Dear friends,
September 2025
Jesus sent his disciples all over the world, to Jerusalem, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. So it was with our ideas. They wandered into dizzying distances. Now we realize that we should think of Jerusalem first before thinking about distant lands. We have to tackle our work at home first before spreading ourselves too thin. What does this mean in practice?
We set ourselves a high goal with the photovoltaic system, but now it looks as if this is unattainable. We didn’t want batteries, just electricity for daily needs. However, there are technical problems. Our water pumps, sterilization, and X-rays are areas that require a lot of power during peak hours. We would need a much, much larger system to prevent overload. We are still waiting for more precise data from the experts. The other difficulty is that such an investment would only pay off after many years, so it makes little economic sense at this time. We are nevertheless having the costs calculated and will report back. The current status is that we are keeping our two diesel generators well-maintained and are planning to purchase a new generator in the future, which will cost just under $20,000.
We reported on our X-ray machines. The main unit has been serviced and is still working. The portable unit is still defective. An incorrect or defective spare part was sent back to the USA. We are waiting for a new one, but in the meantime, we are looking for a local replacement. There are no used units with a warranty in the USA. So we need patience, but this is a prayer request. Perhaps there is a contact in Ecuador?
Ten years ago, we received a used anesthesia machine from Samaritan’s Purse in the USA, which served us well. However, spare parts from the German company are no longer available. The machine is far too old. We need a new anesthesia machine by March 2026. The cheapest option right now is a Chinese model which costs approximately $20,000. Without a replacement, we will have to close our operating rooms.
We are currently purchasing a new electrocautery unit. Our old device, which had worked for over 25 years, still has a leakage of electrical current after three repairs. This poses a risk to patients and has destroyed several other devices. It needs to be replaced soon as well.
We’re “back in Jerusalem” again and realize that before we can tackle new tasks, we first have to take care of the basics. There’s still the roof repair for our students and residents, and many other small things.
The retired internists we asked are still “thinking it over” in regards to helping at the hospital. Many things aren’t working as they should. A young internist as a full-time doctor with us is still our biggest unfulfilled prayer request.
We have another question: Is anyone willing to help with practical work in our hospital for a few weeks as a temporary assistant or working visitor? This also applies to the non-medical part. It could also be a technician who could work on the power generators.
This time to reset our ideas has become important to us. We need to consolidate our “Jerusalem” before we go further out. Thank you for all your support. We’re also still open to technical advice, such as the photovoltaic system. Thanks to so many friends for their input!
We have also been contacted by a US university that is interested in sending a student to learn about medical missions. Please pray for these exciting opportunities for future networking and partnerships as well.
Thanks for all the help and solidarity,
The Shell team
ECKEHART & KLAUDIA WOLFF
Eckehart.Wolff@gmx.net
KlaudiaWolff@gmx.de
You can send your tax deductible US contributions to Lightway Medical Foundation at the address below. As of right now, 100% of your contribution will be given to efforts here in Shell. There is NO administration fee because of the volunteer service of those running Lightway.
Contributions can be sent to:
Lightway Medical Foundation
PO Box 8066
Fort Wayne, IN 46898
Or you can donate through the website:
Donations – Lightway Medical Foundation
or
Hospital Shell