News Update January 2009 - Bread of Life Kenya

News Update - January 2009

Earlier this month, President Mwai Kibaki declared a state of emergency in Kenya following the failure of the rains which has resulted in a nationwide drought and severe food shortages.

The economic situation in recent months has declined and now that the rains have failed again, many in Kenya are facing severe food shortages as water supplies dwindle. Last year, crops that should have been harvested were left to spoil as thousands of people fled from their homes and villages to escape the violence and political unrest. Several hundred thousand people were left displaced after the post election turmoil, and many farmers were unable to plant their crops. This has left the country in a fragile situation, and those in rural areas are likely to be worst affected.

Plans are being made to limit the affects of the shortage by importing maize and reducing the cost of seed. The coming months will be a challenging time for the new coalition government and your prayers will be greatly needed.

At Saints Christian Children’s Home, which is on the outskirts of one of the countries largest cities, the food situation although very difficult is not as bad as in some areas. The price of food and fuel has rocketed over recent months making it tough to provide for the needs of the children.

Work has begun on increasing security at the property, however the price of building supplies is also very high at present. The home currently has a ‘biological fence’ of thorn bushes around the property – these are a good deterrent to any intruders as the 4 to 5cm thorns can give a painful stab! Funds raised towards the end of 2008 have gone towards fixing a more substantial gate in place of the wooden-framed wire gate that they had previously. The process of making improvements to the property will be slow in the coming months due to the unstable economic environment, but we hope that things will settle again before too long.

Earlier in 2008, we mentioned Mercy who is one of the oldest of the girls, and had spent some time on the streets before she was taken in by SCCH. She was struggling with going to school, probably because she had missed a lot of schooling during her time on the streets, and consequently felt ostracized. Despite the prayers and efforts of the staff to help her through these difficulties, she has run away from the home several times, and since the last occasion has not returned to the home. Mercy desperately needs your prayers and God’s protection as the staff at the home do not know her whereabouts.

We also recently heard that the relatives of two of the girls at the home, who are sisters, have requested that they return to their families. We do not know the reasons for this move at present but pray that it is in the interest of the girls and that they will find it easy to adjust to being among their relatives again.

It is common in Kenya for families to be extended, with uncles, aunts, grandparents and cousins living together and looking after each other. This close family network is at the core of communities, particularly in rural and remote areas. Often in Kenya when a child loses their parents, the extended family will continue to care and provide for them; the definition of the terms ‘uncle’, ‘aunt’ and ‘cousin’ are much less rigid than in the UK, and it is not unusual for a child to have a number of adult relatives who will act as parent to them. Unfortunately, there are many families who are unable to provide for these extra mouths in times of financial uncertainty.

In a world without poverty, famine and war, this kind of lifestyle would act to strengthen and build up communities, ensuring that none are left without provision and love. Tragically, drought and violence have torn the world apart at the cost of those who are weak and unprotected; so often it is the orphans and widows who suffer first. Without financial support and a safe environment, it is these who are left to fend for themselves. Saints Children’s Home exists to provide for just a few of those who would otherwise have no-where else to go; it is a drop in the ocean, but each drop counts!

In February the trustees will be visiting Kenya again. This will be the first visit since the political turmoil, early in 2008, made travel to the country unadvisable. We will be spending time in Kisumu at Saints Christian Children’s Home and also visiting another potential beneficiary near Nairobi. A special update will be given following the visit with news and prayer requests. We will be taking items of clothing and books for the children but will be limited to what we can carry; for this reason items will need to be lightweight and fairly specific to the requirements of the home. If you would like to donate any items, please contact the trustees for further information.

Please pray for:

• Pray for the economic situation in Kenya, particularly in the light of the recent failure of the rains and the subsequent shortage of food across the country
• Pray for our upcoming visit to Kenya, for safety whilst traveling and protection from illness
• For the girls who may be returning to their relatives, that their physical needs will be met and that they will receive the love and security they need from their families
• For Mercy, that God will protect her and bring her safely back to the children’s home or her relatives soon
• Thank God for his continued blessings and provision and ask that he would strengthen and encourage Lorine and the staff in the vital work that they are involved with

Fundraising:

In November, the North Kendal Girl Guides hosted a fabulous evening of entertainment and music performed by the girls, with a delicious African meal to follow. Thanks for all the hard work that was put in and to all those who attended and made donations for Bread of Life Kenya. The amount raised was matched by Barclays Bank in Kendal, making a total of £400.

Thanks to all who assisted with baking cakes and biscuits for the cake stall at the Christmas Fair at St Thomas Church in Kendal; all proceeds were donated to Bread of Life Kenya and a total of £150 was raised.