Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta Sitapur, Madhya Pradesh India MEDICAL EVANGELISM IN EAST AND CENTRAL INDIA VOL. 11 NO. 1 APRIL, 1982 IF YOU HAVE NEVER travelled outside the U.S., hove you ever wondered whet it is really like in some other countries? Have you ever thought what it would be like to hove no electricity, no phone, no running water? Have you ever really been worried that you could not afford your next meal knowing your last meal was 3 days ago? MOST OF THE WORLD lives at a level of poverty that we can little imagine. India has no functioning social welfare systems, no relief programs for poverty, famine, earthquake, or drought, outside of what is provided by Christian missions. Much of rural India has never seen a doctor, never received life-saving immunizations of compassionate care when they are ill. Most have no concept of a loving, caring God. They must constantly strive to please gods mode of stone, metal or wood that never answer. Many are under the bondage or Satan's own messengers and live a life of agony and fear. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN so much, blessed so greatly by God in our country. But even more than that, we have the hope of eternal life in Christ. How can we sit idly by? "Woe is me if I preach not this Gospel"! Truly "Unto whom much has been given much is requir^ed". DEVELOPING PLANS As it happens often, one may know the goal long before he learns how to reach it. The goal for TH&E is to develop a medical evangelistic outreach in central India in association with the Bernel Getter family. In order to do that, one first needs permission to enter the country of India, and then permission to enter Surgujo dis trict (wherein lies Sitopur). In order to gain permission to enter India, application was made to enter southern India (known to be politically less sensitive). As mentioned previously, the first year is planned to be training at the Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre, gaining necessaj:y_xnedicaLskills^ to^ deal with__ Hansen's Disease. During the training period, arrangements have been made to work with Benevolent Social Services of India, Inc. (J. Lois Rees, Mr. and Mrs. Emrys Rees). They have been supervising a Leprosy Program for some time using native personnel. Following the 12-month training period, an additional year will be spent with Benevolent Social Service's Leprosy program with Larry serving as medical supervisor and Ellen con sulting in Health Education and Physio therapy (see col. 4). It is anticipated that during both initial years, several trips can be made into Orissa and Sitapur area to begin preliminary work on the medical program in each area. T.B. Of the many diseases one comes in contact with in the developing world, one of the most common in tuberculo sis. Like Hansen's Disease, it is caused by a bacteria (actually related in struc ture to the one that causes H.D.). It is far more prevalent than H.D. and also more deadly. In the U.S. some 28,000 people developed T.B. last year. In In dia some millions hove it and most con never receive treatment. The bacteria in adults will ordinarily be inhaled and begin an infection in the lung. It may only cause a minor cough or it may destroy the lungs if left untreated. It can also spread to other ports of the body. In children it may manifest itselt as swollen glands in~the neck or jowT'or irrfdtdT m^ih- gitis. Commonly in India, spread to the bones occurs. Gradual destruction of the infected bone may occur. It may attack the spine and leave one para lyzed, or cause death by invading the adrenal glands or other structures. In short, the disease can spread to almost any part of the body bringing suffering, disability and eventually death. If the disease is diagnosed early by X-ray or microscopic exam of the sputum, the disease can be totally cured. Even in late stages, some damage is reversible. Treatment is relatively inexpensive with two or three drugs taken every day or even just three times weekly for 12-24 mon ths. Treating tuberculosis and controlling its spread is a very effective tool to show Christ's compassion. Treatment always involves prolonged contact with the Christian medical team allow ing the patient to see, understand and respond to God's love for them. PRAYER NEEDS: *Continue fervent prayer for perma nent resident visas in India. Papers are in progress. *Living link support of $800 per month. (Over 50% now committed). *Funding for hospital, medical equip ment, supplies, etc. *Funding for hiring of native person nel for hospital. *Safe traveling for Bontas. *The effective spreading of God's word through the work of Tribal Health and Evangelism. PRAISE GOD: *For opening doors thus far. *For several faithful supporters. *For continued good health for Larry, Ellen and family. PHYSIOTHERAPY TRAINING Visa permitting, Ellen will also enter special training in Leprosy as Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre, Karigiri. Ellen was recently accepted to train as a physiotherapy technician. She has already begun her studies by correspondence. The course lasts for 9 months. This type of training coupled with Larry's training in surgery will be quite helpful in developing a good rehabilitation program for those se verely disabled by Leprosy. MOBILE CLINIC The funds ($12,000) for a mobile clinic in Sitapur have been raised by F.A.M.E. (Fellowship of Associates in Medical Evangelism), Columbus, In diana, and have been sent to the field. The van is ordered but may take 3'/2 years to obtain! ON THE ROAD Over the past several months, the Santas have visited congregations and presented the work of TH&E in Colo rado, Nebraska, Texas, Iowa and Ohio. January was a month of rest as South Dakota and other areas were not conducive to traveling! PRAYER CARDS A prayer card for the Santas is en closed with this newsletter. Use this as a reminder to pray for them. Ad ditional prayer cards are available upon request. * SUPPORT Gradually, support seems to be coming. Over one-half of the living support is committed already. Many have also given gifts specified for medical supplies. It is quite humbling to see God at work among His people. Much of the funds have been set aside in a savings account to be used for shipping expense and for living when Larry is no longer working (June 30). Several necessary medical texts have been purchased as well as special surgical instruments. A micro scope and other laboratory equipment have been ordered. If you desire a copy of the 1981 Financial Report, please write to the address below. The most pressing financial need is for individuals or churches to make committments of monthly support whether small or large. *-,1^ NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION Sept. 28 Oct. 1, 1982 Lexington, Kentucky SPEAKING DATES A very few speaking dates are available in May and June for church es in Nebraska. South Dakota or Iowa, Please contact Forwarding Agents for information (address below). Tribal Health and Evangelism First Christian Church Mission to India P.O. Box 841 O'Neilh NE 68763 Forwarding Agent Mr. &Mrs. Robert Bergman 402-336-2354 Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. n O'Neill, NE 68763 Dr. and Mrs. Larry Banta USPHS Indian Hospital Wagner, SD 57380 605-384-5912 Box OT t C> S erUic.^.S h . ~~X- ^ ' / r 1 d OUZLSZ Tribal Health &Evangelism Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta Sitapur, Madhya Pradesh India MEDICAL EVANGELISM IN EAST AND CENTRAL INDIA VOL. II NO. 2 PRAYERS ANSWERED On the 21st of June, our prayers concerning o visa were answered. The In dian government chose to reject our request for permanent visa. The news was somewhat expected but still quite devastating. The week prior to the news, we had heard that India had passed a law restricting the admission of foreign physicians to India. This was a result of a delegation of medical students desiring jobsecurity. In dia has many physicians, most cities are oversupplied. But few ever go to the rural areas. Thus India has most likely compounded its own problems. India has not left our hearts nor has the prospect of leprosy work. These possibilities will be looked into sometime in the future. Meanwhile, God has called us to serve and the need is great wherever we look. After receiving our news, we looked into other areas of the world that could use us. Few mission stations are actually set up where a physician could be used ef fectively. After many phone calls all over the country, discussing various fields, Africa seemed a recurrent theme. Of the three possibilities found in Africa, Kenya seemed more of the type of work where we would best be used. After much prayer, a telephone call to Dick Hamilton in Kitale, Kenya, and with the approval and en couragement of the elders of our sponsoring congregation, we decided to set our sites on Kenya, East Africa, to work in association with the Hamilton family. THE PEOPLE The Kara Pokot are a primitive peo ple living in the highlands of western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Until recently, progress hod largely passed them by. They number approximately 220,000. Their primary occupation is forming, cattle raising, and cattle steal ing. Their religion is animistic, that is, worship of spirits. Much of their life is spent attempting to appease various spirits which they believe cause drought, illness, natural disasters, crop failures or good fortune. THE SET-UP At present, two nurses ore working in the area, doing what medical work they ore able to. A clinic building is under construction and should be com plete by the time we arrive. Roadside clinics are held throughout the week. The area has had recent problems with drought. World Vision is assisting in the area to develop wells to improve the living conditions. Tropical skin diseases, eye problems, tuberculosis, malnutrition and parasitic diseases abound. The opportunity for medical evangelism is very great in this area. MEDICAL EVANGELISM is the demonstration of God's love through the use of medical skills and talents. Many who might not otherwise unders tand the message of Christ will see God's love in action and perhaps then understand and respond to God's love. " and He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." Luke 9:2 THE PRAYER NEEDS We are confident that God knows our every need and desire, and He knows where we con best be utilized in His Kingdom. Please pray for: Financial support Completion of papers Adjustment to climate and language Schooling for the children Health Cooperation with co-workers on the field Medical equipment and supplies Continued open door for the Gospel and our effectiveness in procloim- ing it Strength and wisdom for our board and our forwarding agents Praise God for His continuing watch- core, and for supporters who ore really interested in the work. Praise God for His continuing core, and for supporters who ore really in terested in the work. THE PLAN We plan to depart for Kenya in August, 1982, to work for at least one 5 year term, to develop and expand the existing medical services in the area. Over this time period, it is hoped to develop a primary health care system, that is, teaching the people to core for themselves (more next issue). It is also possible that 2 or 3 times per year, visits will need to be mode into nor thern Zaire for consultation until a physician is able to start there full time. This is yet to be worked out fully. THE NEED The cost of living in Kenya is quite high due to high cost of housing and fuels. Much of the medical work is at present subsidized through World Vi sion and other groups in the area. In order to arrive on the field and to do on effective work, the following is yet needed: Living Support: $1000/month (50% now committed) Service Link: $1000/month yet need ed (for transportation, clinic upkeep, medicines) Air Fore and Shipping: $6000 (% still needed) Prayer Partners are still needed. If you ore interested in being involv ed in this vital ministry in some way, please write to us at Box 841, O'Neill, Nebraska 68763. UPDATE ON THE BANTA FAMILY On June 27, 1982, Larry's term of ser vice with the U.S. Public Health Service at Wagner, S.D. was completed. Lorry, Ellen, and children then spent a few days in Omaha and Lincoln visiting family and friends and taking care of business. On July 2, they left for Ohio, where they visited with Larry's family and spoke in churches. FromJuly 14 un til their departure to the mission field, Bontos will be in Son Antonio, TX, with Pete and Jewell Martinez and family (Jewell is Ellen's sister). Another sister, Jeonnie Foirbrother, is also in Son An tonio. Bontos will be available to speak in churches in the area. It may have been many months since some of you hove seen the Bontos. As an update, their children's ages are now: Ethan, 4; Heather, 2; Nathanneal, 22 months. Heather's third birthday will be July 29; a card would reach her c/o Pete Martinez, 6802 Cerro Bojo, San Antonio, TX 78239, Lorry and Ellen can also be contacted at that address (phone 512/657-2461) or through their forwarding agents (see page 4). NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION Sept. 28 Oct. 1, 1982 Lexington, Kentucky Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, July 1982 As Eiders of the sponsoring congregation of Dr. and Mrs. Larry Santa (Tribal Health and Evangelism), we support and encourage them in their plans to work in Kenya. Tribal Health and Evangelism was begun initially to begin a medical evangelism program among the tribal people of central India. However, the Indian government has refused to grant the Santas permission to enter the country. After discussing with Dr. Santo the information concerning other areas of possible service, we approved and support their plans to apply for entry to Kenya and to work among the tribal peoples there. We cordially commend Lorry and Ellen Santa to the churches and brethren everywhere as faithful ministers and laborers together with us in the Gospel. (signed) Bennie Johring Don Olson Melvin Johring Dennis Quigley Tribal Health and Evangelism First Christian Church Mission to India P.O. Box 841 O'Neill, NE 68763 Forwarding Agent Mr. &Mrs. Robert Bergman 402-336-2354 First Christian Church P.O. Sox 308 O'Neill, Nebraska Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. n O'Neill, NE 68763 TRIBAL HEALTH & EVANGELISM Prayer Letter Missionaries! " Forwarding Agents: Dr. and Mrs. Larry Banta Mr. and Mrs. Bo"b Bergman P. 0. Box 900 Box 841 Kitale, Kenya1 Africa O'Neill Nebraska 68763 Dear Go-Workers in Christ, August 22, 1982 By the time this letter reaches you, we will already be at work in Kenya. This 8 weeks following the visa rejection from India have been full of travel, preparation, packing, buying, speaking and writing. Now comes the real task. Years of preparation have already gone by and God has called us to the battle lines. We left August 22, 3*45 p.m. from Houston, and after a l6-hour layover in Amsterdam, we flew non-stop to Nairobi where Mr. Dick Hamilton was to meet us at the airport. After a few days of paperwork in Nairobi, we will proceed to Kitale, a city in the hill country where many of the missionaries reside. Kitale is where we will receive our mail. After a few days rest, purchase of food and supplies, we will make the 80 mile trip to Kiwawa where the main mission station is. We will be living with another couple for several months wliLe a house is built and furnished. The house in Kiwawa is without running water, electricity or indoor bathrooms so it will be a real adjustment for us. We can praise God for the many, many answered prayers over the past several weeks. Monthly support is steadily increasing; enough was given for purchase of tickets and for shipping of goods with probably enough reserve for customs. Visas were no problem. A vehicle has been arranged for, in Kenya, and a home will be built from project funds. Now with the undergirding of your prayers of faith for health and strength, the.work can be accomplished. World Vision, a non-profit relief funding organization, has been given a gift of $500,000 ear-marked for relief in our area. Much - wll be usea xor agricultural, ree(iing,~~and well-digging projects (in our last newsletter, we described the devastation and starvation among the Pokot people due to severe drought of several years) but the remainder is for medical relief. The funds will help complete the clinic, buy supplies, and medical equipment, and eventually to start a small hospital. We need wisdom to handle these funds in a way that will glorify God. PRAYER NEEDS: l)Safe travels in Kenya 2)Completion of paperwork 3)Good relationship with government 4)Health 5)Adjustment to culture and language 6)Wisdom in the use of World Vision project funds 7)Ability to use medical and teaching skills to bring the Pokot to Christ 8)For the Pokot to understand the Gospel of Love and have the opportunity to respond 9)For more workers to the harvest field of Kenya 10)Good cooperation between missionaries and between missionary groups 11)Additional monthly support for living and fuel costs 12)Wisdom for our forwarding agents and board PRAISE GOD FOR: l)Monthly financial support reaching nearly 6ofo, of goal. (It is currently $575? it is estimated we need $1000/month as it is three times as expensive to live in Kenya as in U.S.) ^2)Visas 3)Tickets and shipping funds being provided 4)Faithful supporters 5)Safe travel in the U.S. 6)Churches that have a vision for foreign missions 7)Good health 8)His loving kindness and compassion for the Pokot tribe and so much more? "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7 In His Service, Mission Services - HORIZONS Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta Tribal Health and Evangelism Field Addresss P.O. Box Kitale / Kenya] Africa August 23 1982 Forwarding Agents; ^ M/M Bob Bergman Box 841 O'Neill Nebraska 68763 The Bantas are in Kenya. On August 22, 1982, Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta, and their children, Ethan, Heather, and Nathanneal left the United States for enya, to work as medical missionaries. Ln Kenya, they will be working among the Kara Pokot tribal peoples in the western part of the country, along with missionaries Dick and Jane Hamilton, Diane and Justin Sylvestre, and Mike and Linda Courtney. Over the past several years, as Dr Banta has been completing bis medical training, he and Ellen had planned and prepared to go to India, but on June 21, 1982, they received word from the Indian government that the government there had denied them visas to enter and work in India. Larry and Ellen prayerfully sought out other areas of possible service, and decidedupon Kenya and the Kara Pokot peoples. Praise God for the many, many answered prayers over the past several weeks that have enabled Bantas to go to Kenya. rom the distress and feeling of "what do we do now" that came with the Indian visas being denied, God has brought joyful anticipation of serving in Kenya and an everincreasing love and burden for the Kara Pokot! (Enclosed is Larry and Ellen's most recent newsletter, and prayer letter^ which is the most up-to-date information.) (Enclosed is a photograph of the Banta family. Please return if at all possible.) Please write if we can supply any further information at this time. We will be submitting information as it becomes available from Bantas on the field. Thank you. In His service, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bergman Forwarding Agents for Dr. and Mrs. Larry Banta TRIBAL HEALTH AND EVANGELISM Box 84l O'Neill NE 68763 Tribal Health V &Evangelism \ / *Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta P. O. Box 900 Kitale, Kenya MEDICAL EVANGELISM IN AFRICA VOL. II NO. 3 SEPTEMBER, 1982 BANTAS ARE IN KENYA On August 22, 1982, Larry and Ellen Banta and their children left the United States for Kenya. "Years of preparation have already gone by and God has called us to the battle lines," Larry wrote. After a 16 hour layover in Amsterdam, they flew nonstop to Nairobi where Dick Hamilton was to meet them. They expected to be in Nairobi tor a few days of paperwork, and then to proceed to Kitale. Praise God for the many, many answered prayers over the past several weeks! What order and purpose He has brought! From the distress and the feeling of what do we do now?" that followed Bontas being denied visas to India in June, God has brought them to joyful anticipation of serving in Kenya, and has given them an ever-increasing love and burden for the Kara Pokot tribal peoples. Praise God for His leading them to the Kara Pokot and for His providing so that Larry and Ellen can go there to serve. Monthly support is steadily increasing, enough has been given to purchase the tickets and for shipping their goods, visas were no problem, a vehicle has been arranged for in Kenya, a missionary couple will share their home in the village with Bantas so that housing is immediately pro vided, and funds are available for them to build a village home in the months ahead. Praise God for the missionaries in that area (Dick and Jane Hamilton, Justin and Diane Sylvestre, Mike and Linda Courtney) and for the encouragement, support and guidance that they have already extended to Bantas. Praise God also for the love and support that each of you has given to Larry and Ellen over these years of preparation, and for the vital port that you continue to have in their work. WHEN YOU PRAY.. . Anytime a family moves, there ore many adjustments to be made. Imagine moving half-way around the world to a different culture, language, climate, co-workers, home (with no electricity or running water). Please pray for Larry, Ellen, Ethan, Heather, and Nathanneal, as they face these adjustments. Pray for God to give them peace, strength, health, and wisdom. LARGE GRANT GIVEN FOR POKOT WORK A group of interested individuals from Minnesota has decided to grant through World Vision a total of $500,000 for the purpose of relief work among the Kara Pokot. The monies ore to be used in development of water sources, agricultural programs, expansion of feeding programs, completion of clinic and expansion to a hospital, roadside medical programs, medical instruments and supplies. This grant frees our per sonal budget a great deal allowing us for the time being to be only respon sible for the Bontos' own living support, fuel costs and incidental associated expenses. The project funds con also be used to build a dwelling for the Bontos in Kiwawa, the main mission outpost in the Kara Pokot area. They will also be permitted to use the World Vision jeep for travel. LIVING QUARTERS Kitale is the main city in the area of the Pokot tribe. It lies in the hills and boasts a good climate and has ade quate facilities for purchasing food and supplies. Many of the missionaries in the area live in Kitale and travel out to mission posts, spending several days and returning for supplies and rest. As Kitale is part of the White Highlands settled by the British, many adequate homes ore available. The Bantas have been given use of a house rented by Helimission, a nondenominotionol helicopter mission service. They will be able to use it several months while arranging for one of their own. Though living in Kitale is relatively comfortable, the Bantas have decided to hove or to shore a small house in Kitale for use 4 or 5 days per month for rest and to stay in while buying supplies. The remainder of'each month will be spent in Kiwawa, some 80 miles by poorly (or un-) maintained roads to the north of Kitale. Justin and Diane Sylvestre are cur rently residing in Kiwawa and have opened their home to the Bontos while the Bantas plan and build their own home nearby. Living in the village of Kiwawa will allow Lorry and Ellen to be closely associated with the Pokot people. THE ACCK.. .The Association of Christian Church of Kenya (ACCK) was developed for the purpose of meeting government requirements that missionaries must work under recognized organizations. All work among the western Pokot is under ACCK and therefore the Bontos are also. The ACCK is made up of Africans and acts as the on-the-field board for the work in the Pokot area. PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) In our own country, if a community has 1000 people and no doctor, they are considered to be in a shortage area. In most urban areas, there is one physician for each 500 people. In many parts of Africa and other developing areas of the world, there may only be one doctor for 20,000 or even 50,000 people. One doctor cannot provide services for all these people. If he were to see 100 patients per day (a reasonable day in the tropics) for a year, he would hove only seen a port of the population, and no one could hove had surgery or returned for follow-up. Since in many of these areas, a large majority of the population is sick, a higher percentage must be seen than in our own "healthy" country. The World Health Organization along with many developing country governmental health agencies developed a plan to best utilize available resources and provide health care to the greatest number of people. These methods hove been adopted world-wide and have attained great success in many areas. Medical evangelism programs have been the leader in its development and continue to promote it effectively as it also opens the way for effective planting of the seed of the Gospel. 1) Health Services available to all. Technology directed at the majority health problems rather than developing sophisticated western technology to benefit the few. 2) Community participation in Health Care so that health becomes a way of life rather than a profiting business. Poromedicols and technicians can be trained to core for a wide variety of common problems, freeing the doctor and nurse to do the more difficult tasks. Communities con participate in their own health teaching programs using traditional means of communication (drums, dancing, songs, etc.) Bible stories con also be effectively taught this way. 3) Focus on prevention. Nutrition, agricultural and water programs, health teaching, immunizations, and under 5's program. Maternal and infant health, training of midwives and even traditional healers in useful medical techniques. 4) Integration with general educational and relief programs. In this manner, the doctor and nurse are less overworked (after the program is implemented) and skills they have can then be used quite effectively to demon strate the love of God. Effective paramedical training programs can be associated with preacher training schools on the field, thus allowing these trained to preach to also be able to provide some physical help. In many ways PHC can open doors to effective evangelism. FINANCIAL REPORT Monthly financial support for Larry and Ellen is steadily increasing. We praise God that this need is being pro vided. The cost of living in Kenya is estimated to be three times that of U. S., and missionaries there have told Santos that they will need $1000/month for personal living expenses and fuel costs for their vehicle. Currently, $575 is being given each month by committed congregations and individuals. Santas feel they can exist on this; we pray that as other families and congregations see that Larry and Ellen are actually on the field, they will want to also help provide monthly support. Complete financial reports ore avail able. Please request such information by writing to Sox 841, O'Neill, NE 68763. FOR THE BANTA FAMILY Larry and Ellen have specifically suggested one thing that each of us con do for themwrite letters. Their address is: P. O. Sox 900 Kitole, Kenya, Africa We would add the suggestion that you encourage Santas and show them your core by remembering special family occasions: Nothanneal's second birthday was September 2 (Send a greeting now.) Ethan's fifth birthday is October 27. Ellen's birthday is November 26, and their wedding anniversary is the same day. Plan ahead. It seems to require about 2 weeks for mail to reach them, although some letters, have taken as long OS a month to arrive, to us from the missionaries in Kenya. Tribal Health and Evangelism First Christian Church Mission to Kenya P. O. Box 841 O'Neill, NE 68763 Forwarding Agent Mr. &Mrs. Robert Bergman 402-336-2354 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 11 O'Neill, NE 68763 Dp'n' Tribal Health ' V &Evangelism W'Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta P. O. Box 900 Kitale, Kenya /^/^EDICAL EVANGELISM IN AFRICA VOL. II NO. 4 DECEMBER, 1982 LIFE ATKIWAWA By Ellen Banta America seems like a dream now. The only reality is the harshness that weaves thefabric of Pokot life. Scrubby thorn trees are scattered freely on the san dy hills. Without rain these hardy trees, as well as weaker people, die. The sun is so that Ethan's nose and cheeks areconstantly blistered {in spite of sun screen), u^children are all becoming white-blonde. There are so many flies and bees that they fly into our mouths or go in on our food while we're eating. Our days arefilled with sickness, including our own family. Thank God they are better now. Heather and Nathanneol were very sick. Nathanneal is getting stronger every day (thanks to all who prayed and continue praying). Many nights, Irocked him, both of us cry ing and me praying. When he became too weak to cry I knew real fear. I can now identify fully with the mothers here as their children are sick, and some dying. Iwas sure we would lose Nathanneal, but in hours he was better. As 1sat near his bed, I would pray. In my tiredness, I found myself praying, of all things, for a rocking chair t Then Larry got malaria. I hit a new low in discouragement. It is during times like these that God touches His weakening servants and inspires them with every day things -- Ethan's ready smile. Heather's sweetness, and Nathanneal's sparkle that shone through illness. These oil comforted me. Lorry was better fast, and Nathanneal gains strength every day. God is Good! Larry is back to his gruelling schedule of 50-100 patients a day, many of them compl'^fted cases. I clean and dress dozens of ulcers, infected burns and the ever present thorn wounds. We have a hard time keeping the patients oft of the veranda-dining room, and away from the children. We feel cruel sending them to the back of the house, but our children need the protecfion. ^ keen them away. There ore children and babies that would die mhours without iVs. The only place to hook them up is on the veranda. Then Ihave ahard Heather from "mothering" them. We are looking forward to the clmic building be ing done where the cases can be dealt with away from the children.^^ The foundation of our house is doneandthe walls are going up. The house will be made of cement block - the cheapest and coolest material. The kids are excited that we will have a home after months of roaming. t .. . i x The Pokot people are fun to work with. In spite of the harshness of their hte, they have a lively sense of humor. And they are hungry for God's Word. Nineteen were baptized two weeks ago. This makes everything worthwhile. ii xh Soon we will be acclimatized and life will be more comfortable for us. Until then, we are learning the precious gift of leaning on God tor everything. MEDICAL EVANGELISM AMONG THE KARA POKOT TRIBE The Kara Pokot clinic was started by Diane Messick (now Sylvestre) as a relief project to try to help with the overwhelming medical problems due to drought and repeated cattle raids from other tribes (with automatic weapons.) There were epidemics of cholera and measles to control, an immunization program to start and a clinic building to plan. All this was done. Rains returned, a peace treaty was signed, and a semblance of "normal" life began. That is when the Santas were called and went to Kiwawa, not knowing what to expect or even really why they were going. Whether this is long term oronly a few years while waiting for India to reopen is not known. The work of medical evangelism is now begun in Kiwawa. Clinics start with a preaching service and personal witnessing; an African pastor occompanies mobile clinics. A wide variety of patients are treated and eventually even more will be helped as the clinic expands. The purpose is now clearly seen: To expand medical services, organize,the medical evangelism program, and effectively make the clinic an area of outreach of the African church. Dr. Larry Bantc SIDE EFFECTS In order to complete the building program in developing Kiwawa miission, was necessary to hire experienced builders from Kitale to come and live in Kiwavv The main contractor has been in Kiwawa several months, and enough work remai for him for another 6to 8 months. What happens to non-Christians who come to 1 In Kiwawa? The witness of the Christians is truly alive. So far, three (the main c factors) have been baptized and really have a great witness themselves. Thi due entire y to the witness of African Christians. Praise God for working in he and pray that His influence continues. L tARRY AT THE "CLINIC" with the usual opening time line of pa tients. The clinic is now held in the shade of this broken-down truck, or in the tree-shade, or near (or in) the Sylvestres' home (where Bantas are also living un til their house is built.) The clinic building is under construction, and is to be completed shortly. \ WHEN YOU PRAY.... , 'eceptiveness 6f~the~Kara Pokot to the Gospel; for chi dren s regained health; for Santa's safety and God's care of them, for the fin. ciol support that has been given. . CONTINUE TO ASK GOD to protect Larry, Ellen, and the children from the mc diseases to which they are exposed, especially during this time of adjustment local conditions and food; to provide them with the needed financial support; and guide them with the wisdom to effectively bring the Good News to the Kara Pok FINANCIAL SUPPORT We praise God that regular support for the Santas is continuing to increa When they left for Kenya (August 22, 1982), support was at $575/monyh; now i about $850/month. They will be needing about $1,000/month for personal living < penses and fuel costs for their jeep. Enough has tjeen given, also, to makea do' payment on a used jeep, to pay for the licensing and insurance on the vehicle, o for Santas to beable to purchase the basic furnishings that they will need for th home. Additional service link is yet needed toprovide salaries for clinic help, gasoli (about $3/gallon), vehicle upkeep, household and clinic furnishings, medical a lab supplies. Cost of living in Kenya is estimated to be three times that of U.S. If you would like to help provide needed support, write to us; AAr. and Wrs. E Bergman (Forwarding Agents) for Dr. and ^A^s. Lorry Banta, Tribal HeaitV Evangelism, Box 84)^0'Ne\\\, Nebraska SPIRITUAL HEALTH .. uu *u Since the real objective of Kara Pokot Clinic is promoting spiritual health rather than only providing help for physical illness, it is necessary to plan away to be very effective. Already God has provided the row material. One person very interested in hospital work has been assigned to the clinic. His job is to visit inpotients (oHer the hospital is completed this coming spring), to open clinic withproyer and a short Bible lesson, and to be available for counseling of the bereaved or the dying. This last part seems very hard for any tribal in Africa as even some Christians have not been taught how todeal with death. We arebeginning seminars to help the pastors deal with issues suchas this. We have thus far twodressers (paramedical workers) with plans to hire more as support increases. Both ore very active in the local church and are very good at personal witnessing. Even our own house help is a very dedicated Christian, active in the church choir. What a treasure we have. Now re mains the taskof putting all this raw material into a very beautiful finished product. Pray that God will guide us in this. Dr. Lorry Banta SEND A CARD OR LETTER TO KENYA! As you think of Lorry and Ellen and their family, share yourself I Write them a letter or send a cord. We hove found that it usually costs 40 cents to air mail a card, and that it requires about two weeks to arrive in Kenya. Or, purchase an aerogram at the post office for 30 cents on which to write your letter. For 30 or 40 cents, you could provide much encouragement to the Bontosl Tribal Health and Evangelism First Christian Church Mission to Kenya P. O. Box 841 O'Neill, NE 68763 Forwarding Agent Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bergman 402-336-2354 'OH:ionS Po. Bo/ PAI 3 y Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 11 O'Neiil, NE 6876