DOING IT FOR JESUS
As we opened our medical camp this morning in the village of Ibinzo I drew everyone’s attention to the words that we have on the back of all of our medical uniforms. It simply says “Doing it for Jesus”. There is no mistaking that these medical camps are a gift from Jesus to the poor in Kenya. Those of us who started this project can remember so clearly how the Lord told us to take a step of faith and do medical camps. We stepped out in faith and the Lord has provided everything; finances, medical personnel, organizational strategy, equipment and many other things. This is truly the day that the Lord has made. We rejoice and are glad in it.
KARIBU MEANS WECOME
This morning I stationed myself at the gate to welcome people as they arrived at the camp. What a great time! I love these people so much. There are none sweeter anywhere on earth. I was reminded how important a warm welcome is. Over the years I have learned to greet people in Swahili, Luo, and Luhya. This is Luhya country and they are not accustomed to hearing a white man greet them in their tribal language. Whenever I do, it never fails to bring a big smile. The people of this community were very appreciative. I don’t think I’ve ever had so many people thank me for what we are doing.
The ministry at the Ibinzo compound is run by Compassion International and the level of organization is much higher than most places in Kenya. I love this ministry so much. Their outreach is primarily to kids so we had more kids in the camp today than I have ever seen before. Most of them either have stomach problems or skin problems. We have made it a habit of treating every kid for worms, because most of them have this affliction.
Kenyans have a very high number of people suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension and diabetes. It’s easy to test for high blood pressure but we are always struggling to find enough test strips. Test strips cost 90 cents each, not much in our world, but a fortune in this world. By God’s grace, next time I come I want to bring 10,000 test strips next year. If anyone out there is good at begging please be so bold as to contact one of the companies that makes test strips and beg them for a donation. You’ll be doing a lot of good.
Today was a blessed day. Even though the pace was slow and easy we saw over 1000 people. We had to close the gate at 2:15pm because the rains were coming and if the rains came before we left we would literally be trapped in the church compound all night long. I’m sure a night on the cement floor of the church wouldn’t have harmed us, but I’m glad we made it out.
I am looking forward to our second day at Ibinzo.
Thanks everyone for remembering us in your prayers.
In Christ love,
Richard