ethiopia where an United Nations helicopter took them to Akobo, after more problems with customs. God had directed events for SHMI to obtain a NGO (non-governmental organization) status on a previous trip. That made this trip possible. Another asset was Gatbel's ability to speak the local language.

A tour of the hospital revealed that 70 people were severely wounded. Several had minor gunshot injuries but there was not room to care for them all. They were directed to help the children and women first because they were the most affected. As they made their rounds they discovered some laying on the dirt flour, others were under trees with poor sanitation. Several children were malnourished and anemic from malaria and wounds.

They prayed with every patient and witnessed several miracles--not one death took place in the five days they were there. Several people told them that they had slept for the first time after they were prayed for. The doctors shared whatever food rations they had. This was greatly appreciated not by the patients but also their families who had lost everything during the attack.

Gatbel said "I can only thank God for this opportunity to help save my people. I also thank SHMI for their prayers and dedication to serve the Lord. I would like to than our community, Nuer Community Development Services and the local authority in Akobo for their support."

Gatbel has a desire to return and work with his people. SHMI has been given 20 acres on the Nile River to build a clinic. We solicit your prayers for God's guidance.

Safe at Home

SHMI Team left last Sunday and made it safely through the river although it was pretty high and we almost got stuck. We spent the afternoon in Santa Cruz then early Monday morning we headed to the airport for our 26 hours of travel. We had to really rush through the Miami airport to clear customs and transfer our luggage in about an hour. From there we flew to Houston, then on to Seattle where Ben Wiedemann was waiting in the bus to drive us the rest of the way back to Walla Walla.

We thank God for His blessings and protection and we are looking forward to see where He leads us next. We plan to give a presentation next Sabbath at the WW City SDA Church at 2:30. Everyone is welcome.

Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers.