Dear Friends,
The Bible presents LIFE to us as a contrast between two coexisting worlds that are inextricably linked. There are the momentous events, God’s work in a person or in world history, such as the Exodus from Egypt, the destruction of Jerusalem and the later return from Babylon. We also know of such events in Jesus’ life, like his birth, death, and resurrection. But there are also significant gaps in our narrative about which we know little. Major events are often described with contrasts like life and death, slavery and freedom, sorrow and joy. Alongside these, God’s Word speaks of times when the difference is only perceptible from a distance, like the growth of plants or children, yet this is just as important in the life of faith. Growing, spreading, becoming, maturing…such movements are usually described with verbs. Both events, the dramatic and the steady, quiet ones belong to the life of faith; they form a unity. They cannot be played off against each other. Our faith encompasses both.
This also reflects the life of Hospital Shell. Especially during Easter, we should not only remember the resurrection of Jesus, but also the subsequent 40-day “Bible course” the disciples received. This training prepared them for their future ministry. This is also one important message in Easter time!
We have repeatedly reported on major events, such as the hospital’s founding, changes in leadership, and the 10th anniversary celebration in October 2025. And what about in between? There is a process of maturation and growth, which, as in real life, doesn’t always run smoothly.
The annual inspection by the Ministry of Health is scheduled for early April. Even more regulations mean additional signs and notices on walls and doors. For weeks beforehand, there was painting, repairs, and checking the expiration dates of all medications and laboratory equipment. These “sins,” however minor, can have legal consequences.
We once again have a urologist who will not only examine patients on an outpatient basis but also perform surgeries. We hope and pray that this time he will become part of our team and not again seek employment at more lucrative clinics.
We are still having difficulty expanding our inpatient services. As a result, our revenues are stagnating. The new blood gas analysis unit in the lab does little to change this. It requires more courage, but also more night shifts and weekend work from our staff. The obstacle often lies in our mindset and daily routines. And the longed-for internist, the complete solution, has yet to be found.
Another roof repair at the hospital is due soon. It needs to be sealed in more places. This means further costs.
Where can we save money? Certainly not on staff. One possibility would be the energy supply. A significantly more cost-effective photovoltaic system project is currently being examined. But that, too, will initially require a substantial investment.
Overall, the hospital remains dependent on some external donations. We hope that short-term international aid workers will spread the idea of international assistance back to their home countries. They should become ambassadors for Shell. The maturation process at Hospital Shell is currently progressing slowly. Sometimes it’s difficult to endure such a phase.
We don’t currently see a major shift in direction, but we don’t want to be dissatisfied either. Whenever we seemed to be at our limit, God had a saving idea. We trust in that now.
Thank you to the many people at home and abroad who are part of this growth movement.
Thank you for all your prayers!
The Shell Team
(Eckehart & Klaudia Wolff)
Donations: Lightway Medical Foundation
PO Box 8066
Fort Wayne, IN 46898
Checks can be mailed there, or you can donate through the website.
LightwayMedical.org/donations.