Dear friends,
“For the silver is mine and the gold is mine,” says the Lord Almighty. “The glory of this new temple will be greater than that of the first…and I will give peace in this place…” declares the prophet Haggai (Haggai 2:8-9).
These were words of promise over 12 years ago that gave us the courage to begin the Shell Hospital project after the closure of the previous hospital. We have experienced gold and silver. And just in the last few days, we have gratefully received further financial assistance. Since the beginning, we have repeatedly experienced God’s surprises through outside help. The glory of the second temple, to which Haggai’s words refer, was not initially so “glorious,” but it would be by the time of Jesus. The Temple in Jerusalem became a wonder of the world in antiquity and also a spiritually important point in God’s plan for humanity. God’s words are true, even if they are not immediately apparent. Thus, it is a miracle that we are able to experience our hospital in its present glory. Peace has returned to Shell Hospital after some initial turmoil in the management. However, peace is not a static, permanent state. Peace must be lived anew each day in our interactions with one another. This includes forgiveness and new beginnings.
On October 17th, our team celebrated
10 years of Shell Hospital. For those who would like to follow the celebration in Spanish, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CFqZg6MGP/?mibexid=wwXlfr
The group of long-time prayer partners and their husbands, who have faithfully accompanied us from the very beginning, was particularly important. Some were no longer able to attend due to health reasons, but this group remains the backbone of our prayer work.
We want to continue being a hospital that proclaims Jesus Christ through our work. Every now and then, this requires spiritual encouragement, and that’s what happened a few days ago. The team is also working on improving its relationships with one another.
The celebration also demonstrated that Shell Hospital is firmly integrated into other institutions in the region. A network has been established. The local government, the fire department, the nearby military unit, and other healthcare providers continue to work together as a single entity.
This month, there are festivals for the town and the province of Pastaza. Our team has been invited to participate in a parade.
We also see fewer patients during this month. In addition, the Christmas bonus payment is due.
What else is on the wish list for Christmas and beyond? Thanks to a generous donation, we have some of the funds for the new anesthesia machine. Without it, we won’t receive our operating permit for March 2026. The operating room is a recurring issue for our facility, but also a crucial area. Our workshop also needs new tools.
A generator remains on our wish list. And we are also seeking a long-term solution for the photovoltaic system.
These days, Dr. Rivera has been conducting eye examinations and surgeries again. It’s always an important time for poor patients who cannot afford operations in the cities.
The first short-term missionaries have already registered for next year. We also offer opportunities to help in the medical and technical fields. We are still looking for young people to join our team.
Thanks for your prayers and interest in what goes on in the Hospital.
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.