October News

We have been staying busy here in Togo with a summer break for the kids that seemed to fly by all too quickly.  We were blessed to have Bryce’s parents and our oldest niece here during the month of June.  It was fun seeing our life here in Togo through her eyes.  The kids loved the time they were able to spend together, and we all learned a new game, Monopoly deal.

We continue to see an increasing number of patients at the hospital and many who are coming specifically for surgery.  We recently saw the 55,0000th patient since the hospital opened just under 5 years ago.  We are thankful to be a part of what God is doing here in northern Togo.  As we have mentioned in the past many of these patients are coming from Burkina Faso to our north, which has experienced increasing instability this year.  Please be praying for our friends there.

We want to update you about a story we shared with you in our last post.  Our friend M is doing well so far.  He is still healing, and he was able to start school this year.  He and his mom are very pleased with his progress, and it’s a joy each time they come for a check up.  Unfortunately, school here in Togo can be hard for kids with medical problems, because there is less supervision.  Please be praying for him and his family as they try to figure this out.

We also have another update on a patient's story we shared with you exactly two years ago, October 2017.  At that time, A was unable to walk due to a fracture caused by her bone being chronically infected.  In the past two years, we have seen a remarkable improvement in her health.  A has grown almost a foot and gained weight!  She has also started school, so we can communicate better in French.  We had a really nice visit with her mother and younger brother recently.  Please continue to pray for her and her family.

This past month Bryce celebrated his 40th birthday.  Natasha managed to give an amazing and unexpected gift this year, a visit from Derek, Bryce’s brother.  It was a quick trip, but quite a surprise and encouragement to us all to have some time with Uncle Derek.  

As we took him back to Lomé, we were able to bring back with us a much needed commodity, another surgeon.  We welcomed Jesh and Julie Theisson and their 3 kids, who will be joining us for almost one year.  This has been yet another blessing and encouragement to us all and a much needed relief for Bryce and John in surgery!


Prayer Requests:

Our Family:  As our time of furlough draws closer, there are many decisions that need to be made and things that will need to be handed over here during our time away. Please pray for clarity in the decision making and for us to finish our first term well.


Our Team: As the medical ministry continues to grow, this often brings growing pains and new challenges. Please pray for our team to have Godly wisdom as we make decisions about the future, and that our hearts would remain united in truly seeking God's glory in all we do.