Project 82 Kenya

Statement on the Molo House Fire

To our dear friends, partners,donors and sponsors.

Around 9:00 pm last night Kenyan time, our boys home in Molo was lost to fire. Angels protected your children as all 16 of our boys and our staff escaped safely.

We thank God that everyone was safe and the fire did not spread to other buildings on the property.

We would also like to thank the Kenya Red Cross, our partner church, the AIC Church of Molo and the greater Molo community who have all  stepped in to offer support.

You, our partners in this ministry, have been so incredibly generous and supportive of the work God is doing in Kenya. Many have asked, how they can help. You can visit our website and make a small donation to replace the boys clothing, personal items and school supplies.

Most important, please pray for healing from this traumatic experience for our children and staff.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

June Mail Call

It’s time to write your sponsored child! We will take mail to the children during the June trip. All letters and gifts must fit in a manilla envelope and must be turned in by June 1st. THANK YOU!

Making a Difference in the life of the child you sponsor:

As a Project 82 Kenya child sponsor, your support helps to ease the financial burden for guardians so that they can focus on making the child feel like a welcome addition to the family rather than an unwanted burden.  For a child who has lost their parent(s) prematurely, and often tragically, the environment in the home he or she will transition can greatly influence what his or her future looks like.

Your relationship as a child’s sponsor can greatly influence their future, as you have opportunities to encourage your sponsored child and to play a role in his or her social development.  You can help your sponsored child develop a sense of confidence and self worth through the love and encouragement you express through writing him or her a letter. The children enjoy hearing from their sponsors. They will often ask team members for news about their own sponsors and they love reading your letters!

There are many ways for you to connect with and encourage your sponsored child as you join a community of family, pastors, teachers and friends all coming together to make evident God’s perfect love for that child.  You may choose to travel to Kenya with Project 82 on a short-term mission trip and meet your child face to face.  Imagine that child’s excitement when a sponsor travels all the way to Kenya to meet him or her.

We deliver letters to the children twice each year, during the June and October trips.  We encourage you to write your child.  This will help you develop a relationship with your sponsored child and let your child know that you really are interested in how he or she is doing.

Tips for Corresponding with your Sponsored Child:

  1. Keep it simple and clear so that your child won’t have a problem understanding what you are trying to communicate.
  2. Write in print, not cursive.
  3. Be sensitive to your child’s culture.  Avoid mentioning material things or money that might make your child feel inadequate.
  4. Tell about yourself.  Share about your family, activities, church, interests, etc.
  5. Describe the geographical area of where your live, i.e., culture, weather, etc.
  6. Explain American holidays or traditions that your child may be unfamiliar with.
  7. Ask questions about your child’s friends, interests, activities.  You may be surprised to find all you have in common.
  8. Talk to your child about your relationship with Jesus.  Send Bible verses that encourage you.
  9. Encourage your child in school, spiritual development and in whatever they are currently pursuing.  Let them know you are praying for them in all things.
  10. Let your child know they are loved, and that you are praying for them.  Give them lots of encouragement.

May I send something to my child?
Yes, you may include small items with your letters, such as pictures, stickers, bookmarks, pens, pencils, erasers, small notebooks, small toys, etc. Any candy given will be shared among all the children.

If sending gift items, please ensure that everything will fit into a manila size envelope.  Do not send money.

Will I get a letter back from my child?
You will receive a letter from your sponsored child in return.  The Kenya staff assist the younger children who do not read and write yet in letter writing and translating.

When are letters due? How do I send them?
Letters are due on or before June 1st for the June trip, and September 21st for the October trip. Please check social media, and read the eBlasts for reminders and more communications about exact dates for each trip.

Items may be:

  • written online using the form below (feel free to attach pictures!)
  • mailed to Project 82 Kenya, P O Box 680003, Marietta GA  30068
  • emailed to pammclerran@project2kenya.com
  • or dropped off at the P82 office located on the Mt. Bethel UMC campus.  There will be a drop box outside the office starting about a month before letters are due.

 

If you have questions about what to write or send or need additional information, please contact Pam McLerran at 770-977-7114 or email her at pammclerran@project82kenya.com

Other Ways to Connect with Your Sponsored Child:

Prayer!  

Pray for your child as you are led.  They face many of the same things our young people face in America such as peer pressure, stress over testing, and families issues. Pray for them to know Jesus Christ. Pray for school and career opportunities as they grow. Pray for their families to be filled with peace, love, and strength.

Project 82 will try to communicate via social media to let you know about needs of prayers, such as when they are testing for exams and other important things in their life.

 

Video Chat

Your can schedule a skype call with your sponsored child.  This will always occur on a Saturday and will need to be scheduled through the office and coordinated with the staff in Kenya.

 

 

August Bible Study with CITAM

At Project 82, we believe that God has a plan and a purpose for each person in our community. Several times a year, we offer Bible studies for the children and guardians in the community. This August, Christ Is The Answer Ministries in Nakuru joined us to host a Bible School. Everbest Academy extended us a warm welcome and allowed us use of their classrooms. There were six classes divided by age of children and young adults. The next Bible Study will be in early December during school holidays. There will be a four day VBS leading up to the Christmas in Kenya celebrations.

Revelation 3:8
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.”

Behold An Open Door

“The lesson centered on “An Open Door” that God has opened for those who will come in and receive what God has in store for them. The young adults who came had the opportunity to get enlightened on valuable lessons and had an amazing time in the presence of God and pastor Winnie and counsellor Irene. Yesterday’s VBS lesson sparked a reawakening among our adults. Their lives will never be the same again, as God has opened new doors in their lives. We thank God for open new doors and it is our prayer that more doors will be opened!” -Mary, Community Director

Happy Birthday Dorcas!

Dorcas, one of the guardians in the Molo Community, turned 89 recently. Our community and staff in Molo joined hands to celebrate Dorcas 89th Birthday. She is the guardian to two of our young men, Harrison and Joseph, who are exemplary young adults. Dorcas has brought them up to be young men that people can look up to. The boys scored very well on their exams and live at Njoro Boarding school during the school year. They come home to Dorcas to celebrate the holidays.

 

Despite her age and her health, Dorcas never misses any of our guardian’s meetings. She uses the platform to inspire and empower the young women in the empowerment  program on how to weave baskets. One thing that everyone loves about her, it is her alluring smile that always charms the heart of everyone. Anita, Executive Director, said, “She has the very best laugh and Dorcas is always laughing!” Mary, Community director at Molo, said “We are glad of the influence she is having in our lives, and our prayer that she will continue to be an epitome of kindness and hope to many other people.”

We wish you the Happiest Birthday, Dorcas! You are truly a lovely and loved mother. Thank you for your hard work in loving our community well and being the hands and feet to the children who live there.

2017 Golf Tournament Gallery

What a gorgeous day of golf!

The skies were rainy and overcast for the early morning start, and there was a little concern about lightening. But after a rain delay, a yummy breakfast, and some chatting, the weather cleared up beautifully by 11 am for sunshine, a blue sky, and perfect temps.

We appreciate all the golfers who came despite the less-than-promising weather, the bidders on our silent auction, and all the donors, the sponsors and the supporters who so generously gave. So many lives will be impacted by you- from tiny babies who need medical care and a place to call home, Kenyan adoptive parents who will find their children, the caregivers and staff who have a livelihood caring for these babies, and all who are witness to the testimony of God’s goodness through this ministry. We are so bless you are part of the P82 Community.

Mail Call FAQ

Making a Difference in the life of the child you sponsor:

As a Project 82 Kenya child sponsor, your support helps to ease the financial burden for guardians so that they can focus on making the child feel like a welcome addition to the family rather than an unwanted burden.  For a child who has lost their parent(s) prematurely, and often tragically, the environment in the home he or she will transition can greatly influence what his or her future looks like.

Your relationship as a child’s sponsor can greatly influence their future, as you have opportunities to encourage your sponsored child and to play a role in his or her social development.  You can help your sponsored child develop a sense of confidence and self worth through the love and encouragement you express through writing him or her a letter. The children enjoy hearing from their sponsors. They will often ask team members for news about their own sponsors and they love reading your letters!

There are many ways for you to connect with and encourage your sponsored child as you join a community of family, pastors, teachers and friends all coming together to make evident God’s perfect love for that child.  You may choose to travel to Kenya with Project 82 on a short-term mission trip and meet your child face to face.  Imagine that child’s excitement when a sponsor travels all the way to Kenya to meet him or her.

We deliver letters to the children twice each year, during the June and October trips.  We encourage you to write your child.  This will help you develop a relationship with your sponsored child and let your child know that you really are interested in how he or she is doing.

Tips for Corresponding with your Sponsored Child:

  1. Keep it simple and clear so that your child won’t have a problem understanding what you are trying to communicate.
  2. Write in print, not cursive.
  3. Be sensitive to your child’s culture.  Avoid mentioning material things or money that might make your child feel inadequate.
  4. Tell about yourself.  Share about your family, activities, church, interests, etc.
  5. Describe the geographical area of where your live, i.e., culture, weather, etc.
  6. Explain American holidays or traditions that your child may be unfamiliar with.
  7. Ask questions about your child’s friends, interests, activities.  You may be surprised to find all you have in common.
  8. Talk to your child about your relationship with Jesus.  Send Bible verses that encourage you.
  9. Encourage your child in school, spiritual development and in whatever they are currently pursuing.  Let them know you are praying for them in all things.
  10. Let your child know they are loved, and that you are praying for them.  Give them lots of encouragement.

May I send something to my child?
Yes, you may include small items with your letters, such as pictures, stickers, bookmarks, pens, pencils, erasers, small notebooks, small toys, etc. Any candy given will be shared among all the children.

If sending gift items, please ensure that everything will fit into a manila size envelope.  Do not send money.

Will I get a letter back from my child?
You will receive a letter from your sponsored child in return.  The Kenya staff assist the younger children who do not read and write yet in letter writing and translating.

When are letters due? How do I send them?
Letters are due on or before June 1st for the June trip, and September 21st for the October trip. Please check social media, and read the eBlasts for reminders and more communications about exact dates for each trip.

Items may be:

  • written online
  • mailed to Project 82 Kenya, P O Box 680003, Marietta GA  30068
  • emailed to pammclerran@project2kenya.com
  • or dropped off at the P82 office located on the Mt. Bethel UMC campus.  There will be a drop box outside the office starting about a month before letters are due.

 

If you have questions about what to write or send or need additional information, please contact Pam McLerran at 770-977-7114 or email her at pammclerran@project82kenya.com

Other Ways to Connect with Your Sponsored Child:

Prayer!  

Pray for your child as you are led.  They face many of the same things our young people face in America such as peer pressure, stress over testing, and families issues. Pray for them to know Jesus Christ. Pray for school and career opportunities as they grow. Pray for their families to be filled with peace, love, and strength.

Project 82 will try to communicate via social media to let you know about needs of prayers, such as when they are testing for exams and other important things in their life.

 

Video Chat

Your can schedule a skype call with your sponsored child.  This will always occur on a Saturday and will need to be scheduled through the office and coordinated with the staff in Kenya.

 

 

#ASHERxP82K

You may have seen Fab’rik promoting the Neema House and sponsoring the Neema House Babies. Because of their heart for orphans, Fab’rik have graciously and generously become a partner to Project 82 Kenya.

“Through a series of connections, we met with the leadership team of Fab’rik and the design staff of the ASHER line. They were already considering working in Kenya as many had been to Kenya on a mission trip.” says Executive Director Anita Colley. “My initial meeting was for the purpose of answering any questions they may have about how to start a ministry in Kenya, lessons we had learned, and what it really looks like on the ground. I knew they were interested in launching and ministry in Kenya and we all serve the same God. The conversations that day were spine tingling. I knew we were like minded Christians. We shared a desire to serve those in need, taking the lead from God, and being willing to say “yes” when God calls us out in service.”

Fab’rik is featuring some of our babies on hang tags on certain products in their fall ASHER line. The ASHER line is uniquely defined as bright, colorful, hand-painted, unique products. These same  words define each individual child we serve.

The Fab’rik team recently joined us on a mission trip to both communities in Kenya. The team has some special surprises planned for our communities.

In Molo, the Fab’rik team, through their Free Fab’rik program, brought beautiful clothes for the teens and young women of the community. Each girl was able to try on the clothing, working with a shopping buddy from Fab’rik to find the “perfect outfit” for her. During this time, the woman of Fab’rik team spoke truth into each young woman, telling her God’s truth and promises for her. Many of these girls had never had clothes with the tags still on, so this was a special surprise for them. Many of our young woman are at a time in their life when they need to hear that God loves her, she is a treasured daughter of the King, and that God has a plan and a purpose for her life. What an important thing to hear when the messages of the world are so different.

After picking their outfits, the girls put on a fun fashion show of their new outfits. The Fab’rik team showed them how to walk down a long runway, twirl and give a fun pose. Several of us thought the girls might be shy, but, boy, were we wrong! They had a wonderful time! And we enjoyed their sweet smiling faces and laughter. The guardians were each given a bracelet and a team member prayed over each sweet woman.

In Nanyuki, the caregivers were given a day off and some pampering while the team took care of the babies. So many sweet pictures of cuddly babies! The team also visited the land in Nanyuki to pray over it and seek God’s will for our new land. It’s only through God’s grace that Project 82 exists. Everything we do, we seek His Will and give Him all glory, honor, and praise.

Thank you Team Fab’rik for your heart for our kids! Thank you for all you are doing in their lives and to the glory of God!

 

 

 

Neema House News

Mark and Winnie have a forever family!

Winnie’s Family

On Friday, Winnie’s family came to pick her up and join Mark. Mark was adopted last month and they will be forever brother and sister. They were so excited to complete their family and have both Mark and Winnie with them now. Mark loves Mom and Dad and seems pretty attached to them after just 6 weeks in their care. It was awesome to see! We trust Winnie will be the same next time we get to see her.
David’s Family
David goes home to his adoptive parents this week as well. David’s Mom and Dad are also considering a second adoption. We are praying for God to provide clarity in that situation. We know that David will be loved and we hope a little brother or sister might soon join him!
We love to see children placed in loving forever families. Although Winnie and Mark and David are in their families now, we will always be grateful for being a tiny part of their story. They will stay with us in our hearts and we will see them often!

Kendi’s Goodbye Party

Kendi’s Family
Kendi also left the same day to join her siblings at a children’s home down the street from us. Kendi’s sisters went into care after Kendi was at the Neema House. It is definitely not our favorite outcome for any child, but this way they will still be together. They love her very much and her older sister was so overjoyed that instead of the typical visits where Kendi would go and then come back home to us, now she would be staying. We still hope and pray for a family solution for them.

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Psalm 82:3

Grace’s Heart

On any given Saturday Grace is surrounded by children. They love for her to come to the P82 Saturday program, giving back, working with students, teaching the little ones how to read, and encouraging those still in school. It’s not that much different from how she spends the rest of her days, either. Grace is […]

Stay connected

Member of ECFA GCN CAFO