“It begins with one chicken“

Today we had the privilege of visiting Patrick’s home. Patrick was one of the first orphans to graduate from the ELI children’s homes at 18. He is now married, a farmer and successful businessman, and we sat in his home and toured his one acre farm with cows, sheep, chickens, beans and corn.

The house parents explained to us that Patrick was a little boy who loved farming….So much so that he hid a chicken in his boys’ dorm and began raising it. He snuck into the adult training for farming and learned the skills. It all began with one chicken, which he raised and sold eggs, which led to him being able to purchase more chickens, then a sheep, and now he is providing for his family successfully in the community. This is the ministry of Empowering Lives International. God provides as a father to the fatherless and transforms lives.

We arrived in Kipkaren Saturday evening. and were welcomed with singing and this time on the other side of the rope was our church team from Bridgeway! It’s such a blessing to be here with them serving together. Natalie and Joshua were chosen to cut the rope.

Our family was especially delighted to learn that we would be staying in the same house we stayed at in 2022. God is in the details. This little House feels like home with the living room in the kitchen and two small bedrooms for us to rest.

Then Sunday, we drove to Chebaiwya  church- a community we have come to love the past 20 years. David Tarus joined us. The service included many songs from various “choirs” including the Gluck choir and Bridgeway choir. We sang the welcome song that Daniel wrote and again people seem to really enjoy that. Our friend Kim preached out of Isaiah 61 and our new identity.

After church, we had lunch with David who proceeded to give us the history of the Kalenjin tribe and also offer each person on our team a Kalenjin name which is a huge honor. He also is the best storyteller around, so we laughed a lot and left with a little more knowledge of the culture.

Later we joined the children’s home kids for soccer and volleyball, and Chloe brought string for friendship bracelet making for the girls. We had the best conversations with these precious students, most of them orphans. 

My most meaningful conversation was with a girl named Shalom who shared about her father dying when she was young, the challenges being raised by her widowed mom but God’s faithfulness to carry her through. She is gregarious and has light in her eyes, and I know there will be a bright future for her. She then proceeded to ask me, “mama Joshua, how is it that you came to know Jesus? “

The evening proceeded with the devotions at the children’s home where a group of teenagers led the music portion – singing with all their might. They received a new sound system and it is turned up to maximum volume, so our ears actually hurt a bit once we leave, but also we realize  these kids have a reason to sing and praise the Lord. He has been the father to the fatherless and has given a voice to those without. Daniel shared a bit of his testimony of being a shy teen and how God opened doors to use his music gift.

We ended with dinner with the Bridgeway team sharing about who we connected with that day. It’s so wonderful to have them here.

Tomorrow we start creative arts camp, so we would appreciate your prayers as we pour into the lives of students at the school. We are so grateful for your support in your prayers. We very much sense the peace uncovering of Jesus and And are so grateful.