Experiencing Kibera

We haven’t had access to the Internet in a few days, so we’ll try to catch up a bit.

“Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Dorcas…abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” Acts 9:36 This Godly woman made clothing for the poor, and when she fell ill and died, Peter, through the power of the Holy Spirit, brought her back to life, and as a result, many came to the Lord. We spent time with a modern day Dorcas, one of our ministry partners, who immulates the Biblical Dorcas in many ways. Dorcas has been a widow for 24 years, left alone with five young daughters. She has worked diligently to raise her daughters by herself, but even in her own need, she has always thought of others. Twelve years ago, she donated some of her land to begin a Christian school, which is now run by one of her daughters. She also gave land to begin a sewing program for young women in the nearby slum so that they could learn a trade and provide for themselves. So the sewing to provide for the poor connection remains with this Dorcas. In the past 12 years, 550 young women have gone through the sewing training, receiving spiritual training as well as a trade. We had the privilege of meeting with the current sewing class, hear some of their testimonies, and see what this ministry has meant to so many. It is their means to a better life, an opportunity to be self-sustaining, provide for their families, and know the God who created them. It was indeed an inspiring time.

We also had our first sojourn into Kibera, a slum of 600 acres and one million people, the largest slum in Africa. It’s one thing to see pictures and read about it; it’s quite another thing to walk through this incredibly dense area, maneuver through a maze of narrow dirt passages, and be struck by the pungent smells of garbage and all manners of refuse. The stick, mud and tin 10 by 10 rooms that can house as many as 12 people, seem to be stacked on top of one another in a sea of abject poverty. But, meeting the people reveals a different side of Kibera. Out of nowhere, children suddenly appear, deep brown eyes filled with curiosity as the sight of muzungus (white folks). Immediately there is a chorus of “How are you?” in thick accents, amid giggles and hands outreached to shake our hands. Though dirty and dressed in tattered clothes, these delightful children’s smiles instantly bring light and joy to the dismal surroundings. In no time, there was a crowd of children gathered, and the team staged an impromptu praise and worship time, leading the children in songs and fun activities. It was a joyous, spontaneous time, and for a few moments, you could forget about the immense problems plaguing these children and their families, if they have one. HIV/AIDS, hunger, lack of education, lack of skills, no jobs, mostly one parent households and many child-headed households….all these and more make Kibera a place of enormous needs and little hope. We visited a number of homes, mud shanties, with meager furnishings and mud floors. We listened as the widows shared their stories of great burdens and how they rely totally on the Lord for their strength and ability to go on. Experiencing Kibera can be overwhelming; it’s hard to feel hopeful when you see the desperate circumstances they live in. But, we know that no matter how impossible the situation may seem, with God, all things are possible, and He is the only hope. As great as the needs are, He is greater still!

We also had the honor of meeting with a group of HIV widows who meet weekly at the ministry center. They gather to pray, share, cook a nutritious meal (prepared and eaten here so that that they can be assured that the widows have some strengthening food that enables them to withstand antiretroviral treatment). We joined in singing praises with them, hearing from the scriptures, sharing testimonies, and enjoying lunch together. The widows have begun two income generating projects, designing beaded jewelry and making soap. The team jumped in the soap making, vigorously breaking up the chunks of material that would be fed into a grinder to produce soap granules. These women, who are scorned, ostracized, and rejected, were so encouraged by the team’s presence. They beamed as we joined hands with them in prayer and embraced them as sisters in Christ.

Tomorrow we take part in a program that our partners began a few months ago to 300 children of the widows our partners are ministering to. The team will share music, a Bible lesson, and love on as many children as they can manage. It’s going to be a wonderful time. In the afternoon, we will have the privilege of attending the wedding of the son of one of our hosts. We’ll get to enjoy the unique customs of their tribe and share in the joyful celebration, a rare treat.

Please continue to pray for the team, ministry opportunities, and that all we do will reflect Jesus to everyone we meet.
Diane for the team