Hospital Dedication

Over 2 years ago the Australian government gave us lots of money, through the PNG Incentive Fund, to build a new hospital, and the day that we were working toward finally arrived - the day of dedication. Here is a quick play by play to let you know what happened.

• Josh McCoy surprises his parents (pretty special)
• All gather at the Tari gate to start our procession into the tent
• Kudjip road is lined by primary school folks singing a song thanking the Australia people for helping build this new hospital (very nice)
• -A Luthern band leads the dignitaries and the procession into the tent (grass a little muddy, but not bad), many folks gather in the tent, and many more stand outside to be a part of it
• -MC introduces all the dignitaries (so everyone who talks can welcome them again)
• -Bill gives a short welcome (brevity appreciated)
• -Bill, Andy, and Jim play the PNG national anthem on their trumpets (they have done this before, so are getting good at it)
• We all sing a few songs, and the NHM choir sings Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus (yep, 3rd time in 16 months I have sang in a group in front of a whole lot of folks)
• Remarks start - Deputy High Commissioner of Australia John Feakes starts us off (very nice), Rev Verne Ward (Asia/Pacific Regional Director) shares in Pidgin briefly, leaders of the Sekeng and Kumu lain share (brevity appreciated), a few others also share (some longer than needed)
• Jim plays a very nice trumpet solo that was inspiring and got us back on track (thanks Jim)
• -Dr. Jesse Middendorf (General Superintendant of the Asia Pacific Region for the Nazarene Church) gave a very nice dedication address. He used examples of Jesus who healed and sent out disciples to do the same, and that is what we are - Jesus to these people as we touch them, care for them, heal them.
• -We then were suppose to make a nice procession out of the tent to the hospital for the ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling. The crowd didn't seem to want to wait and everyone made a beeline for the hospital.
• Dr. Middendorf prayed and then cut the ribbon, Mr. John Feakes got to unveil the plaque commemorating the day, and Bill got a key to the hospital
• Bill then gave a special group a hospital tour (this was suppose to be 10 people), but all the people walked through and did their own tour anyway.
• Then we enjoyed mumu food that had been prepared overnight and early that morning by many faithful people on station
• Mr. John Feakes was presented with a plaque thanking the people of Australia for their gift which made this day possible

It will be a few weeks or more before we move into the new hospital as there is still more work to do. Until then, we will continue to serve and care for folks as Jesus did in our current facility.