When I first arrived at Kenya’s Tenwek Hospital in 1994, I was a visiting medical student assigned to rotations in pediatrics and surgery. Little did I realize how profoundly that experience would impact me personally and professionally. In the years since, I have returned to Tenwek numerous times as a visiting physician and am continually awed by the physical, emotional, and spiritual healing that takes place at the hospital and in the surrounding areas that Tenwek serves through its comprehensive community health programs.
In addition to the exceptional medical care Tenwek offers, the hospital also provides excellent training to the physicians, nurses, and clinical officers (physician assistants) who are enrolled in a range of educational programs offered there, including Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) residency training in the areas of general surgery, orthopedics, cardiac surgery, and OB/GYN. A significant expansion of the scope and facilities for Tenwek’s International School of Chaplaincy also is underway.
I have spoken with many other physicians who have been impacted by their Tenwek experience. As a rule, we enjoy training others and passing our knowledge on to the next generation – to create a multiplying effect of education and experience. We also are committed to this work because of its profound spiritual dimension. It’s not just humanitarian work – the love of God and the redeeming hope of life in Christ is being extended to patients and families throughout Kenya and all of Africa.
Since 2012, Friends of Tenwek has been dedicated to developing the key relationships and resources that can help Tenwek Hospital fulfill its healing, teaching, and sending mission. Through this website and our newsletter, we are offering those who have served at Tenwek and other supporters the opportunity to connect with its people and mission.
I encourage you to join other Tenwek “alumni” who cherish their experience and want to remain informed and involved. You might find yourself planning a visit to experience, for the first time or once again, the “miracle” of Tenwek!
J. David Hoover, M.D.
President, Friends of Tenwek