May 12, 2018

We are told “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 | NIV.  Here in Kenya, we are striving to do just that, and to teach the children the same, as we patiently await the return of our Lord and Savior.  In this report we hope to show the gratitude of the many widows, orphans, and brethren that you as donors have been assisting here in this impoverished part of the world.  The good works of your hands have eased the pain and suffering of many.

I can remember quite well how the orphanage in Sengera begun.  Two of the young orphaned boys were sleeping on the kitchen floor of the church pastor.  He had already taken in a number of orphaned children and had no other space left for them to sleep.  They had no mattress, and no blanket, making it quite easy to become ill lying on the cold and damp dirt floor.  It is hard for many of us to comprehend the poverty here, there is so much that we take for granted.  But now, thanks to the compassionate hearts and good works of donors, such as yourself, much joy is in the air here.

In Sengera House alone we now have 18 precious children living in peace and safety.  All are in school, all are clothed, all are well fed, and are very happy, content and loved.  They are “always” thanking me for everything.  But I always tell them it might be my face that they often see, but it is the “donors” Yes, the donors who are the ones who need to be thanked.  It is the donors who are the caring ones for these young ones. Thanks to the compassionate hearts and the “Agape Love ”that our Almighty Father has bestowed in all of you.

Pictured below is Naomi. This girl is a perfect example of how hard working these children are. She just walked back from the river carrying 20 liters of drinking water on her head.

They call it “the river” but it’s actually an artesian well that is located near the camp. Many people from the village have to walk great distances to fetch drinking water from here. I always remind the children how blessed they are to live so close to this well. I attribute it to Isaiah 58:13-14 where we are told that IF we keep the Sabbath, calling it a delight and turning our foot from doing our pleasure on that day, He will cause us to ride upon the high places of the earth. They are definitely blessed to live so close to this well. The water is pure and drinkable without the need of boiling or treating.

The boys also continue involvement in all the construction at the camp. Pictured below is Brian (Ibu) and James working on the plastering of the new security wall. That plastering is now totally complete.

We are also hoping to begin teaching the children how to sew. We have asked a professional who has evaluated all the children and determined that 9 of them are capable of learning the trade. His fee is 200 Kenya Schillings (that’s approximately $2.) per child, per lesson. He will give five lessons per week. That totals 36,000 Schillings ($360.) per month for all nine children. That’s $40 per child per month. One requirement before he begins, is a second machine. So, we are hoping to move forward with this project as soon as possible.

Concerning the fundraiser we started for the Motor Bike, we are hoping some will be able to assist.  In the meantime, we purchased the bike, using the little bit of budget money we had on hand. It was quite necessary to purchase the bike now because the High School where two of the boys are attending is just too far to reach on foot. And part of the travel is too rough for the car. We are not asking assistance from those of you who are always giving but hoping that some who see the need and can afford it, will help to reimburse the budget funds.

Let me also mention that the Sengera House Orphanage is not the only place wherethe funds received are being dispersed. We continue to help numerous “true” widows from various remote church groups. In Narok, we assisted two families whose houses were totally washed away from the recent Kenya flooding. Also, one widow in Nakuru had her house totally flooded. She was moved into an evacuation tent by the local government, but not given any bedding. So, we funded her to purchase a mattress and blanket. We also continue to help other church widows, including one living at the Maasai border and one in Ogembo. The family who was evicted from the property, that they unknowingly purchased from a con, are living in rough conditions trying to find a new place to live. We have helped them the best we can with some food.

We have also been continuing to fund traveling to visit new groups who have recently come into the faith. Charles Momoro is one of the pastors here who has been traveling to the border group each Sabbath for teachings. (They are the group where 20 were recently baptized.)

Below is a pictures showing where we supplied wine and flour for the recent Feast. Without the help of you donors, many of your brethren here would have had no wine or flour for the Passover/Unleavened Bread feast.

We also recently installed a sink with running water in the kitchen at the orphanage. What a help that is (can you imagine working in a kitchen with no running water and no sink.?)  We thank you donors who have made all of this possible. May our Almighty Father bless each and every one of you.

(The letter below is from Nehemiah. He wanted to thank those who have been supporting him:)

Hello, my name is Nehemiah Sibwoga, am one of the orphans living Sengera House. I’m in level one in Bombaba secondary school (High School) I thank God for this far He has brought me. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kenya hands of hope donors. It has been our shelter, our food and our education. our lives could be something quite different without your support. Bill is the only parent I know, he has been up and down to march our needs. For the donors of Kenya hands of hope may God grant you safety in your works and lives. Our prayer is for all of you to be healthy and save. Please keep supporting us, our heavenly Father will reward you for the good work your doing here in Kenya. thanks Nehemiah

Pictured below is Brian (Ibu) wearing his welding glasses. He is the one attending trade school, learning many additional skills including welding. As you know we hope to have each child trained in some skill so they can become self supportive upon completing their schooling. Most in Kenya begin training for some trade skills at age 18. We hope to have the training completed by that age.