Mapacha, The Twins, and Micronutrients

Mapacha, The Twins, and Micronutrients
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 by Hannah S. Hunter

Shortly I will be returning to Kenya. I will be taking Micronutrients. The priority is for orphans, widows, children, young girls, and women of childbearing age. We want to be able to give to all people. I have received reports from the elderly and men of the significant changes that have been experienced with this supplement. Contact me if you are interested in helping (via comment here, on Mission Team for Christ Facebook, by emailing me at jhzrt [at] verizon [dot] net, or at P.O. Box 481, Harleysville, PA 19438).

In my last blog, I gave the origin of the name of the blog. When I went to the link, I realized the picture that tops the page may be a mystery to those who do not follow my missions to Kenya. Pictured are Caroline and her twin boys, David and Jonathan. The twins’ dad is Samwel, one of the leaders of Mission Team for Christ (MTC). They are Luo, the same tribe as President O’Bama. They live in Kilgoris in the middle of the Trans Mara district, in the Maasai country, which is famous for safaris.

This family lives in a two-room hut with dad, mum, an aunt, and a total of six children. Their joy is not in their circumstances, but in GOD’s goodness. When this picture was snapped, the twins were about a year old. We were reminiscing at the faithfulness of HIS mercies. At this visit, the women were asking me about my bedroom alone—that I sleep on a thick double mattress, with a set of sheets, a comforter, and pillows was beyond their thinking. The fact that I had a closet and chest of drawers left jaws on the ground and “Ehhh?” That is a local expression of disbelief and awe.

Mapacha is Swahili for twins. Twins in some Kenyan tribes are considered a curse and killing them and their mother is acceptable. Caroline had no idea she was carrying twins until her labor began in a hut on her tribal land. One was transverse lay- laying broadside across her cervix. When she was moved to a hospital, she was told they and she would probably die. SOS for prayer was sent to USA. Dan, the head of the MTC, stationed himself at the hospital.

Soon, however, the lusty cries of two babies filled the corridors affirming successful delivery of David and Jonathan. But, danger was still lurking. Since they were healthy twins, and this couple had other children, there were whispers someone else should have these babies. A guard had to be posted to prevent the kidnapping and selling of these boys. Yes, even the hospital staff would make money participating in this treachery. Then the matter of paying the bill had to be settled before mom and babies could go home. A merciful benefactor sent the needed money and extra for food for celebration.

The MTC team prayed and sought GOD to prophetically name the babies. As I watch the twins interact, they step right into their names. What a joy to watch them from newborns to walking and talking their special language to each other. Mzungu (white face—that’s me) is fine as long as she keeps her distance or plays games with them on the floor.

About three months after this picture was taken, the twins came down with diarrhea. This illness is not a worry in first world as a whole. In a third world country, though, chronic malnutrition, lack of clean water, and lack of adequate affordable health care are issues. Diarrhea becomes life threatening in a heartbeat.

I was called to the home to assess the boys. I did not know if I wanted to weep or run as far away as possible. These precious, vibrant boys now could not cry, their little hearts were beating too fast, and I felt every bone in their little bodies.

Calmly, but firmly, I ordered them to be taken to the hospital immediately. GOD is merciful indeed. A doctor was on the premises. He also was from their tribe, and got IVs in them right away. Friends and family came with food and funds. Food is not given to patients at hospitals there. Caroline, their mum, had to be admitted as well because the twins were still nursing. There was one bed for the twins and their mum. The recovery was slow with setbacks. Sadly, conditions do not change in the village. Drought, lack of clean water, lack of adequate food, and poverty are ongoing.

We bless GOD that a woman, an American doctor who travels to the third world, has come up with a supplement called micronutrients. This supplement has vital vitamins and minerals. A small scoop added to their food daily can save a child and a village. For $800, a 50-pound package can be purchased. This can provide supplements for about six months for a village.

Consciously, we buy food for nutrition, and most of us take a multivitamin. Many Kenyans do not have that luxury or choice. When I am in the medical clinics in Kenya, I receive requests for vitamins all the time.

I challenge you to ask GOD as I do: What is my part in relieving suffering?

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