A Year Ago Today...

A year ago today I arrived in Kenya. There were so many unknowns awaiting me; but without a doubt, I knew God was leading me back to this little village called Kipkaren. And I am so grateful He did. This year has been full of both joy & heartache. The lessons I have learned and the experiences I have lived could fill an entire book. Within every story, there would be the central theme of the faithfulness of my God. Over the past year, dreams & passions of caring for those infected & affected by HIV/AIDS have been realized far beyond what I had even imagined. The partnership that has developed with a neighboring clinic has brought access to much needed HIV testing, food support, and quality treatment including HIV medications. On a daily basis, the ELI Home-Based Care team humbly gives their lives to serve the sick, the widows and the orphans within this village. In an amazing way, this community has captured a vision and is combating the fear that plagues HIV/AIDS by speaking truth and extending compassion in practical ways to their neighbors and family members. Trainings have been given to empower people from other communities to also invest their lives in similar efforts. For obvious reasons, HIV/AIDS is overwhelmingly challenging. It has stolen so much life, but I thank God I am witnessing a sense of hope being restored. In the midst of so much darkness, there are glimmers of light. I have witnessed the healing that is received when people are free to come as they are, in their brokenness, and find a place of refuge. This journey has led me deeper in understanding of what it means to receive & extend the limitless love of God, and I have never felt more alive.

As I have prayed and watched all that is happening around me, it is clear that this is where I am called to be. My heart for the people of this land continues to grow day by day. I have committed to serve with Empowering Lives International until December of 2006 but will remain as long as God leads. There is much work to be done & love to be given. By faith, I believe that the ELI Home-Based Care program has only touched the surface of what God is desiring to do within this village and throughout Africa. In the days to come, I envision massive mobilization of churches and individuals from surrounding communities to be involved in trainings on how to implement home-based care for those already infected with HIV/AIDS. Silence must be broken with words of truth. AIDS awareness campaigns are needed to encourage and provide opportunity for early HIV testing & treatment as well as to promote behavioral changes that prevent further spread of the virus.

The partnership I have experienced over the past year has been such a blessing. I cannot express what it means to know that people are standing with me in prayer and giving financially to this ministry. I wish I could take you on a home visit and introduce you to my friend Kibet. He would welcome you into his home and then explain how he had expected to die before reaching Christmas of 2004. He would go on to to thank God for hearing his cry and making a way for him to live. If we went to visit Betty, she might tell you that she has been rejected by her family but has been surprised by the love and new family she has found in the Home-Based Care team. And Timone, he would simply lift his hand towards heaven and say “Mungu tu”. It’s only God. These are just a few of the lives that are being transformed by the love of Christ.


I invite you to continue to join me in this journey in any way that God would lead. Your prayers and financial gifts are gratefully received. The cost for living and continuing the work in Kipkaren will be around $40,000 for this next one year. Please consider making a one time gift or a monthly commitment to partner with me as I minister to the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the people affected by HIV/AIDS. Thank you again, and may God bless you.