Joshua shook violently against the hard wooden pew as a grand mal seizure powered through his small frame. His breathing had stopped, his jaws clamped down like a vice, and his heart was racing, pounding against his chest wall. I earnestly lifted him up in prayer to the Almighty God. Almost immediately, the tension in his body started to wane. Joshua's jaws relaxed and let some air pass into his lungs, and the convulsions gradually subsided. Now we were free to help his dad understand the situation better and get him in touch with a qualified physician in Nairobi.

Joshua was just one of those we were privileged to touch during our stay in southern Kenya. Curt DeWitt and his wife Kim led a group of 30 across the ocean to the Maasai people. After a brief rest at Maxwell Academy, and a visit to the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe House, we spent Sabbath with our Maasai brothers and sisters in Loadariak. They welcomed us with "Enchipai Esabato!" (Happy Sabbath!) Later, we served them and their neighbors in a very busy afternoon clinic.

The next four days we held clinic in Kajiado at our school for "rescued girls" whose fathers sometimes angrily demand their release so they can trade them in for a few more cows.

On Thursday, we traveled to the Maasai Mara. Stationed just outside the game park in tents and rickety huts, we spent about two hours each morning and evening viewing the beautiful creatures who make this magnificent place their home, as we traveled to and from the clinic site.

Our second Sabbath was filled with worship, a picnic by the Mara river, and a drive to the hippo pool and the Tanzanian border. We saw many splendid animals, including the "Big Six" (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and rhino), some of which even visited our camp during the night.

Praise God! No one was harmed or became seriously ill, although some GI tracts were a bit out of sorts, and the faith and trust of some a bit stretched. Because of God's bountiful love and generosity, and because of Kim's careful preparation, we all slept and ate well, traveled safely, and brought back many unforgettable memories.

We saw more than 3,000 patients, freed about 12,000 of their parasites, extracted more than 500 decaying teeth, matched 350 with glasses, cleansed and bandaged wounds, and dispensed thousands of dollars in medicines, toys, school materials, and dental supplies. Lay workers were trained, and adults and children taught about the saving love of our Lord.

We thank all who gave generous support in prayer, time, and funds to accomplish this important mission. It is a privilege, not taken for granted, to be part of such a loving and giving church family. Pray with us that through this ministry many Maasai might find the way to eternal life.

Norbert Schwer is a surgeon and a member of the Stevensville Church in Michigan.