Prayer Request: Pierre's Landlord

Pierre (church-planter) called me this morning and updated me on his landlord who has liver cancer.  Two weeks ago I visited Pierre and one of the men in the room with us was his landlord. At the time I did not know who he was and as we discussed issues related to community development his landlord listened attentively and added in helpful observations.  Later Pierre explained to me that he has liver cancer and does not have much hope for recovery.  

Today Pierre told me that he has been at a hospital for a week and a half and can only drink liquids now.  He needs to come to Dakar to be treated but does not have the means to do this.  He asked Pierre if I could help him with the cost - close to 600 USD.  I didn't know what to say, but I said I would pray for him. It's not the first time I've been asked to help someone out with medical expenses and I know it will not be the last time.  

Please pray for Pierre's landlord as he faces the reality of suffering and sickness; ask that God would give him the strength and faith to put his trust in Jesus. Pray that God would not only provide for his financial needs, but for his physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Please pray for wisdom and encouragement for Pierre as he seeks to minister to him and his family.  Thank you. 

 

Today 

Amani Ya Juu

Today is my last day in Kenya before I travel 10 hours on a plane back to Dakar. I've loved my time here, but I am ready to go back to my life in West Africa.  This morning I visited Amani Ya Juu (Peace from Above), started twelve years ago by a missionary who desired to help refugees with work.  The founder began by helping 3 women with a sewing income generating project and today there are around 60 women who work with Amani Ya Juu.  These women are uplifted through their work and encouraged daily in their walk with God through devotions and prayers. It's a beautiful testimony of God's work in and through the lives of women. 

Charity gave us a tour of the sewing workshop and office; as we walked in one of the sewing rooms the women stopped their work and began welcoming us with a song of praise to God - it was beautiful.  On the back wall they have a mosaic that each one of the ladies of the center added a tile as a symbol of their unity in their work. Below it is written 'Pamoja Tunaba Dilishiwa' (together we are changed). 

After the tour Hayden and I looked around the shop and talked to Maggi who sews in between helping customers. Her face brightened as we told her we are working with women in other countries of Africa and always are interested in learning new ideas.  She said she loved ideas and started talking about the different products and ideas she has seen being at Amani.  It was encouraging to see her enthusiasm and excitement for the work we desire to do where we live. 

The shop has beautiful handcrafts - quilts, table linens, jewelry, clothes, etc. and their outside cafe is nice with wonderful coffee and snacks.  It is definitely a place I would go to often if I lived in Nairobi:)

 http://www.amaniafrica.org/

 

Quick Update on My Trip to Kenya

Kenya has been amazing - beautiful landscape, cooler weather, delicious food (lots of African tea and coffee shops) and wonderful people. The workshop on dialogue education training was stimulating and challenging in my thinking on new ways to develop and improve my work in economic training with the West African churches. The highlight of the week was definitely the encouragement and network of experienced believers who work in and with local churches in community economic development.