Thank you Jesus for 2022!!

What a year this has been for the Spriegel Family!  Rejoice with us, reviewing some highlights!

In January our monthly Tabitha leaders' meeting, still outside, with masks and COVID precautions.

 We thank God that the severity and frequency of Covid diminished as the year progressed.

We gratefully released John's mom into the arms of Jesus in January. We were comforted by various groups of friends coming to express their condolences.

Julia arrived the end of February to visit for a couple weeks. Daily chai times with Peris and Robert were anchors to Linda's day, and for whoever visited.

After months of preparation and training, the new hospital management information system went live in March!

In March Rebecca and Aaron made a big move from St. Joseph Michigan to St. Germaine, Wisconsin where Aaron took a new position as worship pastor for the Free Church there. Julia and Joel joined others in helping them pack up.

Our WGM Kenya missionary family put on a festive evening of celebration of our anticipated retirement at our annual Retreat in March at the coast.  "Adventure Awaits" has been our theme as we enter this phase of our lives.

We enjoyed a day exploring Hydra island in Greece in April with good friends Burton and Sandy Lee. We were in Greece for two weeks for a continuing education conference which always stretches us and encourages us, with great Bible teachers, too.

Joel and his future wife Susannah Searls visited for a couple weeks in April. He loved introducing her to his Kenyan home.

Hundreds of Bibles were earned  through Tabitha Ministry during the year.  In April, we celebrated with these women at Sogoet who were thrilled to receive their first Bibles.

Rebecca supported Julia during her Focus weekend in May with World Gospel Mission, where Julia was inteviewed and officially  accepted as a WGM Global Worker.  Yay Julia!  Yay God!

We made a quick trip home for John's mom's memorial service the end of May, pictured here with our family and John's brother Bill and nephew David at the cemetery.

Our next family visitors were Rebecca and Aaron in June.  She loved introducing him to her Kenyan home, too, his first time in Africa.  We are not sure he was as enthused as she was in getting to know ugali, sukuma wiki and chapatis.

In June John helped orchestrate the opening of some patient rooms in the rebuilt Sue Steury building, relieving a real crunch for space.  This Infectious Disease/Telemetry Unit allowed for the treatment of Covid patients, too.

Our Kipsigis editing team, the two Rev. Elijah Bii's from Tenwek, and Peris, worked diligently all year to prepare the study of John and two studies of Acts for publishing.  Praise the Lord!  By November all were completed!

The Tabitha Ministry Celebrations began in July, this one in Mugutma Center. Four more followed, involving hundreds of  Bible study leaders.

In July Joel popped the question and Susannah said "Yes!"

Beatrice has been a strong Tabitha leader since 2006. After praying with her for Wesley for 15 years, Wesley came to Jesus in December 2021. Hallelujah! During our visit to their home in August, he was eager to tell about the change in his life and his love for Jesus and the Word of God.  We praise God that he is truly a changed man.

We were thrilled to have our good friends Tom and Emily Dillard and family return from their year in the States in September.  We only had a few months together before we left, but we love this family!!! And we'll see them again.

 

In September Drs. Nathan and Janet Anjichi left Tenwek for an internal medicine residency program for Nathan, to prepare to return to Tenwek in the future.  Nathan and John have worked closely together in medicine over the years: first with Nathan as one of our interns in training, then treating patients, training interns, running the AIDS program, and starting the dialysis program.  Janet is a wonderful mom and preschool teacher of their three boys as she has put her medical career on hold for this time.

Rondo is our happy retreat place in the Kakmega Forest.  We loved sharing some time away in September in this peaceful place of beauty with hard-working Peris and her husband John, and our good friend Rita Albertson.

In September the hospital had a farewell for us, and their gifts included these special Maasai outfits.

Just some of our top Tabitha leaders who will carry on the work, this group from the Makimeny celebration.

Cakes, cakes and more cakes!  Such a special way to celebrate.  This goodbye was more difficult, parting ways with hospital support staff that John has been meeting with in Bible study, some of them for 12 years.  Linda had joined them the last 8 years or so, and they are important friends to us.

The rebuilt Sue Steury building was dedicated the end of October, right before we left.

We were glad for all the good help sorting our belongings and packing down household goods to be kept for Julia when she moves to Tenwek later in 2023.

We received a very special visit the day before we left in November. Our late friend Anna's children have been part of our lives since 2006, and they came en masse, with kids and grandkids, to give us a final farewell.  We pray for God to keep working in each of their lives to draw them to himself.

The hardest goodbye for Linda, to friend and co-worker Peris

Just one of the special friends we reunited with in the Democratic Republic of Congo when we visited there in November for the Free Church's  100th anniversary celebration. This is Rev. Gwana, with whom Linda worked closely in the 80's.

By Thanksgiving we were back in Michigan, clebrating with Julia and Joel. SO MANY BLESSINGS for which to thank God!

It was wonderful to be together as a family to help Joel and Susannah celebrate, including a Kenyan-themed rehearsal dinner.

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Spriegel!!!!  December 17

We were glad to have Rebecca and Aaron stop overnight after the wedding to celebrate an early Christmas with us. Other celebrations with Julia, and with Joel and Susannah followed later.

Sixteen inches of snow made for a cozy Christmas at home.  Thanks for the welcome back, Michigan!!

When we each chose a favorite ornament this year, Linda chose this little basket.  We are feeling FILLED to overflowing with the loving blessings of God poured out on us.  Yes, thank you, Jesus!

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.

Fostering community from the ward to building projects

“Why did you choose Tenwek?” This is the question my parents ask the Kenyan interns serving on medical ward when they have them over for lunch on Fridays. The answer sounds similar around the table: the spiritual aspect of healthcare, and the community being fostered by the different levels of leadership. “In other hospitals you might see the consultant twice a week, but here you work with your consultant everyday.” My dad does much to foster that community on his ward, and is very intentional about the projects he works on to serve the community.

I was able to see most of my dad’s projects when I visited Tenwek for three weeks. I saw the renal and oncology unit, the rebuilding of the burned building, the new offices in outpatient, and other little remodels. It became evident to me that while my dad had a desire to see certain projects go forward, he always looked out for the people who would be using them. What did the hospital need? What did everyone at the different levels and departments seem to be wanting? What would it take to make it a project that people were pleased with and would want to help with?

In designing plans for the new construction on the burned building, which is being upgraded from two floors to four floors, Dad helped include improved areas for some departments, as well as fitting in good spaces for new departments such as chemotherapy (oncology) and dialysis (renal). To begin those new projects sooner though, he needed to figure out how to use a rundown building and give it a face lift. He even noticed the detail that people like different sinks for hand washing and dishes. As he plans new projects and helps run medical ward, he is constantly trying to do small renovations and upgrades to make it a better place for staff and patients.

I also went out to Kaboson Pastors Training College, where Dad is helping oversee construction of a new staff quarters. Here again, the reason for this building is the big picture. How do we improve the quality of this college? Good accommodations for visiting teachers and additional accommodations for permanent staff. Down to the little details, Dad was making decisions thinking about others. The cabinets in the bedroom can be standard, but can we hire the best professional we know for the kitchen cabinets?

It is this level of detail that outsiders might not notice in the final project, but make all the staff and patients feel cared for. On the ward with the staff, or behind the scenes on projects, Dad is serving and improving the quality of care.

PAUSING

A lot of life for us at Tenwek is living daily routines – hospital work for John, which includes patient care, teaching trainees and various administrative meetings, and work at home and in the village for Linda involving women, Bible studies and administrative meetings and correspondence.  We love our days, packed full of relationships and meaningful endeavors,  but like life anywhere, the pauses to celebrate, encourage, and be comforted add richness as we recognize God’s faithfulness, together with God’s people.

PAUSING TO CELEBRATE

Another class of Clinical Officers celebrated the completion of their internship in March.  These are the trainees John and other consultants pour their lives into day and night after day and night…. And it is wonderful to see their growth in clinical skills and faith during the year of training.

Seated from the right, Bishop Langat, President Uhuru Kenyatta, VP Ruto - Can you find John?

After years of work and prayer, the Tenwek Eye Dental Building opened in January and was commissioned in April with the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, presiding.   It was a day of great celebration as we recognized that God works in His way, in His timing to accomplish His purposes.

A very late Christmas outing with our friends and workers Peris and Robert and their families, turned into a birthday celebration for Robert’s first-born daughter, and a graduation from college party for Peris’s son Abednego.  Milestones to celebrate as we contemplate God’s goodness in their lives.

PAUSING TO BE COMFORTED

A Kenyan tradition we have been deeply touched by is the practice of visiting friends who are grieving.  Since returning from the States in January, multiple groups of Tabitha leaders and friends have visited Linda to share her grief, and encourage her to trust in the Lord in the aftermath of losing her dad the end of December.  Visitors come not only with words of encouragement and prayers, but also with gifts from their hearts and homes – sugar, flour, vegetables, beans, cloth, eggs, fruit….  Their love is palpable and sincerely appreciated.  

Linda misses her dad.  Besides loving all of us so well, he was our most faithful prayer warrior over the years.   She misses her regular phone calls with him, where he would delight in the stories of answered prayer in individual lives, or  in progress in projects we were involved in. We would swap stories, Dad sharing God-conversations with people he shared life with in Nebraska, or God-sightings in our family or  in his church.   His deep faith in God being at work, even in the hard times, encouraged us so often.   What a legacy he leaves us with.  We thank God for his 95 years, and his alertness and faith to the end of his earthly life.

PAUSING TO ENCOURAGE 

            

We are proud of a young man orphaned at a young age, and shifted between relatives almost like a piece of property for years, who is blossoming in his faith and in his academics.  Elisha is resourceful, loves Jesus, and is committed to doing his best with where he finds himself now.  He has recently defied his uncles’ threats and come to live with his aunt, who is a godly influence, and the mother he has missed for most of his life.  Last month during his school break we shared a meal together and he presented this wall hanging he had made to thank us for our prayers and our help to him. God's transforming grace is so evident in his life.  We pray he will continue to lead his class in his studies, and in his life lived for the Lord Jesus. ("Mum" is the Kenyan English for "Mom")