Kitwe

I got about two thirds through a message last evening when the power suddenly went out, so all was lost.  Thank goodness, Bob had brought a flashlight with him, but it didn't take long before the candles were out in the internet cafe - I think they are somewhat used to this. It was actually a particularly long power outage, not coming back until about 1:30 today.

So here goes my second attempt to tell you aboutour trip to Kitwe on Thursday afternoon.

Kitwe is the second largest city in Zambia about 60 km northwest of Ndola.  We visited the Carewell Oasis Medical Centre, a primary health centre operated by a Christian physician team, Dr's Phiri.  Thier philosophy is based on Jeremiah 30:17 " For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds says the Lord." This is the first way they are bringing the love of God to the people of Zambia through health care.

Secondly they are building a church next to the medical clinic. Dr Antoinette shared her thoughts very eloquently, but I will do my best to summarize what she said. She believes that first and foremost the people must have an identity with Christ . Through God their hearts and minds will be renewed and they will realize that they are not a downtrodden people. Only then will the education be effective and result in some behaviour changes to stop the HIVpandemic. Dr. Phiri was saying that although the rate of AIDs has gone down with antiretroviral medication, the HIV rate is still quite high  one in four households are affected.

God's Blessings,

Carol