Crystal and Jay Nwachu recently had the incredible opportunity to represent Central Presbyterian Church at the Global Summit for BethanyKids in Kijabe, Kenya. This summit was a testament to the profound impact of BethanyKids since its founding by the late Dr. Richard Bransford, who was a member of Central while attending medical school at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Bransford’s initial calling to expand access to pediatric surgical care in rural Kenya, where options for children with significant disabilities were scarce, has transformed countless lives.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

1 Cor 13:13

“Many disabled children who could be helped weren’t getting help because surgery was too expensive or not easily accessible outside of major cities,” said Crystal. BethanyKids, as a compassionate Christian mission, has changed the lives of children through pediatric surgery, rehabilitation, education, spiritual ministry, and training local health professionals.

Since 2004, BethanyKids has provided life-transforming surgeries to more than 50,000 children across 10 countries in Africa. In addition to surgery, they offer rehabilitation and supportive equipment, including wheelchairs and special assistive devices.

At the summit, Crystal and Jay witnessed firsthand the diverse range of  offered by BethanyKids, from mobile clinics to home visits. Each day was filled with meetings with surgeons, board members, church supporters, and other partners to pray and discuss the vision for BethanyKids’ future. A significant part of this vision includes building the Bransford Rehabilitation Center next to Kijabe Hospital, where BethanyKids already has a dedicated wing. Crystal and Jay attended the groundbreaking ceremony for this new center, which will provide additional support and rehabilitation beyond surgery. Central Presbyterian Church donated $35,000 from two members who left money for Central-supported missions in their wills.

BethanyKids is a strong faith-based charity that holds a fundamental belief that we are all created in God’s image, and that those who follow Him do so by loving others. In Africa, BethanyKids is connected to 1,023 churches where children cared for by BethanyKids and their parents and caregivers receive ongoing discipleship and support. Crystal emphasized, “The medical care is important, but BethanyKids always reflects their core belief in Jesus Christ and the importance of faith. Everyone who is served experiences the Gospel lived out in the actions of the staff.”

To learn more about this inspiring faith-based organization, visit https://BethanyKids.org