Zimbabwe Mission
AT the John Tallach School in Ingwenya they had the welcome help of Stephen Ramsbottom, brother of Dr Tim Ramsbottom who assisted a couple of years ago in Mbuma Hospital. Stephen taught geography and kindred subjects and engaged in other activities which relieved the staff considerably. Teachers and pupils saw him go with regret.
Mr James Mpofu, the much appreciated Boarding Master at the John Tallach School, has been asked to undertake as much of the late David Ndlovu’s work as is practicable. Mr Mpofu, who was due to retire shortly, had agreed to stay on in the school a little longer as Boarding Master. However, David’s Ndlovu’s death has altered circumstances, and Mr Mpofu has agreed to switch to working in this new capacity as supervisor of building operations and mission transport maintenance.
Reference was made previously to the accident sustained by Nursing Sister Anne Zekveld at Mbuma. Anne, who spent five or six weeks on crutches, has recovered. The accident was caused by a cow. The cattle at Mbuma roam around the Mission, and on this occasion Anne was on her way to Sister Macaskill’s house when the cow, for no apparent reason, came after Anne and tossed her against the wall of Margaret’s house. Bruised and shocked Anne looked round apprehensively to see where the cow was. To her relief the cow was grazing quietly a few yards away. Anne had to go to town for treatment where it was discovered that she had a fractured knee. She was therefore unable to take her share in nursing for many weeks. It is a mercy that she suffered no more serious injury.
The staff in Zimbabwe are already looking forward to the arrival in September of the Church Deputy, Rev Neil Ross, Mrs Ross and two of their daughters. After visiting Zimbabwe they will proceed to Kenya, DV.
Kenya Mission
IT was with great anxiety that we heard a few weeks ago that Dr Christine MacDonald was seriously ill with typhoid and malaria. Her illness had been diagnosed in Nairobi Hospital and she was flown home to London accompanied by her husband and little daughter, Sarah. As was noted in last month’s news the staff in Sengera Clinic had been extremely busy. Christine had several minor attacks of malaria during June, but early in July she had become extremely ill and had to be flown home to this country. Malaria is a serious problem there.
Rev J Goldby, who flew to Kenya to assist there for five weeks, has sent word home that many people are extremely ill with malaria and many have died. It is possible that the proximity of that huge body of water, Lake Victoria, only thirty miles west of our Mission at Sengera, is contributing to the humidity.
It is a matter for much thankfulness that Dr. Christine has recovered very well and is at home in Lewis. If all is well, her husband, Donald, will proceed to Kenya on the 26th July to arrange matters left in abeyance, and then fly to Zimbabwe where he is expected to see to business affairs. We trust the Lord will make matters plain in this perplexing situation.
J.N.