A Forty-Year Legacy of Caring for the Maasai
John Sankok faithfully leads an extensive medical ministry in Kenya that includes eight clinics run by local Christian health professionals. These clinics treat tropical diseases, immunize children, and combat HIV/AIDS. The Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health facility addresses the unique health challenges faced by women and infants in the region. Known as Community Health Partners, this ministry now supplies more than 80% of the area’s primary healthcare needs. Below, John reflects on CMF’s long history with the ministry.
“One generation commends Your works to another.” Psalm 145:4
CMF began this work in the late 1970s and early 1980s with village-to-village evangelism and church planting among nomadic pastoral communities in Southern Kenya. Teams moved with the people, sharing the Gospel in hard-to-reach areas with deep-rooted cultures and traditions.
As churches were planted, the need for healthcare became clear. That same mission of love expanded beyond the church tent. CMF helped build a strong primary healthcare system for these communities. Clinics, maternal care, and newborn support grew from the foundation of local churches.
More than 40 years later, the fruit is visible. Thousands of mothers and newborns have been impacted. Lives have been saved, families strengthened, and hope restored in places that once had little access to care.
Today, CMF is a recognized leader in evangelism, church planting, and healthcare among nomadic communities in Southern Kenya. The name stands for faith that moves, churches that serve, and healthcare that reaches the last mile.
Hundreds of churches are now led and planted by empowered local leaders. What began with CMF missionaries from the U.S. is now carried forward by pastors and leaders raised from within these communities.
For 40 years, CMF has moved with nomadic peoples, bringing the Gospel, healing, and hope. Through churches planted, leaders raised, and communities transformed, CMF continues to fulfill its call—making disciples of all nations, one family at a time.
Father, we thank You for obedience in the 1980s. Seeds planted in the wilderness, among deep-rooted cultures and hard-to-reach places, have become forests of life. For those who are empowered, give us Your strength and will to continue watering the seed and passing on the faith to the next generation. It has been a model that has worked for four decades of faith in action.
Want to help support this life-giving ministry?
Dr. Angela Meipuki is a licensed physician who enables CHP to treat complex cases, respond to emergencies, and ensure patients receive quality, compassionate care. She also strengthens the clinical team—mentoring staff and ensuring excellence throughout all of CHP’s clinics.
Sustaining a licensed, full-time doctor on staff with CHP is essential! Click here to help fund her work.