Thankful for 2021 Progress

 

We are THANKFUL!   2021 has brought many answers to prayer!

Oncology clinicians and nurses with patients receiving chemotherapy

The Oncology service is growing!   Thirty patients are being treated each week with outpatient chemotherapy, and Dr. Makori, a Kenyan oncologist who loves Jesus, comes to see patients at Tenwek once a week. 

Renal staff conducting Tenwek's first hemodialysis session

After years of prayers, the Dialysis service is up and running.  Already, lives are being saved physically and spiritually, as our patients are saved long delays and going great distances for treatment, if they could get it at all.  The national insurance scheme is still dragging their feet in approving reimbursement for dialysis at Tenwek so the growth of our impeded significantly.  But the team is learning  and the patients are very appreciative.  Pray for national health insurance approval, and for wise patient selection as we expand this service at Tenwek.  And Pray for a smooth transition as we complete the Sue Steury building where the dialysis service will eventually provide care.

ITDose Programmers Sagar & Ravi with John & Linda

A new electronic records system has been chosen for the hospital and is in the intense stage of customization before we implement it at Tenwek.  Pray for wisdom and stamina for all the detailed work, close cooperation between the programmers and staff, and an excellent level of integration as the project goes forward.   

COVID-19 staff by the entrance to our COVID Care Unit

The COVID 19 staff have very ably cared for hundreds of patients and continue to do so.  Currently cases are low, as vaccines are beginning to be available in Kenya.  Still, less than 10% of the population is vaccinated.  Pray for more vaccines, for protection from each new variant, for healing for those affected, and for an end to this pandemic!

Hiking in the Smokies with our family in July

We had a fruitful three months of Home Ministry Assignment this summer, visiting seven supporting churches and many friends and family members.  It was a joy to connect with so many that have been involved in our lives and ministry here!

Of course, highlights were times when we got to be with our siblings and our own kids.  Pray for each of them to continue to listen to the Lord and follow His leading in their lives.

John with his Mom in October

In October we went home suddenly, to be with John’s mom and his family in what seemed to be Mom Spriegel’s last days.  She is 93.  But she revived, and after three weeks of being present with her, and with John’s brother and his wife, we returned to Kenya.  We are thankful for that special time and entrust her into the Lord’s faithful hands.

Classroom being converted into a Computer Library

We thank God for the way He continues to develop Kaboson Pastors’ Training College.  John loves serving on the College Council, and the Building Committee.  Currently an old classroom is being renovated into a computer lab, and plans are underway for a new library and classroom building, in order to meet accreditation requirements.  Pray that God will call qualified students to the school and that men and women of God will be raised up to serve His church.

As we enter 2022, we are eager to see how God will work!

Prayer requests:

As of November 27, John is the Director of Medical Services for Tenwek Hospital.  This will take him away from most direct patient care and teaching.  Pray for wisdom for John, and for the potential hiring of a Kenyan internist to carry on leadership in medicine.  Pray for the whole administrative team, many of whom are new to their roles.  Pray that Christ will be their first love, and that they will lead in integrity, unity and faith.                  

See tabithakenya.blogspot.com to see prayer requests for Tabitha Ministry.