Our News Letter with Postscript re Elysha Elizabeth Brooks

Oct 22, 2007 P.O. Box 140083, Kabompo, Zambia. E-mail dandebrooks@gmail.com
If you still have our zamsat address in your address book – please delete it.
Dear friends,
Romans 8:28 has come frequently to mind in recent months as we have seen how changes in programs and events in our lives always seem to work out in a greater appreciation of the Lord and His Sovereign working of all things together.
Assembly wise, since the resignation of the elders earlier this year, we have been very aware of a change in the tone of ministry, the Lord’s name has been uplifted and there has been a greater freedom to worship. We thank the Lord for this and continue to look to Him for the raising up of Godly elders. Meantime, as Don is away in Lusaka, for treatment on his knee and the other brother, who has had most of the responsibility, has been laid aside with a slipped disc, two brethren are assisting in the day to day work in the assembly. Please do pray for Kayombo, that the Lord, in His time, might bring relief to his back problem!
Re Don and his knee, which has been troubling him for some time. He was able to be seen by a Prof. of Orthopaedics who visits at Chitokoloki. Prof. Jellis recommended that he travel to the Italian Orthopaedic hospital in Lusaka for an arthroscopy and this he had on Saturday. The meniscus was not torn, as originally suspected, but frayed and he also has Osteoarthritis of the Patella. Having had the knee flushed out – he is now feeling more comfortable and will begin physiotherapy on Thursday. Lord willing, after some physio. and the removal of stitches, we should head back up to Kabompo next week. We thank the Lord for the facilities here in Zambia as the Italian Orthopaedic Hospital is one of the best in Africa and in fact some come from the UK for knee and hip surgery there. PTL!!
Elva too is thankful that after considerable problems with her eyes, during the time Don was in Canada for Betty’s funeral, she was able to get into the Kitwe Eye Hospital where it was found that she has glaucoma. Having commenced treatment when she went for her follow up check, it was encouraging to find that her pressures had come to with in normal limits and the visual field was also reasonable.
Betty’s funeral in July, (Don’s only sister) was a real celebration of her life of service, Folks here, especially in Lusaka, are still passing on their condolences - she was greatly appreciated and will be missed. We hope to have copies of her book "Angels in Charge" available soon for the folks here to buy. This is a book, which Betty wrote many years ago, of her experiences in Zambia, and our daughter Rachel has now revamped it.
The teaching this term was short as usual due to the final Gr. 12 exams which began last week. So we were able to get away to Lusaka for the medical check up for Don. The SU group this year was one of the best we have had for some years as seen not only in the commitment throughout the year of several members and the very good spiritual emphasis at the year end gathering. Many testimonies were given and praise to the Lord. Many thanked us for the help given.
We have received two new teachers during this year – one has only just arrived. Their presence will free us, a little, for the many other jobs which are demanding attention, one of the pressing ones is some large cracks in our house, which are very much in need of attention. We hope to be able to get some of these jobs done during the coming school break as well as have more time for visitation and hospitality.
P.S. Richard and Katherines little daughter, Elysha Brooks arrived 2 AM - Saturday, 27th October...2.6 kg (5.72 lbs) Oxygen levels are OK..."good mixing" across the "VSD"
Her full name Elysha Elizabeth Brooks - note E.E.Brooks - just like auntie Betty!! (Wouldn't she have been thrilled).
She has had another echo cardiogram and the findings were no different to those taken in utero. At least 6 major cardiac issues and she will probably spend most of the first year of her life in hospital.
(If you want more details and to be kept up to date - see their web page - www.rnbrooks.com)
We praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all that is to come.
Yours,
In Him and because He lives…

Don and Elva Brooks