Africa Projects – Orphanage in Western Kenya

As we approach the end of 2011 I am highlighting different portions of this ministry through short messages on the five Fridays in December. Last week I discussed the teaching and encouragement aspect of the email devotions which go out to over 39,000 individuals. Though email remains our main emphasis, I have been blessed to travel to Africa and develop some close relationships over the past several years. In this message I want to tell you of an orphanage in western Kenya.

I have visited this facility three different times since 2004. The orphanage began when Mama Anne (far left) felt God calling her to take in some of the homeless orphans she saw in her very poor neighborhood. She had no idea how she would feed the extra children or where they would even sleep, but she knew God wanted her to love the kids and walk in faith. She was joined by her son, Pastor Paul (bottom center), and they now have 22 orphans under their care.

Since 2004 we have been able to give small amounts of assistance as the needs arose, and as funds were available. One year we purchased a cow and at other times we assisted with food or medical or school expenses. This year we assisted Pastor Paul with leasing 10 acres of farm land which was then planted and harvested by members of their church. The harvested beans have been used for food, with the excess being sold to purchase other food and pay for supplies and next year’s lease. This project has been a great success in that all of the children have had plenty to eat since the first harvest.

Thanks so much! This continues to be an exciting journey of faith.

School in Western Kenya

On my first visit to Kenya in 2004 I stayed with the Lumbasi family and was greatly blessed by their hospitality. In the Kenyan culture, as in many non-western cultures, hospitality is not defined by something you do; rather, it is truly an integral part of your whole identity. I have maintained my relationship with this family through email as well as visits on each of my mission trips. Three years ago, Mr. Lumbasi, who spent many years as a teacher and administrator in the Kenyan school system, started his own small school focusing on high quality Christian education.

This year we were able to fund the building of a small classroom: the metal building in the background of the picture above. It may not seem like much, but the school is making excellent use of their facilities and seeking to minister to as many children as possible.

Thanks so much for your help with this and other several other projects!

Nairobi Children Center

The nature of this ministry allows me to be in contact with people from all over the world. I have found that the truths of God’s Word can speak into all different cultures and all different situations. This has allowed us to effectively minister to people in a surprisingly large number of countries. However, and this was a difficult lesson to learn, effective direct assistance cannot be accomplished outside of an ongoing relationship. Suffice it to say that the complications are greater than we can imagine. Therefore, I am currently working with three individuals, whom I now call friends, who have demonstrated a multi-year consistent relationship with Christ and commitment to ministry.

In this message I want to introduce you to pastor Thomas who ministers in one of the many impoverished areas of Nairobi. I have worked with pastor Thomas for the last six years and have been inspired by his steadfast faith through many difficult situations. We currently support a children’s center – the green building on the right.

This summer, pastor Thomas was ministering in a church and school which was in great need of repair. In fact, the building had been condemned and was to soon be torn down.