Many Changes, One Constant

Like many of you around the world, life has changed here at Bongolo due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have been spared from the many cases seen in Europe and the United States, we do expect the pandemic to arrive here within the next month or so. As of this newsletter Gabon has confirmed 21 cases with one death and one recovery. All of the cases have been isolated to the capital city of Libreville. It's only a matter of time for the virus to find its way down here to Bongolo.


COVID-19 Data as of 03-APR-20

At the hospital, we are gearing up for seeing patients with COVID. We have already set up a coronavirus screening checkpoint, a separate quarantine and treatment unit, and are taking stock of our personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, gowns, etc.). Doctors, nurses, and support personnel are taking the possibility of this infection’s arrival on our doorstep very seriously. We have had weekly and sometimes twice weekly meetings to plan and prepare for what could be a devastating few months. I say devastating because we do not have the typical ICU care that you hear about often in the news these days. In the West, they are talking about running out of ICU beds and ventilators. Like many mission hospitals, we do not have that capacity at all. We will simply be able to provide oxygen, some medications, and comfort measures. 


COVID-19 Triage Station

Check out the latest story about COVID-19 preparations on the Bongolo Hospital website.

In addition to preparations for COVID-19, we still need to actually run a hospital. While we have diminished as much elective work as possible, we continue to treat the sick and needy. Babies are still being born, people need emergency surgery, tuberculosis and HIV patients need treatment.

As a missionary team we have had to make some life changes as well. Gabon has effectively shut down the country, closing its borders, limiting gatherings to 10 persons, establishing a curfew, closing restaurants, limiting in-country travel, etc. They have placed many of the same limitations seen in other countries in hopes to slow down spread. The CMA leadership has also given us guidelines to follow and have encouraged us to stay put and keep caring for our patients. Our team is attempting as much “social distancing” as possible including having team meetings using videoconferencing from our homes. A good network infrastructure and internet access has been a tremendous blessing at this time.


Bongolo Team Zoom Call with Team Pastor in US

Personally, both Amy and I continue to process a new reality. While you who read this newsletter are already in the battle with COVID-19, we are in the waiting game. We know a storm is coming. We are preparing as best as possible but realize given our limited healthcare capacity that we may see some of our Gabonese friends, colleagues, and loved ones die. Another stark reality is the possibility of teammates suffering and dying. It’s heavy stuff and we meet as a team often to process and pray. 

Pray for our team, the hospital and its workers. Pray for our protection should the coronavirus arrive here. We work and live in a small community and depend on each other. The virus could spread quickly among us. Pray for God’s hand of protection so we can continue our calling to serve our patients here at Bongolo.



We brought over some random artwork when we moved here and were reminded that there is no randomness with God. Right next to our dining table hangs a picture with a quote from Psalm 46:10. We see it every morning and at every meal. Despite all the changes in our world and all the unknowns, God is the constant. He never changes. He feels our hurts and our pain. He understands our fears and anxiety. We take comfort in Psalm 46 and we march on in His power and strength.

“Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10