FAM – Patient Portal – Pons

As a Medical Student, while pruning a grape vine, Jonathan heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit: “Will you let me do that with you?” This became a life verse for Jonathan…

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in Him, he it is that bears much fruit… If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this is my father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15: 5-8

Dr Jonathan Pons grew up in South Africa and received his education at the University of Cape Town.  He has been serving in low resource communities his entire career.  

God has taken Jono and his wife, Helen, and their family of 4 children to be custodians of a family farm in the country of Eswatini, while he develops eye services including surgery for the people of Eswatini, and other surrounding communities in South Africa and Mozambique.  His work with Medical Mission Eswatini (MME) has enabled him to multiply the scarce skills of Ophthalmology in the region…..

By developing new avenues for care, Jono has opened 2 new eye clinics and proposes a new operating theatre with equipment being gifted for the clinics from Switzerland and the USA. Now, thousands of poor people receive the care they need, and many eyes opened thanks to God. Much more work can be done with suitable facilities, and they pray daily for His provision. God is indeed glorified as Jonathan’s team abide in Him.

By researching into conditions that affect the quality of life of rural Africans and disseminating that information. Jono has seen a new Antivenom developed, new surgical treatment for Glaucoma, and new ways to combat Retinopathy from Diabetes — This is new fruit!

By training young Africans in eye care.  Jonathan has asked God to help him train eye surgeons. With support from MME, Jonathan trains young doctors in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS), and Phacoemulsification (Phaco) and Glaucoma surgery, in a Skills laboratory at the University of Cape Town.  He makes sure they are mentored and supported as they progress, and ensures skills are not lost. He also trains technicians in eye care which creates jobs and makes sure that eye care is improved and more efficient….Disciples are grown in this fashion.

By using air transport, hard to reach areas in distant countries can see again. Leaving behind not only seeing eyes and trained workers, supplies, equipment, but, most importantly, God’s Word. Our local pastors and the medical team minister, leaving tracts and bibles, the seeds of the Gospel of Good News!

By inspiring young people in Rural Medicine, Jonathan hopes to ensure a stream of future healthcare workers for rural African communities. Local and International Medical students and doctors get a glimpse of what God wants to do in their own careers after spending time in Eswatini. This green fruit is still growing!

By partnering with like-minded Believers, many more goals can be reached. Christian non-profits in Ophthalmology, ENT, Dental, Aviation, disability care and equipment are some of our partners. When we all abide in the same vine, we are able to avoid duplication and use God’s resources efficiently and in harmony.

Jonathan believes he has successfully pursued a sustainable model for health care, meaning that running costs will be self-generated in future.  His hope is that they will reach and serve remote and impoverished Africans who are blind and disabled…May it be done and God be glorified!

Like bearing fruit, this activity can be exhausting. We are strengthened through your prayers and physical support as we are all joined to the same strong vine, Jesus!

To learn more about Jonathan’s work go to: www.mme.partners