Ashes to ashes and dust to dust…

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust…..on February 13 this year, the Christian community of Bishrampur  (our neighboring village which was one of the oldest missionary setups  in the state of Chattisgarh) laid to rest the ashes of their beloved “missionary kid.”  William Keith Whitcomb, or “Billy Baba” as they loved to call him, came back as a missionary to the same place in which he grew up. Bill Whitcomb was an agriculturist, whose calling was to feed the hungry, leading him to establish the Rural Life Program for the people of this area.  In this program, farmers were taught about the best practices and development in agriculture. The memorial service was a day of fond memories and thankfulness for a life lived so well.

We were honored to have Rev. Jim Moos and Rev. Deenabandhu Manchala with us for a visit, albeit a short one, in February. Their presence and wonderful message to the new batch of nursing students getting their caps for the first time during the Capping Ceremony, which was held in our hospital premises on February 14, was deeply appreciated. It was a day of joy and pride for the hospital as well as the students as they received their caps with applause from friends and family gathered for the occasion.

The hospital has seen a flurry of visitors these past couple of months. We have had several volunteer groups from all over the United States coming to lend us a hand and also experience the culture. We also have medical students from Denmark and Virginia Tech doing their rotations with us. The hospital is looking forward to completing its ongoing project on the Cancer Unit and having it on the floor soon. The Rambo Memorial School now has 850 students and the Springer Community College has 18 students in their first batch. They keep growing in leaps and bounds and just celebrated their Annual function this February.

During this Lenten period, let us reflect upon the love of God and the sacrifice of God’s son Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. May we be reminded once more that life is a precious gift to us – let us live it responsibly, ever mindful of the needs of others around us.  

Anil and Teresa work with the Synodical Board of Health Services of the Church of North India.  Anil serves as a medical doctor at the Christian Hospital in Mungeli, India and Teresa serves as the anesthesiologist at the Christian Hospital in Mungeli, India. Their appointment is supported by One Great Hour of Sharing, Our Churches Wider Mission, Disciples Mission Fund and your special gifts.”