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Keep up-to-date with the latest news and reports from Kenya and from those around the world who support our work.

# Kindfund Education Tertiary Fund

About two months ago we were contacted by one of our faithful sponsors to inform us that he would like to donate a lump sum to Kindfund for his upcoming birthday,

Maruse

Kindfund Education Tertiary Fund (KETF)
It is not often we write anything about finance, but recently we have had a development about which you should be informed.

For some time, we have been praying about how to put the financing of tertiary education unto a more secure footing and we believe that God has opened a small door to help us support our children. In the past due to financial restraints, we have only been able to support third level education in a very limited way. Education in Kenya absorbs a lot of finance, and we have successfully focussed on primary and secondary levels. Usually by the time the children are through secondary they are 18 years and have reached adult status moving out of the home. However, with more success in the last two years some of our children have been reaching third level earlier and we are anticipating this trend will continue for the next few years.
So, what has happened? About two months ago we were contacted by one of our faithful sponsors to inform us that he would like to donate a lump sum to Kindfund for his upcoming birthday, and could we suggest something specific that might benefit the children. You can guess the rest.
We were considering launching a specific fund to assist our children with third level aspirations and on hearing this he immediately recognised the benefit thus the launch of the Kindfund Education Tertiary Fund.
Now, we have a standard Grant and Loan scheme which encourages the applicants to look for other funding from relatives, to work during holidays, to apply for bursaries from the local councils and other NGOs. However, in most cases this is insufficient particularly if the wider family is either unknown or is very poor.
We don’t propose to change this approach but in deserving cases, where we are satisfied all other avenues have been thoroughly explored by the student then we would use this fund to intervene to save the student from dropping out for financial reasons.
We thank God for this development.
An Education sub-committee of Kindfund’s main Board will administer this fund.
Should you be prompted to support please designate your donation KETF

added on Sep 9

# Report 2024 - Lea on her visit

We had the chance with the help of the local team of Kindfund to do a programme for the 60+ Wamba kids which was filled with bible stories on Daniel, a running competition, a game park drive and many other things.

Introduction
Writing this report I want to stand in the light of God (John 3:21) and reflect on the works He did through his grace in this time’s visit 2024 at Kindfund Kenya. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. This verse of the Bible is something I had to cling to again and again in moments when I was weak and limited.

What a promise of God – He is not dependant on the strength of us humans to do wonders that cannot be fathomed. It’s His strength and he allows us to work alongside him. During this time that I stayed at Kindfund I saw more deeply that it is because God is at work Kindfund exists and continues. The fact is that Kindfund is facing challenges on a daily base. Nzau the manager of Kindfund in Wamba said: “We are a big family – a big family brings with many challenges. We can’t survive without prayers. We need prayers, prayers and again prayers…” Another realization I made is that even though one wishes the best for those precious children (like that they will one day have a good job) you soon realize that you cannot readily solve earthly problems like poverty and injustice. The overall vision of Kindfund is that the children become children of God and follow him. And we have a God who ‘wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’ 1 Timothy 2:4.
Two weeks of full programme
The journey started in the end of December 2023 and for two weeks I was together with my awesome team that was my siblings Miriam and Jonathan. We had the chance with the help of the local team of Kindfund to do a programme for the 60+ Wamba kids which was filled with bible stories on Daniel, a running competition, a game park drive and many other things. (It’s crazy how much happened in those few days – we even got to visit a traditional home of the Samburu tribe which was the home of Kindfund’s watchman. There we made the locals smile as we tried to copy them dancing a Samburu dance.)
Building relationships
Spending that much time with the children (especially for me seeing many of them for the fourth time) you build relationships, and they grow close to your heart. It was special that I got to know one teen girl more deeply as on some walks, she just told me about school and what moved her young heart. Those teens need guidance and prayers to make wise decisions as they grow up to young women and men. At a certain age they continue to be in boarding schools and with that they are outside of the protected environment of Kindfund. Pray that they will not enter wrong relationships and that they will hold onto the Lord.
There are various ways to connect with the kids. I regularly had a group of kids over at the house asking for a cup of bitter tea which I had with me for health issues. Don’t ask me why but this soon became some kind of fun tradition. Some others were joyful Swahili teachers.
The kids love Goodnight-stories. We learned about a missionary named Charles Studd and a true story of a Nigerian boy who came to believe in Jesus. Kids appreciated it a lot but I don’t believe they always were paying attention. Sometimes it was a challenge to keep them quiet as they gathered on the terrace. However, it paid off and I was reminded that they also need someone who reads a Goodnight story as some of our parents did for us. I remember one boy named Gregory who after I added before they went off ‘Don’t forget Jesus loves you.’, he so genuinely answered: ‘And he loves you too!’. You see children growing in faith to Jesus and being great encouragers to others.
One time some kids created a ‘wordless book’ where with the help of it you can explain someone the Gospel of Jesus. Some immediately said they will bring it to school and tell others about it. It’s encouraging to see them being a light for Jesus outside in the village.
Kids were becoming friends to me. I was very moved as one teen boy named George on the last evening was praying for me as a sister in Christ.
Moments of Joy
There are many moments of joy when you are with Kindfund family. You cannot but be uplifted when a group of toddlers are running to you shouting: “Lea, Lea…” and hugging you when you arrive even if you only have been away one day. I clearly see one 4-year-old boy before my eyes just to name one: Benjamin – running to me with a radiating smile on his face. Staff told me this boy who is one of the newer kids in the beginning barely was speaking or smiling. I always wonder how these little children blossom so well although many already had a traumatic event in their short life. I am sure it is because God is present at those homes.
One day it was organised to have Spaghetti as a surprise for supper- children commented it felt like Christmas to them as many tried it for the first time – compare that to your own experience!
We often did a walk to the nearby river and waterfall and simply enjoyed a good swim in God’s wonderful creation.
It was a valuable time to sit with kids and staff in the kitchen and simply spend time with being part of them, (eating mango with skin (what I wouldn’t do at home).)
(Experiencing together with the kids to see a giraffe for the first time of life.
Having the joy of playing a round of UNO with young and old.)
Time with Pamela and visit to Dabel
Try to imagine an elderly lady navigating a 4 wheel drive through the bumpy roads of Northern Kenya – what would you think? I am always inspired how God enables Pamela to do what he has put on her heart to do. I value the time very much I got to spend with her. We had many good talks over Bible readings, and I will keep some thoughts of her in my heart as she shared about how God was calling her and Ken to Northern Kenya. What is the Lord putting on your heart? Are we saying ‘Yes’ to Jesus? He uses us in very individual ways.
In February we went to the very north of Kenya to visit the Kindfund feeding programme for 65 children at Dabel. We drove through very dry landscapes where there is nothing except some lonely huts of some pastoralists. God is doing his work in that rough area where there is a great spiritual and physical need. Pamela and I both were moved to tears when a pastor told us one community challenge after another – neglected children due to poverty, abandoned teen mothers because of cultural issues,… just to name two.
Facing challenges
When being in Africa I can learn from many Christians who are putting a simple trust in God when facing challenges in daily life. I think because they often are closer to unstable circumstances, they are more aware of how dependent they are on a God who provides for them. To mention one example: when we haven’t had electricity for two days (which is not a major problem) it just came naturally over the lips of one of the staff ‘God will care for us’. To be honest that wasn’t my first thought.
—————One time there was a situation where something became too much for me…It was encouraging how some children were there for me showing their love in different ways and uplifting me, even giving me some advice how to handle some situations in their context.

The worth of people in God’s eyes
On the way home from Dabel we stopped by to visit the missionary couple, supported by Kindfund outside Marsabit town, who are taking care of two disabled children. I felt like in a documentary as I listened as they shared about their life and challenges in this rural place. They have such a heart for disabled children who in the majority cases are neglected by their community.
On another occasion during a visit with Nzau (manager of Kindfund Wamba) at a place where disabled children are cared for, as I looked in the faces of these children, I strongly was reminded that even though they have no worth in the eyes of many they are valuable and precious before God.
In that situation I was reminded of the Bible verse: ‘For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ Matthew 23:12 – When Jesus lived on this earth, he showed us so clearly that things count so differently to him and through him we see a God of compassion for the vulnerable and rejected people.

I thank God for the time I could be with Kindfund. And thank you Kindfund family for your warm welcome. Asante sana.
Lea

Editors Note – Lea is now a seasoned visitor to Kindfund and has been fully committed to supporting the work for a number of years. Her commitment and love has spread among those who know her in Austria and she has built up a support base for Kindfund there. We thank God for what he is working in her life

added on Jul 17

# A Christmas Letter

all of us in the Kindfund team desire something better for them throughout the year and at Christmas. Something to give them happy memories.
Prayer Letter 1223

Mark 9:37 ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.’

– _A little personal reminiscence, a punnet of fruit already gathered, and a barrow of hope in Christ for our children’s future._ .

Dear Friends

How does your mind work during the Christmas season. If you are like me your mind goes back to your childhood and the excitement of Christmas.

This was my experience living between the Ravenhill and Cregagh Roads in Belfast

In early December there was the purchase and decoration of the Christmas tree mainly with various items stored from the previous year, including the bright colourful lights that brightened up the ‘dark days before Christmas’. In our house we had a much loved but rather worn small 12-inch moulded Santa with his bag over his shoulder, who was placed carefully under the tree every year.

Later in December on an evening, hearing carol singing, we would rush to the door to stand outside the house in our small front garden to listen to the carols. The singers, wrapped in warm clothes with hats and scarves gathered around the gas lamplight, holding up their carol sheets to the light coming from the streetlamp, and others, head down shining their torches on the hymn sheet, but all making a joyful noise and encouraging us to join with them in worship. A short visit of two or three carols and they moved on to the next street amid much greeting of “Happy Christmas” and sometimes sharing a sweet.

In the late 40s and early 50s we walked a lot. I recall happy memories of walking with siblings and parents to visit grandparents in East Belfast while anticipating an opportunity to share an hour with them, a present and a drink of ginger lemonade out of a special small barrel shaped glass. The distance of just over a mile passed quickly as we counted the Christmas trees in the parlour windows and avoided standing on the lines between the paving on the footpath – innocent games.

The apex of our experience would come close to Christmas day, sometimes even on Christmas eve when of an afternoon we would walk out to the main road as a family and board a trolley bus for the centre of Belfast. This was Christmas shopping day which included a visit to at least one department store (The Co-op in York Street or Robbs in High Street) each boasting a journey to meet Santa, a photo, and a present. Struggling around the crowded City at times holding tightly to parents’ hands as they led us through the streets, alleyways and finally Smithfield market for last minute bargains. The market was for us children an otherworld place at that time.

Very happy memories, a childhood treasure sheltered from the world outside.

I have taken time to say all this because when I look at our Kenyan family, I am very aware of the harsh experiences many of them have received in their young lives and all of us in the Kindfund team desire something better for them throughout the year and at Christmas. Something to give them happy memories.

As if that alone was not enough to make us happy and content the words of our text Mark 9:37 amaze, humble and cause joy to arise within our souls when we contemplate what God has entrusted to us all in Kindfund. To see God in each of the children and to realise that in parenting the children we are touching God himself. We have received the triune God Father Son and Holy Spirit. When I say we I mean all of those who have supported Kindfund in any way throughout the 20 yrs.

January 2024 will be the twentieth anniversary of the first meeting of Kindfund in our sitting room at Manoo, when Phil and Liz Crook, David and Dorothy Morrow and Pamela and I laid the foundation. Little could we have conceived what God would do over the following years as Pamela and I took that first step of faith the following month – the first visit to Northern Kenya as Kindfund. Later that same year we were encouraged during our second visit to be joined by our son Jonathan (now Chairman).

There have been many milestones over the intervening years since we started in 2004 encouraging local Christians, supporting a small nursery class, digging wells, and providing handpumps, started feeding programmes for orphans and the destitute all of which led to establishing by 2010 three children’s homes located in three different Kenyan Counties in the ‘Horn of Africa’. On the way we experienced the miracles of doors opening and God’s provision amid struggles and disappointments.

Our tenth anniversary in 2014 stands out when, after a mammoth effort led by Philip Lucas and a special tour committee, we brought 24 children to Northern Ireland for 4 weeks and a busy and interesting programme of outreach to local churches and fellowships. To this day we give thanks to God for all who were engaged in that endeavour.

This year 2023 has seen our first baby orphan, Glory, now 16 years complete her primary education, graduating through KCPE and ready to join secondary school in January 2024. Already she has been representing her County at Country level sporting activities. Many of you will remember her as the 7 yr. old, accomplished drummer during that tour. Not Glory alone but several of our children have been excelling at sports at a county level.

It continues to bring us joy as we see our children grow, mature, and take opportunities which have opened for them. Three other girls will graduate to Secondary education with Glory in January when we hope to then have 9 girls at the best Secondary schools in the County. I am particularly mentioning the girls given the status they have traditionally held in the pastoralist communities. Two of our boys who went to Secondary in January 2023 have finished the year as Number 1 in their respective Forms at different high-grade schools. Those who have not performed so well academically we ensure receive suitable training through the Polytechnic Colleges.

As I listen to the news in 2023 and see ‘end time’ developments in the world around us, I know that the best by far we can do for the children is to witness the love of God and ensure that they have every opportunity to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. Oh, that they will know his love, his forgiveness, his mercy, and his grace and trust in his gift of salvation for those who come to him in repentance and answer positively his call to ‘follow me.’

The routines of the homes and the projects are built on this foundation and the centrality of Jesus in all we do. Management has that heart to bring them to a knowledge of Jesus and with God’s help display his kindness in their dealings with the children.

I encourage you to remain faithful in prayer for the children and staff as indeed they are faithful in praying for all those from afar who love them, support them, and have brought the opportunity for them to hear the Gospel and to know Jesus. We do not forget to thank God for you and your faithfulness during these difficult times.

Please also remember in prayer Gillian Stevenson, a key member of the full-time team who has been unwell since February – that she will be fully restored. Give thanks also for members of Committee who devote themselves to God’s work in Kindfund.

As we remember Jesus’s birth this Christmas let us also give thanks for the opportunity he has opened for us to be co-workers with him, the opportunity he has given to all of us to be part of the welcome and support for the children in his name and in so doing knowing we have welcomed and supported the Divine.

A happy and joyful Christmas 2023 and a prosperous New Year 2024 from the Kindfund Team and Committee.

added on Dec 16

Please Pray

Protection and Commitment to Christ and their studies

That God will open our hearts

Give thanks, Our God is able.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good

Pray for an outcome which will best protect the children's interests

That teenagers will be strong in the Lord in their new environments

uphold the children, staff and the Trustees in your prayer

Wisdom for trustees and management in a changing environment

Safe and peaceful Christmas

Pray for safety for Lea as she travels

Pray for Gillian that she will have the mind of Christ

For the family of 57 children and staff at Ngaremara

Compassion and wisdom for management and staff as they prepare for new children

Give thanks for the harvest and pray for more workers

Pray for availability of vaccinations for staff

[ Contact Daphne Lucas if you would like to know more about supporting us through prayer ]

'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests'
Eph 6:18

Kindfund was established as a charity in 2004 to further the gospel of Jesus Christ and to help relieve poverty amongst some of the poorest tribes in northern Kenya, working with the pastoralist Turkana, Samburu and Rendille.

We currently use 5 tonnes of food and supplies per month, providing for 125 children in 4 homes and 250 children in nursery and primary education.

We have dug 7 wells and fitted 7 handpumps, bringing safe water to remote villages.

100% of gifts go to Kenya.

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Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC100121 and accepted as a Society in Kenya 26316