Greetings in Christ from Physician Missionary Kristen Schmaltz, MD! An active medical missionary in Guinea, West Africa since 2000, Kristen was raised in the United States and attended medical school in Texas before embarking on pediatric and hospital work, and ultimately, community healthcare work.
In 2017, Dr. Kristen’s vision and passion for preventative healthcare was realized with the formation of a local community healthcare program serving Mamou, Guinea, and the surrounding underserved areas. With hopes of expanding into other regions and countries in Africa, Dr. Kristen became affiliated with Ripe for Harvest in 2023.
L = Lumière (Light, Sun….Son)
O = Optimale (Optimal)
V = Villageois (Village)
E = Education/Évangélisation
S = Santé (Health)
As Founder and Director of LOVES Ministry, Dr. Kristen and Assistant Director, and Guinean, Anne Koro, currently oversee 11 community health programs in and around Mamou reaching many people both directly and through their Radio Ministry programs. They employ, teach/train, and oversee 150 village healthcare workers. A committee of 10+ stateside Americans as well as a Kenyan citizen working in healthcare perform various roles in supporting the ministry including strategic planning, budget and finance, admin, research, management, fundraising and grant writing, communication, education, etc.
The 11 programs include: Helping Babies Breathe- Urgent, Malnutrition Screening, Village Healthcare Worker Program, Discussions for Girls, Discussions for Boys, Agricultural Program, School Health Program, COVID-19 Program, Wholistic Health, Dental Program, and Vision Program.
WHERE: Currently Mamou and surrounding area in Guinea, West Africa with hopes of expanding further into unreached areas and other towns or countries in Africa.
WHEN: Community Health ministry began in 2017; affiliation with Ripe for Harvest began in 2023.
WHY: Many villages, schools, groups, towns…are asking us to proceed on preventative health teaching with the blessing of government officials. As we share ways to circumvent epidemics, limit disease burden, help adjustment to stage-of-life changes (puberty), and promote nutrition improvement, may we keep our eyes on the optimal life improvement goal and message: Jesus LOVES you, Guinea! Here and to eternity!
HOW: By the grace and provision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!