October 7, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
I return to Cambodia October 10, 2009, to begin a long-term project training Village Health Workers (VHW) to provide basic health care in remote villages of Kampot Province. People there lack proper health care and have no access to the health system. Consequently, the area has a high rate of maternal and infant mortality. During October, we will teach a basic “Village Health Worker” course to 25 students. This course, utilizing Community Health Evangelism materials, will educate and prepare the VHWs to help people in their respective villages meet basic health needs. This community-centered approach to health care has had outstanding results in other developing countries. We’ve been authorized by both the provincial and local governments as well as the health department to go forward with this project.
The teaching team includes 2 nurses, a midwife, and a family nurse practitioner (myself). An MTW medical team resides within Cambodia, and will provide follow-up guidance and assistance to the newly-trained VHWs. The medical team holds twice-monthly medical clinics in the region, during which time it will provide supplemental education and support to the VHWs and the community as a whole. Through this process, we hope to link the community to the district health care system for sustainability.
Every 3 months we will return to Kampot to conduct additional training, especially in midwifery skills. The maternal mortality rate in Cambodia is one of the highest in the region. The majority of births still occur at home, with only a small number attended by a health professional. When I last visited the area this past June, I heard many stories of women dying in childbirth. Even “experienced” midwives there are deficient in knowledge, especially in life-saving skills. Properly trained birth attendants could minister in both Word and deed, providing safe delivery of infants and advocating safe motherhood practices.
Attending to health needs serves as a fundamental tool for introducing the gospel. In providing for basic needs, VHWs can share basic health skills – and their faith – so that individual lives, families, and even communities may be transformed.
Please pray for our team and the students.
PRAISES
For the privilege of serving Him in cross-cultural ministry
For the support of wonderful family, friends and Church family.
For the assistance of many agencies and people in planning this project
PRAYER REQUESTS
That I may show God’s love through health ministry to bring people into a saving relationship with Him, strengthening the local church and facilitating church planting.
Good Health and Safety for the team, students, and Pastors
Financial support (goal: 7 supporters @$500/ea and 5 @$300/ea). Any donation is graciously accepted.
That many people would be ignited for the mission field through this ministry
Thank you so much for your prayers and support!
May the Lord richly bless you for your part in my ministry!
Yours in Christ,
Karen McClure
klmcclure@comcast.net
Donation address:
Mission to the World
PO Box 116284
Atlanta, GA 30368
Account# 013945
Call 1-866-373-6133 for e-donations
Acts 20:24
“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”
