URGENT PCW APPEAL


 
We appeal for your support with respect to the work of the hospitals in Shillong and Jowai, as there is a huge need to provide equipment and resources as they respond to Covid19.
 
In recent weeks we have heard about the crisis situation in India and the growing effects of Covid19 in the country, including in the Meghalaya province. The two hospitals in the care of the Presbyterian Church, H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Shillong and Norman Tunnel Hospital in Jowai, are under tremendous pressure in responding to the crisis. Both hospitals need help, but because the Jowai area is more rural than Shillong, the greatest pressure currently is on the overcrowded H. Gordon Roberts Hospital, with staff working long hours in very difficult circumstances. I have had the privilege of visiting both hospitals many times and have always been amazed at the invaluable work of the hospitals, especially among the poor.
 
The lack of oxygen at both hospitals are a special concern of both Doctors and Nurses, but especially at H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Shillong. Oxygen is in demand at their three Rural Health Centers run by the Hospital, and we here in Wales can help. Our intention is to purchase Oxygen Concentrator machines for the H. Gordon Roberts Hospital Rural Clinics, while at the same time creating a facility to locate the main machine at the hospital in Shillong. We also plan to purchase ventilators for Norman Tunnel Hospital. The estimated cost, including transport, is £30,000.
 
As you can imagine, there is urgency, and so this appeal is for a short period, from 18 May to 6 June. We ask you to contribute according to your ability to help our brothers and sisters in the Shillong and Jowai area of ​​the Khasi Hills. Our support can mean the difference between life and death for patients at both hospitals.
 
Most of you are aware of the close and dear relationship our Connexion has with the churches of the Khasi Hills, which are in the Meghalaya Province of Northeast India. The Reverend Thomas Jones of Berriew in Montgomeryshire founded the Presbyterian Church there over a century and a half ago, a church that is now widespread and its mission admired. As well as local churches there are hospitals, schools, colleges, advice centres and much more.
 
You can contribute in three ways:
 

  1. If you bank 'online', you can transfer the money directly into the bank account of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, and ensuring to include 'P0160-Covid India 2021' as a reference with the contribution. Here are the details:

 
Sort Code: 20-10-26
Account No: 30354546
Account Name: PCW Life and Witness
 

  1. Send a check made payable to the Presbyterian Church of Wales. But again it is important to write 'P0160-Covid India 2021' on the back of the check. The address is:

The Presbyterian Church of Wales, Tabernacle Chapel, 81 Merthyr Road, Cardiff, CF14 1DD.
 

  1. By contributing on the Presbyterian Church of Wales website:

https://www.ebcpcw.cymru/en/india-covid-appeal/
 
It is our privilege to contribute in this way as well as to support our brothers and sisters in North East India through prayer.
 
 
With many thanks,
 
 
 

 

Meghalaya - the deteriorating situation. 

The Rev. Gwenda Richards, who visited North East India as Moderator of the General Assembly and who has continued to visit and keep in touch with the churches there, has recently made contact, pointing to the growing effects of Covid 19 in Meghalaya , and in the rest of North East India. Subsequently, we contacted the Khasi Jaintia Synod and have heard how the Church is at the forefront of the response to the crisis there, while at the same time shepherding their people through an extremely difficult time. 

 

Naturally, the two hospitals under the care of the Synod, the H. Gordon Roberts in Shillong and the Norman Tunnel Hospital in Jowai, are under the greatest pressure. We understand that all of Gordon Roberts' beds have been filled, and that they are now considering how best to secure more space. As a priority, they are also looking at ways of organising staff, who have been under pressure for some time, to be able to give more of their time. There is also a shortage of medical oxygen. In Jowai, although in a more rural situation with a little less pressure, they do not have a ventilator and find it difficult to treat patients without the necessary medical resources. We are also aware that Durtlang Hospital in Mizoram will soon face a similar crisis. We hope to update you next week on ways in which we can assist them more practically, especially with a view to trying to secure resources to buy oxygen concentrators or ventilators. 

 

As for the Synod, they have arranged an opportunity for their members to pray about the situation and will join a time of national prayer on Thursday evening, May 13th, from 7 to 9. They have sent us some prayer points – asking for prayer for the patients, the hospital, for those who suffer from depression, the poor, and the government of Meghalaya. In order to be able to pray with them, we invite you to join this time of prayer (2.30 - 4.30pm here), to pray individually, in groups, or to join a prayer meeting on Zoom which will be arranged by the Connexion. If you would like us to send you the link, please send an email to eleri.melhuish@ebcpcw.cymru  

 

At a time when there is much talk of the easing of restrictions, including much talk of being able to embrace one another again, let us embrace the people of Meghalaya and the rest of North East India and Mizoram in prayer.  
 

 

Marcus Robinson
Llywydd y Gymanfa Gyffredinol
Moderator of the Assembly


Gwenda Richards
Cyn-Lywydd y Gymanfa 
Past-Moderator of the Assembly

Meirion Morris
Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol
General Secetary