This document provides an overview of the author's experience living and working in Chad, Africa. It describes (1) everyday life being simple yet challenging with limited resources, (2) gatherings where people prepare and eat meals together by hand, and (3) the author's work as a surgeon conducting many operations from dusk to dawn while dealing with generator issues. It highlights both the difficulties encountered and positive impact made by spreading the gospel and providing medical care.

1. CHAD
“The Dead Heart of Africa”

2. Having very limited
resources everyday life is
very simple and challenging
I was privileged to live in this container-
apartment over a year.

3. During celebrations people
gather to prepare meal
together…

4. In this manner everyone washes
hands before meal
Eat together simply by hands

5. Houses in different parts of Chad
are different, but in the south they
don’t support more then 2-3 rainy
seasons

6. SDA Churches also
look different in
different areas

7. As you know almost 50% of
population are Muslims,
which makes Chad only
Muslim country where SDA
church has internationally
organized medical facility.
And there are “Pros and cons”!
We’re able to spread the Gospel, but it is
accompanied with many dangers!
This is Mahamat, born Muslim, converted to
Christianity, my patient- there were about three
attempts to kill him because of his beliefs- by his friends,
family, people who knew his story! Mahamat himself is
a very positive and dedicated person, studying the Bible
and spreading his knowledge.

8. But let me tell you about main reason of my journey

9. Although the trip wasn’t a long one, there was a lot
of work.
Days and nights. Sometimes all weekend. Many
times I thought the surgeries will end up Friday
afternoon, but they’d continue Friday night,
Saturday day and night, Sunday day and night, and
Monday morning the usual week would start with
surgeries scheduled for everyday until next Friday.
From dusk to dawn I’d spend whole night in the
block, and after a quick breakfast, a lot of tea and
shower, straight back there. Surgery is what I love
and that’s what I’m good at, but only thanks to God
I didn’t burn out.

11. Patients smile and positive attitude is
very important for the outcome

13. Most of my cases were as usual associated with
different types of trauma.
Some of them were so bad I couldn’t graphically
hide the wound.

15. Many fractures were incorrectly
consolidated, and needed to be
repaired.
But those kind of surgeries are the most
difficult, work with hammer and chisel isn’t
the easiest option, but what you do when that
is The Only option?

16. Many times due to problems with main
generator I had to finish the work with
help of my pocket lamp.

17. Unfortunately some of my patients were at the
wrong place, at the wrong time
But I’m privileged and blessed to be able to
help everyone

18. Some of patients arrive after having improper
treatment somewhere else
Now it looks a little bit better

19. Many parents with their children were coming to
our hospital
Some with bad malaria

20. Also burns

21. Repairing results of traditional treatment

22. Every case is the most important!We always pray
for Fathers
guidance!
And He helps!!!

23. But, there are times
when I have no idea
what to do, just pray,
do my best, and
Father makes huge
miracles out of it!
Even now it’s hard to
believe Damien can
stand…

24. Many of our patients suffer from malnutrition..
So, with help of dear friends, we accomplished a
little project that we did after work!

25. Using small blender that
I brought
local fruits and
vegetables, protein
powder mix
we have been
making a drink that
supplied patients
with daily need of
proteins, good fats,
vitamins, minerals

26. And this is how it turned out…

28. Martina recovers very well after four large
intestinal surgeries!
It was so funny how her husband wanted
her to have the phone on this picture.

31. To get the fresh fruits and
veggies I had to make several
trips to the market outside of
the city
Fresh groceries make
my friend Ibrahim
and me happy.
Not an easy task to
arrange everything on
top of motorcycle
Back on the road!

32. Little Ibrahim already had four surgeries
on his leg, very malnourished, but
positive kid!

33. Do you remember
small blankets they
give on the airplane?
Must confess, I
always take my with
me, they are perfect
for kids in Africa!
Just don’t tell anyone 

34. In general work with
children is one of the
reasons I want to go back!

36. When time comes
and the work is
over, we make
food!

37. Sometimes its not
what we expect..

38. Normally on Saturdays we go to church.
Unless there's an emergency
Choir

39. Local language singing
Sometimes they have to suffer my preaching..
Translated into two languages..

40. There is still so much more to tell, so many stories and lives that will never be
the same- including mine, I often call them cases, but long ago they have
became part of me.
What I like about Africa? It tore me down to smallest pieces, literally destroyed
me! Mentally, physically, emotionally..
It crashed my understanding of the world, reality, my whole cognitive self and
brought it to the smallest particles, so on top of everything else I had another
task- to rebuild myself according to new knowledge! And try not to burn out.
I can’t tell you everything, I can’t tell you of the craziest things that I have seen
and been through because its way out there, and I tried to stay away from
everyday boring routine stuff.
What I will say though is thank you!
Thank you for your support, all of this wouldn’t have happened without it!
May God richly bless you in your life!
With Christian love and best regards,
Vadym Korzhos
PS. I received permission to take pictures of my patients and share their story.

41. CHAD
“The Dead Heart of Africa”
..but so alive!