A Severe Injustice in Kenya
[Updates: As of 8 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, we have enough money promised to cover this need. If more money comes in we will hold it in our Kenya Fund for future needs, or refund it at the donor’s request.]
[As of 4:00 p.m. PDT, Wednesday afternoon, we have taken in almost $17,000. I’m blown away. Thank you. Only a few thousand to go!]
Due to an unfortunate error in judgment and a dishonest system of governance, our friends in Kenya are about to lose the Forkland School, which includes dormitories and education facilities for nearly 300 orphans, and the water enterprise that helps sustain the school, and gives water to the impoverished community around them.
Sadly, the man who sold them the property never had the title split for their parcel. He promised to do it, but before he did, he was stricken with cancer. He died a few days ago in the hospital, with an outstanding bill. His relatives used the property title to satisfy the hospital debt, so they could retrieve the body and bury their brother. Now, the hospital is demanding $40,000 from our friends to retrieve their deed, or they will auction the property in seven days. They have consulted a lawyer who said they have no recourse since the title was not in their name. They will get a clear title once the hospital debt is paid.
They are undone and at risk of losing everything invested in that property to care for these orphans. There are a lot of pirates in this story. Is it fair? No. Was it a huge mistake not to secure the title before developing the land? Yes. Has the family stolen the property with the hospital’s complicity? Yes, again. This makes my heart sick. It is the orphans who will pay for the mistakes others have made here. We just can’t lose all that we have built there.
We have been redirecting the Kenyan people to depend on Father for their provision and to no longer rely on Lifestream for support. This need, however, has taken them by surprise have not been able to find the resources to save this school, and once again are appealing for our help.
This one is difficult, since it is completely contrived through dishonesty and callousness by the people involved. Our people had demonstrated good faith, and the family has taken advantage of them. To lose this school is to lose the water enterprise and put 300 children out on the street. I don’t always like being reminded of my own words, but this quote from Just Love comes to mind:
Justice defends the powerless and calls out the injustice of the wealthy and powerful. While we can’t always change unfair systems that hurt people we love, we can use our generosity to make up for what injustice has cost others. In doing so, not only will our fullness grow, but God’s purpose in the earth will be fulfilled.
We need your help if we’re going to save the Forkland School. We need $40,000 by Friday to purchase the deed for Forkland School. I know we’ve come to you far too many times to save the school from a contaminated well, flooding that threatened the buildings, and now this. I’m so sorry, but they are desperate.
Here is their plea:
You helped drill a well in our compound in Bungoma, as our girls would travel 4 km to collect clean water. We are really humbled by the great love you and your friends have for our Kenyan family. You have helped us and trusted in North Pokot, the Rehabilitation Center, the water company, the grain enterprise, and the petrol station. Lastly, you repaired the Living Loved Care center and many other things, including the water bottling machine. We feel shame when we come to you again and again, but because what has happened to Forkland School is beyond our thinking.
We didn’t know that this could happen, but brothers and sisters and friends, we appeal to you again for the rescue of these children because it has become their homeland. We know that we have a mess, and could be accused of not being good stewards. I am in the Rehabilitation Center now, and we are joining with some children here in prayers for God intervention (pictured above). So we ask on behalf of this innocent family to help us to rescue this property for the benefit of the community and the children. May the Lord bless you so much to understand our challenge for this land.
I called a man this morning, who has shouldered the burden of the Kenyan people with me for nearly two decades. He said he would pick up half of the amount, hoping we could find the other half. If you have anything to help us here, please visit our Donation Page at Lifestream. Check the box for “Kenya Relief”. You can also Venmo contributions to “@LifestreamMinistries” or mail a check to Lifestream Ministries • 107 N. Reino Rd, PMB# 411 • Newbury Park, CA 91320-3710. Or, if you prefer, we can take your donation over the phone at (805) 990-8780.
As always, every dime you send will end up in Kenya. We do not take out any money for our administrative costs.
Thank you for your prayers and your generosity on their behalf.
With love,
Wayne
