Dear Friends,

It’s not just the cold and stormy weather here in Northern California that makes me long for the warmth and sun of Kenya; no, it’s much more than that. I just received a letter from Pastor David Chuchu and the team at Rehema Hospice and Clinic describing the mercy work that now extends far beyond the walls of our clinic, and I want to be there to lend a hand.

Thanks to our generous donors, Rehema recently hired Cinderela (Cindy) and Samwel, two nurses, both trained in palliative care and hospice. These nurses oversee the clinic and provide consultation to the community health promoters who are the liaison to people in the villages. The nurses also make home visits to folks who are unable to come to our clinic.

One such person is Gerald James, a 57 year old man with “a myriad of health challenges” including a stroke, brain tumor, high blood pressure, and diabetes with a resulting foot wound. Mr. James also suffers frequent memory lapses and is unable to walk. He is cared for at home by his son, with support by the community health promoter, Lillian who recognized the need for more extensive care and called Nurse Cindy at Rehema for help.

Mr. James lives about 15 miles from Rehema, which to us, doesn’t seem so far. But for most Kenyans, traveling such a distance, especially with complex health issues and little money, is often not an option. Fortunately, the team from Rehema made the journey to provide compassionate care. Mr. James greeted the team from Rehema “with a smile despite his weakened state”, and even with his struggles, “he radiated a quiet strength that inspired us all,” reports Nurse Cindy. She provided care of body and soul as she tended to his foot wounds (the result of his uncontrolled diabetes), provided nutritional counsel, and dispensed medications to help control his blood sugars, and ease his pain. All of this for less than $10!! This included transport for the team, medications, and wound care supplies. Your dollar goes a long way in Kenya!

But what doesn’t have a price tag is the compassionate care rendered to Mr. James and his son by Rehema’s professional staff.

“The Divine Mercy is an inexhaustible fountain,” wrote St. Cyprian. The Rehema team certainly embodies Divine Mercy, extending compassionate care to those who suffer in body and soul. And you, dear friends, are what make this care possible. You make a difference in the life of Mr. James, bringing mercy and offering hope. For this we are so grateful.

Read the letter in full here