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Purchase Hospital Beds for St. Theresa’s Clinic in Meru, Kenya

First of all, I want to thank you for the kindness, encouragement and generosity you continue to offer to the Missionaries of Africa working around the world — and especially those of us here and in Africa. Every time you share your financial support, you are letting our missionaries and those whom we serve know that they are not alone — that they have not been forgotten. What a blessing you are!

It is because of the goodness and mercy you have shown in the past that made me think of you when I recently received a letter from a missionary working in Meru, Kenya — in East Africa. As I read her letter, to be quite honest, I was heartbroken. Even though I read letters every day from good men and women who are devoting their lives to the service of the poor — telling me of incredible poverty and hardship – I sometimes forget that, for all the good that has been done, there is so much more still to do.

Dear Mr. Doe,

First of all, I want to thank you for the kindness, encouragement and generosity you continue to offer to the Missionaries of Africa working around the world — and especially those of us here and in Africa. Every time you share your financial support, you are letting our missionaries and those whom we serve know that they are not alone — that they have not been forgotten. What a blessing you are!

It is because of the goodness and mercy you have shown in the past that made me think of you when I recently received a letter from a missionary working in Meru, Kenya — in East Africa. As I read her letter, to be quite honest, I was heartbroken. Even though I read letters every day from good men and women who are devoting their lives to the service of the poor — telling me of incredible poverty and hardship – I sometimes forget that, for all the good that has been done, there is so much more still to do.

The letter I received was from Sr. Maria Goretti Nabwami, a missionary Sister who is working at the St. Theresa Health Clinic in Meru — in central Kenya in East Africa. Even though their country has made great strides and advancements for its people, the overwhelming majority of the people of Kenya continue to live in abject poverty. And one of the areas in which they are still most in need is basic healthcare.

“The number of children here who die before they are five years old is quite high,” Sr. Maria explains. “In some areas, it can be as high as 10%. This means that out of every ten children born this year, one of them will die before he or she is five years old. It is a tragedy to hear — but an even greater tragedy to see first-hand.”

“One of the reasons for high rates of child mortality, she continues, “is due to the lack of access to basic healthcare. If a child has to be hospitalized for an illness, in many cases that little boy or girl will have to make the long journey to a large medical center or hospital . . . a journey which can take many hours over rough dirt roads. Others — who might be too sick to travel simply return to their homes and die. It is a terrible situation!”

“Our plan is to enlarge the clinic here and to purchase hospital beds, mattresses and other medical equipment so that we can provide a place where we can admit children — so that we can treat them here without having to send them somewhere else.”

“The adults in the community are very poor. They have no money to purchase beds or mattresses, but they are willing to do as much of the construction as is needed. They have already poured the concrete for the flooring and leveled it. Can you help us?”

As I read Sr. Maria’s letter, I tried to imagine what it must be like to live in a community that lacks basic healthcare — a place without a hospital to provide overnight care for those who are very sick. I imagined the tragedy the Sisters at the clinic must witness all to often . . . watching young children die because the healthcare that is needed just isn’t available. That’s when I decided to write to you — because I know that you care!

First, the people of Meru and in other areas of East Africa need our help now! They need immediate funds for hospital beds, mattresses, sheets, covers, pillows and additional medical equipment. Other clinics throughout East Africa have written to me needing help as well. You and I have done so much together! But there is still so much to do. My hope is that we can raise at least $37,000 to be used to purchase hospital beds for St. Theresa’s Clinic in Meru, Kenya, as well as provide assistance for other communities who have written asking for help. The need for basic healthcare among desperately poor men, women and children is overwhelming

In addition, I would encourage you to reach out to those in your own community who might need help getting to doctor’s visits — or even in need of help scheduling appointments. Good healthcare is something that none of us should ever take for granted. You could also volunteer at your local hospital or offer to help with blood drives at your church or commnity center. Will you help in some way?

You have been so kind and generous so many times; I am praying that I can count on you again. God bless you for whatever you do.