An update from Ted Watts, Director of PAACS Madagascar
Earlier this year (in March), the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) held their annual conference in Kenya. Every two years the families of the surgeons are also invited, so we were a large group of 3 surgeons and their families from Mandritsara. Our two new first-year trainee surgeons (called residents) also attended, making it a great time of learning, reconnecting, and encouragement.
The PAACS team: Ted, Daniel, Lalasoa, Santatra, Rado, Toavina, Desiré, Tefy, Roseline (visiting), Marco
The aim of PAACS in Mandritsara, is to train servant-hearted, mission-minded, skilled Malagasy Christian surgeons, equipping them with the skills and spiritual grounding they need to serve in some of the hardest-to-reach places in Madagascar.
The Residents: Desiré, Lalasoa, Santatra, Rado, Tefy, Toavina
The programme is now in its fourth year, with six residents in training. It was particularly special to bring Dr. Lalasoa, our first female trainee, and Dr. Désiré, our first Tsimihety trainee, to the PAACS conference. This was their first time meeting the wider PAACS community, and it was great to see them experience the encouragement, excellent teaching, and fellowship that make PAACS unique.
We also had the chance to connect with Dr. Benjamin, a Congolese doctor who will soon be joining us as a third year PAACS resident. He is in the process of sorting out his visa, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him once it’s finalized. Dr. Benjamin has been working in Goma, in the DRC, which is facing serious instability due to the ongoing M23 terrorist group crisis. It was sobering to hear about the challenges he’s faced and inspiring to see his commitment to serving as a surgeon in difficult places. Please pray for him as he prepares to move to Madagascar. (Latest news – he has now arrived in Mandritsara!)
Dr Benjamin and family arrive in Madagascar
Faith and Perseverance in Hard Places
One of the most humbling parts of the PAACS conference was hearing from surgeons serving in some of the hardest places in Africa. Their courage and faithfulness in the face of incredible challenges were deeply inspiring. Here are a few of their stories:
One faculty member described witnessing an IED (improvised explosive device, or home-made bomb) explode within sight of their hospital.
Another was bound, gagged, and robbed at knifepoint in their home.
One was falsely accused and threatened simply for treating a patient from the “wrong” tribal group.
Some require a military escort just to reach their hospital.
Another was refused a visa to return to the hospital where they had faithfully served for seven years.
A member of one missionary community was murdered.
One faculty member spoke of PAACS graduates continuing to provide surgical care under immense personal threat in the ongoing M23 crisis in the DRC.
Hearing these stories reminded us that for many, mission work is not just difficult but deeply costly. Yet, in the face of such trials, these brothers and sisters remain steadfast, clinging to God’s calling and continuing to serve. We praise God for their courage and faithfulness.
PAACS Retreat in Mandritsara
Just before the conference, we had our own PAACS retreat in Mandritsara, where Michael Prest, director of UFM, spoke to us on the Beatitudes. It was a really encouraging time, reflecting on what it means to live out Jesus’ teaching in the context of surgical training and mission.
One of the best things about PAACS isn’t just the medical training – it is seeing real spiritual growth in our residents. We’re so grateful for the way God is shaping them, growing their faith, and preparing them to serve with both skill and compassion.
PAACS Bible study
MCS Exam Success
MCS is Membership of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). A big highlight for us recently has been Dr. Rado and Dr. Tefy (our first two residents) passing their MCS exams, making them the first surgeons to gain this qualification on Malagasy soil! This is a huge milestone - and we’re really proud of them.
Tefy and Rado celebrating MCS exam success!
Both of them will be doing placements in other countries this year to gain extra experience:
• Three months in Angola, focusing on orthopaedics and vesicovaginal fistula repair.
• Three months in Kijabe, Kenya, training in paediatric surgery.
These opportunities will be invaluable as they prepare for the next stage of their training. Thank you for your continued prayers for our PAACS programme.
Prayer points:
Praise God for His good hand on the development of the PAACS training programme in Mandritsara, and for the trainers and trainees He has called there.
Pray for wisdom, skill and spiritual care for Ted, Daniel and Marco, the three full-time trainers, as they pass on their skills and experience to the residents. Pray most of all that they may model devoted Christian service in all they do.
Pray for the trainees, that they may become skilled and compassionate surgeons, and that they may grow in their knowledge of the Bible and in their Christian character.
Pray for Tefy and Rado spending time in Angola and Kenya, that the Lord will teach them many things.
Pray for Dr Benjamin and his family from DRC, that they may settle in and really benefit from this time in Mandritsara.
Pray for the wider ministry of PAACS, and for safety and protection in all the places they work.