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Lethbridge, Alta.
Albertan couple serve on medical mission in Congo


The following is a report by Dr. Ben and Elfreda Wiebe of Lethbridge, Alta., who spent two months in 2001 in Democratic Republic of Congo on a medical mission with the MBMS International Volunteer Global Worker Program. This was the Wiebes’ third such trip to Congo. They attend Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church.

After all our travel arrangements had been made, word came of the assassination of the president of Congo. In spite of this, we availed ourselves of the opportunity to serve on a short-term mission assignment. We surprisingly found the country peaceful. Business was going on as usual, but the presence of armed soldiers was evident.

We waited in Kinshasa (the capital) for one month before getting permission to fly to the interior, with Missionary Aviation Fellowship. It was a joyful reunion with members of the church. In no time we were settled in the doctor’s house and were in business.

The Wiebes with hospital workers

Colin Kadiata, the doctor at the Kajiji hospital, was a recent graduate who was eager to broaden his horizon in surgery and other medical techniques. Common health problems in DRC include malaria, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, TB, and AIDS. Due to limited laboratory procedures and no x-ray equipment, we often encountered perplexing diagnostic problems. Severely restricted resources compounded the difficulties. The hospital was Spartan by Western standards, but there was evidence of dedication and quality of care.

The church at Kajiji is alive and well. God has raised up some strong leaders. The Bible school, founded in 1995, graduates 12 to 15 pastors annually. Most of these go to outlying areas and start a new church.

Food is meagre; most families have only one meal a day. Manioc, the main staple, is of inferior nutritional value. With this in mind, we had bought whole milk powder, rice, flour, oil and canned meat to distribute to various departments of the hospital.

(l) Outside the medical clinic (r) Dr. Wiebe and Dr. Colin in the surgery

The women from our home church had sent clothing, crochet cotton and hooks, embroidery cotton, thread and sheeting to be distributed. These were much appreciated. Others donated games, volleyballs and soccer balls, which were put to use immediately.

As we now sit in the comfort of our home, we have joy as we reflect on our ministry and pray that the teaching we have done will continue to be a benefit.

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Last modified March 28, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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