English Radio Program

05 August 2008

SISTER FREDA, 1

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people…” Matthew 15:32.

Harold Sala: It's been said that behind every successful man there is a wife and a surprised mother-in-law. I admit I have a wife who stands behind me who's been an integral part of Guidelines. Darlene's here in the studio and we're talking about a book that you've just written. It's the story of a wonderful woman who's a nurse in Kenya . What's the title of the book and why did you write this?

Darlene Sala: We're calling the book Heart of Compassion, Hands of Care because Sister Freda Robinson really personifies that title. I've been hearing about her work in the clinic there in Kitale for a long time. And then, finally, in 2006 we had the opportunity to go there and meet her and see what she was doing. When we walked into her office at the clinic, I just sensed so much the love of Christ in her life. She just exuded God's love.

HS: You know, I remember that day. And I have to tell you, we have met all kinds of people all over the world. And at first I thought, “This is just too good to be true. There must be a flaw somewhere.” Three years later I have come to the conclusion that not only is she authentic, but she is one in probably 100 million.

DS: That's really true. She is the real thing. As we were talking that day I asked her, “Has your story ever been written down?” And she said, “No, but I've been praying for somebody to do it.” And that day I just felt that little tap on the shoulder that happens when God speaks to your heart and says, “This is what I want you to do.”

HS: And let me tell you, folks, when she gets a tap on her shoulder it's just like heaven has spoken and she responded. Now people call her Sister Freda. Would you explain what that's about?

DS: Right! In Kenya all nurses are called sister as a term of respect. And Sister Freda ministers to anyone who has a need—whether they are Catholic, or Protestant or Muslim. No matter what their religious background or no matter what tribe they come from, if they have a need she will reach out to help them.

HS: Today the work in Kenya has many facets, but the chief one is that of medical assistance to people who are very, very poor. How did she get started in this ministry?

DS: Well, Freda herself came from very humble beginnings. She had the desire to be a nurse and was able to go to Nairobi to train there. In fact she trained for 6 months in Canada as well on a scholarship. Then she came back to Kitale because she had compassion for the people there. And she became the head nurse at the best private hospital in the city. Every day as she drove to work, she would pass people who were from the outskirts, from the squatters' area, who were crawling on their hands and knees to get to the government hospital to get help. And then sometimes when she came home at night, she would see that they had died by the side of the road because they couldn't get help.

HS: I have to tell you as I read through that manuscript, more than once I sat there and I blubbered. I want you to tell us some more about the book, though. We have about one minute left.

DS: Well, in the book you will not only get a picture of Sister Freda. But you will get the picture of the needs of Kenya . And I want to point out that this book is not intended to make you feel guilty. Many times we don't want to read about the needs of the world because we feel guilty. But this is a book to help you know how you can make a difference.

HS: You should be able to find this book in your local Christian bookstore, at least in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, though, you can come to our Guidelines web site and you can click on that little icon that goes to our book nook and you can find it there. In the last fifteen seconds, what do you want to say that I haven't asked you about?

DS: Well, I just want to share that I did find one of Sister Freda's secrets, and this can help all of us. Her secret is prayer. Every morning she spends two hours in her room praying. And this gives her power for what she does.

Resource reading: Matthew 15:29-38.