HSU Creates Athletic and Medical Partnerships with Kenya

(ABILENE, Texas)–What started as a meeting in the HSU cafeteria has grown to an international partnership with multiple departments of the university. When Grey Hoff, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Global Engagement, met Kisemei Kupe three years ago, he quickly found out that Kupe had a heart for the Lord and a calling to minister to his people in Kenya. Today, the two have partnered with the HSU cross country team, University Recreation, the Physical Therapy program, and the Physician Assistant program to empower and learn from people in Kajiado County.

A member of the Kenya delegation tries Physical Therapy equipment

Kupe knew that his community had a need for medical and athletic equipment for their clinics and youth center. After HSU constructed the new Fletcher Fitness Center, he had the idea to donate the old fitness equipment. Treadmills, leg press equipment, weights, and more were donated to help youth train in Kenya’s most prestigious centers.

Fitness equipment is not all HSU shipped to Kenya. HSU partnered with Global Samaritan Resources to donate medical supplies including surgical equipment, wheelchairs, exam beds, and chairs.

Kenya delegation with Mayor Anthony Williams

From May 20-27, the deputy governor, director of social services, and chief officer of medical services from Kajiado County, Kenya visited the HSU campus to explore possibilities for partnerships with the university.  They inspected the medical equipment to be donated from Global Samaritan, discussed recruiting partnership with HSU’s Global Engagement Office, and met with the Abilene major, Anthony Williams, to learn about Abilene’s health services, education, water services, and garbage collection. They also planned details for HSU’s cross country team to visit later this month.

From June 25-July 5, the HSU cross country team visited Kenya to train with internationally acclaimed Kenyan runners at the Ngong Hills Facility. They also had the opportunity to experience an African safari at Amboseli National Park.

“I want to see the cross-country team to experience the expertise of the Kenyan runners,” Kupe, Global Engagement Ambassador, said. “It is so valuable to train and run in another country.”

In addition to training, the team participated in a community service project at the AIC Childcare Center, helping children with physical disabilities.

Representatives from the Physical Therapy program also attended the cross country trip to explore opportunities for a medical mission trip next year. The Physician Assistant program is also looking into a missions partnership with Kenya as well.

HSU President Eric Bruntmyer receives a traditional Masaai Shuka cloth.

Kupe’s inspiration to connect HSU with his home county came from a Maasai elder who told him, “We have sent many of our people to America, and they forget about us. Don’t forget about us. Anything good you see, bring it back and connect it with us.” Kupe took the words to heart and remained dedicated to creating a partnership between HSU and Kajiado County.

“I want to see HSU and the members of Kajiado Country work together in raising students and empowering people in my country,” said Kupe. “I have a lot to give back to HSU. HSU has given me more than I expected. I feel like I belong here, but I want to give back to my country.”

Kupe is an MDiv student at Logsdon Seminary. Logsdon trains many international students for ministry and provides a diverse education for all students who attend.

The vision for global partnerships began with HSU founder James B. Simmons. In a letter to an Abilene pastor he writes, “To tell you the truth, I have no use for Christlieb College (HSU) if it isn’t the College of Christ’s Love all round the world…This whole round Globe for Christ is the least we ought to think or say. And for that we should work, and sacrifice, and pray ‘till Jesus comes.”

HSU’s emphasis on missions and global impact was at its peak under the administrations of HSU President Dr. Jesse Fletcher and Dr. Lanny Hall.

“During that time, HSU was one of the leading mission-sending universities in the US,” said Hoff. “We had scholarships for missionary families, the Connally Missions center was constructed, and we held a Horizoning Conference for missions experts…We want to jump-start these things again and re-anoint what we’ve been given for the nations around the globe.”

Hoff’s vision for Global Engagement is far more than recruiting international students.

“We want to welcome the nations here, but we also want our American students here to connect their degrees and passions to something beyond themselves,” he said. “A global education is a transformational experience.”