By our standards back at home it’s certainly not a place for children to live, but yet they are everywhere. However, for many children of Kibera, there is hope. In fact… there’s even a small taste of paradise.
Started by Pamella Owino in 2006, the Paradise Community Center is now a refuge for 115 children and teenagers, all of which are either orphaned or have a history of severe abuse and neglect. By providing food, clothing, education, and Christian community, Paradise allows these precious children the opportunity to experience a glimpse of the Kingdom. As my team had the chance to visit these kids twice this month, I’ve realized that it’s not about the songs we sang, the games we played, the gifts we brought, or the time we spent. What mattered was the love and acceptance they felt… and how for them,
Right outside of the church we’re working with this month is the beginng of the Kibera slums. As one of the largest slums in Africa, Kibera is home to an estimated 700,000 people. Most of the residents here lack the basic needs of running water and electricity, are continuously fighting off serious diseases due to the unsanitary conditions here, and are at-risk for serious crimes including carjackings and being robbed at gunpoint even in broad daylight.
that is paradise.
