Hospital Administrator Dr. Scott Dooley along with many hundreds of Highlanders greet the Radcliffes as they arrive at Kudjip.
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Papua New Guinea: On December 31st, Jim and Kathy Radcliffe and their daughter Lydia, returned from their home assignment in the U.S. to Nazarene Hospital in Kudjip, Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The Radcliffes left PNG for their home assignment earlier than scheduled this year, as a result of Dr. Jim’s health.
11-June-2014 - Urgent Prayer Request for Dr. Radcliffe
Lydia and some of her fellow MKs who welcomed her “home.”
After returning to the US, they learned that Jim had a defective heart valve, and an enlarged aorta that required surgery. In the course of getting ready for the heart surgery, a tumor was found on his adrenal gland.
When the people of the Highlands of PNG heard about Dr. Jim’s serious health concerns, there was a great outpouring of support, through prayer and finances. Money was raised to cover all the expenses not covered by insurance. This was entirely the idea of the local people, and involved several communities.
Engage Magazine - Highlands pouring out their love and support for "Their Doctor" who has poured out his love and support for them for more than 25 years.
Emotional homecoming for Kathy, Jim, and Lydia Radcliffe.
The news of the success of Jim’s heart surgery, and the report that the adrenal tumor was benign, brought great rejoicing to the Highlands. The news that he would return brought more. But the really big celebration was reserved for December 31st, the day that they actually arrived back at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital.
As the hospital van carrying the Radcliffes approached Nazarene Hospital, there was absolutely no doubt about the love of this community for a family who has served as the hands and feet of Christ for so many years.
The rural road was lined with well wishers. Others joined in and made an impromptu parade of vehicles. Others had borrowed the local road grader and graded the normally “challenging” road that approaches the hospital. It was estimated that around 800 people showed up to welcome the Radcliffes back “home.”
Dr. Jim takes a moment to greet the crowds who gathered to welcome them home!
Although tired from the long trip, the Radcliffes spent much time, greeting and loving on these dear friends from the highlands who had prayed and sacrificed on their behalf.
Jim and Kathy Radcliffe and family have been serving as missionary surgeon at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital since 1985. For more on the Radcliffes you can visit their profile by following this link.
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, is a mission hospital operated by the Church of the Nazarene, serving the people of PNG since 1967. They have nearly 200 staff from all areas of PNG serving as missionaries along side the 7 missionary doctors and other missionaries involved in various aspects of the work there in the Highlands. The hospital on average sees more than 52,000 outpatients each year, and yearly completes more than 600 major surgeries, not including the many c-sections. For more information on Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, visit this link.
Please continue to pray for all of those, nationals and missionaries alike, who minister and continue to share the love of Christ to those in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
— Submission: Dr. Andy and Judy Bennett and PNG Team
