We are very thankful to God for the progress made in the implementation of the Saline Process Witness Training among the many PAACS sites. Four locations had on-site training, CEML, Kijabe, Tenwek and Bongolo all in 2025. Others were done in early years and several more are scheduled for 2026. It is proving to be a valuable tool for all of our residents and faculty.
This training is one of the key factors that enables PAACS to fulfill the “mission to glorify God by training and discipling African surgeons and related specialists to become Christ-like leaders and servants providing excellent and compassionate care to those most in need.”
We are thankful for those like Dr. Rachel Nunn and Dr. Mark Topazian who have helped us in the training process. On the following page is a report from Dr. Topazian about the training that took place at Bongolo Hospital in November. It not only shows the value of the training but the healthy environment in which the training took place.
Pastor Ed,
Two SPWT workshops were held at Bongolo back-to-back over 3 days, with half of the PAACS faculty and residents attending each workshop, in order to avoid interruption of the hospital’s surgical services. Staff physicians from other services also participated. Trainers included Drs Laurie Elit and Chukwuemeka Nwegbu from Mbingo Baptist Hospital, Cameroon.
The workshops were notable for excellent engagement, discussion, and contextualization of the SPWT material. The PAACS team has already met for a one-month follow-up meeting after the training, to share experiences implementing Saline Process tools in clinical practice, and to review a couple of topics from the Saline Process curriculum.
The Saline Process trainers were impressed by the high level of camaraderie that was evident among the Bongolo PAACS residents and their faculty. There was easy and open communication and a lot of laughing. It was apparent that these people enjoy being together and encourage and support each other. There is an excellent spirit in the residency program.
Mark Topazian
Ed Scearce, DMin, ThM
Spiritual Dean
