Thank you so much for praying for our ministry partner, HEAL Africa. We have further updates to inform your prayers:
There is still sporadic gunfire in Goma, but for the most part, the M23 rebels have now defeated the Congolese army and are in control of the city. The thousands of UN peacekeepers remained in their barracks throughout the fighting, apart from a heavily armed midnight convoy that delivered 300L of diesel fuel to HEAL Africa Hospital two nights ago. They are grateful for that effort.
The worst fighting was centred around the downtown area near the hospital, as well as the area near the airport. HEAL Africa Hospital has cared for 517 wounded patients and their operating rooms have been busy day and night since Sunday. Dr. Justin Paluku, Director of HEAL Africa, reports that the surgeons have worked non-stop! He says they have saved many, but some died due to the complexity of their injuries. The mortuary is overflowing and they are working to identify the bodies. There are many bodies still in the streets of the city.
Two days ago, when there was a pause in the fighting, HEAL Africa sent out two ambulance drivers to bring in more doctors and nurses. They were attacked. One of the drivers was shot in the back and the thigh. He lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the other ambulance. The two drivers were able to escape in the second vehicle by driving back on tyre rims. Thank God they have both survived.
Right now, there are more than 500 patients in HEAL Africa Hospital and it only has 350 beds. In addition, hundreds of civilians have also taken refuge within the walls of the hospital for the last few days. There is no food, water is scarce and the fuel for the generator has now been used. They report a desperate need for fuel, food, antibiotics, pain meds and tetanus vaccine.
The supplies of the hospital and operating rooms have been completely depleted. However, the hospital is anticipating that the route to Rwanda will reopen again next week, allowing them to access funds to be able to replenish desperately-needed supplies. Please pray that this will happen.
