A Loma Linda University medical research center at the Kabul University in Afghanistan and staff housing for a medical worker in Kabul will be finished by January 2001, according to plans finalized on July 7 by the Afghanistan Working Committee.

Loma Linda University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution in California, will operate the resource center in co-operation with the faculty of Kabul University. Loma Linda’s Office of International Affairs will also co-ordinate a roster of visiting professors to the university.

In addition, the Global Mission office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will fund an initial two-year English language program, the Euro-Africa Division (EUD) of the church will develop a variety of humanitarian activities, and the possibility of running an orphanage program will be explored. Maranatha Volunteers International, a lay ministry of the Adventist Church, will be responsible for construction. Already representatives have visited Kabul and made architectural plans.

“We have a mandate to share God’s compassion to all people,” says Mike Ryan, director of Global Mission. “We are honored to have this unprecedented opportunity to serve the people of Afghanistan.”

“It’s a great day for Afghanistan and the EUD,” says Ulrich Frikart, president of EUD. “Loma Linda University is honored to provide humanitarian help to Afghanistan,” says Dr Joan Coggin, vice president for Global Outreach at Loma Linda University. “It will be a privilege to try to assist them.”

Representatives from EUD, Loma Linda, Global Mission and Maranatha gathered for the meeting, held in Toronto, Canada, along with a representative of lay people who are principal donors for the project.