Jubilation 2019: A lot to be thankful for!
“God’s Love is a Forever Love”
Kenya
Tumaini Students are eager to learn.
Last Saturday more than 120 people gathered to celebrate all God has done in Northern Kenya through the partnership of Kenya Christian Education Partnership and the Church in Marsabit.
In 2012, Tumaini Academy opened its doors. Now, Tumaini (meaning “hope” in Kiswahili) and its affiliated preschools enroll over 550 students. Students receive the highest marks in Marsabit County. But the school is known for more than its academic reputation. Parents and kids love Tumaini because of the wonderful environment.
In imparting Christian values, Tumaini is teaching unity not division. This is crucial because in this physically harsh climate prone to catastrophic drought, smoldering tribal tensions are quickly ignited and can often lead to violent clashes with devastating consequences. Now, more than ever before, we need future leaders who understand how central peace and reconciliation is to God’s plan.
Robin Turner (left), Director of Children’s Ministry at St. Stephen’s Church, along with student, Cambria Roser present a check to Bishop Qampicha while emcee Kathy Emmons looks on.
Students in the US have been inspired by the students at Tumaini, whose lives of hardship are quite unlike their own. Last summer, the children attending Summer Celebration Vacation Bible School at St. Stephen’s Church in Sewickley, PA, raised over $1,600 for Tumaini. In presenting a check to Tumaini, Robin Turner, Director of Children's Ministry, said that most of the money raised was in small change, including $65 in pennies. Every cent made a difference!
Students from Rhema Christian Academy have also been inspired by Tumaini students. Having forged relationships through a pen-pal program, Rhema students presented a check to Tumaini for $2,000. Along with their classmates, they raised this money by sacrificing their lunches, using lunch money for Tumaini instead. On Saturday evening, these students gave tours of a nomadic hut that they had built on-site as a way to increase understanding for the lives of Tumaini students.
The evening, held at Twelve Oaks Mansion, raised more than $22,000 for a new high school, already christened St. Andrew’s. An $11,000 match from The Church of the Cross in Bluffton, South Carolina, inspired many of you to give. We are so grateful for your support!
St. Andrew’s will be built in the Christian tradition of Tumaini and will allow these students to continue their education in the local area, saving parents the cost and anxiety of sending their children to other parts of the country.
Students in the arid region of Northern Kenya are hard workers, as proven by their excellent primary school test results. Help us construct a high school in Marsabit so they can continue their education close to home.
If you were unable to join us last Saturday, it is not too late to help! If you are inspired by these stories, please give to the St. Andrew’s High School project.
Enjoy these photographs from the Saturday celebration!
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