The last six months in coastal Kenya - again this year, the rainfall has been insufficient, food shortages have raised prices and emptied shelves in the marketplace. Life is difficult for many.
Our friend Bishop Samuel and the churches labored together through the months, helping as they were able.
In April, they delivered a truckload of food and seeds for planting to the Guruguru community, and they shared with widows in need at church in Burundi. The Guruguru school stayed open, teachers were paid, and food was provided daily, the only meal for some children.
In May and June, they continued supporting the teachers and school lunch plus they purchased textbooks and supplies. Building materials were purchased for the Kibaoni church. Bulk food purchases were made and delivered to the Guruguru community. There's more to the church, of course. They baptized 82 in June.
August and September, the work continues. Porridge before church attracts a large number of children. After months of effort, some areas had zero harvest.
Bishop Samuel has established 30+ churches, and his wife Glaris pastors also. They and all the church leaders work like everyone else. On a small farm, the bishop's corn harvest was less than hoped, but they shared it with the church community anyway. They're doing their best to keep their own kids on track with schooling and preparation for life.
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The church in Mariakani continues to expand to accommodate the
community they serve. They provide wonderful care for a mob of
children, some of whom we've met in person in years past.
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They've tackled so many needs along the way, and friends in the states get to assist. A pair of orphans Samuel rescued from devastating circumstances are supported in a boarding school by a family here. Trade school for another. An orphan teen in Rwanda was assisted with training and a sewing machine. Just this month, one of our families got to cover the costs for a young lady in Kenya for dressmaking. It sounds small and simple, but it can make a lifetime difference.
For the months ahead, Samuel's priorities for assistance are centered around the schools and churches. They're bringing hope, keeping people alive, and the children on track. The Mariakani church facility has been expanded to satisfy health and safety standards for the number of children they serve. For the Kibaoni church which first met under a tree, their building is complete and in use now. A shelter has been built in Msambweni for the church there; they have 58 members.
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| Msambweni church under construction |
For reference, the operating cost for the Guruguru school is around $500/month. Teachers (3ea@$70/month), food prepared on site ($150+/month), plus teaching materials, student supplies, uniforms and shoes ($300+/semester). The costs extend similarly to other venues.
Beyond the simple efforts to help others, the churches provide a place of worship with fellowship and encouragement for the community members, and they are a refuge for widows and orphans.
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Samuel writes,
“The support from OFH has done an amazing job, glory to God. Through your partnership we have touched, transformed, helped hundreds of orphans and families around the coastal areas. Our Guruguru nursery school currently has 80 children. They get free education and lunch. This has been a milestone. The 3 teachers having been receiving their monthly allowance promptly.
The church buildings for Mariakani, Guruguru, and Kibaoni are also a big milestone for our ministry. Thank you so much.”
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The real world is a difficult place. Having the chance to learn from folks like Bishop Samuel and his pastor wife, Glaris, changes everything. If you'd like to join in via
Our Father's House, please do. Better yet, go see for yourself; you'd be welcome and blessed. We'll be glad to arrange introductions. :)
About those churches ... it takes a good heart and personal sacrifice to serve. This young pastor makes his living operating a motorcycle-taxi. Where he serves, there's little regular income, and the typical church has no financial means to support a pastor. If he wants to give his life and serve them, he still needs to make a living just like everyone else. Friends in the states joined in to help make the motorcycle possible, and now he's got the means to provide for his family while serving others as pastor. Impressive fellow. Kind of like the apostle Paul when he was making tents in Ephesus ...
