Dear friends,
What took place after Jesus’ death and resurrection? That is quite well documented: the 40 days served as an additional training and preparation period for the disciples—followed by 10 days of waiting until Pentecost and the breakthrough of a new community of believers that quickly spread throughout the city. After that, chronological markers become less distinct. The Book of Acts presents a compilation of various historical events. It depicts continuous growth alongside setbacks, yet we are speaking here of a span of more than 30 years—in fact, more than an entire generation.
Klaudia and Eckehart Wolff stepped down from leadership at Hospital Shell four and a half years ago. Therefore, it is time once again to report on the journey traveled so far and the outlook ahead. We have been blessed to see that the current administration has done excellent work since late 2023. They have established institutional stability and internal peace. Many legal gaps, both small and large, have been resolved—areas that we, as initial foreign directors, had not recognized at the time. Furthermore, new regulatory frameworks were introduced by the Ecuadorian government. Overall, the hospital now stands on a much firmer and more secure footing, both legally and practically.
For young people arriving from abroad, community life in Shell has served as an eye-opener. Significant life decisions have been made here regarding their vocational paths and spiritual journeys. This became evident once again over the past summer. We remain in active contact with several of these visitors and can affirm this reality: Hospital Shell continues to be of vital importance for international volunteers and short-term workers.
And unexpected challenges continue to emerge: while renovations have concluded, new complications arise. Currently, new sewage and drainage lines are being laid for the residential housing situated behind the main building. The previous system was over 40 years old, and the concrete pipes had collapsed. Our local team is carrying out this labor on their own initiative. Skilled friends are providing technical expertise free of charge, overseeing and guiding the installation so that expenses remain manageable—even though this work has temporarily depleted all financial reserves accumulated from housing rentals, which normally feed into the general hospital operating fund.
Several critical decisions lie directly ahead in the near term:
– Despite stringent cost-saving measures, the hospital continues to rely on approximately $2,000 to $3,000 USD monthly from international donations; operating below that threshold is currently not feasible.
– We are seeking to appoint additional dedicated members to the Foundation board. Despite earnest efforts, this has not yet materialized. We must expand our national foundation so local leaders can assume greater institutional responsibility; we ask for your prayers in this regard.
– The board of directors must convene this month to determine their position on the proposed solar photovoltaic energy project for Hospital Shell.
– The legally mandated employee severance and retirement fund remains alarmingly underfunded. It should stand at $100,000 USD, leaving a substantial gap still to be met.
– Regarding the urgent need for a dedicated, full-time staff internist—whose presence would decisively transform inpatient care and hospital finances—we continue to wait for God to call the right physician. Or does He hold different plans? A missionary doctor filling this role would be an immense blessing.
Throughout history, as in the early Church, matters do not always unfold according to plan. We watch with anticipation to see where God will lead us next. Four and a half years do not constitute a full generation, and institutional growth to date has moved forward slowly. In what areas are we standing in our own way? Thank you for your continued accompaniment and faithfulness!
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.