Who
are the Turkana and what is CMF’s history there?
The Turkana are about 600-800 thousand strong. Nomadic
pastoralists, they follow their animals around looking for
food and water in the desert they call "home." Access to
medical care is very limited as well as access to the
gospel. CMF has been working in Turkana since 1977.
Kristi's parents were the first Turkana missionaries,
shortly followed by two other families back in the '70's.
Since their arrival several ministries have emerged as the
Holy Spirit has been directing:
1. Medical clinics. The Chapman's started having clinics
under trees in different villages. They usually visited the
villages in which there were other missionaries
living...not necessarily just CMF villages. This ministry
evolved into training some "dressers" who function like
doctors, but have very limited training. They were trained
by a dresser training program in Kenya (since shut down) or
by Bob. Currently, there are 4 active CMF clinics in
Turkana. Since the Chapman's retired (2006), these clinics
are on a skeletal crew and missionary oversight is limited.
Gene and Melba Morden are overseeing all the clinics and
the vaccination program has been placed on hold until we
get there.
2. Another ministry which has evolved has been the Literacy
Training Program. This program teaches adult men and women
to read. Upon completion of their training, they are given
a Turkana Bible. Imagine their excitement as they get their
very own Bible and then take it back to their village and
start reading out loud to their friends and families!!
3.Water Development: This is part of the CHE ministry. The
Mordens have put in many wells throughout the CMF ministry
areas. As clean drinking water is provided, the people are
becoming healthier. They are able to plant simple crops as
well and grow some protein to eat and sell. This is an
exciting time for them!
4. TBTI: Turkana Bible Training Institute. This ministry
was started by a few of the CMF missionaries as a response
to the leadership training needs. TBTI is like a little
mini-Bible College. It's taught in Turkana by a couple of
Turkana guys and the missionaries. The Curriculum is
similar to what you might find at a Bible College in the
states, but perhaps a little simpler