I haven’t been at an orphanage the whole Race. I don’t like
kids much so it didn’t bother me that I haven’t been to an orphanage.
The first day of ministry, my mom and I went to an orphanage
with our team. Wow! It was so amazing. We only had a half day because of
orientation in the morning, but I loved it so much. The kids were awesome and so
loving. They laughed and smiled and most can speak English.
The home is so nice and such a blessing for these kids. They
each have their own beds and will soon be getting running water.
Here’s what the coolest part of the orphanage was though.
Three young people ages 23-24 raising the kids. Ruth Ann started the orphanage alongside a Kenyan pastor
and has been there for the past seven months. Jeremy has been there for four.
Meredith has been there for three and God has called her back home now.
The orphanage is for the children whose parents and families
were a part of the violence that took place after the elections in 2007. They
have no parents – most were murdered. Some of the kids even watched their
parents being murdered.
So, these 20somethings have given their lives for something
so much greater than themselves. They are raising 17 kids in a culture of honor
and discipleship. They are teaching them what it looks like to follow Christ
and helping them find peace and joy in their tragedy.
Ruth Ann, Jeremy, and Meredith don’t have help with this
either. None of their parents, friends, or loved ones are there. It’s
them and the Lord leading them. It’s the Lord who put inside Ruth Ann a love
for Kenya, a love for her to lead this nation and disciple the next generation.
When we came to the orphanage everyone was so excited to see
us. They showed us their rooms and beds. We talked for a while with the kids and
then started our activities. Chip and his dad, Richard, read a story. Chip is
a pro viola player and leads worship with the squad. There were only three
story books out on the table and one was about an orchestra conductor. Not a
coincidence. So, as Richard read the story very enthusiastically to the kids,
Chip acted as the conductor. It was so fun to watch them do ministry together.
Chip and his dad Richard
Then we played games. They didn’t know any games, so we
taught them a lot – including 4 corners. We read them a Bible story and taught
them songs. We had a dance party and these kids can really dance.
Out of nowhere three of the boys come out of their room.
They had white powder on their face; pillows stuffed in their shirts, black in
their teeth and had canes. This was so unexpected everyone could not stop
laughing. They were dressed as old Kenyan men, supposedly a tradition when they
dance. They even acted like them, speaking mumbled and asking for money. They
danced too, shaking their big bellies.
After dancing we gathered them in a big group on the floor
and Chip shared about God’s plan and love for them.
These kids know God’s love. They understand it, they know
the truth. Many parents were touched by 20somethings raising these children. I
think it’s because they realized that their kids have the potential to do
something like this, that’s the journey we’ve been on for the past 8 months,
giving our lives solely to Jesus.
