Learning about orphanage work

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Scott Bourland

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May 26, 2012, 10:37:23 AM5/26/12

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May18th-20th

After my little incident with the authorities, we made our way into Eldoret. It had been more than 8 years since I had been there and wow has it changed. We were welcomed warmly by Chuck and Terry Fernandez and really enjoyed spending a few days with them.

On Saturday we met with William who runs a children’s home on the outskirts of town. This visit was very special for two reasons. First, we learned so much from William and were very pleased with what God was using them to do. Second, it reunited us with Moses and Mama Derik who were on the coast with James for a couple of years.

Here are some basic things I have learned about orphanage work here in Kenya, if you plan on starting your own children’s home.

1. Start small and maybe keep it small to really be able to impact the children’s lives.

2. Develop a very close relationship with the local officials to make it plain to them that your intentions are good and in the best interest of the children.

3. Hire good and trustworthy help. There is no way to over emphasize this point. Ultimately the nationals who actually run the daily operation of the home are your most valuable asset.

4. Have the ability to develop a farm operation or other initiatives that will aid self sufficiency of the home.

5. Starting a children’s home is something you must be in for the long haul. It will not develop quickly and you must be willing to stick it out for a long period.

We still have a lot to learn about this ministry, but we are thankful for the things that God has shown us already. As I said before, it was so good to see Moses, Mama Derik, and the children. They were doing so well and seemed to be so happy and healthy. God is truly using them in a special way. Moses is that invaluable help that I spoke of in #3 and William knows that he is blessed to have him.

It was also really good to spend some time with Brother Chuck and learn about what he is doing for the Lord. It is helpful to compare notes and ask questions of each other that can confirm things you have already learned or cause you to consider something you never thought about.

On Sunday we visited one of their church plants in Mawe Tatu. The people were so warm and caring and treated us with great love. One of the pastors named Peter said that he remembered when I came to Eldoret and taught on Church Administration. Again, that was more than 8 years ago. I was surprised he remembered so many details. Chuck taught Sunday School and I preached. I am starting to adlib just a little in my preaching which is an important bridge to cross. It was also very interesting to see the difference in the Swahili in Western and Eastern Kenya. So thankful for the Lord’s help in all we are learning.