Ematsayi Ball Mission Health Centre - Kakamega
(For monthly updates, scroll down)
Mission Statement: To provide quality medical services, education of proper health and well-being to help prevent further disease such as Malaria (the number one killer in Africa), STD (HIV, AIDS, etc.), Malnutrition, Diabetes, Respiratory Infections, Hypertension, Wound Infections (due to accidents, etc.), Diarrheal diseases that would include all water borne diseases, worms, dysentery, and a safe haven for labor and delivery. We desire to provide proper medical equipment used in treating all patient’s locally and in the surround villages which would include proper laboratory equipment for testing blood samples, x-ray equipment for basic diagnostic treatment, portable EKG machines, and the basic necessities in maintaining a thriving clinic.
Ematsayi B.A.L.L. Mission Health Centre was built in 1981 by missionaries as a clinic and birthing center, over the years we have treated more than 10,000 patients 50% of these being children. The patients that come to the Health Centre are charged a minimal fee of what comes out to American money of $2.50 of which many of them cannot even pay that small amount causing the clinic to run in the negative most of the time. However, we will not refuse a patient because of funds.
The vast majority of people in the area are of the Luhya Tribe, the second largest tribe in Kenya. They are largely agrarian people, raising various crops from Maize to Sugar Cane. In the area where the Heath Centre is located, poverty is the norm therefore there is little access to healthy foods. For many there is a steady diet of sugar cane that was taken from someone else’s private field. The ones that are a little better off are able to subside by growing their own (fruits and vegetables, as well as raising their own chickens for meat and eggs; and as cows for beef and milk). People are largely unemployed, or under employed.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Luhya people of Western Kenya is clean drinking water. Often the children of the home are responsible for fetching the water for the day’s use-and will take two or three hours every morning bringing water from the nearest river or stream ( many of these rivers or streams are contaminated with human waste, parasites, etc.). There have been wells built in some of the small villages to help in this, but I am sad to say that I have seen too many of them built right by, for a lack of better words, their sewer systems. Much of the sewer systems would be holes dug in the ground that could contaminate the well if located too close.
It is our goal to be able to provide the proper treatment as needed for the people of this area. As stated above Malaria is the number one killer in Africa, but Malaria is a very treatable disease if caught in time, so we need to have the proper laboratory equipment to diagnose in the early stages. We need to be able to supply the proper medications not only for Malaria but for all other infections and above mentioned diseases. Secondly we need to provide health education to help prevent many of the STD related diseases as many that are not educated only cost more harm by going by old witch doctors ideas of a cure.
We are committed to provide preventative medical assistance by obtaining the proper vaccines for infants and children. Health education-hygiene: proper eating, etc., chlorine tablet distribution for purified water, a full functioning laboratory including microscopes, blood profile machine, and equipment for the testing for diabetes, STD (HIV, etc.) Malaria, Typhoid, Cholera, Brucellosis, etc. It is hard to see how so many people are affected in so many ways from poverty I would like to say we could help every last one of them but we know that is not possible.
For more information on projects and needs of the clinic, please drop us a note. We will be happy to give you the specifics of our Medical needs! Thank you for your continued support! Together we really DO make a difference.
Ematsayi B.A.L.L. Mission Health Centre was built in 1981 by missionaries as a clinic and birthing center, over the years we have treated more than 10,000 patients 50% of these being children. The patients that come to the Health Centre are charged a minimal fee of what comes out to American money of $2.50 of which many of them cannot even pay that small amount causing the clinic to run in the negative most of the time. However, we will not refuse a patient because of funds.
The vast majority of people in the area are of the Luhya Tribe, the second largest tribe in Kenya. They are largely agrarian people, raising various crops from Maize to Sugar Cane. In the area where the Heath Centre is located, poverty is the norm therefore there is little access to healthy foods. For many there is a steady diet of sugar cane that was taken from someone else’s private field. The ones that are a little better off are able to subside by growing their own (fruits and vegetables, as well as raising their own chickens for meat and eggs; and as cows for beef and milk). People are largely unemployed, or under employed.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Luhya people of Western Kenya is clean drinking water. Often the children of the home are responsible for fetching the water for the day’s use-and will take two or three hours every morning bringing water from the nearest river or stream ( many of these rivers or streams are contaminated with human waste, parasites, etc.). There have been wells built in some of the small villages to help in this, but I am sad to say that I have seen too many of them built right by, for a lack of better words, their sewer systems. Much of the sewer systems would be holes dug in the ground that could contaminate the well if located too close.
It is our goal to be able to provide the proper treatment as needed for the people of this area. As stated above Malaria is the number one killer in Africa, but Malaria is a very treatable disease if caught in time, so we need to have the proper laboratory equipment to diagnose in the early stages. We need to be able to supply the proper medications not only for Malaria but for all other infections and above mentioned diseases. Secondly we need to provide health education to help prevent many of the STD related diseases as many that are not educated only cost more harm by going by old witch doctors ideas of a cure.
We are committed to provide preventative medical assistance by obtaining the proper vaccines for infants and children. Health education-hygiene: proper eating, etc., chlorine tablet distribution for purified water, a full functioning laboratory including microscopes, blood profile machine, and equipment for the testing for diabetes, STD (HIV, etc.) Malaria, Typhoid, Cholera, Brucellosis, etc. It is hard to see how so many people are affected in so many ways from poverty I would like to say we could help every last one of them but we know that is not possible.
For more information on projects and needs of the clinic, please drop us a note. We will be happy to give you the specifics of our Medical needs! Thank you for your continued support! Together we really DO make a difference.
VISITING TEAM REPORTS FROM DECEMBER, 2018 AND JANUARY, 2019
The end of November, 2018, we hosted our first ever medical team from the Vineyard Church in Dayton, Ohio. Our good friend, Rev. Dr. Kevin Hoffman, led this team. There were six total team members, two ministry and four medical. The Dayton Medical team, along with our staff visited a local orphanage to conduct “Well Child Assessments” at Rehema Children’s Home in a near-by village. They assessed 25 children and recommended further treatments for children as needed. In addition, they assisted at our Health Centre six days. Two days, they conducted pre-natal checks and mother and baby checks. They saw eight (8) women for prenatal care, 10 children for various diseases, and 35 adults on their clinic days at Ematsayi.
They also assisted with seven circumcisions, treated patients with hypertension, diabetes, malaria, kidney issues, wound care, and other diseases. A total of 55 patients were seen at the Health Centre. One day, the team traveled to Mbanga Village to conduct a mobile clinic. There, they saw and treated 75 patients with diseases ranging from hypertension to malaria.
In January, Doulos Global Ministries with Bob and Gail Buse led a second medical team to Ematsayi. This team consisted of twelve people from Iowa, Hawaii, Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania. These team members assisted with treatments and training of our medical staff; and other team members taught in our Community Health Worker’s training school.
Our activities began with a portion of the team teaching in our Community Health Worker’s Education. General medical, medical terminology, diabetes, hypertension and how the body functions were topics taught in the classroom. While school was going on, other team members focused on seeing patients in the Medical Centre. These team members saw seventy-one (71) general medical cases, dealing specifically with diabetes and hypertension. In addition, there were prenatal assessments, general medical (including treatment of typhoid, malaria, and Cholera), and well child checks as required. We had one mobile clinic, where we treated forty-three (43) patients for various conditions. One day we focused on doing a Jigger Clinic – where one hundred twenty (120) people of our community were treated for jigger infestation. And, one day we focused on providing physical therapy for twenty-three (23) members of our community.
These teams really ministered to our community, and were able to share the unconditional love of Jesus! We rejoice in their accomplishments, and look forward to other teams traveling to Kenya to help us make a difference!
The end of November, 2018, we hosted our first ever medical team from the Vineyard Church in Dayton, Ohio. Our good friend, Rev. Dr. Kevin Hoffman, led this team. There were six total team members, two ministry and four medical. The Dayton Medical team, along with our staff visited a local orphanage to conduct “Well Child Assessments” at Rehema Children’s Home in a near-by village. They assessed 25 children and recommended further treatments for children as needed. In addition, they assisted at our Health Centre six days. Two days, they conducted pre-natal checks and mother and baby checks. They saw eight (8) women for prenatal care, 10 children for various diseases, and 35 adults on their clinic days at Ematsayi.
They also assisted with seven circumcisions, treated patients with hypertension, diabetes, malaria, kidney issues, wound care, and other diseases. A total of 55 patients were seen at the Health Centre. One day, the team traveled to Mbanga Village to conduct a mobile clinic. There, they saw and treated 75 patients with diseases ranging from hypertension to malaria.
In January, Doulos Global Ministries with Bob and Gail Buse led a second medical team to Ematsayi. This team consisted of twelve people from Iowa, Hawaii, Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania. These team members assisted with treatments and training of our medical staff; and other team members taught in our Community Health Worker’s training school.
Our activities began with a portion of the team teaching in our Community Health Worker’s Education. General medical, medical terminology, diabetes, hypertension and how the body functions were topics taught in the classroom. While school was going on, other team members focused on seeing patients in the Medical Centre. These team members saw seventy-one (71) general medical cases, dealing specifically with diabetes and hypertension. In addition, there were prenatal assessments, general medical (including treatment of typhoid, malaria, and Cholera), and well child checks as required. We had one mobile clinic, where we treated forty-three (43) patients for various conditions. One day we focused on doing a Jigger Clinic – where one hundred twenty (120) people of our community were treated for jigger infestation. And, one day we focused on providing physical therapy for twenty-three (23) members of our community.
These teams really ministered to our community, and were able to share the unconditional love of Jesus! We rejoice in their accomplishments, and look forward to other teams traveling to Kenya to help us make a difference!
EMATSAYI B.A.L.L. MISSION HEALTH CENTRE
Now that the Bible School is over, the Community Health Training School begins again. We train six to eight persons yearly in a nurses-aid program. Our Clinic Officer and Mid-wife do most of the teaching and training. The students get practical application while we treat patients on a daily basis. This training enables these young people to apply for hospital or governmental positions as nurse assistants, and give them a head start in further training as Clinic Officers, Registered Nurses, or even Physicians. The school is always at capacity, with a waiting list for those wishing to join. Keep this Community Health Training School in your prayers.
We have evaluated the status of the Health Centre, and at this point we have not been able to achieve our original goal of being self-sufficient by 2018. With the registration and license issue now behind us, we are finding venues to move forward in promoting the financial stability of the Centre. The Ministry of Health is advising us in becoming an immunization Centre, and helping us define needs for a working laboratory at our facility. In addition, they will come and promote the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), and sign our Health Centre up as a provider for that system. While we are grateful for the advice from the Ministry of Health, to achieve these goals is going to take a bit more investment of finances in the area.
We are believing God for the finances to hire a full-time Registered Nurse, and a full-time Laboratory Technician. We need to purchase a freezer for the immunizations, and need to examine a reliable back up system for that freezer for when power fails (either a freezer with a gas-motor back up, or an automatic generator for the mission that would automatically turn on when power is lost). We have plans to build two new dormitories for our students in November, and will need some extra funds to renovate the Woman's Ward for our female inpatients.
As we evaluate our current situation, we feel if we can get commitments to help us with staffing for the next five years, we can build up the clinic to the place where it can support itself. Our current staffing allowances run around $350.00 per month. With the increase of staff it will more than double to nearly $800.00 per month. In addition, we will need special one-time donations to assist us in the purchase of a power back up system, laboratory equipment, and freezer. Please keep us in your prayers for wisdom and understanding as we move forward.
We cannot do this alone – but together we really DO make the difference!!
Now that the Bible School is over, the Community Health Training School begins again. We train six to eight persons yearly in a nurses-aid program. Our Clinic Officer and Mid-wife do most of the teaching and training. The students get practical application while we treat patients on a daily basis. This training enables these young people to apply for hospital or governmental positions as nurse assistants, and give them a head start in further training as Clinic Officers, Registered Nurses, or even Physicians. The school is always at capacity, with a waiting list for those wishing to join. Keep this Community Health Training School in your prayers.
We have evaluated the status of the Health Centre, and at this point we have not been able to achieve our original goal of being self-sufficient by 2018. With the registration and license issue now behind us, we are finding venues to move forward in promoting the financial stability of the Centre. The Ministry of Health is advising us in becoming an immunization Centre, and helping us define needs for a working laboratory at our facility. In addition, they will come and promote the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), and sign our Health Centre up as a provider for that system. While we are grateful for the advice from the Ministry of Health, to achieve these goals is going to take a bit more investment of finances in the area.
We are believing God for the finances to hire a full-time Registered Nurse, and a full-time Laboratory Technician. We need to purchase a freezer for the immunizations, and need to examine a reliable back up system for that freezer for when power fails (either a freezer with a gas-motor back up, or an automatic generator for the mission that would automatically turn on when power is lost). We have plans to build two new dormitories for our students in November, and will need some extra funds to renovate the Woman's Ward for our female inpatients.
As we evaluate our current situation, we feel if we can get commitments to help us with staffing for the next five years, we can build up the clinic to the place where it can support itself. Our current staffing allowances run around $350.00 per month. With the increase of staff it will more than double to nearly $800.00 per month. In addition, we will need special one-time donations to assist us in the purchase of a power back up system, laboratory equipment, and freezer. Please keep us in your prayers for wisdom and understanding as we move forward.
We cannot do this alone – but together we really DO make the difference!!
EMATSAYI B.A.L.L. MISSION HEALTH CENTRE
On March 24, we had the formal dedication and opening of the Ematsayi B.A.L.L. Mission Health Centre on the campus of the Bible and Literacy League of Kenya mission campus. The celebration welcomed representatives from the area Ministry of Health as our special guests. The celebration continued with a great lunch for everyone of lamb, beef, chicken, chapati, ugali, and greens. It was a great time!
We want to celebrate and thank YOU, our partners, for helping us upgrade thus far to get us registered and licensed with the government. We have been told that now we will be given the ability to be an immunization center, and the national insurance will register us so those with insurance can use the facility.
Our focus is to build up our clientele, start laboratory service, become an immunization centre where children can receive their required immunizations, and restore our women’s ward at the centre. God is faithful! Thank you for helping us!
Together, we really DO make the difference!
On March 24, we had the formal dedication and opening of the Ematsayi B.A.L.L. Mission Health Centre on the campus of the Bible and Literacy League of Kenya mission campus. The celebration welcomed representatives from the area Ministry of Health as our special guests. The celebration continued with a great lunch for everyone of lamb, beef, chicken, chapati, ugali, and greens. It was a great time!
We want to celebrate and thank YOU, our partners, for helping us upgrade thus far to get us registered and licensed with the government. We have been told that now we will be given the ability to be an immunization center, and the national insurance will register us so those with insurance can use the facility.
Our focus is to build up our clientele, start laboratory service, become an immunization centre where children can receive their required immunizations, and restore our women’s ward at the centre. God is faithful! Thank you for helping us!
Together, we really DO make the difference!
Ematsayi B.A.L.L. Mission Health Centre
We have so much to rejoice over this month! In February, we finished the gate into the compound, and repaired the clinic gazebo. We got our registration and license for the clinic!! And, we began renovations on the clinic. At the time of this writing, we have completed the interior ceilings and are installing facial board on the exterior. We have done much repair of the walls and preparing the building for a fresh coat of paint.
Our budget has taken us thus far – and we are just by faith pushing forward to finish the job. We trust God by our next newsletter, we will have had our dedication celebration! Rejoice with us! Thank you!
Now that the clinic is registered and licensed, we would love to give our staff uniforms. For $100.00, we can have two uniforms made for each of our staff. We would also love to get some beds for our clinic – we have some parts, and only need to make head boards, foot boards, and get mattresses.
In addition to getting the clinic registered, we enrolled four new students in our Community Health Training program. We now have eight students in our clinic program, which is a full enrollment. We are believing God to update some of our material, including books for a medical library.
We also have been blessed to have a Registered Nurse from England join our clinic staff this month. Kelly Strong is working with a Children’s Project in Kakamega, and has agreed to assist us part time as our Registered Nurse. Now with her on board, we hope to apply to become a Child Immunization Centre as well. Please stand in agreement with us as we move forward!
Together, we really DO make the difference!
We have so much to rejoice over this month! In February, we finished the gate into the compound, and repaired the clinic gazebo. We got our registration and license for the clinic!! And, we began renovations on the clinic. At the time of this writing, we have completed the interior ceilings and are installing facial board on the exterior. We have done much repair of the walls and preparing the building for a fresh coat of paint.
Our budget has taken us thus far – and we are just by faith pushing forward to finish the job. We trust God by our next newsletter, we will have had our dedication celebration! Rejoice with us! Thank you!
Now that the clinic is registered and licensed, we would love to give our staff uniforms. For $100.00, we can have two uniforms made for each of our staff. We would also love to get some beds for our clinic – we have some parts, and only need to make head boards, foot boards, and get mattresses.
In addition to getting the clinic registered, we enrolled four new students in our Community Health Training program. We now have eight students in our clinic program, which is a full enrollment. We are believing God to update some of our material, including books for a medical library.
We also have been blessed to have a Registered Nurse from England join our clinic staff this month. Kelly Strong is working with a Children’s Project in Kakamega, and has agreed to assist us part time as our Registered Nurse. Now with her on board, we hope to apply to become a Child Immunization Centre as well. Please stand in agreement with us as we move forward!
Together, we really DO make the difference!
Medical Clinic Update January, 2017
As many of you know, we have struggled with the Kenya Government since 2013 in getting the medical clinic licensed. Last year, we had four times the National Ministry of Health sent representatives from the capital to shut down the clinic. However, each time, God gave us favor to keep it open. Finally, in December, we were connected with a local MOH official who assisted us in getting all the paperwork in order, and approved us for our license! The first of this week, this official presented us with the signed paperwork that we now submit to the National Ministry of Health to obtain our license! We are really rejoicing!! Now we will journey to Nairobi to file the registration by the first of February to be fully licensed.
Another huge need we had was a Registered Nurse who would work with our clinic. In November of last year, Donna thought of a friend of ours who worked in Kakamega with a Children’s ministry, and was a Registered Nurse from the UK. We are so excited that Kelly Strong, RN, has agreed to join our team as a part-time Registered Nurse!
We continue to move forward – believing God for a Laboratory and a Lab Technician to join our team.
We received two boxes from the US this last month, and the contents have all been recorded in our inventory. We received patient gowns, sheets, blankets, many syringes, and other needed medical equipment and supplies!
This month, we hope to start work on installing new ceilings in the clinic. The old ceilings have been stained with rainwater due to leaks. We are going to install new ceilings in the labor/delivery room, laboratory room, men’s ward, entrance, and examination room. These improvements will make the clinic look so much nicer and modern.
We are trusting God to construct (in conjunction with the Bible School) two dormitories sleeping 50 students. One will be located at the clinic for those female students who are attending our Community Health Network Training. This will open the Female Ward of our clinic, and will be refurbished at that time.
We continue to see growth in the clinic as together we move forward in fulfilling the goal of a self-supporting facility at Ematsayi! God is good!!
As many of you know, we have struggled with the Kenya Government since 2013 in getting the medical clinic licensed. Last year, we had four times the National Ministry of Health sent representatives from the capital to shut down the clinic. However, each time, God gave us favor to keep it open. Finally, in December, we were connected with a local MOH official who assisted us in getting all the paperwork in order, and approved us for our license! The first of this week, this official presented us with the signed paperwork that we now submit to the National Ministry of Health to obtain our license! We are really rejoicing!! Now we will journey to Nairobi to file the registration by the first of February to be fully licensed.
Another huge need we had was a Registered Nurse who would work with our clinic. In November of last year, Donna thought of a friend of ours who worked in Kakamega with a Children’s ministry, and was a Registered Nurse from the UK. We are so excited that Kelly Strong, RN, has agreed to join our team as a part-time Registered Nurse!
We continue to move forward – believing God for a Laboratory and a Lab Technician to join our team.
We received two boxes from the US this last month, and the contents have all been recorded in our inventory. We received patient gowns, sheets, blankets, many syringes, and other needed medical equipment and supplies!
This month, we hope to start work on installing new ceilings in the clinic. The old ceilings have been stained with rainwater due to leaks. We are going to install new ceilings in the labor/delivery room, laboratory room, men’s ward, entrance, and examination room. These improvements will make the clinic look so much nicer and modern.
We are trusting God to construct (in conjunction with the Bible School) two dormitories sleeping 50 students. One will be located at the clinic for those female students who are attending our Community Health Network Training. This will open the Female Ward of our clinic, and will be refurbished at that time.
We continue to see growth in the clinic as together we move forward in fulfilling the goal of a self-supporting facility at Ematsayi! God is good!!
ST JAMES EMATSAYI MEDICAL DISPENSARY UPDATE APRIL 2017
St. James Ematsayi Medical Dispensary treats between 150 and 175 patients every month. Many of these patients are unable to pay for services – but we take as payment what they may have, or make arrangements with them for payment. We are often asked the purpose of a clinic in the rural area where we live. There is a government clinic about 4 km up the road from us, so why do we another one here? The answer is not easy. The Ematsayi Clinic is a not-for-profit clinic. This means that although we charge for services and drugs, our charges are much less than most clinics in the surrounding areas. Secondly, our clinic has served over 10,000 patients since it’s opening in the early 80’s. We have testimonies from community members that share the difference the clinic has made in their lives. Yes, there is a need for this clinic.
We are seeking God’s counsel in effective marketing measures to promote the clinic within the community. God is faithful – and we know the promises of God for the believer for wisdom! We believe we will work and operate in the wisdom of God in these areas. One area we are praying over right now is the possibility of internship at the clinic. This program would bring one or two persons currently enrolled in some medical training in the US to work with our clinic in patient care and marketing.
One area that we are excited about is we have made a connection with a hospital in Coos Bay, Oregon, which has committed to help us find supplies and medical equipment to bring to Kenya. We are hopeful to make it to the area this summer or early fall to get the supplies they wish to give us, and to pack them to bring to Kenya when we return in October. This will take some additional funds for shipping – but we know God is faithful!
Our prayer request for you today is that we will walk in God’s great provision for the monthly needs of the clinic while we continue to strive to make the clinic self-sufficient. Our yearly budget, which includes projects, for 2017 is $30,000.00. This will increase our staff, hiring a registered nurse, night watchman, and possibly a laboratory technician. The projects include finishing the ceiling project (putting in new ceiling tiles throughout the clinic), installing sinks in every treatment room in the clinic, and creating a space for a decent laboratory at the clinic. God is faithful! We know the need is met – and we will move forward!
Together, we really DO make the difference!
St. James Ematsayi Medical Dispensary treats between 150 and 175 patients every month. Many of these patients are unable to pay for services – but we take as payment what they may have, or make arrangements with them for payment. We are often asked the purpose of a clinic in the rural area where we live. There is a government clinic about 4 km up the road from us, so why do we another one here? The answer is not easy. The Ematsayi Clinic is a not-for-profit clinic. This means that although we charge for services and drugs, our charges are much less than most clinics in the surrounding areas. Secondly, our clinic has served over 10,000 patients since it’s opening in the early 80’s. We have testimonies from community members that share the difference the clinic has made in their lives. Yes, there is a need for this clinic.
We are seeking God’s counsel in effective marketing measures to promote the clinic within the community. God is faithful – and we know the promises of God for the believer for wisdom! We believe we will work and operate in the wisdom of God in these areas. One area we are praying over right now is the possibility of internship at the clinic. This program would bring one or two persons currently enrolled in some medical training in the US to work with our clinic in patient care and marketing.
One area that we are excited about is we have made a connection with a hospital in Coos Bay, Oregon, which has committed to help us find supplies and medical equipment to bring to Kenya. We are hopeful to make it to the area this summer or early fall to get the supplies they wish to give us, and to pack them to bring to Kenya when we return in October. This will take some additional funds for shipping – but we know God is faithful!
Our prayer request for you today is that we will walk in God’s great provision for the monthly needs of the clinic while we continue to strive to make the clinic self-sufficient. Our yearly budget, which includes projects, for 2017 is $30,000.00. This will increase our staff, hiring a registered nurse, night watchman, and possibly a laboratory technician. The projects include finishing the ceiling project (putting in new ceiling tiles throughout the clinic), installing sinks in every treatment room in the clinic, and creating a space for a decent laboratory at the clinic. God is faithful! We know the need is met – and we will move forward!
Together, we really DO make the difference!
ST. JAMES MEDICAL CLINIC UPDATE FEBRUARY 2017
While patient numbers are down some for the month of January there were still many opportunities in dealing with health issues for the community. It seems by past history that January is a slower month for the dispensary, maybe due to the fact many are looking for school fees so health issues come second place. When you think of that it is rather sad.
We did our first Health Seminar on January 20, 2017 dealing with Personal Hygiene/Cross contamination, and Malaria. We had over 20 attend this first session of the year. There was much audience involvement which showed they were listening to the presentations. We will be doing the Health Seminar’s most months of the year. Our whole goal is to make the public aware of how they can prevent most health issues that are common to their area. We like to give a small gift to those who answer or ask the right questions. If anyone would like to donate towards this it would be greatly appreciated.
We have had two different sessions with health officials that have proved to be very beneficial. Although we found that we fall short in some of the requirements for a clinic we choose not to be threatened by this, but we are moving forward so we can be the best in all that we do. Our plans are to first start by adding a full laboratory that will increase our revenue a great deal which would put us closer to becoming self-sustaining.
I look forward to great change and continued growth and improvements in the near future. Our need for a sponsor for salaries, power and monthly supplies is still real. We need $1,000.00 a month additional support to get the clinic where it needs to be in the next two years. If you can assist with any monthly amount, please notify us, and we will let you know how to get your tax-deductible gift to the ministry!
Thank You for keeping us in your prayers and your continued financial support.
Together we really DO make a difference.
Donna Pfaltzgraff
Director of St James Ematsayi Dispensary
While patient numbers are down some for the month of January there were still many opportunities in dealing with health issues for the community. It seems by past history that January is a slower month for the dispensary, maybe due to the fact many are looking for school fees so health issues come second place. When you think of that it is rather sad.
We did our first Health Seminar on January 20, 2017 dealing with Personal Hygiene/Cross contamination, and Malaria. We had over 20 attend this first session of the year. There was much audience involvement which showed they were listening to the presentations. We will be doing the Health Seminar’s most months of the year. Our whole goal is to make the public aware of how they can prevent most health issues that are common to their area. We like to give a small gift to those who answer or ask the right questions. If anyone would like to donate towards this it would be greatly appreciated.
We have had two different sessions with health officials that have proved to be very beneficial. Although we found that we fall short in some of the requirements for a clinic we choose not to be threatened by this, but we are moving forward so we can be the best in all that we do. Our plans are to first start by adding a full laboratory that will increase our revenue a great deal which would put us closer to becoming self-sustaining.
I look forward to great change and continued growth and improvements in the near future. Our need for a sponsor for salaries, power and monthly supplies is still real. We need $1,000.00 a month additional support to get the clinic where it needs to be in the next two years. If you can assist with any monthly amount, please notify us, and we will let you know how to get your tax-deductible gift to the ministry!
Thank You for keeping us in your prayers and your continued financial support.
Together we really DO make a difference.
Donna Pfaltzgraff
Director of St James Ematsayi Dispensary
ST. JAMES MEDICAL CLINIC UPDATE JANUARY 2017
We rejoice that the clinic is positioned for new growth in 2017. On January 20, 2017, we will have the first community health seminar of the year. The topic for this month will be Hygiene and Malaria. Our goal is in making the community aware of ways to prevent illness in their lives. It is amazing how many really do not understand the proper way of taking care of themselves. We plan to hold these clinics monthly, and would love to be able to buy some small gifts for those who attend. We usually like to put together a small packet of body soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste to give as prizes. This usually costs us about $50.00 each outreach. If you would like to sponsor a month, please contact us!
We are facing some challenges as at this time. We had a partner who was able to assist us in the payment of salaries and for supplies and power for the past three years. However, this support has ended, and while we have made huge strides in improving patient care and collections we still fall short in full support of salaries. Saying all of this we are moving forward as there is no doubt in our hearts or minds that God has already provided every need for the clinic. God is faithful to perform those things He has promised!!! We are growing and we are striving forward to be the best clinic in the area. If you have a heart to assist us providing quality care to the people of Ematsayi, please contact us right away! We cannot do this alone!
But together, we really DO make the difference!
We rejoice that the clinic is positioned for new growth in 2017. On January 20, 2017, we will have the first community health seminar of the year. The topic for this month will be Hygiene and Malaria. Our goal is in making the community aware of ways to prevent illness in their lives. It is amazing how many really do not understand the proper way of taking care of themselves. We plan to hold these clinics monthly, and would love to be able to buy some small gifts for those who attend. We usually like to put together a small packet of body soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste to give as prizes. This usually costs us about $50.00 each outreach. If you would like to sponsor a month, please contact us!
We are facing some challenges as at this time. We had a partner who was able to assist us in the payment of salaries and for supplies and power for the past three years. However, this support has ended, and while we have made huge strides in improving patient care and collections we still fall short in full support of salaries. Saying all of this we are moving forward as there is no doubt in our hearts or minds that God has already provided every need for the clinic. God is faithful to perform those things He has promised!!! We are growing and we are striving forward to be the best clinic in the area. If you have a heart to assist us providing quality care to the people of Ematsayi, please contact us right away! We cannot do this alone!
But together, we really DO make the difference!
ST. JAMES MEDICAL CLINIC UPDATE JUNE 2016
Donna and her staff worked very hard to get the clinic ready for an inspection by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in our area to be approved as a Child Immunization Center. This, we felt, would be our first step toward restoring the clinic to a full fledged bush hospital in the near future. The initial meetings with representatives from the MOH were very positive. Finally, Donna and our Clinic Officer were called to the MOH Office in Kakamega to request a formal visit to our site. Everything looked so positive! The head of the MOH in Kakamega County pledged to work closely with our staff in implementing the Immunization Clinic, and agreed to work closely with us to becoming once again an inpatient hospital. The inspection date was set, and we prepared to receive the representatives he would send. On the day of the inspection, the actual head of MOH for our area came with the Clinical Nurse to inspect our facility. While the MOH was very impressed with what he saw, we felt there were reservations from the Clinical Nurse that had come with him. Just the day before we left Kenya, we received news that we were turned down by the MOH, no reasons given.
This is not the end. We requested the Bishop to look into the matter for us to find the reason we were turned down, and report to us when he knew. We instructed the staff to keep moving forward with the vision and plan of the clinic – that although the immunizations would not be offered through us at this point, we felt confident that when we return we will be able to sort this situation out.
Our major goal with the clinic was to establish a clinic that operates under the highest clinical and medical standards. Our new Clinic Officer has taken the initiative to continue to study childhood diseases and the best ways of diagnosing and treating those infirmities. He has also committed to study and research tropical diseases, and the best ways to identify those that might be more apt to infect people in our area. We know that our clinic can be the best clinic in our area, offering the highest standard of care, and this will make an impact on our people.
The clinic continues to grow in patient treatments and our pharmacy continues to dispense medication each month. We are excited to see our community and surrounding communities coming to support the clinic once again. We believe we have the best staff, motivated not by salary, but by vision to accomplish what God has in store!
Thank you for your support of this ministry – Together, we really DO make the difference!
Donna and her staff worked very hard to get the clinic ready for an inspection by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in our area to be approved as a Child Immunization Center. This, we felt, would be our first step toward restoring the clinic to a full fledged bush hospital in the near future. The initial meetings with representatives from the MOH were very positive. Finally, Donna and our Clinic Officer were called to the MOH Office in Kakamega to request a formal visit to our site. Everything looked so positive! The head of the MOH in Kakamega County pledged to work closely with our staff in implementing the Immunization Clinic, and agreed to work closely with us to becoming once again an inpatient hospital. The inspection date was set, and we prepared to receive the representatives he would send. On the day of the inspection, the actual head of MOH for our area came with the Clinical Nurse to inspect our facility. While the MOH was very impressed with what he saw, we felt there were reservations from the Clinical Nurse that had come with him. Just the day before we left Kenya, we received news that we were turned down by the MOH, no reasons given.
This is not the end. We requested the Bishop to look into the matter for us to find the reason we were turned down, and report to us when he knew. We instructed the staff to keep moving forward with the vision and plan of the clinic – that although the immunizations would not be offered through us at this point, we felt confident that when we return we will be able to sort this situation out.
Our major goal with the clinic was to establish a clinic that operates under the highest clinical and medical standards. Our new Clinic Officer has taken the initiative to continue to study childhood diseases and the best ways of diagnosing and treating those infirmities. He has also committed to study and research tropical diseases, and the best ways to identify those that might be more apt to infect people in our area. We know that our clinic can be the best clinic in our area, offering the highest standard of care, and this will make an impact on our people.
The clinic continues to grow in patient treatments and our pharmacy continues to dispense medication each month. We are excited to see our community and surrounding communities coming to support the clinic once again. We believe we have the best staff, motivated not by salary, but by vision to accomplish what God has in store!
Thank you for your support of this ministry – Together, we really DO make the difference!
ST JAMES EMATSAYI MEDICAL CLINIC UPDATE JANUARY 2016
Before we arrived in Kenya, our Clinic Officer was offered a better paying position in another area, and resigned. The medical committee interviewed and hired a young lady who has finished her course work for Clinic Officer, but has not yet taken her internship. They decided to hire her as our clinic officer. Irene is a young woman, who in our estimation shows great potential in becoming a great leader! We welcome Irene to the Staff of the St. James Ematsayi Medical Clinic.
Change is never easy, regardless of your culture or country. And change here at Ematsayi is no exception. Our patient load has really dropped in the past few months, but we believe that as things progress forward, the patients will return to be treated by our new Clinic Officer! We have met with a representative for the Ministry of Health, and we have confirmed the items that need to be renovated in our facility before they will approve us as an immunization clinic. Please check out our new “Project’s Page” for updates on the projects we are doing for the clinic this year! And stand in agreement with us for finances to come to finish the work! We trust God to have the renovations done before we leave for US in May – and will meet with the Ministry of Health when we return in October!
In addition to the medical clinic, we also have a nurses training program, where we are able to train six or seven young people every year to prepare them for a position as a Nurse Assistant, or move forward to another level to begin studies for a Registered Nurse position. We are excited to help train young people for service in the Medical field!
We currently have a sponsor of our Medical Team, but we are in need of additional funding to expand our influence in the area. We are about 50% funded at this point for the medical ministry – and are standing in faith for every need met!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish on our own – but together, we really DO make the difference!
Before we arrived in Kenya, our Clinic Officer was offered a better paying position in another area, and resigned. The medical committee interviewed and hired a young lady who has finished her course work for Clinic Officer, but has not yet taken her internship. They decided to hire her as our clinic officer. Irene is a young woman, who in our estimation shows great potential in becoming a great leader! We welcome Irene to the Staff of the St. James Ematsayi Medical Clinic.
Change is never easy, regardless of your culture or country. And change here at Ematsayi is no exception. Our patient load has really dropped in the past few months, but we believe that as things progress forward, the patients will return to be treated by our new Clinic Officer! We have met with a representative for the Ministry of Health, and we have confirmed the items that need to be renovated in our facility before they will approve us as an immunization clinic. Please check out our new “Project’s Page” for updates on the projects we are doing for the clinic this year! And stand in agreement with us for finances to come to finish the work! We trust God to have the renovations done before we leave for US in May – and will meet with the Ministry of Health when we return in October!
In addition to the medical clinic, we also have a nurses training program, where we are able to train six or seven young people every year to prepare them for a position as a Nurse Assistant, or move forward to another level to begin studies for a Registered Nurse position. We are excited to help train young people for service in the Medical field!
We currently have a sponsor of our Medical Team, but we are in need of additional funding to expand our influence in the area. We are about 50% funded at this point for the medical ministry – and are standing in faith for every need met!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish on our own – but together, we really DO make the difference!
SUMMER 2015
We rejoice that we have been able to replace the roof on the major part of the medical clinic. In 2013, we met with the Ministry of Health of Kenya to discuss what needed to be done to the clinic facility so it could be used as an immunization center and bush hospital. We were given a list of recommendations, of which replacing the roof was priority. Thanks to a partnering church, we were able to re-roof the clinic area, and are now ready to begin renovations inside the clinic. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to improve the clinic and are able to offer quality medical care to our community.
The roofing of the clinic is only the beginning! We plan to replace all the ceilings in the clinic, repair the cement floors, and repaint the facility. We are also refurbishing the inpatient rooms – a female ward and a male ward. We will also need to rebuild three toilet facilities and three showers. The restroom in the treatment room will also be repaired.
We have a national physician who has agreed to be the consulting physician for our facility. He will be on call for our facility, and be the attending physician for the hospital. With him on board, we are now able to offer a higher standard of medical care to our area.
Thank you for your prayers and support – God never gives us a vision we can accomplish alone – but together, we really DO make the difference!
We rejoice that we have been able to replace the roof on the major part of the medical clinic. In 2013, we met with the Ministry of Health of Kenya to discuss what needed to be done to the clinic facility so it could be used as an immunization center and bush hospital. We were given a list of recommendations, of which replacing the roof was priority. Thanks to a partnering church, we were able to re-roof the clinic area, and are now ready to begin renovations inside the clinic. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to improve the clinic and are able to offer quality medical care to our community.
The roofing of the clinic is only the beginning! We plan to replace all the ceilings in the clinic, repair the cement floors, and repaint the facility. We are also refurbishing the inpatient rooms – a female ward and a male ward. We will also need to rebuild three toilet facilities and three showers. The restroom in the treatment room will also be repaired.
We have a national physician who has agreed to be the consulting physician for our facility. He will be on call for our facility, and be the attending physician for the hospital. With him on board, we are now able to offer a higher standard of medical care to our area.
Thank you for your prayers and support – God never gives us a vision we can accomplish alone – but together, we really DO make the difference!
JANUARY 2015 UPDATE
St. James Medical Dispensary continues to improve! We are excited that the clinic has been able to purchase the medications with the incoming revenue. Our new nurse, Emelda, has been traveling to remote areas to provide prenatal and midwifery services. Our two administrative assistants (pictured to the side) have been diligent in reporting patient treatments, payments, and needs to us here in the US as well as keeping order at the clinic. We are so pleased with the advances of the clinic!
We have two major projects facing us when we return to Kenya. The first is the completion of the Clean Water Project. Until March of last year, the clinic did not have water. In March, clean water was piped to the clinic, providing a workable sink in the treatment room and lobby; and a working toilet was repaired in the clinic. To finish this project, we need to construct a “handicapped” toilet at the clinic, and remodel current outdoor toilets to have running water. We also plan to install two working showers attached to the clinic.
The second major project is updating the clinic facilities to the standards the Ministry of Health has presented to us. This includes replacing a leaking roof, replacing all the ceiling tiles in the clinic, painting ceilings and walls, and repairing the floors. We must also install an industrial “furnace” which will burn medical supplies, including needles, etc. The total cost of this will be $10,000 USD. A partner church in Arizona has committed to $5,000.00 of the cost – which leaves us with a need of only $5,000.00 to complete the project. We hope to start renovations in March, upon our return to Kenya. If you would like to help in this project, please contact us!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish on our own – but together we really DO make the difference!
St. James Medical Dispensary continues to improve! We are excited that the clinic has been able to purchase the medications with the incoming revenue. Our new nurse, Emelda, has been traveling to remote areas to provide prenatal and midwifery services. Our two administrative assistants (pictured to the side) have been diligent in reporting patient treatments, payments, and needs to us here in the US as well as keeping order at the clinic. We are so pleased with the advances of the clinic!
We have two major projects facing us when we return to Kenya. The first is the completion of the Clean Water Project. Until March of last year, the clinic did not have water. In March, clean water was piped to the clinic, providing a workable sink in the treatment room and lobby; and a working toilet was repaired in the clinic. To finish this project, we need to construct a “handicapped” toilet at the clinic, and remodel current outdoor toilets to have running water. We also plan to install two working showers attached to the clinic.
The second major project is updating the clinic facilities to the standards the Ministry of Health has presented to us. This includes replacing a leaking roof, replacing all the ceiling tiles in the clinic, painting ceilings and walls, and repairing the floors. We must also install an industrial “furnace” which will burn medical supplies, including needles, etc. The total cost of this will be $10,000 USD. A partner church in Arizona has committed to $5,000.00 of the cost – which leaves us with a need of only $5,000.00 to complete the project. We hope to start renovations in March, upon our return to Kenya. If you would like to help in this project, please contact us!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish on our own – but together we really DO make the difference!
DECEMBER 2014 UPDATE
2014 brought some changes to our clinic in Kakamega. In April, thanks to the assistance of one of our ministry friends, we were able to bring water inside the clinic! In May we hired a new nurse, (pictured to the left) who is also a competent mid-wife. She has proven to be a great addition to our clinic – reaching out in the community and offering services we have wanted to offer. Also 2014 brought the preliminary approval of the Kenya Ministry of Health of becoming an immunization center.
2015 hold great challenges! We need to finish the Fresh Water Project, and complete the process of becoming the immunization center. This will include some much needed renovations to our current facility, as well as some additions. We also plan to extend our medical outreaches into the community.
I wanted to share some of the plans we have for development for 2015. To finish the “Clean Water Project,” we want to construct four additional flushing toilets ( three Asian style toilets and one Western style) with two showers, one for handicap access. In addition, we will construct a kiosk where the community can access clean water from the main road. We will also construct a new incinerator for the clinic with this phase, and install a water reclamation system to collect rainwater from the roof of the clinic for basic cleaning use.
The second phase of our development will be to renovate the current clinic. We will repair all ceilings, paint, and repair floors. We will also replace the locks on all the doors and install new secure doors for the clinic pharmacy and laboratory. In this phase, we will also repair all the equipment that is currently in need of repair, or replace those items that are not repairable.
We want to thank you, our partners, friends and family, for your commitment in helping us reach these goals.
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish alone – but together we really DO make the difference!
2014 brought some changes to our clinic in Kakamega. In April, thanks to the assistance of one of our ministry friends, we were able to bring water inside the clinic! In May we hired a new nurse, (pictured to the left) who is also a competent mid-wife. She has proven to be a great addition to our clinic – reaching out in the community and offering services we have wanted to offer. Also 2014 brought the preliminary approval of the Kenya Ministry of Health of becoming an immunization center.
2015 hold great challenges! We need to finish the Fresh Water Project, and complete the process of becoming the immunization center. This will include some much needed renovations to our current facility, as well as some additions. We also plan to extend our medical outreaches into the community.
I wanted to share some of the plans we have for development for 2015. To finish the “Clean Water Project,” we want to construct four additional flushing toilets ( three Asian style toilets and one Western style) with two showers, one for handicap access. In addition, we will construct a kiosk where the community can access clean water from the main road. We will also construct a new incinerator for the clinic with this phase, and install a water reclamation system to collect rainwater from the roof of the clinic for basic cleaning use.
The second phase of our development will be to renovate the current clinic. We will repair all ceilings, paint, and repair floors. We will also replace the locks on all the doors and install new secure doors for the clinic pharmacy and laboratory. In this phase, we will also repair all the equipment that is currently in need of repair, or replace those items that are not repairable.
We want to thank you, our partners, friends and family, for your commitment in helping us reach these goals.
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish alone – but together we really DO make the difference!
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2014
The clinic continues to have good success in ministering to the health needs of the Ematsayi community. Thanks to the partners and friends of GFFMI, we have been able to continue paying our staff, and the money that comes from treatments and medication dispensary covers the cost of the medications, supplies and utilities. Our goal is to have the Medical Clinic self-supporting within the next two years! And we can see it is beginning to work! Thanks be to God!
At this moment, we are believing God for the finances to finish the Water Project, which will allow us to build additional toilets and showers for the clinic, as well as build a kiosk where clean water can be made available to the community. In addition, we are standing for the finances to repair our ceilings, repaint the rooms, and build a new furnace in compliance with the Ministry of Health of Kenya. We are also in need of updating our medical equipment.
Thank you for your continued prayers for this outreach, and your financial commitments that have helped us accomplish what God has sent us to do.
Together we really DO make the difference!
The clinic continues to have good success in ministering to the health needs of the Ematsayi community. Thanks to the partners and friends of GFFMI, we have been able to continue paying our staff, and the money that comes from treatments and medication dispensary covers the cost of the medications, supplies and utilities. Our goal is to have the Medical Clinic self-supporting within the next two years! And we can see it is beginning to work! Thanks be to God!
At this moment, we are believing God for the finances to finish the Water Project, which will allow us to build additional toilets and showers for the clinic, as well as build a kiosk where clean water can be made available to the community. In addition, we are standing for the finances to repair our ceilings, repaint the rooms, and build a new furnace in compliance with the Ministry of Health of Kenya. We are also in need of updating our medical equipment.
Thank you for your continued prayers for this outreach, and your financial commitments that have helped us accomplish what God has sent us to do.
Together we really DO make the difference!
UPDATE SUMMER 2014
Shortly after our arrival at Ematsayi, Donna continued her position as the Director of the St James Ematsayi Mission Dispensary. The clinic managed while we were away, but funding was scarce and the staff did without salary for nearly two months. Thanks to some of our partners, we were able to catch up salaries, and re-stock medications. We are also pleased that our clinic budget is 50% funded at this point. It takes us about $1,000.00 USD per month to function as a full-fledged clinic in Kenya – this money includes the salaries of our staff, purchase of medications, supplies, and utility needs. Our vision is to equip the clinic to be self-sufficient within four years.
We are also pleased to announce and introduce a new nurse to our staff at St. James Ematsayi Dispensary. Mrs. Emelda Nekesa Nangabo. Emelda joined us the first of June as a full-time Nurse. She is also a student in our Bible School at Ematsayi. We are excited to welcome Emelda as a part of our medical team. We are equally excited to see a new phase of our Medical Ministry as we introduce prayer and laying on of hands in conjunction with quality medical care!
Recently, a friend of our ministry donated 10 pair of adjustable eyewear to our ministry for patients in Kenya. Through their generous donation, we were put in contact with the manufactures of this eye wear. We have been given an opportunity to purchase these adjustable eyewear at a discount, and the company will match our purchase for any additional pieces. Look for our announcement about this upcoming effort. We will be raising funds shortly to purchase 50 eyewear, and the company will match those with 50 additional pieces! If you are interested in helping us purchase these, please send Donna a message at Revdonnap@gffmi.org, or message me at Revpeterp@gffmi.org.
Finally, I wanted to include a thank-you letter from our medical staff regarding the completion of phase II of the water project. Anyone in the medical field realizes the importance of being able to control cross-infection through hand washing and proper cleaning. Before, the medical staff did not have clean water to wash hands or wash bedding or furniture. With the completion of this phase, the clinic now has better sanitary facility. This letter is from our Clinic Officer:
Shortly after our arrival at Ematsayi, Donna continued her position as the Director of the St James Ematsayi Mission Dispensary. The clinic managed while we were away, but funding was scarce and the staff did without salary for nearly two months. Thanks to some of our partners, we were able to catch up salaries, and re-stock medications. We are also pleased that our clinic budget is 50% funded at this point. It takes us about $1,000.00 USD per month to function as a full-fledged clinic in Kenya – this money includes the salaries of our staff, purchase of medications, supplies, and utility needs. Our vision is to equip the clinic to be self-sufficient within four years.
We are also pleased to announce and introduce a new nurse to our staff at St. James Ematsayi Dispensary. Mrs. Emelda Nekesa Nangabo. Emelda joined us the first of June as a full-time Nurse. She is also a student in our Bible School at Ematsayi. We are excited to welcome Emelda as a part of our medical team. We are equally excited to see a new phase of our Medical Ministry as we introduce prayer and laying on of hands in conjunction with quality medical care!
Recently, a friend of our ministry donated 10 pair of adjustable eyewear to our ministry for patients in Kenya. Through their generous donation, we were put in contact with the manufactures of this eye wear. We have been given an opportunity to purchase these adjustable eyewear at a discount, and the company will match our purchase for any additional pieces. Look for our announcement about this upcoming effort. We will be raising funds shortly to purchase 50 eyewear, and the company will match those with 50 additional pieces! If you are interested in helping us purchase these, please send Donna a message at Revdonnap@gffmi.org, or message me at Revpeterp@gffmi.org.
Finally, I wanted to include a thank-you letter from our medical staff regarding the completion of phase II of the water project. Anyone in the medical field realizes the importance of being able to control cross-infection through hand washing and proper cleaning. Before, the medical staff did not have clean water to wash hands or wash bedding or furniture. With the completion of this phase, the clinic now has better sanitary facility. This letter is from our Clinic Officer:
The clinic has a instrument sterilization machine that is currently non-functioning. To repair this machine will cost us about $200.00. In addition, we are in need of a good prenatal doppler for the clinic, as the one we have now is very old and outdated.
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish on our own. But, together we really DO make the difference! Thank you for making the difference in the lives of the people of Ematsayi!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish on our own. But, together we really DO make the difference! Thank you for making the difference in the lives of the people of Ematsayi!
APRIL 2014 UPDATE
When we arrived in Kakamega, we found the clinic continuing thanks to the faithful and dedicated staff! The staff had not received any salary since February, but they were in good spirits, and believing that God would supply the need. The medications had also finished – and there were so many things that needed to be put back in order.
Donna began working immediately on the issues we found, and made an appeal to some of our partners who had expressed interest in the clinic work. We are so grateful that God answered our prayers! We have a monthly need of $750 to pay staff, purchase medication, supplies, and provide electricity to the clinic. We were two months behind when we arrived, but we are thankful to report that we are now caught up, medication has been purchased, and salaries have been paid.
We are also pleased that the school for nursing continues strong. We have seven or eight students enrolled this term – and it is a blessing to the community. Four of our students have gone for attachment (where they will work practically with a clinic for a season before taking national exams). All report good things about their work! We are excited to see this program moving forward!
For the next few days, Donna will be working with the clinic staff in setting policies and procedures for the coming months. It is our goal that by the end of 2015, this clinic will be totally self-supporting. Until that time, we are in need for monthly supporters who will faithfully stand with us! We are pleased that of our budget of $750.00, we have raised 2/3 of the amount needed! Thank you to all who have helped us and continue to stand with us to provide quality medical assistance to the people of Ematsayi! Together we really DO make the difference!
When we arrived in Kakamega, we found the clinic continuing thanks to the faithful and dedicated staff! The staff had not received any salary since February, but they were in good spirits, and believing that God would supply the need. The medications had also finished – and there were so many things that needed to be put back in order.
Donna began working immediately on the issues we found, and made an appeal to some of our partners who had expressed interest in the clinic work. We are so grateful that God answered our prayers! We have a monthly need of $750 to pay staff, purchase medication, supplies, and provide electricity to the clinic. We were two months behind when we arrived, but we are thankful to report that we are now caught up, medication has been purchased, and salaries have been paid.
We are also pleased that the school for nursing continues strong. We have seven or eight students enrolled this term – and it is a blessing to the community. Four of our students have gone for attachment (where they will work practically with a clinic for a season before taking national exams). All report good things about their work! We are excited to see this program moving forward!
For the next few days, Donna will be working with the clinic staff in setting policies and procedures for the coming months. It is our goal that by the end of 2015, this clinic will be totally self-supporting. Until that time, we are in need for monthly supporters who will faithfully stand with us! We are pleased that of our budget of $750.00, we have raised 2/3 of the amount needed! Thank you to all who have helped us and continue to stand with us to provide quality medical assistance to the people of Ematsayi! Together we really DO make the difference!
St. James Ematsayi Medical Dispensary and Clinic - February 2014
We hear quite frequently from the Chairman of the Medical Committee in Kenya. He reports that the clinic is moving forward. The St. James Ematsayi Mission Dispensary had a visiting physician in the month of January, and we are looking forward to hearing a report on his visit.
The major focus for 2014 is to bring the clinic to the place where they can be self-sustaining. However, as we work towards that goal, we still need help. Our clinic expenses are about $750.00 per month. This includes staff salaries, supplies, and utilities. We anticipate that our monthly contribution toward this need will be about $500.00 per month. We also anticipate that as we come to the close of 2014, that amount will decrease significantly.
We are excited that a physician who visited our clinic in 2013 has had a desire to help Bible and Literacy League of Kenya finish the clean water project, by bringing water to the clinic, and providing clean, running water inside the offices, treatment rooms, restrooms, and wards. This project will cost an estimated $2,500.00, of which at the last report $800 had been raised. If you wish to contribute to this project, please let us know and we will let you know how to participate. Money donated toward this project goes to a different organization – so we can get you the information needed if you wish to contribute. (Pictures below are of the first phase of the project, bringing water to the mission!)
We are both excited and pleased with the progress in the clinic. St. James Ematsayi Mission Dispensary is making a difference to the people of Western Kenya. Thank you for your continued support in prayer, and finances. Together we really DO make the difference.
We hear quite frequently from the Chairman of the Medical Committee in Kenya. He reports that the clinic is moving forward. The St. James Ematsayi Mission Dispensary had a visiting physician in the month of January, and we are looking forward to hearing a report on his visit.
The major focus for 2014 is to bring the clinic to the place where they can be self-sustaining. However, as we work towards that goal, we still need help. Our clinic expenses are about $750.00 per month. This includes staff salaries, supplies, and utilities. We anticipate that our monthly contribution toward this need will be about $500.00 per month. We also anticipate that as we come to the close of 2014, that amount will decrease significantly.
We are excited that a physician who visited our clinic in 2013 has had a desire to help Bible and Literacy League of Kenya finish the clean water project, by bringing water to the clinic, and providing clean, running water inside the offices, treatment rooms, restrooms, and wards. This project will cost an estimated $2,500.00, of which at the last report $800 had been raised. If you wish to contribute to this project, please let us know and we will let you know how to participate. Money donated toward this project goes to a different organization – so we can get you the information needed if you wish to contribute. (Pictures below are of the first phase of the project, bringing water to the mission!)
We are both excited and pleased with the progress in the clinic. St. James Ematsayi Mission Dispensary is making a difference to the people of Western Kenya. Thank you for your continued support in prayer, and finances. Together we really DO make the difference.
St. James Ematsayi Medical Dispensary and Clinic - December 2013
The past month has been very active at our clinic. Dr. Eugene Ver of Rochester, New York arrived the first of November, and began seeing patients at our St. James Ematsayi Dispensary in Mid-November. We had a major mobile clinic in November, and two mobile clinics in December. Many people have been treated for a variety of diseases and ailments over the past month! We are all so grateful to Dr. Ver and his commitment to quality care for people of our area.
Also in October, a ministry partner donated some money to assist us in purchasing medication for the clinic, and payment of our clinic staff for October. We are so grateful for this generosity, and the people of the Ematsayi community have greatly benefited from it as well!
Another major accomplishment in November was bringing clean water from the well to the clinic. Our goal is to bring water inside the clinic, to have working sinks and toilets and a shower. To complete the task will take laying more pipe from the place where the water comes to the tank over the clinic apartment, then piping from the tank to each of the rooms. It is a big task, but not nearly as large as the task to bringing water to the clinic property! We are so thankful to a group of children from a small church in Texas who organized to raise the funds to bring the water this far! And, we are thankful to God for the completed work as well!
Below you will see some pictures of the mobile clinics, the Ematsayi dispensary, and our new water tank! Thank you for your continued support! We currently need to pay our staff for November through February, and purchase additional medications for the pharmacy. Our total immediate need for the clinic is $500.00 to hold us through February.
In March, Donna will resume as the director of the clinic, and continue with bringing change that will assist the mission to be able to pay for their staff and medications with no outside support! Thank you for your support of this ministry in Kenya! Together we really DO make the difference.
The past month has been very active at our clinic. Dr. Eugene Ver of Rochester, New York arrived the first of November, and began seeing patients at our St. James Ematsayi Dispensary in Mid-November. We had a major mobile clinic in November, and two mobile clinics in December. Many people have been treated for a variety of diseases and ailments over the past month! We are all so grateful to Dr. Ver and his commitment to quality care for people of our area.
Also in October, a ministry partner donated some money to assist us in purchasing medication for the clinic, and payment of our clinic staff for October. We are so grateful for this generosity, and the people of the Ematsayi community have greatly benefited from it as well!
Another major accomplishment in November was bringing clean water from the well to the clinic. Our goal is to bring water inside the clinic, to have working sinks and toilets and a shower. To complete the task will take laying more pipe from the place where the water comes to the tank over the clinic apartment, then piping from the tank to each of the rooms. It is a big task, but not nearly as large as the task to bringing water to the clinic property! We are so thankful to a group of children from a small church in Texas who organized to raise the funds to bring the water this far! And, we are thankful to God for the completed work as well!
Below you will see some pictures of the mobile clinics, the Ematsayi dispensary, and our new water tank! Thank you for your continued support! We currently need to pay our staff for November through February, and purchase additional medications for the pharmacy. Our total immediate need for the clinic is $500.00 to hold us through February.
In March, Donna will resume as the director of the clinic, and continue with bringing change that will assist the mission to be able to pay for their staff and medications with no outside support! Thank you for your support of this ministry in Kenya! Together we really DO make the difference.
St. James Ematsayi Medical Dispensary Update November 2013
Since our last report, we have had some great events! The end of October, a ministry partner donated money to help us cover the cost of the salaries of our staff and purchase medications for the clinic. This was so needed – we had just run out of most everything when the donation came! A provisional supply of antibiotics and pain killers were purchased, and a major order was prepared to be filled the first of November. We thank God for our faithful partners who help us in this ministry! We cannot do this alone – together we really DO make the difference!
This month we welcome Rev. Dr. Eugene Ver of Rochester, New York to Ematsayi Mission. Dr. Ver joined us on November 6th – two days late, but all in one piece! His flight from US to Amsterdam was redirected to Brussels due to weather – and it took KLM a full day to figure out what to do with the passengers traveling on to Kenya! Finally, he was sent to Amsterdam, then flew from Amsterdam to Dubai, then to Nairobi. He arrived safely on the 6th November!
Upon arriving at the clinic, Dr. Ver has been busy seeing patients, training clinic staff and assisting in the teaching of our nursing students. He has also been busy acquainting himself with tropical diseases, treatments, and customs of Western Kenya. He has helped Donna in setting up some procedures and policies…and was invaluable help when we purchased medications for the clinic.
In addition to working at the clinic, Dr. Ver and some of our clinic staff will be doing a few Mobile Clinics in our area. Our first clinic was at Sabatia, Kenya – and was very successful! We saw XXX patients, and treated various diseases and ailments. The pictures included in this newsletter are from that outreach.
Donna is working hard to help bring the clinic to a place of accountability and sustainability. This is no easy project! You can imagine, having operated in various ways over the past 25 years, having a dependence on the West for financial assistance and supplies, coming with new policies and procedures geared toward self-sufficiency has proven to be quite a challenge. People everywhere have a resistance to change. But God is faithful to help us know how to effectively help move the clinic forward.
We have implemented a charge ticket at the clinic so we can track the clinic procedures, drugs dispensed, and so the clinic official can make clinical notes on each patient. We are introducing the concept of patient charts to the clinic as well, where the charge ticket will be put in the patient’s chart a permanent record of their visit, and each time they return, we have easy access to previous illness and treatment.
We currently would like to sponsor this clinic for the 2014 fiscal year, allowing us to pay our staff monthly and purchase medications, while implementing the plans to self-sufficiency. The monthly need for the clinic is around $750 per month, which includes medication, staffing, supplies, cleaning, and transportation. Will you stand in agreement with us for this need to be met?
Next month, I will report on more of Dr. Ver’s visit to Kenya, and plans we will have to move forward. We appreciate your prayers so much! We cannot do this alone! Together, we really DO make the difference!
Since our last report, we have had some great events! The end of October, a ministry partner donated money to help us cover the cost of the salaries of our staff and purchase medications for the clinic. This was so needed – we had just run out of most everything when the donation came! A provisional supply of antibiotics and pain killers were purchased, and a major order was prepared to be filled the first of November. We thank God for our faithful partners who help us in this ministry! We cannot do this alone – together we really DO make the difference!
This month we welcome Rev. Dr. Eugene Ver of Rochester, New York to Ematsayi Mission. Dr. Ver joined us on November 6th – two days late, but all in one piece! His flight from US to Amsterdam was redirected to Brussels due to weather – and it took KLM a full day to figure out what to do with the passengers traveling on to Kenya! Finally, he was sent to Amsterdam, then flew from Amsterdam to Dubai, then to Nairobi. He arrived safely on the 6th November!
Upon arriving at the clinic, Dr. Ver has been busy seeing patients, training clinic staff and assisting in the teaching of our nursing students. He has also been busy acquainting himself with tropical diseases, treatments, and customs of Western Kenya. He has helped Donna in setting up some procedures and policies…and was invaluable help when we purchased medications for the clinic.
In addition to working at the clinic, Dr. Ver and some of our clinic staff will be doing a few Mobile Clinics in our area. Our first clinic was at Sabatia, Kenya – and was very successful! We saw XXX patients, and treated various diseases and ailments. The pictures included in this newsletter are from that outreach.
Donna is working hard to help bring the clinic to a place of accountability and sustainability. This is no easy project! You can imagine, having operated in various ways over the past 25 years, having a dependence on the West for financial assistance and supplies, coming with new policies and procedures geared toward self-sufficiency has proven to be quite a challenge. People everywhere have a resistance to change. But God is faithful to help us know how to effectively help move the clinic forward.
We have implemented a charge ticket at the clinic so we can track the clinic procedures, drugs dispensed, and so the clinic official can make clinical notes on each patient. We are introducing the concept of patient charts to the clinic as well, where the charge ticket will be put in the patient’s chart a permanent record of their visit, and each time they return, we have easy access to previous illness and treatment.
We currently would like to sponsor this clinic for the 2014 fiscal year, allowing us to pay our staff monthly and purchase medications, while implementing the plans to self-sufficiency. The monthly need for the clinic is around $750 per month, which includes medication, staffing, supplies, cleaning, and transportation. Will you stand in agreement with us for this need to be met?
Next month, I will report on more of Dr. Ver’s visit to Kenya, and plans we will have to move forward. We appreciate your prayers so much! We cannot do this alone! Together, we really DO make the difference!
St. James Ematsayi Medical Clinic and Dispensary Update October 2013
Last month, a daughter of one of our second year student came to the clinic to birth a child. However, there were complications with the birth, and our clinic did not have the proper equipment or staff to handle the situation. The immediate need was to transfer the woman to a better equipped hospital in Kakamega. However, because of the time of night, and lack of transportation, this was not possible. As a result, the baby died. While this is a sad story, it shows the need we have in our area for well-equipped medical facilities.
This month, Donna started working as the Director of the St. James Ematsayi Medical Clinic and Dispensary – and the director of the medical outreaches of Bible and Literacy League of Kenya. She has been asked to bring the Medical Clinic to the next level, where the needs of the community are fully addressed, and incidents such as the one mentioned above are fewer and fewer. One of her first meetings was with representatives from the Ministry of Health, who had come to evaluate and inspect our facility at Ematsayi. While there are a number of things that need to be changed, for the most part the evaluation was quite positive. There are a few major areas that need to be addressed, but the representative offered assistance to become an immunization clinic for children, which means the government would assist the clinic the obtaining a refrigerator for medication, and immunizations for the children in our area. We would also be certified as a birthing center at that point as well, with one area of our clinic designated for maternity and children. Eventually, the MOH would like to see us develop into a full-fledged hospital, where we could treat inpatients and have minor surgeries.
Our clinic currently has three full-time staff members; our Clinic Officer, our Nurse, and our Receptionist. In addition, we have a lab technician and an office girl who volunteer to help with the business side of the clinic. We have five full-time nursing students who are learning the basics of nursing. These students often are the “first responders” to any patients who come to the clinic. Donna is working to put together a charge sheet that would be given to each patient upon registration, and would allow the professional to track treatment and inventory at the same time.
One of our members shared with us recently a positive report on our clinic. He had gone for a meeting in another community, and on the way back to Ematsayi was in a motorcycle accident. He did not feel that he was injured, until the next day when he found a huge cut on the heel of his foot. It was so bad, he could not walk. He went to be treated at the clinic, where they were able to give him medication and cauterize the wound. He is now walking very well, and doing his work as usual.
The major need of our clinic now is for funds to run the clinic on a monthly basis. We have run out of medication, and need to purchase antibiotics and pain medications as soon as possible. We are also in need of paying our staff their salaries as we build this clinic up to become self-sustaining. Thank you for standing with us financially and in prayer. Together we really DO make the difference!
Last month, a daughter of one of our second year student came to the clinic to birth a child. However, there were complications with the birth, and our clinic did not have the proper equipment or staff to handle the situation. The immediate need was to transfer the woman to a better equipped hospital in Kakamega. However, because of the time of night, and lack of transportation, this was not possible. As a result, the baby died. While this is a sad story, it shows the need we have in our area for well-equipped medical facilities.
This month, Donna started working as the Director of the St. James Ematsayi Medical Clinic and Dispensary – and the director of the medical outreaches of Bible and Literacy League of Kenya. She has been asked to bring the Medical Clinic to the next level, where the needs of the community are fully addressed, and incidents such as the one mentioned above are fewer and fewer. One of her first meetings was with representatives from the Ministry of Health, who had come to evaluate and inspect our facility at Ematsayi. While there are a number of things that need to be changed, for the most part the evaluation was quite positive. There are a few major areas that need to be addressed, but the representative offered assistance to become an immunization clinic for children, which means the government would assist the clinic the obtaining a refrigerator for medication, and immunizations for the children in our area. We would also be certified as a birthing center at that point as well, with one area of our clinic designated for maternity and children. Eventually, the MOH would like to see us develop into a full-fledged hospital, where we could treat inpatients and have minor surgeries.
Our clinic currently has three full-time staff members; our Clinic Officer, our Nurse, and our Receptionist. In addition, we have a lab technician and an office girl who volunteer to help with the business side of the clinic. We have five full-time nursing students who are learning the basics of nursing. These students often are the “first responders” to any patients who come to the clinic. Donna is working to put together a charge sheet that would be given to each patient upon registration, and would allow the professional to track treatment and inventory at the same time.
One of our members shared with us recently a positive report on our clinic. He had gone for a meeting in another community, and on the way back to Ematsayi was in a motorcycle accident. He did not feel that he was injured, until the next day when he found a huge cut on the heel of his foot. It was so bad, he could not walk. He went to be treated at the clinic, where they were able to give him medication and cauterize the wound. He is now walking very well, and doing his work as usual.
The major need of our clinic now is for funds to run the clinic on a monthly basis. We have run out of medication, and need to purchase antibiotics and pain medications as soon as possible. We are also in need of paying our staff their salaries as we build this clinic up to become self-sustaining. Thank you for standing with us financially and in prayer. Together we really DO make the difference!
Ematsayi Medical Clinic and Dispensary Update September 2013
Ematsayi BALL Medical Dispensary continues to grow! When we arrived in Kakamega, we were so pleased to see that our staff was still together, and the clinic is moving forward. Our nurse Aggrey and our Clinic Officer Jane are operating the day to day functions of the clinic very efficiently!
We were so pleased to bring two large suitcases of medical supplies and equipment from the United States when we came. Our material came through customs very well, and we have the bags ready to unpack in the next few weeks. (We need to finish the school term first.) After the 20th of September, Donna will begin working with the clinic staff and learning the needs and operation of the dispensary. We are excited to help bring this clinic to a place where it can be self-supporting and sustaining.
In November, Donna will be attending a Medical Conference in Nairobi with a ministry partner and friend from the state of New York. We will then travel back to Kakamega where our ministry partner (who is an MD) will stay with us until the middle of December to work in our clinic and help us assess the needs for the clinic to move forward.
We are currently preparing information regarding some funding that is needed to update our clinic and enable us to help the clinic become self-supporting. If you would like a copy of this information, please drop us a line.
Thank you for your prayers and support – together we really DO make the difference!
Ematsayi BALL Medical Dispensary continues to grow! When we arrived in Kakamega, we were so pleased to see that our staff was still together, and the clinic is moving forward. Our nurse Aggrey and our Clinic Officer Jane are operating the day to day functions of the clinic very efficiently!
We were so pleased to bring two large suitcases of medical supplies and equipment from the United States when we came. Our material came through customs very well, and we have the bags ready to unpack in the next few weeks. (We need to finish the school term first.) After the 20th of September, Donna will begin working with the clinic staff and learning the needs and operation of the dispensary. We are excited to help bring this clinic to a place where it can be self-supporting and sustaining.
In November, Donna will be attending a Medical Conference in Nairobi with a ministry partner and friend from the state of New York. We will then travel back to Kakamega where our ministry partner (who is an MD) will stay with us until the middle of December to work in our clinic and help us assess the needs for the clinic to move forward.
We are currently preparing information regarding some funding that is needed to update our clinic and enable us to help the clinic become self-supporting. If you would like a copy of this information, please drop us a line.
Thank you for your prayers and support – together we really DO make the difference!
DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013
In December, the Executive Committee of the Bible and Literacy League of Kenya asked Donna to take leadership as the Director of Medical Service for the Ematsayi Hospital and Mobile Clinics. In January, Ematsayi Mission re-opened the medical clinic on our campus. A physician from Texas visited our clinic for two weeks in January, during which time 500 patients were seen! In addition to the main clinic at Ematsayi, a Mobile Clinic was done in the bush where many people benefited from free assessment and basic medical care. Our clinic has recently hired a new Clinic Officer, and a nurse to work with Donna in building a ministry of healing to the people of Western Kenya.
Malaria and tuberculosis have long been a public health problem in Kenya. In recent years, HIV wish causes AIDS has also become a severe problem. Another very common of termination of pre in Kenya is diabetes. Yet another problem in Kenya is Maternal mortality – the death of a woman while pregnant, or within 42 days The Ematsayi Sub-hospital and our mobile clinics help in the early diagnosis of some of these issues, and is instrumental in assisting women during their pregnancy. We continue to develop relationships with physicians in the United States who have a desire to come and assist Ematsayi Health Center with training and assessment. Their expertise and wisdom prove invaluable to the continued work of the Mission Hospital and clinics.
You can be a part of this medical outreach – your financial support of Grace & Faith Family Ministries International helps the clinics move forward in both vision and scope. Act now! Be a partner with GFFMI Medical Clinics!
Together, we really DO make the difference!
Malaria and tuberculosis have long been a public health problem in Kenya. In recent years, HIV wish causes AIDS has also become a severe problem. Another very common of termination of pre in Kenya is diabetes. Yet another problem in Kenya is Maternal mortality – the death of a woman while pregnant, or within 42 days The Ematsayi Sub-hospital and our mobile clinics help in the early diagnosis of some of these issues, and is instrumental in assisting women during their pregnancy. We continue to develop relationships with physicians in the United States who have a desire to come and assist Ematsayi Health Center with training and assessment. Their expertise and wisdom prove invaluable to the continued work of the Mission Hospital and clinics.
You can be a part of this medical outreach – your financial support of Grace & Faith Family Ministries International helps the clinics move forward in both vision and scope. Act now! Be a partner with GFFMI Medical Clinics!
Together, we really DO make the difference!