The widows program has been launched in Western Kenya by Agape in Action.
With no support systems provided by the government and usually few family members alive, widows in Kenya have a tough time. To make matters worse, it is not uncommon for in-laws to come and take anything of value leaving the widow with virtually nothing.
“When a husband dies the bedding all goes to the husband’s family. It’s kind of like a convoluted dowry. So in her time of need she has no mattress or sheets or blankets. Many of these widows sleep on makeshift beds of gunny sacks or whatever they can find” (from Bro. David Lloyd’s journal).
We can scarcely imagine the hardships they face on a daily basis as they struggle to provide for their children and grandchildren. Many will own a ‘jamba’, a short-handled hoe, and go out looking for work (echoes of Naomi and Ruth!). If they are fortunate, they will bring home a few shillings or some food, enough to feed the family for another day. Some of the widows are just too elderly to work, relying on the generosity of others in order to survive. When everyone is poor, they can easily slip through the cracks.
In January 2010, Agape in Action launched the Upendo Wanjane Program. The idea was enthusiastically taken up by Bro. Justus and Sis. Annette Mabuka (the house-parents at the Kamukuywa Homes in Kenya), and when the Agape in Action team arrived, two local coordinators had been identified. Under the supervision of the two coordinators, the older girls residing at Kimbilio were matched with needy widows (all sisters in Christ) living in the area. They will make visits anywhere from once a week to once a month depending on the needs. They will take a thermos of tea and do a Bible reading together. They will deliver a care package consisting of food and other items that are needed (e.g., water, blankets, clothing, soap, jambas, seeds, shoes).
It was an amazing experience when the Kimbilio girls were asked to participate in the program. They were all brought into the home of Sis. Annette. She explained the responsibilities of the program and, when she was finished, asked for some volunteers to help. And all together, without hesitation, every single person in the room stood.
Each of the girls in that room had been orphaned or abandoned by their natural parents. They have been taken into the home of Sis. Annette and when they had an opportunity to give back, there wasn’t a moment’s hesitation! They are a wonderful group of young people who are deeply appreciative of the care that has been provided to them. Now these girls will have an opportunity to put their love into action by helping those in their own community.
The sisters, now part of the Upendo Wanjane Program, were all so thankful at the thought of being helped. After the launch of the program, the Agape in Action team met in Kimbilio and were excited about the opportunity to help these sisters. However, it wasn’t until we visited some of their homes later that afternoon that we really understood how needy they really were. There was one very elderly sister who had come in the morning; she was so tired and hungry when we later visited her house that she couldn’t get off her makeshift bed. In the corner were some leaves that she has been cutting up to eat — she hadn’t eaten anything all day! We promptly arranged for a hot meal to be delivered. This experience highlighted how important the regular visits will be.
When we asked the widows what their most pressing needs were, they all said food and mattresses. So the very next day, the Agape in Action van went into town and purchased mattresses. That evening Sis. Annette and the two coordinators, Sisters Rophence and Adelaide, delivered the mattresses to each of the widows. As the van, which was piled high with mattresses, passed through the narrow pathways the passers-by shouted out “praise God”, thankful that something was being done to help those in need. The surprise deliveries were greeted with scenes of such gratefulness! It was both humbling and heartwarming to see something we take for granted every night bringing so much joy to someone’s life.
Please keep these dear sisters in your prayers as they endure, waiting for the return of our Lord.
“Sing to God, sing praise to His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD — and rejoice before Him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in His holy dwelling” (Psa 68:4,5).
From the Agape in Action, February 2010 newsletter Contributions to Agape in Action in Canada may be sent to:
Agape in Action, 39 Manor Park Crescent, Guelph, ON N1G 1A2 (519) 837-9094, or see agapeinaction@rogers.com.
Contributions in Australia may be sent to:
14 Windemere Road, Albany Creek, QLD 4035.
Contributions in the U.S. may be sent to:
521 Valmont Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016. For other payment options in the U.S. see the website: http://www.agapeinaction.com/sponsor_payment.html
“We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems” (Lee Iacocca).
A man of words, and not of deeds, Is like a garden full of weeds. (Scottish proverb) attendance of three (including ourselves!) and many members struggled to attend in the evening for various reasons, so we have switched to a Sunday afternoon which means that most people stay on and benefit from a study which they would not otherwise have heard.
As far as future plans are concerned, we hope to consolidate the existing contact base and have more in-depth classes for those who are particularly keen to learn the truth. We also hope to start a Sunday School, God willing. There are five children presently who belong to members of the ecclesia, but we believe this could grow significantly if we can find a suitable location to hold a class. Materials have been kindly supplied and sent by the “Christadelphian Save the Children Fund” (CSTCF) organization in London, Ontario, Canada. These supplies are of high quality and of a wide variety, and will be a real boost to our Sunday School initiative. We also hope to be able to spend time with the local brothers and sisters in order to increase their knowledge, their sense of fellowship and their competence to carry out ecclesial duties. We pray God’s blessing on all our efforts and upon the work in this island.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One