2008-11-1 Angola: The Menongue outreach

In November 2008 DFL had the privilege to go to Angola for the 4th outreach. One of the donors who had made this trip possible, requested the main medical focus to be on eye surgery - more specifically cataract lens replacements. Surgery was only done on patients that were blind in both eyes, and one eye per patient could be treated. We would like to heartily thank every donor who made it possible to extend a helping hand to the impoverished people of Angola.

Our team consisted of 14 doctors and volunteers. The destination was the town of Menongue where the team was warmly welcomed by the Governor. We started each day with a devotion after which medical examinations followed. The Dr Gerhard Kok, screened patients on one day and completed surgery the next day. Dr Albu and Dr Nato treated many more patients with other ailments, dispensing medicines and doing dental work. A total of 1400 patients were able to receive assistance during our outreach. The patients included a lady with leprosy, a small girl with cancer of the eye, another girl with a huge tooth abscess, some with open wounds etc.

The day after surgery we experienced ‘eye-opening’ excitement when patients had to return for their eye-caps to be removed. All were filled with immense expectancy when Dr Kok removed the eye-caps. One man burst out overjoyed: "I can see my doctor!" Another lady, Katarina stated she could now go to church again. She then mounted the back of her son’s bicycle and was taken home. Eliza couldn’t stop looking at her dress in amazement to the beautiful colours. One of the patients desired to proclaim the gospel once again after receiving back his sight. He used to eb a pastor but stopped preaching after he became blind. Another group clapped their hands in Luchazi style as a sign of appreciation. Dr Albu reminded them that it was because of the Gospel that the team came to them in Angola. He thanked God for this work and prayed that their sight would be to God’s glory only.

Before surgery the people came with canes tapping, stumbling and some even had guides to lead them. It was moving to watch the change as the seeing left to go back home. Out of habit one man grabbed hold of the end of his grandfather’s cane. Then his grandfather burst out laughing with the rest of us. ”I don't need to be led, I can see", he exclaimed. We were able to perform cataract eye surgery on 41 patients. We thank God for the work He has started among the population of this desperately needy country.

Interested to read more on this article: click here