| Being able to give good things not only to the children of Kenyan, but also to their teachers and caretakers is a blessing to us. Many live in deep poverty along with the children, sacrificially giving their time and talents to provide a home and education to toddlers, adolescents, and teens, while struggling to provide the barest of necessities. Their dedication encourages us to continue on, knowing that they, as we, will reap a bountiful harvest if we do not grow weary in the work (Galatians 6:9). The recurring message we hear from these men and women is, “Thank you for remembering us; it means so much to know there are those who care about us.” We completed four water and latrine projects in Kenya last month and one additional latrine project is underway. Tracking down our sign painter, however, has proven challenging, so we hope to have photos of our recent projects bearing Christ-honoring inscriptions for next month’s newsletter. Throughout October, our volunteers visited ten Kenyan facilities to distribute items from the July container. Going to Mirembe was especially rewarding as our team was able to see the classroom we built last year bursting with happy 5-year olds. When we first saw pictures of the mud classroom, we couldn’t wait to replace it with a clean, spacious room for these precious children. So, seeing it bustling with activity is a true blessing. Among the facilities we visited are Arch Angel and ACK Kongoni, which are two of our original facilities. |
We are ever grateful to Immaculate Sifua for her full-time volunteer service with Serving in Jesus Name in Kenya, so when we learned she wanted to raise chickens, we were delighted to give her a dozen chickens as a birthday gift last year. Her flock has grown to 31 hens, and with 4 hens sitting on eggs, more chicks are on the way. Though her husband, Kenny, is an attorney, work is limited and rates are low, so Immaculate is selling eggs and roosters from her expanding flock to provide a little extra income. Their sweet daughter, Diana, not only “plays” with the chickens, but she is a big help to her mom.
Sharing the Word at Home
- We are meeting this week with the pastors of the Richmond Sudan Christian Church to finalize plans for a winter outreach in early December. This mostly Sudanese and Kenyan congregation serves a large homeless population in its area. As we have in previous years, we will be hosting a praise session where the Gospel will be shared and the attendees can take coats and other winter apparel. We will also be giving out Bibles and stuffed animals for the children.
- Our friend Wanda Reid is knitting “prayer pockets” to fill with our Scripture card packets for the attendees at the Mt. Vernon Church Grief Share Group. She has offered to make them for the children in our Kenyan network as well. We are not sure she promised to knit one for all 9,000 children in the facilities we serve, but we know these gifts containing the Word of God will be a treasure to each child who gets one (PSALM 12:6).
As always we are grateful for all those who participate with us in this ministry of love. When we consider the hundreds of people who support Serving in Jesus’ Name with prayers, contributions, and donated articles, as well as those who help with sorting, packing, and transporting, we are amazed at how the Lord has brought so many to stand beside us in the work. God is faithful!
Blessings,
Kathy Carlin, Executive Director
