A New Year /Living & Dying With AIDS

A New Year

By Dawn Brown

By the grace of GOD, and YOU; generous donors to Child Arise Kenya Widows & Orphans Ministry, we have been able to come alongside the work of Elizabeth Mativo by providing for some of the physical needs of the women and children who benefit from her ministry in Mbooni, Kenya.

There are so many of YOU who remember to pray for these women and children, as well as for Elizabeth.  I really believe that your prayers have played a major part in the growth of this ministry.

The Bible tells us that we are to care for the needs of other believers.  “Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13.  The majority of the widowed women who benefit from this ministry have faithfully followed our Lord for years.

Widows & orphans are near and dear to the heart of God.  “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed”. Psalm 82:3

In addition, some of unchurched widowed woman in the community, along with the orphaned children in their care, have come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

They are attending church and being baptized!

It was never part of “our plan”, but quite a few of the alcoholic men in the area are asking for Bibles!  A surprise to me?  Yes.  A surprise to God?  Absolutely not.  “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”  Mark 2:17

We are all sick, aren’t we?  All in need of a savior.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

It is so impressive to think about how many commandments are being fulfilled when you donated to this one little ministry.

When you donate, YOU are helping widows.  YOU are helping orphans.  YOU are helping the poorest of the poor.  YOU are helping our brothers and sisters in Christ.  YOU are helping lost people to hear about the love of Jesus and his sacrifice for our very souls.  If you dig deeper, there are many more.

There are lots worthwhile ministries where you might send a portion of the fruits of your labor.  When you choose this ministry, it is taken very seriously and not looked at carelessly or unappreciated.  

I hope you feel, as I do, that it is a privilege and a blessing to be used by God in this very special way.  

To God be the glory and praise!

“I never look at the masses as my responsibility; I look at the individual. I can only love one person at a time - just one, one, one. So you begin. I began ....The same thing goes for you, the same thing in your family, the same thing in your church, your community. Just begin - one, one, one.” - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Living & Dying with AIDS

by Dawn Brown

This is the life of Katheu. As a young girl, Katheu had two children and was never married. She neglected her children and was not a kind mother. She left the burden of caring for them on her father. She did not come from a Christian home.

At one point, she did what many men and women do in Mbooni when they have no way to earn a living. She went to Nairobi to try to find a way to pay for her children’s schooling. She left her children to her father’s care even though he was far too old to care for himself, let alone any children.

While in Nairobi, she contracted HIV AIDS. Scared and ashamed, she refused to return home to her family and medical care.

Eventually as she grew too sick to care for herself, she went back to Mbooni and her family at 26 years old. Her children rejected her as she had rejected them, and so did her brothers and her father.

Because of the stigma of AIDS, her brother’s wouldn’t cook for her and refused to use the same toilet. She couldn’t even make it to the toilet, because as soon as she would eat, she would have diarrhea and vomit. She could only take in fluids and had painful mouth sores.

When Elizabeth Mativo learned of her return to Mbooni and how sick she was, she began to visit her often. She would encourage her, pray with her and tell her about the Gospel and the love of Jesus. She was also an example of Jesus for Katheu’s father, brothers, children and neighbors. 

Katheu died quite some time ago. She is an example of what the community goes through. Those infected with AIDS are neglected, so they die earlier and often alone. The biggest reason for kids to become orphans, is because of this dangerous disease.

I thank God that Elizabeth Mativo was there for Katheu and I know that she was able to offer Katheu The Hope; Our Hope. Jesus.

Katheu and her father are seated.  Elizabeth is behind Katheu.

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Prayer Requests From Missionary Elizabeth Mativo

•   Thanks to God for giving a new year full of blessings and a chance to have new beginnings.

•  Thanks to God for the two candidates - Nzioka and Musyoka who passed their end of Primary school exams. They will soon be joining high school.  Nzioka was named top student in the district!

•  Dennis has reported to University campus and has settled in. He is pursuing a Political Science Degree but he says he might change it to Computer Science. We thank God for smooth transition to campus and availability of funds to cater for expenses.

•  Nthenya was diagnosed with eye problems. I was able to buy her medical prescribed spectacles so she is now in school.

100% of your donation goes to Kenya!

Donations can be made to

Child Arise Kenya

Widows & Orphans Ministry

827 5 Ave Dr W, Andalusia IL 61232

309-798-2596

dawn@childarisekenya.com

ChildAriseKenya.com

Child Arise Kenya is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt ministry