By
James E. Copple

Blue Cross Kenya sponsors a group of moms and their children living in the
Korogocho Slums in Nairobi who have given up distilling homebrew alcohol and
abusing their own product. Recovering moms and their children live in the
worse poverty in all of Africa. Yet, part of their work and ministry is
called Hope Raisers and in every aspect of their lives, they demonstrate
resiliency and hope. Their Biblical theme is from I Timothy 4:12 Let no one
despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct,
in love, in faith, in purity.

The leaders of Hope Raisers are launching entrepreneurial enterprises that
include tree planning, counseling, candle and jewelry making. These
enterprises have become protective factors from substance abuse and crime.
The spirit in that small corrugated tin room no larger than a small house
trailer was contagious. Getting to our meeting we drove and walked through
some of the worse slums of my entire career. The sites of poverty and
smells forced me to concentrate on not gagging. As I crawled into the room
and met the joyful and smiling faces, my whole mood changed. Inside were
women and teenagers in recovery determined to live a life of healing and
forgiveness. One woman reminded the audience that every journey begins with
a single step – our mission is to be sure you take that first step in the
right direction.

I listened to their speeches, watched their musical performances and a group
of teenagers perform professional level acrobatics in a small trailer and
was stunned with their commitment and their hope. As with all my visits I
am struck by what is needed next to assure that this group sustains itself
and has the capacity to expand its business operations.

For $800.00 we can purchase machines to increase the number of candles they
can manufacture. They currently rent the machine and purchase materials and
tools for the jewelry business. They make carrying bags out of plastic bags
found in the largest dump in all of Nairobi. This capacity expansion for
their enterprises will add nine new jobs and increase their marketing
capacity. They can become self-sustaining in a matter of weeks once they
acquire the initial equipment. Blue Cross Kenya monitors the use of their
equipment and resources and they mentor them into economic self-sufficiency.

This is small intervention that will have a huge impact on the lives of 40
women and children. Often it is the small things that make a huge
difference.

Servant Forge, our international non-profit will make a $400.00 contribution
and I need the readers of this Blog to help support the balance. You can
make a tax deductable donation to Servant Forge at www.servantforge.org.
Or, if you prefer you can send a check to Servant Forge, 6526 10th St.,
Alexandria, VA 22307. One hundred percent of your donation will go to
support the enterprises of Hope Raisers. Your donation does not have to be
much – $10.00 or $20.00 and we can get their fast. Don’t miss this
opportunity to also become a Hope Raiser.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 5th, 2010 at 4:24 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.