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NEWSLETTER 29May 2015

KAKUMA REFUGEE PROJECT

Fleeing violence and war is sad reality for an increasing number of our brothers and sisters and their families. We can scarce imagine the hardships faced as they uproot their lives and escape with little more than the clothes on their backs. The journey is fraught with danger and uncertainly. Many refugees from Central and East Africa end up in the Kakuma Refugee camp in northern Kenya. This camp is home to over 180,000 refugees from Somalia, Sudan & the Congo. Most refugees will never leave the camp as immigration to Western countries or other African nations is becoming increasing difficult. In many ways, the situation in the camp is incredibly hopeless. However, in one small corner of the camp, hope is very much alive.

The story began in 2011 with the arrival of a Christadelphian family fleeing their home in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country ravaged by civil war. They were Bro John & Sis Riziki and their family. (continued next page)

Top: Kakuma Ecclesia Bottom: Ecclesial members doing the tailoring project

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Upon hearing of their arrival, Bro. Innocent, originally from the DR Congo himself and living in Kenya, visited them and held a Memorial Service in their tent with their 7 children. They decided to launch a preaching campaign, which, by God’s grace, received a very positive response. The Kakuma Camp ecclesia was born. The initial preaching efforts resulted in 12 baptisms. Today, there are 18 brothers and sisters and a large number of contacts learning the Truth. Just recently, a Christadelphian family residing in a Tanzanian refugee camp was transferred to the Kakuma Camp further bolstering the ecclesia.

The CBM is active in supporting local brothers to visit the camp and provide spiritual support. They have also built a

simple hall in the camp where they can meet for memorial meetings.

As part of its Refugee program, Agape in Action started a tailoring project with this group of brothers and sisters. This project consisted of a partial loan and partial grant to support the start up a tailoring business. This business provides a modest income for our brothers and sisters and engages them in an activity that they collectively work on. Microloans have proved to be a very good way to help our brothers and sisters in refugee camps. Once the loan is paid back, the profits are shared with the ecclesial members. It certainly doesn’t alleviate all their hardships, but it is making a real difference. A similar Agape in Action project in a Mozambique

refugee camp has remained very profitable after several years of operation.

Please pray for this effort and especially for the plight of our refugee brethren and sisters in Kenya and around the world.

Above: Kakuma ecclesial hall

IMPORTANT! ADDRESS CHANGES Agape in Action has 2 changes of addresses:

USA Agape in Action - US PO Box 146 Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

This is the address for sending checks. (Letters to sponsored children should continue to go to the Canadian address). AUSTRALIA 16 Pinnaroo Close Belmont North, NSW 2280 Australia

This is the address for sending cheques and letters to sponsored children.

A NOTE FOR CHILD SPONSORS Over the last several weeks we have been sending out new photos to all of our sponsors of the child(ren) that they sponsor.

We have been having a lot of difficulty over the last year with emails being caught in spam/junk mail boxes.

If you haven’t received a photo of your sponsored child(ren), please contact us! (info@agapeinaction.com)

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FIELDWORKER IMPRESSIONS: Sis. Abi McGeorge Thursday was a big day. I didn’t know exactly what I was going to be doing, but I knew that I was going to be doing something with the Widows Program. I knew I would be driving people around, doing a talk, having lunch and giving out food….but as always it was so much more than I expected!

We left the Agape in Action Academy at 1pm with 4 Kimbilio girls, Annette and myself. We drove to the local town supermarket where the two sisters in charge of the widows program were waiting with the food we were to give to the widows. Once we had all piled into the car (with 5 x 50kg sugar bags, 4 x 20kg flour bags and multiple others bags and buckets) we drove the 20 minutes to the Widow’s house where the class was going to be held today.

Whilst we were busy putting together the food bags, the widows were busily

making a delicious lunch in one of the huts. After the food bags were complete and when the rest of the widows arrived we moved inside Sis Bridget’s house. The mud hut was tiny, however we all managed to fit, all 30 of us. Inside could only really be compared to a sauna! I had rivulets of sweat running down my back and legs and the other ladies didn’t look much better. After singing a few hymns and saying a prayer I started my talk on forgiveness with Annette as my translator. It went for about 20 minutes despite the fact it was meant to be 30 minutes. I cut it a bit short due to heat concerns!

After the talk Annette decided it would be good to prolong the sauna-like experience and asked everyone to introduce themselves. Some 20 minutes later we were done and I was no longer thinking about my sweat drenched back and sweat patches, I was so

overwhelmed with happiness and awe that I was very close to tears. Each of the widows had taken the time to introduce themselves, thank me for the talk, tell me a point that meant something to them, thank ‘Mother’ Annette, thank Agape in Action (AinA) and finally tell me how AinA and Annette had changed their lives. Their happiness and gratefulness was so touching and really emotional.

They told stories of how they had no clothes, food, water, toilets or even beds. They told how they had been so sick that they couldn’t leave the house. Of how old and tired and alone they felt. Of how they dressed in rags and slept naked without any blankets to save their clothes. Of how they had no friends or family. (continued next page)

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They then told me how their life had changed by their generous sponsors. Most of them were proudly wearing their fancy colourful suit (the clothes that AinA gives them once a year) and said that it was so nice to wear ‘Madam’ clothes and not be looked down on for wearing rags. They said they felt so young and happy and didn’t even feel like a widow. They said people who had known them before didn’t even recognize them. They felt so happy and felt that there was a point to living. They were totally full of joy and happiness and I felt so lucky to hear their stories and be a part of this day.

After all this sharing it was lunchtime. Plates full of ugali, meat stew, green veggies and potatoes were put on the table. As the ‘honoured guest’, I was given a spoon and a fizzy drink.

After lunch Bridget showed me the new pit toilet that is in the process of being built by AinA, she was very excited and thankful and posed for a few hilarious photos!

Once lunch was digested it was of course time to be singing and dancing with joy, which I was forced to join. I was somewhat embarrassed but secretly loving it. While the joy and thankful dance was continuing, Annette and I gave them a bag of food each which was received with a yodelling type noise and much happiness.

After the food had been distributed it was teatime and then it was time to leave. Annette sent the Kimbilio girls off to walk home and we loaded 6 very happy widows who lived further away into the car. Once loaded with more people and their food packages I started the terrifying drive. It was much scarier than coming down, even Annette was gasping away in the front seat, but the widows were merrily chatting in the back, thankful that they didn’t have to walk. We survived the drive without damaging or rolling the car, much to my thankfulness, and dropped the widows off and came back home around 6pm.

All in all it was a fabulous day filled with happiness, joy, thankfulness, laughter and praise to God. What more could I ask for?

Sis. Abi McGeorge

Above: Sis Bridget and her new toilet Bottom: Some of the widows being supported

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GIFTS OF HOPE

Nutrition drink Materials for teachers (continued next page)

Mosquito nets Shoes for widows

Goats Mattresses

Thanks to all who donated and continue to donate through our 2014-2015 Gifts of Hope program (www.agapeinaction.com/gifts_of_hope.html).

On a recent team trip to Kenya we were able to distribute many of the items that were purchased including goats, school supplies for teachers, playground equipment, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, clothing etc…

These gifts really make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters and in the Agape in Action projects. Please enjoy the pictures:

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More school materials for teachers Playground equipment

More goats Hygiene kits

FOR DONORS IN THE USA1) We are now receiving stock and bond donations.

2) Now when you shop Amazon, you can give to Agape in Action - at no cost to you!

We have continued to be humbled by the generosity of our donors over the years. Many give regularly to support the work of Agape in Action, and it is greatly appreciated. Now you can also make a difference when you shop as you normally would at Amazon.com through its smile.amazon.com program.

At AmazonSmile, every time you shop you can direct Amazon.com to donate .5 percent of your purchase price on eligible goods to your charity of choice. It's a simple process:

1. Sign up by clicking here http://www.smile.amazon.com/ to go to AmazonSmile.

2. Sign into AmazonSmile with the same username and password you use for Amazon.com

3. Type in "Agape in Action - US" when asked to pick a charity.

It's just that simple. The .5 percent donation will be made at no cost to you every single time you shop for eligible goods (which is most products), and you'll find the same products and prices on AmazonSmile as on Amazon.com.

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RETURN TO KENYAWe are thrilled that Sis. Tabby Ryan has decided to return to Kenya and support the work of Agape in Action! Tabby’s commitment to heartfelt service is an inspiration. Here’s the latest from her blog.

The streets are busy and clean. Workers are sweeping, hosing and smiling, nicely dressed people are opening up their shops, coffee in one hand, keys in the other.

I smile and a passing man catches my eye and says good morning.

It's safe, it's friendly it's wealthy.

I go to the public bathroom; it is warm and clean, toilet paper in every cubicle, running water, no cost.

My phone lights up in my hand- there is free unlimited wifi the whole length of the mall.

At intervals along the paved walkway there are drinking fountains with purified water, free, as much as you like.

A lady is offering free food samples to promote a product. Free food. Most people don't take it because they aren't hungry; they have food in their bags and money in their wallets anyway.

There is no fear, there is no danger - this is a safe place.

Where are the street children, grabbing at my skirt begging for a shilling? The youths rummaging through the dumpsters sucking on rotten tomatoes, the slimy mould dripping down their dirty hands? The old ladies dressed in tattered clothes sitting on the dirt?

Why is there no need to hide my wallet, keep my eyes down and walk fast?

It’s because this is Rundle Mall in Adelaide not Kenyatta street in Kitale.

I have arranged to catch up with a friend in town and I am supposed to be working from my laptop while I wait, but instead I find myself drifting into a bookshop and flicking through the travel guides to Kenya. I finally drag out my computer but instead of doing my work I find myself browsing through my photos, writing articles for newsletters and Googling Swahili phrases.

My jobs in Australia are well paid and relatively easy, I am welcomed back with open arms. I have all I could need or want...however it doesn't feel right.

I think of my students in Kenya, their cute farewell letters, littered with phrases such as 'don't forget us' and 'please return', I think of the projects and programs I was involved in and I think of the friends and brothers and sisters I have left...

A few months later, instead of talking and thinking about Kenya I am now on the plane heading back. Five months will make up my itinerary this time. Looking forward to getting stuck back into it all. Sis. Tabby Ryan

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It is 28 km from Kibwezi town to the children’s home where we are. The home has 30 children – 15 girls and 15 boys. We have 2 matrons working as volunteers who are members of the Christadelphians. We have Bible study every day in the afternoon and Bible class in the evening from Monday to Friday and on Saturday and Sunday we have Sunday school lessons. On 26 August last year, 2014, we had a team of brothers and sisters of Agape in Action who visited the children’s home. The children were so delighted to see the team. After they arrived we had some entertainment, such as poems and songs. After the entertainment we had the nutrition program and there were some Sunday school lessons for junior and senior students. We had many people as well as children from different ecclesias in our area. The children enjoyed so much the lessons and also the nutrition porridge prepared by some of the sisters of Agape and our two matrons of our ecclesia. The team did a good work, with great love. You could see someone who has never been used to cook using firewood sitting in a

kitchen for almost one hour preparing porridge, using firewood until it becomes ready. I really had sympathy with them some of them tears could come out because of the smoke. They showed good example of compassion as the Lord did so on many occasions. Some of them were also doing Bible study with the brothers and sisters and some friends from the area. Time went on and they had to leave while everyone wished there could be more time, but some promised to come again God willing. So they left after being so busy the whole day.

The next day early in the morning some of the little children had so many questions about the team that visited us. ‘Why do they have different colour and hair and do not resemble us?’

‘They loved as we got near to them’,

‘Our God has blessed us to see mzungu preparing porridge which tasted so nice.’ (mzungu in kiswahili means white people).

‘They have good clothes than us’.

Although the little children were shy they had a good day with the team.

So we do take this opportunity to thank dear brothers and sisters of Agape in Action for the starting of the nutrition drink program for 30 children. Surely this is a big relief to us. THANKS

Sincerely, brother by Grace, Moses Kassim

VISIT FROM AGAPE IN ACTION

Above: The Matendo children home, located in an incredibly hot, dry and poverty stricken area of Kenya

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AGAPE IN ACTION 39 Manor Park Cres. Guelph, ON N1G 1A2 Canada +612 4973 4719 (Australia) info@agapeinaction.com !

AGAPE IN ACTION-AUS For Australian Donations: 16 Pinnaroo Close Belmont North, NSW 2280 Australia

AGAPE IN ACTION-US For US Donations: PO Box 146 Three Rivers, CA 93271 USA

www.agapeinaction.com

A BEHIND-THE-SCENES HEROWhen Agape in Action began in 2007, James and I had no idea that God would bless the efforts the way He did. We rapidly learned how willing brothers and sisters were to help our family in Christ that were in need. With quick growth came the need to formalize the organization.

At that stage we still had little idea how things would continue to grow and expand, so we approached a few from our ecclesia at the time, in Shelburne, to see if they would stand as board members.

The first person we approached was Bro. Rick Sales. I grew up knowing Uncle Rick, a person who was always willing to lend a hand to help people. He was someone who always greeted you with a smile and genuinely cared about everyone. We knew that with his skills, he could help us with the financial side of things and with the legalities of registration and filing tax returns etc. And so, Uncle Rick became our treasurer. He already had a lot on the go, but took on the job willingly and never let us down. He was a HUGE support through all of the ups and downs of AinA and an unceasing advocate of Agape in Action. Although he was never able to visit the field, he had a keen interest in everything going on and deeply cared for his brothers and sisters living in far away lands. It was a comfort to know that he was there and so invested in the work being done. Over the last few years, we were in contact regularly via email a few times a week as we coordinated the ‘business’ of Agape in Action.

It was with great sadness that we heard that Uncle Rick was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Then last week he fell asleep in the Lord.

Being so far away from Shelburne now and living in Australia I felt so grateful to be able to talk to him a few weeks ago. It was so good just to hear his voice. True to his selfless style, he made small talk and wanted to know how WE were all doing.

He also went out of his way to reassure me that he was getting a special hospital bed into the house so he could continue to work and make sure that the taxes for AinA would be filed for last year. He was dedicated to spending his last days making sure he didn’t leave others with anything undone. I was so humbled by his selfless example.

He will be greatly missed by many. What a wonderful day it will be when he has an opportunity to meet those who have benefited from his labour of love. Before his passing, Uncle Rick request that instead of flowers, people may like to donate to the Agape in Action Widow’s Program.

We would also like to fundraise for a well that will be dedicated to the amazing work he did to support Agape in Action. This well will be put in at an ecclesial hall and provide clean water to an ecclesia and their surrounding community. It will be Rick’s Well.

Praying for the Sales family at this time and that Uncle Rick’s sleep will be short.

Sis. Deb Flint

Rick doing AinA taxes with his son Chris