Hello all! Since my previous blog our team had the opportunity to work with a ministry in Kenya called “The Rehema Center.” This is a special place. A place full of God’s peace. A place where expecting mothers can come to receive medical care and attention. A place for mothers to come to Bible study and know God’s love. While also being a place where men can come to workout (in the back), and receive discipleship from older men. The Rehema center is run by an amazing staff, but was started by a couple that has a heart for God. The wife, is passionate about providing women with the care and information they need when they are pregnant, as well as after they give birth. Information about such topics are often lacking here in Kenya. The husband is passionate about pouring into younger men and teaching them about Jesus. So together, they built the Rehema center where both things can happen. They also have other staff that help to run all of their programs and care for these people. One of which includes a nurse, who checks on the mamas to be, and helps them to stay healthy and know how to care for their babies and themselves. The team of women do everything from teaching about birth, to doing ultrasounds (the nurse), to providing food for the mamas and babies. In fact, this team of women is so passionate about this ministry that they travel to villages that also need medical treatment and information for expecting women. On top of this, during our time at the Center, we were able to help the staff as they did renovations around the center. This included things from pouring cement, moving dirt in a wheelbarrow, cleaning the inside, painting, and whatever else was needed (as well as drinking lots of chai 😊). We were able to be extra hands to help them renovate their space for all who come! The Rehema Center is truly a place of peace for so many.
As said above, the team of women travel to a “nearby” (2 hours away) village to provide medical attention to mothers there. Our team happened to be working with them on the week they were going (they only go once a month so PRAISE GOD we got to go!). Going with them I had no idea what to expect, but it was more than I could have imagined.
From the Rehema center, us women traveled to this village where there is a place known as “Home Street Home.” In this sweet place they offer so much. Again, this is a place that is run by a couple that is passionate about many things. Within this village they provide care to pregnant women, have a health clinic that is open and free to anyone who needs it, while also having a school that teaches classes for older boys and girls on things such as working with technology, doing hair, and sewing. On top of this, they have a childcare facility for kiddos who need it. However, on top of normal childcare, they offer care for kids who have cerebral palsy, which is a common condition in Kenya. Not only do they provide a place for these kids to come, but they have an occupational therapist that works there! So now not only do these kiddos get a safe place to come, giving the parents the opportunity to work, but these kids also get the care and love they need.
This childcare facility is one that really stood out to me. For those who may or may not know, I just finished studying occupational therapy at a university prior to the race. Occupational therapy is something very near and dear to my heart, and something that I believe can help so many people in various ways. So, getting to see these kiddos get the care that they need from an occupational therapist, as well as see that occupational therapy can happen anywhere, was such an intentional gift from God.
Since finishing up at the Rehema Center, our team has moved to the “Dream Center” where we are working with lots of sweet and fun kids! God is working in this place and in my heart so much, more to come soon!
Prayer requests:
- Prayers over the Rehema Center and all who come into their doors. That they would feel the presence and love of God.
- Physical health over our whole squad! From stomach bugs, to colds, to fatigue.
- Prayers for me that my focus would be on Jesus, and that I would let all other things follow.
- Prayers that we would finish our time in Kenya well, with our eyes on Jesus.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the Place of Peace. Praise God, He is so good.
With joy,
Emma
