KENYA – Day 2 – Friday August 18, 2023
Probably the visit to Mathare slum was the part of the trip each team member was looking forward to the least. But we unanimously agreed the following morning that it was the highlight of our day in Nairobi.
We were running behind schedule due to morning activities, and Andrew Onguka (our missionary host) said we needed to cut something out of our itinerary. As we were riding toward and through the slum on our mini-bus I have to admit I was thinking a drive through the slum would suffice – we could skip the actual visit. Just about that time the bus stopped and we started getting out. OK, steel myself, I can do this, it will be over before too long.
Andrew immediately introduced us to Kevin, a young Kenyan man, dressed in shirt and tie with a big smile. He would be our "tour guide" to his ministry "office" and beyond. As we walked down the street, little children flocked to him with enthusiastic grins and lots of energy. He lovingly reached out and touched their shoulders, stroked their hair, and affectionately greeted each one with genuine joy. My first thought was that it was like following in the footsteps of the Pied Piper. But then I realized it was more like following in the footsteps of Jesus.
As we approached the narrow metal staircase (think fire escape) leading up to the one-room office, I felt someone grab onto the fingers of my left hand. I looked down and saw an adorable little dark-skinned girl (about 3 years old) in a dark dress, with short cropped hair and a huge smile. She was going to be my personal tour guide! I couldn't help but smile back and be touched by her welcome.
At the office we met Sandy, an older woman who lives near Albany, New York. She had been Andrew's mentor when he was young and they hadn't seen each other in about 20 years, so of course there was a joyful reunion! Andrew later mentored Kevin, so we were witnessing 3 “generations” of God’s servants bringing a ministry of hope and light to the Mathare slum. It is a place of devastating poverty, drugs, gangs, crime, death and spiritual darkness. But glimmers of light and hope are being brought there, producing eternal fruit.
Sandy told us she had been back in Kenya for about 2 months and was thinking of moving here again. Kevin introduced us to his ministry, which includes a free library, an outreach to young dads, training to equip residents for a way out of the slum, medical advocacy, plus a free daycare center where little kids can be lovingly cared for. Prior to this, kids would be locked in their home to be kept “safe” while mom goes out to a poor-paying job. Unfortunately several children had died while being “safely” locked up as fire swept through multiple homes. So the daycare provides a marvelous option for many families.
Next we met about 8 very bright university students who had grown up in Mathare, but had been provided a way out through the ministry of OneLife Africa, led by Andrew and Stephanie Onguka – our hosts for 10 days. Each student told us their name, year in school, major and what they hoped to do with their lives. It was astounding to listen to them – a future teacher, accountant, child development leader, neurosurgeon, etc. The work of God in their lives was so clear!
Next we were paired up with a few of these students for a visit to their home. Peyton Keener and I followed Christine, who first introduced us to her Mom, who was set up in a small booth on the street with her sewing machine, located directly in front of their home. We then stepped through a narrow alley and entered Christine’s home. The overall impression was: tiny, ramshackle, needy, but clean and proud. Christine told us her family of 8 lived in this tiny place they call home and then filled us in on more of her career goals. She is majoring in Gender Development and hopes to start an institution to help boys and girls learn how to grow up into men and women who rise above the unhealthy role models they have been exposed to in Mathare and similar environments. Wow! Christine went on to tell us the various things that keep her motivated, and then her mom joined us. Christine broke down as she quietly said, “My mom is my strength.” It was a very sweet moment.
We then headed back to Kevin’s office and walked in on a conversation between Sandy and a young man, so we exited. Kevin took us to the room next door, which housed the small library of books donated by the Dolly Parton Foundation. Before long, Sandy emerged and took me aside to excitedly tell me, “A new ministry is being born.” It all started because one of the young men from the group Sandy provides a weekly community meal for saw her with us on the “balcony” outside the office. His idea is to start a food pantry for young dads who can bring food home to their families, and thereby attain a sense of dignity and be seen as a provider. She excitedly added: “And it’s all because you were here!” It was so very humbling and an overwhelming sense of privilege to be part of this remarkable day.
Peggy Huber
Calvary Church
Lancaster PA
Probably the visit to Mathare slum was the part of the trip each team member was looking forward to the least. But we unanimously agreed the following morning that it was the highlight of our day in Nairobi.
We were running behind schedule due to morning activities, and Andrew Onguka (our missionary host) said we needed to cut something out of our itinerary. As we were riding toward and through the slum on our mini-bus I have to admit I was thinking a drive through the slum would suffice – we could skip the actual visit. Just about that time the bus stopped and we started getting out. OK, steel myself, I can do this, it will be over before too long.
Andrew immediately introduced us to Kevin, a young Kenyan man, dressed in shirt and tie with a big smile. He would be our "tour guide" to his ministry "office" and beyond. As we walked down the street, little children flocked to him with enthusiastic grins and lots of energy. He lovingly reached out and touched their shoulders, stroked their hair, and affectionately greeted each one with genuine joy. My first thought was that it was like following in the footsteps of the Pied Piper. But then I realized it was more like following in the footsteps of Jesus.
As we approached the narrow metal staircase (think fire escape) leading up to the one-room office, I felt someone grab onto the fingers of my left hand. I looked down and saw an adorable little dark-skinned girl (about 3 years old) in a dark dress, with short cropped hair and a huge smile. She was going to be my personal tour guide! I couldn't help but smile back and be touched by her welcome.
At the office we met Sandy, an older woman who lives near Albany, New York. She had been Andrew's mentor when he was young and they hadn't seen each other in about 20 years, so of course there was a joyful reunion! Andrew later mentored Kevin, so we were witnessing 3 “generations” of God’s servants bringing a ministry of hope and light to the Mathare slum. It is a place of devastating poverty, drugs, gangs, crime, death and spiritual darkness. But glimmers of light and hope are being brought there, producing eternal fruit.
Sandy told us she had been back in Kenya for about 2 months and was thinking of moving here again. Kevin introduced us to his ministry, which includes a free library, an outreach to young dads, training to equip residents for a way out of the slum, medical advocacy, plus a free daycare center where little kids can be lovingly cared for. Prior to this, kids would be locked in their home to be kept “safe” while mom goes out to a poor-paying job. Unfortunately several children had died while being “safely” locked up as fire swept through multiple homes. So the daycare provides a marvelous option for many families.
Next we met about 8 very bright university students who had grown up in Mathare, but had been provided a way out through the ministry of OneLife Africa, led by Andrew and Stephanie Onguka – our hosts for 10 days. Each student told us their name, year in school, major and what they hoped to do with their lives. It was astounding to listen to them – a future teacher, accountant, child development leader, neurosurgeon, etc. The work of God in their lives was so clear!
Next we were paired up with a few of these students for a visit to their home. Peyton Keener and I followed Christine, who first introduced us to her Mom, who was set up in a small booth on the street with her sewing machine, located directly in front of their home. We then stepped through a narrow alley and entered Christine’s home. The overall impression was: tiny, ramshackle, needy, but clean and proud. Christine told us her family of 8 lived in this tiny place they call home and then filled us in on more of her career goals. She is majoring in Gender Development and hopes to start an institution to help boys and girls learn how to grow up into men and women who rise above the unhealthy role models they have been exposed to in Mathare and similar environments. Wow! Christine went on to tell us the various things that keep her motivated, and then her mom joined us. Christine broke down as she quietly said, “My mom is my strength.” It was a very sweet moment.
We then headed back to Kevin’s office and walked in on a conversation between Sandy and a young man, so we exited. Kevin took us to the room next door, which housed the small library of books donated by the Dolly Parton Foundation. Before long, Sandy emerged and took me aside to excitedly tell me, “A new ministry is being born.” It all started because one of the young men from the group Sandy provides a weekly community meal for saw her with us on the “balcony” outside the office. His idea is to start a food pantry for young dads who can bring food home to their families, and thereby attain a sense of dignity and be seen as a provider. She excitedly added: “And it’s all because you were here!” It was so very humbling and an overwhelming sense of privilege to be part of this remarkable day.
Peggy Huber
Calvary Church
Lancaster PA