Dear friends and family, As we had written in our last newsletter there are so many stories which we want to share with you and so I’ve taken the time to write them down here.  I understand that you might not have time to read all of them but I’ve high-lighted in bold headings for the different stories so that you can pick and choose.  I feel that if I leave any of these stories out that I’m leaving you out on important things that have happened as we continue on this incredible journey.  I want to say now that we really miss Canada, we really miss our friends all over the world, but as we see God clearly opening doors in miraculous ways, how He is providing, how He is meeting all our needs, we know without a shadow of a doubt that this is where we are meant to be.  Thank you for your prayers, your financial giving – not only to our personal needs but also to the projects.  We recognize that there are so many who are giving sacrificially to us and praying faithfully for us, and we are so humbled.  We fully believe that as you are faithful, God is faithful and He will be glorified!  Please keep the snail mail letters and emails coming – they are a real encouragement to us and they do get here within a week of two – our address is at the end of this newsletters.

Visit with Andrew’s parents:

We had Andrew’s parents Hylke and Ada Faber come to at the end of March and into April for a much anticipated visit!  Just like my mom who preceded them, they were loaded down with extra suitcases full of donated school supplies, soccer balls, soccer pumps, hand-knit teddy bears and special things for our family too – our hallway was loaded down with so much wonderful stuff!  Well, after a couple of days to recover from jet-lag, we put them to work right away.  For Andrew’s mom, (Oma), she started off by teaching our local language teacher Boniface how to cut hair and Andrew was volunteered to be the test subject.  Boniface was thrilled to learn a new skill and is confident that after one lesson he can cut anyone’s hair – so if you see Andrew with a lop-sided cut, you’ll know why!! 

Oma also spent a lot of time teaching in Hannah’s grade one class and accompanying her on a field trip to a rose farm.  She also taught Bea’s preschool group inside RVA and ventured with Bea out to the local preschool with teacher Blanche for a rather chaotic introduction to Kenyan preschool!   Dad was busy with jobs fixing things around our house as well as repainting the blackboards at the local preschool and constructing brand new swing sets for the children to swing on. Beatrice and the rest of the children are so excited about their new swing-set and it’s been a great motivator to get Bea to school!

Teddy Bears:  Andrew’s parents also went around distributing teddy bears which had been hand-knit by several women from their church and community.  We want to say a HUGE thank you to all the ladies who participated in this project – to bless these little children.  We were able to set up two different times to go to CURE hospital which treats children with deformities, burns and orthopedic injuries.  Each child received their own bear, a toothbrush and a special bag.  It was such a lovely time as children took their new bears and hugged them with such delight!  The Faber’s were also invited to several local schools here in Kijabe to distribute school supplies and soccer balls and they were received with great excitement!  We also took them to Kasarani where they gave out more teddy bears and had the opportunity to see first-hand the work of Pastor Charles.

We also spent time with Oma and Opa at the coast in Mombasa and then sent them off on a 3 day safari to the famous Masai Mara game reserve where they saw more wild animals than we have ever seen here including several prides of lions, cheetah and leopard.  We were certainly spoilt by them and so thankful for their visit.  Thanks again to Community CRC Kitchener Church members including the Friendship Club who donated the soccer pumps.  You have been an incredible blessing!

Uniforms for Akobo, Sudan:  About a week before Andrew’s parents were to leave, we had our friends Jan and Helena Ouwehand come for a much anticipated visit.  We had just over a week to spend with them and so it was jammed full!  The day they arrived (at 6 in the morning) we took them to see Michael Tut Pur, a Sudanese doctor who is working in South Sudan.  We have written about Michael on our website and his desire to help his countrymen in a war-torn, very unstable land.  Before we had left Canada last year, we had embarked on a fundraising project to raise money to purchase uniforms for one of the schools in the town of Akobo where Michael works.  We had raised $6000.00 and the past 8 months have been spent coordinating with Michael on the logistics of sizes, purchasing and delivery of the uniforms.  We were able to purchase over 500 uniforms in a variety of sizes for both boys and girls.  The Ouwehands had also brought along a suitcase of donated medical supplies donated by church members.   Michael and his wife and the rest of the family greeted us warmly and invited us into their home for a delicious Sudanese meal.   They were so thankful for the medical supplies and the uniforms which Michael will take back with him to Sudan. 

Two day Adventure in Kasarani: When we found out that the Ouwehands were coming, we came up with the idea of not just going on a day trip to visit Pastor Charles and the feeding program, but to actually fully immerse ourselves in the village and get a glimpse of what life is really like there.  They enthusiastically agreed and so the planning started!  I had asked to make meals for a group of 30 for breakfast and dinners (thus ensuring that our friends didn’t get sick from unusual food) and so we brought coolers of chicken for the grill, stew and chapattis, fresh fruit, homemade muffins and bagels, vegetables and lots of bottled water.  Pastor Charles had asked a carpenter to make two beds in our honor and we slept in the room that normally would be reserved for emergency shelter for orphans.  These two beds can be converted into a bunk bed and sleep four children.  We also purchased 2 new mattresses and mosquito nets with money donated to Kasarani by a supporter.  The sleeping arrangement was perfect.

The moment that we arrived in Kasarani, we were welcomed with open arms by Charles and Beatrice and surrounded by hoards of children, all wanting to hold our hands and just get some attention.  Wherever we walked we were followed with little ones all linking hands, all hoping to have their hand held by one of us.  Many of the children walked bare-foot, many of them wore threadbare clothing or clothes that were just filthy but they had the biggest smiles on their faces!  There were several little girls probably not older than eight or nine years, carrying tiny babies on their backs and taking on the responsibility of caring for their younger siblings while their moms were working in the flower fields.  We were greeted with countless ‘hellos’ and ‘welcome’ and it felt like we were accepted and right at home.  As we walked around getting a tour of the village we joined the children in singing praise songs in English and Swahili.  The chorus from my favorite praise song goes like this:

 ‘You are so faithful, so faithful, so faithful, You are so faithful, so faithful to me. 

That’s why I praise you Lord in the morning, that’s why I praise you at the noon-time, that’s why I praise you in the evening, your so faithful to me.’

Amidst the incredible poverty, hunger and lack of physical love and basic necessities, these children still can smile and sing and truly trust that God is faithful and they believe this with all their hearts!  Their simple belief in Jesus and trust in Him really challenges Andrew and I to examine our attitudes – especially when we feel exhausted, stressed out or overwhelmed.  To have that same child-like faith in God – for His provision, His protection, His direction and to claim and believe in His promises.  He is faithful – always has been and always will be.  Bwana Asifiwe!

Pastor Charles and his wife Beatrice:  It was such a blessing to see Pastor Charles and his wife Beatrice in action – constantly surrounded by orphan children, tirelessly giving of themselves, caring for these kids and being the loving hands and feet and arms of Jesus.  From dusk until dawn they are constantly in ministry, there is always another need, always another mouth to feed, always children asking for food, or hungry kids just sitting outside their house with the knowledge that it’s a safe place. 

Not only does Charles take responsibility for the feeding program of 74 orphaned and impoverished kids but also preaching and pastoring the local church, caring for the sick and victims of HIV, running bible-studies and mentoring courses for youth, care for widows and of course looking after his own family.  Beatrice is responsible for keeping track of the feeding program and the children, making sure that each child is having his or her basic needs taken care of and being everyone’s mamma.  She wakes up very early every morning to prepare for the day and is the last one to sleep at night.  She also runs bible-studies and one-on-one mentoring with women in the community.  Needy women come to her everyday looking for employment, for food, for advice and for encouragement.  Often I ask myself, how in the world can they continue on like this?

 I believe it is only the grace and empowerment of God that enables this very special couple to do all that they do.  God has called them to an incredibly challenging and difficult ministry and they are sacrificial and obedient servants of Him.  It’s truly humbling when you meet them and I can tell you without a doubt, that our role in supporting and encouraging them has in turn been a very special blessing for us and for others who see them in action first-hand. 

What we did in Kasarani:  Over our two day stay in Kasarani, every minute was spent watching, experiencing and joining in on so many different things.  We got first hand experience helping cook for the feeding program – learning how to cut spinach without a cutting board and a very broken but sharp knife, stirring a massive pot of cornmeal porridge, serving food for the feeding program at meal times and just sharing in the lives of those who are part of this feeding ministry.  We joined an outdoors prayer and fellowship service joined by many in the community and as the wind and sand whipped through our hair and got into our eyes, we were drawn into a time of worshipping Christ in simplicity.  We visited lake Naivaisha which was a short drive away and watched as the fishermen came in with their daily catch – which reminded me of the story of Jesus calling his disciples to be fishers of men.   Pastor Charles selected ten of the best fish which the ladies later cut the fish up whole and then deep-fried it for us for a delicious but rather bony dinner.

Update on Wiki:  We visited Wiki and his family which was so difficult as he continues to lose weight and struggle with worsening health.  I sense that unless there is a miracle, Jesus is going to call this little one into His safe and loving arms very soon.  Both Helena and I had an opportunity to hold little Wiki, his little head so weak and resting on our shoulders, his eyes lifeless.  As we held him we sang Jesus loves me, we prayed, we pleaded with God to deliver him.  Holding a dying child changes a person, it has changed me.  Helena shared that just as our heart aches and loves this little boy, just imagine how much more Jesus loves each one of us and His desire for us to love, obey and follow Him.  I have also been reminded that it was because of meeting Wiki, seven months ago, that God connected us to Pastor Charles and his orphan work in Kasarani.  This precious angel was used by God – he was the spark that ignited a bonfire in all of our hearts and stirred us into partnering with Charles and sharing in his vision.  It is because of this little child that our faith has increased as we’ve seen God provide in miraculous and supernatural ways.  Thank you Wiki.

Soccer match:  While we were in Kasarani there was big news which was spreading like a wild-fire across the village.  There was to be a soccer match between the boys and girls in the feeding program and the church.  The teams had been practicing diligently and the donated uniforms were to be worn for the very first time!  The local flower farmer had agreed to let us use his soccer field which is normally only used by the employees of his farm.  As we arrived there was palpable excitement in the air.  Kids were jumping up and down, singing, laughing and encouraging the players as they stepped onto the field.  Proudly the players ran onto the field – in their brand new soccer uniforms!  What a contrast to the torn dirty clothes that they were used to wearing!  Many of the uniforms were too small and looked like a second skin and many of the boys didn’t have running shoes – some were barefoot, others wore clunky snow boots, and others wore their Sunday shoes – but they didn’t seem to care one bit. 

It’s hard to use words to adequately describe how wonderful this event really was.  It was like for a moment in time, these kids could forget their hardships and just have fun!  After the boys played their game, then the girls were rounded up to play.  The boys stripped off their soggy, sweaty shirts and shorts and passed them onto the girls who enthusiastically put them on.  Our sweet Winrose was right in on the action with an ecstatic smile on her face.  We cheered up a storm and I screamed and whistled for my girl!

After the games were over, Pastor Charles rounded up all the kids into a big group and asked us to share.  Andrew shared how these uniforms were sent to them because God had heard their prayers and if God could answer their prayers for a uniform, then just think how much more He wants to bless us as we come to Him and give our lives for Him! Afterwards we prayed and thanked God for all His provision.

 A few weeks later on Pastor Charles spoke with us and said that the following Sunday after the soccer match, there were several youth that showed up at the church service.  This soccer church was cool, they wanted in.  So not only have these uniforms inspired the current youth in the church, they have also brought in new kids and numbers in the church have grown!  I spoke with my mom the other day and when I come back to Canada I’ll be collecting two more teams worth of uniforms to bring back to Kasarani – these will be just for the girls!

Sharing the story of George Mueller: 

One of the mornings we were asked to share devotions with the feeding program kids.  I told them the story of George Mueller from the 1700’s who cared for thousands of orphan children and was a man of steadfast faith and prayer.  I was telling the story of how George was once a really nasty guy and how God has used a friend of his, who had prayed fervently for him, to lead him to Christ.  Our friend Jan Ouwehand acted out as George and I selected a few of the kids to act as well.

 Well, George (Jan) was in the corner, pretending to be locked up in prison for stealing something and I asked one of the boys to act as George’s friend.  I asked this young orphan boy to act out praying for George that his life would be turned around and that God would use George to glorify Him in a new way.  Well this young boy immediately knelt down and closed his eyes and lifted his arms to God.  Initially I thought he was just acting, but when I looked down again he was praying out loud, eyes shut with real fervency.  This was no act.  He was praying for real for Jan.  After a few minutes he was done, he got up from his knees and looked at Jan with a smile.  That was a moment I’ll never forget – watching a child on fire for Jesus, full of faith, passion and desire and filled with the Holy Spirit.  I know that Jan was blessed. 

Afterwards I shared the story of when there was no food for breakfast and George had asked the orphan children that he was caring for at the time to gather around the table anyways and trust that God would provide.  So they all prayed and trusted in God’s provision.  As they were sitting there, there was a knock on the door – first a baker with a huge basket of fresh buns and secondly a milk man with a crate full of creamy milk.  The kids were listening in awe.  I shared that this same God who answered George’s and the orphan’s prayer so many years ago, also hears their prayers and performs miracles today too – just as it says in Ephesians 3:20.   I shared that God delights in us and He promises to provide more abundantly for us, more than we could ever ask or imagine.  I guess I was preaching to myself too..

Death of a bright light in Kasarani:  Just a week after we had left Kasarani, we received a heart-breaking phone call from Pastor Charles, that one of the boys in the feeding program named Mwangi had suddenly died.  This young man was one of the very first boys that Charles and Beatrice had supported, even before the feeding program was started.  Over the years, under the mentorship and love of Pastor Charles, he had grown in his faith and had become a very strong and faithful leader of the other orphan children.  He was highly esteemed and loved by his the other 73 in the program.  He was in Grade 10.  While we were in Kasarani, Mwangi was not there.  He had been invited to attend a special youth leadership conference and it was shortly after the conference that he fell sick.  He was rushed to the hospital but they misdiagnosed him and treated him for malaria.  After seeing a rapid decline, he was finally diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and he died soon thereafter.  This has been an incredible blow to Charles and Beatrice and the feeding centre family.  It’s so hard to understand why God would allow such a shining light, a leader, a jewel in the community to die so suddenly.  It’s hard understanding God’s purpose through all of this.   Please pray for Charles as the orphans go to him for encouragement and support during this very difficult time – pray that he will be given an extra abundance of energy and strength and peace as he continues on with his work.

Harambe in Kasarani for the Feeding Centre:  As we had mentioned in our prior newsletter, our project to build a feeding centre in Kasarani is a joint partnership with the local church and community. At the end of April, the land had been purchased as a result of your generous support and the church coordinated an effort for a fundraiser (harambe), to raise money for the feeding centre building.   The harambe was well-attended by hundreds from the community as well as church leaders from other communities.  The children from the feeding program sang and danced, there was a special speaker and a lunch afterwards for all involved.  This was a huge effort coordinated by Pastor Charles and Beatrice and they were thrilled with the 83,000Ksh that was raised (approx $1000 US).  People were truly giving out of their poverty, and those who had no money to give agreed to donate their labor and skills to help build the feeding centre. 

A member from the congregation has drawn up plans for the buildings which will include a large multi-purpose hall, kitchen and storage room, 6 rooms for emergency orphan shelter, housing for an in-house pastor to stay in and monitor the facility, and a spacious outside courtyard for playing.  The cost of the buildings, furniture and materials will be approximately $25,000.  Raising the money for this next project seems like a huge mountain but we are working alongside Pastor Charles to write up a fundraising proposal for him to submit to the local flower farmers and other community partners.  Charles recently called to say that the feeding program boys are coming out to the plots of land after school and during their time off to clear the land and they are waiting expectantly for the building to start.  Please pray alongside us as we trust that what God has started He will finish and that nothing is impossible for Him!  I’m reminded that when things seem overwhelming and huge for us, that’s when HE shows us His power to provide.  We trust that very soon we will be able to start building – a safe haven for orphan children to eat, to play, to learn about God, and an emergency shelter for those children who are abandoned – to have a warm bed to sleep.

Farming God’s Way:  We are so excited to announce that we have just received approval for a new project proposal to farm and develop the three acres of land have now been purchased for the feeding centre.  This project includes fencing in the acres to keep out wild-life, paying for a farm manager for one year and sending him to South Africa for training, paying for gardening tools, a donkey and cart for transportation of supplies, seeds, fertilizer and a small storage building. The project funding requirements are $10,000 US and the project is named Farming God’s Way in Kasarani – which is open for donations.   Donations can be sent directly through the AIM Canadian or US offices – either by cheque or credit card.  Information about giving can be found on our website www.faber.to or by emailing us directly.  Tax receipts will be issued to you through AIM.

These acres will be farmed using Farming God’s Way methods (which we’ve written about in previous newsletters) to grow food for the orphans.  Andrew and I currently have a test farm here at RVA growing maize and beans using these methods and we have seen amazing results despite the lack of rain.  We are also planning to go to South Africa over the next school break to visit August Basson and his FGW farm there so that we can receive more training. We believe that God wants to use these 3 little acres to transform many, many lives – little is much when God is in it!   If He can make 5 loaves and 3 fishes feed thousands, then we trust that these 3 acres will have an impact on tens of thousands, on a nation. To learn more about the FGW methods you can visit: www.tebellong.givengain.org and go to the subheading ‘our work’ – this is the website of our friend August Basson in SA with great articles on FGW.

That’s all for now!  I promise!  Thank you for sharing in our lives and journey here.  God has brought us into an incredibly rewarding challenge here as we care for our 18 dorm boys and continue on with the work in Kasarani.  We value your prayers and support.  We can’t do this without you!  Blessings,   Andrew, Sue, Hannah and Beatrice Faber

(our address:  RVA, PO Box 80, Kijabe, Kenya, 00220) (our website:  www.faber.to)