In October 1993, the Good News Hospital signed a contract with a building company from Antananarivo for the construction of the first phase of the hospital. This consisted of the out-patient department, laboratory, X-ray, pharmacy, operating theatre, maintenance building, administration and a staff house. At that point only a third of the funds needed for the construction were in hand. “What will you do if the funds don’t come in?” people asked. “Pray.” “And if you pray and the funds still aren’t there, what will you do then?” “Pray more.” Was the reply.
“We have no other source of funds. God is our only resource.”
The two walls in 2020
As the builders started work, the first thing the architect asked them to build were two trial walls – one in brick and the other in stone. He had to approve these – and then they were the standard to which all future walls could be compared. So the two walls were called the Ten Commandments – they were the standard, the “law” in two tables.
However, when the first phase of building was completed – funds having wonderfully come in according to the need – it was thought perhaps the stones should be called “Ebenezer, the Lord has helped us.” Because if anyone in Mandritsara now asks “What do these walls (stones) mean?” the answer is that they are a testimony to God’s help – His faithfulness and His provision.
At present, two major building projects are underway at the hospital. One is the construction of 3 new staff houses. These can be seen to the right of the photo on your left, some with roof trusses on, awaiting the metal sheeting. Funds are already in place for these houses thanks to kind legacies that have been received.
The other is the new block of operating theatres. This can be seen on the lower left of the photo, awaiting roofing and finishing. About a quarter of the funds required to complete and equip this are still needed. Where are the resources to be found? Only in God. And the praise will all be His. Thank you for praying.
Unloading the container at the hospital – new operating building on the right
A 40ft shipping container with 14 tons of building materials and medical equipment for the new operating theatre block has just arrived, sent by LIFT and HOW in Northern Ireland. Ted Watts says it included “Air con and airways, bolts and beds, conduits and cystoscopes…” etc! Praise the Lord for this wonderful gift.