Not an everyday occurance

Yesterday (or was it Tuesday?) we got a text message from our friend...in Kenya. It was pretty cool. At first we were really confused by the long number on the text message, but then we figured it out.

Fred, our friend, was been communicating with us because we are going to be sponsoring one of his kids and paying for their high school. That is, if they pass their grade 8 tests! Good luck Esther and Peter! We are hoping to find people to join with us to help pay for the other child. If you are interested let me know.

Fred is a great man. He and his wife Salome took over the care of his two brothers' children and now cares for his own children and his nieces and nephews. Fred is an amazing man of God.

Here is a portion of an email he sent us last year. I included my own notes in brackets.

"Now what is worryng me is how they will get their high school education. the fees is ksh 24800 per year [$313.15 for the year of school] without the stationeries and uniforms [those run about another $200, but only need to be purchased once]. The rest are still in primary level so their school fees is mainly needed in 2009 for three of them That Esther, Dennis and Moses who are doing tyheir grade 9 in 2009 and with salary of 9000 kenya shillings per month [$113.78] you cannot feed , cloth them and be able to save for them for education. I remained alone in the family with my small sister who has 3 children and her husband too doesn't have a job after all our parents also died due to old age. My father died in 1994 and my mother 2004 leaving us alone. God willing the group from Baylor University will be coming to Kenya by May this year, my request isthat please see how you can help me even if it means looking for some clothings for them or any way you see can help [they couldn't go because of the conflict after Kenya's elections].

Thanks and may our ALMIGHTY GOD give you wisdom and strength so you get sponsors for this family

Looking forward to hear from you,

Fred"

This is not intended to guilt anyone. TRULY! I just wanted you to be aware of an opportunity to immensely bless a great brother in Christ. The work that Fred does serving missions groups by working in the Gracia guest house is a very necessary and honorable work.

Let me know if you want more information, or if you would like to offer to help Fred.

Here is a picture of one of the kids we met. Isn't she a doll?!