Eastside Church pastor visits Mathare

Eastside Christian Church, Fullerton, Calif., has been deeply involved with CMF’s work among the urban poor of Nairobi, Kenya, for many years. Eastside senior pastor Gene Appel recently visited Nairobi and shared some of his thoughts with the congregation back in California:

“I’m writing these words on my Blackberry from Kenya, where I’ve spent the past three days in one of the poorest and oldest slums on the planet: the Mathare Valley of Nairobi. The poverty here is nearly indescribable. Families and children have been caught in a cycle of hopelessness for generations; most are convinced there is no way out. And indeed, without education, employment, clean water, or anywhere to empty their sewage except on the very dirt streets where they live in tiny tin huts, there has been little to be hopeful about.

“But the winds of change are blowing. Children who had little hope of a quality education — or any education at all for that matter — are being lifted out of life in the slums, and are now receiving a quality, empowering, Christ-centered education. What began with the heart and vision of one Kenyan couple (CMF International Associates Wallace and Mary Kamau) to do something, and 50 children in a two-room house has mushroomed to 3,400 children who are being lifted, taught, and inspired with a hope and a future. Yesterday, I had the incredible privilege of participating in a ceremony honoring 37 students from the Mathare Valley who just finished eighth grade and have been accepted into some of the most prestigious high schools in Kenya. Until now, this has been unthinkable dream for any child growing up in the Mathare slums. My heart soared as I listened to these bright, articulate young people of faith share their dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, and pastors who will one day return to Methare and be a part of a systemic solution, breaking the cycle of poverty once and for all.

“There is so much more I could say about the good things God is doing. I’ve talked to so many teachers, parents, children and others who have said over and over, ‘Please tell Eastside thank you, thank you, thank you . . . for your support, prayers, short-term trips, and child sponsorship!’ Eastsiders, you really have no idea what an impact you are making. Thank you for your tenacious spirit to unleash compassion in a world that needs hope.”

Many other churches and individuals are making a difference in Kenya through the Hope Partnership. For information on how you or your church can be involved, click here.