Saturday, April 9, 2011

Many of you have seen the lovely beaded jewelry we have brought back which is made and sold by the Kipsongo women in the Kitale slum. Jane Nabruk, Pastor John’s wife, has told us that where once there were many Kipsongo women involved with the LCM church, most fell away when they did not think there was anything for them to personally gain by continuing in fellowship at the Kitale church. However, there is a core group of four women who have remained faithful during not only their own hard times but also those of the church. Today we met with a representative for those women, Patricia, and explained that we wanted to help these ladies in a meaningful way, not just by handing them shillings. Patricia would be an excellent shopper in the states! She had us trudging from one end of town to the other looking for the best bargain in beads and accessories needed to manufacture more of their jewelry. When all was said and done, she was carrying a bag so heavy it ripped, and had more varieties of beads than you could imagine! She was very grateful and expressed appreciation for supporting her and the other ladies in such a meaningful way.

We can happily report that Matt and Brian arrived safely in Kitale today. After over 20 hours of flight time and layovers, the guys were still eager to visit the Tumaini orphanage in Kitale. One year ago when we visited this orphanage, Pastor Isaac told us of the director, Eliud, who had been involved in a head-on car accident and was the sole survivor. We even had the opportunity during that trip to visit Eliud at his home and pray with him. This afternoon we saw Eliud back on the grounds of the orphanage and walking with the use of only one crutch! Praise God that Eliud is able to be back among the children he loves so much. It was such a blessing to be able to share with the children the clothing that was gifted to them by the Troutner family and to give Eliud the generous donations of cash by several members of Ekklesia. He has shared that the orphanage is struggling to come up with funds to purchase seed for their maize crop and these funds will help to put food on the table for the children for whom Tumaini provides a sanctuary from the harsh realities of life as an orphan.