Appleseed Updates

Bikeke Update by Video

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Progress on School/Orphanage Construction (Photos)

Back view of two classrooms under construction:

Front view of two classrooms under construction:

A guardian of six orphans helping with construction:

The land that was purchased (pictured prior to the start of construction):

The children excited about their new school:

Report from John Wanyonyi, school director: 

 

We have have faced many challenges and may not finish everything as we had planned immediately but at least the two classrooms will be up and ready for some kind of use when school starts in January.  We are also attempting to complete four toilets which will also be in an unfinished state when school opens.  Please pray for God's favor!  Again thanks for your prayers, support, and concerns.  More updates soon.
 

She Survived by Selling Herself

You wouldn’t believe some of the stories we hear, but I was especially shocked by the pain that shaped the life of Belline, the administrator of the school/orphanage we sponsor.  She told me:

“I grew up in the slums as an orphan myself and, as a beautiful young girl, men took advantage of me.  I had no one to take care of me, so often the only way I could have some money to survive was to sell myself and allow myself to be abused.  They used me because I was beautiful and vulnerable.”

However, as Belline shared her story with us, there was little sadness in her eyes.  Instead, she passionately spoke of two things:

1. How much God now means to her as a rescuer and comforter.
2. How much joy she gets from working with these desparate children, at very little pay, because she knows how much difference it makes in their life!

When I think of Belline I have to wonder if you and I can do more.

No, really.  This is not a “pitch” of some kind.  It’s just a question designed  to provoke.  Belline has given up so much to be available day after day for children that need her.  In addition, I have recently been challenged by David Platt’s book, Radical, in which he asks us to consider if we sometimes miss “what is radical about our faith and replace it with what is comfortable.”

I’m not after guilt or self-effort here.  If anything, I am after more of His joy.  I am asking myself: With God’s power and leading, can I do more, step out more, express faith and risk more in a way that will bring Him more glory and reveal more of His love to others?  I hope that by just asking the question I am opening up myself to anything more God might want to do with me and through me!

Just my musings as we enter the Christmas season!

Love & Gratitude,
Roger & Brooks