A Christ-like Vision

In May of 2025 an announcement went out among wards and branches throughout the Nairobi, Kenya area, and the response was enthusiastic.  Two Optometrists, their wives, and several friends were coming from the United States of America to provide free eye exams and spectacles to those in need. 

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Elder Jeffrey Redd and Sister Janeen Redd, serving as area missionaries in the Africa Central Area, had been contacted by their long-time friend, Doctor John Larcabal, an optometrist known for his service and generosity, asking for help in bringing his aid to the people of Nairobi. 

The Redds had worked with Dr. Larcabal several years before while serving as mission leaders of the México Aguascalientes mission.   While serving there, they received a call from Dr. Larcabal asking if he could do free vision screening clinics, using their young missionaries as volunteers.  Of that endeavor Elder Redd states, “It was wildly successful and brought much goodwill to the Church in the cities where he conducted the clinics.  When he found out we were in Kenya, he contacted me to ask if he, and his team, could come to Kenya to do the same.”

The Redds jumped at the opportunity and went to work to help make it happen.  One of the biggest challenges they faced was getting all the equipment and spectacles through customs, with the necessary permits required by Kenyan officials.  Through a contact Elder Redd had in the County medical office they were able to partner with Nairobi City County, whose sponsorship helped them avoid the customs, importation, and licensing fees, normally charged by the government.

Another important partnership came through CharityVision Kenya, an NGO (Non-governmental agency) which works in many ways to help the people of Kenya to receive the optical care they need.  They also teamed with EyeCare4Kids, a Utah charity that is beginning operations in Nairobi. Three members of that team participated doing vision screening and helping with prescription lenses.   Elder Redd also utilized local young missionaries to help with the initial screening.

Together, this dedicated group, led by Doctor Larcabal and his wife Susan, Doctor Roger Pickering and his wife Kristin, along with help from Bryan and Renae Tanner, and other family and friends, gave free vision screening examinations to over 1,300 people in 5 days.  They provided spectacles for those in need, and toy sunglasses for many children.  In addition, their examinations identified 8 people in need of cataract surgeries, which CharityVision Kenya, will provide free of charge.

During the event Susan was asked her feelings about this experience, and she replied, “I love coming on these vision trips and meeting all the people, in and out of the church… and helping them restore their vision, just helping in any way I can, it really gives a good feeling and I love being here. This country has been amazing.”

To Elder Redd, Carol Mburunga of Nairobi, a local participant in the clinic expressed, “I am a beneficiary of this noble program.  I was checked, got medicine and sunglasses for free.  Thank you a million times.  May God bless them and you who organized for this.” 

The work accomplished during this clinic provided more than medical help alone.  There were also many copies of the Book of Mormon distributed, and the full-time missionaries set up many appointments to teach, as well as teaching the 1^st missionary discussion to those who requested to be taught at the event.   

The clinic is now over but the work is not yet complete.  The prescription lenses are being prepared by a lab here in Nairobi and will be delivered to Elder Redd.  When ready, the full-time missionaries in each area will call the patients to come back to the chapel locations where they received their exams, and the new spectacles will be distributed.   

While serving at the clinic, Elder Redd met a Nigerian man, Ugbong Gabriel-Mario Adie, who now lives in Nairobi and volunteers with the EyeCare4Kids organization. He explained to Elder Redd that he had studied for 9 years to become a Catholic priest and is now a psychologist with a local hospital.  At the conclusion of the 1^st day of the clinic, Elder Redd asked him if he had seen any miracles that day.  He responded that the greatest miracle he saw was that a group of people would travel to the other side of the world, at their own expense, to use their talents to serve others, with no expectation of being paid. "These," he said, "are the true disciples of Jesus Christ."

These “true disciples” have assembled teams and traveled throughout the world, blessing the lives of men, women, and children, everywhere they go, and they are not done yet.  This year they have taken their services to Fiji, Africa, and they are headed next to Colombia, South America, heeding the admonition of the Savior who instructed, “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am”. (3 Nephi 27:27)