   |
Dok Elma Jocson(ED Note: Initiated under CWC's Outreach Program area, this Christian effort is presently flourishing under the able direction of our Mission Chair ~ Amy Lofgren. with able assistance from Emma Lou Bosco. Charles Wesley is committed to a covenant support relationship of Dr Elma Jocson, a missionary surgeon in the Philippines. The church maintains email contact with the good doctor (picture shown)- and the email messages below are the most recent we have received.)
CWC also provides support to Nicholas Benjamin Whitfield Memorial UMC in Libera - click here, or on the "Whitfield" tab at the left to go to that page .
  August Update from Doc Elma - as emailed to Emma Lou Bosco 8/22
Dear Emma,
Thanks for your email. I feel a little frustrated that i am still here. Im stuck because of communication delays but im sure
its God's timetable at work. As of last info, i am not going through US. I am still here in the Philippines waiting for final
word from GBGM so i can book my flight already. There has been problems with GBGM's email systems and my emails
gets railroaded before it gets to my Area Exec.
I was re- instated, my letter of agreement says Aug 1, 2010 to July 31, 2013. My last dose of Rabbies shot will be on
Aug 25. I asked Wellness if i can leave and get that last dose in Liberia. They advised to finish it here, might not be available
there. I also have my visa now. Even then i have been asking GBGM if i can book my flights already. I have determined
that its cheaper to do it on-line.
So i am ready to leave by Aug 26, awaiting final confirmation. My mother, 75yrs old, will join me in December. After much
prayer, and we are still praying, she will live with me as i am now the head of the family. She is excited and has already
plans for her own ministry. She used to be a BibleWoman, lay deaconess from years ago. Some missionaries bring husband
and children, im bringing my mother. GBGM was asking about her health insurance and support. I said i am all that now.
I am very excited and very ready to leave. By the way, i have passed the part3 practical exam!! I am now a Board
Certified Pediatric Surgeon. Truly God is wonderful, His ways unknown. All those time of communication delays, the
part3 exam happened. Also i have celebrated my father's 1 yr death anniversary.
Pls give my love to everyone. I hope my next email will be about my imminent departure.
Elma T Jocson
606 Oval St Sto Nino Marikina City 1800 Philippines
Phone: Home- (63-2) 9413329 ; Cell- (63) 918-3853758
***************************************************************************************
June Update from Doc Elma - as emailed to Emma Lou Bosco 6/23
Greetings all,
I have heard from GBGM... and God has spoken. I will be starting my quick preparation after my part2 Specialty Board (oral) exam on
July3. I need to start my Liberia assignment soon. I will plan to go home next year to take the part3 practical exams.
Dr Olak (Nepal) recently emailed all previous surgeons to tell us that Feb-June 2011 will be a 'no surgeon season' for Tansen and wants us to consider helping out. If i can fit it, if schedule and personal funds allow it i will go there for a month to help out, of course it will depend how (Liberia) Ganta Hospital is set up. My mother is thrilled of all this developments. she plans to spend Christmas in Liberia with me. I will probably be gone by end of July or early August. Im quite excited now to be starting a new chapter, and i thank God for my short visit in Nepal. Please continue to hold us in prayer. I need to pack, health re-check, secure visa, and finish up/ endorse all church responsibilities. Thanks that i can rest in your friendship. God bless us.
Elma T Jocson
606 Oval St Sto Nino Marikina City 1800 Philippines
Phone: Home- (63-2) 9413329 ; Cell- (63) 918-3853758
**********************************************
Hello Emma.
Thanks for your email. I am still here in the Philippines awaiting for the Oral Exam (part2 of specialty board exam in Pediatric Surgery)
scheduled on Jul3. I am supposed to begin my Liberia service by July but i am asking permission from GBGM to extend my Leave of Absence until December so i can begin in Jan 2011. I haven't heard from them. If i pass the part 2 exam, the practicals (part3) follows after 2 months. I want to finish all of these exams and not think about it again as i begin my service.
My mother is well. I noticed she aged quickly after the death of my father. She seemed more weak and frail. But she is keeping healthy and happy, as busy in church as much as before. She enjoys this time we share and is getting ready to let go of me again. I would have wanted to bring her with me to Liberia, we are still seeking God's will on this. She is vacillating between staying to assist my younger sister's family here or coming with me.
I was in Nepal for 2 1/2 weeks for a holiday last month but i ended up working to give some relief to my colleagues. It was a great time to renew friendship and re examine commitment to full-time mission. What a wonderful discovery- i thought i have forgotten my Nepali language. But as soon as i handed my passport to airport immigration, it all came instantly. The hospital staff asked if i had been practicing my language whilst in the Philippines. Really felt honored to speak their native language. I empathized with the burn patients instantly, loved the teaching rounds with the young Nepali doctors, enjoyed being back in the operating theaters again. I would love to come back if God wills it. The hospital have repeatedly asked me back, they need surgeons. I am open to serving there again.
I am the current Pastor-Parish relations Chair, and its a bit challenging at the moment. We have quite a big congregation and
handful of staff. As we strive for nurturing, caring and evangelizing ministry, the Enemy has taken hold of some of us. Pride and envy has taken root. The devil is truly relentless more so inside the church. I continue to enjoy teaching Sunday School. So my plate is full. Other than a surgeon, i get to do a lot of roles.
Thanks again for your loving friendship and continued support to mission. Give my greetings to all friends in your church. Bye for
now.
Please pray on these issues-
1. part 2 & 3 Specialty Board Exam in Pediatric Surgery; 2. when to begin service in Liberia; 3. Mother coming with me or not.
Elma T Jocson
606 Oval St Sto Nino Marikina City 1800 Philippines
Phone: Home- (63-2) 9413329 ; Cell- (63) 918-3853758
**************************************************************
May Update from Dok Elma - as emailed to Emma Lou Bosco
Dear Charles Wesley Friends,
The first step of the exam (written) was as expected difficult. Results will be revealed soon enough. My mother is doing well, she prepares herself for the time I will leave for Liberia. I would have like to bring her with me, and I'm still preparing for that option. But she insist that I leave alone and she will follow later. July is still the projected start of Liberia assignment. I only have typhoid shots left for my immunization update.
Nepal is drafting its constitution. After the dissolution of the parliament and the monarchy, Nepal has been declared a secular state. Although this is essentially on paper only because there are some persecution to Christians and they are not treated equal. We need to pray that it should be included in the Constitution that it should remain a secular state, with freedom of religion. Do you (k)now that Nepal just celebrated their New Year 2067? They have a different calendar there. I miss Nepal.
... Thanks for always praying.
Elma T Jocson
606 Oval St Sto Nino Marikina City 1800 Philippines Phone: Home- (63-2) 9413329 ; Cell- (63) 918-3853758
*************************************************************
February Update from Dok Elma
Dear praying friends,
I have been silent for almost 4 months now. Yes, the last newsletter I have sent was November2009. I have been receiving request for updates. I have been remiss of my responsibilities to you and i'm sorry.
Since finishing formal training in Pediatric Surgery in October2009, I have since started tackling several reference books for Pediatric Surgery. I am also working on my research paper, and my requirements to take the Specialty Board (written) exam in April 10. I have participated in my home church's Medical Outreach to an indigenous people group (Dumagats).
Non medical pursuits include teaching Sunday School from October to December. We have resumed our Discipleship Bible study. One great joy at the beginning of the year was when my neighbor, whom I have known since childhood, agreed to study the Bible. Praise God!!!
I should have left for Liberia last January. I have taken the suggestion of GBGM to take a leave of absence for 6 months and delay my departure for July. This option was good for me since there's the April 10 exam. And I thought then that my mother wasn't prepared to be alone 3 months after my father passed on. I later realized that I myself wasn't ready to leave. I thank God for this time of preparation, a transition in more ways than one.
I am transitioning to a new place of assignment. I have assumed the status of being the head of our family. I have acquired new skills on a surgical specialty. I will be making new friends and families. This time can also be disconcerting- worries that creep into me. Praise God for His faithful companionship. Praise God for His Living Word. I miss my friends from Nepal.
I have updated all my immunization shots save Cholera vaccine. I have inquired on ways to secure some surgical instruments from International Aid. Im spending as much time with my mother, i still dont know if i can bring her with me to Liberia. I would prefer it that way.
Please pray for:
1.- written exam in April10, 2.- completion of all requirements, 3.- God's guidance re: house issues, 4.- preparations for Liberia.
Thank you for your covenant to the mission of God to the world.
Elma T Jocson
606 Oval St Sto Nino Marikina City 1800 Philippines
Phone: Home- (63-2) 9413329 ; Cell- (63) 918-3853758
February Update from Dok Elma To Emma Lou
Thanks (Emma Lou) for emailing me. I am still in the Philippines. I was supposed to leave for Liberia (next assignment- Ganta Hospital) last January but was advised by GBGM to go on Leave of absence for 6 months to take my Specialty Board exam in Pediatric Surgery and probably deal with the loss of my father. My planned departure is July this year. You can search Ganta hospital.Liberia on the UMCOR website, see where God will use Charles Wesley next. Please tell everyone at Charles Wesley that I value your love for the mission, and grateful that you have continued your support with me as your missionary. I am aware that the US economy is suffering and that Christians arent immune to the effects of the slump. Me and my family and our home church is praying for God's deliverance and help during these times.
Please help me pray for my exam which will be a 3-tiered specialty board exam. the 1st will be Written exam on April 10. This will be followed by Orals then Practical exams. I guess it can be likened to passing thru a needle eye.
Im sorry i havent written any update. I think my last was Nov09. I will take time to do this as you are the 3rd person to inquire about me. Thanks again for all your love and support.
Elma T Jocson
606 Oval St Sto Nino Marikina City 1800 Philippines
Phone: Home- (63-2) 9413329 ; Cell- (63) 918-3853758
*********************************************************************************************
Dok Elma's Musings - OCTOBER Dear praying friends, Our house was flooded up to the neck. My mother evacuated to my sister’s house and it also became our safe haven for the next several days. For 4 days we scrubbed and cleaned until daylight allowed - there was no electricity. By nightfall we stopped and ate and rested. By the time we were gaining cleaner house, the news of a super typhoon Melor came. Panic was in the air but became real when it started raining and we saw flood Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:57) Dear praying friends - ********************************************************************************* Our Missionary Surgeon's Loss & Plans - August 2009 You may contact her at dokelma@yahoo.com or Elma T Jocson 606 Oval St, Sto Nino, Marikina City 1800, Philippines *******************************************************************************
Dok Elma’s E-Musing March 2009
Dear praying friends-
Barely a week before the month of March bid goodbye, I finally got to send my ‘e-musing’. I recently wondered why I haven’t received any email, usually from Sunday school kids, asking what my typical day is. Maybe because I’m listed as being on study leave. While studying is traditionally a school-classroom situation, mine is hospital-operating room setting.
My typical day starts with cups of black coffee and the Bible. I rush to the hospital at 6am so I can do patients’ rounds. By 7 or 8 am operation for elective (planned operations) cases start. It feels that everything takes time in Pediatric surgery. Back in Nepal, our patients can only tolerate procedures less than 2 hrs duration. Now even kids under 1 month old can last 8hrs of operating time. We do 1-2 big cases and several small cases daily. While operating, my cell phone doesn’t stop ringing informing me of referrals to surgery from the Emergency Room and floor wards. I have to go out of the operating room if there’s a super emergency referral- a baby that has no intravenous access and a cutdown has to be done, or a baby needing a tube put in to drain air or fluid in his lung. Usually by 6pm I am done and I can answer the other referrals, see all my ward patients. Hopefully by 12 midnight I am done and ready to take the horizontal position. Oh yes, I do eat in between cases- Day 1. And snatch some reading time too. Ring, ring! My cell phone just won’t stop and my energy is low. I have to get up anyway by 4 am to start my rounds and get ready for the day’s OR list. Day 2 starts, this day I won’t get the ward referrals as my colleague is now the on-duty Fellow. Normally I can go home by 5pm, I should. But I can’t. If there’s an emergency case that needs to be done or I just don’t have the energy to go home, I stay in and sleep in the operating room complex. This way I get my 8 hours sleep, or more, to catch up on sleep. By Day 3 I’m 32 hours on-call duty again. Recently, I was in the hospital for 5 straight days. I was in the Emergency Room talking to a pediatrician when I saw my mother. What a surprise! My parents dropped by to see me because I haven’t been home. Of course they brought me food for my body. But they also brought me food for my soul. They visited for 15mins and before leaving they prayed for me while we were at the hospital lobby. That would have been a beautiful picture. Me in white coat, my father’s hand laid on my head, my mother’s hand holding mine, us three bowed down in prayer. I’m closer to finishing my training but I am even more aware that I need God more than ever. I praise God for loving parents who have put their trust in God. I praise God this two-year study leave granted to me because I am with my parents. Actually, I am in the same city as my parents but we are still very thankful for this time.
I thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I need, please pray fervently, for strength, courage, patience and kindness. I need the fruit of the Spirit! I need time to worship. I’m looking forward to Lent where I am on-call only on Black Saturday. There’s going to be a big Christian gathering on Palm Sunday and I’m planning to sing praises that day. Pray that there will not be any big emergency case to operate. Pray also that I will be able to read a book for my soul.
And please start praying for God’s direction regarding my next place of assignment. Although Nepal friends are waiting for me, GBGM has suggested I start praying for Liberia in West Africa. And that’s what we shall do- pray that God will lead me where He will want me to be. Thank you for your support.
Elma
****************************************************************************************** Dok Elma’s E-musings Volume 1, Issue 2 February 2009
Dear praying friends,
Thank you for all the Christmas and Birthday greetings you’ve sent me. I celebrated my birth anniversary last month and I really felt special because I was showered with love and prayers. I received numerous greetings from among you, and from those I don’t even know, from places I have not known. I am blessed by countless women who use the Prayer Calendar. They are United Methodist Women who fellowship and grow in faith together. They tell me that they choose a missionary who has the same birthday as each of them, send the missionary greeting cards and prays for them. I have proven that be it in Nepal serving or in the Philippines studying the strong prayerful support of family, covenant churches and the other United Methodist Women gives us missionaries a ready supply of strength and joy.
Elma
*********************************************************************************************
Dok Elma’s January '09 E-musing Volume 1, Issue 1January 2009 A blessed new year, dear friends — Indeed I am still alive. I am ashamed to admit that my last newsletter was last August. I have not kept in touch with most of you and I am truly sorry. You have been faithful prayer partners and I have been silent. My friend told me about the ‘tyranny of the urgent’ where nothing is accomplished except those things that are urgent. I have fallen into that trap. But to improve on this matter is one of my plans for this year. As I begin my 2nd and final year of training. And I’m enjoying every minute of it. Just to explain to you what’s going on, I’ll start from the basic. I am already a General Surgeon-a medical doctor who had finished 5 years of training in General Surgery and has passed the Specialty Board Exam. Now I am undergoing training in Pediatric Surgery-operating on newborns and children. Our patients are so tiny and fragile. Often we are reminded that our patients are not small adults. They have less blood volume, prone to hypothermia and very dependent on external source of energy. (This picture shows you how small they are.) While in Med School I have never considered going into Pediatric specialty. I knew how difficult it is to manage children. For one, they don’t speak. They can’t tell you what’s wrong with them. They just cry, cry more, and then suddenly they go downhill. So what am I doing here in Pediatric Surgery? When I was serving in Nepal I was already operating on children. But there are some children born with congenital defects that we can’t help- children with complex defects. This and the fact that I wanted to be home with my parents led me into this training. As I am on study leave I sometimes feel that I have stopped being a missionary for a while. False! I have opportunities of service here as I have elsewhere. Even among a people who claim to be Christians, Christ is sometimes forgotten. Parents whose child will be operated will almost always tell me that they are leaving their child’s life into my hands. Always I am quick to respond that they have it wrong, that it is God who holds everything and has the power to heal. I also have a consultant who doesn’t believe in God, and I pray for more opportunities to talk with him. I also have disappointments- I have stopped leading Bible study and have not joined the choir. My church involvement is limited to tithes, irregular attendance, and membership to PSPR (Pastor Staff Parish Relations). I have quit doing aerobic exercises, I‘d rather lie down and sleep. I am on my 2nd year, I request that you continue to hold me up in prayers- that I will take hold of every opportunity to lead people to God. Pray for my next place of assignment, that God will make clear where He wants me to serve. Thank you for keeping me in your heart. Elma ***************************************************************************************
Dok Elma’s E-musing
August 2008
Dear praying friends,
Have you had enough of my graphic prayer letters? I’m imagining you getting mixed feelings when you see ‘Dok Elma's e-musing' in your inbox. (Laugh) This month's prayer letter is definitely something to rejoice about. You have poured out your love to me and our patients at Tansen Hospital (Nepal) by prayers and financial gifts. Last year I asked you to give towards the emergency room renovation. Praise the Lord for your overwhelming response. Although I am on study leave, my heart is full of Tansen. So let’s rejoice together!
On July 16th 2008 Jennie Collins (UMN Executive Director) officially opened the new Emergency Building. It was a great occasion and marked the completion of a project that has received much prayer. Yes, there were many times of uncertainty as to whether the building would get finished, but we have seen God's provision throughout this in some amazing ways. We received monies from various sources for the actual building structure as well as fixtures, fittings and donated equipment.
The new building includes a new ER, Dental Department, Physiotherapy Department, examination rooms and better facilities for our Pastoral Care team, providing individual counselling rooms.
Thank you to all of you who prayed specifically for this project and to those who generously donated money and equipment. Also included is an article written by Jeena John, a missionary-engineer who oversees the building of the ER. Tansen Hospital has a website. You can access info and web copy of the magazine 'Friends of Tansen' by going to www.tansenhospital.org.np – menu on right side of page – click bullet 4 (Friends of Tansen 2008) under ‘Latest News’ – next page menu on left click ‘Friends of Tansen 2008’ – then ‘Friends of Tansen’ Magazine – then ‘Friends of Tansen Magazine 2008’.
God bless you more and more!
Elma
Elma T Jocson
606 Oval St Sto Nino
Marikina City 1800 Philippines
Phone: Home - (63-2) 9413329; Cell - (63) 918-3853758
Biographical information - http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/
(Note: the Emergency Department was dedicated to the memory of Mark Masters, a GBGM missionary who died at TansenHospital in 2006 while visiting Elma and other GBGM missionaries serving in Nepal.)
For further information, contact:
The Advance
Board of Global Ministries The United Methodist Church
475 Riverside Drive, Room 350 New York, NY10115 Advance@gbgm-umc.org
An Update on our New
EmergencyDepartmentBuilding
April 2008
Can you guess how many patients visit us each year?
At Tansen Mission Hospital, we see approximately 10,000 patients every year! Some of these patients are from surrounding towns and villages who walk for days to receive medical care. Our current emergency room is a small room that can accommodate two patients at a time. Inside it is the nursing station, a private
exam area, and storage shelves for medical supplies. If there are more than two patients in a time, they are often placed on trolleys in the outpatient department corridor for observation and care. As you can imagine, it can be challenging to care for patients who are not within sight of the caregiver! Construction for a new emergency department building began in April 2007and is progressing well. We are anticipating completion of the building by end-April 2008.
We thank you for your prayers for this project and appreciate all the support we have received thus far.
This building will have three floors, with the emergency department located on the third floor. Vehicles
will be able to drop patients off directly outside the emergency department. Within this spacious and well-lit
emergency department, we plan to have ten patient beds, a nursing station, a procedure and consultation room, staff and patient toilets, a store room for medical supplies, and a waiting area for patients’ families and visitors. The second floor of this building will comprise various outpatient clinics which will be accessible to
all outpatients from the current waiting area. This floor will house the Dental Clinic, the Occupational
Therapy Department, the Social Service Department and specialty clinics, which include ENT, Tuberculosis,
Leprosy, and the HIV clinics. The ground floor will function as a garage for staff and hospital vehicles,
including an area for the security guards.
The estimated cost for this project is approximately $250,000 US dollars.
We trust that God will continue to provide the remaining resources in His time.
Jeena John,
Engineer
****************************************************************************************
Dok Elma’s Emusings
July 2008
Dear praying friends -
My country, the Philippines, is composed of 7,100 islands (on a high tide). We are part of the typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is no wonder that we are visited by a number of natural disasters that if we ever (however far-fetched) became incorporated in the US of A, we’d be referred to as the State of Calamity. You have probably seen in the news recently of the number of lives lost when a passenger ship sunk during a strong typhoon. Still a big part of the southern islands are struggling with the aftermath. Thank you for remembering to ask about us and praying for us. Inter-island traveling is doable and relatively cheap, but is difficult during emergency situations.
My patient is Jaylord, a one-month old boy, wt. 11 lbs, from an island southeast of Manila. They traveled 13 hours on a medium-sized boat, got on a bus and then a jeep to get here. Jay was vomiting and his tummy was getting bigger and bigger. By the time they reached our hospital he was dehydrated and had low blood pressure. It’s not that they don’t have a hospital in the island. It’s because there is no pediatric surgeon there and the general surgeons are not confident enough to operate on this small child. So they braved the distance and brought Jaylord.
At the emergency room he was built up and optimized for operation. On opening, I found that his small bowels had twisted 3 times, causing the blood supply to his intestines to be compromised and non-viable. Dead parts had to be cut off (distal jejunum to cecum resected) and what was left viable was 10 cm. of the first part small intestine (proximal jejunum) and the large intestines. As you know, different food nutrients are absorbed in the different parts of small intestines, and water absorption takes place in the large intestine. Very little absorption takes place in that first part. In the presence of severe infection and with such a long segment of small bowel taken out, this boy was projected to have little chance of survival. I had 3 options: A - close the abdomen and talk with the parents that there is nothing we can do; B-cut the dead parts and bring out the ends of the bowels into the skin like a colostomy. This will be a slow death because of malnutrition; C- join together the ends of the cut segments (end to end anastomosis). The risk of this option is failure to heal and malabsorption because there is no bowel for absorption to take place and there would be a rapid transit of milk.
With lots of prayer I took the 3rd option. I thought that it was best for my patient and followed up with lot more of prayers. One of my consultants commented that it was very brave decision - another pediatrician said that patient should be on long term feeding thru vein. God is truly amazing. He displays His power over His creation and His wisdom over human intelligence. Jaylord, on his 3rd post operative day, started breast-feeding, had a smooth recovery period, and went home by the end of the week. Although the course operative was very good, the reality is that the problem is far from over. I have counseled the parents that nutrition is our #1 problem. I also primed them of possibility of a slow death due to malnutrition. The parents were happy that they were able to bring their son home alive.
Two weeks after discharge, I was surprised to find the family smiling with Jaylord in mom’s arms. He has gained weight, his wound has healed nicely and his has recovered from the effects of his illness. (picture taken during this follow-up.) Praise the Lord!!! The parents were very thankful and I had to redirect their gratitude to our God who heals.
Jaylord and his parents
I am on my 9th month of training in Pediatric Surgery. I am well, just really busy. Thank you for always keeping me in your prayers. Please continue to pray that God will energize and sustain me physically; increase my brain cells so I can learn as much as I can; and spiritual nourishment when I have very little extra time for other things than hospital work. Pray also that God will be clearly seen in all I do and the way I live. Thank you.
Elma T Jocson
Missionary code: 13980Z
606 Oval St Sto
Nino Marikina City
1800 Philippines
Phone: Home - (63-2) 9413329; Cell - (63) 918-3853758
You may email Elma directly - dokelma@yahoo.com
Biographical information - http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/
For further information, contact:
The Advance
Board of Global Ministries The United Methodist Church
475 Riverside Drive, Room 350 New York, NY10115 Advance@gbgm-umc.org
********************************************************************************************** April 2008
Dear praying friends,
There was one great product I was introduced to last year when I visited Mission Hills UMC, San Diego. I was so convinced of its efficiency that my host Susan gave me one to take home. It’s called Tide pen - the handy, take anywhere (esp. when eating out) instant stain remover. I bring this Tide pen in my tote bag. One day I had the opportunity to really put the pen into test. I needed to erase an ink stain on my white coat. Viola! It’s gone after several passes. Truly great product! If only human mistakes and deficiencies can be corrected as quickly and cleanly with a stroke of a ‘Tide’ pen.
One night I was called to the Emergency Room because a 1 year old boy had an accident. The story was that Maeko was left alone playing in a room while his mother was tending to their store (home business). Maeko started crying and when mom went to check Maeko was sitting holding a broken bottle. There was something coming out through his belly wound. My theory was he was playing with the broken bottle, fell on his behind and hurt himself - his insides coming out. The ward pediatricians and nurses were nervous because they too have not seen the ‘insides’ (we are not a trauma center) before. In their nervousness, they kept asking the mom in an accusing manner - implying that she has neglecting the care. Maybe in your country the Child Protection Service would intervene. We have an almost equivalent arm but its will is quite limited. The mom therefore who, I’m sure, was feeling guilty even without the help of the hospital staff, was beginning to be a nervous wreck. After explaining to her that Maeko will need to be under the knife I wanted to say more to give her hope. But I was choking up with pity because this poor mother was crying her eyes out. So I handed her a hand-carved wooden cross and told her to put her trust in Jesus who will always hear our prayers and is always near to those who calls. She took one look at the cross in her hand, cried out and embraced me. “Yes doctor, I will pray. Please take care of my son.” Tuesday, April 22, Maeko and mom came for follow up. Maeko is doing very well. Mom was very thankful and showed it by gifting me with a bunch of banana. She keeps the cross I gave her and tells that she treasures it. The Tide pen maybe great but the cross of Jesus is much more powerful. It doesn’t just erase the stain of sin and death - it also brings hope, healing and life. Incidentally, the cross I gave her is one of the many hand-carved crosses that Gene Baker (Riverside UMC, VA) made from his apple trees. I’m quite sure that Gene never dreamed of ministering to somebody halfway across the world. But that is how God uses us - our small acts make great achievement for His Kingdom. Maybe we are God’s version of Tide pen to a world of pain and suffering.
Let us praise God for making us worthy to be servants of His. Elma
Elma T Jocson 606 Oval St
Sto Nino Marikina City 1800
Philippines
Phone: Home- (63-2) 9413329 Cell- (63) 918-3853758 Missionary code – 13980Z
Biographical information –
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/
*************************************************************************************************************************************
March 2008 Jesus is Risen!
Hello praying friends. Long time no hear from me, haven’t you? I’m sorry for not sending news. I have several times, but only in my mind. I’m finding that I have less time to do correspondence, almost my entire waking hours devoted to hospital work. But God is good. I am currently on a 5-day enforced sick leave. Yipeeee! Shouldn’t I thank God for these days of rest and recuperation? I can sleep longer, rest my tired feet, and catch up with my correspondence. I was also able to spend time reading and meditating on God’s word. I have always heard that the (one) message of Christ’s resurrection is hope. Now I am taking that hope for myself - and for my patients.
There are just so many children with congenital defects. Let me introduce you to two of them. Michelle (in yellow) is 8 months old and born with only one hole for her urine. Her condition is called cloacal anomaly. It means that there is a common end canal for genital and intestinal tracts. She has had several operations: 1) colostomy, when she was newly born to provide an exit for her feces; 2) a 9-hr operation to separate her genital and intestinal tracts and its proper orifices when she was 6 months old. Her last would have been closure of colostomy when all the neo orifices are adequately patent and has no abnormal connection between the tracts. Sadly, Michelle has developed abnormal connections (fistula) so that closure of her colostomy will be postponed. This congenital defect is rare and difficult to manage, with bad outcomes. Michelle’s mom told me that she hopes that I will be able to continue managing Michelle’s care. I hope I can bring God’s hope to them.
Ramona (in red) is 3 years old although she is small and weighs only 8kg (17lbs). Her mental development is also delayed. She has trachea-esophageal fistula, an abnormal connection between her wind pipe and her food pipe that floods her lungs with saliva. When she was only less than a week old her food pipe was sutured closed and a feeding tube was placed into her stomach. She has had the big operation last November but it failed. Her wound healing is compromised. She comes every month to have her feeding tube changed. We hope for her to gain weight and be infection-free before we attempt another big procedure.
Hope …we need it. If I look at our patients and their conditions, if I honestly assess our abilities, any effort seems pointless. But why does God allow these to happen? Who sinned - is it the parent or the child? Didn’t Jesus say that it is because that God’s glory will be revealed!
Let us pray together that God’s glory will be evident in places God’s children are. Pray that my memory will be sharp, my heart be soft, my hands be gentle and my voice be soft, and that a little sleep will be sufficient. Pray for the mothers of my patients, they suffer much for their children. God is our hope, our only hope. Thanks for praying.
Elma T Jocson
606 Oval St.
Sto Nino Marikina City 1800
Philippines
Phone: Home - (63-2) 9413329
Cell - (63) 918-3853758
Missionary code - 13980Z
Dok Elma’s E-musing October 2007 Dear Praying friends, I love the time between 5 to 6 pm. After crossing the street I stand and wait for the jeep (mass transport), I am treated to a magnificent view of God's creation. There are orange clouds laced with gray, against a blue background. Philippines is known for its dramatic sunsets. Although I am far from the ocean, our skies are as gorgeous as our sunsets by the beach. This evening views are what give me pleasure as I leave the hospital. Yes!!!! I have started with my training in Pediatric Surgery last Oct 1. God has His own timing. I know that and yet I was impatient. As I have told you I am on study leave. But my study is a hands-on training in the discipline of surgery for children, especially newborn babies with congenital defects. There are only 2 hospitals here in the Philippines that are accredited to train surgeons. I was surprised to find out that there are less than 40 pediatric surgeons in the Philippines. That is probably one reason they don't want to train me when I have stated that I am going back to the mission field and will not be staying here. What’s it like going back to training? I am suffering from culture shock in my own country! Even though I’m back in the hospital environment, I feel that I’m out of my depths. First, I was required to have a palm PDA to input our patients' data. Even though I am computer- literate, I am challenged to use a very thin inkless pen to press a small screen. Next is getting used to being reached all the time via high-end cellular phone. This phone was gifted to me after a gratis operation on a thyroid patient. Now I am reachable all the time. There goes my personal space. I should feel like a fish that is thrown back into the pond, but I actually feel like fresh-water fish transferred into the ocean. After Nepal where I am the boss that makes all the decisions, now I reverted back to being the insect at the bottom of the chain. From operating on big people mostly with big incisions (surgical cut) our patients (pediatric surgery) are sometimes smaller than a well-fed cat! But I am thoroughly enjoying myself. Well, aside from those challenges. Imperforate anus (absence of anal hole) is the particular anomaly I was interested in. I have seen a dozen of them in a week! I have had several opportunities to tell people to put their trust in God alone. Although Philippines prides itself as the only Christian country in Asia, my people's love and devotion to God is often being taken away by earthly pursuits and new age mentality. They need to be reminded about the gracious God who is above treasures and ideology. Pray that I will have more opportunities to share and that I will be bolder. Also pray that these challenges I have enumerated will be opportunities for growth.I have also started our Discipleship Bible Study with 2 women. Initially I was tempted to cancel it because I am so busy. But I also prayed that I will not make this Bible study as the first to be cut off when I've little extra time. And I was so encouraged for these women are so excited to grow in their faith. We are using Beth Moore's "Breaking Free" and I am being energized by my time with them. So forgive me if I don't answer your email as quickly as I did when I was in Nepal. Please pray for this group and another group of 3 that will soon start. May we grow together in our knowledge of God and have a deeper relationship with Him. I've had 2 wonderful opportunities to visit with 2 fellow missionaries. Helen Shepard is our missionary working in Mongolia. And Janet McCarthy is working in the south of the Philippines. Praise God for Janet's working visa that has come through. Pray for Helen's ministry in facilitating home care to the people of Mongolia. My parents are well. They are taking good care of me. When I am overwhelmed by the challenges I have told you, I immediately think that it’s because I am old (older than usual). It was almost my excuse for being slow in getting in sync with the new system. Then God spoke last night through Isaiah 40:30-31. "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they walk and not faint." Pray that I will always keep in mind that God is my eternal source of strength and stability. Next prayer bulletin, I hope to send a picture (another challenge, hahaha). Thanks for your partnership in God's work in my life and life work. Elma T Jocson
606 Oval Street Sto. Nino Marikina City 1800 Philippines Tel # (63) 2- 9413329/ (63916)-3853758
Dok Elma’s E-musingDecember 2007 Dear praying friends, How was your Thanksgiving celebration? Here in the Philippines we don’t have that as a national holiday, but I celebrated it not with turkey with cranberry sauce or caramel-coated apple. Two months finished, I only have 22 more months to go to finish training. Its not that I don’t like what I’m doing, I absolutely love it. My work is so interesting and I have a lot of opportunities to grow personally, and witness for God. And for God to manifest Himself to me. Jhon Francisco is 14 y/o boy with advanced pulmonary tuberculosis. He was brought to the hospital because of severe difficulty of breathing. On work-up it was found that his pericardium (sac that encloses the heart) had thickened and retained inflammatory fluid. Both caused to restrict the pumping action of the heart causing his body to decompensate. Our cardiovascular consultant planned for a major operation where the chest would be opened, the sac would be removed and all infected tissues taken out. The operative risk is so great, the financial burden big and emotional preparation even bigger. During the meeting with the family, my heart literally was torn. Oblivious to the amount of money that the parents have to put together, Jhon pleadingly told his parents that he wanted the operation because he wanted to go home. He was only afraid of the pain after his chest was sawed open (not a Black and Decker saw this time, hehehe). He would need 9 units of blood, therefore 18 people to donate blood. I made an appeal to my church to come see Jhon and his parents, demonstrate God’s love by praying with them and donating blood. Praise the Lord! One Godly woman came and read the Bible, preached and offer God’s gift of eternal life to all who were in that room. There was no question in that family’s mind that God has helped them. During the operation, Jhon’s pericardium was thick and rigid, covered with whitish infected films of tissues. After the operation, Jhon had 4 big and 1 small tubes connected to his body (see picture). It’s so amazing to see his recovery, how God healed him physically and let His grace flow to this family. Jhon has gone home well and recovered. His family is very grateful to God. Please pray for countries like the Philippines where tuberculosis still affects a big number of the population. Pray that medicines will be effective, available and accessible. Jhon after surgery Last week, as I was thinking about Thanksgiving, I was scrubbed assisting an extra cranial repair of meningoencephalocoele. What a mouthful! Meningoencephalocoele is a defect in the midline of the face, that area between the eyes, forehead and nose. The mass or outpouch contains both brain tissue and fluid because the defect includes a missing part of the skull. The operation can be 1-stage doing intra- cranial (opening the skull and closing the defect by removing the connection and bone patch); and then an extra-cranial plastic reconstruction of the face. My patient is Mark, a 2 y/o that has had the intra-cranial repair and is now for plastic reconstruction. The area is wide, with a hard knob of extra skin; the eyes are misaligned and have no corner fold. The intricate operation lasted 3½ hrs. During those hours I was meditating on how God works on us to transform us with ever increasing glory (2 Cor 3:17-18). Every small, calculated movement during the operation resulted in a small but noticeable improvement. The eyes are nearer, and now has corner fold. The nose had to be taped closed and breathing through the tube through the mouth. After reconstruction surgery. When I look back on the painful ways God corrects me, I am thankful that God lovingly smoothens my rough edges. One vivid illustration is God as a potter that shapes the soft clay in his desired shape and design. During the shaping, the harder or rougher part needs a harder pressure to conform, isn’t that right Pastor Michelle? Praise God for calling us to be His children. Praise Him for His loving correction. Thank Him for His patience. Pray that you and I will not be resisting God’s fashioning, that during the process we will know and love Him more. There are more occasions that I am being thanked by patients and relatives. I thank God for it’s a lovely feeling to be appreciated. And I thank you for your prayers and tangible expressions of love and partnership in our Lord’s work. I thank God for you. Elma Elma Jocson Missionary code: 13980Zdokelma@yahoo.com 606 Oval Street Sto. NinoMarikina City 1800 PhilippinesTel # (63) 2- 9413329/ (63916)-3853758 Biography web page: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/ dokelma@yahoo.com***************************************************************************
I have been late in writing to you. I have been home (Philippines) since July 22 from itinerating in 3 UMC conferences for 4 ½ months. These are Virginia, California Pacific and West Michigan conferences. I have been blessed and ministered to by visits to covenant friends that have become a family. Because this prayer bulletin has been late in coming, let me warn you that this is rather lengthy and has 2 pictures attached. Read on my friend. Itineration News: I have visited 65 churches and had a great opportunity to share what God has been doing in Tansen Hospital. I am very grateful to all who welcomed me into their home and lives. I was so blessed by all of them. Although this is furlough in the missionary community, it is actually home assignment where we are to visit covenant churches. Home assignment doesn’t technically apply to me because USA is not my home. But I feel very privileged because I was adopted into homes and church families. I was indeed home! Thank you for gallons after gallons of good coffee. Thank you for the many episodes of “Law & Order” that I have enjoyed. Of the 78 speaking opportunities given me, I was most pleasantly surprised by folks who unflinchingly enjoyed private showing of my X-files (picture folders of surgical cases). It was so funny when someone from the group protested when I was quickly flipping through some blood- drenched photos. ‘Go back, go back. I want to see it’, she said. They are on fire for missions. I have seen many creative means of raising money for people of other nations. From bake sale, craft shows, spaghetti diners to collecting things for recycling. I have failed to visit 4 churches in VA because I went home earlier than I preciously planned. I also wasn’t able to visit covenant churches outside the 3 conferences. Tansen News: Great news! We have raised over $30,000 for the Emergency Room project. The ER construction has begun (See picture of the ER’s ground floor). The generosity of people is so overwhelming. Below is an account of the biggest, most recent mass casualty that was brought to the hospital, as emailed by Dr Lawrie. Please remember to pray for the missionaries and the people of Nepal. Thank you for your loving gifts. Last Monday Aug 20 an overcrowded bus, perhaps as many as 150 people, with 30 or more on the roof) lost control and overturned and rolled 200 meters down a cliff, on the road to Gulmi, about 1 hour from here. Must have been a gentle topple, as witnesses at the previous town of Hartook, could see the bus swaying from side to side, even on the straight road - one said he saw the police bribed with money not to intervene in an obviously overcrowded bus. Anyway the driver had time to jump clear, though 26 others died on the spot, many others dragged back up the hill, and flung into back of commandeered jeeps, and rushed to Tansen Mission Hospital. Previous instances had highlighted the importance of calling ahead and now with many mobile phones, TMH was forewarned and could pre organized the mass casualty plan. 12 midday, and the crowded outpatients and emergency area was cleared, resources and staff mobilized, so that when first casualties arrived, action stations in the red, yellow, green areas. Even with prior warning, we were quickly overwhelmed, with 59 patients presenting, 36 admitted, many with serious head, multiple injuries. It is very hard intense work to jump from one critically injured child, whose resuscitation efforts failed, to the next unconscious patient brought in with obvious intracranial bleeding. We did our best, though was overwhelming in resources, ( using the only laryngoscope to intubate a number of patients ) , ran out of oxygen, stretchers etc. 6 were either dead on arrival at TMH or died in emergency, and another 4 have subsequently died in the aftermath. Certainly a disaster of epic proportions, and I was really proud of how hard and well everyone worked as a team, even the medical and senior Tansen Nursing School students were involved, did their best in less than ideal circumstances, followed the systems and processes we have in place for disasters. It certainly highlights the structural inadequacy of our tiny emergency room, and the importance of current fundraising for the new emergency building that is having concrete foundations poured at the moment. Also highlights the ongoing need to Primary trauma course workshops, of which another had already been planned for mid Sept, before I leave, particularly aiming at the emergency and anesthetic Health assistants and new doctors. So pray for those families torn apart from this tragedy. I had the unpleasant task of needing to try to match the unknown deceased with the admitted family members. To be a family traveling together and then suddenly, a father and child from same family die in the accident, and the mother and baby remain in hospital must be absolutely horrific. Also remember the new and young inexperienced doctors and nurses, whom we need to mentor and counsel and help thru their post-traumatic experiences. Like all disasters, there was the convergence of many little mistakes that lead to it. Impatient Nepalis, previous bus did not run, talk of Bandhs (strike) and being stranded in Butwal, overcrowding, greedy bus operators, poorly maintained vehicle, no road safety laws, corrupt police, road had been affected by landslide, lack of ambulances and trained paramedics, etc. Tansen hospital emergency room construction (picture not available). Do any of you know about a gift of US $4,187 which was credited in our JP Morgan New York bank account on 2nd July 2007? In the advice it mentioned as Elaine Wetzig, Rockhampton 4700, Ordering Bank, Bank of New York, 48 Wall St. New York NY 10005-2901. Please tell me if this gift is from so I can inform Tansen who they can thank and send acknowledgement letter. *Please DO NOT send me any check in the mail. It will be hijacked. Another sign of moral decay in my own country. Personal News. This is quite painful to share and for a long time is didn’t want to email you. I have been informed twice that I have been accepted into a Fellowship training program in Pediatric Surgery. I was told that I would be starting Aug 1 hence, the early return to the Philippines. It hasn’t happened yet. Every time I follow up my papers I would be informed that this Doctor- Consultant has this question, and that this office has an issue he wants to clarify with the previous Doctor. Two Department chairmen have been very blunt in telling me that my disadvantage is that I will serve in another country. I am feeling restless and unproductive. Also very discouraged that learned men in my own country would be so inefficient and unwilling to help people of other nation who are less blessed than us. I am distressed because I now begin to think if I have misheard God’s voice. At first I was consoling myself that God is allowing this so I can have the sabbatical rest that I was prescribed. But waiting is very difficult, as you know yourself. I am beginning to consider other paths to hasten my papers. In my culture, an influential person is use to broker agreements in any sector of society (Padrino system). I didn’t want to do it though I know and am known personally by some people of influence, for I wanted God to make this happen. I believe that if God wills for me to have this training He will make a way. But I am losing heart and have noticed that my convictions are wavering. Maybe I really should use such men. I went to a necrological service where the life of a 92-year-old woman is celebrated. The pastor preached on John 14 where I was reminded to ‘not let my heart be troubled, only believe’. The pastor also quoted a verse in Psalms that says, ‘do not put your trust in men’. Can God make Himself any clearer? I am of use in church as I have started teaching Home Bible studies. I am being a good daughter to my parents. They are well. Please help me pray that I will rest in the knowledge that God has a plan and I need to wait on him; that I will not fret but be grateful for this time of rest; that I will be listening closely to God’s direction and that I will be obedient always to His leading. Thank you. Elma Elma Jocson Missionary code: 13980Z
Email – elmaganda@yahoo.com
For further information, contact: Office of Covenant Relationships ******************************************************** Dok Elma’s E-musing March 2007
Dear praying friends,
Greetings from the rainbow State. I have started my church itineration on this paradise island of Hawaii. Most of my Nepali friends see home assignment (which is what this is called although its not really home) as vacation. Only several days off the operating room and I’m missing the action already. My hosts here are very smart not to put knives on the table. They stay clear from asking me medical questions too for I might just pick up the knife and start cutting!
In my last payer bulletin, I have told you I was attending a medical conference in Thailand and then would go to Cambodia on my way to US. Thank you for praying for me. The medical conference was excellent. It’s called ‘Christian Medical and Dental Conference’ and is designed for medical missionaries. More than the scientific stuff I was especially thankful for the spiritual feeding I had there. The Bible studies and worship were very helpful to me. We studied Abraham and I was challenged to examine and re-examine my calling and 'lay on the altar' things that I value. God spoke through His word and I believe I heard Him. Pray that I will continue to obey.
Next stop was Poipet, Cambodia. This is another mission hospital but is not UMC-sponsored. I was invited by the doctors there. They don’t have any regular surgeon and rely on those who can give some of their time. Thanks to GBGM for allowing me to pass thru Cambodia. I had a very fruitful visit. We had 8 operating days and we served 22 patients. Thyroids -14, gallstones - 2, groin hernias - 3, pediatric hydrocoele - 2, abdominal wall hernia -1. The setup is very different from Tansen. For one the operating theater is spotless, sparkling white - as I have said they rely on visiting surgeon only and have 3 cases per day on a 3 operating days/ week schedule. There is only one doctor there who is an American general practitioner. During my time there I also taught him how to do procedures. Hopefully he can gain more confidence and skills for when he is called upon to do emergency operations. One day a doctor from the government hospital nearby came. They knew that there’s a surgeon in the mission hospital and appealed if I can come and help the surgeon doing a procedure. They were running into a surgical, intra-operative problem. I went and scrubbed with them. I am thankful that God has put me in that place at that particular time -to help, teach and bridge the gap between two hospitals. The Cambodian doctors are opposed to the existence of the mission group. After that the Cambodian surgeon came to the mission hospital and scrubbed with us - he is the one on my right hand side (in the photo). The tall guy across me is Dr. Kent Copeland, head of the project and the only doctor in the team.
(Ed note: picture N/A)
I was told beforehand that there are lots of goiter cases in Cambodia. And sure enough there were enough to keep me busy. I had a first - one grateful lady on her 2nd post-thyroidectomy day hugged and gave me a kiss. She said, 'Ak kun' with folded hands held in front of her face. Praise God for He has enabled me to help a few there. I have proven (again) that my skin color can bridge the culture. They spoke to me in Kmay and I tried to answer in Nepali. Of course we didn’t understand each other, but when words fail lots of smiles and a touch speak loud and clear.
Thank you for your commitment to support the mission and to pray for me.
The need is great everywhere. In Tansen, we continue to pray for a general surgeon. There are only visiting short-tirmers as well. Please remember to pray for Tansen and other mission hospitals all over the world.
By the way. Remember the boy I told you about last February's 'e-musing'? The boy who fell from the 3rd floor and had brain injury? I was informed by Dr Sunil that he came back for follow-up and he is able to walk with support and has started talking. Praise God!!!!! Thank you for praying.
Also I would like to make clear... I am not retiring. I am trying to get into a sub- specialty training program in pediatric surgery. I am going back to the mission field with or without that. That is the desire of my heart. And I would appreciate it very much if you could pray for this as well.
Hope to see all of you sometime soon. I will try to send out prayer bulletins even while in home assignment.
Elma
Elma T Jocson
dokelma@gmail.com Missionary code: 13980Z
************************************************
Dok Elma’s E-musing February 2007
Farewell to Tansen
Greetings from Kathmandu.
Yes, I have left Tansen and will be traveling to home (Philippines). Saying goodbye wasn’t difficult. I guess I am ready to move on to another chapter of life. What am I saying?
My 2nd term as a missionary general surgeon in Tansen Hospital is finished. Thank you very much for all your prayers. I couldn’t have lasted 5 ½ years if you have not stood by me, or more aptly put, knelt with me. We, you and me, have accomplished much in Tansen with God’s enabling. I wish I could count the number of patients we have served. But they are too many. I can remember only those who have challenged my faith and my skills, those special patients that you heard about and prayed for.
On my last weeks I had several of these special patients.
- Sangam is 12 years old boy who picked up an unexploded socket bomb used for river fishing. He was brought in with a blasted left hand. Sorry, this is too gory for photo. Because of the blast he developed kidney failure due to muscle damage. We thought we were gonna lose him. Dr Sunil faithfully worked on and prayed for his kidney problem while I managed his hand. He went home with a fully recovered kidney and a left hand with 3 functional fingers.
- There was 8 yrs old Amrit (photo taken right after operation) who fell from the 3rd floor of his neighbor’s house. He is from Tansen and so was brought in within the 1st hour after the accident. Even so his condition was very poor. He had open skull fracture with brain evisceration. Isn’t that a mouthful! It means Amrit had a big scalp wound, cracked skull with brain matter coming out. Yes it is horrible, and it is life. We took him immediately and opened him up. The damage was very extensive and his outcome was poor. I prayed for healing and was very happy just because he was still alive after the operation and breathing on his own. His recovery was slow but progressive. He regained consciousness on the 2nd day but was very irritable. By 5th day he was opening his eyes and responding to verbal command. He started moving his right side of the body although weak and delayed. At 7th post op day he was stable enough to be transferred to Kathmandu (12 hrs road trip) for rehabilitation. The news we got is that he is recovering well and the family is thankful.
- There was one day that we have had two 8-month-olds whose small intestine telescoped into the large intestine. Both had to be operated: one was manually reduced, the 2nd had to have bowel surgery. Both went home.
Would you be surprised if I tell you that I am planning to study and undergo sub- specialty training in Pediatric surgery? Although I can do some operations on children I want to be skillful in dealing with birth anomalies. We get a lot of them here. So I maybe saying goodbye to Tansen hospital but I am not saying goodbye to missions. Our partnership in the Lord Jesus Christ’s work isn’t finish yet.
There is more work to be done my dear praying friends. We need to continue to pray -
1. Pray for surgeons who are now in Tansen. Pray for more surgeons to come.
2. Pray that I will be able to get into a good training program in the Philippines.
3. Pray for my short time at home. I need to see to my parents’ health issues.
4. Pray for my safety as I plan to help out a mission hospital in Poipet, Cambodia. I will be operating on mostly thyroid cases. March 10-22.
5. Pray that we will see each other as I go visiting churches in US after the Cambodia surgical mission. March 23.
You will continue to hear from me as I will continue sending this prayer bulletin. Please contact your conference’s mission person for details of my whereabouts. I would like to meet you and tell you about Tansen in person.
Please note my other email address: dokelma@yahoo.com. See you soon.
Elma
Elma Jocson
Missionary code: 13980Z
************************************************
Dok Elma’s E-musing January 2007
Dear praying friend -
Do you take care of your feet? Or your hands? I am amazed at how much is available to take care of the hands and feet. Used to be just hand and body lotion, or some will swear Petroleum jelly was the pioneer. Now there are nail and handcream, foot lotion, even cuticle cream! Now men, don't turn your nose up. It’s not just us women who love these products. Some of you use them too so bear with me. I love my feet. They are not the prettiest but they are my best carriers. They bring me everywhere. They have never yet complained even though I have killed 2 toenails, given them blisters and calluses, walked for days in them, hit it on a corner when I’m in a rush and stood on them for hours on end in the operating room. Well, I show my love by soaking and scrubbing and massaging . . . . when I have time.
Dr Reiner, a fellow surgeon, always said “in Nepal you save a life when you save a limb”. He meant that we have to do everything we could to save a patients limb. An amputation is the last option for it is definitely a sure ticket to a much harder life. There are no access facilities even in public places here. Most roads aren't paved! And culturally, one eats with the right hand only. But there are lots of times when the condition of the patient necessitates an immediate amputation to save his life. And we don't think twice.
Shyam Lal is 24 y/o and came to us in mid November. He went to India to find a job as a cook. He was trying to catch a bus to work when he the bus backed up and run over him. He was brought to one of the hospitals there where they stitched him up and told them he should go somewhere else because they have no money to pay the bills. After 4 days Shyam was brought to Tansen hospital in a terrible condition. Dr. Warren received him and was very decisive. Shyam's injury was so extensive and managed poorly that he needed an outright right above knee amputation; very wide debridement of his right elbow, groin, right thigh and back. He also needed a colostomy to protect all those grossly infected areas. (now you should know what debridement is by now). Even then Shyam didn't look like he is going to make it.
Then he was left to my care.
But he is blessed with a very good and caring father. He was blessed to be brought to Tansen where poor patients are treated well. He is blessed to be prayed for by you. Two months post injury Shyam's hospital bill is accumulating but nobody is bothering me anymore. (Yes, some office personnel were bugging me about that but I only shrugged my shoulders and smile.) And Shyam is so blessed to be healing superbly. As you can see he has started ambulating under the watchful eye of
our physiotherapist, Bikram and his father. My only problem now is his back wounds which I am dressing with honey and betadine. (Ask me later about the excellence of honey.) But in the very near future he will be referred to another hospital for leg prosthesis, and his colostomy will be closed.
He will be going home alive and walking.
Please don't get tired of praying for Tansen and our patients. And the next time you wash or even look at your feet, praise and thank God for them, and pray for those who had to have theirs amputated.
Thank you for your prayerful support.
Elma Jocson
c/o UMN
Box 126
Kathmandu, Nepal
Missionary code: 13980Z
**************************************
Dok Elma’s E-musing November 2006
Dear praying friends -
I got my first Christmas parcel last Sunday. It was from a missionary family who are now back in their home country, Deutschland. And just like a child I didn’t wait for Christmas. I went ahead and opened my present. What joy! I’ve got a pair of knitted socks.
Are you thinking of Christmas present for me? My patients? Tansen hospital? Here is a wonderful opportunity. It’s not for me. It’s for the people of Nepal. Tansen hospital has a need to expand the current Emergency Room. Presently, our ER is just an 8x6 meter (26 feet x 19 feet) room that can accommodate 3 trolleys/gurneys and 2 examining tables and 2 writing tables. Every normal day we would have an average of 40 patients being seen and managed. This is quite manageable because they don’t come all at the same time. But we get a lot of mass casualties due to road traffic accidents. The last time we received 39 patients when a bus full of people loss control and ran into a tree. (Picture: victim from a bus accident being resuscitated.)
(Ed note: picture unable to be displayed) During mass casualties we convert the open reception area into a bay for less seriously injured and reserve the ER for the critically injured. We find that the ER is really small to deal with these accidents. And so we believe
that expanding the ER will greatly increase Tansen hospitals efficiency for service. Now the whole ER project would be very expensive. So I have thought of campaigning for the ER roof. I have a desire for it to be called the UMC ER roof. If you feel you can contribute towards this project please send us your gift. Write the check out to United Mission Hospital Tansen and designate ER roof. Please send the gift by post to my address below. If you would rather send it by bank transfer please ask me for details.
It seems I can’t write to you without telling you about my patients. I have 8 Burn patients, 3 of whom are large surface area burns. There is little donor skin to graft the burned areas. Please pray for these special 7.
The 4th surgeon (American) is excellent. He is very skilled, enthusiastic and full of energy. He even works on his days off. I now have somebody to discuss my patients with. Pray that he stays longer. And another surgeon (British) comes next week as Dr P-G leaves for Sweden. There are lots of comings and goings in the team. It’s both an exciting time but sad season for goodbyes too.
Pray for us.
Elma
Elma T Jocson
UMN-TansenHospital P.O. Box 126
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel # (977) 75-520489
Missionary code #13980Z
******************************************************************************** (Ed Note: Below is an update to the October news from Doc Jocson - suggest reading that first to appreciate the setting and gravity of the situation)
Subject: Matthew's Update
Dear friends,
I apologise for the relative silence, with no updates. A number of things have happened as we continue to go along the roller-coaster. It feels like the attendant has taken a tea-break and isn´t there to let this family off it yet. Not sure how many more times we can do the corkscrew maneuver again!!
Today (Wed) will be 4 weeks since this all started way back in Tansen.
Matt, the super-trooper, is back to his cheery self as he has got over a huge setback over the weekend. Over the week he had the occasional headache and fever. On the weekend, he was given permission to leave the hosp for the day, and I took him home where we all had a great time together.
However, towards the latter part of the day, he started getting more and more unwell. I took him back to the hospital and he developed a raging temperature and what I suspected to be a reaction to one of the antibiotics each time it was given. It turns out that 2 of the antibiotics were causing trouble. Serious trouble. He was getting a hypersensitivity reaction to the cephalosporin (cefotaxime) and bone marrow suppression from the flucloxacillin. Well, he is now in an isolation room because there are only
about 10 white cells running around in his body trying to keep the bad guys out. His platelets, whose job it is to prevent him from bleeding and to start the clotting process, well, there ain´t too many of them around. The red blood cells that carry the oxygen, these guys are really asking for big overtime payouts. Matt was a real sick pup on Sat night, and had me up by his bedside for most of the night. However, once again, he has bounced back, and was his usual chirpy self the next day. He seems to excel in looking better than he should be, given what he has in his head and what he doesn´t have in his blood vessels! His blood counts are all still low, and the antibiotics have been stopped/changed. Can´t do without them, can´t do with them. We now just wait and let his bone marrow start making more soldiers.
The good news is that we had an urgent CT scan of his head on Sunday (thinking that the abscess may be spreading) and an MRI scan yesterday (for standardized comparisons) have shown that the abscess is getting smaller. The measurements have gone down by a millimeter or two in at least two dimensions. Yaaayyy!!
Matthew read from Psalm 25 this evening before he went to bed, and we talked about v4-5 -
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths: guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long".
How true those words are.
This morning, a boy called Paul who is 15 years old, with a similar problem to Matt´s went up for his 3rd operation to drain yet another recurrence of an abscess in his brain. Matt prayed that Paul would be brave and that God would be with him the whole time during the operation. He was, and He was.
The rest of the family are bearing up well. They are staying at Joe´s home and enjoying good company and help from friends and family.
Please pass on this update to your various friends and groups that have
been praying for Matty.
**************************
Dok Elma’s E-musing
*****October 2006***** Hello dear friend -
How are you doing? How is it going in your corner of the world?
Nepal is celebrating the biggest festival of all - Dashain. The festival is celebrated for 2 weeks! It’s when Nepalis from all over the globe try their very best to come home to be with their families. School is closed - so does other hospitals. So that means we get more patients while few staff works. We ladies in the project also had a small celebration. Once in a while somebody comes up with an idea so we can get together for a little fun. A foot spa ladies night! We were told to each bring food to share, a basin and effect for feet and nails. Thirteen ladies from different countries enjoying a cup of coffee while out feet were soaking in warm water mixed with shampoo (for bubbles and fragrance). That was after a grand feast, of course. And the very ladies thing we did was chat while looking over some bead necklaces to buy. What fun! I wonder why some people think missionaries are boring people.
We had cancelled that ladies night previously because our team was feeling a bit low. Two weeks ago, one of our kids had a real bad emergency. Mathew Lee, 6 years old, 2nd child of Maurice (anesthesiologist) and Michele from New Zealand had convulsion and facial paralysis. Matty had been complaining of headache and fever the week previous. When Matty had the seizures he was admitted and antibiotic was started. Praise God there are 2 Pediatricians (Sunil John and Lisa Rouhenimi) currently in the project. CT scan was necessary but that was the day was when a nation wide strike was declared by the Maoist. We all felt helpless and low. Thankfully the road opened the following day and they were able to travel to the next town for CT scan. Matty has intra cranial abscess (collection of pus inside the skull). They had to be airlifted to New Delhi then later on to New Zealand for treatment.
For me to tell you the travails will be too long. Let me just tell you that it wasn't easy, but fraught with challenges. But it was also full of answered prayers. Matty was stable throughout the travels. Travel documents were arranged in the quickest possible time. Embassy people, fellow missionaries in every place were at hand to lend support whenever and wherever needed. One fellow even flew to India to watch over the other kids. The insurance company had been more than generous. There was an old friend who moved out of his house so that the Lees would have a place to stay.
One might ask, if God is really good why would He even allow this thing to happen? As Job asked, 'shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?' As I told you the team was feeling low. But we all have seen how God remained faithful and in control of the situation. We have seen and experience how we pulled together as a family. We are recipients of prayers and good graces of families and friends from all over the world. Praise God for these answers to prayers. And I ask you to continue to pray for the Lees especially Matthew. The pus collection remains the same, the neurosurgeon thinks it is a bit late for surgical intervention, but he is absolutely symptom-free.
Praise God because the 4th surgeon comes this month. Hooray!!! Thanks for praying.
Elma
Box 126
Kathmandu, Nepal
Missionary code – 13980Z
For further information, contact:
Office of Covenant Relationships Mission Personnel Program Unit General Board of Global Ministries The United Methodist Church 475 Riverside Drive, Room 320 New York, NY 10115 Phone: 212-870-3797 |
