Tumaini Children's Ministry — July 2023 Update
Nyeri, Kenya
One of the highlights of our time was spending time with the 60+ kids. The children were exuberant and joyous, whether it was playing soccer, volleyball, or frisbee; singing songs, or having conversations in small groups.
During our first afternoon, we had the children introduce themselves and tell us their favorite school subject and what they wanted to do when they grew up. (Kenya Airways will have no lack of pilots in the future based on what we heard from the kids 😊).
In addition, we met Coach Titus, who directs the long-distance running program that was started back in 2007 by two Stanford graduates and documented in the book “Hope Runs.” We were excited to find out that 16 kids would be traveling to Nairobi that weekend to participate in a marathon. We later heard that they did well.
We also were able to spend time getting to know Pastor James Mbarachu Kariuki who was just recently assigned to Riamukurwe Parish (which includes nine area churches). Pastor James has a heart for the kids at Tumaini-Huruma and has already implemented a new two-year discipleship curriculum and set up a mentoring program involving members of the Riamukurwe Parish coming alongside kids. Time was also spent with the new Tumaini-Huruma board discussing how they will navigate the future after some challenges during COVID and the need to respond to government requirements — the Children Act, similar to other East African countries — to have children placed with their parents/guardians if at all possible.
On our second day, we were able to spend the entire day with the children. We provided the children with a special lunch; presented a Bible lesson with a jewelry-making craft; and played a bit of Bible bingo. That evening we were privileged to participate in their Friday evening chapel service. Our Associate Pastor, Hubie Mann, provided the devotional which was highlighted by a fun illustration involving Pastor James. (Based on his performance, Pastor James has a future in the acting business).
We praise God for our time with both the children and all the adults that so lovingly and sacrificially serve them. May God continue to bless this ministry.
Read more about the Tumaini-Huruma Children’s Ministry HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts for operations for the Tumaini and Huruma Children’s Ministry. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help provide funds for operations, including food, housing, clothes, and education. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.