From the Field: 689 Patients in One Month
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”
HEBREWS 10:24 NIV
Church Team Visits the Mae Sariang Office
We always love visits from the churches who support us! A team from Northeast Christian Church (NECC) out of Louisville, Kentucky, visited our Mae Sariang office in mid-April to help with discipleship and engineering training.
The NECC engineering team invested in the E-tech students through hands-on hydroelectric training. It wasn’t just a lecture. They brought a working model all the way from the U.S., reassembled it on-site, and used it to demonstrate how hydro systems actually function in real time. You could see the light bulbs (literally and figuratively) coming on as students connected theory to reality. With our new micro-hydro generator just recently up and running, this knowledge is critical.
With the discipleship team, each day was covered in prayer. It was exactly what we long to see: A culture where people understand their identity and calling as disciples and are equipped to inspire that in others.
Thank you again to Love The 'Ville Outreach!
Happy Mothers’ DAY!
Year 3 students led the Mother’s Day program at the RTC campus. The celebration began with greetings, followed by special songs presented separately by Year 2, 3, and 4 students. The program also included preaching, giving presents to mothers at RTC, and heartfelt words of thanks to honor and appreciate them. Mother’s Day was celebrated with joy and gratitude to recognize all mothers for their love, sacrifice, and care. Students prepared special Mother’s Day wishes to express their appreciation. The celebration brought smiles and meaningful moments to everyone as we honored the important role mothers play in our RTC families and community.
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April has been a full and productive month across all five years of the Physician Associate (PA) program, with students engaging in both classroom learning and hands-on clinical practice.
Year 1 students focused on building strong academic foundations. Classes included critical reading, team building and general English, chemistry and basic math, and critical thinking. These subjects are helping students develop essential skills for their future training.
Year 2 students combined lectures with daily clinical practice. At MSR, the students are learning about fever and joint pain. Each morning, students practiced history-taking and physical examination at RTC. Additional lectures included introduction to pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, and nutrition and diarrhoea. Weekly skill lab sessions continued every Wednesday, and students completed an exam on the cough lecture.
Year 3 students continued advancing their clinical knowledge. Two of our doctors led sessions on trauma and taught SOAP notes. Students were also assessed through exams covering abdominal pain and related pharmacology topics.
Year 4 students focused on critical care and emergencies, strengthening their ability to respond in urgent medical situations.
Year 5 students remained in their internship placements, applying their knowledge in real-world clinical settings and gaining valuable experience.
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Year One Programs
In Year 1, they study electricity, mathematics, and physics. In the electrical program, students studied the fundamentals of electronics, including resistors, current, and voltage. They learned how resistors work and practiced reading resistor color codes by hand. Students also completed practical activities using snap circuit boards and breadboards to build simple electronic circuits and understand basic electrical connections.
For mathematics, students focused on basic calculation skills, including fractions and partial fractions. They practiced solving mathematical problems and improved their understanding of fundamental mathematical operations and calculations. In physics, students learned about physical matter and basic physics concepts. They also studied simple derivation equations and introductory theories related to physical science.
Year Two Programs
In Year 2, they study mechanics, AutoCAD, and construction. Year 2 mechanics students began learning truck repair and truck maintenance safety procedures. They practiced basic mechanical maintenance skills such as changing tires, checking wires, changing wires, and performing simple maintenance tasks. Students also learned the importance of safety while working on vehicles.
In AutoCAD, students started learning technical drawing and house planning. They practiced drawing house plans, including doors, windows, stairs, and roofs. Students were introduced to AutoCAD software and began developing basic drafting and design skills. In the construction program, students studied reinforced concrete (RC) structure design. Topics included footing design and column design. Students continued developing their understanding of structural construction principles and engineering design concepts.
E-Tech Students Discover the Basics of Hydro Power
In April, a two-day hydroelectric training program was held for both Year 1 and Year 2 students. During the training, students learned the basic principles of hydroelectric systems and renewable energy generation.
The training included:
Introduction to hydroelectric systems
Basic hydro system calculations
Hydroelectric design concepts
Practical setup of lighting systems
Understanding electrical connections and power distribution
Students also participated in hands-on activities to better understand how hydroelectric systems work in practical applications. The training helped students improve their technical knowledge and practical skills related to sustainable energy systems.
As the War Continues, Patient Numbers Surge
RTC hospital continued providing essential medical care despite ongoing challenges in the region. Patient numbers increased compared to March, reflecting the growing healthcare needs among local communities and displaced families affected by conflict. In April, the outpatient department (OPD) treated 689 patients, compared to 654 patients in March. The inpatient department (IPD) cared for 139 patients, a significant increase from 90 patients in March. A total of 12 deliveries were safely conducted in April, compared to 5 deliveries in March. Surgical cases also rose from 64 surgeries in March to 87 surgeries in April.
Our frontline surgical hospital continued to respond to conflict-related emergencies. In April, 14 war-related injury cases were treated, compared to 13 cases in March. Several patients suffered severe injuries caused by motor blasts, drone attacks, and air strikes. Injuries included buttock, neck, back, cheek, axillary, calf, heel, eye, and foot trauma. Because of the severity of some cases, two trauma patients and two IPD patients were referred to Thailand for advanced treatment, while several others were transferred to RTC for continued care and monitoring.
Summer English Kicks Off on Campus
Primary School Summer English Course
On the RTC campus, children from the primary school joined our summer English course with great excitement and enthusiasm. This year, the program welcomed 38 returning and new students, showing strong interest from both familiar families and new participants. In addition, 15 preschool students are taking part in special classes designed for their age and learning level.
The summer English course provides a valuable opportunity for children to improve their English skills in a fun, supportive, and engaging learning environment. Through lessons, activities, and interaction with teachers and classmates, the students are building confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We are thankful for the opportunity to support their learning and look forward to seeing their growth throughout the course.
Natural Farming Students Prep for Rainy Season
Last week, the Natural Farming students spent time preparing the fields as the rainy season approaches. Their work included covering the fields, clearing weeds, loosening and clearing the soil, and preparing the land for planting. These tasks are an important part of the farming process before the rains begin, helping improve soil condition and readiness for the next growing season.
Through this hands-on experience, the students continue learning practical natural farming skills and the importance of working in harmony with the seasons. Despite the physical challenge, the students worked together with dedication and teamwork, gaining valuable experience that will support both their studies and future farming projects.
Come Meet Us in Person This Summer!
Andrew Bardsley from New Zealand is here for Earth Mission strategy planning meetings in May. He and Dan traveled to RTC and MSR for a week, and our ongoing meetings will be in Chiang Mai. As Earth Mission continues to grow, we are so thankful for consultants to guide us.
Mitch and Caryl will be traveling in the U.S. and the UK for June, July, and early August, speaking for Earth Mission and seeing many of you friends, donors, and supporters.
Pray for good connections and meetings.
June 6-14 — Texas, including Midland, Wimberly, and San Antonio.
June 20 — Barnabas Aid Encourage Event in London,UK. Mitch’s topic is Myanmar-Medical: Healing in the Midst of Conflict
June 27 — Memorial Service for LD Ryan in Siloam Springs, Arkansas
June 29-30 — Planning meetings in the EM office in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with U.S.-based staff and board.
July 5 — Clarksville Karen Baptist Church, Clarksville, Arkansas
July 8-9 — Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 15 — Barnabas Aid Headquarters, Swindon, UK
July 20-29 — Christian Fellowship Church, Belfast, Northern Ireland
August 9 — Fellowship Chapel Church, Bristol, Virginia
We’re very thankful for the ability to meet and travel easily. Pray for God’s direction and provision for the remainder of this year, next year, and for years to come.
