The Olorien Medical Clinic of Arusha, Tanzania

by T. J. Walter • Project Director, New Hope Initiative

You’ve likely said, “If only these walls could talk.” Every building has a story, from Starbucks to the Vatican to Fenway Park or to the home where you lay your head each night.

The last time I thought, “If only these walls could talk,” I was 7,628 miles from my home in a small clinic waiting room in the village of Olorien in Arusha, Tanzania. Just a two-hour drive from the southern border of Kenya, Arusha is known to many as the gateway to Mt. Kilimanjaro and as a launching point for international visitors heading to Tanzania’s many safari parks. Travel a little deeper within Arusha and you will find the village of Olorien. There you will find a medical clinic where more than 125,000 people have come to seek help over the past seven years.

The history of the clinic dates back to 2007 when a college nursing student named Lindsey Griffin was on a short-term mission team with Sandy and Karen Baird, founders of New Hope Initiative. While visiting local missionaries Vernon and Mary Smith and ministering at the church and school campus across the street, Lindsey had the idea for a medical clinic that could serve the community with basic medical services. Even after returning home, Lindsey couldn’t shake the idea for the clinic and the affect it could have on this community and the Smith’s ministry. Raising funds from friends on campus and her local church, Lindsey soon sent a check for $36,000 to get the Olorien Community Clinic off the ground. Through the leadership of New Hope Initiative and the generosity of North Park Baptist, Humble, TX, and North Metro Church, Denver, CO, the clinic soon became a reality. Fast forward seven years and this small “bandage and aspirin” clinic now spans three buildings and includes a full-service lab, x-ray and ultrasound units, an operating room, in-house pharmacy, and a residence for the doctor. Lindsey’s initial offering of $36,000 was the seed that grew to an astounding investment of close to one million dollars generously and sacrificially given by God’s people through New Hope Initiative.

Spend even a short amount of time around the clinic on an average day and you will encounter everything from young children with common colds to older adults awaiting life-altering diagnoses — all being cared for with compassion and expertise. One of the most amazing stories from the clinic passes through the door every day. In fact, he is the one responsible for each diagnosis and surgical incision. Since the gates opened
April 9, 2008, Dr. Robert Byemba has been at the helm of this work. His journey to that opening day, and each day after, is both captivating and humbling.

BYEMBA’S JOURNEY

Born in Congo, Dr. Robert Byemba is one of eight children by his mother, who was one of eight wives to his father. Excelling in school, Dr. Byemba was educated and trained as an anesthesiologist. After practicing medicine for several years, in 1998 he was forced to flee his hometown of Bukavu, Congo, which was embroiled, like much of the country, in a vicious civil war.

With a group of 52 people including his wife, young daughter, mother, and other relatives and friends, they set off in vehicles toward the border. The group made it only three miles before having their cars and all of their possessions stolen. Left with only one option, the group decided to journey to the next city by foot in hope of getting transportation out of the country. After three days of walking, they learned that the local militia had overtaken the city and the borders were closed. There were no options for transport except by foot. The group was told the only option for safety was the capital city of Kisangani in the north — nearly 400 miles away. If that wasn’t daunting enough, Dr. Byemba’s wife, called Mama Sabina by all who know her, was seven months pregnant and inevitably going to give birth at some point along the journey.

Despite the obstacles, they knew this was their only option and the quickest route was through the jungle. They walked day and night for almost two months. One afternoon, Mama Sabina started having contractions. At 11 p.m., at the base of a large tree and with the rest of the group resting nearby, the Byemba’s second child was born without complications. He was given the name Bush as he was born in the bush.

The following morning, the entire group, including the newest family member, continued on. Surviving only on fresh fruit, cane sugar, and water, the group traveled for two more months, eventually making it to Kisangani. There, a refugee organization provided travel to Uganda and then to Tanzania where Dr. Byemba began teaching French at a local university.

The Byembas attended Bible Baptist Church of Olorien for almost three years, and endeared themselves to the church and the youth department. At the same time, plans were coming together for the medical clinic. Dr. Byemba knew this was his home and upon the opening of the clinic he found his new place of practice.

MR. SIKN

Hundreds of stories could be told about the clinic’s medical victories, but one of the most powerful stories occurred late in 2015 in the life of an older gentleman named Mr. Sikn.

For years he had a benign cyst growing in his forehead. Not only was it painful, but also unsightly to the point where he was ostracized in his community and even ridiculed as demon-possessed. He went to every hospital and doctor for miles around his rural home in Tanzania searching for help. But, because he could not afford what many assumed to be an expensive and possibly fatal surgery, he was denied care everywhere he went.

One day, he heard about the Olorien Community Clinic in Arusha and he was told this clinic offered care even to those who could not afford it. Despite being hours away from his home, it was his only hope in receiving help. After consulting with Dr. Byemba, the doctor tried to get Mr. Sikn care at the local hospital. But due to the complex nature and possible complications of the surgery, his request was denied.

Knowing Sikn’s options for any semblance of a normal life were limited,
Dr. Byemba committed to perform the surgery. After several hours of surgery using only local anesthetic, Dr. Byemba was able to successfully remove the cyst attached to Mr. Sikn’s skull. The following day Mr. Sikn returned to his village as a new man with new chance at life.

MORE THAN MEDICINE

While a main goal of the clinic is to diagnose and repair physical problems of patients, above that is a desire to heal the spiritual inadequacy so many of the patients face. Mornings at the clinic begin with Bible study and prayer among the staff — all of whom attend either Bible Baptist Church of Olorien or another local Christian church. The morning study and encouragement is all the more important when you learn more than 60 percent of patients treated at the clinic are Muslim. The goal is to create an environment clearly grounded in Christian values and beliefs, and also one where the Gospel can be shared at every opportunity. To this end, the walls at the clinic are adorned with Bible verses, Christian music and sermons are played on the TV in the waiting areas, and prayer is freely given when the chance arises.

So, if the walls of the Olorien clinic could talk, what do I think they would say? Beyond telling countless stories of physical lives changed, I think these walls have a lot to say about bringing restoration and hope to the people of Tanzania.

_______________________

VERNON AND MARY SMITH

Vernon and Mary Smith are 28-year veterans in East Africa and have employed a passionate and skilled approach to their ministry in Tanzania. The cornerstone of their current ministry is Bible Baptist Church of Olorien. Teaming up with the late Tom Foltz, his wife, Joanne, and their family, this vibrant church was birthed 14 years ago from a small sports ministry in the community. This plan led to many salvations among teenage boys in the community. Through a coordinated program of education, discipleship, and mentoring, these young boys are now the leaders in the church and community. Very few churches in Africa are strong among the 20-30-year-old male demographic. However, this church thrives in this age group, opening up exciting possibilities for the future.

The church also operates Bible Baptist Academy, one of the finest schools in the region with great facilities, staff, and a strong Christian outreach among diverse families who frequent the school. After Tom Foltz went home to be with the Lord in 2009, Joanne returned to the field to continue as the headmistress at Bible Baptist Academy.

Establishing Olorien Community Medical Clinic, which sees 20,000 patients annually, was a great surprise in the Smith’s ministry. However, God directed the circumstances and resources leading to the formation of this incredible work. Mary Smith is an integral part of the clinic ministry working as a triage nurse and general assistant in keeping the daily crush of patients moving smoothly.

The Smiths are passionate church planters, having birthed 13 churches in Tanzania. They have also used a diverse set of ministry tools like the school, camps, sports ministry, and medical clinic to reach a multitude of individuals for the cause of Christ. With over 40 students from the church enrolled in the Bible college program, the Smiths plan to continue working and training young men and women through the Bible college and other ministries. Vernon enjoys the role of a missionary/pastor, and thrills at the prospect of one day turning over this work to a national pastor and a thriving leadership team.