Serving the Suba

Mission Aviation Fellowship made several flights to and from Mfangano Island in Kenya in July, bringing in more than 50 people to help orphans, widows and other vulnerable people.

The flights enabled mission teams for World Gospel Mission to reach the island situated in Lake Victoria.

The teams were serving at Gethsemane Gardens Christian Centre (GGCC), a school and orphanage for nearly 500 children, many whose parents have died of AIDS. From there, they also went into neighbouring communities on the island.

Pastor Kevin wrote this summary of what had been achieved:

‘The jet lag may just now be wearing off for the Americans among the 52 people who travelled to Mfangano Island in July for missions to serve the Suba people. It was a very busy month:

‘Medical, eye, and dental teams held free clinics at five villages across the region. In all, they saw 1,665 patients and performed dozens of cataract surgeries. This mission was supported by doctors and nurses from Tenewek Hospital in western Kenya.

‘Construction crews built 5 sturdy new huts for needy widows. They also started work on a new guest cottage at GGCC.

'As part of Samaritan’s Feet, teams delivered shoes and the gospel message to 350 children in nearby villages. 400 pairs of shoes were left behind with GGCC’s Christian Union, a volunteer student club, which will continue the outreach to other local children.

This part of Kenya faces one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world

‘Jim Cashwell and Bill Echols from Calvary Church in North Carolina led a five-day conference teaching 45 Suba pastors about the Word.

‘Volunteers travelled to 5 area public high schools, educating approximately 500 students about HIV/AIDS and telling them of salvation in Christ. This part of Kenya faces one of the highest infection rates in the world, yet many people hold dangerous false beliefs about the disease.

‘Mary Beth Cherry worked with six Kenyans to conduct an in-depth survey of over 100 households about their living conditions. The collection of this data begins a long-term Community Health Evangelism project to remedy unsanitary practices and environments in the villages.

‘Repairs and sprucing up were done around GGCC’s campus. The playground got a new coat of paint.

‘We thank all those who supported and prayed for the trip. God blessed us with safe journeys and a fruitful month amongst our Suba brothers and sisters.’

World Gospel Mission connects in ministry with churches worldwide to make disciples of Jesus Christ among all nations.

MAF’s aircraft has brought in support for the AIDS orphans in remote Mfangano Island for many years. Without the help of our supporters, many vulnerable people in hard-to-access communities will not be able to receive the help and support that they are entitled to.