Glenn and Sara Madsen spend a month serving in Kenya

Editor’s Note: Story and photo courtesy of the St. James Plandealer newspaper and Troy Krause. 

Had one seen Glenn and Sara Madsen’s bucket list prior to this past March, the words Kenya, or even Africa for that matter, would not have been there.

Yet, this past spring the two of them spent a month working and living in the country thanks to an invitation from their daughter, Dr. Annetta Madsen.

“Annetta was making her second trip to Kenya and asked if we wanted to come along,” said Sara Madsen, who, along with Glenn, talked about their trip Feb. 7 at the Redwood Falls Public Library. “At first I was a bit anxious about it.”

Through World Medical Missions and Samaritan’s Purse, the Madsens traveled to Kenya where they were involved in medical work at Tenwek Hospital, which is in Bomet, Kenya. The ministry of World Medical Missions and the Africa Gospel Church started in 1937 as a small site. Today it has more than 300 beds and not only cares for patients coming from miles around but also serves as a training center for others involved in medicine.

The motto of the hospital mission “We Treat, Jesus Heals” offers service for tens of thousands of people every year who not only receive the medical care they need but also experience the love of those who profess and practice their Christian faith.

The Madsens traveled with their daughter, and her family, which includes her husband, Ross VanNatta and their son, Asher, who was three years old at the time of the trip to Kenya.

“We had to be pre-approved to be part of the mission,” said Glenn.

After flying for more than 19 hours, including a stopover in Amsterdam, the Madsens landed in Kenya and then spent time adjusting in an old Mennonite mission that hosts missionaries and other dignitaries from around the world.

“It was such a beautiful place. There were flowers everywhere,” said Sara.

While in Nairobi, the Madsens visited an elephant orphanage and a giraffe refuge and observed that the largest city in Kenya was very modern. Then they drove beyond the city limits toward what much of the rest of the country is like.

“That is when we saw the poorer side of life,” said Sara.

During that drive through what is known as the Rift Valley, which Glenn compared to driving for 20 miles along the side of the Grand Canyon, they continued to see people everywhere selling everything from toilet paper to cell phones.

Arriving at Tenwek, the Madsens settled into an apartment they would call home for the next few weeks.

“Those staying there are expected to hire nationals for cooking and house help,” said Sara, adding she appreciated that help and knowing they were able to provide work for people who were in need.

The story of Tenwek is an interesting one, said Glenn, adding what had started out as a clinic has grown over the years and has seen its impact on the people in various ways.

He added in 1959 a doctor named Ernie Steury and his family arrived at Tenwek, by then a hospital, whose work helped to take the hospital and its services to a much greater level. The hand of God has been evident at Tenwek over the years, and Glenn encouraged others to read the book “Miracle at Tenwek,” which tells the story of Dr. Ernie Steury and the great things that happened at the Kenyan hospital.

During the visit, Glenn was able to spend time working with community health and development and was able to meet a local veterinarian named Leonard. He went on a number of visits with Leonard to offer support.

“Even though he works in rural Kenya, Leonard had all of the access to information I had through the use of technology,” said Glenn.

Sara, who set up a blog and shared the family’s experiences during their month-long stay, enjoyed the chance she had to spend time with her grandson and to learn more and share what was happening at Tenwek with others.

While much of the trip was about working at the mission, the Madsens were also able to enjoy some time seeing Kenya and spent a few days on a wildlife safari where they came face to face with everything from lions and hippos to crocodiles and water buffalo.

The Madsens were also able to volunteer at an immunization clinic helping moms and their children receive vaccinations. In addition expecting mothers receive prenatal checks and consultation about diseases including HIV.

“The moms came to the clinic walking five to 10 miles just to get the immunizations,” said Glenn.

The demand for services through Tenwek Hospital remains high, which offers doctors like Annetta Madsen, who specializes in gynecology, obstetrics, pelvic care and surgery, and Ross VanNatta, who is a physical therapist, a chance to serve.

“Annetta and Ross were the rock stars of this trip,” said Sara, adding she just loved hearing the stories of what they were able to accomplish during the time they were serving in Kenya.

“It is just amazing to see God at work,” said Sara, adding they were able to experience miracles while at Tenwek that can only be explained by giving credit to God. “It is great to see the help Tenwek can offer to heal people, but it is ever better to see people understanding they have value and seeing the worth of their soul.”

The entire experience was overwhelming for the Madsens, and they are glad to have the opportunity to share what they saw with others.

If there are groups who want to learn more about Tenwek and the Madsens’ trip to Kenya they are encouraged to contact them with a request via e-mail at madsenjourney@gmail.com.

One can also read about the trip on Sara’s blog at cultivategood.wordpress.com.