I opened up CNN's world news yesterday and saw that people worldwide are recognizing the crisis here. Two of the main headlines were about the drought affecting most of Kenya and some surrounding countries. Animals are dying, people are hungry and reaching starvation, if not already there.
Earlier this week we had some light showers, a glimmer of hope in this dry time, but friends tell me it wasn't enough to make much of a difference. For things to turn around we need heavy, continuous rains to soak the parched soil and allow things to grow. I know so many of you are praying with us for rain. Please continue!
We're preparing to do another relief effort. We'll be applying for some more relief funds from IDES, an American organization who has done a lot to help in Kenya already (and all around the world for that matter). Many of you have already donated, but if you would like to again participate in this coming effort in getting food to those who are hungry in Maasailand, donate online through NMSI: click here to donate. Check next to AfricaHope General and type "relief" in the box. It costs just over a dollar to buy one bag of cornmeal which could feed a family for a few days. You can also donate toward the transport costs to get the food out to these rural villages (for that write "relief transport").
We've heard some amazing stories about these Maasai families as they have received relief food. Unfortunately, there isn't enough food for every family to receive some, but the communities themselves identify the most needy families, and that's who we start distributing to. The strength of community and care for one another is strong. When a next-day follow-up was done to see the status of the families who had received food, for many, the story was the same. The relief worker would ask, "We gave you enough food for 2 weeks--how is it that you only have enough left for tomorrow?" The mother of the house would answer, "Well, my daughter's family didn't receive food, so I gave some to her, then there was my neighbor who has 8 children, so I gave some to her..." I have something to learn from them about generosity and caring for others. There's also a trust in God's faithfulness that I see in them. God does tell us that He'll provide for our daily needs. Why is it that I'm tempted to store up when my neighbor is starving?
LINKS
Here are some youtube videos that recent visitors to AfricaHope have put together. I hope they give you a better idea of people, life and ministry here...
The struggle of many Maasai women includes traveling to find fresh water for their family. Hear Mama Laisa's story. I know this woman.
AH recently opened a well (the one Mama Laisa uses). See more about the ministry of AfricaHope.
Crossroads Visit
Three men from Crossroads Christian Church visited us to see how they could respond to the needs in Kenya. Hear about their experience.
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