This day was almost over before it began. The rural Kenyan roads nearly got the best of us when our wonderful driver Stephan lost a battle with the slick red muddy surface that was greased by the evening rains. The colors are really quite beautiful most of the time, but when you are up to your ankles in the stuff, attempting to push a van back onto solid rocky surface, the adjective “beautiful” takes on new meaning.
Today for the first time we “just happened” to be travelling together with a 4-wheel drive ambulance that was equipped with a chain, and after a few tense moments and some very dirty shoes, we were back on our way to Dago Medical Camp for Day 2 of an amazing display of compassion.
As we arrived at the familiar Dago compound, I was struck by what had to be nearly 200 people who had already managed to find their way to this tiny haven in search of medical assistance, dental care, eye care, and spiritual comforting. Most of the medical team from the day before had returned, and today we were also joined by an impressive dental team from a German relief organization (Arzt und Zahnarzthilfe), as well as a local Ophthalmologist from nearby Nybondo.
As I watched these skilled professionals transform a run-down class room into a less than private doctor’s office for the day, I was humbled to learn that they freely give of their talents and services, and pass up family vacations to be here and serve in rural Kenya for those who need them most.
After what appeared to be another chaotic start to the day, the compound that was buzzing with activity and desperate for order soon fell into a rhythm. By days end, and by the grace of God, over 380 people, from infants to the elderly, women and men alike, had been cared for in one or more ways on this day.
There were more today in search of HIV/AIDS testing, counseling and comfort that Karen and Deaconess Linda provided from the moment we arrived. I lost count of the number of tooth extractions that were performed by the efficient German assembly line, and Sue massaged the shoulders and encouraged a weary eye doctor who could only pause and sigh when he saw the massive number of people whose vision was perhaps dependent on his being there today.
Eye diseases and tooth decay are an extremely serious problem in this part of the world in addition to the more familiar malaria, tuberculosis, HIV related and other tropical afflictions that we saw today by the score.
Just beyond the never-ending queues of people patiently waiting in the hot African sun, Rockie and Sandy can always be found somewhere occupying the orphans and other children with a game of ring-around-the-rosy or some other pass-time. Those unforgettable smiles and laughter have become such a familiar part of the hope that springs from this place called Dago, and they lift the spirits of all.
God is good, and he was certainly in this place with us today.
Dave Halvorson
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I don't have time to leave anything with you but this powerful prayer from Jean Geil that was printed in the Rhythm this past Sunday. Love to you all! God is singing His most beautiful songs through your work!
Heavenly Father, I come before You this day, September 13/10, asking your blessings on the African Team Mission for 2010. Praise You, Lord, for allowing this trip to happen. As You are helping the people here prepare for the trip, You are preparing the hearts of the people there who will receive. You have made this possible, Lord, and all thanks and praise and honor go to You. I ask that the heart and motives of each person be in accordance with Your Will for each life. To each person ministering, give Your Strength for the trip, for any hardships encountered, and for any resistance felt in any way. Place your Hand of Blessing on each giver and recipient. Thank You for the excitement felt by all as the time of the trip draws nearer. Let every kindness shown be multiplied in Your Kingdom! Thank you for the physical and spiritual help that will be provided for these recipients….bless all the items that have been donated. The soil is ready, Lord….the seeds have been and will continue to be planted. You will water the seeds through the love of the people ministering and those staying home. I ask that you raise up many people to pray for this trip. Let this ministry give the people of the area HOPE and may this encourage the pastors working there….letting them know they are never alone in ministry. Let Your Glory fill the area where the team will minister. Let the people see that the JOY OF THE LORD motivates the team. Surround the area with your angels. I pray the BLOOD OF JESUS as a protection over the team/trip. Lord, you are a God of PREPARATION and then ACTION! Thank You for choosing a team to act in your stead. May You bless their hearts, thoughts, hands, lips, and feet as they seek to fulfill your Great Commission! All Glory and Honor go to you, Lord, Savior, King, Shepherd, Prince of Peace, El Shaddai! Be the Sufficiency for all who participate in 2010! Amen!
HI EVERYONE!!!!!!!!! WE MISS YOU ALL!!!!!! Mattie Lu is lonely without the BRANDENBURGS!!!!!! ROCK OUT!!!!!!! MY DEAR DEAR KAREN!!!!!!!! HOW I MISS YOU MY FRIEND!!!!! MONDAY MORNINGS ARE JUST NOT THE SAME AT ALLLLL!!!!!! I AM SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU ALL!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!
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