Future Ministry Possibilities

When will you return to Bangladesh?

This question comes up a lot and we're working on our plans, however, it is doubtful that we will return to Bangladesh. As much as we learned during our time there and came to respect the team, God seems to be opening other doors. Our experiences so far have continued to shape our priorities and philosophy of ministry. Jon feels a strong desire and sees the best use of his gifts, not just in being a general surgeon, but in working to train others.

In light of this, we've come to greatly respect the work of PAACS (Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons), an organization committed to training African physicians in Africa for Africa, a vision that seems to match our own. They, and we, desire to see these future surgeons become leaders in their churches, communities, and other mission hospitals. In order to fulfill this vision, PAACS has established surgery residency programs at several mission hospitals. One critical need is for more board certified general surgeons to be program directors so that they are better able to handle the tremendous demands involved in training and discipling, as well as meeting the surgical needs of the communities served by the hospitals.

Specifically, we've been drawn to a hosptial in Ethiopia. A newer hospital situated in a key location in the horn of Africa, they are actively training surgical residents through PAACS. They are also in need of another general surgeon. More on this later.