We often write about the life testament of the family of 12. Yet ,in fact, their accounts represent the thousands who, in the same accord, encompass Vapor's Ngong Center. Common struggles yet grace abound threads their lives to connect as family- one searching for the all sufficient God to sustain their needs.
We experienced a most humbling mornings: one that reminded us of the vital reason why we are here: granting much strength to the road that we have travelled and the light that will guide us to God's driven destination- A Ngong Vapor Center established to bring sustainable life change for the lives of Ngong. Sustainability in physical means is wavering as life throws its ebbs and flows. Yet to be sustained by the Lord is unwavering as one can face all situations in hope of what's to come- as we live out faith- the "assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." We are to build a physical safe haven for kids in the slums who face from this world's lens impossible odds of a future. We are pouring spiritually into the coaches, leaders who will speak into these kids the possible God that we serve. Our Father who beats all odds and makes any future fulfilled in promise.
This morning we broke bread with the family of 12: Joseph, Lucy, George, Elijah, Steven, Ester, Rebekah, Samuel, and Momma and Baba- 4 of the kids missing and the thought of squeezing them into their 10 x 20 shanty seemed impossible. A worn, rusted steel bedframe crammed in the corner spoke of the struggles this family faces- visions of these 8 kids piling on the broken springs, with no mattress to comfort their sleep are hard to bear when we think of the luxuries of sleep we possess. The 10 yo. Steven humbly positioned himself at our feet to scrap all the dirt off our muddy, beaten shoes outside. The next small sectioned off room was full with an old bedframe for Mom and Dad and chickens that they were sheltering from the cold. Five chickens were attended to by Rebekah and little Elijah as the youngest Joseph stood naked as the day he was born to 'help' them, chasing around little chicks. Steven and Elijah generously gathered enough water to make us all chai- 45 min. of fanning a fire a 10 and 6 yo. made us feel so welcomed in their home. Each of the children fulfill their tedious tasks to aid in their daily survival. The other Samuel, 13yo, has been in the hospital bc of his diabetes. THe fmaily's struggles continue to surface with each passing day and the needs before them are insurmountable from our view. Yet ,it is evident that their true sustainability can only come from the Lord's Hand. Their lives are mirrored by thousands so it is impossible for us to sustain each need. That is why our purpose here remains: there are moments for much needed humanitarian aid- as seen in today- having breakfast with struggling mouths to feed and blessing a boy attacked by hospitalization in having enough money to pay the bill to return home with his family- But the ultimate means we can usher is straight into the arms of a most faithful GOd who loves them- thru the Center we have been called forth to build.
As some of you know, our timeline has been outnumbered by the Lord. We are returning to the States in June to visit for some weeks and then will continue in our journey here for months to come. Our definite completion in Ngong is unknown but we know that the Lord is not finished with us yet. Continue to pray for the favor we need in integral relationships, steadfastness to continue with passion and focus, and the provisions to continue building the physical safe haven. Pray for our time home in June to be maximized with all of you- granting us refreshing moments in encouragement and in strength.
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