10%

Reaching out through play

Spiritual ministry in the playroom at CURE Kenya

By CURE International

January 7^th, 2019

If there's one thing you should never take away from kids, it has to be playtime. Playing is all they think about for the better part of their childhood. Playing football, hide and seek, singing games, and just running around chasing after each other ... kids draw so much joy from different types of play. But, have you ever thought about what playing is like for kids with physical disabilities? Do you think about how they struggle to hold toys, or kick a ball, or run around with smiles on their faces?

At CURE Kenya, we believe in equality and inclusivity for all kids. Our playroom is where most of our kids hang out, both before and sometimes after surgery (if their procedure allows them to get out of bed). It's a place where everyone can freely play without mockery or hindrance. Our fully stocked playroom has something for everybody, no matter their disability.

Pastor Emmy is in charge of the playroom, and she runs a terrific program for our kids. She shared with us what it’s like to work in the playroom:

“It's amazing! Every day is a learning experience for me! Before I came to CURE, I didn’t really interact with kids that much, but now they take up most of my time, and it is such a joy! I really love it.”

In the playroom, we expose kids to many fun and informative items, including a pictorial book that guides and prepares them for surgery. The book tells them what to expect before, during, and after their procedure. The playroom also distracts them right before they head to the operating room. Patients are not allowed to eat anything before their procedure, and play pulls their focus away from their hunger.

This little lady didn't let her cast stop her from coloring pretty pictures.

“Most of these kids are very creative and artistic,” observed Pastor Phoebe, who helps out in the ward and occasionally in the playroom.

In the playroom, the kids take part in painting activities, drawing and solving puzzles. Others enjoy riding the tricycles, and when it is time to watch a movie, all the kids sit down and pay attention. The playroom staff often show films that feature Bible stories and messages to strengthen their walk with God.

“This is good because when you see/watch something, it is easier to remember it, so the kids remember nice things like Biblical stories,” says Pastor Phoebe.

Pastor Phoebe shares the scriptures with the kids in the playroom.

Ministering to the spiritual needs of our patients is one of the most important things for us at CURE. In the ward, our spiritual team mainly focuses on the parents and caregivers of our patients. The playroom is where we try to find out what our kids know about God and salvation. Some of the kids share what they’ve learned in their respective Sunday School classes at their churches. Some of the kids receive Christ as their Savior!

The playroom offers a needed escape for our kids, and when we meet them later at a mobile clinic, they almost always send us back with greetings for Pastor Emmy.