Stan Cheng and CT techs

FOT Celebrates Five Years of Impact at Tenwek Hospital

This spring, Friends of Tenwek Inc (FOT) celebrated its five-year anniversary of support for the ministries of Tenwek Hospital.

As the ministries of Tenwek Hospital have grown dramatically over the past five years, the Lord has enabled FOT to expand its support. During FOT’s formation phase and subsequent incorporation in March 2012, donors have made over $1,177,000 available to support Tenwek Hospital, its Nursing and Chaplaincy Schools, Tenwek Community Health and Development., and specific missionary ministries.

Stan Cheng and CT techs for WEBFOT has worked in full collaboration with Tenwek Hospital administrators to identify funding needs. Major projects that were supported by FOT include: developing the infrastructure for the CT scanner; installation of the HMIS medical records system; construction of the Nursing School dining hall; scholarships for Surgical Residency students; purchase of radiology equipment, including two ultrasound machines; seed money for the Bomet Annex; creation of the Faith Fund for Special Needs; and purchase of an oxygen compressor, incubator, and Stryker stretches. In addition, FOT has raised critical funds to support the International Chaplaincy School and the Orphan Mercy Fund.

Each year since incorporation, FOT has reduced expenses as we endeavor to be a good steward of the resources FOT donors so generously provide. Through an all-volunteer staff and cost control measures, the expense-to-income ratio was 18% for the 5-year period and was 8.5% for 2016. Last year, more than 91 cents of every dollar was designated for ministries at Tenwek Hospital.

FOT’s investment in the diagnostic radiology program at Tenwek Hospital includes new equipment and assistance from visiting physicians on-site and through teleradiology services.

When FOT was formed, a priority goal was to build a community of doctors in the United States who would continue to engage their Time, Talent, and Treasure in the ministries of Tenwek Hospital. FOT is excited that, to date, 10 healthcare professionals have stepped forward as Champions for their specific medical specialties. They are recruiting their peers through personal contact and by providing news and information on the FOT Website. Through their dedicated work, we are reaching our goal.

Today, when short-term medical staff and family members arrive at Tenwek, a volunteer FOT Intern becomes a friend to welcome them, answer questions and advise them about the many ministry opportunities. Our volunteer FOT Field Director also is available on-site to assist volunteers.

An Exciting Future

The prospects for the future expansion of ministries at Tenwek Hospital are indeed very bright. Building on the founding principle of Tenwek Hospital, expressed in the motto “We Treat …Jesus Heals,” Rev. Elijah Bii is now leading the spiritual emphasis of the entire hospital. An International Chaplaincy School is in the planning stages. The Bomet Annex, a much needed satellite expansion of Tenwek’s outpatient services within the municipal area of Bomet, is now under construction and scheduled to  open later this year.

The Strategic Plan for Tenwek Hospital anticipates the addition of 200 beds which will grow the hospital to 500 beds. There are17 medical residents in training currently, with the goal of having 30 residents in training. The College of Health Sciences (formerly the School of Nursing) is now recognized as one of the top nursing schools in Kenya and is preparing for significant growth. And Tenwek Community Health and Development initiatives are transforming communities as leaders are trained in holistic ministry.

 YOU are, and will continue to be, a vital part of the US-Tenwek Community through your continued support for FOT. THANK YOU for being engaged in all God is doing and has planned for the future of Tenwek Hospital.