Social Action

Social Action


(See the previous pages on the work of the Outreach Committee and the Deacon`s Cupboard Food Bank )
In terms of Canadian Social Action activities, we have supported “Out of the Cold” programs for homeless persons in winter in neighbouring churches.


Internationally, we have helped to train an orthopedic Surgeon in the Republic of Congo, Bienvenu Silyanzabo, who works with young people who have lost limbs in wartime or suffer from congenital skeletal problems. Below is an update on Bienvenu from Jim Bright.


An Update on Bienvenu Silyanzabo


So much has happened in Bienvenu's life since I last updated everyone. Bienvenu is doing well. He has fully recovered from breaking his arm last June and returned to work at the hospital. He even has yet another son Jeremy Silyanzabo! Bienvenu has developed a reputation over the past few years as one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Democratic Republic of Congo. During his hiatus last year due to the broken arm, he received an invitation from the Red Cross to train as a war trauma surgeon. Bienvenu completed this training last fall and his hospital now as a consequence was planning to sign a contract with the Red Cross to treat war wounded. But before that could happen, Bienvenu decided to take an opportunity that arose to obtain yet another degree at University of Goma. This time to complete a master's program in medicine. Upon completion of this program he plans to teach in the new medical school being started at University of Bunia as well as continuing to offer his orthopedic services to the people of Eastern DRC. If that weren't enough, Bienvenu is currently making noises about opening a dedicated trauma clinic in cooperation with the Red Cross and the new University of Bunia Medical school when he returns to Bunia.

-Jim Bright

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