Over the past two weeks the families in Camp Tumaini have
been busy in their shamba’s (garden/field). The time has come for planting… the
rains are coming!
It has been a great opportunity for us to get dirty and work
along side of our friends. There is something that connects people who work
together on the same level that goes deeper than a foreigner coming to give
handouts, preach and then leave. I enjoy joining in on daily tasks, knowing
that it is developing relationships with people and provides opportunities for
sharing the Gospel with or sometimes even without words.
This past week, my teammates Matt Patch and Matt Ruple,
organized a soccer game and mentoring for the older boys in the camp. It was so
amazing to see the impact that having a godly man invest in them can have. Many
of these boys are growing up without fathers. Some fathers have been killed
during the election violence, some were separated at that point and have not
reconnected, others are gone looking for work. It brought me joy to see our men
stepping up as good role models for these boys who experience mostly absent or sometimes
drunk fathers.
The soccer game was ended a bit early by a rain storm… the
first rain in over a month. The giant raindrops sent us all running to tents
for shelter. I huddled in close with about 12 kids as we waited-out the rain.
Lucy set out every large bowl or bucket they had in order to catch the water to
use later for cooking, cleaning and drinking. As the storm grew, rain came
dripping in through the tarp material and seeped in from under the door and
tarp walls, turning parts of the dirt floor to mud.
I can’t wait to see these families in homes! I pray that the
Lord will provide them with a safe and comfortable place to live and that if He
chooses, that we can be a part of helping that happen. We are looking at land
in hopes of finding a place where these families can each own a plot and build
a home. Please be praying that we would find a wonderful place for a good price
and for all the logistics involved. Also please pray over our finances. Our
project fund is in great need. You can donate online toward the project fund by
clicking HERE.
