ABOUT THE PROJECT
Why Kenya? Drought, malaria, cholera and the AIDS pandemic have devastated Kenya. As a result, over half the population is under age 15, with an estimated 650,000 children orphaned due to AIDS deaths. Most Kenyans live below the poverty level of $1 a day. The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) is one of the largest and most important institutions in the country. The best health facilities and educational institutions were founded and are run by the PCEA. The denomination is experiencing phenomenal growth, with roughly 500 clergy for 4 million church members. The PCEA offers Christ’s help and hope in a country with staggering challenges.
What is the the Tumaini Children’s Center? The Riamukurwe Parish (a group of six PCEA congregations two hours north of Nairobi) began the effort to take care of the growing number of destitute children in its community. Many were orphans, left behind by parents who died of AIDS or other diseases, who had to beg for food from neighbors or in the streets. Some were in schools in the Parish, but were so critically poor that the only meal they ate was the school lunch, provided by the church. Feeling called to house, feed and minister to these vulnerable children, the Parish leaders took a step of faith: They began the Tumaini Children’s’ Center Project, knowing the Parish did not have the funds to finish it. With the equivalent of just $1500 raised, they started construction on the dormitory. Soon, through prayer, “harambee” (self-help fundraising), and donors overseas, the dormitory project was completed. The first children moved in just two years ago. It now houses about 150 children, where they are cared for, supported in their education, and loved in Christ’s name. Since then, a dining hall, health clinic, special-needs orphanage, computer classes and sewing skills programs have been added. But there is much work left to be done. The dormitory holds up to 300, but is only half full because it needs funding. There are no main donors.
How is Meadows helping? Our church recently sent funds to build a desperately-needed new kitchen at the special-needs orphanage associated with the Tumaini Center. The Huruma Children’s Home has been serving about 45 orphans using a kitchen that consists of wood fires under a partial roof. The funds will also cover the costs of dining area renovation, and hopefully will also help pay for a new water retention tank.
Why send a group? We often hear the question: Shouldn’t we just give money? The concept of ‘sending’ hits at the core of our faith — the Father sending the Son, the Father and Son sending the Spirit, and the Triune God sending the church into the world. (John 20:21) The power of being together ‘in the flesh’ is a principle that Paul knew and talked about, and that Christ demonstrates in the incarnation. Our physical presence is a ministry and encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ, which cannot be matched by money or gifts. Yes, we bring skills that can effect change — knowledge and talents that can open doors for the indigenous ministry. But, as with Jesus, the real impact comes through relationships. Our hosts are encouraged. We are humbled. God is glorified. (Romans 1:11-12)
About The Outreach Foundation. A “validated mission support group” of the PCUSA, The Outreach Foundation serves as a link between US churches and global mission work. They support missionaries, plant and build churches, and strengthen the work of the local church. They get no funds from GA, only from individual churches and donors. The Tumaini Center is an approved project of the Outreach Foundation, so any financial support is safely handled through them.
