Surviving a Pandemic - The Story of Blessed Camp

The people of Blessed Camp outside of Mombasa, Kenya are not strangers to the isolation of being quarantined. The Camp is one of the world’s last leper colonies, home of over 200 men, women, and children. Although the leprosy in this community has been treated, its effect is still evident. This includes deep emotional wounds, physical disabilities, and ongoing social stigma.

Peter Ochiel, Founder of Action Ministry, partners with African Leadership to care for the Blessed Camp community. He began the ministry by gathering every Sunday under a Mango tree where he, together with his friends, would teach the residents God’s love and remind them of how special and valued they were before God. This program expanded to include:

• A primary school, which allows the children in the community to attend in a non-judgmental space, as they are often shunned or mocked in society because of their background.

• A medical clinic providing the quality medical care that was lacking.

• A training course that teaches tailoring and crafting skills, which helps with income generation in the community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health turned a building next door to Blessed Camp into a quarantine facility. Being in close proximity to the coronavirus, especially for those with underlying health issues, was terrifying.

When the pandemic hit, the school shut down and the church couldn’t meet. The residents didn’t have access to good information about the disease. People were priced out of food and basic necessities as prices soared and items became harder to find. For a community that has no savings or government support, the situation looked dire.

Peter’s primary focus during the last year was keeping everyone safe and healthy. He also kept his staff employed, unlike other organizations in Mombasa, and re-engaged them in activities that were safe in the community. While employing social distancing standards, he has taught on the importance of cleanliness, sanitation, masking, and social distancing where possible.

Additionally, Action Ministry has provided food to the residents, especially the elderly and the children who were no longer receiving lunch at school.

started weekly counseling sessions with the teenagers, who were home from school and whose parents were having a hard time keeping them occupied and cared for, especially given the temptation of drug abuse.

built hand washing stations and supplied soap.

used the tailoring project to make masks for the community.

purchased thermo guns for the medical clinic, so symptoms of COVID could be caught early.

“This has been a scenario of ‘I was hungry and you gave me food.’ We are humbled to be Jesus’ hands and feet during this crisis." Peter says. So far no one in Blessed Camp has contracted the virus — quite a feat considering the underlying health issues present and their proximity to a quarantine facility!

This is God’s work through leaders like Peter Ochiel.