They have nothing, yet they still afford to give you a smile…....

Missionaries Blog

World Impact Ministries is a sponsor to many missionaries around the world. The commissioning of full-time, overseas CJI missionaries takes place on an annual basis. From Asia, Indonesia, to South America, Guatemala, these missionaries boldly follow Jesus’ instructions to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Some of these missionaries maintain a blog on this site. Click Here to see a full list of CJI missionaries.

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Amelie Sorenson

Written by admin on December 1st 2008

Everyday, – it seems it gets increasingly harder to say no to the endless stream of children that approach you for money or food on the streets of Nairobi. They have a hopefulness and an unspoiled innocence in their eyes as they look up into yours….and it breaks your heart as you realize that it is impossible for you to assist them all! That, in reality you are helpless on your own – just like they are….!

Despite always having a desire to work with street kids – I never really knew how to approach it…? As I came here, I asked God to point the way and make the connections needed. But contrary to my expectations – God literally brought the ministry to me. With what started with the meeting of one single child – I now have 15 kids come to my door every morning. First, I met John; a 10 year old boy. He lives in the Soweto slum area– a couple of miles from our place…! His father died and the family was displaced to the streets due to the mother being unable to pay the rent. Without a husband, a job or a steady income, the small family is doomed to survive, living on the street on what they can find in the garbage piles or receive from begging. But because John isn’t an orphan; he still has a mother and younger siblings – the last thing anyone wants to do, is to split the family up…..

The situation in Kenya is gruesome! Poverty is rampant, jobs are sparse, food - costs are doubling and creating an inability for most people to afford to buy even the simple, most common foods and the national staples! The young children are the victims. Every day, in Kenya alone, 400 children under 5 years of age die due to poverty and malnourishment (UN). A local newspaper (the Standard) claims that every fourth child born in the slum areas of Nairobi, die.

The kids that have been coming to my door every morning for the past 14 days – today there were 15 of them, but the number seems to grow every day (!) – These are the survivors, these are the strong and resilient ones; those that have fought for their food, and won! They are robust and fierce, yet tender and vulnerable. If you look closely you’ll notice their foreheads creased with worry and their young minds preoccupied with thoughts of survival. Every morning around eight they come to our door and as I give them breakfast – I also tell them of the bread of life (John 6:48 – 57) and pray with them. Most days we sing and dance as-well. These kids are extremely fit and God has gifted them with the ability to dance and perform the most acrobatic moves you have ever seen an eight year old do! I’ve found some Christian hip hop that they seem to like to dance to….– and every morning, removed from the dangers and harshness of life on the streets, - for a moment in time - they forget their burdensome existence and are able to carelessly play and laugh as children are meant to….

I now realize that I have to mobilize an army: You can help change their lives - will you take the necessary steps?

There is a need for monetary help in the following areas;

- to provide a growing number of children with a full nutritious breakfast / meal every day,

- to buy school uniforms for every child so they can attend school (- there are no school fees in Kenya - school is free, but uniforms are required)

- to purchase children’s bibles

I so grateful for anything you are able to give!

In Christ
~Amelie

Yelhsa
~ kDnBGVRXreVXiESyqWM

Real brain power on display. Thanks for that aswenr!

Melvina
~ vtFKZtxtomCVyodVHXq

Suodns great to me BWTHDIK

pliyehycte
~ oGDHDhLysBfEA