Medical
The Day the Medical Team Walked Through the Mud
A stuck vehicle, a mile of back path, and a child on a bleak hillside who is not forgotten.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Mud… the recurrent theme of the April 2024 medical team trip to Il Kerin, Kenya! I lost count of how many times we were stuck in it or delayed by it. One day we were stuck again, but close enough to the clinic to walk the remaining mile or so through a back path, guided by some Kenyan companions.
A Bleak Hillside
Part of the way there, we were climbing a bleak hillside and came across some young children watching us. One of them appeared to have a scarred head and grime-covered face, possibly a developmentally challenged youngster in that remote community. After a few moments, we trudged on up the hill; it was a sobering reminder of how much we all take for granted in our comfortable first world lives.
BUT… Jesus was there.
He was there in the beautiful feet (and hands) of my brother Kevin, kneeling in the dirt and trying to gently wipe away some of the debris on that precious face. He was there in the compassionate tears of my sisters Karen and Mindy. He was there in the Spirit-led response of my brother Brett to have us stop a little further on and stretch our hands back over that place in prayer and blessing. These are moments that I think will be seared on our memories forever.
And Jesus Continues to Be There
Jesus was there also in the tireless efforts nearby of Pastor Bob, Samson, Peter (the Rock!) and others to get our vehicle unstuck, and otherwise keep us safe and provided for. And Jesus continues to be there… in the Kenyan pastor and his congregation who live and worship nearby, the same pastor and shepherd who, despite the language barrier, knew that I needed help to stay on my feet in the mud, and would not let go of me. And He is there in the selfless efforts of the Kenyan medical staff who serve Him by reaching out in compassion to that community.
These children are not forgotten… they are precious in His sight.
About the Author
Dan Golin
Dan Golin is a retired pediatrician who has graciously given of his time and resources to help the children of Narok County, serving alongside the Kenyan medical staff on Helping Kenya Kids medical teams.
Pray With Us
The Children of Il Kerin
Pray for the children on that hillside and throughout Narok County — that they would know they are seen, loved, and precious in God’s sight. Pray also for the Kenyan medical staff and pastors who serve these remote communities every day, long after the visiting teams have gone home.
