Irene
and Peter are doctors and AIDS researchers currently
studying at the UW and attending Bethany.
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Love
. . .
Monday
Humble
yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
-- James 4:10
by
Irene Inwani and Peter Cherutich
The
mid 1990s were a particularly difficult time
in Kenya. The International Monetary Fund recommended structural
economic reforms which landed many civil servants without
jobs. One particular Nairobi couple was a victim of double
retrenchment. Unprepared, and with two children in school,
the husband sank into depression.
Through God’s miracle his wife started hawking meat
to survive. The husband refused to join her in the “dirty”
job. Often walking more that five miles daily with the meat
on her back, and with fresh blood dripping down her clothes,
she frequently had to change clothes in between clients.
She went knocking door to door selling the meat in offices,
in people’s homes and in small restaurants.
In
less than a year, she had turned the family situation once
again for the good, and the children were going back to
school. The husband joined in the business as an accountant
in a not-so-dirty job anymore. In less than two years, she
had expanded her business and bought several trucks to ferry
the meat to meet several orders she had won.
From
the proceeds of the business she started
feeding destitute children at her home. Soon she had expanded
her efforts and built a children’s home for them.
With more street children being brought to the home she
established a bigger facility at Mlolongo, in the outskirts
of Nairobi, that offered shelter, food and medical care
to the destitute children. With God pouring his blessings
she has continued with this mission.
Based
on a news item from Kenya Television Network
Lord Jesus, we are so grateful that you humbled yourself
and endured hardship so that you might raise us up from
death. Thank you for giving this dear Kenyan woman the
strength she needed to persevere and to provide not only
for her own children but for many other children in need.
Please continue to bless her mission, and help us to follow
this wonderful example of humble service. Amen.
An Advent Journey