Kingdom Work in Kenya (Presbyterian Style)

Some unexpected days in Nairobi led to some unexpected opportunities to see some vital mission work being carried out by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA).  At the suggestion of our friend, Pastor Karanja, we were able to visit two ministries in the area supported by his and other local Presbyterian congregations.

Math class at the School for the Deaf

The first day we visited the Kambui School for the Deaf, home to nearly 300 students ages 6 through high school.  It would be difficult, if not impossible, for these students to receive an education anywhere else.  At this remarkable boarding school, however, these students are able to pursue an education that will help prepare them to one day enter the workforce.  Many of them will ultimately be trained in one of the trades, but a few go on to  We even met a few who have returned to the school as teachers.  A very small number will even have an opportunity to enter university and later pursue one of a variety of professions.

A deaf choir singing to us about Jesus' love!

We will not soon forget the experience of sitting in on a high school algebra class full of eager students.  I (Jeff) do not  know that I have ever been as impressed with a teacher as I was with the man leading this class.  I have never before considered how difficult it would be to speak the lesson (for those students who can read lips), use sign language at the same time, all while writing equations and other formulas on the chalkboard.  Disabilities are difficult enough to overcome in the developed world.  These students so impressed us with their determination to not allow their disabilities to stand in the way of them receiving an education.  The day was capped off when the entire student body gathered to sing (in sign language) a Kenyan version of Jesus Loves Me. 

School children waiting for a dental check up

The second day we visited Kikuyu Mission Hospital, also sponsored by the PCEA.  This hospital, founded nearly 100 years ago by Scottish Presbyterian missionaries, provides vital health care to the surrounding Kikuya area (not far outside of Narobi).  Many in the area are poor farmers who otherwise would not have access to adequate healthcare.  The facility is an extensive maze of various clinics.  The jewel of the hospital is their vision clinic, renowned in the entire region and beyond for the services they provide.  We witnessed a busload of children waiting to receive dental checkups aided by an American/Canadian team of dentists providing extra support..  Among the other services we saw were a prosthetics lab where artificial limbs are engineered and custom-fit and a dialysis unit that is a life-saver for its patients.

Both days left us with a deep admiration for the commitment of the PCEA to the community it serves.  These are massive efforts affecting thousands of lives and it is all being done for the glory of God through the work of Presbyterians!  It made us all proud to share a faith tradition with these brothers and sisters and left us inspired to answer God’s call by finding ways to better serve those in need in our own community back home.