A Celebration at Kamirithu

Last week I joined Duncan and Robert in attending the graduation ceremony for the first group of clients at the Kamirithu CARE for AIDS center.  While it turned into a much longer day than I expected (most Kenyan events do), it was an extremely encouraging and joyful celebration, and I was so thankful that I could be a part of it!  For a couple of hours before the program began, about 10 of the clients crammed into the church's small kitchen to cook lunch for everyone...their singing and laughing set a beautiful tone for the rest of the day.  Then, the official program opened with a time of praise and worship followed by a message from the pastor at Kamirithu Assemblies of God, Bishop Simon.  Simon spoke from Ezra about the future that God has prepared for each of the clients, and thanked the Lord for the progress that he has seen within them over the past nine months.

After that, eight of the clients took turns giving testimonies of how their lives have changed during their time with CFA.  Josiah, pictured below, talked about how he was living in secret, ashamed to interact with other people and resigned to the death that he felt was imminent.  One day Bishop Simon met him and told him that there was a long life in front of him, that he had potential, and that God could still use him in meaningful ways.  Now Josiah is strong and healthy, greeting everyone with a smile!  He came to the ceremony with his wife and their newborn baby, testifying to everyone how, last year at this time, he would never have thought that he could see the birth of his daughter.  Now he is the proud parent of a beautiful, HIV-negative baby girl and is looking forward to many years spent raising her to know and love Christ.  During his speech Josiah exclaimed, "I wish somebody had taken a video when we were starting as a group - we were very weak and confused, but now we have changed!"

I'll post more of the client stories in the coming weeks, but for now it is enough to praise God for the transformation that we can see in the entire group.  80 people who at first were alone, barely speaking to each other and keeping to themselves, are now surrounded by close friends and people who they can share with, identify with, and go through the challenges of life together with. 

After the client testimonies, the chosen spokesperson for the group, Michael Maura, got up to officially thank everyone from the church and CFA for all that they did to help the group.  Michael thanked Simon, Paul, Eunice, Duncan, Robert, and I - each one with a rousing speech and a strong round of applause and shouts!  Next, Paul spoke a final word of encouragement to the clients - challenging them to continue putting into practice the things they have learned and pursuing a deeper knowledge of the Word, ongoing connection with a church, and a growing personal ministry.  We helped to give out Bibles to several clients who needed them, and then Eunice and Robert served the meal to everyone in attendance - the "swallowship" part of Kenyan celebrations!  They also provided each client with a "going away" bag full of food and helpful supplies for the clients and their families.

We are so thankful for all that God has done in this group of clients!  Please join us in praising Him for His power and faithfulness.  At the same time, we are already looking forward to the next round of people living with HIV/AIDS who need help in the Kamirithu area.  Even though Paul and Eunice are given this month without clients, they have already begun recruiting friends and relatives of the current clients for the next group.  Some of these new people attended the graduation ceremony, and there is an ongoing list of over 30 potential clients already!  Please pray that Paul and Eunice would be able to relax and recharge over the next month, and then that they would have strength, direction, and success as they continue the recruitment process for the second group after the end of the month.