Kenya is a country in Eastern Africa of 33.8 million people, 42 different tribal groups, and as many as 61 different languages. Nairobi is the capital city located in the south central part of the country. Gachoka is the town in which we built our orphanage, located northeast of Nairobi. The road toward national unity in Kenya is a long one, as the recent political violence has indicated. 42 tribes could potentially bring on 42 political agendas, shattering Kenya's hope for unity.
Not only is Kenya in the midst of tribal strife, but all of Africa is suffering from the worst plague in history: right now there are 49 million cases of AIDS. Every 14 seconds a child loses a parent to AIDS. Moreover, the poverty is unspeakably devastating, especially in sub-Sahara Africa, where we built our orphanage. One half of the population is living on less than 67 cents a day, living in absolute poverty, stripped of all human dignity as they struggle to survive in conditions of almost unimaginable suffering and want.
Many of our orphans come from local slums as well as the worst slum in the world, Kibera, which is in Nairobi, a two-hour ride from our land. There are almost a million people living in Kibera. Among them are 50,000 orphans who have lost their parents to AIDS. At present, these orphans are eating garbage in the streets, and sleeping under cardboard cartons.
But in addition to these frightening facts, I would like to add a positive one: I have never seen happier people than these beautiful people of Kenya. They are filled with the joy of the Lord, which gives them the strength to go on.
We are always looking for volunteers. Volunteering your time can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Sign up now to help us help the children.
Our orphanage only houses 22 children at present, but 12 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. Help us advocate for change.
Help us maintain and grow the orphanage by making a donation online, by phone, or through the mail. No amount is too small, so please help today.
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