A Prayer For Land

Elijah and I recently visited two different children's homes. The first was called Uganda Martyrs Children's Home sponsored by the Catholic church. We toured their facilities and spent some time talking with the kids and house mothers. I really enjoyed the day and was encouraged to meet people working in the same field. They had about 75 kids in the home. I took notes on what aspects of the home I liked and which aspects I didn't think were ideal. Friday, we visited Mully Children's Family (MCF) about 100 km from Nairobi. MCF is one of the best children's homes in Kenya and very sustainable. They have 150 acres of land, most of which is used for farming for income. There were over 600 boarding, but in their seven projects around the country they have over 2,000 kids currently in the programs. MCF was very developed as an organization. They had a primary and secondary school, vocational training centre for carpentry and metal work and they had a health clinic open to the community. They also export french beans to Europe. Elijah and I were very inspired by the project and Dr. Mully's story, a man who give up his riches for orphans. Their website is mullychildrensfamily.org. Dr. Mully also wrote a book called "Father to the Fatherless." The one thing I really appreciated about Exodus after visiting Uganda Martyrs and Mully's is that at Exodus we feel like a family more than an institution. Our two rented flats feel like a home, rather than bunks lined up in a large room. I worry about larger childrens homes, that the kids there might lose their sense of belonging and worth as a loved and special individual. The kids at Exodus are absolutely amazing and very positive, which I believe is due to the atmosphere of the home. Because we have fewer kids, we are able to keep a closer watch on each child and give each child attention.

Today I spent the day at Exodus, with the older kids. Every time I am there I am so impressed with them and I grow closer to them. I can say from the bottom of my heart that I love everyone at Exodus and I will continue to stand for our projects. One thing that Elijah and I are focusing on now is looking for land. As I said, we are renting two flats, which hinders us from growing as an organization and from becoming sustainable. Currently we have been offered 10 acres of land, not far from Machakos, for about $13,000. This land is prime and could have piped water and electricity. It is also near a fairly competitive school. The land is very arable and would be a great location for Exodus. With ten acres of land, we'd like build a home that can accommodate up to 50 kids. We'd like to have two fish ponds (raising Tilapia), which we recently researched as a practical and easy source of income. We'd like to raise poultry and keep a few cows for milk, which we can consume, as well as sell for income. On the land, we'd also like to have a health clinic and youth training centre so that we can reach out to the community. Obviously, these are long term plans, but they are not impossible by any means. In fact, I believe that Exodus could be self-sustaining with income from farming and training seminars. Land is essential for sustainable development. Rent costs are just being thrown away, rather than investing in property, which has an increasing value. I don't know how we will come up with the money, and we are negotiating with the seller this week, but I ask that you please pray for us. If you can help in any way, please let me know. USD $13,000 is extremely cheap for 10 acres of arable land and the seller is actually doing us a favor because we are a nonprofit organization. Normally one acre could be around $5000.

A second prayer that I ask from you is for staff members. We recently had two leave Exodus, and we will need someone to manage Exodus from September through December, as Elijah will be in Canada and I'll be home.

Be blessed and remember the orphans who are more vulnerable than I can express in words.