Visiting surgeons continue to do wonderful work in the Eye Clinic. John Sandford Smith from Leicester has just made his 9th visit often performing 19 cataract operations in a day. Jan Tynovsky, from the Czech Republic, and Adel Wahbe of Cairo have also visited and shared their expertise with local ophthalmologists. Dr. Amal, from Aden, returned to us after receiving training in Pakistan as an eye surgeon. The gift of a Yag laser has improved and extended the scope of our treatment, while the bequest of six large, very attractive and comfortable benches from the old British Embassy Section in Sana’s has been a great bonus.

The medical clinic has seen the creation of our own well appointed laboratory funded generously and unobtrusively by a Yemeni manager. Also significant have been two occasions when we have lent our theatre to Yemen Smile, a Christian charity based in the capital Sana’a. They have paid two short visits and transformed the lives and hopes of young children and teenagers.

Ministry to Seafarers continues. There is much more that could be done, perhaps with the help of an energetic volunteer.

Just before Christmas, Pete Welby, from Liverpool, came to join us as a volunteer. He has just left school, is endowed with wry humour, a warm faith and a willing spirit. He helps out with various administrative tasks along with dog training, studying Arabic and playing the French horn.
Stephan and Joke Poldervaart and their three young children will be joining us. Joke, a nurse, will take charge of the operating theatre while Stefan, a carpenter, will oversee the maintenance and development of the buildings and plant. They are from The Netherlands, fluent in Yemeni Arabic, and lent to us by the Dutch Reformed Church. We look to their return with warm anticipation.

Congregational life at Christ Church continues happily. We are drawn from 15 nationalities and at least as many denominations.

Peter Crooks.