For our prayers this week, I’d like to turn your attention to Africa’s second largest slum: Kibera.

For those who have traveled through or spent anytime in Nairobi, Kenya, you likely walked alongside someone who lives in this vast slum community. Furthermore, if you have actually spent time with people where they live, work, and play in Kibera, the experience will not quickly fade. For many years now, LIA-Kenya has been serving to empower local church pastors in this community.

Today, we invite you to join the LIA family in praying for an important ongoing initiative in Kibera, called ‘health for income’. We believe that God is going to do a mighty work in Kibera and trust that this program is the beginning of transforming the community for His glory.

Please pray for the specific items identified below:

•    That the churches in the Kibera community will recruit more qualified CHE’s   (community health evangelists/educators) to promote the health initiatives from their church community.

•    That the CHE’s would be excited and motivated for the work and would be greeted with receptive hearts from those within the community.

•    That we would have the right tools and resources to successfully execute this initiative.

•    That we would remain focused on the plans the Lord has set regarding this program and this His vision and direction would be followed to the fullest.

•    That the CHE’s would be able to provide a needed service and find dignity as a result of their hard work.

Lastly please pray for protection, wisdom and strength for the LIA staff involved with this program on a daily basis - George, Daniel and Robert.

We thank God for this wonderful opportunity to advance the kingdom in practical ways, and treasure this opportunity to serve alongside you.

For those that have traveled and served alongside the LIA family in Kenya, it is with both joy and sadness that we share this update.
For nearly six years, Augustine “Gus” Muema has been an integral part of our ministry team in Kenya. He has served in any and all capacities, most recently as our Partnerships and Resources Manager for the Kenya office.

Following the completion of his Master’s Degree last year which focused on Water initiatives for Arid and Semi Arid areas, Gus has longed for an opportunity to directly apply that by serving his Kamba people with water initiatives. A sudden opportunity came up for Gus to do this in a way that was beyond our existing water and food security ministry in Makueni, Kenya. Subsequently, Gus has decided to accept this new position and will no longer be employed with LIA.

To wish Gus well, and thank him for his committed support to the ministry of LIA for the last 6 years, please go ahead and comment below, as we will be sure to have Gus respond as he is able.

We treasure the time we had with Gus as a member of our family and look forward to the opportunities before him and LIA in Kenya. He will make this transition in about one month.

FACT:  62% of the community in Makueni lives below Kenya’s poverty level.

Absolutely beautiful.

A phrase I continually remarked while traveling through the rural parts of Kenya.  It was the contrast of such rich and vibrant colors that stuck with me on our way out to Makueni, Kenya.

The deep blue sky serving as a back drop for the fullest and fluffiest white clouds proved to be almost breath-taking.  It was the rich reddish-orange clay that lined the dirt walls, set beneath green grass and bare trees that will paint this landscape in my mind for years to come.

The thing about this lush and green landscape that was before us however, was the reality that such lushness is not the norm.  And as we drove further out into the sticks we watched the greens turned to browns and our surroundings started to resemble more of a desert than rolling lush hills.

See, I was visiting at the tail end of the “rainy season”.  This short period of time during the year, lasting about two months, in which the community will see the extent of its water for the year.  If I was to return merely three months later my surroundings and perception of this community, I was told, would be very different.  I would see only shades of browns and the bright orange clay would no longer be masked by the plants on top.  Outside of the aesthetics however, I would see a community facing some very serious issues such as poor crops and failing businesses, lack of water and lack of food.

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“Kenyans are to vote in a referendum on a new constitution on 4 August  - part of an agreement that ended in deadly clashes after disputed elections in December 2007.” BBC.com

Please join us in prayer for the nation of Kenya during the present campaigning and upcoming election. While we have already seen heightened violence directed toward campaigners in early June, we are hopeful for continued peace in this historical time. For information about the proposed constitution and the opponents views, please read an article from BBC.com.

During this time we are praying for the protection of the Kenyan people and a just outcome. Please join us as we ask God for His provision of peace during this time of heightened tension, that no blood will be shed, and divine direction in the voting process.

FACT: HIV/AIDS Effects 33 Million people world wide, with 70% living in Africa.

It was a hot and sunny Friday afternoon in Makeuni, Kenya.  Having already spent two days in this rural community we had become quite accustomed to the long bumpy van rides to our unknown destination.  On this particular day we were briefed that we would be attending an HIV/AIDs support group meeting.

As we trekked down the crooked, uneven path, waving at those we passed, the feeling of uncertainty resonated.  Uncertain how to act, how to encourage and how to pray for those inflicted with such a disease.  I have become quite aware of the prevalence of HIV/AIDs plaguing many throughout Africa. At this point in our journey we had probably already met some suffering from the sickness, yet here we were about to participate in a support group of which all had their own story and struggle to share.

We drove up to the small cluster of huts compiled of clayish mud, sticks and stones baking under the bright blue sky.  Stepping out of the van we were met with about ten smiles, and handshakes that quickly evolved into hugs.  The joy and life that was expressed upon our first moment of meeting was undeniable.  Quickly people began to gather chairs and benches forming a circle under some nearby trees where we would meet. We soon became a group of about 30 people, all joining together for a time of fellowship, food and sharing of testimonies.

A pastor from a local LIA partner church set the tone of the day delivering a powerful message about the love of God and opening the session up for a time of song and praise.  After worship the group chairman stood up to give us a little history and context.

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What inspires you to give?

In our daily lives simple changes and decisions can impact others around the world in great ways.  Read below to see how the youngest member of our recent documentary team, college student Amanda Bates, has chosen to advocate and raise funds for the people she met in the Mathare Valley and Kibera slums in Kenya.  See how God was revealed to Amanda through this trip and how she has sought to respond since her return.

“God took me several weeks ago to the Mathare Slum in Nairobi, Kenya. I was there with Life in Abundance and a team to shoot a documentary film about life in an urban slum. God wanted to show me heartbreak and His heart for His people. He wanted me to experience just an ounce of the heartbreak He feels everyday for the loves of His life. Having your heart broken is the worst pain one can experience. It’s the kind of pain that there isn’t a pain killer for quick relief.

In showing me His heartbreak, He also created an even larger “call to action” requiring something to be done.  More than just giving my time and abilities, I want to give more. Sometimes however, I feel as though I have nothing to give.  As a college student, giving all I have would be the $10 dollars I have in my bank account and my lunch aka: a box of Ramen noodles.

Growing up in the States we believe that the only “helpful” gift is the monetary kind. Where does that leave the people like me who don’t have that to give? Sometimes I feel as though this leaves me in a box entitled, “I don’t care”. I want to correct that mind set. I want to be a part of the empowerment and transformation taking place in the lives of those halfway around the world. Very few can give enough to change the world, but everyone can give a little and collectively that can empower community transformation. Life in Abundance accepts my gift, a little as it is, and counts me in the community transformers.

So my way of contributing is to use the “Goodsearch” tool bar. You can download “Goodsearch” tool bar on to your internet browser. It’s a free download and you can use it as a search engine or to shop online. Every time you use it, it donates money to the organization of your choice. Of course in my case Life in Abundance is the organization of choice. It is only a small thing I can do but I have discovered that when your heart becomes involved with something, everything changes. God changes you.

So, Goodsearch for God and know that you are doing a small thing with a big impact.”

Fact: In Kenya, bribery payments make up a third of the average household budget.

Essentials such as education, health care services, and jobs are in many cases denied to the people that are already living in poverty as they cannot compete with the bribes distorting the market.  Basic needs of the people can also be ignored thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty in the years to come. The issue of corruption is multifaceted and demands correction so that Kenya as a country may grow in development, and that the people will experience equal opportunity.

It is our firm belief that the only institution that has the ability to confront this form of systemic injustice is the Church. These systemic powers are so pervasive that any man-made entity will all but fail to achieve the breakthrough necessary.

Today, would you please take a moment to join us in a prayer of strength, wisdom and power for the local churches throughout Kenya, as they seek to serve their community and push against this strong tide of injustice?

In August of this year, Kenya will be voting on either the adoption or rejection of a new constitution. As one can easily imagine, the campaigning both for and against the draft constitution has been passionate and at times heated.

Last weekend, a coalition of churches joining together for a prayer rally against the constitution was dispersed by the detonation of a series of grenades. The blast led to a stampede in which six were killed and more than 100 were injured. It is still under question as to who was responsible for the incident. To read more about the incident check out the most recent reports from BBC News.

In this time of uncertainty and heightened tensions, we ask that you join us in prayer for the future months in Kenya, especially for the people residing in the Nairobi capital.  We are praying for peace during the campaigning efforts, and that the voice and concerns of the people would be heard and taken to heart.  We are praying for those living in the slums in hopes that there will be safety and a strong sense of collective community.  We are praying for God’s provision to the people and that the Lord’s wisdom will be apparent in all decisions that are made.

It is with great faith in our Lord that we pray for the election, outcome, and the months leading up to August.  Thank you for carrying this burden with us and for your commitment to our brothers and sisters in Kenya.  We encourage you to type your prayer in the comment section of this blog post.

“It isn’t what you look at that matters, it is what you see.” (Henry David Thoreau) This paradox challenged our team while we filmed in the heart of poverty in Mathare Valley, a slum of Nairobi. Yes, the poverty is obvious to anyone who looks, however, it takes one who can really ’see’ to observe. Our perception of a slum tends to be great need, and unrelenting poverty. Yes, there is a great need in Mathare. However, we also observed neighbors helping one another, men and women departing for another days work, and small shop fronts selling goods daily as we entered the slums for another day of filming. We observed faith, hope, entrepreneurship, family, and community even in the midst of such impoverished surroundings.

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Concluding our “How Are You” series, documentary team member Bob Davidson shares about the lasting impact from his time spent in the Nairobi slums.  Below are some of Bob’s last reflections on the culture, community, people and overall experience from this life-changing trip.

Photo by Justin Ahrens

(Un) Final Reflections by Bob Davidson

As I sit on the plane to Chicago reflecting on my time in Kenya, a variety of emotions and thoughts that have surfaced.  Some are obvious.  Some are trivial.  Some are unfinished. Here are a few words/phrases that I leave with…

Obamaland.  Finding out your from America gets you added props these days in Kenya.  Finding out your from Chicago goes even further.

How are you? As mentioned earlier, the most frequented phrase to Westerners is… “How are you?” Like crickets chirping in unison, every time we pulled into the slums, the children would chant the greeting with an anticipated handshake in return.

Nairobi Traffic. Chicago has nothing on Nairobi traffic.  It is seriously the worst I have experienced.  Multiple times, it took us 2 hours to travel 15-20 miles.  Two words: mass transit.

How to Think. The common (hopeful) theme that reared its head throughout our trip was grounded not so much teaching people how to do (though appropriate and necessary), but how to think. 

Mazungu! The origin of the word comes from the notion of “the traveler.”  But these days, it simply means the (crazy) white man.  “Mazungu!  Mazungu!” never got old.

Poverty is complex. Where is the problem?  Better yet, where isn’t the problem?  Poverty isn’t perpetual because it’s simple.  It’s a government problem.  It’s a knowledge problem.  It’s an opportunity problem.  It’s a (global) community problem.  It’s a health problem. It’s a minimum wage problem.  Speaking of…

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