An outreach ministry of St. Thomas Church, Menasha

August 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• Bishop Ranji, Pete Zaborski, and the others whose love of the Lord and commitment to provide new dorms for the children of MMH motivates them to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro September 1st through 5th
• Members of St. Thomas, Partners and others who have given with love and generosity to support this Climb
• Lynne Keller’s gift of representing our MMH Partnership Program Board to the women of the Mother’s Union, the children and the staff.

Prayer Requests:

• For Pete and Lynne that they may have safe travel and be protected from all dangers while in Kenya/Tanzania  (Aug. 27- Sept.11)
• That Pete may have peace, strength and endurance as he climbs the Mt.
• That Lynne’s time in Kenya will be a blessing to her as well as to the children and staff of MMH and the women of the Mothers’ Union.   

September 2008 News

NEWS OF MOTHERS’ MERCY HOME: Pete Zaborski and Lynne Keller are going to Kenya.  They are scheduled to leave from Outagamie Airport on Wednesday morning, August 27th at 9:21 am and arrive in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday evening at 6:10 pm Kenyan time  (seven hours ahead of us.)

They will have a couple days to meet their hosts and recover from their journey.  On Sunday, August 31st at St. Paul’s Church, Kiambu, there will be a Prayer Service and send off for Bishop Ranji, Pete and the other climbers.  They will then travel to Moshi, Tanzania, the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and stay overnight at a hotel Sunday evening. Early Monday morning they will begin their six day climb (and descent) which will last through Saturday.  They will remain at the base Saturday evening and return to Kiambu on Sunday, September 7th. 

Please continue to hold Pete, the Bishop and other climbers in your prayers, that they may remain safe and that The Lord will be glorified as they do this to raise awareness of the needs of the children of Mothers’ Mercy Home and to raise funds for the continued building of the new permanent dormitory for the 84 children.  Once the dorm is completed MMH’s capacity will be increased by over 50%.  This will enable them to provide a loving, safe and caring Christian environment for more children in need. 

Meanwhile, Lynne will be meeting with the women of the Mothers’ Union and the staff of Mothers’ Mercy Home.  She will have the opportunity to see how the building of the new dormitory is coming along and to witness any changes because of our Partnering Program begun April 2007.  But most importantly of all, she will meet the children, the beautiful, enthusiastic and loving children of MMH. 

We all look forward to having Pete and Lynne safely back with us after their journey and hearing about what The Lord has been doing in Kenya.  Be present on Sunday, October 5th to hear Pete and Lynne share their experiences.    

August 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• Bishop Ranji, Pete Zaborski, and the others whose love of the Lord and commitment to provide new dorms for the children of MMH motivates them to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro September 1st through 5th
• Members of St. Thomas, Partners and others who have given with love and generosity to support this Climb
• Lynne Keller’s gift of representing our MMH Partnership Program Board to the women of the Mother’s Union, the children and the staff.

Prayer Requests:

• For Pete and Lynne that they may have safe travel and be protected from all dangers while in Kenya/Tanzania  (Aug. 27- Sept.11)
• That Pete may have peace, strength and endurance as he climbs the Mt.
• That Lynne’s time in Kenya will be a blessing to her as well as to the children and staff of MMH and the women of the Mothers’ Union.   

August 2008 News

The date, August 27th, is fast approaching when Pete Zaborski will be boarding a plane for a five-stage flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Over the past few months Pete has been preparing for a five day climb up the almost 20,000 foot Mt. Kilimanjaro. Why would he be taking part in this adventure?

He boldly states that God has called him to participate in this Climb with Bishop Ranji of the Diocese of Mt. Kenya South. The 84 children of Mothers’ Mercy Home currently live in temporary dormitories for which insurance cannot be obtained. Generous German benefactors from Lufthansa Airlines Human Cargo have agreed to provide 75% of the cost of new permanent dorms for which ground was broken in April 2008. Bishop Ranji and the people of his Diocese need to raise the remaining construction cost, about $90,000. The Bishop is securing pledges for his Climb to raise this money. Pete and the Mothers’ Mercy Home Partnership Program Board hope to assist the Bishop by raising $20,000, one dollar for every foot of the mountain Pete will be climbing.

Lynne Keller, a member of the MMH Partnership Board, will be accompanying Pete to Kenya. She will have the wonderful opportunity to meet the women of the Mothers’ Union who began the Home and who continue to administer it. She will get to know the children and staff and experience the difference our Partnership Program donations have made in the lives of the children.

We ask your prayers for safe travel for Pete and Lynn and that Pete may have God’s peace, strength and endurance as he climbs. Many people have already participated in the effort to reach the $20,000 Goal. If you have not done so, please consider if God is calling you to help. Donations may be made to St. Thomas Church, Kilimanjaro Climb.

July 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• The public affirmation of faith and commitment made by the 45 MMH children who were confirmed this past year.
• The UK benefactors who provided the new MMH bus which was dedicated on Monday, June 15, 2008.  The children will now have safe transportation to and from school and for educational/recreational outings.

Prayer Requests:

• For the safety and success of Bishop Ranji’s September Climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro which is intended to raise 25% (over $90,000) of the cost of the new permanent dorms.
• For spiritual, physical, and mental strength for Pete Zaborski as he travels to and from Kenya and joins Bishop Ranji on this Fundraiser Climb.

June 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• The 7th anniversary celebration of the ministry of Mothers’ Mercy Home (MMH) attended by 800 Mothers’ Union women on Saturday, May 3, 2008.
• The delightful letters received by Partners, AWANA children and women of Lawrence University InterVarsity from the children of MMH.
• The delayed but safe delivery of Easter Greetings to the children that were presented to them on May 2nd.
• The years of faithful service of Eunice Wanjiru Mbugua, nurse/social worker, who finally retired in April (had been scheduled to retire in August, 2007).

Prayer Requests:

• That The Lord may provide the right person with nursing background to replace Eunice.
• For the safety and success of Bishop Ranji’s September Climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro which is intended to raise 25% of the cost of the dorms ($91,000).
• That the political situation in Kenya will be safe for Pete Zaborski to join Bishop Ranji on this Fundraiser Climb.

June 2008 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

This month we would like to share the daily school day schedule of Sonia Wanjiru, who is a 13 year old girl who lives at Mothers’ Mercy Home and attends Karura Primary School.  Sonia awakes early at 4:30 am, and after bathing, dressing and making her bed has breakfast at 5 am.  Morning devotions are held from 5:30 to 6 and then the school van arrives to take Sonia and the other children to their respective schools.  She arrives at Karura School about 6:55 and attends morning preps (like our study hall) from 7 –8.  Following a school assembly from 8 – 8:30 the morning is divided into 6 lesson periods of 35 minutes each with one 15-minute break and one 35-minute break.  From 12:50 pm to 1:30 pm Sonia enjoys the lunch which she has brought from MMH and then has 15 minutes to relax.  This is followed by two more lesson periods, a 20-minute break and then another hour of evening preps (study hall) from 3:10 to 4:10.  Following another short 5-minute assembly the van arrives to take her back to MMH.  As you can see she is at school almost 9 ½ hours each day. 

After arriving back at MMH she spends about an hour washing her socks, cleaning her school shoes and preparing her school uniform for the next day before having supper from 6 to 6:30 pm.  She then works on her homework.  From 7-8 there are 3 qualified teachers on hand to help the children with their evening preps (study hall).  And then it’s off to bed about 8:05 to get a good night’s sleep and be ready for the next day of school. 

Children at Mothers’ Mercy Home are learning to be proficient in three languages:  their tribal Kikuyu, Swahili, and English.  Though this sounds like a pretty heavy schedule Sonia states “life is good and refreshing at Mothers’ Mercy Home.”

May 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• The groundbreaking of the permanent dormitories on Friday April 11th.
• The many individuals, churches and organizations that  pray for and support the children and staff of Mothers’ Mercy Home.

Prayer Requests:

• For the safety and success of Bishop Ranji’s September Climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro which is intended to raise 25% of the cost of the dorms ($91,000).
• That the political situation in Kenya will be safe for Pete Zaborski to join Bishop Ranji on this Fundraiser Climb.
• For the continued health and safety of the children, that they may do well in their studies and that they may grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

May 2008 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

This month we would like you to get to know Charles Muigai, who has been employed as the Social Worker/Child Caretaker at Mothers’ Mercy Home since January, 2006.  Sending “Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” Charles states he a born again Christian. He is a 25-year-old single man and the first born in a family of six.  His siblings attend school and college.

Studying Social Work/Community Development he demonstrated responsibility, patience, initiative, social ability and was result oriented.  In this his first position, his duties include caring for and counseling the children; identifying and implementing programs that can improve the children’s lives; ensuring the children’s rights and responsibilities are well known and practiced by staff, volunteers and children; and  identifying and assessing any special needs of children and responding to them accordingly.  He also supervises the duties of the children and writes quarterly reports on each child. 

Charles states that working as a Social Worker he must be fully devoted and patient at all times.  Challenges of the position include working long hours, ensuring that all daily activities are done correctly for the benefit of the children, and working in many different fields for the sake of the children.  He gives thanks to God for giving him an opportunity to serve Him at MMH.  He is grateful for God’s grace and blessing to do the tasks that He has chosen for him to perform at this time.  “I give all glory to God.”

April 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• “Cargo Human Care” from Lufthansa Airline of Germany, which is going to provide 75% of the cost of new dormitories for the boys and girls.
• The dedicated staff members of Mothers’ Mercy Home who give so much of themselves for the children.

Prayer Requests:

• For the success of Bishop Ranji’s September Climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro which is intended to raise the additional 25% of the cost of the dorms.
• Continue prayer for Godfrey Wabui, a former child at MMH, who has been ill with AIDS since 2004.  Now at home with his guardians he is unable to walk or talk.
• For the continued health and safety of the children, that they may do well in their studies and that they develop or continue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

April 2008 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

We have recently heard that the new girls and boys dormitories to be built to replace the temporary dorms will be a joint project of friends from Germany associated with Lufthansa Airlines and the women of the Mothers’ Union who administer the Home.  “Cargo Human Care” will be providing 75 % of the total cost of construction with the other 25% to be raised by the Mothers’ Union.  The estimated cost is 20 to 22 million shillings so the 25 % to be raised by the women is approximately 91,000 US dollars. The purpose of Bishop Ranji’s climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro in September is to help raise these funds.  The Mothers’ Mercy Home Partnership Board is planning activities to support this endeavor.  The new dorms will each house 64 children, which will increase the capacity of MMH by 44 children. Provision of these new dorms is a necessity, as presently no insurance company will insure the temporary buildings.

We would like to continue to help you get to know the staff of Mothers’ Mercy Home.  Hannah Nyambura Kinuthia began employment at Mothers’ Mercy Home in June 2007 as a Grounds Keeper.  She is a 44 year old widow with seven children who proclaims she is a born again Christian.  She takes care of the compound and the multipurpose hall ensuring they are clean at all times.  In addition to those duties she sells water from the Mothers’ Mercy Home Water Kiosk.  She says her greatest challenge is when she has many customers to serve at the Water Kiosk while her cleaning/washing duties of the compound and hall await her service.  She tries her best to cope with the situation and she does enjoy her day-to-day work and shall continue to work joyfully.  Since obtaining this position she has been able to provide for the basic needs of her seven children single handedly.  She sends us God’s blessings.

Mwangi Nduati has been a security guard for the last ten years and began employment at Mothers’ Mercy Home in 2002.  He is a 50-year-old man (married to one wife) and blessed with six children.  He guards MMH and the children during the night.  He states that up until 2005 the security in the area had not been good and at times the tension was high.  Extra security measures were taken and now the area is reasonably good.  He would like to see an electrical fence or stone wall erected to ensure even greater security for the children.  He enjoys his work and appreciates the great support of MMH.  As a result of his employment he is able to feed and educate his family. Please continue to pray for the staff that so lovingly cares for the 84 children.

March 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• The children now being back at MMH and attending school after their delayed return (due to political turmoil) following the Christmas Holidays.
• The continued service of Eunice, nurse/ social worker/ administrator, who was to retire in August 2007. (Has stayed on in lieu of a suitable replacement being found.)
• The $405 raised towards the purchase of a stove by the women of Lawrence University InterVarsity.

Prayer Requests:

• For the thousands of refugees in camps throughout Kenya due to the political turmoil and violence.
• For the successful completion of permanent dormitories by October 2008.
• For the hiring of a suitable replacement for Eunice.
• For Godfrey Wabui, a former child at MMH, who has been ill with AIDS since 2004.  Now at home with his guardians he is unable to walk or talk.
• For the provision of a generator and a stove.

March 2008 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

Because of the political turmoil and violence following the end of December elections in Kenya, many of the children were late in returning to Mothers’ Mercy Home following the Christmas vacation. However, by January 14th most were back and returned to school. Paula Karanja asks that we pray for the thousands of people who have fled their homes and are currently in refugee camps throughout the country.

Eunice Wanjiru Mbugua, the nurse, social worker, administrator, who had planned to retire in August of 2007, has been staying on in that position until a suitable replacement can be hired. Paula writes that the hope is that the permanent dormitories for the children will be completed by October of this year and this would provide suitable accommodations for the new person hired.

A stove to replace the wood burning stove now being used is on the wish list of Mothers’ Mercy Home staff, particularly Joel Ng’ang’a, the cook. We praise God for the wonderful women of Lawrence University InterVarsity who have raised $405 for this project. We have learned that a suitable stove that would be made locally would cost about 200,000 shillings. Though the rate of exchange is never constant, at 70 shillings per American dollar, the entire cost would be $2,857.

Partners of the children here in the United States have prepared Easter greetings, which will be sent to Kenya and delivered to each of the children. We pray that The Lord will continue to provide their basic needs, keep them healthy and well, make them open and receptive to what they are being taught in school, and surround them with His all encompassing love.

February 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• The provision of a commercial washing machine by a German friend of Mothers’ Mercy Home
• The friends in various parts of the world who provide prayer and material support to the staff and children of Mothers’ Mercy Home
• For the improved health of Catherine, 10, who is HIV positive
• For the safe delivery of a baby boy to Mary Nduta, Boy’s Dorm Mother, on December 6th, 2007

Prayer Requests:

• For the resolution of the Kenyan election controversy, an end to the violence, and the safety of the children and staff of Mothers’ Mercy Home.
• For Godfrey Wabui, a former child at MMH, who has been ill with AIDS since 2004.  Now at home with his guardians he is unable to walk or talk.
• For a generator to provide power when the electrical system fails

February 2008 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

Paula Karanja writes that following the December 27th Kenyan election and the ensuing violence “our country is slowly healing and your prayers have been our strength.” Please continue to pray for the complete end to the violence, resolution of the election controversy, and for the safety of the children and staff of Mothers’ Mercy Home. (MMH)

We are delighted to report that a friend of MMH from Germany has offered to provide a commercial washing machine. God willing, the plan is to increase the number of children to 130 and this machine will be adequate to care for the clothes of all the children. Another major item that would greatly benefit the children would be a generator. Anyone that has been to Kenya knows that the electric power is not the most reliable. When the lights go off, as the children are getting ready for school in the near darkness of the morning, apparently some of the children like to sneak back to their beds for quick naps.

Traveling many miles on bad roads, Paula and Charles, the Social Worker, spent 11 days in December visiting each of the children in the homes of their guardians. She stated that many of the children are so very poor that they had no words and tears dropped when they saw their living conditions. The children reported back to MMH on January 4th and returned to school January 7th. The plan for next year is that the children will remain at MMH for Christmas week and then just have a brief time with their guardians before reporting back to MMH.

January 2008 Prayers

Praise God for:

• The continuing health of Eli, 9, Elizabeth, 10, and Peter, 11 who are infected with HIV
• The introductions and Christmas greetings sent by Partners (currently 52)
• The children in their new school term as they return to Mothers’ Mercy Home in January

Prayer Requests:

• For Catherine, 10, who has been ill recently due to her HIV status
• For the safe delivery of Boys’ Dorm Mother Mary Nduta’s child

January 2008 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

Paula Karanja, the wife of The Rev. Paul Karanja, and Diocesan Coordinator of the Mothers’ Union, which has established Mothers’ Mercy Home, sends her very sincere thanks to all at St. Thomas for the gift of a lap top computer.  The funds for this purchase were from our Mission/Outreach budget.  So each of us have had a part in providing this much prayed for gift. 

Paula is our primary contact person regarding our Partnership Program with MMH.  Prior to her receiving the laptop she had to drive to town to receive and write e-mails.  She writes “No more hassles of getting roasted in the car trying to get a parking place so that I can read my mail in town.  This year has been full of blessings and God has been using Father Ian and all our friends there at St. Thomas to bless us.  My work has been simplified and I will now work extra hard to ensure that the Mothers’ Union Department moves on.  Above all, I will be able to serve our children at the Mothers’ Mercy Home better through e-mail and through using this latest model of laptop.”  The laptop is a blessing to us also, as she will be able to send and receive e-mail at home. This will greatly improve the frequency and speed of our communication regarding the Partnership Program.  She added, “Thank you all very much and may God continue to meet each one of you at your point of need.  Thank you for taking care of my Paul.  He has added some weight meaning he was fed well.”

The Rev. Paul’s arrival back in Kenya was not soon enough for the children to receive their letters and cards from Partners, Awana children, and the women of Intervarsity at Lawrence at their Christmas celebration on November 29th.  (However, they will be receiving them when they return in January, still within the 12 Days of Christmas.)

The Christmas Party was a joyous occasion with the children waking up early in excitement.  Guests started arriving at noon and activities included music and dancing and a skit and presentation from each class, the staff and members of the Mothers’ Union Project Committee, which runs MMH.  Joy was written on the face of each child as they performed.  One of the girls, Faith, gave a moving sermon on Samuel and led everyone in Choruses.  After a wonderful lunch it was time for games, including a rousing tug of war.  (Paula has sent a few pictures of the Christmas Party which we will be posting on our website which should be up and running in January.)

December 2007 Prayers

Praise God for:

• The Rev. Paul Karanja, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mt. Kenya South, as he ministered to us during his visit in November
• The Partners who have been raised up for 50 of the 83 children of Mother’s Mercy Home
• The Dorm Mothers of Mothers’ Mercy Home, Mary Nduta Mungai and Pauline Nyiha Gichura, who care so lovingly for the children.

Prayer Requests:

• For the continued health of Eli 9, Elizabeth 10, Catherine 10, and Peter 11, who are infected with HIV
• That The Lord will provide a heavy-duty washing machine and a sewing machine to care for the clothing of the 83 children.
• That The Lord will raise up Partners for the 33 children of MMH who do not as yet have a Partner

December 2007 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

We are so grateful for the visit of The Rev. Paul Karanja, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mt. Kenya South, the weekend of November 16th-19th.  He brought greetings from Bishop Timothy Ranji, the Women of the Mothers’ Union, and the Staff and Children of Mothers’ Mercy Home.  He reported the children are doing well and looking forward to another visit from the people of St. Thomas.  We thank Rev. Paul for the way he ministered to us during his brief time in Wisconsin. 

The children of Mothers’ Mercy Home attend school 9 months of the year with vacations during the months of April, August, and December.  They celebrated Christmas at the Home on November 29th before going to the homes of their guardians for the month of December.  At their party they received the greeting cards/letters from their Partners, the children of AWANA, and the students at Lawrence University, which were carried back to Kenya by Rev. Paul.   We will share more information about their Christmas Celebration next month. 

Two very important women at Mothers’ Mercy Home are the Dorm Mothers Mary Nduta Mungai (left) and Pauline Nyiha Gichura (right) .  Mary is 35 years old, married and the mother of two children aged 15 and 8 with her third child expected real soon.  She joined the staff of Mothers’ Mercy Home in 2002.  She states, “The children were very young then and needed much care.  We were washing their clothes manually but now we have a washing machine.  The washing machine we have is small and keeps breaking down because of the heavy workload.”  She is a trained tailor and says a sewing machine would be a good thing to have, as then she would be able to mend the children’s clothes.  She says “Thank you for all your help.  God bless you.”

Pauline, who is the woman miraculously saved in the accident reported last month, is a 45 year old born again Christian who is married with six children.  Three of them are grown up and on their own while three remain in school.  She also joined the Home in 2002.  At first there were only 36 children but she has seen it grow to 83 children today.  She enjoys her work with the children, regarding them as her own children. She keeps very busy cleaning the girl’s dorm, washing their clothes and ensuring the clothes are well kept.  She also sends her blessings:  “God bless you all”.

We give thanks to The Lord for the way in which these women minister to the children of MMH.

November 2007 Prayers

Praise God for…

• Protecting Pauline Nyiha, the Girls of Mothers’ Mercy Home Dorm Mother,who was protected from injury in a devastating car accident which took the life of her neighbor.
• The recent marriage of Joel Ng’ang’a, the cook of MMH, and Damaris Waithira

Prayer Requests:

• That the wife and family of Pauline’s neighbor may be comforted by The Lord in their time of great loss
• Safe travel and the blessing of the ministry of The Rev. Paul Karanja, Vicar General, Diocese of Mt. Kenya South, as he travels to the United States this month
• For  the continued health of Eli 9, Elizabeth 10, Catherine 10, and Peter 11, who are infected with HIV
• That The Lord will provide needed kitchen equipment for MMH to replace the smoky wood burning stove and oven
• That The Lord will raise up Partners for the children of MMH who do not as yet have a Partner

November 2007 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

WE THANK GOD FOR MIRACLES!  We recently received news that in August one of the Dorm Mothers of Mothers’ Mercy Home, Pauline Nyiha, was being given a lift by her neighbor.  They stopped by a roadside stand so the wife of the neighbor could buy some vegetables.  While Pauline and the neighbor were waiting in the car for the wife to make her purchases a big truck came and swept the car some distance away.  The helpless wife watched in disbelief as the car was reduced to nearly a ball.  Unfortunately the neighbor man died instantly but Pauline came out without a single scratch, but immensely shocked.  We pray that the neighbor’s wife will receive God’s peace in the midst of this enormous tragedy.  And we thank God that Pauline was spared.  God knows the wonderful work she and the other staff members of Mothers’ Mercy Home are doing with the children there.

Joel Ng’ang’a is the professionally trained cook who prepares the meals we talked about last month.  He joined the staff in February of 2006 and states that this has been his most challenging job working for the less fortunate, providing them with love as well as good food on a timely basis.  Cooking with firewood is a challenge because of the strong smoke and the fact that sometimes the firewood is in short supply.  If he had a more modern baking oven he believes he could produce more and better meals for the children.  We congratulate him on his recent marriage on August 25th, 2007 to Damaris Waithira (a teacher).  They currently reside just opposite MMH so getting to work for early breakfasts is a little easier. 

Joel is assisted by Eunice Njambi Mungai.  Eunice has been at the home since May 7th, 2001 when it first opened.  Then many of the children were very young and delicate and she served as “mother”.  Many of them were wetting their beds so she spent hours bathing them, cleaning their clothes by hand and washing up their dormitories.  The grounds were very muddy in those early days so there was lots of work cleaning up the children when it rained.  She has witnessed the children growing up and the physical condition of the Home improving drastically.  God is so good!  In 2006 her duties were transferred to the kitchen, assisting Joel with the cooking and keeping the kitchen clean.  She states the work is very challenging as she has to work odd hours, especially since the children wake up so early to get to school on time.  She believes a peeling machine would be a welcome device to make her work much easier.  She also lives just a stone’s throw away from MMH.  She is a single mother with three grown up boys.  Her long tenure at MMH is an indication of her joy and happiness in working with the children. 

REMINDER:  Partners of Mother Mercy Home children are reminded to send or deliver Christmas greetings and letters for their children to St. Thomas Church by Sunday November 11th.  The Rev. Paul Karanja will be taking these back to Kenya after his visit with us. 

October 2007 Prayers

Praise God for…

• Raising up Partners for more than HALF of the children of Mothers’ Mercy Home
• The five year ministry of Eunice Warnjiru Mbugua, nurse/social worker/administrator of Mothers’ Mercy Home, who is retiring this Fall

Prayer Requests:

• Safe travel and the blessing of the ministry of The Rev. Paul Karanja, Vicar General, Diocese of Mt. Kenya South, as he travels to the United States this November
• That the children of Mothers’ Mercy Home will have a safe and educationally successful year as they return to school this Fall
• That the Holy Spirit will guide the women of the Mothers’ Mercy Home Committee in Africa in decisions concerning the  utilization of  the monetary contributions of the US Partners
• For  the continued health of Eli 9, Elizabeth 10, Catherine 10, and Peter 11, who are infected with HIV.
• That The Lord will guide the Mothers’ Mercy Home Committee Members in finding a suitable replacement for Eunice Wanjiru Mbugua.
• That the Holy Spirit will faciliate clear cross cultural communication between us here in the US and our African brothers and sisters in Christ.

October 2007 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

It is with great enthusiasm that the Mothers’ Mercy Home Team can report that we have surpassed the half way point.  MORE THAN HALF OF THE CHILDREN OF MMH HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH INDIVIDUAL PARTNERS!!.  Thanks to all of you who have stepped forward to be a part of this important ministry to some wonderful children who have many needs.

 Partners will be receiving an e-mail the beginning of October inviting them to prepare a Christmas card/letter for their Partnered child.  These must be delivered to St. Thomas by Sunday, November 11th so that we may assemble them to be taken back to Kenya by the Rev. Paul Karanja after his visit. 

The proceeds from the first two quarters of Partner donations were recently wired to Kenya and we will look forward to hearing how the Holy Spirit will guide the MMH Committee in utilizing the funds for the benefit of all the children.  There are many needs and it will be up to them to decide the most pressing needs.

Food is important to all of us and many people have asked what the food is like in Kenya.
At MMH, Joel Ng’ang’a, a young man, is the main cook and is assisted by Eunice Njambi.  Before heading off to school each morning the children are served porridge, which is prepared, as are all meals, over a wood stove.  It is only on Sundays that the children may have a special breakfast of eggs and breads.  When at the Home, having a snack at 10 am of cocoa or tea and mandazi (fried dough), newaci (sweet potatoes) or cakes is common.  Lunches and dinners may include vegetables (cabbage, carrots, beans potatoes), rice, ugali (corn flour and milk), githeri (maize and beans fried with potatoes), chapati (flat bread) and fruits.  Again Sunday is special in that meat is generally served at both lunch and dinner.

Beginning in January of this year the Kenyan government required that the children be enrolled in public school. (Prior to this MMH had provided education right at the Home.) A lunch was prepared for each child to take with them to school.  It was reported that some of the other children at the schools, who are less fortunate than the MMH children, were stealing their lunches.  Although this no longer occurs we have learned that many of the MMH children now willingly share their lunches with these children.

Although we rejoice that 42 of the children currently have Partners there are still 41 children who are in need of someone’s special prayer intercession and support.  If you would like to learn more about how you can become a part of this ministry please contact the office, 725-5601 or a member of the Partnership Board: Barb Frees, Santha Goodwin, Carol Hert, Kathy Peterson, Lyn Ross or Sue Steinhilber.

September 2007 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

Eunice Wanjiru Mbugua has been the Nurse/Social Worker/Administrator of Mothers’ Mercy Home since September of 2002.  She previously worked as a trained nurse in various Kenyan hospitals including one for 21 years.  She has a diploma in Community Development.  Reporting to the Mothers’ Union Coordinator, for the past five years she has been in charge of the day-to-day running of the Home. She is in charge of the welfare of the children ensuring balanced diet, general cleanliness, and provides Guidance and Counseling lessons.  As the medical person on site she treats the sick children and refers serious cases (if any) to the hospitals.  When a child gets sick at night she has to get transport to take the child to the hospital since the home does not have a vehicle.  She receives visitors to the Home and submits quarterly reports.

Eunice, whose husband Mbugua is already retired, will be retiring this Fall.  She will then have more time to spend with her three adult sons, daughter-in-law and grandchild.  We are grateful to God for her loving service to the children these past years and pray that the Lord will bless her abundantly as she enters this new phase of her life. 

Here is some information about another Eunice.  This Eunice, born April 10, 1998, is a beautiful 9-year-old girl who is one of the 45 children still awaiting a Partner. Eunice, whose family consists of mom, 5 brothers and 1 sister, has resided at Mothers’ Mercy Home the last four years.  She is an intelligent 2nd grader who is happy when she is number 1 in her class.  She says her best friend is Faith because “she teaches us.”  She hopes her love for learning will enable her to become a nurse in the future. Although she most loves school she helps with chores at the Home 3 to 4 hours a week by sweeping and washing utensils as well as shoes and socks. 

If you would like to share your love and support Eunice or another child with your prayers and benefit all the children of Mothers’ Mercy Home with a donation of $20 a month please call the office, 725-5601, and a member of the Partnership Board will contact you.

July 2007 Prayers

Praise God for…

• The women of The Mothers’ Union as they work to promote conditions in Kenya society favorable to family life and the protection of children
• The dedicated staff of Mothers’ Mercy Home who are devoted to the Christian formation and welfare of the children
• For raising up Partners for 38 of the 83 children who are cared for at Mothers’ Mercy Home
• For the Mothers’ Union of St. Paul’s Parish, Kiambu, who feed 150 children of Loreto Primary School three times each week.

Prayer Requests:

• That Jesus would touch people here to step forward as Partners for the children of Mothers’ Mercy Home who do not yet have Partners
• For  Eli 9, Elizabeth 10, Catherine 10, Peter 11, who are infected with HIV, that the care and medication they receive will continue to keep them well.
• That The Lord will guide the Mothers’ Mercy Home Committee Members in finding a suitable replacement for Eunice Wanjiru Mbugua, nurse/social worker,  who is retiring in August.
• That plans for a Secondary School for the children of Mothers’ Mercy Home may be moved forward.
• For the women and children whose diverse needs are being addressed by Esther Wanjiru Wanjohi and those working with her through ECUDACA (Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Day Care & Support Women Project).

April 2007 News

From the St. Thomas Lamplighter Newsletter

SHARE YOUR PRAYERS, LOVE AND SUPPORT WITH A CHILD OF GOD WHO IS IN NEED. You can share Christ’s Love and make a real difference in the life of one of God’s children in Africa by becoming a PARTNER of a child who is cared for at  Mother’s Mercy Home.  This home for 83 boys and girls aged 6 to 12, located in Limuru,  10 miles west of Nairobi in the Diocese of Mt. Kenya South., was begun by the Mother’s Union of the Diocese  in May 2001.  It is run by a Committee of volunteers elected by the group.  Although volunteers and staff  work  with minimal resources, the Mission Team visiting in February observed that the children were  well cared for and loved.

In becoming a Partner you would receive a picture and some basic information about your child.  You would be asked to pray regularly for your Partner and would have the opportunity to correspond a few times a year.  The monetary support would be utilized by the Committee to provide for the most important  need at the time.  Present urgent needs include a bus to transport the children to their six different schools, uniforms for the different schools, new tables and benches as the children have outgrown the original ones, and individual storage areas for each child to keep personal clothing, etc.

Audited accounts are prepared annually for Mother’s Mercy Home and a report will be made to the  Partners as to how the monetary support was used for the benefit of all the children.

The needs of the children of Africa are immense.  Please prayerfully consider helping ONE of them.  Brochures with forms can be found at the front or back entrances of the church or in the office. Share the Love of Jesus by becoming a Partner of a Child of Mother’s Mercy Home.  Our prayer is that each of the 83 children will have a personal Partner. Will you be a part of this ministry?

Support the Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb. Send your gift to:

MMHPP
c/o St. Thomas Church
226 Washington Street
Menasha, WI 54952
Remember to memo: Kilimanjaro