News Update September 2010 - Bread of Life Kenya

News Update - September 2010

The last two months have been very difficult for the staff and children of Saints Christian Children’s Home. Both housemothers have suffered from ill health, with Rose still recovering from a serious attack of Typhoid and Malaria.

You may be aware of the seriousness of the situation over the last few weeks, and we would like to thank you for your prayers, concern and support over this time. In July, the housemothers were both taken ill; Josephine with malaria and Rose with Typhoid. Fortunately Josephine recovered quite quickly, however, despite a course of medication, Rose’s health continued to decline as the disease ran its course. Then, at the end of August, she also suffered an attack of malaria, and in her already weakened state, the situation became very serious indeed.

In Kenya, medical treatment is only available to those who can afford to pay the cost. Sadly, it is often those who are most at risk from diseases such as typhoid and malaria, who are unable to pay for the life-saving treatment; those who live in poor housing with inadequate sanitation and insufficient dietary nutrition. Fortunately, through the generosity of supporters in the UK, we were able to send funds for Rose to be admitted to hospital where she received the treatment she desperately needed, which included a blood transfusion and IV antibiotics. After 2 weeks in hospital she has responded well to the treatment, and is now able to eat and is beginning to regain her strength. Thank you for your prayers throughout this distressing time; please continue to pray for Rose’s full recovery and praise God with us for his protection of her life.

Work has been continuing to improve the water supply at the home and the main buildings have now been fitted with gutters; the 900 litre water tank which has been set in place will collect rainwater during the rainy seasons and reduce the need to pay for water at times when the piped supply to the property is rationed. We hope that the guttering will also help to reduce the erosion caused to the buildings during the often torrential downpours!

Please pray for:

• Pray that Rose continues to get stronger and will soon be able to return home
• Remember Jeff and Matthew (Rose’s sons) whilst their mum is in hospital
• Pray for the rest of the family and other staff as they continue to run the home and look after the children in Rose’s absence
• Continue to pray for the girls at the home; for their development and education

Fundraising:

The Capernwray car wash in May was a great success, with the weather staying fine all day. Over 30 cars were washed and visitors from the surrounding farms dropped in to watch the presentation, buy a cake or purchase hand-made cards. Thank you to everyone who helped out with baking delicious goodies, making beautiful cards and washing all those cars (and Land Rovers!). A special thank you to Joyce and Alan for hosting the event at Bridge House and Ron and Barbara for once again doing a wonderful job of organising and advertising the event which brought in over £2000 to support the work in Kenya.

The African themed meal at St Thomas Church, Kendal in June was fantastic, with typical foods and music from Africa, and a presentation of the work of the charity in Kenya. Over £1200 was raised which has covered the cost of constructing the guttering and installing the water tank at the home. Remaining funds will be used where the need is greatest in supporting the work of Saints Christian Children’s Home.