HIV Kenya El Doret Women’s Prison
Imagine going to bed every night on a hard, cold floor with just a thin mattress to lay your head. For these women, it is their reality.
Join us to provide 75 beds so they no longer have to sleep on the floor. One bunk bed is just $75.
Read MoreHe Intends Victory: Africa Report 2012 – part 1
On June 21, 2012, twenty-three brave souls set out on a flight from USA to Nairobi, Kenya via Istanbul, Turkey. The long trip was an introduction to the many hours spent as we wound our way from Nairobi to Entebbe, Uganda to serve the Lord in the He Intends Victory outreach. An example of our travel is this: we arrived in Nairobi at something like 4 in the morning, gathered 40+ suitcases and the travelers in a bus and a van, and wound our way to the city where we needed to get water, change money and, oh by the way, a suitcase full of medical supplies “fell out of the van and disappeared” and we had to go by the US embassy because one of the traveler’s passports had pages out of order and we were concerned that she wouldn’t be allowed into Uganda, or out of Kenya for that matter. After all that, we set out to Lake Baringo, the first place in two days where we would have a chance to sleep in a bed. It was a six hour drive and we arrived feeling totally exhausted. I tell you all this because it illustrates our adventures very well—covering lots of miles, little rest, and unknown delays and problems that always occur when traveling.
See the Africa 2012 Photo Gallery
In Lake Baringo, we organized all the toothbrushes, over-the-counter medical supplies, toys, flip flops, clothing, candy and hygiene products on big tables in a conference room and sorted it all for our distributions. Each packet contained a lovely prayer square, lovingly and prayerfully made by Alice and her team of merry workers. After that we had a little boat ride to see the beauty of Lake Baringo, then the next day we packed up, ready for our first outreach. We attended services at the Catholic Church in Marigat, Kenya, a small village populated by many Masai people. The picture at the right shows that we are greeted by the people with much fanfare, and dancing and singing are always a part of the process. We usually sing and dance for at least an hour before the distribution starts. This is their customary ritual with visitors. The second picture on the right show our group singing a song to them.
Then the outreach starts. We have several distribution/ministry centers at the outreach: the doctor and medical team with their supplies, an eyeglass distribution complete with eye chart (thanks to Stephanie Weaver) that Jayne and I operated, clothing, toys, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, blankets, goats and water barrels. I believe that Jayne and I had one of the most rewarding assignments. When someone who needed glasses kept trying on various types and all of a sudden got a big smile on their face, we knew they had found the right pair and it was a rewarding and exciting experience. After that, we packed up our 40+ suitcases and headed off to Eldoret, Kenya for our next set of outreaches. Eldoret is a busy, modern city with huge traffic jams. Our driver deserved a special medal of honor for navigating streets where you will rarely find a traffic signal.
One of our activities was a wonderful skit about God taking care of Elijah in the wilderness by having a raven feed him. Our silly raven got some laughs but the people really responded to the skit and it was a hit wherever we went. The physical drama seemed much more interesting to both adults and children than some boring speeches. (See “raven” at left). The distribution and medical/eyeglass stations then followed in the same pattern as the one at Marigat.
While at Eldoret, we were entertained by three of our support groups as well as by Terry’s Kids, children who are orphaned or vulnerable due one or both parents having HIV/AIDS. These children are available to be sponsored for their school fees (school isn’t free), clothes, living expenses, etc.). There are hundreds of children who need sponsors.
(Our meeting place in Eldoret was the same as last year when we were in a lightning and thunder storm in a building with a tin roof, yikes!)
One of the recipients of a goat was a woman who works in a progressive factory where management allows the workers to be open about their HIV status without recrimination. This is a major move forward in the fight against discrimination and stigma!
Then we packed up and went to the men’s’ and women’s’ prisons in Eldoret. We saw the women first. This was where last year we saw many women weep because they were hopeless. Their conditions are improving, in part thanks to the He Intends Victory Kenya team who visits them twice monthly and ministers to them. They sleep on concrete floors with no mattresses, and one of the members of our team generously raised money to buy them beds and mattresses, thanks be to God. We had unprecedented access to the prison where we had much more freedom than others to visit, take photos and interact with inmates. At left you see the inmates with their warden, our director, Bruce Sonnenberg, and our Kenya director, Martha Ambani. Martha is a tireless advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS. The women with HIV in the prison are subject to severe discrimination and Martha and her team are working to stop that. The inmates have their children stay with them in the prison, a very tough life.
Part 2: next week
Read MoreAIDS World Report: Episode 011
Join Bruce Sonnenberg as he shares his experience on the AIDS WORLD REPORT.
There is no cure but there is Hope.
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Read MoreAIDS World Report: Episode 010
Join Bruce Sonnenberg as he shares his experience on the AIDS WORLD REPORT.
He Intends Victory The Beginning – Part 2
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Read MoreInternational AIDS Conference 2012
I just returned from the International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C., and I’m more determined than ever to continue fighting the “good fight” against HIV/AIDS around the world and in the U.S.
I’ve just seen so much fruit borne from this ministry because of generous friends like you that I can’t help but be encouraged amidst what appear to be incredible odds!
Whether it’s goats being delivered in Jesus’ name in Africa, bringing critical supplies to children in Vietnam and Malaysia, or sharing the Good News in Washington D.C. your support of He Intends Victory is making a difference today and for eternity. And we’re also preparing for another life-changing mission trip to Belize in October!
I hope you too will be encouraged by this issue of Living Hope especially how you’re making an impact on our support groups in Washington D.C. providing compassion, support, and hope to so many who are desperate. Your faithful support means so much especially now when giving is typically lower than at other times of the year.
And I ask that you consider giving a special gift today on behalf of the children in Vietnam who are in desperate need both body and soul.
Thank you for partnering with He Intends Victory fighting the “good fight” for so many who cannot fight for themselves.
We praise God for you, and the hope you’re bringing to God’s people around the world and in the U.S.
Read MoreAIDS World Report: Episode 009
Join Bruce Sonnenberg as he shares his experience on the AIDS WORLD REPORT.
He Intends Victory The Beginning – Part 1
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Read MoreAIDS 2012 ‘Turning the Tide Together’
My initial impressions from attending the first International AIDS conference being held in the U.S. after sixteen years of visa restrictions on overseas visitors living with HIV was, in one word, overwhelming.
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Kathi Winter with her Bible |
The theme was “Turning the Tide Together” and there were over 23,766 attendees representing over 122 countries who attended symposiums, workshops, plenary sessions, Global Village activities, educational forums and the more than 200 exhibits spread through the Washington Mt. Vernon Convention Center for 5½ days.
There were at least ten sessions I wanted to attend at any given hour and was thrilled at the level of expertise presenting all the most updated information on prevention and treatment of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Read MoreNational Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day “I am my Brothers/Sister’s Keeper”
Did You Know That?
Blacks now account for nearly half of all new HIV/AIDS cases in the US. 64% of Women living with HIV/AIDS are Black?
This is something the Lord had put in my heart for some time now; to start a HIV/AIDS ministry in my own church. Not to long ago I joined in worship with this wonderful church, Holy Temple Church of Christ and my pastor, David Myrick have allowed me to have this ministry. I am excited about all the Lords as for me to do and the lives we will touch.
This is my first time doing a public HIV/AIDS Event…I believe this is God’s purpose for my life.
I know this is a work day for most, however maybe you can take your lunch break and come out and support me and this great cause.
Wilhelmina Olley
Director, Washinging DC
He Intends Victory
Terry’s Kids
To find out more on how to sponsor a Terry’s Kid, please visit http://terryskids.org or call 800-HIV-HOPE (448-4673).
These children are hurting. They need our help. They have no one else.
Because AIDS has spread throughout the entire world, we literally have thousands of children who could qualify for our program. But at this time we can only begin with a couple hundred children from five countries: Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Paraguay and Uganda. All of our children are AIDS orphans, that is a child 15 years old or younger who has lost one or both of their parents to AIDS. We do have a few who are older in our program but they are the primary caregivers of other AIDS orphans in their family as well.
Read MoreAIDS World Report: Episode 008
Join Bruce Sonnenberg and Dan Davis as they share the AIDS WORLD REPORT.
HIV/AIDS and seniors.
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