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The Climb is On!

Pete Zaborski will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with Bishop Timothy Ranji to raise funds for the new dormitory at Mothers' Mercy Home. Find out how you can support the climb.

Make a Difference in a Child's Life

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter and Diocese of Fond du Lac Clarion.

“As we looked beyond the temporary corrugated tin buildings and into the eyes and the smiling faces of the children who reside there, we saw the face of Jesus.” These are the words of five women of St. Thomas, Menasha, who spent two weeks in the Diocese of Mt. Kenya South, Kenya, Africa in January-February 2007.

They, along with Fr. Ian Montgomery, were there at the invitation of Bishop Timothy Ranji to explore the possibilities of establishing a Partnership Program with the children of Mothers’ Mercy Home. They came back home, convinced of the need and feasibility and committed to raising up an individual prayer/sponsor partner for each of the 83 children.

Mothers’ Mercy Home was founded by strong women of faith of The Mothers’ Union of Mt. Kenya South in response to the urgent outcry for a home to cater to the increasing number of destitute AIDS orphans and children whose family circumstances deny them basic needs and a Christian upbringing. The doors of the home, located near Limuru about 10 miles west of Nairobi, opened in May 2001. Eighty-three boys and girls between 6 and 12 live in meager circumstances but are well cared for and loved by the staff of 11 and volunteers who visit frequently.

Previously receiving their education at Mothers’ Mercy Home (MMH), since January 2007 the children have been required by the government to attend the public schools. Consequently the children are transported to six different schools in the area by a hired matatu (bus). Uniforms are the standard in Kenya. The children each have two MMH uniforms but now need the uniforms of the particular schools they attend.

A typical day at MMH begins early with breakfast of porridge and then off to school with a carried lunch. Stories were told of children who share their lunch with others at school who come without lunch. After school it is homework time, maybe some time for play, dinner, showers and then off to bed.

On Sundays people from the outside come in to conduct Sunday School classes and a clergyman is present to have services. On weekends groups are occasionally taken out for field trips to museums, parks, and for recreation. A volunteer group comes in monthly to celebrate birthdays where fun and sweets are shared.

The children hope to make a difference in the future. They name 20 occupations that they aspire to including teacher, pilot, pastor, doctor, gospel musician, bank manager, conductor, singer, hairdresser, engineer, airline hostess and mechanic.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40.