Jason Foster ~ Mali

Mark and I have a very dear friend that gave up a successful practice as a pediatrician here in NW Arkansas about 3 years ago to live in Mali and work in a hospital there.  Jason Foster is definitely at the top of our list of heroes.  His journey has not been an easy one, but he has endured and continues to change lives for the kingdom in Mali.
He is in the states right now to rest, renew, visit friends and family before he returns to work in the hospital.  He just happened to be at our home the very first day of our "30 Days of Giving" so we asked him what were some the biggest needs in Mali.  He mentioned several projects going on in Mali ~everything from well-digging, solar projects, ambulance needs, Christian radio, special medical funds (HIV, sickle cell, cancer), general hospital operating expenses and his Pig Project.  Well, being a Razorback and all....the Pig Project was where we wanted to help but he was thrilled to tell us that the project well funded at this time!  PTL

One of Jason's teammates, Brett MacLean is working on a project to build a Christian High School in Koutiala.  Brett is a pediatrician at the hospital where Jason works.  Below is an email from him telling more about the school.

The Koutiala District of churches  received the right from the National Ministry of Education to build a Christian Lycee in 2009 with the vision of providing a good education, growing the Biblical knowledge of believers, sharing the good news with non-believing students, providing a safe place for girls to learn without the pressure of harassment from male teachers, and as a source of jobs and financial income that would also help the church in Koutiala. (The government will pay ~ 300,000 per student that is "oriented" to Lycee, and the school will receive paying students as well).

There are still needed funds, but first let me recap how well the Malians themselves have done with fundraising. Using the parable of the talent they went to each local church and gave out money to 30-90 people and gave them one month to allow God to grow the money. Each church was able to double the money they received.  They raised an initial 88,000 CFA at a church conference and then using this method raised 3.165 million CFA. They then sought out wealthier Malian believers who also gave 1.25 million. So on their own the Malian church raised roughly 4.4 million or $9000. The missionaries of Mali then gave 5 million FCFA as well. 

These funds were used to build a 3 classroom building, a latrine, a well, and a 2 room dwelling for the guard to live in. 

Now what is needed are the additional 3 classrooms that will comprise the 2nd floor of the school building as well as an administrative/office building.

What a blessing to be able to help with this school.

If you want to read more about Jason, the Hospital or their patients:

Jason's blog: malipeds.blogspot.com

The hospital website is www.koutialahospital.org

Patient's stories:   koutialakids.blogspot.com

There is a story on the last blog about a sweet boy named Moussa.  He was sick for quite a while and basically lived at the hospital.  Jason said he would show up at staff meetings and be in the offices with the doctors.  He captured everyone's heart....especially Jason's.  Jason got the news that Moussa passed away just the other day.   As I read the blog that Sheri wrote, I am just so thankful that she was there to sing this song to him in his last hours.

 An taato file san fe,                                   We are going to heaven

 An ka so nyuman de be yen.                        Our beautiful home is there

 Matigi tarra an nye fe                                  God has gone before us. 

       An bee be taa sigi a fe.                               We all will go sit next to Him.