Monday, June 21, 2010

"IN THE BEGINNING . . ."

Today, June 21st marks the longest day of the year and a beginning of the JOHABETO [JOining HAnds for a BEtter TOmmorrow] construction phase of the project to construct a new orphanage in Kitale, Kenya. As the first team takes off today from Rochester, New York over two years of planning kicks info full swing. They are the first of four 20 person teams the Lord has guided to the project. They have the support of thousands back home, about the nation, Canada and in Africa while undertaking this large mission.

The mission is the construction of two dorm facilities that can house up to 48 orphans and administrators plus the construction of a dining facility/kitchen building, wash houses and toilet facilities in 8 weeks. The massive amount of water needed for the cement work will come from a well completed in May (thank you Rotary Toronto)on the 2 acre site purchased this past winter. The teams face daily rains, 85+ degree heat and, thankfully, cool nights to sleep. Upon completion, today's 35 orphans will take up residence in this new facility.

The real beginning of the project was the morning of March 25th, 2008. That is when Martin Shikuku Wamalwa wrote Beverly Reeve noting the recent loss of the late Ted Pollock. Martin had been under the care of Ted and his wife, Dolly, when they first met back in 1978 in Africa during their active missionary days. Martin's note was to express sorrow to the Pollock family for their loss and note Ted and Dolly's positive influence on his life. So much was the influence that Martin named several of his children after Pollock children names.

Martin went on in his letter to inform Beverly of the orphanage that he and his wife, Ruth, operated in Kenya. He indicated his facilities were challenging with 3 dozen orphans (ages preschool to 17 with 12 boys and 23 girls). Their current facilities were grossly undersized. He expressed a desire to build an appropriate facility to honor Ted and Dolly. And so, the bug was placed into the Pollock family.

Some of the first discussions were taking place the summer of 2008 in Mozambique as the family managed the first church construction project without their Dad. By the fall of 2009 it had become more than clear that God was directing team to the orphanage. A project that would be more than double the size of all past projects and well over twice the cost. (shhhh...it could be triple in size and cost!)

Every challenge from fund raising to recruiting volunteer missionaries to obtaining construction materials has been accomplished by His divine guidance. In the weeks to come you can return here to get updates from the Kenya based teams as they report on the project progress. Join the teams with your prayers of support over the summer. May God's speed be with them on this project JOHEBETO.

jim weick

No comments:

Post a Comment