U.S. Catholic Doctor Returns to Zimbabwe to Serve
Zimbabwe has an uncertain future. This, however, is not keeping Dick and Loretta Stoughton from preparing for their return to St. Theresa’s Hospital in rural Zimbabwe in August. The couple had returned to the United States to visit children and grandchildren earlier this year, just prior to the presidential election. They left behind what Dr. Stoughton described as “the work that God has called us to do”.
This was not the first time Dick and Loretta felt it was necessary to take a break from the missions. They had initially served with Mission Doctors Association from 1970-1975, with their seven children in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia). When the government of Ian Smith threatened to draft Dr. Stoughton the family took this as the sign that it was time to return to Wisconsin. After his retirement from his medical practice in 2000, the Stoughtons sold their home, and returned to Zimbabwe to serve the people of St. Theresa’s Hospital.
In their 8 years at St. Theresa’s, Dr. Stoughton and other short and long term physicians serving with Mission Doctors Association have been instrumental in bringing new hope. Their work, providing treatment for individuals who are HIV positive grows each year and they have been successful in reducing the transmission of AIDS from mother to child dramatically.
Dr. & Mrs. Richard Stoughton will be leaving soon and ask for the continued prayers of peace for Zimbabwe. In a recent article in his home town newspaper, Dr. Stoughton is quoted “We are all children of God, we must think of the other people in the world. If we work individually and together, we can help.”
One Response to “U.S. Catholic Doctor Returns to Zimbabwe to Serve”
By Elise Frederick on Aug 6, 2008 | Reply
Dr. and Mrs. Stoughton are real wittinesses to their faith. We will be praying that they can continue their mission to serve at St. Theresa’s Hospital in safety.