Dental Trip Success!
Kids Across Africa seeks to reach the people of Rwanda holistically with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We seek to not only provide a safe and exciting camp for youth to play and learn, but also to provide for the people of the surrounding villages.
For many months we have spoken about the possibility of teams of health professionals working in the local villages in conjunction with, or on the behalf of KAAC~R. It has been a dream that was prayed about and last month the prayer was answered.
KAAC~R worked with the local government officials and the local Health Center to set up the 4 day dental clinic. When the groundwork was complete, no flyers were posted or emails sent, but instead by word of mouth in local churches. It worked and was later learned that people would walk for miles with the hope of being seen by the dentist.
Dr. Doug Harty accompanied by Stephanie Wong, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Kelley Killebrew, elementary school teacher, began to minister to the physical needs of our neighbors. Also with them at were Tim Muzira, KAAC~R in country director and Rebecca Nimrod, wife of Jonathan, KAAC~R president. The view from the makeshift dental office could not have been more beautiful. As they worked, the KAAC~R camp property and Lake Barrera, provided a physical reminder of the Lord’s love for his people.
After each person was treated, they were asked if they had any pressing needs that needed to be taken before God. Many wished for the pain to subside, but as the day would move along and the presence of the Lord thickened in the room, the needs became deeper and more personal. One mother with many children and an alcoholic husband asked for prayers for her family. Another woman, a widow, prayed for her children who were living in neighboring Uganda and for herself because she was lonely.
Not all prayers were for needs, but also of thanksgiving. The privilege was granted to Rebecca, to pray for an elder in the community. Prayers were lifted up for his years of leadership and positive role in the lives of so many Rwandans in the area. When he left the room, she wiped the tears from her eyes. She had the opportunity to watch months of planning, dreaming and praying all unfold before her very eyes. “As I laid my hands upon his boney shoulders, I felt the very presence of God tingle from my fingers lifted in the air to the fingers on his jacket. It was one of the most beautiful spiritual moments of my life,” she said explaining the moment in prayer.
Dr. Harty had this to say about his time in Rwanda:
I have just recently returned from Rwanda working through KAAC, and to put it simply, I had a blast! We stayed at the KAAC~R House in Musanza and it was beautiful and quite comfortable. We saw about 100 patients during our four days of work at the Gitare Health Center, extracted many teeth, and prayed with every patient. The whole point, really, is about praying. When you ask someone how you can pray for them, it breaks down all kinds of walls. You hear about what is going on in their hearts, about the worries of mothers for children to do well in school, wives for husbands to quit drinking and pay more attention to families, HIV medicines to work longer, sickness, and heartbreak, and loneliness... the list goes on and on. And the amazing thing is that we are all children of God, and no matter where I travel, the prayers are for almost the same things. The country is so beautiful, and the land for the camp is perfect. I was struck by the beauty of the people, the kindness shown us, and how God is there working, comforting, and loving the Rwandan people.
Please, will you pray for each patient that was treated and their spoken and unspoken needs. Let us not forget to pray for those who must wait until the next dentist arrives. Currently we do not have another dental trip on the calendar, but if you are a health professional, who wishes to offer your talents, please email volunteer@kidsacrossafrica.org . Share with us your area of experience and what you feel the Lord is calling you to in Rwanda, with KAAC~R.
It is happening, friends. The Lord is working in Rwanda through KAAC~R! What role will you take?