Overflowing Storehouses… May Ministry Update

We are especially anxious to get the thousands of Bibles, spiritual books, devotionals, and prayer journals to the children and their caretakers.  We know God’s living, active Word (Hebrews 4:12) will enlighten their minds and reveal wondrous things to them as they read it and receive its truths with joy (Psalm 119:18), for the Word is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). 

Extending the love of God through material things is also our delight.  A few days ago, someone left 20 dolls on my front porch. As I packed them, I thought about the pleasure they will bring to the dear children who receive them.  However, I could not have conceived how cherished they will be until Caroline, our Kenyan board member, told me that when she was a child, her church had only one doll, which all the girls shared. But in sharing it, they could not hold it, change its clothes, bath it, or comb its hair.  It was much too highly prized for such manhandling; they were only allowed to touch it ever so gently, so as not to damage it.  I wish the tenderhearted donor who left the dolls could see the smiles on the 20 little faces when each child gets her own beautiful, precious doll.As we labor on to share the love of God and sow seeds of life in all we do, we rejoice with those who are our hands and feet in Kenya – those who come alongside of us to reap a rich harvest for the Kingdom of God (John 4:35-38).  Together, we stand amazed at what the Lord had done, accomplishing so much more than we could have asked for or imagined (Ephesians 3:20).  As we allow Him to work through us, He is showing us what He will do with yielded hearts and willing spirits. 

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp
Or what’s a heaven for?” [i] 

Elias, our sign painter, completed the Scripture on the new latrines and water tanks for the rainwater catchment system at St. Paul’s Primary School in Western Kenya.  All that awaits is for the children to return to school when the country reopens, so we can host a celebration of the Lord’s goodness in providing these blessings. 

Some projects, such as installing solar energy at the Magado Orphanage and constructing the new classroom at Mirembre Primary School remain on hold due to the shutdown.  We have, however, been able to further our “tent making” initiative by giving chickens and cows to some of the former residents of the St. Rita’s Women’s Shelter.  Women at this shelter were forced to flee their homes due to domestic violence, and after a period of restoration at St. Rita’s, they have moved into the nearby village of Lumino.  There, they struggle to earn enough to feed their children by doing whatever work they can find.  With these small gifts of livestock, they can earn money by selling milk and eggs and breeding their animals.  These earnings can make a big difference in a family’s welfare.

Even as we look forward to the lessening of the impact of the Corona virus so we can send our container and resume stalled projects in Kenya, our hearts are saddened by the tragic situation at home.  We pray for the Lord’s love to comfort the wounded and despairing and for Him to restore peace in our country.  By His grace, may we carry the sweet fragrance of Christ to everyone we encounter along the way. 

We are thankful for each of you who supports us by prayers, financial contributions, donating articles, working on projects, and helping to sort, pack, and transport boxes.  Be assured the God who sees us (Genesis 16:13), sees all that you do to serve others. 


Blessings,

        Kathy Carlin, Executive Director  

[i] Andrea del Sarto by Robert Browning as quoted by Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest, May 9.