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&Evangelism
Dr. and Mrs. Larry Banta
MEDICAL EVANGELISM
VOLUME V. No. 1
FEBRUARY, 1985
WORKERS NEEDED
It is certainly hard to believe that nine months hove already passed since we
returned to the U.S. Muchhas happened and continues to happen in our lives. Though
our stay in Kenya was short, its impact on our lives has not been small, in fact it seems
to have grown over the post several months. Our hearts often ache to be back with
the Somburu children that we were able to help and withthe womenwhohave chang
ed so much OS they dedicated themselves to Christ.
Wehope that youalso have not forgotten the people of Kenya and other unreach
ed areas, and continue to pray fordoors toopen toeffectual preaching of the Gospel.
We saw but a small piece of the total picture. Kenya has over 25 tribes that are listed
as unreached people. Many of those tribes are in distant bush and desert areas and
would require a special kind of dedication to work among them.
Kenya'scities also hove great needs. Many of the handicapped, the homeless and
the destitute have not been touched by the Gospel. In fact workers of all kinds could
easily be used of God in many types of special ministries.
Someof the following are examples of specialized ministries.
Childrens homes are needed, both for disturbed and normal kids.
Work among the deaf is minimal, there is yet no standardized sign language in
Kenya.
Mobile medical clinics to reach out in countless unserved areas.
More medical clinics are needed to be used by nearly any trained medical per
sonnel.
Rehabilitation work among physically and mentally handicapped.
Agricultural and relief work in many areas.
If you would like more information on specific needs inKenya, please contact the
Banta's.
Matthew 9:38 "Ask the Lord of the
harvest, therefore, to send out
workers into his harvest field."
A PSYCHIATRIST ON THE MISSION FIELD?
Many were shocked that I chose to complete residency training in psychiatry.
What can a psychiatrist do on the mission field if we are able to return? The answer is
probably not yet entirely known as we are yet to meet anyone else who has gone to
thefield with such training. The possibilities however are very great. The training of a
psychiatrist deals with many fields of medicine. Usually the most difficult and
frustrating patients are psychiatric. Through thecourse of training Iwill be learning a
great deal of neurology techniques in rehabilitation from physical as well as mental
disease, and in addition of course the management of a variety of very depressing
mental disorders.
Kenya has five large cities, of which two have mental hospitals. No work outside
the cities has yet been accomplished. The World Health Organization is developing
programs for the undeserved areas.
What better time for God's people to get involved, if we cannot return to Kenya
there are great opportunities for missionary service right in the U.S. or even in some
developed countries.
ELLEN
Ellen has progressed very well with the regimen she ispresently on. Colds and fl
have been successfully weathered with minor adjustments of medications. So for n
signs ofadditional complications hove arisen. The only real problems wereduring th
hot weather in the summer.
ETHAN
Ethan, as many of you know, was hospitalized in August for evaluation and wa
found to have a seizure disorder. Since that time his physician has tried differen
medication to control the seizures. We con praise the Lord that he has responded ven
well. In fact the seizures may have played a major role in his learning problems. He ii
ina special class at present but is expected to join his regular class before the end o
the year.
THE WORK IN SAAABURU
Thechurch in Samburu continues to growwith over 225 nowbaptized. The ChurcJ
building is essentially complete. Two other churches started in the area will be con
structing their own building. Harry and Willie Schaefer continue to assist in the work
They ore now considering starting additional work in the Eastern part of the
district (Isiolo, AAeru, AAorsobit areas) which are essentially untouched by the catholic
mission so at least medical care is still available in the area.
FUTURE PLANS
Slowly God is teaching us patience and how to really wait on Him. Our plans cai
only be tentative as our future is not as sure as it might be because of Ellen's illness
Although we can't say what tomorrow will bring.
We have been able to narrow our sites a bit. We are very much desirous of re
maining in full-time service to God whether on missionary salary or not. Wewould o
course desire to return to Kenya and that will remain high on our consideration. W<
ore also considering Alaska and perhaps a U.S. Indian reservation. Present informa
tion from South Africa alsoopens someinteresting possibilities. We haveput it entire
ly in God's hands and as he opens the doors we will proceed.
In August 1986 we plan a one month survey trip to Kenya in conjunction with the
African Psychiatric Association meeting. We will make final plans following that trip
Meanwhile we keep working and praying.
PRESENT MINISTRY
At present Larry is serving os o deocon with the Benson Church of Christ. He is
also chairman of the evangelism and missions committees. Several of the area chur
ches have begun referring difficult counseling cases toLarry. Larry will bespeaking in
the Nebraska-Iowa area on occasion in regards tocounseling andmentol health pro
blems with the Christian.
Ellen recently started Sundayevening class for ages 2-7called "Adventures with
God." She is active in Women's prayer and Bible study groups In the area.
TRAVELS
Since our last Newsletter Larry and Ellen have reported to churches in South
Dakota, Nebraska, Texas and Louisiana. Ellen was a featured speaker at a women's
retreat at Pibel Bible Camp in Nebraska in September and has spoken at several area
women's meetings. Larry was the featured speaker at a missionary rally in Crescent
CityChristian Church. Metairie, LA inOctober. There is no further scheduled speaking
until March.
Churches desiring to hear of our work in Kenya and our plans for the future may
contact us at the following address:
Dr. and Mrs. Larry Banta
5111 Pierce
Omaha, Nebraska 68106
Tribal Health and Evangelism
First Christian Church Mission to Kenya
P. O. Box 841
O'Neill, NE 68763
Forwarding Agent Mr. &Mrs. Robert Bergman
402-336-2354
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