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From the Field

At the heart of CBM's philosophy of service is the belief that disabilities affect not only the individual, but also the family and the community. We believe that the disabled should have every opportunity to participate fully in community, school, and church. We’d like to introduce you to the people in-the-field committed to the long-term sustainability of our projects.

Field Perspectives: Battling Trachoma in Kenya

Meet Sister Gloria Sauck, a dedicated member of CBM’s worldwide team who serves as a nurse at the Arsim Lutheran Dispensary. The project, located in the remote and impoverished area of northern Kenya, provides primary health care to the Sanburu and Rendile people.

Q: Sister Gloria, please tell us about your role at Arsim:

A: I’m the nurse in charge of the work at Arsim and the surrounding areas. I’m also an ophthalmic assistant. We are in an area where there are no doctors, so we see patients, examine them, diagnose, treat, and refer as needed.

Q: What led you to Arsim?

A: I came to Arsim as a missionary nurse called by God. I have been interested in being a missionary since I was about 20 years old. I was particularly drawn to this area because of its remoteness—and the great need.

Q: Tell us a little more about that need:

A: We’re at a place that’s 90km from the closest health center (which is one level above a dispensary). And we’re also 160 km from the nearest hospital. Prior to our mission setting up medical work here, people said they had to walk the 90 km to Baragoi—a two-day walk. We see every kind of illness imaginable on the face of the earth, especially eye disease.

Q: What kind of eye diseases?

A: Conjunctivitis and cataracts are most common. With conjunctivitis, we have two kinds, the bacterial kind and trachoma. The number one reason trachoma is high here is the lack of water in many of our areas. You can’t keep up the normal hygiene of face and hand washing.

Q: What is being done to promote better hygiene and face washing?

A: In schools, we’ve combined lessons on face-washing with some lectures on water sanitation, and we’re teaching people about microbiology. We go to homes at every site where we do a mobile clinic as well. We’re also doing a lot of work in getting water to people. Sometimes it’s not that people don’t want to wash; they just don’t have good water, or enough water. So we help find water sources so people don’t have to walk more than 5km to get clean water.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?

A: I believe that bringing health care to these people is a ministry equal to preaching the gospel about Jesus. To me a person is a whole person. And you cannot be whole unless your body is well, and your spirit is well, and your mind is well.

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