Our high school recently invested in a telescope, and students will soon begin a few lessons in astronomy. I smile when I think of that. Many of my favorite memories are at the lake in the summer. We enjoyed the time in the boat, but nothing compared to the nights on the dock when we could see the Milky Way. Looking up, we felt so small.
I didn’t know it at the time, but those evenings taught me the meaning of glory. On the other side of the globe, the same stars are teaching the same lessons!
Enjoy this month’s Field Report!
Thankful for a Smooth Start
We are 3 weeks into Term 2, and have enjoyed a seamless start. In the spring of 2024, this was not the case. April and May is considered the rainy season in Nairobi, and Mathare endured tragic flooding that demolished homes, and took the lives of many in the community. This year, the rains have been manageable and our school year has been uninterrupted.
Prayer request: For continued stability, and new opportunities to minister to deeper needs that present themselves. Without an immediate need presenting itself, we will be able to have proactive, intentional conversations that speak to matters of the heart.
Rest for Staff Members
Prayer request from our Community Relations Manager, Njenga shared this in his latest update: “April is typically a quieter month due to the school break, which allows us a moment to rest and recharge. I thank God for the peace and grace experienced during this season.”
Prayer request: The Lord is the source of peace, and we thank him for a fruitful Term Break. As we continue serving, pray that our team in Nairobi and the U.S. would experience an abiding rest in God.
Parent Meetings
Our ministry to parents continues this month with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The stress of providing can dominate their parenting experience, and these events provide us the opportunity to encourage them to remain steadfast, and remind them of the gift of parenthood.
Prayer request: Please pray for our fathers and mothers. Pray for a clarity of purpose, strength to endure, and for the means to meet their needs.
Generational Struggle
Parents often continue the patterns they witness with their parents, and our students are at risk of doing the same. Whether it is unhealthy relationships, dependence, or how they engage the world, it sometimes carries into the school. Our prayer is that every parent will find grace in the Lord, and that eduKenya would be a place where they find help in the Lord.
Prayer request: For our parents to find freedom from vices that bind them, and to protect their children’s hearts and minds from the patterns they observe. Please pray for opportunities to grow trust with our parents, love them, and walk with them.
Tree Planting in Mitaboni
As we prepare to farm the land and eventually build Chelezo High School’s permanent home, we held a tree-planting exercise last week at Mitaboni. The trees will provide protection from harsh winds, food for our student, and add to the beauty of the landscape. We thank God for allowing all the Kenya staff to gather together, and our founder, Adam Gould, reminded us of the vision and theme for the year.
Prayer request: For the trees to grow deep roots and a thick canopy. Pray that the land itself will be blessed with abundant crops, and that our staff would make the most of the property.
From guns to gardens: Former gangsters fight hunger in Kenya
This article from the Associated Press tells the story of young men that grew up in Mathare, and found themselves entrenched in a life of crime. But, they found a way to break the cycle.
Father recounts horror of Mathare fire
One of the challenges of living in informal settlements is the vulnerability many families live with. Weather events, fire, or community unrest has widespread impact in these densely populated areas.
Have you thought about going on safari? This quick guide will tell you what to expect when you go!