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IPHC > World Missions Ministries > TEAMS > University Students Visit Kenya

Usually, when college students are asked the question “How did you spend your summer break?” most will talk about going on vacation or catching up on sleep. But, three students at Campbell University of North Carolina spent three weeks of their summer break working on a medical missions trip with IPHC missionary and pharmacist Jimmie Pope in the wilds of Africa.

When Campbell, a private university, began developing a spiritual and medical clerkship for their fourth-year pharmacy students, they wanted it to be something more profound than was commonly offered.

Jennifer Cavenaugh, Sarah Erbaugh, and Nashea Turner worked with Jimmie Pope at a free clinic in conjunction with Beacon of Hope and at Gertrude’s Children's Hospital.

“While we were there, we worked in clinics handing out prescription medications,” said Erbaugh. “The first clinic was in a Masai village near the border of Tanzania. The second was in a slum in Nairobi.”

Turner described the clinic at the Masai Village as a life-changing experience.

“The Masai tribe lived on a big open desert land with mud and stick huts for houses. The dirt and dust flew around all the time so the people had bad allergies and eye problems,” said Turner. “There were only three of us running the clinic. The Masai people would line up and then be examined by one of the three of us. We would determine what was wrong with them and dispense medication to them.”

The students not only worked at the clinic, but also were able to witness to the local people. They were struck by the humility of the people they served. Most of them did not have much at all and they were so appreciative of anything and everything the students did for them.

“It made me realize how lucky I am and how blessed I am to have been born in the United States where opportunities are endless,” said Turner. “Most of the people over in Kenya had a carefree spirit about them and they really taught me a lot about people and life in general.”

Cavanaugh discovered how blessed they were to be involved in the work in Kenya. “We helped at children's church one Sunday morning and were able to pass out salvation bracelets for the children to have,” she said. “The children love to touch you and love to learn about what you are teaching.”

They stayed busy for the entire time, but managed to get in a day of sightseeing.

“We were able to go on a safari and see a giraffe park,” said Erbaugh. “Kenya is beautiful with so much to offer. It would be a shame to go there and not see the country.”

All the students agreed that they would like to take more medical missions trip in the future if the opportunity arises.

Jimmie Pope received thanks from the University for providing a life-changing experience for its students. “They were excited about partnering with us and I believe this first group of students is just the beginning of something bigger,” said Pope.




		IPHC > World Missions Ministries > TEAMS > University Students Visit Kenya Usually, when college students are asked the question “How did you spend your summer break?” most will talk about going on vacation or catching up on sleep. But, three students at Campbell University of North Carolina spent three weeks of their summer break working on a medical missions trip with IPHC missionary and pharmacist Jimmie Pope in the wilds of Africa. When Campbell, a private university, began developing a spiritual and medical clerkship for their fourth-year pharmacy students, they wanted it to be something more profound than was commonly offered. Jennifer Cavenaugh, Sarah Erbaugh, and Nashea Turner worked with Jimmie Pope at a free clinic in conjunction with Beacon of Hope and at Gertrude’s Children's Hospital. “While we were there, we worked in clinics handing out prescription medications,” said Erbaugh. “The first clinic was in a Masai village near the border of Tanzania. The second was in a slum in Nairobi.” Turner described the clinic at the Masai Village as a life-changing experience. “The Masai tribe lived on a big open desert land with mud and stick huts for houses. The dirt and dust flew around all the time so the people had bad allergies and eye problems,” said Turner. “There were only three of us running the clinic. The Masai people would line up and then be examined by one of the three of us. We would determine what was wrong with them and dispense medication to them.” The students not only worked at the clinic, but also were able to witness to the local people. They were struck by the humility of the people they served. Most of them did not have much at all and they were so appreciative of anything and everything the students did for them. “It made me realize how lucky I am and how blessed I am to have been born in the United States where opportunities are endless,” said Turner. “Most of the people over in Kenya had a carefree spirit about them and they really taught me a lot about people and life in general.” Cavanaugh discovered how blessed they were to be involved in the work in Kenya. “We helped at children's church one Sunday morning and were able to pass out salvation bracelets for the children to have,” she said. “The children love to touch you and love to learn about what you are teaching.” They stayed busy for the entire time, but managed to get in a day of sightseeing. “We were able to go on a safari and see a giraffe park,” said Erbaugh. “Kenya is beautiful with so much to offer. It would be a shame to go there and not see the country.” All the students agreed that they would like to take more medical missions trip in the future if the opportunity arises. Jimmie Pope received thanks from the University for providing a life-changing experience for its students. “They were excited about partnering with us and I believe this first group of students is just the beginning of something bigger,” said Pope.



		Last update on 9/12/08 ©IPHC Ministries. All rights reserved