This travel team report is from Cheryl and Jeff Heck, two members of the recent U.S. medical team that served in the first GBHT medical camp in Kibagare. Cheryl is a Nurse Practitioner with Hancock Health in Greenfield, Indiana, and Jeff, an attorney, is General Counsel and Pro Bono Director at Indiana Legal Services.
LESSONS LEARNED IN NAIROBI
My husband, Jeff, and I recently returned from an exhilarating and enlightening mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya. Our mission was to serve the community of Kibagare, an impoverished village on the outskirts of the city. We partnered with GBHT (Giving Back Hope Together), a nonprofit founded by Sonny and Katie Ouma, and with Medical Missions of Africa (MeMA), to bring the first-ever medical clinic to Kibagare.
Our U.S. team consisted of 10 dedicated and prayerfully led individuals: one medical doctor, two attorneys, our trip leader Kevin, Jeff who served as our lay evangelist, two nurse practitioners, three registered nurses, one EMT, and one lay volunteer. We departed on July 31st, and despite numerous challenges—including flight cancellations, rerouting, and even lost luggage—we arrived in Nairobi only five hours later than scheduled. That in itself was a God story!
During our three days of clinic, the medical team worked tirelessly to treat 1,650 patients. The dental team performed numerous extractions, the pharmacy provided much-needed medications, and the evangelistic team offered spiritual care and prayed with patients. As a result, 61 Kenyans gave their lives to Christ! What an incredible blessing to witness God moving so powerfully in Kibagare.
On the fourth day, several team members who sponsor children in the village were able to meet them in person. They enjoyed lunch together at a nearby mall and spent the afternoon bowling. It was like Christmas morning for both the children and the sponsors. We were reminded how even a small monthly gift can make a life-changing difference for these families.
Our final day was spent in street ministry with Sonny and Katie. At a nearby school, we met young men who were playing soccer—many of them homeless. The medical team offered first aid for their injuries, and afterward, Sonny gathered the group under a tree where Jeff shared a Bible lesson about Jesus calming the storm (Matthew 8). These young men regularly receive encouragement, care, and hope through GBHT’s ongoing ministry.
When we returned home, we were exhausted but overflowing with gratitude. The lessons we carried back from Nairobi were simple yet profound:
1. Unity in diversity – Our team came from different professional and personal backgrounds, yet we worked as one. Serving alongside the African medical team built trust and demonstrated true unity to the people of Kibagare.
2. Spiritual perseverance – We experienced firsthand the reality of spiritual warfare in service to Christ. Despite travel delays and trials, God provided strength and made a way for the mission to continue. We felt His presence daily, sustaining us with love and courage.
3. The power of prayer – Hundreds of Kenyans were prayed for during the medical camp. Because the evangelistic team was willing to answer God’s call, 61 lives now have eternal healing—the greatest gift of all.
4. Sponsorship transforms lives – Sponsoring a child in Kibagare is far more than a monthly donation. It is God’s love in action. Seeing the joy on our sponsored child’s face, knowing they are fed and thriving, was one of the greatest blessings of our trip.
5. God’s grace is greater – Even in our brokenness, when we confess our sins, He brings love and peace that surpass anything this world can offer.
6. Faithful leadership – Watching Sonny and Katie Ouma serve was deeply moving. Sonny, a native of Kibagare, and Katie, an American missionary, pour themselves daily into the community—feeding children, singing songs, meeting needs, and sharing Christ’s love. They are truly the hands and feet of Jesus.
We are deeply grateful to Mercy Road Church Northeast, MeMA, GBHT, and all those who sponsored and prayed for us. This mission would not have been possible without you.
Yours for the Kingdom,
Cheryl and Jeff Heck
