This morning was restful, which was needed after our day in Kibera. We had a later breakfast, followed by devotion, and then we split our team to tackle different tasks. One group began the sorting and packaging of medication for the medical camp on Saturday.
A smaller group, myself included, was invited to a monthly meeting with Beacon social workers and the families of the children who are in the school sponsorship program. This was a powerful and emotional experience for us. These families come from hard places, and the opportunity for their children to receive the educational resources here is life-changing. The meeting is a check-in on student progress, and it is coupled with coaching classes and sermons on Gospel-Centered parenting. The approach of the social workers here is incredibly holistic, and we continue to be impressed with the way they minister to these families. The teaching to parents was grounded in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, with a call to teach their children diligently the ways of the Lord. As we listened, we were reminded that as parents, our desires for our children are so universal, yet the path is harder for some than others, and the stakes are higher. This is an election year in Kenya, and tribal war is a very real danger in this place. There was conversation about the need to raise a generation of children who seek peace and unity, and who place their brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ ahead of tribal and political factions. Again, this is such a powerful truth for all of us.
After the meeting, we were greeted by tearful parents who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet us and to attach faces to their prayers as they thank God for those who support their children.
If you have ever considered sponsoring a child here at Beacon, ask us about it when we return. There is room for more students in this program, and it is a powerful agent for changing lives.
Tomorrow, we conduct our 2nd medical camp, which will be held in a field here on the Beacon campus. There has been much word of mouth about this in the surrounding community, and we are anticipating large crowds. Here are some specific ways you can pray for us:
Pray for continued unity and clear communication between our team and our Kenyan partners. This is very necessary for the smooth operation of these camps.
Pray for the Lord to stretch our resources, providers and medication, so that we are able to serve as many people as possible.
Pray specifically for Bryan, our dentist. He has worked tirelessly for the past several days to provide care for many children and adults who are in desperate need of dental services. Pray for strength and stamina to complete the tasks before him, and for good communication with parents of the children he treats.
