Volunteers help share the gospel in Kenya

I recently accompanied six volunteers and the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) field director, Gary Evans, to Kenya. The focus of our trip was to partner with Karima Lutheran Church to run a five-day short-term medical camp. The eight of us, along with Missionary John Roebke and his wife, Nancy, traveled to the village of Sagana, about 60 miles northeast of Nairobi. We met with church leaders to establish the roles we would each play throughout the week, and our volunteers were eager to get to work sorting supplies and medications right away.

On Sun., Feb. 9, we were able to join with the congregation to praise our Lord for his many blessings. We were reminded of God’s great power when he healed King Hezekiah and reminded that he not only heals our bodies, but more importantly, he heals our souls.

The medical camp ran Feb. 11-15, and we jumped in to help in whatever ways we could. The volunteers assisted the local government healthcare workers in treating the physical needs of the nearly 2,000 patients who attended the camp by taking blood pressures, testing blood sugar levels, measuring height and weight, and re-stocking the pharmacy tent. However, that isn’t the only reason we traveled thousands of miles! We had the opportunity to work side-by-side with church leaders who used this outreach method to bring the gospel message to their community and to each and every patient that came to the camp.

The women of the congregation made delicious meals for us each day and expressed their gratitude on our last day, saying: “We are so happy for everything you have done for us. We are singing because our hearts are happy! Even the community, they are saying they are so happy.”

Volunteering in this way may be a lot of work and time away from families, but we make sure our volunteers have some fun also! Not only did the volunteers’ relationships with one another grow, but they also built connections with the many people we worked with throughout the camp. Additionally, a trip to Kenya wouldn’t be complete without a little sightseeing! An early-morning game drive in Nairobi National Park allowed the volunteers to marvel at God’s creation as they saw rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, and ostriches up close and in the wild.

We thank God for allowing us the opportunity to work alongside fellow believers to share his love with those living near Sagana, Kenya.

Written by Kate Wood, secretary on the Central Africa Medical Mission Committee.