Samburu Mission July 2017
OUTREACH MISSION: 2017 Archer’s Post
The Samburu Veterinary Outreach Mission took place on 4th to 9th July 2017, as previously planned. The operational base was at Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) Center at Archer’s Post in Samburu County, situated about 300 km north – east of Nairobi.
MISSION PREPARATION
The VMP planning team took about six months to prepare for the mission, after deciding on the mission site and mission timing. This involved travelling to the mission area twice, consulting and partnering with the CITAM Church Leadership. The local Administrative and Veterinary Officers were also consulted and engaged in the planning. Mission preparation also involved contacting potential veterinarians, para-veterinarians and veterinary students to enlist for the mission.
Part of mission preparation also involved mobilization of finances to commit to a mission- budget of about Ksh. 300,000.00 to pay for the following expenses:
- a. Purchase of Veterinary drugs and Accessories,
- b. Lodging at a local Hotel,
- c. Self-Catering at CITAM Center,
- d. Transport.
Part of the preparation also involved encouraging enlisted missioners to PRAY in a focused way for the mission.
Samburu Veterinary Outreach Mission
July 4th to 9th 2017
Nineteen (19) missioners committed themselves for the mission:
a. VMP Veterinarians - 8
b. Para-veterinarians - 5
c. Veterinary Students - 3
d. CITAM Pastors - 3
e. CVM Veterinarian - 1
Based on the intended purposes one would say the mission was very successful. Some lessons were learnt, which will become resourceful in planning for another similar mission. What may not be easy to report is about the experiences gained, friendships established and fellowship opportunities gained among the missioners and with believers under CITAM Church
MISSION PROGRAM AND ACTIVITIES
Mission program included 2 days of travelling to and from mission area, 3 days of animal treatment and preaching of the Word and 1 day for a visit to Manyattas for evangelism, a brief visit to Samburu National Reserve and planting of fruit trees at CITAM Center. On Sunday (departure day), the team members attended the Sunday Service, where Dr Mandieka was given a chance to preach the Word.
TREATMENT
The missioners were divided into 3 groups under which they provided the Treatment of animals.
Day 1
Team treated animals and conducted evangelism in Kirichi villages. A total of 3,372 animals were treated (mainly deworming), covering 3,349 shoats (sheep and goats) and about 23 camels, donkeys and dogs.
Day 2
In the second day, animal treatments and evangelism done at Laresero; a total of 4,438 animals were treated, covering 4,413 sheep and goats and about 25 camels.
Day 3
On the third day the team members treated animals and evangelized in Marit/Lorubae; about 1,859 shoats were treated. Thus a total of 9,646 animals provided with health care service, owned by about 50 households
EVANGELISM
The Gospel was preached to about 200 persons, while the animals were being treated and during the visits to 3 Manyattas. We estimated about 30 to 40 persons were prayed for to be saved. Only Eternity will reveal the greater impact of the mission. As the scriptures teach missions involve sowing, weeding, watering and reaping and reaping (Mark 4:7, 18-19; John 4:37-38; 1 Corinthians 3:5-8).
CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Dr Richard Huston shared about the importance of caring for the environment, as part of his testimony, which has been his practice for most of his life of 80 years. Some of the missioners thereafter practiced the lessons learnt by clearing the church compound, while others planted pawpaw and mango trees
SUNDAY SERVICE
Before departure on Sunday, the team from Nairobi attended a church service at CITAM Centre, where Dr Mandieka had an opportunity to share the Word. Some of the para-veterinarians and veterinary students led in Praise and Worship part of the service, while others ministered to the Sunday school children.
CONSTRAINTS
Because of the draught situation in the area, some of the animals had to be walked for 2-3 hours, early in the morning, over long distances to the watering points, where treatment exercises were to take place.
High temperatures also limited the time period for the treatment of animals.
The planned showing of Evangelistic Films in the evening had to be cancelled because of the insecurity atmosphere sensed in the area.
