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Introducing Mary and Noj

Our new mission partners in Tanzania

 

Dr Johnathan and Dr Mary Northway work with Crosslinks at Berega Hospital in a remote village in Tanzania. They have very special local links with us as Mary is the daughter of one of our Readers, Brenda Williams, and Noj and Mary were married in Wonersh in 1991.

 

There is no other hospital within a 100km radius of Berega Hospital and it serves an estimated population of 200,000 people. Finding well-trained Christian Tanzanian doctors committed to working in a rural setting on a low wage is a problem. Many in Berega attend church, but not all churchgoers really follow Jesus and some are involved in witchcraft. In response to these challenges the hospital aims to make Christ known, providing every patient with quality health care and an opportunity to hear the gospel. In 2003 55 patients became Christians while in the hospital. Since the end of 2005 there have been several significant conversions among senior staff as well as within the young people’s groups, with whole families now meeting for prayer, teaching and worship.

 

Noj brings experience in general surgery and did a diploma in tropical medicine and hygiene. Mary spent her early years in Uganda and later trained in general medicine and general practice. Since their teenage years both have wanted to take part in cross-cultural mission, and trained at All Nations Christian College.

 

Now Noj is involved in:

  • working at the hospital
  • leading the hospital management team
  • development planning and administration
  • carrying out medical duties including on-call work
  • teaching hospital staff and students
  • teaching a basic health course to students at the lay training centre Bible College.

Mary is:

  • building relationships in the community
  • working part-time with the hospital
  • caring for TB patients
  • a member of the community outreach team visiting surrounding villages. This includes evangelism, health education and clinics.

 

Both are involved in the local church and are on the preaching rota for Sundays and teaching the Bible at the mid-week fellowship meetings.

Their children, Joe and Sam, enjoy outdoor village life and having local friends. Joe was initially home-schooled but since 2004 has been at boarding school in Kenya.

 

As our new link in East Africa, Noj and Mary will be featured in a DVD at the open Overseas Ministry meeting on Tuesday November 14th. Do look out for further details and come along – there will also be items for sale made by the Women’s Group at the church in Berega.

 

 

 

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