THE HEALING HAND/ The Newsletter of EMMS International
Health for Today, Hope for Tomorrow
SUMMER 2017
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Health & Hope Ball
Aberdeen
Saturday 23rd September 2017 Haddo House Hall Methlick, Aberdeenshire
Dinner, entertainment, auction and ceilidh dancing in the beautiful Haddo House Hall.
For early bird tickets and more information please visit
www.emms.org/aberdeenball
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CONTENTS 4 8 9 15 16 17 18 20 22 24 26
Poverty & Pain in Nepal
Celebrating 175 Years of Health & Hope A Legacy of Hope at Duncan Hospital
With Thanksgiving... Elizabeth Hill
Gifts for Life Why I support EMMS International Student’s Perspective
Lakeside Lifeline Love Thy Neighbour Supporter Update
Dates for your Diary
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POVERTY & PAIN IN NEPAL
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Cancer is a dreadful diagnosis for anyone, but for those in poverty and pain in Nepal, it can pull their whole world apart. Juna Pun is a widow at just 33 years old and she has two children, a son and a daughter. Losing her husband meant Juna couldn’t afford to make ends meet. A diagnosis of untreatable skin cancer shut out all hope of a brighter future for Juna and her family. All she wanted was to provide for her children but Juna was too sick to work. Cancer is a dreadful diagnosis for anyone, but without reliable healthcare and money it is beyond devastating. In Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world, where the handful of hospitals available must be paid for, even basic care is out of reach of those who are sick and poor. This is changing thanks to the generosity of EMMS International supporters. Juna was left to endure the pain of her cancer and of her family being torn apart because she couldn’t afford to keep a roof over their heads. Having lost her husband and now being incurably ill, Juna’s children mean more to her than anything. Thankfully, Juna came to Green Pastures Hospital in Pokhara. There she met Purnamaya, a nurse who specialises in giving care when there isn’t a cure. Nurse Purnamaya gives Juna the care she needs to relieve her pain and restore her strength. Through the hospital Juna was provided with a small home, rent-free. Her children are now being supported by the hospital and a local church so that they can be together as a family. Juna and her family continue to rely upon Purnamaya’s home visits and her friendship. Her practical and emotional support is keeping Juna’s family together.
Pictures: Purna receives care at home, a lifeline for him and his family. Juna (inset) is stronger and no longer in pain, she knits to generate income for her and her family.
6 Now that Juna is stronger she can work. She knits and sells clothes from her home so that she can feed herself and her family. Providing for her family again restores her dignity and gives her hope for the future. Thanks to those who have supported our recent Nepal appeal, EMMS International is able to ensure more people like Juna get the care they need. When pain was building and hope was fading, Juna felt everything was slipping away from her. Now, she is stronger and her family is together again. Nurse Purnamaya’s home visits and the care and support they bring are vital to Juna and her family. She relieves the pain of the cancer through medication. Without her help, Juna couldn’t see her children and couldn’t afford to care for herself. Work continues to make sure more nurses get the specialist training that Purnamaya has. Specialist nurses bring hope into the darkest of situations. Since the last Healing Hand, EMMS
International’s partners, International Nepal Fellowship, have been hard at work reaching out to those who are trapped in poverty and pain. They have spent weeks visiting earthquake-stricken villages to make sure the most vulnerable get the care they need and deserve. Nepal only has a few hospitals and a handful of specialist staff who can give the care that Juna needs. This care is only within reach of those who live in the larger towns or cities, however 80% of people in Nepal live in remote and rural villages. Your gifts are bringing care to those trapped in poverty and pain. Thank you.
Thanks to the generosity of many, so far £38,477 has been raised to bring health and hope in Nepal. There is still time to help, please donate using the form at the back of this magazine or at www.emms.org/appeal.
See the full story Late last year, STV News visited Nepal to find out what life was like for those who live in poverty and pain. See Juna tell her own story and find out how you can help. If you missed it, you can see the full coverage at www.emms.org/stv.
Pictures: Juna shares her story with STV News, accompanied by Nurse Purnamaya from Green Pastures Hospital.
EMMS International in Nepal Your gifts are providing... Nurse Training Nurse Manju continues her training to be a palliative care nurse specialist. While based at Tansen Mission Hospital she has helped train other nurses. Earthquake Survey Nurse Manju and the team have been visiting more remote communities affected by the earthquakes to ensure those who are sick and isolated get access to the care they need. Sharing good practice worldwide The team have shared their learning at a number of major palliative care conferences. National Strategy The team have contributed to the national palliative care strategy for the government of Nepal.
CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF HEALTH & HOPE
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Pictures: Jonathan Lamb addresses the Thanksgiving Service (left); guests at the Big Birthday Ball (above)
Mary Robertson Events Coordinator, EMMS International
ur 175th Anniversary year has been an extraordinary O one. Together with you, our
supporters, old and new, we’ve enjoyed time to reflect on the far-reaching vision of our founding fathers and our extraordinary legacy of sacrificial giving and care for the health of those in impoverished and marginalised communities around the world.
Since our last update in The Healing Hand, we hosted a seminar “From Pioneer to Partner: Celebrating 175 years of Medical Missions” with Edinburgh University’s School of Divinity. Dr Liz Grant, Global Health Academy, Dr Beate Jacob, the German
Institute for Medical Mission and James Wells spoke about changing approaches in medical mission in response to global health needs. The anniversary weekend in November was the highlight of the year. Saturday night saw glamorous guests assemble at the Roxburghe hotel, Edinburgh for the Big Birthday Ball. It was an evening of exuberant celebration with toasts, music, caricature portraits, speeches and opportunities to bid on some great auction prizes. The event raised a wonderful £32,640 for the work of our partners. The following day, we gathered at Greyfriars Kirk for the 175th Anniversary service of Vision and
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Thanksgiving with friends, supporters, partners and our sister organisation, the Nazareth Trust. Jonathan Lamb, Minister at large with Keswick Ministries, challenged us to draw on our experience of God’s faithfulness over the years, trusting him and seeking to honour him as we move forward. The final event took place in the Scottish Parliament where EMMS International instigated the first signing of the Religions of the World charter for children’s palliative care in a political institution. The event highlighted the urgent needs of more than 21 million children across the world who do not have access to palliative care. Speakers included Silvia Lefebvre D’Ovidio from the Maruzza Foundation and Joan Marston, former Chief Executive of
International Children’s Palliative Care Network. Seven MSPs and a range of faith leaders, palliative care experts, EMMS trustees and friends signed the charter. Our thanks to Andy Wightman MSP for hosting the event. Our anniversary year has given us cause to look back with thankful hearts for the dedication of many who have served the suffering and poor in remote parts of the world. It has sharpened our vision and focus, knowing there is still so much to be done. Our sincere thanks go to all those who joined us to celebrate this landmark year and for the continued support that will provide a future of health and hope for many more people. Pictures: Signing of the charter by Right Rev Dr Russell Barr Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; Andy Wightman MSP opens the meeting at Scottish Parliament.
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A legacy of hope at Duncan Hospital Legacy gifts are the life-savers of so many people. They are often the most significant gift that a person will ever give, and have far reaching consequences for many people at home and around the globe. Legacies provide funding for activities we would love to provide, but, without these gifts, cannot afford. Without legacies, our recent survey into the need for children’s palliative care in India could not have taken place. Other legacy gifts have funded the delivery of end-of-life care, maternity health work, sanitation, nutrition and immunisations for children in Malawi. All of which are greatly underfunded. In 2017, we would like to give thanks for the lives of Bill Polley, Margaret Fleming, Dhiru Bhadreshwar and Amy McBurney.
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Pictures: Amy (bottom row, second from right) and her team in 1948 and the current work of Duncan Hospital.
AMY AND NAZMA
Bihar, India Amy McBurney worked as an outreach worker at Duncan Hospital, Bihar, in 1948 (see the lovely picture of Amy and her team). When Amy wrote her will in 2006, she decided to give a residual gift to EMMS International. When Amy passed away last year it seemed appropriate to use her gift for outreach work in the very hospital where she spent so many happy years. The Karuna project has been making inroads into the community around Duncan for the last few years, working in rural villages to reduce the number of mums and babies dying in childbirth. It’s been a great few years for the staff as they have helped over 1,000 young mums stay healthy during pregnancy. This is a story of 22 year old Nazma, from Mangruhara village, served by Duncan Hospital and the Karuna team. During a teaching session with pregnant mothers, the outreach worker was discussing how to identify high risk signs and symptoms during pregnancy. They discussed deaths in that village and a lady named Nazma was mentioned.
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Nazma, it transpired, was pregnant and had lost her two previous babies. Project staff visited Nazma at her house and asked after her wellbeing. Nazma wept as she heard that someone had cared to ask about her. The staff comforted her and asked about the babies she lost. She said that the babies died during delivery. She could not go for check-ups due to lack of money. She was not aware of the reason for the death of the babies. Project staff reassured her and asked her to come to Duncan Hospital for a check-up and assured her that she will have a healthy baby this time. They visited her regularly to keep a close eye on her health and well-being. Nazma followed the instruction and came for a check-up and, in time, had a healthy baby boy through a necessary caesarean section. It was a real challenge for her to go through this, having lost her two previous babies, but staff were delighted to see the smile on Nazma’s face as she held her healthy baby.
Almost 70 years after serving in Bihar herself, Amy’s legacy gift saved the lives of Nazma and her baby. We are so grateful for Amy’s lifetime of dedication to the people of Bihar, and the amazing staff at Duncan Hospital, for giving Nazma, and hundreds of other women like her, a brighter future.
If you would like to find out more about how you could remember the work of EMMS International in your will, please use the form at the back of the magazine, email info@emms.org or call 0131 313 3828.
With thanksgiving ELIZABETH HILL (1946-2017)
We are very sad to inform you of the passing of Elizabeth Hill who faithfully volunteered at EMMS International for the past 16 years. Liz, who worked in the Stamps Bureau and prior to that Medicine Services Overseas, passed away peacefully at home on 24 March 2017. She was a great and constant support for EMMS International. On a number of occasions we invited Liz to share about her volunteer work in The Healing Hand but she always humbly declined, never wanting the limelight. However, her commitment did not go unnoticed. The staff and other volunteers are eternally grateful to her for her love, cups of tea and kindness over the last 16 years. We will all miss her dearly.
Volunteers’ generosity with their time and skills makes a huge impact. The Stamp Bureau has raised £8,840 under Liz’s care. There are always opportunities for volunteers to get involved. We have specific roles for church reps and volunteer speakers, as well as a variety of opportunities in the EMMS International office. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the office on 0131 313 3828 or info@emms.org.
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Gifts for Life
Many of our supporters choose to share their passion for health and hope by giving life-changing gifts to their loved ones. Here are some gift ideas for that special someone who has everything!
Everyday hero dads
£10
Dads are stopping the spread of HIV in Malawi by encouraging men in their village to get tested. Your gift will help more fathers to make a stand for their communities. Perfect for Father’s Day!
THANK YOU to everyone who has
Chickens
£16
bought chickens to provide nutritious food to people in Malawi living with HIV. 15-year-old Kelvin is HIV positive and was provided with 17 chicks thanks to your gifts. The income they provide allowed him to buy a school uniform and shoes. Kelvin is stronger, healthier and gaining weight because of the eggs in his diet. Thanks for giving a lifechanging gift!
Stethoscope
£8
Order online at www.emms.org/G4L
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Why we support EMMS International The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem (the “Order�) is one of the most ancient of the European orders of chivalry. It dates back to the time of the Crusader knights. From its foundation in the 12th century, the members of the Order were dedicated to two ideals: providing aid to those suffering from leprosy and defending the Christian faith. At one time, during the Crusades, all members of the Order themselves contracted leprosy as knights. Today the Order is an international, independent and interdenominational body. Membership is open to all practising Christians in good standing with their particular Church. Through its history the Order has continued to be associated with leprosy, concentrating on the treatment and rehabilitation of leprosy sufferers. The charitable work of the Order in the Grand Priory of England and Wales is coordinated through the St Lazarus Charitable Trust. Funds are raised by means of donations from members
and through various local fundraising events. Grants are made annually, particularly (though not exclusively) to Christian charities working with leprosy sufferers. We are pleased to be working with EMMS International on its exciting electives programme. We hope to raise the awareness of future medical practitioners concerning the continuing scourge of leprosy – a disease which is, sadly, still with us today and has reappeared in Europe during the past decade. We are keen to meet some of the students as they return from their period abroad, to hear first-hand of their experiences in the field. We take this opportunity to thank the St Lazarus Charitable Trust for their support of our student elective bursary scheme. So far, over 50 grants have been awarded as a result. We have seen the scheme grow wonderfully during the partnership with more students of medicine, nursing, midwifery, and dentistry applying.
Picture: John Reid of the St Lazarus Charitable Trust addresses students at the elective symposium.
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Student’s Perspective
Esther Park, Edinburgh University medic, writes on her time at Women’s Christian Hospital, Multan, Pakistan. “Sheer medicine.” If I were to recall what it felt
like to be involved in medical care in Pakistan, that’s the phrase I would use. It was a basic, down-to-earth medicine. There weren’t many complicated tests you could do, no multidisciplinary team to have extensive discussions with, no fancy equipment to use in the operating theatres. But everything you did was necessary. People had limited contact with healthcare professionals, and so everything you did with them and every piece of advice you gave made a big difference. For example, there was very little awareness about healthy eating and exercise. Telling prospective mothers with type 2 diabetes (there were many) that parathas, biriyanis and ice-cream are not good for them was often met with surprise and some remorse!
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Simple medications, such as aspirin, could make a big difference in helping women who have had multiple miscarriages to have healthy babies. It was exhilarating when a mother with a history of multiple stillbirths and miscarriages went home with a healthy little baby after being managed carefully in the hospital. There were also moments when we wished there was more we could do. A baby was born prematurely at 31 weeks. He had a very low heart rate and wasn’t breathing well by himself. We gave medication to mature the baby’s lungs and carried out resuscitation straight after birth. But, without an incubator or ventilator, there was little more we could do to support the fragile life and the baby passed away at about 20 minutes of life. If the baby had been in the UK, he would very likely have lived. Another patient, in her early 20s, presented with excessive bleeding at around 24 weeks pregnant. Four of her previous pregnancies had been lost around the same time. Tests done so far revealed no obvious cause. Genetic abnormality was a likely cause, but the patient could not afford expensive tests. Her husband was growing impatient and threatening her that if
she doesn’t give him a living child soon, he will get a second wife. This was sadly a common scenario. Infertility is often attributed to some physical or spiritual defect on the woman’s side and women with bad obstetric history are said to have “atra”, a local ‘disease’ that spreads by contact with shadows. Such women are isolated from communities and even in hospitals, avoided by other women in fear of catching the disease of infertility. In situations like these, where we could offer little more, we told the patients that God loves them and we would pray in the name of Isa (Jesus), the prophet of healing, as He is known in Islam. I observed with surprise and joy that this was often accepted with gratitude. In the many cases when our skills and technologies were at their end, prayer was the only place to which we could go, and it was a good place to go. A big, heartfelt thank you to EMMS International for supporting me for this very meaningful and memorable trip. If you would like to apply for a grant to help with the cost of your overseas elective you can find out more and apply at www.emms.org/seb.
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Lakeside Lifeline
New partnership brings health and hope to remote, lakeside communities. Together, EMMS International and Chauncy Maples Charitable Trust are launching the Nyanja Health project to bring healthcare to isolated lakeside communities of Malawi. Many of these regions are only accessible by boat, leaving healthcare beyond the reach of many of the 210,000 people who live there. Five people died and twenty more are still missing after a boat carrying church leaders returning from Easter
celebrations capsized in April this year. This tragedy only highlights how perilous life is for those who rely upon the lake for travel. The project will dramatically improve healthcare for people living on the shores of Lake Malawi, in the northern districts of Karonga, Rumphi, and Nkhata Bay. Just as importantly, our Nyanja Health project will raise the status and health of young girls and women in two ways – their access to healthcare will be improved, and they will also have the opportunity to train as healthcare workers themselves and enjoy all the societal and economic benefits that go along with having a salaried job. Nyanja Health has truly amazing potential. In this area of Malawi, 80% of the
Pictures: Current boat used for hospital transport, news of the tragic boat accident.
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population live on less than a dollar a day. Many of these people living in extreme poverty are sick with littleto-no access to quality healthcare. Health clinics are often in a terrible shape, there are severe shortages of good essential healthcare staff, and transport to healthcare can be nonexistent. This leads to people not receiving the care they are entitled to. We are so excited about the potential of this project to bring a sustainable impact to these communities. This can be achieved by selecting and training healthcare staff from lakeside villages, renovating staff accommodation, improving health clinics and ensuring every person receives access to quality healthcare. New ambulances will give more
people access to the clinics and hospitals when they need it most. In particular, a new speed boat ambulance with radio and safety equipment gives safe passage to hospital for those who need to travel on the lake. Together, Chauncy Maples, EMMS International, and our partners in Malawi have the opportunity to directly help more than 50,000 people living along the lakeside. Please pray for our partners in the early months of the project as they work diligently to set up this new life-saving venture.
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LOVE THY NEIGHB
WHAT’S NOT SAID IN THE AID DEBAT
James Wells Chief Executive, EMMS International
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he UK government’s commitment to spending 0.7% of its budget on international aid has once again been grabbing headlines. We need to be clear that aid is a force for good and, ultimately, says something about who we are. EMMS International has received funding from the European Commission and from the UK and Scottish governments. Whilst it’s important to scrutinise the impact of aid, we see firsthand the transformation it brings to people in Malawi, one of the world’s poorest countries.
Picture: Holly Tett , UK High Commissioner to Malawi, visits Nkhoma Mission Hospital.
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BOUR
TE
Aid helps people not countries. Aid helps people and the priority must be the very poorest. The real impact of aid budgets is seen in lives transformed by the work they support. The lives of children like Gloria, who have the opportunity of life free from the pain of cancer. The lives of mothers giving birth safely with the help of trained midwives. The lives of babies being born without HIV, even though their parents have the virus. All thanks to international aid supporting EMMS International’s projects. Scrutiny is a good thing. Spending aid money effectively is not simply a matter of fiscal responsibility. It’s important that we ensure it is having the greatest possible impact. As EMMS International reports to you in the Annual Report and in other ways, we also report to government funders so that they can have confidence that their grants are being used to help those who need it most. We work with long-standing and trusted partners to ensure transparency in spending and to monitor the impact of your gifts and aid grants. Support goes through these partners and not directly to governments.
It’s not just a line in the budget. This is the government spending on our behalf as citizens. It says something about who we are as a nation and as individuals that we commit to helping those who are most vulnerable in our world. It provides emergency support, but also helps people to build a stronger future. It is just a small part of what we can do to support the most vulnerable people in our world, alongside trade, education, research and many other links. It’s about being better neighbours. Poverty is rife in countries like Malawi. People there do not have the safety net of a robust health system. So when disaster strikes, like in recent droughts and floods, there is nowhere to turn for help and support. Where can you turn when your next-door neighbour, your village, the majority of your country lives with the same burden of poverty as you do? As Christians we are called to love our neighbours as ourselves. We have global neighbours who live without access to even basic healthcare. International aid helps us collectively to be good neighbours and build a fairer and better world.
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Supporter Update Burns Night Ceilidh We began the year in celebratory style with a Burns Night Ceilidh at King’s Hall, Edinburgh. Thanks to all who attended and helped raise over £1,000.
Stop Press
New Church Partnership
We were thrilled to join with Polwarth Parish Church to mark the beginning of their partnership with EMMS International. They are passionate about improving the lives of people in Malawi by providing quality healthcare. Thank you, Polwarth Parish Church, for the warm welcome and we look forward to working with you in the years to come. If you are interested in finding out more about church partnerships please contact James Petticrew. james.petticrew@emms.org 0131 313 3828.
Amy’s Run We are grateful to the supporters who took on their own personal challenges. Amy Westendarp raised £706 from a sponsored run in solidarity with mothers in India. Running from her home to the Royal Infirmary Maternity Ward in Edinburgh and back, she raised awareness of the need for better access to maternal health in rural India and helped to ensure that more babies have the chance of life. Thank you, Amy. Gearing up for Pedal&Pray Malawi Pedal&Pray participants, and their churches, have been busy raising funds to improve healthcare in Malawi. Jean Reid, a faithful supporter, knitted and sold these Easter ducks at John Knox Church, Ayrshire and raised £54. Meanwhile Danielle Milne, a firsttime Malawi bike rider, is training hard around Arthur’s Seat to get ready for the challenge in July. We wish all the participants well for their forthcoming adventure.
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Church Talks Thank you to St Matthews Church of the Nazarene in Paisley who gave £165 for the work of EMMS International at their monthly Missionary Meeting in May when James Petticrew, their former pastor and current EMMS Church Relationship Manager, spoke to them about the work of the Duncan Hospital in India. If you would like to arrange a speaker for your church or group, please contact James Petticrew. james.petticrew@emms.org 0131 313 3828.
Pictures: From top James Petticrew at St Matthew’s Church of the Nazarene, Paisley (left); Jean Reid’s Easter ducks (right); Danielle Milne training for Pedal&Pray; Burns Night Ceilidh
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY PEDAL AND PRAY CHALLENGE
7th-16th July Our 2017 Malawi challenge for mind, body and spirit.
REFUEL 17
23rd - 29th July Hear our Church Relationship Manager speak at this new Christian family-friendly festival in Morayshire.
SHE RUNS THE NIGHT (10KM/5KM)
25th August Join this glitzy, women-only night run in Edinburgh, starting at Holyrood Park.
5 FERRY CHALLENGE
2nd September Climb onboard and cycle through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery.
HEALTH & HOPE BALL, ABERDEENSHIRE 23rd September See inside cover.
FASHION SHOW
September Join us in Edinburgh for a spectacular charity fashion show to highlight the huge challenges faced by girls in remote rural Malawi.
FORTH BRIDGE ABSEIL
15th October Join us in an exhilarating challenge as you abseil 165ft off the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.
More info on all of our events can be found at www.emms.org/events
GIVING PAGE
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Name Address Email I wish to receive updates by
post
I wish to receive the latest prayer updates I’d like to receive more information about remembering EMMS International in my will. Please send me a legacy information pack.
MY GIFT I wish to make a single gift for the sum of £__________ to the work of EMMS International I enclose a cheque/postal order/charity voucher (payable to EMMS International) or please debit my VISA/Mastercard/Maestro/Delta/CAF Card using the details below. Name of card holder Card number Last three digits of security number (on reverse of card) / Issue No (Maestro) Expiry Date / Start Date I wish to make a regular gift of £__________ monthly/quarterly/semi-annually/ annually (please select) to the work of EMMS International Name of Account Holder: Account Number: Bank Name: Date within month 1st
Sort Code: 15th
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Month to start
Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 you donate. Gift Aid is reclaimed by the charity from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Your address is needed to identify you as a current UK tax payer. Yes, I want to Gift Aid my donation and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to EMMS International.
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I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference.*
Date:
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5 Ferry Challenge 2 September 2017
www.emms.org/5ferry All aboard for the 5 Ferry Challenge! Discover remote places in Scotland to help healthcare workers in Malawi reach remote communities by boat. 7 Washington Lane Edinburgh EH11 2HA Tel: 0131 313 3828 Email: info@emms.org Twitter: @emmsintnl Facebook: EMMSInternational
175 years
EMMS International is a charity registered in Scotland No SC032327. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in Scotland No SC224402.