[male - SB]

[Dr. Jesse Tabaranza - Surgeon and Clinical Director]

[edit his sound bites tighter - possible captioning needed]

“Working as a missionary doctor is something that one can think that he really has done something for the Lord. When Jesus was here, He was healing sick people. He was going around to touch them and give them back their health so they can be a witness to Him. I’m not preaching here but I’m doing my part in healing the people

[get old photos from ASTR]

[Narrator]

Mugonero Adventist Hospital, located in the hills of Rwanda overlooking the great Lake Kivu, is a 104-bed facility that ministers to the needs of some 70-thousand villagers who seek attention annually. The medical work began here in a tent back in 1931, while construction of the first hospital ward took place. As people began to trust the medicine of the missionaries, the hospital expanded to become a nursing school that was established in 1941.

Unfortunately, the civil war in the 1990s claimed some 800 thousand lives. Today a memorial stands at the Mugonero hospital entrance as a silent witness of the violence that took place inside the hospital more than 20 years ago. Today, the nursing school continues to prepare staff, and missionaries still support the medical work at Mugonero Hospital.

[male - SB]

[Dr. Jesse Tabaranza - Surgeon and Clinical Director]

“Working here in Rwanda in Africa as a medical doctor is a fulfillment of our dreams. Coming here as a missionary and helping people around. Here in the hospital the most common surgical patients I have are hernias intestinal obstruction or volvulus, some come with goiter, some with breast cancer and other diseases. They come here seeking intervention

[Narrator]

Many patients who come to Mugonero Hospital don’t have enough money to pay for proper treatment. So instead of refusing or referring them on, Dr. Jesse finds them a place on the schedule.

[male - SB]

[Dr. Jesse Tabaranza - Surgeon and Clinical Director]

“With these patients, I usually just have them on schedule. When they are on the table, of course like any other operation we have, I pray before doing it. So I have to pray and then do my best. And sometimes I feel like I hear someone whispering to me just what to do. I am happy for that. Most of the time these patients they go home with the problem solved and it’s also a fulfillment to myself. Though we cannot easily communicate verbally I can see on their faces as they smile at me that they are saying, ‘Thank you, I’m okay now.’”

[Narrator]

Dr. Jesse has been serving in Africa as a medical missionary for over a decade. He worked in Kenya, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo and now, Rwanda. He wants his life to be an example for his children and others as they consider a life of service.

[male - SB]

[Dr. Jesse Tabaranza - Surgeon and Clinical Director]

“Coming here as a missionary you cannot expect to get a big financial reward. We don’t count the money that we get from time to time, because we know there is something up there prepared for us as we work for Jesus.”

Your prayers make a difference in the lives of those who dedicate their time to serve. Thanks for your support of mission.