Health Clinic Dedication

The front of the health clinic, ready to be dedicated

Constructions began in 2007 here on the Lutheran Compound in Kisumu for a Medical facility. With major funding from Bethesda Lutheran Communities and Lutheran Friends of the Deaf, a member of the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, the facility has grown over the past 4 years to soon provide health care to members of the ELCK, children supported by the 1001 Orphans program, and students at the Lutheran Special School for mentally challenged. The public will also be eligible for services and doctors from smaller, outside offices can come and make use of equipment for a fee. By charging “rent” for donated equipment such as a CT scan, dialysis machine, x-ray apparatus, and surgical tools, cash flow is projected to help make the clinic self sustainable.

The final inspection by the Ministry of Health is anticipated to occur in January, bringing the vision of a mercy-centered health facility to reality.

John Bauer, Steve Schumacher, and Pr. Chuchu beside
the plaque dedicating the health clinic

So on Sunday, after a processional to the clinic with area pastors, distinguished guests, and a visiting choir from Tanzania, Arch Bishop Obare officially dedicated the health clinic. John Bauer, CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities and Steve Schumacher, representative for Lutheran Friends of the Deaf, unveiled the dedication plaque. We then participated in the divine service with Kisumu congregants, and afterward listed to speeches from Dr. Bauer and Rev. Schumacher, along with LCMS representative, Pastor Shauen Trump, and closing remarks from Arch Bishop Obare. Once again, this cultural experience wouldn’t be complete without a feast of Kenyan foods, very similar to those served following the ATP graduation.

We are interested to witness the final progress of the health clinic and pray for its self-sustaining business plan to work. May God use those doctors and professionals staffed at the clinic to be the hands of His mercy.