GIFT BAGS FOR THE DESTITUTE WIDOWS
God is so good to make provision for the ministry in Western Kenya. We are very grateful to Him and to all who respond to His prompting to be part of what He is doing here.
There are 32 widows who qualify as destitute in the area in which we minister. We had a day where we distributed gift bags to them. The bags contained 2 kilos of maize flour (for making ugali), 1 kilo of cooking fat (similar to Crisco), 1 kilo of sugar, 500 grams of salt, 100 grams of tea leaves, 3 bars of laundry/dish soap, 5 boxes of matches, a green scrubber pad, and a steel scrubber pad for their suffarias (cooking pots), and some body lotion (a total luxury item). We explained that it wasn't to be used for cooking, but was for their skin and to make them smell sweet. They REALLY like that.
We began distribution on the farm in Kadawa, where some of the widows who couldn't make it sent grandchildren in their place. One lady brought her grandson with her. Good job, for she could barely walk, even with a stick. But she was determined to come. Her photo is below.
From there we went to Korwenge, about 20 miles from Kadawa. There were 5 widows there. We met them in the church, which was built within the last 2 years by contributions through another ministry. It is a sturdy steel structure, with a tin roof. You'll see a pile of bricks in the back of the photo; they have 3000 and we are told need another 4000 to construct the walls. The widows reacted to the gifts before the camera was operating, so with very little prompting they once again showed their appreciation. The people love to be photoed and videoed (sp? new word?) to greet people back in the UK, America and other countries that relate to the ministry, and to show their enthusiasm and appreciation.
We then went to Magwar, about 15 miles from Korwenge. Waiting for us there in the church were three widows, their pastor and some leaders. One widow, Dorcas, was in a great deal of pain from an ear infection. We have a medical fund for treating the widows and anyone else in need of treatment that can't be done in the village. We set the process in motion for her to be taken to hospital in the city for treatment. Another of the ladies there was totally blind. There is nothing to be done for her. She was a sweet, happy person. When she left there was a gentleman guiding her away. He's carrying her parcel for her.
After the distribution we were treated to a meal of Kenyan style chicken, cabbage, and ugali. It was really, really good. You will see the remains below. Sorry for not getting a photo before we ate, but wanted you to see the hospitality with which we were treated.
When the avocados, mangoes, and bananas growing on the farm are ready there will be another distribution. When the price of maize gets too high, we will distribute of the maize we grow on the farm.
Thank you again for your prayers on behalf of the ministry, the Widows' Farm, the staff, Jeremy and us. James 5:16b in the Amplified version says: The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working).
Bless, John & Marty
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