Transformers- More Than Meets the Eye

Today's ventures took us to the other great slum of Nairobi, Mathari. In its grips live some 800,000 people (and remember, it is the "little sister" of Kibera, the slum of 1 million on the other side of the city!), most struggling simply to survive.

Here we visited another WEEP Center (see yesterday's blog) and were again impressed with the lives that are being changed through this ministry. But we also spent time at another work, called Community Transformers. This is a group of young people (team on left, mostly in their 20's) from the immediate community who believe that God called them to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors by staying in Mathare and ministering there. They have taken it upon themselves to care for substance abuse victims, those who are HIV+, homeless children, the hungry and dying, and anyone else God brings them. With no model before them, they have fashioned a team that reaches deep into the belly of this impoverished area. Here they develop relationships that allow them to share the transforming power of God's love.

Their leader, Nick (seen with our team on the right of this picture), explained their work, as leaders of the various outreaches shared specifics of each ministry. He took us to a nearby building where he introduced us to their latest project- 30 young children (21 boys, 9 girls), living in two bedrooms, who are homeless because of the political violence in January. Some are orphaned, others have a parent who needs their help. CT had not planned on this work, but knew that something had to be done so these children would not die. They work hard to raise funds to feed this new crew, care for their medical needs and get them through school. It's not easy, but the team is committed to these young ones. It's another way they are helping transform lives in the name of Jesus.

Our hearts were understandably moved throughout this time, and we were personally challenged to trust God like these young men and women are doing daily. They don't know where their provisions will come from, but they do know the One who will provide, so they simply press on in His service. They embody the words that Jesus spoke to the Gerasene demoniac following his healing, when he was told, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you." Just like that man, they are telling everyone they meet of God's mercy, and lives in this community are being transformed by their example. Who are we telling?