Posts Tagged ‘Famine’
The recent famine in Kenya has taught a difficult lesson. Just like the stock market, Kenyans must DIVERSIFY so Fr. Riwa has decided to build fishponds. This way he will not be totally dependent on grains. Small fishponds have proved very successful in other parts of Africa, especially for raising tilapia. The process is inexpensive, very productive and the fish provide vitamins critical to a healthy diet.
The Adrian Dominican Sisters organized an Environmental Club at St. Clare and one of the duties of the club members will be the care of the fishponds. Here the Environmental Club is at Meru University learning the skills necessary to be good fish farmers.
Ever since Jim and Anita Sullivan of Dubuque, Iowa, heard of the work of Father Riwa and the Friends of Kenyan Orphans, they have been avid supporters. That was two years ago. However, now their 7 year old son, Joseph, is involved. Here is the story.
Anita was packing school lunches one day when Joseph remarked “I am tired of Peanut Butter.” Since the Sullivan’s had just received word of the Kenyan drought’s effects on the food supply for the girls at St Clare, Anita felt it necessary to share the situation with Joseph. About 20 minutes later he appeared with his piggy bank and its contents, $61.00. Handing the money to his mom, Joseph said “Those children need food more than I need to save up for a car or college or an iPod. Oh, and Peanut Butter is OK too.”
Over the past month we have informed you of the famine in Kenya and the critical situaiton at the Children’s Village. Several weeks ago we sent out an email asking for your help in feeding the children during this crisis. We are most grateful for your generous response. With the money donated Fr. Riwa is able to feed the children for the next six months.
While every penny donated made this possible we want to especially thank the following people for their very generous and significant donations: Diane and Dan Henry, the Catholic people of Bavaria (Germany), the Church of the Resurrection in (Dubuque, Iowa), Paul Lavins, Susan Montgomery, Jack Horrigan, William and Marjorie Dettlof, Sandra Hagenbarth, Tom and Carol Cracchiolo, Sharon Kress and Mary and Bob Leisure.
A month ago this had all the markings of a tragedy, but through your generosity you have transformed this situation into a miracle. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We are so very grateful to you. This was an international effort as wonderful people from all over the world responded with love and compassion. I am very confident the Lord will bless you for your kindness.
God love you.
Bud and Sue Ozar
ABOUT
In Meru, Kenya, thousands of orphans and abandoned children live in unspeakable conditions on the streets, the victims of gross poverty and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. THE FRIENDS OF KENYAN ORPHANS is a nonprofit organization formed to assist The Children’s Village in improving the lives of these children.
The Children’s Village is the inspiration of Fr. Francis Limo Riwa who in 1999 began to rescue orphaned and abandoned street children. Today the Children’s Village is home, family and school to more than 750 children, living on two campuses: the St. Clare Girls’ Centre and St. Francis Boys’ Home.
FRIENDS OF KENYAN ORPHANS is committed to rescuing, housing, feeding and educating these abandoned orphans. Learn how you can support this effort.