Guardians of Hope - February 16

Today we took a road trip in the country, to the city of Nakuru.   Here the African Christian Churches & Schools started the Nakuru HIV Project in 2006.    They offer support/hope to those directly or indirectly affected by HIV/AIDS through monies provided by the Guardians of Hope.   We spent a few minutes meeting some of the church leaders with GOH and hearing about the various projects they were engaged in.   It was amazing to hear how Christians in this community tangibly reach out to those who are in need.   Part of the GOH project is to provide HIV/AIDS awareness within the community as well as care & support.    Another project they have tackled has been supplying seeds to more than 40 households.   They are teaching new methods of farming without neglecting environmentally friendly crops.

It was exciting for me to hear about their education projects.    They have assisted 10 orphans access secondary education.    We had the privilege of meeting Nelson.   His parents passed away in 2006 from HIV/AIDS.    Nelson has 5 siblings.   GOH was able to keep this family together.   All of the children have been sponsored to go to school.   The church & the community have helped provide some other necessities.   Nelson has graduated from high school as well as community college.   He received an IT degree and is working.   He now can support his siblings.   His youngest brother, who is 11, has HIV/AIDS.    He is compliant with his med's and is doing very well.   This family has been able to stay together and thrive in the midst of adversity.    Nelson invited us in to their humble home.  This home is made from mud & stone and has a dirt floor.   I cannot imagine what it is like in rainy season.  They struggle to survive and yet they offered all of us some banana's.   I could hardly keep it together.   As we prayed for Nelson, I had tears flowing from my eyes.   He did not ask for sympathy or pity rather he was so grateful for GOH and our visit.  He has great hope for the future and is a happy man.

One of the other exciting projects we heard about was their micro-loans.   Over the last couple of years, they have given small loans to help people operate various businesses both inside and outside Nakuru.   We had the privilege of meeting Susan.   She sells second hand clothes commonly known as "mitumba".    She sells these clothes in her booth on the side of the dusty street.   Her husband died of HIV and she has 1 son to support.   The loan has allowed her to start a business and make an income.   She was truly a delightful lady to meet.   Aby decided to buy a tank top from her to help her out.   Susan was so thankful for all of the ways that GOH has supported her.

We also met Virginia who has been able a start a small business.   She has chickens and is able to sell eggs for an income.   The kids did not enjoy this visit as much.   We are truly city folk because the smell was something else.  :)

Today I feel many mixed emotions.  I am proud to be a part of an organization that empowers people.   Canadian Baptist Ministries is not interested in providing hand outs.   They are assisting people in impoverished situations move toward sustainable living.   In North America, we think of this in ways of conserving energy, etc. and here it is thinking about ways to survive and thrive.   I am deeply moved by Nelson's story in particular.  Once again I am reminded that I have many things to be thankful for.   I am definitely blessed by meeting people like Nelson, Susan & Virginia.

One other neat thing about today's visit was seeing Pastor David's bicycle.   Years ago, the Sunday School children from Willowlake raised money for bicycles.   CBM purchases bicycles for Pastor's in third world countries.  This provides the pastor's with a mode of transportation.    Pastor David met us on his bicycle and led us to the church.   He received this bicycle from CBM.   Aby & Micah thought it had to be from some of the money they raised years ago.

Virginia heading into the coop to collect eggs.

Pastor David and his bicycle.

The street beside Susan's clothing stand.

Susan & Erica talking.   I do not think this boy had seen white people before.   He was memorized by Aby's skin (in particular the henna on her hands and feet).

Nelson's home

Nelson also raises doves and sells them for money for his family.

Inside of Nelson's home.