Sanctuary of Hope

Just a year ago they were living in 8x8 structures that served as home. Some of them had a grandparent caring for them, others had a parent who was absent and left them to fend for themselves. They were filthy, hungry, uneducated. But little did they know that they had a group of people praying for them. And little did they know that hope was floating their way.

At the same time some of them were rummaging for food or seeking warmth two people were asking God to show them the 10 that needed it right now. When I think about picking ten out of the hundreds of kids that presented themselves daily I do not envy Pastor and Mama Karau. But they persisted in prayer and carefully choose those God shone a spotlight on.And one by one each was chosen and brought out of the world they had been born into. They were introduced to a different world, one which will offer them hope, one that offers a chance to get education and make a difference in someone else's life.

The day David left the slum of Mathare Valley and arrived at Sanctuary of Hope he was dirty, his stomach was bloated and his eyes were vacant. And he is under five years old. For a couple of years he had been finding food on his own and taking care of himself. His mother would sedate him with an alcohol of sorts when he was a baby and then leave him alone. David didn't know there was a different way. But then God shone a spotlight on him and he was rescued. Now he has a family that God put together. His eyes shine and he looks healthy. He is beginning to come out of the shell he has lived in since birth.

(David at his home in Mathare Valley Slum the day he left)

(David during playtime at SoH)

Sanctuary of Hope (SoH) is a ministry of Hope's Promise. Not only is the ministry committed to providing care for kids in Africa and Vietnam but they also assist with adoption here in the United States. Pastor and Mama Karau became involved with them and it became a natural connection for our church as well. We all share the same heart and vision for these kids.

On our second full day in Kenya we attended church in the morning and played with these 10 kids all afternoon. It was a precious time. When we pulled up to the house in our van they swarmed. All the kids do, they love visitors. They lined up and one by one recited their name, their gender, and a bible verse or something like that. We cried. To think of how far these kids have come in less than a year, to see what the hope of God does in the life of his kids.

They are energetic and well behaved. They love Mama and Papa and their other caregivers. To look at them today you would never know that they have already lived another kind of life. This is their second chance, this is the new life God promises for those who call on him.

There is another kind of orphanage in the area and it has about 500 kids. On a visit there with a couple of our team members Papa was asked if he thought he could do that. He said yes and upped the number to a thousand with a softened look in his eye.

(Mama and the kids playing with the parachute)

(Papa with the youngest, Ava)

(Mama hugging on David and John)

(Janet)

(Geoffrey)

(Big Stacey - she's the oldest of two Stacey's in the house!)

Pastor and Mama Karau with "their" kids.

10 kids who God drew out of Mathare Valley for the sake of his kingdom work!

They all live together in a large house along with a cook, a part time teacher, and a caregiver! It has become one big family. Each child is sponsored, much like the kids through Compassion International. The adjustments are still happening. The kids are still trying to understand this completely different way of life. When Janet is asked if she wants to go back to Mathare Valley she says no, she has started to understand the hope life offers.

Just recently the owner of the house decided to sell it. The thought of putting these kids through another move and the energy that it would require to move a household of 14 moved people to prayer, specifically those at Hope's Promise. In Kenya when you want to purchase a home you have to immediately put 10% down on the cost of the home and then the remainder is due in full 3-4 months later! The 10% had already been raised. So now the goal is to secure the remainder of the money so the house can legally belong to Sanctuary of Hope and Hope's Promise. The monies needed for this purchase is $100,000 (USA). Will you please pray with us? That is a large amount of money but our God is bigger than any amount due! If you are praying and the Lord prompts you to donate to this cause please contact Melissa Lemke at Hope's Promise by clicking here. We are trusting God to raise this money by the due date in March.

On our last day with the kids I watched them blowing bubbles and wearing these red ant hats Sara had made for them; I heard their laughter ringing throughout the courtyard and I couldn't help but praise God for his hope. His sanctuary of hope shines brightly in Kenya!