My Life's Reward (1998)

Excerpt from the draft of “Apostle to the Pygmies – The Doctor Jerry Galloway Story”

Photo: Young men receive medical supplies after being trained to be "barefoot doctors".

Since few of the Botoa participate in health care services, I started the barefoot doctor program in 1983. The people in the villages choose their barefoot doctor who engages in six one-week training sessions a year. Currently, we have 76 Botoa barefoot doctors. They provide first aid, treatment of malaria, intestinal parasites, lice, and burns, along with primary health education.

Education is the key to improved health and economic status. In 1981, only 20 Botoa children attended the four primary schools, and none attended high school. Over the years, we convinced the Botoa parents the importance of education. We help pay for school fees, notebooks, pens, and uniforms. Currently, 407 Botoa children attend mission schools. Local schools exist in 26 villages, with grades 1-2 in the Botoa villages. They are not yet accredited since most teachers do not have diplomas. Today, 1,040 Botoa children attend village schools.

In 1996, I opened the first boarding home for Botoa high school students. Their living conditions had made it difficult to study and learn. The boarding school provides a healthy environment for the students and a venue for moral, social, spiritual, and character building.

My life and work with my Botoa brothers and sisters have been the happiest and most rewarding years. All of our work has been made possible by the Lord's grace.