On August 7, 2026, staff of CEML and various invited representatives of the church and government assembled to perform a ceremony of succession as Dr. Stephen Foster formally stepped down as clinical director of CEML and transferred his responsibilities to Dr. Sam Fabiano.

Dr. Foster has guided CEML since before the building was first opened in 2006. He will continue on at CEML in a different role. “We know we haven’t yet finished the challenge God has given us,” Dr. Foster said. He remains committed to increasing the number of quality medical facilities in Angola and sees CEML as a hub that can help support other clinics. “The health of our rural communities remains in conditions that haven’t changed in 150 years. So, brothers and sisters, I’m going to dedicate my last breath to changing this situation, and we’re going to transform it now by establishing more outposts.”

Quoting Pslam 12:5, Dr. Foster said: “‘Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,’ says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.'”

Adding to this, Dr. Foster said: “God’s heart is to hear the hearts of the poor and the groaning of the people in this land.”

Accepting his new responsibilities, Dr. Fabiano read from 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Interpreting the verse, Dr. Fabiano explained, “it’s not just in the church; even in healthcare, we should apply the same principle. If we learn to do things right, we’ll teach others to do them right so they, in turn, can teach others to do them right. And it’s not just the doctor, it’s not just the nurse—it’s also the administrative staff, the janitor, the laundry worker, and the guy burning trash over there in that incinerator. We’re all going to do our jobs well so we can then teach others. And if we think about it, we’ll see how many qualified people we’ll have.”

A YouTube video of the full ceremony is included below: