DR. PAUL THISTLE: I Am Still a Salvationist!

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Howard Hospital 

My name is Jan Corley and I am a 5th generation Salvationist from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Me enjoying fellowship with
Mid-Wife Thistle

In April of 2012 I had the privilege of spending the month at Howard Hospital. What I observed there was a man who treated the patients, colleagues, staff and the people there with the upmost love and respect. And, he was treated in the very same fashion by all with whom he had contact. That man was Captain (Dr.) Paul Thistle, a Canadian. He has upheld the mission of the Salvation Army in a foreign land, Zimbabwe, for 16 years and as of August last year, had his mission unfairly snatched away from him in the blink of an eye. The Chishwan people, Dr. Paul, his family and thousands of people worldwide are devastated.

I had the privilege of returning to Howard Hospital on October 13th, just 2 weeks ago and saw the truth for myself about what so many suspected, how the hospital’s, the Salvation Army’s mission, has been compromised. Only three children on the children's ward; less than ten women on the women's ward, with the men's ward full, but that was only due a major road accident involving a busload of passengers. And just inside the gate where throngs of people congregated on any given day among the traders and kiosks selling their wares, only a handful of people were seen. (I have pictures to prove what I witnessed, but I forgot the cord that is used to download the photos to the computer at home in Canada. I will be home at the end of October and will post the pics then.)

I got first-hand verbal account from the people served by HH: they want Dr. Paul, Pedrinah and the family back: they are not happy. If anyone contradicts this statement or report, they are not being truthful. The FSAOF has assured me that they will post all rebuttals received, completely and without edit.

I am very saddened and angry what has happened at HH and in the Army in Zim. They, IHQ and Toronto need to admit they made a tragic error and act quickly to effect a return of the only man who truly can make a difference. People in Zimbabwe and even some in Canada refer to Paul as their hero. The Army needs to listen to the people who are being affected, show love and demonstrate a caring attitude. Actions speak louder than words.

We must never give up. People who really are supportive of Paul and the Howard situation need to remain vocal: keep sending emails to the appropriate persons in command.

I leave you with a quote from Dr. Paul Thistle himself- "I am still a Salvationist and I believe in reform within the church."

I pray it may be so.

Jan Corley

Salvationist

Canada