Six Years Later
Six Years Later

Six years in the scheme of eternity is not very long. Scripture reminds us that even our life is but a mist. But it is AMAZING how much happens and what God can do in six years! Six years ago today, I had one incredible grandchild, an unmarried and very unattached son, four long-term employees at work who looked like they would be with me to my eventual retirement, had been to Kenya once, followed a baseball team that had not won a world series since 1980, had no connection to eduKenya (it did not exist) and had committed to never serving on the leadership board of our church again. Fast forward those six years: three incredible grandchildren, a new (and wonderful) Kenyan, daughter-in-law, two new employees to replace the two that have left, to Kenya six more times, a world series won in Philadelphia in 2008, serving on the Vision Team for eduKenya, completed a three year term (or sentence – just kidding) as an Elder at the church. If you know me, several of those listings are just plain miraculous!But one of the most miraculous things that has happened in the last six years is the transformation that has taken place through the power of the Holy Spirit and the work of eduKenya in the lives of the children and their families in Mathare and the Kwa Watoto program. Starting from a very uncertain group of about 28 children, a makeshift staff, a church and a group of people who dared to dream God-sized dreams and put themselves in the way of God’s power and purpose, a ministry was born, that while small in scope is large in impact. The school is now a haven of hope for more than 170 children. Home based care for those in need of medical attention and follow-up, skill training for adults to give them hope, dignity, purpose, opportunity and direction, medical clinics, field trips, feeding programs, a new home for the school, a field for physical education, jobs for skilled, caring, competent Kenyan teachers, administrators and support staff – a holistic approach to community change and transformation – have all been part of the “success” of eduKenya as it continues to make a difference in the name of Jesus. God has protected His work in the midst of post-election violence, gang threats, an unplanned and unceremonious relocation, unexpected and difficult staff changes, shortages of funding – all in addition to the “normal” risks of day to day life and ministry in a slum like Mathare.The outreach continues to grow and the dreams get bigger. I hope that as you read and learn more about the work of eduKenya, you will be moved by the Holy Spirit to join in and support the work that God is doing and to tell others about it. All of the needs cannot and will not ever be totally met. Jesus, during his earthly ministry clearly understood that all needs did not constitute a call. But, in six years, God has been faithful, people, and children in particular, have been given hope and opportunity and a community continues to be transformed one life at a time. Faithful, compassionate people continue to answer Jesus’ call to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. What a difference six years makes!Steve GouldUS Vision Team/International BoardeduKenya

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IMPACT STORIES AND UPDATES
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.