Lab needed in Benin
Imagine a mother walking into Dr. Bernard Sogbo’s clinic in Tchaourou, Benin. Her bare feet stir up the sandy ground; her young son hides his face under the flap of her colorful dress.
Doctor Bernard orders lab work to assess the fever and chills the son has been experiencing. However, the blood samples need to be driven 35 miles to the nearest laboratory. Valuable time ticks away as a driver needs to be found and the blood work waits in queue behind the labs of other patients.
Dr. Bernard needs an on-campus lab for problems like this. And we'd like to help him achieve that goal.
The Luke Society has partnered with Dr. Bernard for the last two years. During this time, he has seen explosive growth in the number of patients attending his clinic. The patient needs are somewhat overwhelming, yet Bernard has stepped up to the task. He recently hired another doctor to assist with the growing patient load.
In addition, he added a small pharmacy and made renovations to his clinic building to get it ready for lab machines. Bernard hopes to add a blood count analyzer, chemistry analyzer, centrifuge and microscopes, along with basic lab supplies for more comprehensive care of his patients.
Dr. Bernard is also focused on his patients’ spiritual needs. He tenderly speaks to patients about Jesus in the clinic. He also hired two evangelists who lead outreaches to surrounding villages. After the Gospel message is preached under stick roof shelters, the drums begin their loud beat, and dust is kicked up from joyful dancing as people hear about the living God for the first time and respond with enthusiasm.
The cost of lab equipment is $20,000. We are asking you to help this newer Luke Society ministry take the next step forward. We have found that laboratory equipment often helps ministries on their journey toward self-sustainability. We believe these tools will help Bernard and his team better care for patients.
If you're touched by this request, and the Spirit prompts you to give to this project, you may send in a check to the Luke Society office or give to the project online by clicking the following link: Tchaourou Lab Equipment.
