THE HEALINGHAND/

health for Today, hope for Tomorrow Spring/Summer 2013

The Newsletterof EMMSInternational

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Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of The Healing Hand, the biannual magazine of EMMS International. which

is crammed full of information about some of our current projects, as well as news and updates about some of the other exciting things happening with us and our partners. We are grateful to Lord McConnell for his reflection on the life of Dr David Livingstone as we celebrate the bicentenary of his birth.

It’s great to see the work of our partners recognised through receiving several prestigious international and national awards. It’s our prayer that such awards will reflect God’s glory, and be an inspiration and example for the lives and work of others.

In March, I was honoured to attend several events to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Dr David Livingstone. At the memorial service in Westminster Abbey, I was struck that a man born of humble beginnings in a Lanarkshire mill town, is buried amongst kings, all because he passionately served the King of Kings.

Although Livingstone’s achievements were many, perhaps his greatest impact has been the legacy and inspiration that he left for future generations. People across the world still know who he was and that he was, first and foremost, a missionary. It was his absolute determination to serve God, to bring the good news of the gospel to those who hadn’t heard it, and to see all human beings as equals before God. He wasn’t concerned for his own good, but for the good of others. He was a man with a very radical world view within his generation.

We at EMMS International are blessed to be part of his legacy – to bring health and healing to people across the world, offering healthcare where it is most needed and in a way which preserves and respects the unique value of each human life.

Livingstone’s world view is as relevant today as it was 200 years ago. I hope that this year of celebration will reignite interest in healthcare mission, sustain and motivate those of us currently involved in it, and inspire others to join us in the future.

As Livingstone himself put it: “I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward”.

James M WellsChief Executive, EMMS International

WELcomE

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4 Supporters’ Trip to india

10 Reflection

12 Healthcare Awards

13 Why i support emmS international

14 patient Story

18 Appeal Update

20 Livingstone Debate

22 Lord McConnell on Livingstone

16 Student’s Perspective

coNtENts

8 Palliative Care

24 Dates For Your Diary

26 Supporter update

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our pAssAGE to INdIAsupporters’ trip to India

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Cat Rawlinson-Watkins, Director of Fundraising at EMMS International writes:I have had the pleasure of visiting India before, but what made this trip so exciting was the company of others; some of whom were visiting for the first time, some of whom were returning for the first time in forty years and some of whom visited for a fortnight many decades ago, fell in love and didn’t leave.

Our tour guides, Paul & Su East were the perfect accompaniment for our trip. They have a great personal love for and knowledge of the country and our partners EHA, Paul being the previous director of EHA (UK) and Su having been brought up in the Lehmann Hospital in Herbertpur, an EHA hospital.

Our tour included a visit to Chinchpada Hospital to see the progress of the building work. The new buildings and renovated parts look amazing, it gave me great hope for the future of this hospital. I cannot express clearly enough the difference that this renewed hospital is going to make to the people of this area.

At the local village we met people served by the hospital, mostly agricultural workers, which fits with the many agricultural cases presented at the hospital. We visited a family who received 30,000 Rupees per year for their produce. It struck me that it costs 60,000 Rupees for an iPhone, a small example of the vast gulf between rich and poor in India.

The Shalom HIV/AIDS project was inspiring, the staff are living the love of the gospel every day. I met a family, the mother had been admitted just a few days prior, she looked close to death and I was told that her CD4 count was under 10, which means that her immune system was losing the battle against AIDS. What gave me the greatest frustration in this case was the fact that the lady’s first husband had died from AIDS and she hadn’t been told what impact this could have on her own health. She had never been tested, had no idea of her illness, had gone on to remarry and have

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they negotiate on behalf of patients to receive government subsidies for their cancer care.

Once again, I found myself giving thanks for the health system in the UK as I realised that most patients I saw would not have been receiving palliative care in the UK, rather they would receive the diagnosis and treatment with a view to a cure. Health checks, timely diagnosis and having to find ways to pay for health care and life saving treatments are simply not circumstances that affect our lives in the same way.

It wasn’t all work and no play. We enjoyed the culture and beauty of India, we visited temples, the Taj Mahal, Fatipur Sikri and took an elephant ride up to the Amber Fort in Jaipur. We ate amazingly well, met inspiring people, became well acquainted with the Indian railways and shared wonderful experiences.

The aim of the trip was to help people to make connections with our life saving projects and see the impact their support makes. As our quote from Willie shows, I’m confident that we achieved this and we intend to continue to offer opportunities like this to anyone who wishes to pursue them.

If you would like to take part in a supporters’ trip in the future, we are offering a trip to Malawi in 2014 and India in 2015. Please drop us a line to find out more.

Images: supporters visit hospitals and expereince India’s hospitality and culture

two children. Now, the whole family were in Shalom, all being tested for a life threatening illness which could have been prevented from spreading. Her two year old boy was, fortunately, clear but her 6 month old child was too young to test so they just had to wait and see.

From Delhi, we moved on to Herbertpur, one of EHA’s flagship hospitals, providing a wide selection of care in the foothills of the Himalayas. The staff shared much with us about The Anugrah Project, their project for children with physical and learning disabilities. We were blessed to visit some of the children who benefit from this project- I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that these children now hold a very special place in our hearts.

More colourful train journeys took us to the small town of Lalitpur, home of Harriet Benson Memorial Hospital and the palliative care project overseen by Ann Thyle. Being there for Easter Sunday made our stay all the more special as we shared in fellowship and food together. Witnessing the palliative care ward and community team in action was humbling. We were delighted to take the International Journal of Palliative Nursing Development award with us, which we had collected in London on their behalf and delivered with gladness. The team were excited to explain the difference that accolades like this can bring as

“...most patients I saw would not have been receiving palliative care in the UK, rather they would receive the diagnosis and treatment with a view to a cure.”

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“I can enthusiastically encourage others to take the opportunity to visit EMMS International’s supported projects. My recent trip to India provided a fascinating insight into the important links with a key locally based partner organisation-the Emmanuel Hospital Association [EHA]. Our small group travelled widely and met many wonderful people in contrasting settings in which EMMS International is currently active. It was indeed a privilege to revisit this wonderful country after a gap of almost 40 years and, hopefully, others can see at first hand the good work being delivered, often in the face of much challenge and resource constraints.”Dr Willie Primrose

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Palliative care is the care given to people with advanced life threatening illnesses, when no cure is possible or available. The focus of care turns to helping people cope with physical symptoms such as pain, and minimising emotional and spiritual distress. We also try to help them and their family carers talk about their preferences,

so that they die as well as possible in the circumstances.

Many countries in Africa and Asia have no money to spend on palliative care. The little amount of money available is spent on curing and preventing diseases. This is eminently sensible but it does mean that people who are dying often do so in pain and suffering as they get little help to treat their pain or dress their wounds. This is not only true of people with cancer but also those with HIV and many heart and lung conditions, which are increasingly common in rural Africa.

However, it has been increasingly shown that palliative care can play a great role, even in the face of poverty and suffering. Being present to support the patient and their family carer

PALLiAtive CAreA global health challenge

9in their suffering is greatly appreciated and a little clinical support and simple painkillers can really be valued. However, most people dying in Africa cannot access strong painkillers, such as morphine. Thus, there’s a great need to help countries to change things so that painkillers can be available and there are trained staff and resources able to make these accessible. We have undertaken various trainings and evaluations of projects in Africa which show that this is a really important way to help people die as well as possible.

And, at the same time, we in the West can learn from communities in Africa. In Africa, ill neighbours are visited and prayed over, and brought easily digestible food. Individuals and the local communities often get practically involved in caring, whereas in the UK people may be scared to visit, not knowing what to say or do, as death has been so medicalised.

Helping people at the end of life is a really important part of a health service and greatly appreciated. We have a moral imperative to try to help people who currently are largely dying in pain, to help them be able to get painkillers. Indeed, there is a charter, called the Prague Charter, that I would ask you to sign, which affirms access to painkillers should be a human right. http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/The_Prague_Charter_Relieving_suffering

And we should also join up with Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief, a campaign in Scotland to promote a more public talking about death and dying http://www.goodlifedeathgrief.org.uk/

Professor Scott A MurraySt Columba’s Hospice Chair of Primary Palliative Care, The University of Edinburgh.scott.murray@ed.ac.uk

Palliative Care Handbook

As this article suggests, palliative care is often delivered by communities. Churches strive to be at the heart of communities serving their needs. EMMS international is leading a project to produce a handbook for church leaders and volunteers, to deliver and support palliative care services in their communities.

The project is funded by the Princess Diana Memorial Fund, and aims to develop the delivery of holistic care for those with progressive, life-limiting diseases.

Titled, “inspiring Hope” and launching at the African Palliative Care Association conference later this year, the handbook will be distributed within sub-saharan Africa, but is a resource for the global church.

Prof Murray leads the Palliative Care Research Group at the University of Edinburgh. Before this he was Medical Director at Chagoria, a large hospital and newtork in rural Kenya renowned for its community based health activities. We are grateful to him for his contribution to The Healing Hand.

10Reflection A NotE of

tHANksFollowing our AGM, I’d like to

update you on some changes to our board, and offer a word of thanks on behalf of the staff.

Dr Phil Brookes steps down from the Board after nine years service, seven of which as Chairman.

Phil has been passionate about serving God, having spent many years working in mission hospitals in India and Nepal before returning to the UK and serving on the Boards of both EHA (UK) and EMMS International. On behalf of all of us at EMMS International, I’d like to thank Phil for his constant support and encouragement. Hopefully we will see him and Pat on a bike ride in the not too distant future!

Joan McDowell also leaves the board after 6 years. I’d like to thank Joan for her contribution over this period, including visiting partners.

I wish them both well in their future plans.

James M WellsChief Executive, emmS international

One of the key themes in Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth is a desire to see

the church work together for the advancement of the Gospel.

I have been with EMMS International only a short time but, while visiting India and communicating with partners in Malawi and Nepal, there is no mistaking the commitment to serve their communities and God. The unity between healthcare professionals in rural Maharashtra, and the fervent prayers of supporters here in the UK amazes me.

It is great to be able to celebrate with our partners when their efforts are recognised with awards. There is no suggestion that they do this work to attract honour to themselves. It is, however, an acknowledgement that there is something special about the work they are doing.

What might that “something special” be? Paul encourages the church to work together, our partners work together

trust god, play ourpart

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trust god, play ourpart

“whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”(1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)

with their local communities and supporters. There is a desire to work in a way that honours God and, as such, often their hospitals outperform others.

It’s not just what we do, it’s why and how we do it. That goes for all of us, and for every aspect of our lives. The medical options for treating someone with a life-limiting disease are finite, however the opportunities to show that person love and respect and offer them dignity are immeasurable.

As a staff, we are studying the book of Nehemiah. We are being challenged by his reliance upon God. He saw the ruined walls of Jerusalem and he sought God’s favour before putting his plan into action. Faced with challenge from those around him, Nehemiah said “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding…” (Nehemiah 2:20)

Obstacles to achieving our aim of

a just world where all people have access to good quality healthcare come in various forms. They can be political, economic, funding, cultural or any manner of things. Our role is to

continue to trust God and play our part. That way, lives will be saved, restored and respected through our work but the glory will go to God.

Every aspect of every Christian’s life has the potential to honour God. We are grateful for the ways our partners, supporters and staff are honouring God in their participation. Pray that we would continue to focus on God, work in unity and play our part and that it would all be for His glory.

Gary BroughCommunications Officer, emmS international

/tHe oPPortunities to sHow love, resPeCt and offer dignity are immeasurable

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Our partners seek to deliver a Christian response to health challenges facing vulnerable communities, not only meeting the physical needs but also doing it in a way that expresses something of Christ’s compassion and glorifies God. We are pleased to share news about awards our partners have won for their services. This national and international recognition is invaluable in helping them to advocate on behalf of the communities which they serve. All are great examples of the positive impact that relatively small investments can make on health.

International Journal of Palliative Nursing’s Development AwardEmmanuel Hospital Association’s Palliative Care Project at Lalitpur recently

received the International Journal of Palliative Nursing’s Development Award.

‘Outstanding Service To The Community – Private Hospital’EHA’s Herbertpur Hospital received the RSBY Award for ‘Outstanding Service

To The Community – Private Hospital’ at both local and national level. RSBY is an insurance scheme that improves access to healthcare for the poorest people.

Dignity and Right to Health AwardThe joint winners of the 2012 Dignity and Right to Health Award of the ICMDA

Leadership in Christian Health and Development Initiative w1ere Drs Isac & Vijila David and Dr Saira Paulose of EHA. Both of these projects (Prem Jyoti Community Hospital and Shalom Delhi AIDSl) and the Palliative Care Project in Lalitpur are supported by EMMS International.

Image: Staff at Lalitpur with their IJPN Award

sErvING WItH ExcELLENcE

Why I support EMMS InternationalMarna Hawkins, Middlesex

HH: Tell me a bit about yourself. MH: I am now well past my ‘sell by date’, having had a marvellous life. I have been a committed Christian since 16 and like to see the positive in God’s amazing world. I believe we live in a global village over which God has complete control. Now a widow, I had a wonderful like-minded husband who was also a globe trotter. We have one daughter, and I enjoy two talented grandsons who keep me young at heart.

HH: So, how long have you been a supporter of EMMS?MH: Since before the fall of the Berlin Wall!

HH: Why do you support EMMS? MH: My husband Geoff and I were mission secretaries at our church for many years and were introduced to EHA. Gradually, involvement with EHA took over every aspect of our lives. We came together as a package, so when Geoff became Chairman of EHA (UK), we went to see what we were taking on.

On our first trip to India we visited 3 rural hospitals and became fully committed to the vision, ethos and the medical staff serving the most needy of folk.

Being a lecturer in Physiotherapy I was

saddened by the lack of rehabilitation for many conditions such as burns or strokes. So I was challenged to train staff in how to get patients moving and living independently.

HH: How many times did you go to India? MH: More than I can remember. We went to India at Easter, when it was hot and dry, for a number of years. I always felt at home there. We enjoyed laughter and deep fellowship with our Indian brethren who are spiritually very rich but materially very poor. Our lives were always greatly enriched .

HH: What’s your message to EMMS? MH: You are all doing such a wonderful job. It’s such a relief that EHA is going great guns. Keep it up!

People need to go and see for themselves, to challenge their lives. Unless you go, how do you know? Nurture and support future electives, not just in Scotland and N Ireland.

Oh, and sort out the website, that’s how people get their information these days.

HH: Thank you Marna.Image: Marna Hawkins

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Jaya masih has worked at Harriet Benson memorial Hospital in Lalitpur for almost 30 years. she is married to raju and has two sons. Her life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed as HIv positive, and became a patient. With the unique perspective as both patient and caregiver, this is her story:

My second son was born by Caesarian in July, 1997, and I experienced abdominal pain for three weeks afterwards. One night, when I awoke to feed my 20-day old son I saw I was bleeding severely. I was admitted to the hospital and by the next morning I had lost almost all the blood from my body. I was sent to another hospital, critically ill, and I had an emergency hysterectomy. Following the surgery, I had 10 units of blood transfused – some from our hospital staff, some from my relatives,

and some from outside. Because my condition was critical, no one thought to check the blood before transfusing.

I returned to Lalitpur and, after a while, I returned to work, but still did not feel well. I suffered a number of infections; thrush, diarrhoea, fever, chest infection. I was sent to Jhansi Hospital again. The doctors told me I had tuberculosis and I was treated accordingly. I continued to get ill and the senior doctor at HBMH referred me to St. Stephen’s Hospital, Delhi.

Jaya’s story

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At St. Stephen’s, they did a lot of blood tests and an ultrasound, which showed that my spleen was damaged and had to be removed as soon as possible. I needed an injection to increase my immunity before the operation, so I went back to Lalitpur for three weeks.

I returned to Delhi and was admitted in St. Stephen’s Hospital in September 2001. They did lots of further tests. At that point, they found that I am HIV positive, but didn’t tell me.

I was wondering why some of the nurses behaved differently with me – always using gloves before touching me, using a special “bio-hazard” thermometer, giving me funny looks, but nobody said anything. I asked, “Why are you treating me differently?” But nobody answered.

I had a splenectomy and was in a critical condition for nine days. I overheard doctors talking about my condition, saying that I was HIV positive. As soon as I heard that, I got up and said to the doctor “What are you telling me? I heard you. I am not like that. I never did anything wrong”.

I was shocked when I heard that I was HIV+. So many confusing things came

to my mind. But I thank God one of my sisters-in-law explained to me and my relatives that it was a result of the blood transfusion. I had the prayerful support of EHA, hospital staff, church members and family - especially from my husband – easing my burden. Once I was diagnosed as HIV+, my husband and both sons were tested but, with God's mercy, they were negative.

I attended Shalom Delhi, a project supported by EMMS International. Under the care of Dr Saira and her team, I began Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). My body reacted badly to the treatment and, after further tests, I was moved onto the second line of ART, and I am still taking ART regularly.

This whole time was very difficult for me and my family, but people prayed for me and for them, and we managed to get through it. I thank God that I have been healthy and haven’t been admitted to hospital since. So many people are praying for me, and God is showing His mercy and grace to me. Praise the Lord.

I am now able to help other patients diagnosed with HIV, sharing something of my experience. I am glad that I can use my situation to benefit others.

WHAt ArE you tELLING mE? I HEArd

you. I Am Not LIkE tHAt. I NEvEr dId

ANytHING WroNG“

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For the first two weeks of work I was mostly in the maternity ward. I was able to assist in deliveries, do ward

rounds, watch caesarean sections, and look after the new born babies. It was great to be able to help in deliveries and, in fact, the first baby I helped deliver was named after me, which was incredible!

Claire Stirling in Malawi

tHE studENt’s pErspEctIvE

EMMS International helps its partners through supporting medical sudents to participate in overseas electives. Claire stirling tells The Healing Hand about her placement at Ekwendeni Mission Hospital.

17I also, unfortunately, saw the scary

side of having a baby, I helped with patients who had been in labour too long and needed emergency c-sections and those who had post-partum haemorrhages. It gave me an insight into issues that doctors in Malawi face during deliveries.

The equipment used for vacuum deliveries was so out of date, they also didn’t have the same pain relief options that we would have here and didn’t use local anaesthesia for episiotomies or suturing, which I found very painful to watch. The women there are so strong! They went through the most painful thing in the world with few resources, not a single woman in the UK would have to go through what they endured!

I really enjoyed looking after the new born babies. There were often premature babies who needed care and we had some phototherapy for jaundiced babies and also incubators for those who needed extra heat. There were occasions when premature babies didn’t make it, which I found hard.

While there, I and the other medical student with me carried out a study on neonatal mortality. We studied how many new born babies had passed away in Ekwendeni and compared it to the national standards. We found that Ekwendeni’s neonatal mortality was well under the national standards, so they

were taking good care of their babies. Of course, there were far higher levels of neonatal mortality than would be seen in the UK.

During a week in the paediatric ward, our team treated a little girl, Shalom, who was only 10 months old. Her mother had brought her in struggling to breathe and very dehydrated. It unfolded that her

mother was HIV positive and that Shalom was as well. Her mother hadn’t brought her to hospital sooner because she was ashamed of her HIV status. It was hard to see that the

shame of her HIV status could affect how she treated her child. If her mother had brought Shalom in sooner, maybe we could have helped more. Sadly, even after days of treatment and despite appearing to improve, Shalom passed away. It was one of the hardest moments of the 6 weeks. It’s hard to see a child die, to know that she did nothing to get HIV but, because of the society she was born into, she was infected with the disease at birth.

My summer in Malawi was incredible. I met amazing missionaries who lived and worked in such hard conditions and really inspired me. I got to see how a Christian hospital can work, where we could pray for patients openly, which was incredible and would never be allowed in the UK. I also got to experience what it would be like to serve Christ in mission as a doctor in the developing world.

Emms International funded 19 student elective placements last year. If you can help us increase our support, please contact Joe cooney, by emailing joe.cooney@emms.org, or calling 0131 313 3828.

“It’s HArd to sEE A cHILd dIE, to kNoW tHAt sHE dId NotHING to GEt HIv

18appeal update

your support for prEm JyotI

Image: Mother and baby at Prem Jyoti

Our Christmas Appeal to supporters gave an example of the work of our partners at Prem Jyoti Hospital in India. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the supporters who responded to this appeal and for helping raise just over £11,000. Your donations will help the hospital meet the goal of improving maternal and perinatal health in Jharkhand State, India and improve the quality of care given to mothers and babies during and after delivery.

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Sabitha Malto of Oduguri village in the state of Jharkhand attended regularly for antenatal check-ups at one of Prem Jyoti’s mobile clinics, Kustad, which is about an hour’s walk from her house. During the last month of her pregnancy, the nurse at the clinic explained that she had high blood pressure and that it was necessary to come to the hospital to ensure safe delivery. The nurse warned her of the danger of developing fits and other complications, like pre-eclampsia, and that receiving early intervention at the hospital would be safer for her and her baby, to give them a better chance of survival.

Sabitha’s husband, Michael, was very cooperative and he promptly took her to Prem Jyoti. Her high blood pressure was controlled and she, thankfully, had a normal delivery, although the baby’s birth weight was very low. On the second day, he had signs of infection and was started on antibiotics. After a few days spent in the hospital, both mother and baby were sent home in full health, thanks to the timely referral from the mobile clinic.

Susan QuinnHead of Individual GivingEMMS International

If you wish to support either of these appeals, please get in touch by emailing info@emms.org or calling us on 0131 313 3828.

Here is anotHer examPle of tHe good work being delivered at Prem Jyoti HosPital:

New Life at ChinchpadaAt the time of printing, supporters who have responded to either the initial appeal in the summer of last year, or our most recent Easter appeal have helped raise an amazing £195,000, which is a fantastic response. Having just returned from India, where I was given the opportunity to visit Chinchpada, I can report that the building work is going very well and already making a huge impact on the patients attending. With just over £55,000 still to be raised, I really look forward to reporting fully on the completed project and showing the huge difference this has made to the members of the community who attend the hospital.

Taking place at Glasgow Cathedral, the debate will explore the future of healthcare mission, the continuing need for EMMS International’s work and how we can learn from pioneers such as Livingstone how we might improve our 21st century response to the global health crisis.

We are delighted to have the evangelical leader and passionate advocate for the poor, CB Samuel from India and Dr. Jane Bates of the Palliative

Care team in Blantyre, Malawi as two of the four speakers who will advocate for what they think Livingstone would be doing today. Other speakers will focus on maternal and child health and primary community healthcare.

In the build-up to the event, we want as many of our supporters as possible to join the debate, so we are asking them to give their thoughts on what they think Livingstone would be doing if he were alive today.

Wednesday 13th November 2013, 6pm

Last edition we announced that EMMS International will be hosting the Livingstone Debate as part of his bicentenary celebrations, asking: ‘What would Livingstone be doing today?’. As the event comes together, we are happy to share more details with you.

the Livingstone DebAte

Ishbel Murdoch, great-great-granddaughter of David Livingstone and a Malawi bike rider shares her thoughts:

‘Well, I don’t think he would be a Ranulph Fiennes. More corners are now known in the world and, although exploration can and does still happen, I don’t think the challenge of exploration in isolation would have been enough. He had a clear purpose to his exploration to open out Africa for trade, farming and practical Christianity to encourage self-determination, not exploration for his own ends.

He may well have been a Doctor and taken this interest and practiced outwith the UK or he may have pushed the bounds of medicine here but he wouldn’t be sitting behind a desk in the paper-pushing management side of the NHS!

At his centre, he was driven by people, communication, Christian and geographical interests. So, today Livingstone would be exploring sociological, humanitarian, spiritual or

ecological boundaries and challenging the ordinary person to think more broadly for the benefit of society. There is so much more scope to apply these values than just medicine and there would still be plenty of work to do!’

Ian Campbell, EMMS International Board Chairman replies:

‘Surely, through Dr Livingstone’s spirit of adventure and struggle against oppression he would in today’s world be actively involved in fighting for human rights for those marginalised in some of the more politically unstable countries.’

What do you think he would be doing? Have your say by returning a postcard, emailing events@emms.org or using www.livingstonedebate.org. All supporters are warmly invited to attend the debate and thanksgiving service. For tickets, please email livingstone@nts.org.uk or call Eleanor McCallum on 08444 932207.

if Livingstone wAs ALive toDAy, whAt wouLD he be Doing?

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Ishbel Murdoch

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Amemorial service celebrating the life of Dr David Livingstone was held in Westminster Abbey on 19th March. One of many events marking the bicentenary

of the missionary’s birth, it was attended by many, including Her Excellency Joyce Banda, Malawi’s president, and staff and supporters from EMMS International were honoured to represent his connection to our organisation there also. At the event, Lord Jack McConnell gave an address, from which the following comes:

Image: Malawi’s

President, Joyce Banda

lays a wreath at the

memorial service for Dr

David Livingstone.

lord Mcconnell’s livingstone

23He was a medical man and a Christian missionary... Africa’s first freedom fighter.

On 19 March 1813, parents Neil and Agnes Livingstone could not have imagined what their new baby, named David, was going to achieve, or that he would be buried here in Westminster Abbey, with a message of condolence from the Queen, on 24 April 1874.

Following his death on 1 May 1873, his African colleagues had carried him to the coast so he could be buried at home. But he left his heart, literally, in Zambia as he left Africa for the last time.

He was a medical man and a Christian missionary and, in the words of Zambia’s President Kenneth Kaunda, “Africa’s First Freedom Fighter”. So, the service and his final resting place were fitting for a remarkable life.

Starting in the Mill aged 10, working 6am to 8pm each day, he attended school for two hours in the evening and developed a lifelong thirst for knowledge and understanding. After further study, he sought to use his medical training for a greater good.

The African continent was opening up as geographers, missionaries, and entrepreneurs fought disease, hostility and the forces of nature to explore and exploit new territories.

But Livingstone was way ahead of his time in his attitude to Africans and to Africa. Like others, he wanted to spread the Christian word, but he also wanted to explore and discover new places, peoples and things.

He wanted an end to abuse and exploitation. Inspired by the anti-slavery campaigners, his mission became to stimulate a new economy in central and southern Africa that would render the slave trade redundant.

His family life was affected by this unrelenting drive to discover and convert. Mary Moffat was a fellow pioneer, and very supportive wife, but life must have been hard, especially for their children, and we salute their sacrifice too.

Dr Livingstone helped us understand and treat malaria and other diseases, and helped generations better understand the geography and botany of the amazing continent of Africa.

Livingstone’s campaign against the slave trade became an unstoppable force. He gave respect and he won respect, judging human beings by character and actions, not by colour.

From the Missions established at the start of the 20th Century, to the Scotland-Malawi partnership today, his belief in mutual respect and development has lived long after his death.

Another great African Freedom Fighter, Nelson Mandela, once said:

“There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Well, Dr David Livingstone certainly pushed his boundaries as far as he could for the causes he held dear. And that is why we remember him, his family and his legacy.

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dAtEs for your dIAry

Leith Dragon Boat Race29 June

Join the EMMS International team for the 250m dash from Ocean Terminal, Leith. No equpiment or experience required. £100 sponsorship pledge.

London to Paris Bike Ride17-21 July

This long weekend challenge links two great European cities, London and Paris. Covering 300 miles in just 4 days. £149 sign-up fee + £1250 sponsorship pledge.

Lap the Lough, N. Ireland25 August

The annual 81 mile cycle event around Lough Neagh begins in its new home at Peatlands Park outside Dungannon. £30 sign-up fee + £150 sponsorship pledge.

edinburgh night ride7/8 September

Cycle 50 miles with like-minded cyclists along the twists and turns of the streets of Edinburgh on the first Edinburgh Night Ride. Lit by the moon and lights of the city, take in the iconic sights on the route past Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Observatory and Holyrood Palace.

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event guide 2013We have produced an Events Guide, if you have not received a copy and would like one, please get in touch.

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l EMMS Big Weekend including Bike and Hike7-8 September

Get involved in EMMS International’s annual big fundraising weekend! We are asking all of our supporters to do something this weekend to support our work.

You’re also invited to get on your bike for a great family day out. Cycle or walk around some of the most beautiful churches in your area, raising funds for EMMS International and your local church.

David Livingstone Bicentenary Thanksgiving Service13 Nov 2013, 4.30pm, Glasgow Cathedral

A service of thanksgiving, marking the bicentenary of one of Scotland’s most well known missionaries. Free admission by ticket only. For tickets contact livingstone@nts.org.uk.

The Livingstone Debate13 Nov 2013, 6.00pm, Glasgow Cathedral

Join us to commemorate the bicentenary of David Livingstone with the debate: ‘If Livingstone were alive today, what would he be doing?’. With speakers from Christian, political and medical backgrounds, we seek to ensure the response to global health needs remains fit for purpose.

To find out more about any of these events, or to sign-up please contact Louise Stuart, by email to events@emms.org or by telephone 0131 313 3828.

volunteer opportunityVideo project

We’re looking for a volunteer with experience in video/journalism to help us capture our work in Malawi. Your sklls would include:

- videography- video production/editing- journalismDepending on experience,

the opportunity would include a trip to Malawi during late summer 2013 and the chance to see the work of our partners first hand.

We aim to produce video material to promote our work to new and existing supporters.

Please contact Gary Brough, communications officer by email gary.brough@emms.org or telephone 0131 313 3828

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Little Cycling LadyLondon journalist Catherine Airlie

is joining the Cycle Malawi Team. She has already started blogging about her cycling training and is hoping it’ll generate more donations through Mydonate. Follow her updates at http://littlecyclinglady.blogspot.co.uk

Men Can’t Bake

Ian Campbell, Graham Whitham and Alistair Watt organised a special coffee morning with their crew of 27 men from Ayrshire to prove that men CAN bake. All baking, tea and coffee making and serving was done by men, all neatly dressed in white shirts and bow ties! The event raised over £700.

Send us your storiesSend us your supporter stories and

photographs and we’ll do our best to include them. Send them to info@emms.org or by post to the address on the back cover.

Supporter Update

A round-up of news from Emms International and supporters

Riverside Evangelical Church

John Hunter (right) organised a quiz attended by 82 people at Riverside Evangelical Church. He was joined by fellow Malawi bike rider, Ian Campbell (EMMS International Chairman). They raised £525 for Mulanje Mission Hospital.

Stockholm Skaters

Andrew and Emily Wells of St. Leonard’s School, St Andrews, skated 15 miles on a frozen lake in Stockholm and raised £220 for EMMS International. Well done!

27GIvING pAGEName

Address

I wish to make a single gift for the sum of £__________ to the work of emms international

I enclose a cheque/postal order/charity voucher (payable to EMMS International)

VISA Mastercard CAF Card

Maestro Delta Amex

Name of card holder

Card number

last three digits of security number (on reverse of card)

Expiry Date / Start Date / Issue No (maestro only)

I would like information on making a regular gift to EMMS International.

Tax free giving If you are a UK tax payer, EMMS International can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate at no extra cost to you. Please select one of the options below.

Yes, I am a UK taxpayer and I would like EMMS International to treat this and all gifts of money I have made in the past four years and all future gifts of money that I make from the date of this declaration as Gift Aid donations*

No, do not treat my donations as Gift Aid donations.

Signed

* You must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that you donate to will reclaim on your gifts for that tax year. Please note that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. Please inform us if you change your name or home address, want to cancel your declaration or if your donations cease to qualify for Gift Aid tax relief. If you pay tax at the higher rate you can claim further tax relief in your Self-Assessment tax return.

Date: | |

7 Washington LaneedinburgheH11 0nu

Tel: 0131 313 3828Email: info@emms.orgTwitter: @emmsintnlFacebook: EMMSInternational

EMMS International is a charity registered in Scotland No SC032327. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in Scotland No SC224402.

Emms International and its partners are transforming lives through compassionate, effective and sustainable healthcare.

palliative care | fighting disease and disability | maternal and child Health | strengthening Health systems