This trip consisted of 29 people, the largest group taken to date. We conducted a medical camp, which included medical, dental, vision, and physical therapy services. Over the course of the eight days of medical camp, approximately 1,650 patients were seen and treated. Of these patients, about two-thirds were from the community of Gatamaiyu, while the remaining third were from other areas. Major problems continue to be high blood pressure, high blood glucose and diabetes, gastrointestinal illnesses (including parasites such as worms), respiratory problems, and musculoskeletal problems like arthritis. This year we had a Physical Therapist who was able to work with many patients with orthopedic problems and arthritis, often distributing braces, demonstrating stretching exercises, and giving instruction on how to minimize injuries while working.
The dental area continued to be very busy, resulting in long lines of people waiting entire days hoping to be treated. About 300 patients were seen by the Dentist. This year many more patients received fillings and bondings, which helped to save their teeth, with about 30% of patients benefiting from these services. Nearly 400 extractions were performed. The highlight of the dental services included the use of actual dental chairs, allowing patients to recline comfortably while the dentist treated them. We greatly appreciated the efforts to get materials and equipment donated for the dental clinic.
We were very thankful for the ministry of We’re All God’s Children for joining with us to conduct a vision clinic as part of the medical ministry. In the Vision Clinic, nearly 650 patients were seen, and about 850 pairs of glasses were distributed. Of the glasses distributed, over half were reading glasses. Children under the age of six could not be evaluated at the vision clinic; however, three children under the age of four years were seen with cataracts resulting in almost total blindness. All patients with cataracts were notified and referred for outside treatment, which comprised only about 1% of patients assessed in the vision clinic. Most patients who came for vision were also seen by a nurse.
Construction on the site continued with the floors being poured, cabinets being framed and built, and the steps being refinished. Bible programs were conducted in the local primary school daily, and programs were also conducted at three schools in other areas. To see other ministries at work in Kenya, the team visited two children’s homes, a ministry to the HIV population, and a missionary school. The team participated in community life, as well, including attending the local church services, visiting homes, and the moving of a home. Rounding out the trip were a hike through the Gatamaiyu forest to see the waterfall and a short safari. Each evening the team met to digest the day, plan for the next day, and pray. This was the fifth trip of its kind to Gatamaiyu, Kenya, for the Benjamin Wellness Center.
