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Greetings from Kenya!
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be in Kenya at this special time when our year draws to a close. I’m especially grateful for the time I’ve been able to spend with many of our WEEP mothers and children, as well as others we are helping. And what a joy it is to be with our HEART staff members who provide—quite literally—the hands, feet, and daily commitment needed to accomplish this great work!
There is abundant joy and fulfillment we can see and celebrate in the lives of those who are thriving. Thriving because of trust, compassion, and precious support you give freely and lovingly to HEART. On a personal note, I relish those moments when I spend quiet time with the Lord, reflecting on all His work, seeing His hand in all we do, remembering the times we called upon His name with cries for help, and the countless times we rejoice because He never fails to answer in ways far beyond our imagination!
The resounding theme that has struck me deeply this visit is “The Path to Greatness!” Greatness in the dictionary means eminence, distinction, superior, or high ranking. Greatness in the Bible was never determined by how much money someone had or how much influence or power they claimed to have. Greatness was always given to the one who was a servant. Greatness is serving, and God is calling each of us to serve.
The greatest among you must be a servant. Mathew 23:11
One profound example of this “Path to Greatness” is a story about a young man named Josiah, and two very special people in his life, his mentor, and his sponsor.
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Josiah
One Friday afternoon, as our workday ended and I had already changed into more comfortable clothes, I received a phone call from one of our interns. I was told that a student was in our HEART Lodge compound asking to see me. Curious to know more, I found out that the visitor was neither a student that I personally sponsored, nor someone who came to request sponsorship.
In meeting this person, I was greeted by a handsome young man in his twenties who extended his hand and introduced himself in a voice that was barely audible. His name was Josiah.
When we sat down, he handed me two brown envelops, both containing letters. As I read the letters, I discovered that one was written for Josiah’s sponsor, and the other one for his mentor.
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The content of both letters quickly filled my heart to the overflowing, as well as my eyes with tears.
The obvious impact the sponsor and mentor had on Josiah’s life was truly inspirational. Josiah traveled three-and-a-half hours to deliver these appreciation letters and to thank HEART personally. What a journey of gratitude, but there’s more to this story!
Josiah is 23 years old, the fifth born of seven siblings from Oldonyonyoki, a Maasai Village about four hours from Nairobi. Because he was sponsored through the HEART Education Sponsorship program, he was able to complete high school and college, then followed an invitation to proudly serve in the Kenyan Army. This prestigious invitation is reserved for the few who have demonstrated academic excellence and a qualifying aptitude for special military service.
Of all his siblings, Josiah was the only one sponsored for education and he is the only one employed. Because of HEART, and the commitment of a mentor and a sponsor, Josiah was emboldened to begin his Path to Greatness!
Josiah and I talked for hours that afternoon, took many pictures, and a friendship was formed. His message, so filled with hope and optimism, reflects a heart that is eager to give back to his family, his community, and others he can help to also find their path to greatness.
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The Mentor – Phyllis, HEART Kids for School Project Officer
Josiah started receiving support from HEART in 2013 when he was in grade 8 at Oldonyonyokie Primary School. He performed very well in his grade 8 national examination scoring 321 marks. HEART and Women Leaders in Action (WLA) supported him to join Patterson Memorial Secondary School. He completed his high school education in 2017 and he missed getting the university entry grade. This was very disappointing for him.
I sat with Josiah and together we explored other alternatives. Through the support of HEART and WLA again, he joined Maasai Technical Training to pursue a Diploma in Automotive Engineering. Josiah excelled, he found what he loved doing! In 2021 when he had just completed the certificate level, he got a life changing opportunity to join the Kenya Army!
I recall getting a phone call from Josiah expressing how happy he was. We celebrated and thanked God together for this great achievement. In addition to this, the government of Kenya is taking him through a one year course to enhance his skills in mechanics so he can be part of the team that maintains army vehicles. Being in the army he is able to support his family and he is currently supporting school education for his lastborn brother who is in high school.
It gives me great joy to see HEART children realize their dreams and bring impact to their lives and families. The thank you note from Josiah gave me great joy, to see him rise to greatness! This is an encouragement that mentorship works. Not all HEART children may have the academic potential, but they have something in them that needs to be called out. We wish Josiah all the best as he serves the nation of Kenya!
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The Sponsor – Women Leaders in Action (WLA)
“More than 10 years ago, WLA chose to partner with HEART and focus on providing access to education for impoverished children in Kenya. We dedicated our efforts and raised almost $100,000 each year for school fees, uniforms, basic supplies and teacher education. Over the years, it became clear that an improved education did not impact learning alone – more education also meant improved health, economic growth, increased food security and much more. In addition, we learned that girls and boys who attended school and received an education themselves started to encourage and support their younger siblings to get an education too. That meant that our donations that were focused on sending children to school could prepare the way out of poverty for generations to come.” Beth Blaisdell, representing WLA.
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Left to right - WLA Leaders Elaine, Beth, Pam, Cathi, and Lori with Vickie. | |
Beth Blaisdell with children from Wasare Primary School in Nyakach. | |
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As 2022 comes to an end, our needs are as urgent as ever so we can finish strong and begin 2023 on solid footing. Between now and December 31st we need to raise $100,000 to empower the mothers and children of HEART with education, skills, housing, and medical needs so they can learn, grow and thrive.
Here are 3 ways you can give:
1) Online - Click on the Donate button below
2) Phone - Call the HEART office at 530-885-9600
3) Mail - Send a check to the HEART office at 11960 Heritage Oak Place, Suite 21, Auburn, CA 95603
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With your assistance we can accomplish this through Christ Jesus who strengthens us! We are built upon a solid foundation firmly grounded in a past that has been blessed with God's Favor.
Please consider HEART for your "End of Year" donation! Your gift of any size matters greatly, no gift is too small (or too large).
Dear Lord, we pray you would help us serve the people of Kenya well that you entrusted to us. Together we will bring His light into more lives as we finish 2022 strong and begin 2023.
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Sincerely,
Lori Powell
Executive Director
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HEART
11960 Heritage Oak Place, Suite 21
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 885-9600
Tax ID 68-0462261
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