Blue Cross Kenya sponsors a group of moms and their children living in the Korogocho Slums in Nairobi who have given up distilling home brew 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 deductible 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.