Thankful For A New Home
“We are happy now we have a house …we can lock our things inside and have a good place to sleep’’, said the 13-year-old Jacob. When we first met Jacob and his mother Purityat their home in Gongoni village, Kilifi County in the summer of last year, Purity was visibly a very distraught woman. It was apparent that she was under a lot of stress. And for good reasons. Holding tightly her son Jacob, Purity narrated to us how she had lost her only daughter early in the spring through unclear circumstances. She was quite unsettled, and the situation was made worse by her inability to provide food and other basics for herself and Jacob. Literally everywhere we looked on her small compound, poverty was palpable. Their house too was falling apart.
We are grateful to our partners in Gongoni village; pastors Martin and Lucy, who introduced us to this dear family that memorable afternoon. After sharing their story, Jacob was picked up for sponsorship by Frank and Carol. Late last fall, Jacob stepped inside a school for the first time at the age of 12! Since then several donors have given generously towards the construction of their new home. Last week, Purity expressed her deep gratitude to those who helped them: ‘’We thank God for what you did to me and my son…we are now protected from rain and bad weather conditions….am so happy. May God bless you”. The family has also joined Gongoni Christian Chapel where Martin and Lucy are providing them with the necessary spiritual and social support. Thank you to everyone who contributed to support this grateful family!
As we celebrate the success story of Purity and Jacob, I would also like to share another opportunity to build a house for 16-year-old Mary and her mother Kambua, who is in poor health. This family lives in Mutomo, Kitui County, an economically poor region. Mary is happily sponsored in 8th grade and loves school. Indeed, she has the potential to perform very well at the next national exit exam. However, she has no room to study as she and her mom live in a 7 x 6 feet dilapidated house that can fall down any time. Their circumstances are dire that she recently pleaded with our staff when they visited: “I cannot even study inside the house because it is too small and can only fit the bed alone, no space for a table or a chair’’ The family urgently needs a basic house for Mary to study and the family to be protected from the adverse weather condition. The total cost for a basic three-roomed house is just $3250! If you would like to make a designated contribution toward Mary’s house, please do so TODAY so that we can create a conducive environment for Mary to succeed.
Thank you all for your tireless partnership in bringing hope to so many needy and deserving families in Kenya.
Ever grateful to you,
Stanley Mutunga
President & CEO
COVID-19 Update
First, some good news! This week, the government announced the lifting of several restrictions including partial lockdowns, phased-in resumption of economic activities, re-opening of colleges in September, and resumption of local and international air travel, the latter starting on August 1st. However, the 14-day mandatory quarantine on international travelers into the country may be applied on arrival.
Unfortunately, due to the rising cases of COVID-19, both elementary and high schools will remain closed, at least through the end of this year.
Because of the resumption of economic activities, there is cautious optimism across the country.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 cases continue to go up with the anticipated curve around September. Indeed, today there were 447 confirmed cases, the highest in a single day yet!
8975 total confirmed cases (increased by 2034 since last week)
173 deaths (from 152 last week)
41 Counties affected
All the children and the families that we support remain safe. Our staff is all doing well. Thank you for your support and your prayers.