Florence

For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
Psalm 9:18

Here’s a story about one of the people who have been helped through the Flow of Hope ministry here at Kijabe, under John Njane's leadership. Whle he continues to provide food and encouragement to those God has put under his care, John's ministry has taken on a new direction. In order to really give hope and purpose to the needy here in the Kijabe community, skills and training must be provided to those who want to learn and gain the ability to support themselves.

Florence is 15 years old and lives with her 4 year-old brother and her frail, bed ridden grandmother in a house made of sticks and mud. Without schooling or skills, her only hope for the future was prostitution.

Together with her grandmother, John designed a plan. Florence wanted to learn sewing and John was able to get her an apprenticeship with a local seamstress. The training would enable her to eventually start a business and support her family. The cost of the 6 month course was $130, which someone in the US graciously provided.

It is so beautiful now to see Florence smile and enjoy her learning. Her teacher reports that she is an eager student and does quality work. When she finishes her apprenticeship, another donation hopefully will provide a loan to purchase a treadle sewing machine and supplies to start her own sewing shop. As she sews and sells, she will gradually repay the loan to the ministry.

There are others who need loans. Naomi has completed her training in knitting but is waiting for the funds (about $200 US) to purchase a knitting machine and supplies to open her own business. The first carpentry student began his apprenticeship last month and will need tools when he finishes ... hammers, bar clamps, saws, planes and drills – all ranging in price from tens to hundreds of dollars.

I am impressed by John. He is glad to sponsor the training of an individual if he has the funds. Then when it's time to purchase equipment or supplies, he will loan them the money and they will pay it back over time. With those resources he can support others in their own journeys toward being productive and self-supporting. Pretty good businessman.

- Kathy