News from Kenya

My heart breaks every time I receive an emergency phone call to tell me that another baby in Kenya has been abandoned, left all alone at the very start of their precious life. 

It wasn’t long ago that I received one of these calls and was told the story of a little boy who was found in a plastic bag on the side of the road. The baby boy was only a few hours old.

It was in November a couple of years ago when a young woman walked into a maternity ward in Kenya, prepared to deliver a baby that she knew she would not be able to care for. She knew that sometimes love means letting go so the person you care for can have a better future.

On that day, a little, delightful ray of sunshine was born. His name was Joshua. Soon after, thanks to your kind support, Joshua was able to come home to our Open Arms Village.

Recently, we told you about Shadrack, a toddler that had been abandoned on the streets of Kenya.

Thankfully, with your help, Open Arms Village was able to welcome Shadrack and three other recently rescued babies into a big family where they will be wrapped in protection, healing and the unconditional love of their Heavenly Father.

We want to introduce you to four women who were excited to learn! These women and their children all live near our Open Arms Village. They were part of a six month training program where they learned about best practices in small scale farming, managing finances and first aid.

"I want to be a teacher when I grow up." said Mercy, when asked about her dreams.

Mercy attends Open Arms Academy on scholarship through the kindness of donors just like you. Though she lives a mile from the school, she is always excited to begin her walk because she knows that she will have a meal waiting for her when she arrives. Mercy is a member of the Breakfast Club at school and she says this is the best club of them all!

A couple of months ago, we told you about February on the Floor, a campaign to provide beds for kids sleeping on the ground or in other difficult situations.

Today, we want to tell you about Zawadi and her sons, students at our Open Arms Academy, who recently received their new beds.

Great things are happening since we have partnered with Stand by Me! As our organizations are working together, even more children around the world are being empowered to reach their full potential.

Right now, 100 new children are being accepted into Open Arms Academy! 

Recently, 11 children at our Open Arms Village celebrated their kindergarten graduation. There was a huge party, not just because they are getting an education, but because they are alive!

These children have survived to the age of five. In Kenya, the fifth birthday has a special significance because thousands of children do not live to see it.