CONGO : NEWS & EVENTS ARCHIVE
CONGO : HEALTHCARE THAT TRANSFORMS
Improved Inpatient Services
- DNH is a 110 bed hospital providing referral services for a population of over 270,000.
- A new pediatric building completed in 2016 (see report from 2016 and photo below) provided 42 pediatric beds.
- A new maternity completed in 2018 (as shown here), providing a total of 37 maternity beds, is now reporting on average 70 deliveries per month. One third of the deliveries at the hospital are by caesarian section.
- A system of 21 health centers is supervised by Deaconess Nundu Hospital. Routine care and uncomplicated deliveries are provided at these health centers. Complicated OB as well as medical and surgical cases are referred to the hospital.
The new pediatric unit (shown below) and maternity have provided for improvement of inpatient services. The intensive care unit is shown here to the left. These new facilities and 24 hour electricity (see report from 2018 regarding installation of solar and water systems) have sent a message of hope to the community. Expansion of the solar system is scheduled for 2023.
Newborns
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was opened in December 2019. At risk newborn infants, including preemies, low birth weight, at risk for sepsis, and with congenital malformations, are admitted to the unit.
The NICU has been equipped with two incubators, one radiant warmer, one CPAP, one bili blanket, one infusion pump, two infant digital scales, one adult scale, one crib, and three beds for Kangaroo Mother Care.
Reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality rate is the goal of this project. Staff trained to provide neonatal care in a way that was not previously possible. High risk mothers are being identified with the plan to reduce life threatening delays in referral to the hospital. Partners and individual gifts are needed to sustain this program going forward.
Your Contributions Help With. . .
- Staff salary subsidies for doctors, nurses and staff
- Hospital maintenance
- The cost of patient care for those who are unable to pay.
- The purchase of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
- Hospital equipment, with the plan to purchase an X-ray, surgical instruments, and energy efficient autoclaves in 2023
Nundu School of Nursing
- The school trains nurses to work in the hospital and in health centers in the Nundu Health Zone.
- Founded in 1987, curriculum will be updated in 2022, based on an interactive teaching method.
- Nursing students pictured here are being instructed in the prevention of the spread of Ebola.
- Funds from International Child Care Ministries made these washing stations available to schools.
Thank You!
Your continued prayers and support are greatly appreciated.
If you wish to make a contribution, go to give online.
Solar Expansion Funded
We have just received the good news that the Butterfield Memorial Foundation is partnering with Deaconess Nundu Hospital to upgrade and expand its solar installation.
Dr Marx Shares From His Heart
It is almost five months since our baby Norman passed away, but the scar left by his loss seems fresh like it was yesterday. That day I knew from the morning when my wife called from Bujumbura that our baby was sick. I was many hours away at Nundu in the Congo, so I asked my wife to visit the nearby clinic for a checkup and report to me the result.
I was on call that day at Deaconess Nundu Hospital; my wife did not tell me that our baby’s condition was serious. Of course it did not seem to be serious during the day. My wife said she did not want to disturb me while taking care of other babies and forsake them for my own child. I urged a colleague in Bujumbura to pass by my home and assess the baby and advise. But then I heard back from him about my baby passing away.
The pain is still fresh and I cannot stop questioning myself. Maybe if I could have been there, the outcome would have been different. But I try to control my emotions and I pray God to help us master our inner selves. My wife Christine is also suffering. Only God can comfort.
Pediatric patient with malaria receiving a blood transfusion.
Our baby Norman seemed to be a special child to us because this was my wife’s fifth pregnancy. Our first born is a healthy girl. She is more than five years old now and goes to kindergarten school. She is a real blessing for us, but in between are stories of miscarriages and an anencephalic fetus. When the baby Norman was born he seemed to be such a new story, but again he passed away and it was a devastating.
Our baby passed away after a severe malaria attack. Malaria is a common condition that affects most babies in the pediatric ward at DNH, and, when associated with complications including severe anemia, remains the number one killer. In most cases, deaths occur when the family feels unable to cover medical fees and try to treat fever unsuccessfully with Tylenol and traditional herbs. As the course of malaria progresses with its associated complications, the babies are often brought to the hospital in desperate condition.
This devastating illness which we have experienced in our own family can be prevented for many babies by earlier treatment. Thank you for contributing to the Deaconess Nundu Hospital Patient Care Fund. You are making a difference.
Dr. Marx, Medical Director February, 2019
Description of the Patient Care Fund : From this fund, patients’ families will be assisted when they are unable to cover hospital fees. Pediatric inpatient care, including treatment of malaria and infections such as pneumonia and gastroenteritis, is estimated to be $25-50/patient.
Nutrition Program
On behalf of the patients who daily are benefiting from the porridge (including maze, soja and sorghum flour), I am presenting our heart felt gratitude for everyone who made this program successful
Solar Installation Completed
Based on the I-TEC team report prepared by Mike Babst October 2, 2018
Solar panels in place
Over two years ago, I-TEC did a survey of the Nundu Hospital to design solar and water purification systems. The system was built in the spring and summer of 2017, shipped that summer and arrived at Nundu in late November 2017, more than a month behind schedule. A team had been formed to install the system in October of 2017. However, civil unrest and the delay in the arrival of the container led to rescheduling the installation for September 2018.
Amazing stories of God answering prayer were reported as the team was reformed and travel was rearranged. The I-TEC team arrived in Bujumbura Sunday October 23.
I-TEC Team
Front Row: Michael Fisher, John Riches, Don Ames, Mike Babst. (L to R)
Back Row: Miguel Villa, Dax Lucinda, Gene Fleweling, Randy Matthewson, Wayne Beitzel.
Bishop Lubunga arranged an escort into the Congo, making the border crossing uneventful. A friend of I-TEC and electrician from Bujumbura, John Riches, provided a Land Rover making travel more pleasant than expected. All streams were forded without difficulty.
Gene and Habibu find components intact
The team set to work immediately, completing in less than seven days, work which we thought would take two weeks. The PowerPac storage batteries were still in good condition and all the components put together in Montoursville PA 2017 were located in the container.
Nundu workers
Solar panels were installed on the truss system previously built to specs by a team of Congolese workers.
New electrical lines were run to the hospital and houses. The PowerPac system was wired and the back-up generator was put in place. The water purification system and water pump were installed.
PowerPac wired
Back-up generator
Water purification system
A new dedicated circuit was run to the emergency/ICU room and outlets were installed along with new LED lighting. Two portable oxygen concentrators were put into service. A new circuit for the x-ray machine was put in place and the X-ray was torn down to identify why it was malfunctioning. John Riches is hopeful that he will be able to return the machine to working order. Nundu staff were trained in maintenance and operation of the electrical system.
Nundu staff training
God protected the team from illness and the people of Nundu provided a very warm, friendly reception, always interacting with the team as they would with family. Free Methodist Church members in the border town of Uvira had welcomed our team, praying for us and serving soda. Dr. Marx and the hospital staff thanked us for coming. The Pastors gave a special presentation to the team and brought gifts of rice, onions, tomatoes, fresh eggs and a live rooster. On the morning before departure the women of the church came and sang songs, presented signs thanking God for us and gave us all shirts. We were overwhelmed with the gratitude shown by the Nundu people.
Prayer for the team
Randy and Alice were amazing hosts. Randy was up every day guiding the team, even with having malaria.
Update: To complete the project, Randy Matthewson is overseeing the installation of new wiring and new lights in all the hospital buildings and houses. God has answered prayer for Nundu. The plumbing system will also need to be repaired and updated. Thank you I-TEC for being a part of God’s work at Deaconess Nundu Hospital. Thank you also to our many supporters, including the Butterfield Memorial Foundation, the Anderson Family Foundation and individual donors.
Tim Kratzer
Dr Marx - Nundu Hospital
Dr. Lwabanya Marx, MD and EMHL, has been appointed to be Medical Director of Nundu Deaconess Hospital.
Dr. Marx was born at Nundu Hospital and was raised only seven kilometers from the hospital. During the war he and his family fled the Congo, and he spent his teen years in a refugee camp in Tanzania. He returned to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to attend medical school, graduating from the Université Officielle de Bukavu, with a degree in general medicine. He went on to take a staff position at the Van Norman Clinic in Bujumbura, Burundi, where he has been working closely with Dr. Randy Bond, Dean of the Frank Ogden School of Medicine, Hope Africa University (HAU).
In 2015 Dr. Marx applied to the Executive Health Leadership Master’s Program (EMHL) of Brown University and received a scholarship, completing the program in December 2016. Dr. Marx was awarded the 2017 Master’s Award for Professional Excellence for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of maternal and neonatal care in developing countries. He focused his EMHL Critical Challenge Project, a capstone requirement for Brown Executive Master students, on the development of a neonatal center and a nurse training program at the Van Norman Clinic. His programs include practical and applicable solutions to the problems of overcrowding and the lack of facilities and trained personnel equipped to deal with premature babies. He also developed online training for neonatal care nurses. In addition, he is working to establish a peer-mentoring program for at-risk mothers. His entire project can be viewed on http://friendsofhau.org/. After taking on his new role as Medical Record, Dr. Marx reached out to the Brown University EMHL faculty. His comments capture his commitment to the healthcare needs of his people.
At Nundu Hospital the maternal and infant care is not sufficient, the death rate is high, and there isn’t any equipment like incubators or trained nurses for neonates care. I felt compelled to respond to this need…
Dr. Marx provides additional words of thanks and this challenge:
Thank you for your prayers as we are preparing for this move. I am going alone at first; my wife and the kids will stay in Bujumbura for a while and join me later. My wife is also interested in learning some infographic designing and video making here in Bujumbura so that she can help us working on stories on our work. Going back to Nundu is a great honor for me to serve my people, my church. I am referring this to the word of God from Nehemiah. The hospital is in the condition of Jerusalem at the time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:17). I am … inviting the people to join us, rebuild this hospital. I have a dream of seeing Nundu Hospital to be the reference for maternal and infant care in South Kivu.
Dr. Lwabanya Marx, MD and EMHL ’17
Information provided by Dr. Norm Wetterau and
Brown University
School of Professional Studies
200 Dyer Street Box T
Providence, Rhode Island
For additional comments and information you may refer to the Brown University Website.
Deaconess Pediatric Project
CELEBRATING GOD’S PROVISION: PEDIATRICS BUILDING AT DEACONESS HOSPITAL OF NUNDU IS DEDICATED
On May 25, 2016, church leaders of the Free Methodist Church and staff of Deaconess Hospital of Nundu dedicated the newly constructed pediatrics building. This new pediatric building of brick and mortar construction provides fifty pediatric beds, allowing for expansion of inpatient and outpatient services. Randy Matthewson and Habibu, a local Congolese FM Church member, together supervised the construction of this urgently needed facility.
Until the completion of this new facility, pediatric patients occupied two wards in a deteriorating prefab building constructed about thirty years ago. Funds came from various sources including the Canadian Free Methodist Church, the Butterfield Memorial Foundation and a personal donation of Myra and Bob McCloud. Myra(Adamson) pioneered the medical work at Nundu, and Bob, along with his first wife Ruby, worked for many years as a builder and teacher in Central Africa and Kenya.
Deaconess Hospital of Nundu, located in the region of South Kivu, has been managed well through difficult times, and its staff has demonstrated that they are able to deal with the realities of the Congo. Political and civil unrest continue in the Congo, with significant ongoing social and economic impact on the area. Economic instability continues to be an issue in this uncertain political environment. Ability to pay for medical care is limited. Childhood illnesses are prevalent due to limited financial access to both preventative and curative health care. Malnutrition and limited access to safe water supplies are also ongoing problems. Many equipment and facility needs are evident, including the need to update aging buildings. Completion of the pediatric unit and furnishing this facility sends a message of hope to the people of South Kivu.
Tim Kratzer, June 21, 2016
Pediatrics Building Final Painting
Little Randy with Randy Mathewson Prayer of Dedication
______________________
PEDIATRICS PROJECT AT DEACONESS HOSPITAL OF NUNDU NEARING COMPLETION
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is coming out of a period of civil war. Despite its abundance of natural resources, most of its citizens continue to live in poverty. However, the Free Methodist Church of the Congo has grown to more than 150,000 members in spite of this war. Deaconess Hospital of Nundu has also continued to function without much outside support under the leadership of national doctors and nurses, which includes providing direction to numerous health centers.
Looking at he new pediatric building from the south side coming up from the shop area.
Political and civil unrest continue in the Congo, with significant ongoing social and economic impact on the area served by Deaconess Hospital of Nundu, located in the region of South Kivu. Economic instability continues to be an issue in this uncertain political environment. Ability to pay for medical care is limited. Childhood illnesses are prevalent due to limited financial access to both preventative and curative health care. Malnutrition and limited access to safe water supplies are also ongoing problems.
View from The north side, showing how the roof overhang will provide a covered walk-way to the existing wards.
Although Nundu Hospital has continued to function, limited financial resources have made it difficult to maintain the present infrastructure and hospital buildings, including the prefabricated buildings erected some thirty years ago. The current pediatric ward is one room in one of the deteriorating prefab buildings. A European aid organization expressed an interest in assisting in the construction of a pediatric building if the community would demonstrate local initiative by getting the project started. Linda Stryker was able to advance about $3000 with which the foundations were completed in early 2012. However, additional funding was not granted, and the foundation sat for more than a year. Linda then followed up by providing information to a group of ladies in Canada, and they were able to raise $7750 in April 2013 and then $3670 that fall. A Canadian FM congregation raised $2640 and then another raised $4200. They had really hoped to do the whole project but it turned out to be larger than first thought.
This view from the south side demonstrates how the new building will transition to the existing surgery building.
Randy Matthewson and a local Congolese FM Church member, Habibu have supervised this project. Now we are coming down the home stretch. A grant of $25,000 has been provided by the Butterfield Memorial Foundation and $10,000 was recently donated by Myra and Bob McCloud. Myra(Adamson) pioneered the medical work at Nundu and Bob, along with his first wife Ruby, worked for many years as a builder and teacher in Africa.
The roof is going on, and the walls will be ready for plaster after plumbing and electrical are competed.
The new pediatric building presently under construction will increase the number of pediatric beds in an improved environment, and will provide for expansion of both inpatient and outpatient services. Deaconess Hospital of Nundu has been managed well through difficult times, and its staff has demonstrated that they are able to deal with the realities of the Congo. Many equipment and facility needs are evident. Completion of the pediatric unit and furnishing this facility will send a message of hope to the people of South Kivu.
Prepared by Tim Kratzer, April 2015
CELEBRATING GOD’S PROVISION: PEDIATRICS BUILDING AT DEACONESS HOSPITAL OF NUNDU IS DEDICATED
On May 25, 2016, church leaders of the Free Methodist Church and staff of Deaconess Hospital of Nundu dedicated the newly constructed pediatrics building. This new pediatric building of brick and mortar construction provides fifty pediatric beds, allowing for expansion of inpatient and outpatient services. Randy Matthewson and Habibu, a local Congolese FM Church member, together supervised the construction of this urgently needed facility.
Until the completion of this new facility, pediatric patients occupied two wards in a deteriorating prefab building constructed about thirty years ago. Funds came from various sources including the Canadian Free Methodist Church, the Butterfield Memorial Foundation and a personal donation of Myra and Bob McCloud. Myra(Adamson) pioneered the medical work at Nundu, and Bob, along with his first wife Ruby, worked for many years as a builder and teacher in Central Africa and Kenya.
Deaconess Hospital of Nundu, located in the region of South Kivu, has been managed well through difficult times, and its staff has demonstrated that they are able to deal with the realities of the Congo. Political and civil unrest continue in the Congo, with significant ongoing social and economic impact on the area. Economic instability continues to be an issue in this uncertain political environment. Ability to pay for medical care is limited. Childhood illnesses are prevalent due to limited financial access to both preventative and curative health care. Malnutrition and limited access to safe water supplies are also ongoing problems. Many equipment and facility needs are evident, including the need to update aging buildings. Completion of the pediatric unit and furnishing this facility sends a message of hope to the people of South Kivu.
Tim Kratzer, June 21, 2016
Pediatrics Building Final Painting
Little Randy with Randy Mathewson Prayer of Dedication
______________________
PEDIATRICS PROJECT AT DEACONESS HOSPITAL OF NUNDU NEARING COMPLETION
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is coming out of a period of civil war. Despite its abundance of natural resources, most of its citizens continue to live in poverty. However, the Free Methodist Church of the Congo has grown to more than 150,000 members in spite of this war. Deaconess Hospital of Nundu has also continued to function without much outside support under the leadership of national doctors and nurses, which includes providing direction to numerous health centers.
Looking at he new pediatric building from the south side coming up from the shop area.
Political and civil unrest continue in the Congo, with significant ongoing social and economic impact on the area served by Deaconess Hospital of Nundu, located in the region of South Kivu. Economic instability continues to be an issue in this uncertain political environment. Ability to pay for medical care is limited. Childhood illnesses are prevalent due to limited financial access to both preventative and curative health care. Malnutrition and limited access to safe water supplies are also ongoing problems.
View from The north side, showing how the roof overhang will provide a covered walk-way to the existing wards.
Although Nundu Hospital has continued to function, limited financial resources have made it difficult to maintain the present infrastructure and hospital buildings, including the prefabricated buildings erected some thirty years ago. The current pediatric ward is one room in one of the deteriorating prefab buildings. A European aid organization expressed an interest in assisting in the construction of a pediatric building if the community would demonstrate local initiative by getting the project started. Linda Stryker was able to advance about $3000 with which the foundations were completed in early 2012. However, additional funding was not granted, and the foundation sat for more than a year. Linda then followed up by providing information to a group of ladies in Canada, and they were able to raise $7750 in April 2013 and then $3670 that fall. A Canadian FM congregation raised $2640 and then another raised $4200. They had really hoped to do the whole project but it turned out to be larger than first thought.
This view from the south side demonstrates how the new building will transition to the existing surgery building.
Randy Matthewson and a local Congolese FM Church member, Habibu have supervised this project. Now we are coming down the home stretch. A grant of $25,000 has been provided by the Butterfield Memorial Foundation and $10,000 was recently donated by Myra and Bob McCloud. Myra(Adamson) pioneered the medical work at Nundu and Bob, along with his first wife Ruby, worked for many years as a builder and teacher in Africa.
The roof is going on, and the walls will be ready for plaster after plumbing and electrical are competed.
The new pediatric building presently under construction will increase the number of pediatric beds in an improved environment, and will provide for expansion of both inpatient and outpatient services. Deaconess Hospital of Nundu has been managed well through difficult times, and its staff has demonstrated that they are able to deal with the realities of the Congo. Many equipment and facility needs are evident. Completion of the pediatric unit and furnishing this facility will send a message of hope to the people of South Kivu.
Prepared by Tim Kratzer, April 2015
Visit to the Congo, May 2016
Visit to the Congo, May 15-29, 2016
Seeing and Hearing in New Ways
On May 25 church leaders of the Free Methodist Church and staff of Deaconess Hospital of Nundu dedicated the newly constructed pediatrics building. This new pediatric building of brick and mortar construction provides fifty pediatric beds, allowing for expansion of inpatient and outpatient services. Randy Matthewson and Habibu, a local Congolese FM Church member, together supervised the construction of this urgently needed facility.
Until the completion of this new facility, pediatric patients occupied two wards in a deteriorating prefab building constructed about thirty years ago. Funds came from various sources including the Canadian Free Methodist Church, the Butterfield Memorial Foundation and a personal donation of Myra and Bob McCloud. Myra (Adamson) pioneered the medical work at Nundu, and Bob, along with his first wife Ruby, worked for many years as a builder and teacher in Central Africa and Kenya.
Connie and I were privileged to be a part of this celebration as we had planned a visit to the Congo to see the completion of this project as well as reconnect with the leadership of the Free Methodist Church of the Congo. We wanted to see and hear what the Lord has been doing in the Congo. We also wanted to experience the African realities impacting the lives of our people in the Congo. We prayed daily in preparation for our visit that the Lord would direct us in our activities and meetings. God answered prayer.
We met with Bishop Lubunga W’Ehusha and several other church leaders. In the course of our conversations we felt a sense of common purpose and shared vision for the work of the Free Methodist Church in the Congo. We visited Hope University of Congo (UEC) and met with their staff. The rector Dr. Ir Nyamangyoku Obedi has a large vision for the university, which includes developing a 40 hectare campus near Mshimbakye and provision of majors in six disciplines.
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The Nundu School of Nursing (ITM) continues with 39 students in the first year, 35 second year, 45 third year and 67 fourth year. There are 9 full time faculty and staff, including Prefet Wakilongo Kajogwa. After graduation the nurses take positions with the hospital or at one of the 21 health posts. Midwifery training was started last year.
Meetings with Dr. Samy Lebunga, coordinator of healthcare ministries of the Free Methodist Church in the Congo, and Samuel, his assistant, reminded us that medical ministries are not limited to Nundu. Mshimbakye Maternity and Health Center serves a population in excess of 30,000 in an area south of Nundu. Concerns include staff salaries, repair of buildings and provision of medications. Other healthcare ministries include an urban hospital in Bukavu Hospital and a rural hospital in Nakiele. Dr. Samy and staff have written a request for funding of a Maternal Child Health Program.
We also met with Dr. Sharaf, the Medical Director of the hospital, with the goal of fostering healthy, collaborative relationships with the staff at Nundu. Encouragement of staff with salary subsidies and professional development is an ongoing concern. Maintenance of medication stock without interruption is a priority. The medical staff is concerned about the ongoing poverty which often makes it difficult for patients to pay for treatment. In the face of political and economic uncertainty, malaria, malnutrition and gastrointestinal infections continue to be all too prevalent.
A meeting with the Director of the Health Zone, Dr. Mantodoni Joseph, was a highlight of our visit. Primary healthcare and community development have been priorities dating back to the early days of the medical work in the Congo and continue to be so today. An additional connection with our history is the fact that Dr. Mantodoni is another one of our doctors who attended a Free Methodist primary school and then returned to Nundu to serve our population.
We had opportunities to talk with Randy and Alice Matthewson concerning the importance of having expatriate presence on a more permanent basis. We also talked about the impact of the political realities of Central Africa on the Free Methodist Church of the Congo. It is a blessing to see how the church has taken ownership of the medical work, rebuilt the hospital and provided medical services under difficult conditions.
Meeting with church leaders as well as leaders of the medical work tells us that we are of one mind and purpose. The opportunities, though challenging, can be addressed as we move ahead in faith. As we prepared for this trip, we requested your prayers. God answered prayer. We saw a lot, heard a lot and the Lord spoke to our hearts. Now where do we go from here?
- Pray for wisdom and cultural discernment.
- Identify projects which will address priority needs.
- Have feet on the ground to encourage our staff, host volunteers and assist with accountability. This could include a VISA or career appointment of one or two couples.
- Develop the housing needed to accommodate volunteers.
- Agree to the essentials which will nurture a healthy work environment.
- Increase our funding base by identifying interested individuals and collaborating agencies.
- Tell the story. Expand the Champions for Congo email list. Update postings on the CAHO web page.
- Review this report and identify opportunities for which you have a heart. The needs are compelling and urgent. God will answer in His time, but we should be ready to respond as He speaks.
The following have been identified as priority projects:
- Double the salary subsidy from $1500/m to $3000/m and medicine subsidy (from $500 to $1000/m).
- Assure the functioning of the office of the medical coordination (Dr. Samy and Samuel his administrative assistant) at a cost of $500/m.
- Installation of solar electricity is a top priority. This will require an estimated $80,000 in additional funds.
- Upgrade the lab at a cost of about $5000. Perhaps we can identify an ex-pat volunteer who would give our lab tech in-service training on all essential procedures, including the operation of a new Chem 7 machine.
- Upgrade duplex – $5000
- Rehab Hadduck house – $30,000
- Complete a partially built hospital staff house – $30,000.
- Address the infrastructure needs at Mshimbakye, including ceiling in maternity and repair of the inpatient ward building – $10,000.
- Subsidies for staff and medications at Mshimbakye and in Bukavu.
- Update ITM library – $500
- Small medical equipment including BP cuffs, stethoscopes, scales – $500
- Completion of Maternity – $10,000
I would ask that we pray for the Congo and allow the Lord to direct and speak. I have once again seen the realities of the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Congo. I have heard their hopes and aspirations. What has been accomplished in the Congo is amazing. We are privileged to be a part of God’s work. Send your contributions to CAHO c/o the Free Methodist Foundation. Indicate the project you wish to support.
Tim Kratzer
Solar and Water Project
SOLAR INSTALLATION SCHEDULED SEPTEMBER 2018
Randy and Alice Matthewson are retirees who have traveled to eastern Congo numerous times to assist the Free Methodist Church of the Congo. They return to Nundu in mid-September for the final installation of the solar and water systems.
Construction of the Nundu solar power system was completed in July 2017 by a team of I-TEC volunteers in Montoursville, Pennsylvania (International Technical Electrical and Construction). A water filtration system powered by solar electricity is included in the project. 
The container was shipped in August and arrived at Nundu the last week of November 2017.
The container with the components for solar electric and a water filtration system has been secured. A well has been dug. We are ready for final installation, September 23 to October 7, 2018. Please continue to pray for the successful competition of this project.
NUNDU TRANSFORMATION DELAYED
December 2017
Randy and Alice Matthewson are retirees who have traveled to eastern Congo numerous times, assisting the Free Methodist Church of the Congo in various projects. They flew to Bujumbura, Burundi, in mid-September planning to spend six months at Nundu in South Kivu, an eastern province of the Congo. They were expecting the arrival of a 20 foot container packed with solar power and water systems, systems which would transform the station. But upon arriving in Bujumbura, Burundi, they found that rebel activity around Nundu made travel unsafe. The Bishop of the Free Methodist Church of the Congo gave his instruction to remain in Bujumbura until it was safe to travel.
Located at Nundu is Deaconess Hospital, a full-service Free Methodist hospital that has not had reliable running water or electricity for many years. The hospital oversees a network of health centers and maternities, serving a population in excess of 183,000.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) endured a period of civil war from 1996-2004. Despite the resulting political and economic instability, Nundu Hospital has continued to function under the leadership of national doctors and nurses.
For many years Nundu depended on a diesel generator, but with present budget realities diesel fuel has been increasingly more expensive. In addition, water had been provided by a diesel powered water pump. However, when the nearby Sanja River changed course, the well and pump were destroyed. How was Nundu to address the power and water needs of the hospital?
Solar technology has become more efficient and is now readily available, providing an immediate, affordable source of electricity. CAHO collaborated with International Technical Electrical and Construction (I-TEC), located in Montoursville, PA, to build a 17 kilowatt electrical system. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $160,000 and has been underwritten by a $60,000 grant from the Butterfield Memorial Foundation, $30,000 from the Anderson Family Foundation and the balance from individual donations.
solar container arriving at Nundu
Construction of the Nundu solar power system was completed in July by a team of volunteers. A 25 kilowatt diesel generator was built into the system as a back-up. In addition, a water filtration system powered by solar electricity, will provide 10 gallons of water per minute. Also included in the shipment are LED lights, an LED surgery light, small sterilizers, oxygen concentrators and shop equipment.
About two weeks after arriving in Bujumbura, near the end of September, the Matthewsons were given clearance by Bishop Lubunga to travel to Nundu. The container, into which the solar electric system was built, had been shipped out of Louisiana in mid-August and arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, mid-September, on schedule. From there it was to have arrived at Nundu by mid-October, in preparation for installation of the electrical and water systems by the I-TEC team in early November. But this was not to be. Political unrest delayed the transport of the container by truck from Dar es Salaam to Nundu, and I-TEC found it necessary to cancel its trip to the Congo.
Randy Matthewson assisting with unloading the container.
Pray that political stability will return and that the I-TEC team will be able to travel to Nundu soon. Yes, the container safely arrived at Nundu just before Thanksgiving, and for its safe arrival we give thanks. Reliable solar electricity and an adequate source of clean water will enable the hospital to function at an efficient and sustainable level, a transformation which is urgently needed. But for the present, water will carried by hand and limited electricity is the norm. Pray for Randy and Alice, that they will be safe and encouraged during these uncertain times. Yes, Nundu transformation is delayed, but we believe we will see transformation in God’s time.
Tim Kratzer
______________
NUNDU HOSPITAL SOLAR & WATER PROJECT UPDATE
May 5, 2017
Deaconess Nundu Hospital is a full-service Free Methodist hospital will have reliable running water or electricity soon! The hospital has needed a reliable and sustainable source of power for many years. The hospital is the hospital of reference for the region of South Kivu, a western province of the Congo, and oversees a network of health centers and maternities. Nundu now has a 120 bed capacity, providing surgical and maternity services for a population in excess of 183,000.
This project has now been fully funded at a projected cost of approximately $160,000.
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS $ 35,714.57
BUTTERFIELD FOUNDATION 65,000.00
WARM BEACH FMC 33,440.00
ANDERSTON FAMILY FOUNDATION 30,000.00
We have been blessed to have such a broad base of support. I-TEC based at Montoursville PA is currently outfitting the container with solar (Power PAC) and water filtration components Water Mission). The container will be shipped in July with planned arrival in the DRC in September. Randy and Alice Matthewson will provide on-site support. A team I-TEC volunteers will provide the technical expertise needed to install the PowerPac and water filtration system. 
You still have an opportunity to participate in this major infrastructure upgrade. To maximize the benefit of 24/7 electricity, we will be purchasing equipment for the hospital and shop.
Hospital upgrades will include surgery lights, sterilizers, oxygen concentrators, suction machines, and lab equipment. Shop upgrades will include a table saw, drill press, double-bevel sliding saw, planer, router, and welder.
The total budgeted for this project is $30,000.
We invite you to participate in this project by sending your tax deductible contribution, indicating it is for the 2017 Nundu Hospital and Shop Equipment Project, with the check made out to CAHO.
CAHO
PO Box 580
Spring Arbor MI 49283-9986
You may also contribute through this website, indicating “2017 Nundu Hospital and Shop Equipment Project” in the “comments” section of the form.
Thank you for your interest, Tim Kratzer
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-November 2016-
Deaconess Nundu Hospital is a full-service Free Methodist hospital that does not have reliable running water or electricity in this the 21st century! The hospital has needed a reliable and sustainable source of power for many years. Nundu is the hospital of reference for the region of South Kivu, a western province of the Congo, and oversees a network of health centers and maternities. The hospital has a 120 bed capacity provides surgical and maternity services for a population in excess of 183,000.
For many years Nundu depended on a diesel generator, but with present budget realities diesel fuel has been increasingly more expensive. Water had been provided by a diesel powered water pump. However, when the nearby Sanja River changed course the well and pump were destroyed. We find it unacceptable that Nundu Hospital has been left without running water and an affordable, reliable source of electricity.
Solar technology is now available, providing an immediate, affordable source of electricity. We have contracted with International Technical Electric and Construction (I-TEC) located in Pennsylvania to build a 17 KW solar power system. To run the higher energy demanding equipment at the hospital, such as the x-ray and sterilizer, a 40 KW generator will be included. A water filtration system will also be included, producing 10 gallons of water per minute.
Reliable energy and an adequate source of clean water will enable the hospital to function at a more efficient and sustainable level. A video presentation of a similar project installed in neighboring Burundi can be seen at www.itec.org (click on Discover I-TEC’s “Power Pac” Container Power System).
The total price of the project is estimated to be $160,000. 
- Power Pac 17 KW from I-TEC at an estimated cost of $106,000.
- Water purification system $13,000
- Shipping $12,000.
- I-TEC will install the system at no cost but we will provide airfare for the team at an estimated cost of $4000.
- In country expenses (including digging of a well) estimated at $10,000.
- Upgrade of sterilizer, surgery lights and oxygen concentrators $15,000.
We have been approved for a $60,000 grant from the Butterfield Memorial Foundation. $20,000 has already been paid to I-TEC, with another $10,000 already on hand and another $30,000 pledged. The balance of the funds required for this project is $40,000.
If you wish to contribute to this project, send your tax deductible contribution to CAHO.
CAHO
PO Box 580
Spring Arbor MI 49283-9986
You may also contribute through this website.
Thank you for your interest, Tim Kratzer