The Lord stirred Joseph Muthondeki’s heart as he read a biography of George Muller, the amazing man of faith from the 19th century who could have been a rich man, but chose to open an orphanage in London, an orphanage built and sustained on prayer. One story about George Mueller’s strong faith tells of a morning when the children were dressed and ready for school, but the housemother informed George there was no food for them to eat. George asked her to take the 300 children into the dining room and have them sit at the tables. He thanked God for the food and waited, trusting God would provide food for the children as He always did. Within minutes, a baker knocked on the door. “Mr. Mueller,” he said, “last night I could not sleep. Somehow I knew that you would need bread this morning. I got up and baked three batches for you. I will bring it in.” Soon, there was another knock at the door. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. The milk would spoil by the time the wheel was fixed. He asked George if he could use some free milk. George smiled as the milkman brought in ten large cans of milk. It was just enough for the 300 thirsty children.*
Joseph pondered George Mueller’s story, knowing that our God and Father is the same faithful God as He was in the 19th century, and that will prove Himself as a loving God as He formerly did to those who put their trust in Him, believing His word and relying on Him. Knowing how God had provided for George Mueller’s vision when he gave up his salary, fully depending on God for his needs and those of his family, serving Him with an undivided attention, inspired Joseph.
Having come from a humble background himself, but with a very strong faith in Jesus Christ, Joseph felt a new burden for the friendless and destitute. And thus, with the wholehearted blessing of his wife, Mary, Joseph started Bewomi Family Home Ministry to house and care for the Bewomi family. Bewomi, meaning Beautiful Worship Ministry, aptly describes this work of faith dedicated to serving the children under its care by providing love, education, health, nutrition, and spiritual and social welfare for the development of the children and opportunity for them after rehabilitation. In the Bewomi Chapel, they teach the children to obey and fear God, and they teach them to praise and worship the Lord in song and dance.
As Joseph and Mary embarked on this journey after Joseph gave up his Praise & Worship Ministry in Elim Pentecostal Church, they clearly heard God assuring them, ‘I AM STILL FAITHFUL, and I STILL HEAR PRAYERS.” The home’s first residents were street children, rescued from desperate circumstances, later to be joined by other destitute children and young mothers from Nyeri County in Kenya. Since those first arrivals in 2000, more the 300 children and other disadvantaged persons have found refuge at Bewomi Home. Currently, Pastor Joseph and his wife are blessed with 50 children, ranging from 4 years old to 20; 7 of which are their biological children.
Providing for this huge family has indeed been a journey of faith, a George Mueller kind of faith, a Joseph and Mary Muthondeki kind of faith. A faith that sustained Joseph and Mary as they stood beside those suffering the deepest of human afflictions, severe malnutrition, Rickets, drug abuse, those so desperately emaciated no one thought would see another day. A faith that brought them through every challenge. A faith that sustained them when all seemed against them, a faith that brought them to a place, where they look back at all the hills and valleys with joy and a thankful hearts for all who traveled with them on this way of service. As Joseph said, “But God! But God has been faithful and our strength!”
Serving in Jesus’ Name provides clothes, shoes, books, linens, and other necessities to Bewomi Home. In our June 2018 shipment, we have two beautiful electric guitars and a keyboard headed to them for their praise and worship services. We are also looking into purchasing a much-needed washing machine and sponsoring the education of several of the children.
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