Kenya Girls' Rescue Center
Not only are young pre-teen tribal girls routinely "sold" into polygamous marriages with older men, but also female genital mutilation issues are rampant in many Kenyan towns. After learning about this "accepted curse," the leaders of the Kenya project decided that this issue could not go unanswered. Therefore, a "rescue center" is being set up to provide a place of hope and refuge for hundreds of Kenya's girls. Only an hours drive outside of the bustling center of Nairobi, the Oloolotikosh Girls' Rescue Center will become self-suficient in food production as well as instilling useful farm skills for the girls of the Rescue Center. The goal of the initiative is to produce a self-sustaining facility with minimal external funding.
Thirty-one people from Christ Community spent two weeks in July 2009 ministering to the people in the Kajiado District in Kenya where the Girls’ Rescue Center is located. The Rescue Center project is based on Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” Through construction, women’s ministry, and athletics, this team saw that “hope and a future” begin to become a reality as walls were built, roofs laid, fences erected, bed frames painted, and beautiful flowers and fruit trees planted. Hope was also given to local young men who became employed because of the project; the area has a 60% unemployment rate.
The women’s team shared God’s truth to hundreds of women and children. Their hearts were also ministered to as they worked alongside women learning local recipes and trade skills.
Our athletics team brought track and field to 120 students in Kajiado. Many of these students were involved in the 2008 volleyball sports camp, so we were able to share God’s love and truth quicker and easier because that relationship and trust had already been established. The team also delivered needed food to two drought-stricken communities. Hearts were touched and lives were changed for God’s glory. Government support of the Rescue Center continued, and by December 2009, the first 10 girls will be living on the property!
For more information about the Kenya Girls' Rescue Center project, or to get involved, contact Mark at markh@cccgreeley.org or Robb Casseday at Robb@Casseday.net.