Flow of Hope

And let us not grow weary of doing good,
for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

Do you remember John Njane? In August I wrote about John and his ministry to widows and orphans in Old Kijabe Town. Here is a little more of his story.

John is 27 and the fourth of seven children. His parents still live in his hometown of Thika, a couple hours northeast of Nairobi. When John was a child his father became blind, leaving the family without financial resources for the children’s education. So John was only able to complete grade 8 and couldn’t afford to go on to high school.

He moved to Kijabe to look for work and ended up being hired to “mow” grass with a panga (a machete-like instrument ... picture that!). During this time he attended a small church in Old Kijabe Town where many widows lived, raising a large number of AIDS orphans. His heart was touched and he began to help them in small ways when he could.

It was during this time that a doctor from the hospital and a teacher at RVA began to notice John and his work ethic. They listened to his dreams about supporting others in the community. When the doctor offered to pay for a college course in auto mechanics, John took the opportunity and completed the class with high marks and praise from his instructors.

He returned to Kijabe to work but the Lord had given him a passion for more than fixing cars. Following God's command to care for widows and orphans (James 1:27) he began taking food regularly (paid for out of his own paycheck) to those he knew were hungry. John realized that because he had been given so much—education, skill, a job— he really wanted to continue that flow of giving to others. And so Flow of Hope ministry was started.

In addition to the widows and orphans, John has begun relationships with 7 street boys in Maai Mahiu, a town below us in the valley. These boys have no role models or education or homes. Their futures are bleak and they could easily turn to drugs and crime. John spends time with them, sharing, listening and encouraging. The boys respect him.

Last week he went to Nairobi and brought home shoes for them all. How delighted they were! One of his goals is to raise money for their school uniforms and supplies so they can attend the local primary school. Hopefully after that, they will go on and get training in skills like carpentry and auto mechanics so they can be able to support themselves.

Here in Kenya, there is an overwhelming tide of poverty and hopelessness. Tragedy is everywhere. And there are many money-hungry deceivers and untrustworthy organizations that dishonor God’s name by, at best, misusing funds and resources, or, at worst, stealing them outright from the poor and the homeless that are so dear to the Lord’s heart. It is so encouraging to me to see one young man walk in integrity and energetically and joyfully bring new life, dignity, and a future to even a few. May God reward him for his self-sacrificing obedience.

I know that many of you who are reading this blog are caught in your own tight financial circumstances. But I would humbly ask you to consider even a small donation to Flow of Hope. A little can make a big difference here. The Lord’s work will continue and He will provide the financial resources to enable it. Please pray for John.

If you are interested in giving and sharing in “Flow of Hope” please contact me at wdtrotter@aol.com I can also send you a copy of the purpose and goals for Flow of Hope Ministry if you wish.

– Kathy