Poster - Worship Slides

Poster - Front-and-Center Slides

Poster - Event Slides

The final morning of clinic began in a more timely fashion here in African time where one often waits to begin waiting. After loading the bus full of people with servant hearts and making the trek to Lopedot, we actually arrived at the clinic site at 10:00 AM. Many Pokot were waiting our arrival. The day began with evangelism, and the local pastors led the crowd in a bit of singing prayer. Several team members then began the task of triaging patients to ensure that those who were truly ill were registered and received medical care. It seems to be very challenging for the Pokot to line up to be assessed and registered. The preferred method by the Pokot seems to be to crowd, push and shove to plead the case for their need for medical treatment. It is daunting just to watch this process and not wonder if we missed a person who truly needs care. However, we pray that God guided us to those who need our help and service the most.

Two lines for triage and evangelism to begin the day.
Mary in nursing triage.
Rachel in nursing triage.
Sarah providing care to a dehydrated woman.
Shara keeping pharmacy organized.

Through this last day of clinic we were able to provide care for 297 people. We had several patients come through very sick with malaria and with temperatures of 104 degrees Farhenheit. Many people presented with allergies and upper respiratory tract infections. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections and fungal skin infections remain as common diagnoses as well. Another child came through today with malnutrition and failure to thrive. Today one patient did return who was minimally responsive and presumed to be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy or incomplete miscarriage. The woman was provided with IV fluids and then transported to the Amudat hospital for further testing and treatment. This patient's presentation led to a pelvic exam, which confirmed the continuing practice of female genital mutilation as a rite of passage and part of the Pokot cultural traditions. Education continues but cultural practices are challenging to break.

Pokot in the village of Lopedot.

At the end of the day the remaining supplies were packed up and sorted. Many supplies were donated to the Amudat hospital for the care and treatment they provide there to these Pokot communities. Other supplies will be inventoried and stored for the next MMT to Uganda.

On the return trip to Nakapiripirit this evening, we were treated to a goat roast at the Lutheran church in Amudat. Many congregation members were there as we arrived, and several women prepared for us a meal of roasted goat, potatoes, rice, matoke (plantains in ground nut sauce) and cabbage. It was a special treat and honor to receive this meal from the congregation.

Goat roast on the grounds of the Amudat Lutheran Church.

The Amudat Lutheran church has actually outgrown their current church building, and they are gathering supplies to build a new, larger church. The Lutheran church of Uganda is the fastest growing church body in this area. Several other parcels of land have been purchased in the area as well for future church development and expansion. It is excellent to see the faith growing and spreading here.

Tomorrow the team will make the return bus trip to Jinja to enjoy a couple of days exploring this portion of Uganda and relaxing in the tourist role. We are all very grateful for a successful and productive week of clinics to share the Gospel and provide medical care. God is good all the time.

The Mercy Medical Team that provided care this week.

“Hesed” is a Hebrew word that means “kindness,” “mercy,” “loyalty,” “loving-kindness” or “steadfastness.” It’s the way God intends us to live together—a “love your neighbor as yourself,” active, selfless, sacrificial, caring-for-one-another brand of living contradictory to our fallen natures. The “Heseders” are continually looking to work together to share some small measure of God’s extraordinary love. Won’t you join us?