Due to political violence and HIV/AIDS in Western Kenya, there are thousands of orphans. One group of churches took in 200 orphans, first into their homes, and then when that became impossible, began an orphanage school in Kitale, Kenya.
Pastor Ralph had worked with Pastor Chriss, the senior pastor of the largest of these churches, on two mission trips to Africa. When Pastor Ralph heard recently that the orphan children hadn't had anything to eat in three days, he shared the need with the prayer chain. Compassion was immediate, but how best can we help? The total need was about US $415 per month for food.
One of the primary problems of evangelical churches in Africa, however, is an unhealthy dependency upon funds from Europe and America. The result is that many African churches haven't learned to take full responsibility for their own problems.
"Orphans in Africa is an African problem that African churches need to meet in an African way," said Pastor Ralph. "We want to help, but not in a way that make our African brothers and sisters more dependent."
Our local Men's Fellowship came up with a great solution the Sunday following the prayer request: Offer to match giving by the Kenyan churches for the orphanage up to $100 per month. That way local churches are challenged to give, rather than to depend upon others. It was a solution that Pastor Ralph had thought of independently about the same time. That this approach came from both the men and the pastor is an indication to us that God is guiding us to a unique approach to giving.
Please pray for the orphanage in Kitale, the children there, and the churches, that together they'll find ways to feed and educate the children in Jesus' name.
We meet for worship on
Sunday mornings at 10:30 am.
Google Maps / Directions