The Salvation Army
Canada and Bermuda Territory
Office of the Territorial Commander
______________________________

March 26, 2014

Salvationists
Canada and Bermuda Territory

Dear Salvationists,

The Canada and Bermuda Territory is pleased to be a Partner in Mission with the Zimbabwe Territory. My wife, Rosalie, and I recently visited this African nation with a small team of people to enhance our role as a partner and to improve our capacity to tell the Zimbabwean story. You will have an opportunity to focus your attention on Zimbabwe when it is featured in our territory's 2015 Partners in Mission Campaign.

Commissioner Brian Peddle

While in Zimbabwe, we were welcomed for an extended stay at Howard Hospital. Since the departure of the chief medical officer, Dr. Paul Thistle, and his wife, Pedrinah, in August 2012, there has been much discussion about the future of Howard Hospital. I am pleased to report that this institution has been through a transition and realigned itself with an international and sustainable vision for the future. Great progress has been made as the hospital continues to serve a catchment of 250,000 people of Chiweshe. I readily acknowledge, with thanks, the legacy of Dr. Paul and Pedrinah Thistle. The impact of their nearly 20 years of service is significant and their legacy continues to bear fruit.

As a Partner in Mission, the Canada and Bermuda Territory has consistently supported the Army's work at this site.

The village Headman, Mr. Thomas Mudyiwa, expressed his thanks to The Salvation Army for its help through the years, with personnel, projects and support for the new Howard Hospital that will be opened soon. I am confident that Howard Hospital is in the hands of capable leadership, which includes Zimbabwe Territorial Headquarters and a hospital management board.

As we shared time at Howard Hospital, I was struck by the far-reaching impact it has on the surrounding community:

• an active outpatient program


• health clinics that include vision care, tuberculosis treatment and HIV-AIDS support


• family health (pre- and post-natal care and safe birthing)


• nurses training school with 22 students who will serve throughout Zimbabwe


• midwife training program with 24 students who will soon graduate and return to their communities


• oversight to projects, including chickens, cattle and crops, which improve lives and sustain the hospital

Thank you for your continued support of the vital ministry of Howard Hospital.

Sincerely yours,

 

Commissioner Brian Peddle
Territorial Commander