Wednesday, February 12, 2014

This morning began with a morning motorcycle ride to Blessings Hope School and Orphanage near Kitale.  Samuel Wafula had invited us to come and spend the day with the teachers, students, guardians, and other workers to celebrate all that God has done for this young organization which has grown up out of a heart for orphan children in the area.  Blessings Hope is a God miracle in the sense that they have been able in just 18 short months to accomplish the unimaginable:  they have purchased four acres of land and rented an additional two for farming; purchased two dairy cows (named Grace and Mercy), both of whom were carrying calves; built five classrooms, two dorms, and a cooking area, and have almost completed construction of a widow’s home which will accommodate 5 women; obtained government certification for the school, planted a church, and provided much needed care for 80 orphans along with schooling for the surrounding community.  As if this isn’t amazing enough, the heart and soul of the community are the guardians, teachers and staff who work tirelessly to support and maintain all the children who have flooded the doors of Blessings Hope!  Often, they even do this without pay for weeks at a time!  It was encouraging to celebrate with them all that God has done.  They remain with many challenges.  We were blessed to be able to sit with women’s groups and hear what they are doing to overcome challenges.  We also spent time with the teachers and staff to understand their needs.  The best part of the day was when Ellen was able to share the story of David and Goliath with the children.  As animated as she was in the telling of this great Bible story, her Kenyan translator was even more so and the children hung on every word.  This day was a great reminder that there is much joy to be found in ministry, and encouragement in seeing one small vision grow into something larger than anyone could have imagined when God blessed what small thing was given to start this work.

Prayer points:

1.      The teachers and staff need a more consistent income so they can provide for their own families

2.      The women’s groups have visions for great projects which will produce income for their families as well as the school.  The need is for shillings to start these projects.

3.      The church has outgrown its classroom space and members are even standing outside to listen to sermons.  A larger structure is needed so this growing family of God can worship as one body and continue ministering to the surrounding community.