Free Methodist Medical Fellowship

Dear Friends,

In March of 2009 I had the privilege to travel to Burundi with Norm Wetterau, Cedric Johnson, John Lammie, Dr. Gerald Bates and three spouses. Our plan and intent was to provide encouragement and serve as consultants to the leaders of Hope Africa University (HAU) as they endeavor to make the Frank Ogden School of Medicine (FOSM) in Bujumbura the premier institution of medical education in central Africa.

I was delightfully surprised by the preparation and planning by the University staff that ensured that our time together would be a rewarding one for us, for their staff, and for the future development of FOSM. Our first Sunday there was an event that was a true highlight of the trip as we witnessed the ordination of about 60 pastors. Following the chaotic years just past, this was a true celebration of the work of God in Burundi.

A trip upcountry to Kibuye Hospital was our next activity. There we all inspected together the strengths and weakness of the Hospital as the primary teaching hospital of the new medical school. Issues addressed included the physical plant, infrastructure, equipment, administration, clinical teaching, staff and student housing, and future hospital expansion.

Before leaving upcountry for the capital, we had the privilege of visiting a new beautiful church at Nkondo where the previous church is being renovated to become a new health clinic. The ministry potential at that location is tremendous. We were also able to stop by Mt. Hope where a branch of the University (HAU) is just beginning to be constructed, and also viewed the Community Development Center constructed by the Sister Connection. What exciting initiatives!

Upon return to Bujumbura we began a series of meetings together with Bishop Elie Buconyori, Rector of HAU, and the leadership of the medical school to evaluate all aspects of the school. Special attention was given to the curriculum and the provision of adequate teaching faculty, teaching resources, and the physical expansion of the school to include a new clinic near the University. Dr. Seleus Sibomana, Dean of FOSM, was exceptionally well prepared and took us through all of the planning and preparation to date. The interchange between the medical school leadership and the consultation team was one of shared mission. On the last day we had a time of prayer together. As we prayed there was a powerful sense of God's presence and peace. The time together ended with a realization of the incredible enormity of the challenge to develop the new medical school but a renewed sense of the resources available as we put our certain faith and hope in the risen Christ.

Many of you reading this did not have the extraordinary opportunity that some of us had to go on this remarkable trip. But I know that you have a tremendous interest in the new Medical School. Tim Kratzer has already informed many of you about the fact that, in connection with the yearly FMMF consultation, there will be one day, September 25, dedicated to the Medical School. Dr. Seleus Sibomana, Dean, is able to be with us for that meeting and I ask that you consider a gift to Friends of Hope Africa University (Box 580, Spring Arbor MI 49283) to help defray these costs. Checks should be designated as 'FOSM Dean travel.'

I am excited about what I experienced firsthand on my visit to central Africa. Come to the conference and catch the vision!

Blessing. --Dave Crandall

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