Reconstruction
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Great joy and optimism were felt at the opening ceremony for a new medical rehabilitation center located at Kesdam Military Hospital in the Province of Aceh, Indonesia.
"There are still many tsunami victims who struggle daily with physical limitations and injuries. Some have lost arms or legs," said Elder Bill Hamm, who, along with his wife, Sister Linda Hamm, are the Latter-day Saint Charities Tsunami Regional Program directors in Indonesia.
The new center is the result of the combined efforts of Latter-day Saint Charities, the Ministry of Health, and Doctor Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital.
Supiadin Adi Saputra, Aceh Territorial Military Commander, officially declared the newly renovated and reconstructed Kesdam Hospital facility open at a ceremony April 19.
"First, let us share our gratitude to The Almighty God because of His mercy and blessings," Lt. Gen Maj. Supiadin said. Then he expressed his appreciation to Latter-day Saint Charities for helping with the renovation of the building, for supplying the medical rehabilitation equipment and for the training opportunity for the staff of Kesdam Hospital. He also thanked the Minister of Health who facilitated the efforts between Kesdam Hospital and the Church.
Among those celebrating the new facilities was Elder Subandriyo, Area Seventy; Major General Kiky Kilapong, Head of the Military Rehabilitation Unit, Jakarta; and Sulistyowati, director of the Surakarta Orthopedic Hospital.
All present were told that funding for the facilities, furniture, equipment and training was made possible through a generous donation from Church members.
Requesting that the building renovation and medical rehabilitation equipment be used to improve the health services of the community, Lt. Gen. Maj. Supiadin asked that the staff of Kesdam Hospital use the equipment "kindly" as they give the best possible services to soldiers, civil servants and families.
"This facility was given by (Latter-day Saint Charities) primarily for the benefit of tsunami victims," explained Elder Hamm. "But now that it is here, it is available to serve everyone. We now call on all of you to tell the people of Aceh that it is here for them. Please put it to use."
