Bethany Relief and Rehabilitation International

ABOUT US

Many people in our world have disabilities. When you consider the tremendous burdens born by those who are disabled, you can be overwhelmed by statistics. Between 3% and 10% of people in the world today suffer from some form of disability. Many children and adults with such challenges can see significant improvement to their conditions with just a little help. Bethany Relief and Rehabilitation International (BRRI) was created in 2001 in direct response to this situation in East Africa.

An outstanding board that includes medical and other professionals has helped to shape the ministry of BRRI into one that is anticipated to affect many in the developing world. Financial and material assistance from organizations and individuals has enabled us to provide for the needs of many who are disabled; for the majority of these people the cost of the medical care provided would have been prohibitively expensive. The increased breadth of medical assistance for the disabled has allowed a greater number of children to find help, thereby alleviating their tremendous suffering. BRRI is involved in a variety of ministries centered primarily around disabled children:

1. BRRI has refurbished the pediatric ward and an operating room for BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, Kenya. This 36 bed unit has allowed for the delivery of enhanced medical and surgical care for disabled children and other sick children. BRRI now has the privilege of participating in the funding of the care for disabled children and managing this ward and operating room with the added opportunity of overseeing the staff. With the ward renovations complete and the staff in place, BRRI is now looking forward to bringing many disabled children to BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital (BKKH) for surgical and medical care.
2. BRRI is currently involved, through Drs. Dick Bransford and Dan Poenaru, in delivering surgical and medical care to children with burn contractures, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and similar neurological problems at BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital.
3. BRRI is also involved in the care of many refugees from a number of Kenya's Refugee Camps. These refugees are primarily from Sudan, but they also come from Somalia, Ethiopia, and a few other struggling countries. Into these sometimes desperate places BRRI brings medical attention and the word of our Lord, ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters in crisis. Sadly, these refugee camps show no signs of disappearing anytime soon. We have begun gearing ourselves up to take on this new challenge. Older refugees with disabilities are also receiving care.
4. BRRI intends to develop a Community Based Rehabilitation program. It is hoped that this will reach areas without adequate medical care for disabled children and their families. From refugee camps to remote villages we can develop a sustainable resource.
5. BRRI will cooperate in training refugees who are orthopedic technicians in the construction of simple braces felt to be practical, specifically, for people in some of the countries to which they will return.
6 BRRI has implemented a training program for nurses at BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, thereby increasing their pediatric skills. These skills pertain to both normal pediatric illnesses, as well as to a greater understanding of disabilities.
7. BRRI desires to continue funding the medical expenses for disabled children including the repair of cleft lips and palates. Teams of Christian medical professionals have volunteered their time and efforts for this endeavor and are now working in cooperation with BRRI.
8. BRRI anticipates continuing its development of media teaching programs about disabilities directed toward the lay public.
9. BRRI will help with mobile clinics throughout Kenya, offering pre- and post-operative care in regions of the country where such interventions have previously been rare.
Opportunities for BRRI abound in Africa for alleviating the suffering of the disabled. BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital's reputation as a place where unique medical care and quality intersect, has attracted people from across Kenya and other African countries. As the children benefit from the excellent medical attention, some also experience a panacea for their hearts by being introduced to our Lord Jesus Christ.
What we have done already could never have been accomplished without the Grace of God and donations of money and talent from caring people. The people and events you see illustrated in this leaflet represent only a small fraction of the good that has been accomplished. Many, many more people need our help. Please give and by doing so you make such good works possible and in so doing you will help Praise Our Lord!