Looking Back, Looking Ahead
By Midge Crystle
My sixteen-year-old grandson Sam has no interest in medicine. He says he wants to be a lawyer like his dad. However, this summer he accompanied me to Nazareth to visit the hospital where his late grandfather and I once volunteered. Sam knew about my work with NPI, and that NPI helped the hospital fund construction and equipment of new operating rooms.
My husband Deans and I first learned about the work and needs in Nazareth In 1993, through Dr. Bob Martin, then director of Nazareth Hospital, who now chairs the NPI board. Deans, an obstetrician, replaced Dr. Marwan Hakim, who was going on leave for further surgical training. As an RN, I volunteered in the nursing school.
During our week in Nazareth, Sam and I enjoyed an evening with Marwan and Marlene Hakim and their son, who is near Sam’s age. Marlene works in the hospital as chief pharmacist. The Hakims were among many people who conveyed to Sam the importance of NPI’s history and ongoing connection to Nazareth Hospital.
As we entered the new operating theatres through no-touch sliding doors, I could tell Sam was impressed by the high-tech equipment, especially the OR lights, equipped with video cameras which provided the option of a live consult. I introduced Sam to Dr. Henry Haddad, head anesthesiologist, who worked closely with Sam’s grandfather seventeen years ago. He explained this to Sam, and expressed his appreciation to NPI.
“This is a poor mission hospital, and it is hard for us to get funds for the expensive upgrades that we eed. We leapt ahead almost one hundred years when we opened this new theatre a year ago. Thanks to NPI’s work, funding was found to make this happen.”
November marks the twentieth year since NPI received its official registration as a non-profit. My trip was a good time of remembering how we got here, and sharing that with the next generation. In the same way the board and staff of Nazareth Project is both looking back and looking ahead. While we are committed to supporting the further development of Nazareth Hospital, School of Nursing, and Nazareth Village, NPI is also committed to welcoming new ways in which the hospital land can be used for God’s Glory.
Like other charities, we have seen a significant decrease in donations due to the economic downturn. It remains a challenge for many non-profits to keep going. We depend on people who are both aware of and committed to supporting these healing and teaching ministries carried out in Jesus’ name. Part of our task is to generate that awareness.
One exciting new avenue for increasing awareness of what God is doing in the region is SERVE Nazareth. During my visit, I was energized by my interactions with the first group of SERVE participants. Thirteen college-age men and women from across the US had come together to volunteer over the summer months. SERVE volunteers live on the hospital campus and work with local churches and ministries. The program combines language and culture education, as well as online coursework for academic credit through Eastern Mennonite University, VA. The first winter session is scheduled to run from November to March. NPI is partnering with SERVE Nazareth to receive tax-deductible donations in support of SERVE participants from the United States. Hear testimonies from participants and learn more at www.nazarethtrust.org/SERVE.
Our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land need your support. NPI presents a unique opportunity to provide exactly that, through both finances and the encouragement of Christian fellowship. Many of you who read this have been longstanding and faithful supporters of our work. We have been able to continue because of your help and we are grateful. On behalf of our dedicated board of directors and staff, I thank you.
