A letter came in the mail this week from a friend in Kenya. It’s always fun getting mail from other countries. The three stamps, 1, 35KSH and 2, 30KSH, are beautiful: one has a picture of a coconut, the other two of “groundnuts,” that look just like peanuts. Opening it, reading the greetings, the few lines to catch me up to speed and the plea for help, the cry for money… I thought of this friend… and I remembered Kenya. Not the Kenya filled with violence reported almost daily internationally, but the Kenya filled with friends and I realized how deeply I miss them, how I miss our work, still in its infancy and how much I’d forgotten about this land and these people we’ve come to love.
Local news doesn’t cover so much of the world we care about; places we’ve come to love and have invested our hearts and ministry in. Last year violence erupted in the community around our children’s home in Mexico. Local police were kidnapped and decapitated by drug lords. Fear and tensions ran high. It barely made the news, even here in Southern California, just minutes away. Entire communities could die off- some communities ARE dying off –in Kenya, and we’ll not hear about it. I’d like to think that it has more to do with our busy lives and just not having time for an entire world’s worth of news… but then Paris Hilton captures world headlines… for no particularly good reason and I’m reminded of how easy it is to not just forget Kenya, but to ignore her completely.
The letter came from a man who’s headmaster of a little private school in a small community. He dreams of completing his education- he doesn’t have a college degree and he wants one desperately. His work hasn’t required it. It’ll cost more money than he’ll ever recoup in salary but he dreams of a greater education: he loves math. He’s been accepted to a university- he sent his acceptance letter and tuition needs… and asked for my help. I’m praying he sent it to several dozen other friends as well- praying that someone is able to come along side him and scholarship his entire education –he’s worthy. He’s one of so many needs in Kenya that cross my desk on a regular basis. Now they have names, pretty stamps, hand written requests… each one touches my heart, most, never even receive a reply, much less any money.
The letter closes with regards to friends that have visited the school with me in the past, an invitation to those planning our trip this August led by Pastor Ken, a reminder of his desire to begin an exchange program with teachers from the US and finally, blessings and prayers: he closes the letter simply- “from your brother.”
“Your brother…” and my heart is stirred again to remember- I’ve been warmly embraced and welcomed into communities that had no reason to love and welcome me- and yet they did. I’ve sat with the staff of this school and led an impromptu in service for her instructors- my first career was as an educator –and their commitment, their desire to serve and see the best in each of their students, inspired me. I’ve stood on the simple soil- wind blown, barren and dry –and in the wet season, grass tall, green and beautiful, just to play and celebrate life with their students. I have a debt to pay for their love, a debt to pay for their open arms, a debt to pay… and so I write… and pray… “Our Father,” that I might never forget my brother, who in his simple surroundings, prays for me, saves his shillings, sends a letter reaching out and hopes that I might be the one who can help in his time of need.
Elections are coming in Kenya. Violence is moving through her communities. Lines are being drawn and lives are being lost. In the midst of it all there are dreamers, believing that something better is out ahead of them. They’re willing to do the work but they need someone ready to help them pay the price. If you’d like to help, click the money button today. I promise to see that a man worthy of our support is lifted up and when we lift up one brother, we lift up the hopes and dreams of all mankind. Don’t forget Kenya.
Your brother,
Eric
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