International Efforts - Africa
Kenya
“For we know if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house, which is from heaven. If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.” - Hebrews 7:1-3
Kenya
We are constantly seeing the love of God. In all we do see how He so loved us He gave His Son to die for our sins. We have died on the cross with Christ and He has redeemed us. Just now, we saw how the Word has worked in Kenya.
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod World Relief and Human Care asked Christian Medical Endeavor to go with them to Kenya. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya [ELCK] had been supported by the Finnish Lutheran Church for about 60 years. Around 2000, that church body withdrew their financial and teaching support from the field. They asked for an evaluation of their various programs.
We visited five clinics, two orphanages, the deaconess’ college, a Bible college and the Seminary ELCK maintains.
The experience was quite remarkable. Compared to West Africa, the East Africans are fifteen years ahead, developmentally. The timing was perfect. We left in the hottest part of Nebraska’s summer crossing the equator to Kenya. It was their winter! And the area we visited were mostly at a mile high or so. Therefore, the days were hot but pleasant and evenings cool, much like my old stomping grounds of Colorado.
Much of our work involved doctors who work with the government there. The district medical directors were very helpful, providing us with statistics and needs. Dr Okeyo and Reverend Fale are seen here.
Clinics
Dr Anita Scribner and Carol Broemmer, RN were instrumental in visitations to the various clinics. The needs were obvious – staffing often excessive, facilities poorly kept, patient load wanting. Many of the needs related to medications to treat HIV/AIDS. 28-30% of adults have the virus and about one fourth are able to purchase the medications to treat it. More clinics, which deal with HIV and its complex complications, are needed, or counselors who can facilitate treatment in already present places.
Space is another problem - Kenya has 32 million persons and in a region of about 1 million, the hospital had 47 beds with double occupancy often needed.
Prayer Reminders
Thank you Lord for your grace and love. May we also show that love throughout the world, to further your Kingdom. Amen.
Bless our synod as we see some increase in harmony where the various mission agencies are able to work together, supporting one another.
Bless ELCK as they struggle with the four self’s – especially, self-sustaining. May the work done with LCMS World Relief and Human care benefit ELCK and spread the Word and Your Kingdom. May we discern the best ways to assist through Orphan Grain Train, Christian Medical Endeavor, LCMS WR / HC and LCMS World Mission and still avoid creating another paternalistic situation with the national church.
Pray for all the partner churches that they may continue to grow and spread His kingdom, and for the effort to reach many in the ABLAZE program.
Lastly, thank you for a safe and successful trip to Kenya and wonderful move into our new home on return.
Blessings and peace through His grace,
Doc Foster