Vision Projects
Mfangano Island, Kenya, 2024
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Our team of 30 traveled to Mfangano Island, Kenya, to share the love of Jesus. We served 744 students at Gethsemane Gardens Christian Center, a boarding school for orphans and vulnerable children, and worked with local residents. Partnering with Tenwek Mission Hospital's medical team, we helped provide care, including 40 cataract surgeries in three days.
Thanks to a generous donation from BlindSight, Inc., we distributed 200 readers and 300 polarized sunglasses, restoring vision and offering sun protection. Giving the gift of vision was a more significant gift than I ever realized. The smiles and bright eyes of these people who walked for miles to get to us when they realized they could see up close again with a bit of assistance from readers were priceless. Several teared up as they realized they could now read their Bible again. One unforgettable moment was when Paul, a 79-year-old man, experienced a profound transformation. After receiving sunglasses and love from our team, he accepted Jesus, a moment that truly showcased the power of our mission work. A huge thank you for helping give to the gift of vision! The ripple effect is bigger than we will ever know. -Cindy Utzinger |
Pakistan 2023
Belize Hope Mission Center, 2022
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Belize Hope Mission Center, Mafredi Belize
In June of 2022, we successfully completed our first official eye clinic at the Hope Mission Center in Mafredi, Belize. With funding raised during the 2019 Khaleda Run, equipment, supplies and glasses were transported to the Hope Mission Center. An initial trip to Mafredi, Belize involved setting up the vision clinic to operate as needed for eye care services. The exam lane was dedicated in memory of Khaleda. This past June, we were thrilled to provide eye care and glasses to over 100 patients. |
The line started as soon as we opened the doors. Patients continued through the entire clinic and our hearts were thrilled to be able to give the gift of sight to many Belizeans. Additionally, we were able to make surgical referrals for several patients for cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment. The Belizean people were gracious and wonderful. We had a great time selecting sunglasses for every single patient. So many wonderful people helped make this clinic a reality. Thank you for helping us - give the gift of sight.
Dr. Assell was performing an eye exam in the exam lane dedicated in memory of Khaleda.
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Dr. Barker evaluating eye pressure as part of a glaucoma screening.
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I am honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to see the “hands and feet” of Jesus serve the Mafredi village people.
It was a wonderful “first ever” clinic for the Hope Missions Belize/Robert Nicholas Medical Center. Thank you, BlindSight team and Denver United Methodist mission team.
-Wendi Popoff, Volunteer
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Dr. Assell determining a prescription for a local resident.
I embarked on this trip not fully knowing what to expect or how I might be of service, but I knew I was excited to learn more about Blindsight, The Hope Center, and the village of Mafredi. I personally learned a lot about reading eye prescriptions and dispensing glasses. Everyone we met had a huge smile on their face, and they were grateful for the service we provided. But more importantly, I cherished the time to serve and give back to such wonderful people in Belize in Khaleda’s memory. I look forward to serving again in the future. -Jennifer Beam, Volunteer
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An amazing couple who were thrilled with their new glasses.
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• Camp Dogwood, Sherrills Ford, NC
• Christian Hospital, Sahiwali Eye Surgery Clinic, Pakistan
• Christian Hospital, Sahiwali Eye Surgery Clinic, Pakistan
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Dr. Amanda Barker-Assell with Tammy Thomas, NC Lions Club and Camp Dogwood in Sherrills Ford, NC
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Hanging The Khaleda Room plaque in Belize Clinic
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