4-29-07

Dear friends of the Maddimadugu Family and partners in their ministry,

In recent weeks we have received a fascinating series of photos from Nathan about the schools, children’s home, farm and church-planting work of the Matilda Educational Society.  As we were preparing some photos and captions to share with you, Nathan sent an urgent e-mail asking us to pray for Das’ health as he was hospitalized with symptoms that proved to be a stroke.

Then on April 21 we received an e-mail of relatively good news from Das as follows:

 
Thank you for your prayers while I was in the hospital.  So sorry, I could not give a summary of our work to share with our friends and supporters.
 
The doctor discharged me yesterday evening assuring that it is not serious. The diagnosis is something like this: “Thin calcific palques in both bulbs.  The MRI brain scan reveals an acute infarct right pontine region with narrowed posterior circulation arteries...”

 

What we understand from this report and conversation with the doctors is that I had a slight brain stroke which restricted blood flow to my left leg leaving it numb with tingling sensation.  It can be corrected with regular medication, exercise and control of diet.  They said that tests revealed no heart problems.
 
Medical bills and hospitalization came to about US $1,000 plus other expenses which may go up to another $1,000. Most money went towards investigations.

A few things will change because of this sudden illness:
 
1. Doris may not travel to USA on the 26th April as scheduled.
 
2. Nathan will have to stay in Hyderabad with me till August 2.  Since the next visit to the hospital is scheduled for more investigations, this means he will not be present on the last day of school which is closing before summer holidays for 1½ months.
 
We take it that the Lord wants us to stay together in Hyderabad where medical facilities are available.  It gives us more time for praying together and reflecting on major life and organizational issues.  It may be time that I shed some responsibilities on the shoulders of Nathan and board members to carry on from now onward.

A week before the stroke we had a very meaningful three-hour worship service on Good Friday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at the Stone Cutter's Church. About 80-85 people gathered reflecting on the seven words of the Lord on the cross.  We had a sunrise service at 5:00 in the morning on Easter Sunday. It was a glorious morning waiting for the sun to arise from behind the hills. Doris and I stayed on till mid-afternoon enjoying the fellowship.  I felt fine till I came home. 

A kind of fatigue took over me on Saturday the 14th and my legs began to wobble. The whole of the next day I had vomited seven times.  A local Mallepalli doctor came to administer intravenous saline water which stopped the vomiting.  The next morning we came to the hospital in Hyderabad, but the hospital could not provide a bed or treatment till 6:00 in the evening. The facilities were very crowded. By the time they attended, to me my leg got more numb and my sugar level shot up to 280 mg. They said it was pretty high.
 
Now, while I write this letter, I feel weak, but much better.  I am taking enough rest.
In Christ,  Das.
 

Now, on 4-25-07 we received the following e-mail note:

Doris is leaving for Chicago tomorrow (26 April) morning by Lufthansa flight and will be picked up by Esther at the airport.  Esther will let you know details about Doris' itinerary.
 
I am improving slowly. Nathan and my sister-in-law will see to my needs. Thanks for your prayers.
Peace,

 

Das.

Thank you for your prayers and support of the Bindu Home children, for the construction work that allows for hundreds of children to receive an education in a Christian context through the Matilda schools, for the pastors’ seminars, and church planting ministry.  Photos below and captions sent by Nathan Mddimadugu.  (Apologies for the printing process. –dhj)

Contributions to the ministry of Das and Doris Maddimadugu can be made out to

Reba Place Church for “India Mission.”  Send to 737 Reba Place, Basement/ Evanston IL 602020

Yours in Christ’s service, David and Joanne Janzen

Bindu Home children visit thirty-three sheep and lambs purchased by the farm as well as a water-buffalo and calf. .
Gajinar Thanda (hamlet) church under construction.	Das celebrates birthday with school staff (left.)
	Stone Cutter’s Church with outer plasteringand paint completed.
Rear view of completed Devarakonda Matilda School (above.)	Children enjoy new school desks and fresh water supply.