OilXLEiX

Tribal Health &Evangelism

Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta
Sitapur, Madhya Pradesh
India
MEDICAL EVANGELISM IN EAST AND CENTRAL INDIA
VOL. 11 NO. 1
APRIL, 1982
IF YOU HAVE NEVER travelled outside the U.S., hove you ever wondered
whet it is really like in some other countries? Have you ever thought what it
would be like to hove no electricity, no phone, no running water? Have you ever
really been worried that you could not afford your next meal knowing your last
meal was 3 days ago?
MOST OF THE WORLD lives at a level of poverty that we can little imagine.
India has no functioning social welfare systems, no relief programs for poverty,
famine, earthquake, or drought, outside of what is provided by Christian
missions. Much of rural India has never seen a doctor, never received life-saving
immunizations of compassionate care when they are ill. Most have no concept of
a loving, caring God. They must constantly strive to please gods mode of stone,
metal or wood that never answer. Many are under the bondage or Satan's own
messengers and live a life of agony and fear.
WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN so much, blessed so greatly by God in our country. But
even more than that, we have the hope of eternal life in Christ. How can we sit
idly by? "Woe is me if I preach not this Gospel"!
Truly "Unto whom much has been given much is requir^ed".
DEVELOPING PLANS
As it happens often, one may know
the goal long before he learns how to
reach it. The goal for TH&E is to
develop a medical evangelistic
outreach in central India in association
with the Bernel Getter family. In order
to do that, one first needs permission
to enter the country of India, and
then permission to enter Surgujo dis
trict (wherein lies Sitopur).
In order to gain permission to enter
India, application was made to enter
southern India (known to be politically
less sensitive). As mentioned
previously, the first year is planned to
be training at the Schieffelin Leprosy
Research and Training Centre, gaining
necessaj:y_xnedicaLskills^ to^ deal with__
Hansen's Disease. During the training
period, arrangements have been
made to work with Benevolent Social
Services of India, Inc. (J. Lois Rees,
Mr. and Mrs. Emrys Rees). They have
been supervising a Leprosy Program
for some time using native personnel.
Following the 12-month training
period, an additional year will be
spent with Benevolent Social Service's
Leprosy program with Larry serving as
medical supervisor and Ellen con
sulting in Health Education and Physio
therapy (see col. 4). It is anticipated
that during both initial years, several
trips can be made into Orissa and
Sitapur area to begin preliminary
work on the medical program in each
area.
T.B.
Of the many diseases one comes in
contact with in the developing world,
one of the most common in tuberculo
sis. Like Hansen's Disease, it is caused
by a bacteria (actually related in struc
ture to the one that causes H.D.). It is
far more prevalent than H.D. and also
more deadly. In the U.S. some 28,000
people developed T.B. last year. In In
dia some millions hove it and most
con never receive treatment.
The bacteria in adults will ordinarily
be inhaled and begin an infection in
the lung. It may only cause a minor
cough or it may destroy the lungs if
left untreated. It can also spread to
other ports of the body. In children it
may manifest itselt as swollen glands
in~the neck or jowT'or irrfdtdT m^ih-
gitis.
Commonly in India, spread to the
bones occurs. Gradual destruction of
the infected bone may occur. It may
attack the spine and leave one para
lyzed, or cause death by invading the
adrenal glands or other structures. In
short, the disease can spread to
almost any part of the body bringing
suffering, disability and eventually
death.
If the disease is diagnosed early by
X-ray or microscopic exam of the
sputum, the disease can be totally
cured. Even in late stages, some
damage is reversible. Treatment is
relatively inexpensive with two or
three drugs taken every day or even
just three times weekly for 12-24 mon
ths.
Treating tuberculosis and controlling
its spread is a very effective tool to
show Christ's compassion. Treatment
always involves prolonged contact
with the Christian medical team allow
ing the patient to see, understand and
respond to God's love for them.
PRAYER NEEDS:
*Continue fervent prayer for perma
nent resident visas in India. Papers
are in progress.
*Living link support of $800 per month.
(Over 50% now committed).
*Funding for hospital, medical equip
ment, supplies, etc.
*Funding for hiring of native person
nel for hospital.
*Safe traveling for Bontas.
*The effective spreading of God's
word through the work of Tribal
Health and Evangelism.
PRAISE GOD:
*For opening doors thus far.
*For several faithful supporters.
*For continued good health for Larry,
Ellen and family.
PHYSIOTHERAPY TRAINING
Visa permitting, Ellen will also enter
special training in Leprosy as Schieffelin
Leprosy Research and Training Centre,
Karigiri. Ellen was recently accepted
to train as a physiotherapy technician.
She has already begun her studies by
correspondence. The course lasts for 9
months. This type of training coupled
with Larry's training in surgery will be
quite helpful in developing a good
rehabilitation program for those se
verely disabled by Leprosy.
MOBILE CLINIC
The funds ($12,000) for a mobile
clinic in Sitapur have been raised by
F.A.M.E. (Fellowship of Associates in
Medical Evangelism), Columbus, In
diana, and have been sent to the
field. The van is ordered but may take
3'/2 years to obtain!
ON THE ROAD
Over the past several months, the
Santas have visited congregations and
presented the work of TH&E in Colo
rado, Nebraska, Texas, Iowa and
Ohio. January was a month of rest as
South Dakota and other areas were
not conducive to traveling!
PRAYER CARDS
A prayer card for the Santas is en
closed with this newsletter. Use this
as a reminder to pray for them. Ad
ditional prayer cards are available
upon request. *
SUPPORT
Gradually, support seems to be
coming. Over one-half of the living
support is committed already. Many
have also given gifts specified for
medical supplies. It is quite humbling
to see God at work among His people.
Much of the funds have been set
aside in a savings account to be used
for shipping expense and for living
when Larry is no longer working (June
30). Several necessary medical texts
have been purchased as well as
special surgical instruments. A micro
scope and other laboratory equipment
have been ordered.
If you desire a copy of the 1981
Financial Report, please write to the
address below.
The most pressing financial need is
for individuals or churches to make
committments of monthly support
whether small or large.
*-,1^
NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION
Sept. 28 Oct. 1, 1982
Lexington, Kentucky
SPEAKING DATES
A very few speaking dates are
available in May and June for church
es in Nebraska. South Dakota or Iowa,
Please contact Forwarding Agents for
information (address below).
Tribal Health and Evangelism
First Christian Church Mission to India
P.O. Box 841
O'Neilh NE 68763
Forwarding Agent Mr. &Mrs. Robert Bergman
402-336-2354
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. n
O'Neill, NE 68763
Dr. and Mrs. Larry Banta
USPHS Indian Hospital
Wagner, SD 57380
605-384-5912
Box OT
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S erUic.^.S
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Tribal Health &Evangelism
Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta
Sitapur, Madhya Pradesh
India
MEDICAL EVANGELISM IN EAST AND CENTRAL INDIA
VOL. II NO. 2
PRAYERS ANSWERED
On the 21st of June, our prayers concerning o visa were answered. The In
dian government chose to reject our request for permanent visa. The news was
somewhat expected but still quite devastating. The week prior to the news, we had
heard that India had passed a law restricting the admission of foreign physicians to
India. This was a result of a delegation of medical students desiring jobsecurity. In
dia has many physicians, most cities are oversupplied. But few ever go to the rural
areas. Thus India has most likely compounded its own problems.
India has not left our hearts nor has the prospect of leprosy work. These
possibilities will be looked into sometime in the future. Meanwhile, God has called
us to serve and the need is great wherever we look.
After receiving our news, we looked into other areas of the world that could
use us. Few mission stations are actually set up where a physician could be used ef
fectively. After many phone calls all over the country, discussing various fields,
Africa seemed a recurrent theme. Of the three possibilities found in Africa, Kenya
seemed more of the type of work where we would best be used. After much prayer,
a telephone call to Dick Hamilton in Kitale, Kenya, and with the approval and en
couragement of the elders of our sponsoring congregation, we decided to set our
sites on Kenya, East Africa, to work in association with the Hamilton family.
THE PEOPLE
The Kara Pokot are a primitive peo
ple living in the highlands of western
Kenya and eastern Uganda. Until
recently, progress hod largely passed
them by. They number approximately
220,000. Their primary occupation is
forming, cattle raising, and cattle steal
ing. Their religion is animistic, that is,
worship of spirits. Much of their life is
spent attempting to appease various
spirits which they believe cause
drought, illness, natural disasters, crop
failures or good fortune.
THE SET-UP
At present, two nurses ore working
in the area, doing what medical work
they ore able to. A clinic building is
under construction and should be com
plete by the time we arrive. Roadside
clinics are held throughout the week.
The area has had recent problems
with drought. World Vision is assisting
in the area to develop wells to improve
the living conditions. Tropical skin
diseases, eye problems, tuberculosis,
malnutrition and parasitic diseases
abound.
The opportunity for medical
evangelism is very great in this area.
MEDICAL EVANGELISM is the
demonstration of God's love through
the use of medical skills and talents.
Many who might not otherwise unders
tand the message of Christ will see
God's love in action and perhaps then
understand and respond to God's love.
" and He sent them out to preach the
Kingdom of God and to heal the
sick." Luke 9:2
THE PRAYER NEEDS
We are confident that God knows our
every need and desire, and He knows
where we con best be utilized in His
Kingdom. Please pray for:
Financial support
Completion of papers
Adjustment to climate and language
Schooling for the children
Health
Cooperation with co-workers on the
field
Medical equipment and supplies
Continued open door for the Gospel
and our effectiveness in procloim-
ing it
Strength and wisdom for our board
and our forwarding agents
Praise God for His continuing watch-
core, and for supporters who ore really
interested in the work.
Praise God for His continuing core,
and for supporters who ore really in
terested in the work.
THE PLAN
We plan to depart for Kenya in
August, 1982, to work for at least one 5
year term, to develop and expand the
existing medical services in the area.
Over this time period, it is hoped to
develop a primary health care system,
that is, teaching the people to core for
themselves (more next issue). It is also
possible that 2 or 3 times per year,
visits will need to be mode into nor
thern Zaire for consultation until a
physician is able to start there full time.
This is yet to be worked out fully.
THE NEED
The cost of living in Kenya is quite
high due to high cost of housing and
fuels. Much of the medical work is at
present subsidized through World Vi
sion and other groups in the area. In
order to arrive on the field and to do on
effective work, the following is yet
needed:
Living Support: $1000/month (50%
now committed)
Service Link: $1000/month yet need
ed (for transportation, clinic upkeep,
medicines)
Air Fore and Shipping: $6000 (% still
needed)
Prayer Partners are still needed.
If you ore interested in being involv
ed in this vital ministry in some way,
please write to us at Box 841, O'Neill,
Nebraska 68763.
UPDATE ON THE
BANTA FAMILY
On June 27, 1982, Larry's term of ser
vice with the U.S. Public Health Service
at Wagner, S.D. was completed. Lorry,
Ellen, and children then spent a few
days in Omaha and Lincoln visiting
family and friends and taking care of
business. On July 2, they left for Ohio,
where they visited with Larry's family
and spoke in churches. FromJuly 14 un
til their departure to the mission field,
Bontos will be in Son Antonio, TX, with
Pete and Jewell Martinez and family
(Jewell is Ellen's sister). Another sister,
Jeonnie Foirbrother, is also in Son An
tonio. Bontos will be available to speak
in churches in the area.
It may have been many months since
some of you hove seen the Bontos. As
an update, their children's ages are
now: Ethan, 4; Heather, 2; Nathanneal,
22 months. Heather's third birthday will
be July 29; a card would reach her c/o
Pete Martinez, 6802 Cerro Bojo, San
Antonio, TX 78239, Lorry and Ellen can
also be contacted at that address
(phone 512/657-2461) or through their
forwarding agents (see page 4).
NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION
Sept. 28 Oct. 1, 1982
Lexington, Kentucky
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
July 1982
As Eiders of the sponsoring congregation of Dr. and Mrs. Larry Santa (Tribal
Health and Evangelism), we support and encourage them in their plans to work in
Kenya.
Tribal Health and Evangelism was begun initially to begin a medical
evangelism program among the tribal people of central India. However, the Indian
government has refused to grant the Santas permission to enter the country.
After discussing with Dr. Santo the information concerning other areas of
possible service, we approved and support their plans to apply for entry to Kenya
and to work among the tribal peoples there.
We cordially commend Lorry and Ellen Santa to the churches and brethren
everywhere as faithful ministers and laborers together with us in the Gospel.
(signed) Bennie Johring
Don Olson
Melvin Johring
Dennis Quigley
Tribal Health and Evangelism
First Christian Church Mission to India
P.O. Box 841
O'Neill, NE 68763
Forwarding Agent Mr. &Mrs. Robert Bergman
402-336-2354
First Christian Church
P.O. Sox 308
O'Neill, Nebraska
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. n
O'Neill, NE 68763
TRIBAL HEALTH & EVANGELISM
Prayer Letter
Missionaries! " Forwarding Agents:
Dr. and Mrs. Larry Banta Mr. and Mrs. Bo"b Bergman
P. 0. Box 900 Box 841
Kitale, Kenya1 Africa O'Neill Nebraska 68763
Dear Go-Workers in Christ, August 22, 1982
By the time this letter reaches you, we will already be at work
in Kenya.
This 8 weeks following the visa rejection from India have been
full of travel, preparation, packing, buying, speaking and writing.
Now comes the real task. Years of preparation have already gone
by and God has called us to the battle lines.
We left August 22, 3*45 p.m. from Houston, and after a l6-hour
layover in Amsterdam, we flew non-stop to Nairobi where Mr. Dick
Hamilton was to meet us at the airport.
After a few days of paperwork in Nairobi, we will proceed to Kitale,
a city in the hill country where many of the missionaries reside.
Kitale is where we will receive our mail. After a few days rest,
purchase of food and supplies, we will make the 80 mile trip to
Kiwawa where the main mission station is. We will be living with
another couple for several months wliLe a house is built and furnished.
The house in Kiwawa is without running water, electricity or indoor
bathrooms so it will be a real adjustment for us.
We can praise God for the many, many answered prayers over the past
several weeks. Monthly support is steadily increasing; enough
was given for purchase of tickets and for shipping of goods with
probably enough reserve for customs. Visas were no problem. A
vehicle has been arranged for, in Kenya, and a home will be built
from project funds. Now with the undergirding of your prayers
of faith for health and strength, the.work can be accomplished.
World Vision, a non-profit relief funding organization, has been
given a gift of $500,000 ear-marked for relief in our area. Much -
wll be usea xor agricultural, ree(iing,~~and well-digging projects
(in our last newsletter, we described the devastation and starvation
among the Pokot people due to severe drought of several years) but
the remainder is for medical relief. The funds will help complete
the clinic, buy supplies, and medical equipment, and eventually
to start a small hospital. We need wisdom to handle these funds
in a way that will glorify God.
PRAYER NEEDS:
l)Safe travels in Kenya 2)Completion of paperwork
3)Good relationship with government 4)Health
5)Adjustment to culture and language
6)Wisdom in the use of World Vision project funds
7)Ability to use medical and teaching skills to bring the Pokot to Christ
8)For the Pokot to understand the Gospel of Love and have the opportunity
to respond
9)For more workers to the harvest field of Kenya
10)Good cooperation between missionaries and between missionary groups
11)Additional monthly support for living and fuel costs
12)Wisdom for our forwarding agents and board
PRAISE GOD FOR:
l)Monthly financial support reaching nearly 6ofo, of goal. (It is
currently $575? it is estimated we need $1000/month as it is
three times as expensive to live in Kenya as in U.S.)
^2)Visas
3)Tickets and shipping funds being provided
4)Faithful supporters
5)Safe travel in the U.S.
6)Churches that have a vision for foreign missions
7)Good health
8)His loving kindness and compassion for the Pokot tribe
and so much more?
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7
In His Service,
Mission Services - HORIZONS
Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta
Tribal Health and Evangelism
Field Addresss P.O. Box
Kitale / Kenya]
Africa
August 23 1982
Forwarding Agents; ^
M/M Bob Bergman
Box 841
O'Neill Nebraska 68763
The Bantas are in Kenya.
On August 22, 1982, Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta, and their children,
Ethan, Heather, and Nathanneal left the United States for enya,
to work as medical missionaries. Ln Kenya, they will be working
among the Kara Pokot tribal peoples in the western part of the
country, along with missionaries Dick and Jane Hamilton,
Diane and Justin Sylvestre, and Mike and Linda Courtney.
Over the past several years, as Dr Banta has been completing bis
medical training, he and Ellen had planned and prepared to go to
India, but on June 21, 1982, they received word from the Indian
government that the government there had denied them visas to
enter and work in India. Larry and Ellen prayerfully sought out
other areas of possible service, and decidedupon Kenya and the
Kara Pokot peoples.
Praise God for the many, many answered prayers over the past
several weeks that have enabled Bantas to go to Kenya. rom
the distress and feeling of "what do we do now" that came with
the Indian visas being denied, God has brought joyful anticipation
of serving in Kenya and an everincreasing love and burden for
the Kara Pokot!
(Enclosed is Larry and Ellen's most recent newsletter, and
prayer letter^ which is the most up-to-date information.)
(Enclosed is a photograph of the Banta family. Please return
if at all possible.)
Please write if we can supply any further information at this time.
We will be submitting information as it becomes available from
Bantas on the field.
Thank you.
In His service,
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bergman
Forwarding Agents for
Dr. and Mrs. Larry Banta
TRIBAL HEALTH AND EVANGELISM
Box 84l
O'Neill NE 68763
Tribal Health
V &Evangelism
\ / *Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta
P. O. Box 900
Kitale, Kenya
MEDICAL EVANGELISM IN AFRICA
VOL. II NO. 3
SEPTEMBER, 1982
BANTAS ARE IN KENYA
On August 22, 1982, Larry and Ellen Banta and their children left the United
States for Kenya. "Years of preparation have already gone by and God has called
us to the battle lines," Larry wrote.
After a 16 hour layover in Amsterdam, they flew nonstop to Nairobi where
Dick Hamilton was to meet them. They expected to be in Nairobi tor a few days
of paperwork, and then to proceed to Kitale.
Praise God for the many, many answered prayers over the past several weeks!
What order and purpose He has brought! From the distress and the feeling of
what do we do now?" that followed Bontas being denied visas to India in June,
God has brought them to joyful anticipation of serving in Kenya, and has given
them an ever-increasing love and burden for the Kara Pokot tribal peoples. Praise
God for His leading them to the Kara Pokot and for His providing so that Larry
and Ellen can go there to serve. Monthly support is steadily increasing, enough
has been given to purchase the tickets and for shipping their goods, visas were
no problem, a vehicle has been arranged for in Kenya, a missionary couple will
share their home in the village with Bantas so that housing is immediately pro
vided, and funds are available for them to build a village home in the months
ahead. Praise God for the missionaries in that area (Dick and Jane Hamilton,
Justin and Diane Sylvestre, Mike and Linda Courtney) and for the encouragement,
support and guidance that they have already extended to Bantas. Praise God also
for the love and support that each of you has given to Larry and Ellen over these
years of preparation, and for the vital port that you continue to have in their work.
WHEN YOU PRAY.. .
Anytime a family moves, there ore
many adjustments to be made. Imagine
moving half-way around the world to
a different culture, language, climate,
co-workers, home (with no electricity
or running water). Please pray for Larry,
Ellen, Ethan, Heather, and Nathanneal,
as they face these adjustments. Pray
for God to give them peace, strength,
health, and wisdom.
LARGE GRANT GIVEN FOR POKOT WORK
A group of interested individuals
from Minnesota has decided to grant
through World Vision a total of $500,000
for the purpose of relief work among
the Kara Pokot. The monies ore to be
used in development of water sources,
agricultural programs, expansion of
feeding programs, completion of clinic
and expansion to a hospital, roadside
medical programs, medical instruments
and supplies. This grant frees our per
sonal budget a great deal allowing us
for the time being to be only respon
sible for the Bontos' own living support,
fuel costs and incidental associated
expenses.
The project funds con also be used
to build a dwelling for the Bontos in
Kiwawa, the main mission outpost in
the Kara Pokot area. They will also be
permitted to use the World Vision jeep
for travel.
LIVING QUARTERS
Kitale is the main city in the area of
the Pokot tribe. It lies in the hills and
boasts a good climate and has ade
quate facilities for purchasing food
and supplies. Many of the missionaries
in the area live in Kitale and travel out
to mission posts, spending several days
and returning for supplies and rest.
As Kitale is part of the White Highlands
settled by the British, many adequate
homes ore available. The Bantas have
been given use of a house rented by
Helimission, a nondenominotionol
helicopter mission service. They will
be able to use it several months while
arranging for one of their own.
Though living in Kitale is relatively
comfortable, the Bantas have decided
to hove or to shore a small house in
Kitale for use 4 or 5 days per month
for rest and to stay in while buying
supplies.
The remainder of'each month will
be spent in Kiwawa, some 80 miles by
poorly (or un-) maintained roads to
the north of Kitale.
Justin and Diane Sylvestre are cur
rently residing in Kiwawa and have
opened their home to the Bontos while
the Bantas plan and build their own
home nearby.
Living in the village of Kiwawa will
allow Lorry and Ellen to be closely
associated with the Pokot people.
THE ACCK.. .The Association of Christian Church of Kenya (ACCK) was developed
for the purpose of meeting government requirements that missionaries must
work under recognized organizations. All work among the western Pokot is under
ACCK and therefore the Bontos are also. The ACCK is made up of Africans and
acts as the on-the-field board for the work in the Pokot area.
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC)
In our own country, if a community has 1000 people and no doctor, they are
considered to be in a shortage area. In most urban areas, there is one physician
for each 500 people. In many parts of Africa and other developing areas of the
world, there may only be one doctor for 20,000 or even 50,000 people. One doctor
cannot provide services for all these people. If he were to see 100 patients per
day (a reasonable day in the tropics) for a year, he would hove only seen a port
of the population, and no one could hove had surgery or returned for follow-up.
Since in many of these areas, a large majority of the population is sick, a higher
percentage must be seen than in our own "healthy" country.
The World Health Organization along with many developing country governmental
health agencies developed a plan to best utilize available resources and provide
health care to the greatest number of people. These methods hove been adopted
world-wide and have attained great success in many areas. Medical evangelism
programs have been the leader in its development and continue to promote it
effectively as it also opens the way for effective planting of the seed of the Gospel.
1) Health Services available to all. Technology directed at the majority health
problems rather than developing sophisticated western technology to benefit the
few.
2) Community participation in Health Care so that health becomes a way of
life rather than a profiting business. Poromedicols and technicians can be trained
to core for a wide variety of common problems, freeing the doctor and nurse to
do the more difficult tasks. Communities con participate in their own health
teaching programs using traditional means of communication (drums, dancing,
songs, etc.) Bible stories con also be effectively taught this way.
3) Focus on prevention. Nutrition, agricultural and water programs, health
teaching, immunizations, and under 5's program. Maternal and infant health,
training of midwives and even traditional healers in useful medical techniques.
4) Integration with general educational and relief programs.
In this manner, the doctor and nurse are less overworked (after the program
is implemented) and skills they have can then be used quite effectively to demon
strate the love of God.
Effective paramedical training programs can be associated with preacher
training schools on the field, thus allowing these trained to preach to also be
able to provide some physical help. In many ways PHC can open doors to effective
evangelism.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Monthly financial support for Larry
and Ellen is steadily increasing. We
praise God that this need is being pro
vided. The cost of living in Kenya is
estimated to be three times that of
U. S., and missionaries there have told
Santos that they will need $1000/month
for personal living expenses and fuel
costs for their vehicle. Currently, $575
is being given each month by committed
congregations and individuals. Santas
feel they can exist on this; we pray
that as other families and congregations
see that Larry and Ellen are actually
on the field, they will want to also
help provide monthly support.
Complete financial reports ore avail
able. Please request such information
by writing to Sox 841, O'Neill, NE
68763.
FOR THE BANTA FAMILY
Larry and Ellen have specifically
suggested one thing that each of us
con do for themwrite letters. Their
address is:
P. O. Sox 900
Kitole, Kenya, Africa
We would add the suggestion that you
encourage Santas and show them your
core by remembering special family
occasions:
Nothanneal's second birthday was
September 2 (Send a greeting now.)
Ethan's fifth birthday is October 27.
Ellen's birthday is November 26, and
their wedding anniversary is the same
day.
Plan ahead. It seems to require
about 2 weeks for mail to reach them,
although some letters, have taken as
long OS a month to arrive, to us from
the missionaries in Kenya.
Tribal Health and Evangelism
First Christian Church Mission to Kenya
P. O. Box 841
O'Neill, NE 68763
Forwarding Agent Mr. &Mrs. Robert Bergman
402-336-2354
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 11
O'Neill, NE 68763
Dp'n'
Tribal Health '
V &Evangelism
W'Dr. Larry and Ellen Banta
P. O. Box 900
Kitale, Kenya
/^/^EDICAL EVANGELISM IN AFRICA
VOL. II NO. 4 DECEMBER, 1982
LIFE ATKIWAWA
By Ellen Banta
America seems like a dream now. The only reality is the harshness that
weaves thefabric of Pokot life. Scrubby thorn trees are scattered freely on the san
dy hills. Without rain these hardy trees, as well as weaker people, die. The sun is so
that Ethan's nose and cheeks areconstantly blistered {in spite of sun screen),
u^children are all becoming white-blonde. There are so many flies and bees that
they fly into our mouths or go in on our food while we're eating. Our days arefilled
with sickness, including our own family. Thank God they are better now. Heather
and Nathanneol were very sick. Nathanneal is getting stronger every day (thanks
to all who prayed and continue praying). Many nights, Irocked him, both of us cry
ing and me praying. When he became too weak to cry I knew real fear. I can now
identify fully with the mothers here as their children are sick, and some dying. Iwas
sure we would lose Nathanneal, but in hours he was better. As 1sat near his bed, I
would pray. In my tiredness, I found myself praying, of all things, for a rocking
chair t
Then Larry got malaria. I hit a new low in discouragement. It is during times
like these that God touches His weakening servants and inspires them with every
day things -- Ethan's ready smile. Heather's sweetness, and Nathanneal's sparkle
that shone through illness. These oil comforted me.
Lorry was better fast, and Nathanneal gains strength every day. God is Good!
Larry is back to his gruelling schedule of 50-100 patients a day, many of them
compl'^fted cases. I clean and dress dozens of ulcers, infected burns and the ever
present thorn wounds. We have a hard time keeping the patients oft of the
veranda-dining room, and away from the children. We feel cruel sending them to
the back of the house, but our children need the protecfion. ^
keen them away. There ore children and babies that would die mhours without iVs.
The only place to hook them up is on the veranda. Then Ihave ahard
Heather from "mothering" them. We are looking forward to the clmic building be
ing done where the cases can be dealt with away from the children.^^
The foundation of our house is doneandthe walls are going up. The house will
be made of cement block - the cheapest and coolest material. The kids are excited
that we will have a home after months of roaming. t .. . i x
The Pokot people are fun to work with. In spite of the harshness of their hte,
they have a lively sense of humor. And they are hungry for God's Word. Nineteen
were baptized two weeks ago. This makes everything worthwhile. ii xh
Soon we will be acclimatized and life will be more comfortable for us. Until
then, we are learning the precious gift of leaning on God tor everything.
MEDICAL EVANGELISM
AMONG THE
KARA POKOT TRIBE
The Kara Pokot clinic was started by
Diane Messick (now Sylvestre) as a
relief project to try to help with the
overwhelming medical problems due to
drought and repeated cattle raids from
other tribes (with automatic weapons.)
There were epidemics of cholera and
measles to control, an immunization
program to start and a clinic building to
plan. All this was done. Rains returned,
a peace treaty was signed, and a
semblance of "normal" life began. That
is when the Santas were called and
went to Kiwawa, not knowing what to
expect or even really why they were
going. Whether this is long term oronly
a few years while waiting for India to
reopen is not known. The work of
medical evangelism is now begun in
Kiwawa. Clinics start with a preaching
service and personal witnessing; an
African pastor occompanies mobile
clinics. A wide variety of patients are
treated and eventually even more will
be helped as the clinic expands. The
purpose is now clearly seen: To expand
medical services, organize,the medical
evangelism program, and effectively
make the clinic an area of outreach of
the African church.
Dr. Larry Bantc
SIDE EFFECTS
In order to complete the building program in developing Kiwawa miission,
was necessary to hire experienced builders from Kitale to come and live in Kiwavv
The main contractor has been in Kiwawa several months, and enough work remai
for him for another 6to 8 months. What happens to non-Christians who come to 1
In Kiwawa? The witness of the Christians is truly alive. So far, three (the main c
factors) have been baptized and really have a great witness themselves. Thi
due entire y to the witness of African Christians. Praise God for working in he
and pray that His influence continues.
L
tARRY AT THE
"CLINIC" with the
usual opening
time line of pa
tients. The clinic
is now held in the
shade of this
broken-down
truck, or in the
tree-shade, or
near (or in) the
Sylvestres' home
(where Bantas
are also living un
til their house is
built.)
The clinic building is under construction, and is to be completed shortly.
\ WHEN YOU PRAY....
, 'eceptiveness 6f~the~Kara Pokot to the Gospel; for
chi dren s regained health; for Santa's safety and God's care of them, for the fin.
ciol support that has been given. .
CONTINUE TO ASK GOD to protect Larry, Ellen, and the children from the mc
diseases to which they are exposed, especially during this time of adjustment
local conditions and food; to provide them with the needed financial support; and
guide them with the wisdom to effectively bring the Good News to the Kara Pok
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We praise God that regular support for the Santas is continuing to increa
When they left for Kenya (August 22, 1982), support was at $575/monyh; now i
about $850/month. They will be needing about $1,000/month for personal living <
penses and fuel costs for their jeep. Enough has tjeen given, also, to makea do'
payment on a used jeep, to pay for the licensing and insurance on the vehicle, o
for Santas to beable to purchase the basic furnishings that they will need for th
home.
Additional service link is yet needed toprovide salaries for clinic help, gasoli
(about $3/gallon), vehicle upkeep, household and clinic furnishings, medical a
lab supplies. Cost of living in Kenya is estimated to be three times that of U.S.
If you would like to help provide needed support, write to us; AAr. and Wrs. E
Bergman (Forwarding Agents) for Dr. and ^A^s. Lorry Banta, Tribal HeaitV
Evangelism, Box 84)^0'Ne\\\, Nebraska
SPIRITUAL HEALTH .. uu *u
Since the real objective of Kara Pokot Clinic is promoting spiritual health rather
than only providing help for physical illness, it is necessary to plan away to be very
effective. Already God has provided the row material. One person very interested
in hospital work has been assigned to the clinic. His job is to visit inpotients (oHer
the hospital is completed this coming spring), to open clinic withproyer and a short
Bible lesson, and to be available for counseling of the bereaved or the dying. This
last part seems very hard for any tribal in Africa as even some Christians have not
been taught how todeal with death. We arebeginning seminars to help the pastors
deal with issues suchas this. We have thus far twodressers (paramedical workers)
with plans to hire more as support increases. Both ore very active in the local
church and are very good at personal witnessing. Even our own house help is a very
dedicated Christian, active in the church choir. What a treasure we have. Now re
mains the taskof putting all this raw material into a very beautiful finished product.
Pray that God will guide us in this.
Dr. Lorry Banta
SEND A CARD OR LETTER TO KENYA!
As you think of Lorry and Ellen and their family, share yourself I Write them a
letter or send a cord. We hove found that it usually costs 40 cents to air mail a card,
and that it requires about two weeks to arrive in Kenya. Or, purchase an aerogram
at the post office for 30 cents on which to write your letter. For 30 or 40 cents, you
could provide much encouragement to the Bontosl
Tribal Health and Evangelism
First Christian Church Mission to Kenya
P. O. Box 841
O'Neill, NE 68763
Forwarding Agent Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bergman
402-336-2354
'OH:ionS
Po. Bo/
PAI 3 y
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 11
O'Neiil, NE 6876