YWAM’s International Communications Network recently posted a story about a health crisis facing Mike Mbewe, a YWAM leader in Zimbabwe. Because of the collapse of the health care system in Zimbabwe, Mike was flown to South Africa in order to receive the best treatment available in the region. The following letter is an update from Mike’s brother, Shephen, a YWAM leader in Mozambique.

Dear friends,

I would like to thank all those who have responded to some of my initial communication, for your committed care and concern. This has been a very difficult and emotional time, for Mike and family concerned. As a family we are still trying to figure out where all of this might leave us, as there remain so many variables that are changing all the time.

Mike has been assessed, and different types of tumors, both in the brain and abdomen area, have been discovered. A biopsy was taken to determine whether they are benign or malignant. Sadly it has been established that the tumors are of a malignant nature.

Mike needs to see some other professors at Tygerberg Hospital for further evaluation to determine the severity of the tumors and possible forms of treatment that can still be undertaken. We have found ourselves to have both good and bad days. We continue to value your prayers as we walk through this valley together.

I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the commitment of the Worcester Hospital Staff and doctors involved. They have done so well in managing Mike’s condition and symptomatic treatment.

I would also like to acknowledge the help and assistance that the YWAM center in Worcester is offering both to Mike and also to my cousin Ketani, who has stayed at the YWAM center in order to visit and help care for Mike in hospital. Thank you also to the YWAM regional leaders who have helped to make this possible. I am very thankful to God for Dave Peter, for all the pastoral care he and others of the Member Care/ Trauma team (like Louise Ademolu and others) have given to Mike, Ketani and myself.

I would like to remind all of us that Mike is but one of many fellow Zimbabweans that face this kind of need and medical care. Zimbabwe, with all of its difficulties and challenges, simply does not have the resources available to assist those in need of this kind of care. For this reason I had arranged for Mike to be flown to South Africa with Mercy Air, where he is now able to receive medical care.

We appreciate your continued prayer and moral support for us as a family. I, unfortunately, had to return to my family in Mozambique, and am not in a place right now to be with Mike on a daily basis. However, others have stayed behind to care for Mike, who is still under medical supervision in the Worcester Hospital. He still needs to see huge amounts of funds come in for his continued medical care and stay in South Africa. Please stand with us in prayer for all these funds.

With thanks,

Shephen

Donation instructions to help Mike and Shephen Mbewe:

If you’d like to help Mike and Shephen with their financial expenses, you may send a check payable in U.S. dollars or British sterling pounds only. Please write your check to YWAM, attaching a separate note stating that it is to be applied to the International Storehouse Fund/ Mike Mbewe appeal. You can send your check to: YWAM International Storehouse Fund, 6 Highfield Oval, Harpenden, Herts. AL 54 BX England, United Kingdom. To pay via PayPal, please log in to your Pay Pal account at www.paypal.com, and then send your payment to: nationalaccounts@ywamengland.org. Please be sure to note that your donation should be applied to the International Storehouse Fund/ Mike Mbewe appeal. PayPal will charge you a surcharge to use their service.

To do a wire transfer, please e-mail us at ict@oval.com for instructions.