Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas for the IDPs

On Christmas Eve day,  my Kenyan friend Jonah went shopping for food at the local Gilani's Supermarket in Nakuru town. He hired a truck and got together some volunteers. (Click all collages for a large view).


Their mission was to visit and encourage some people living in a camp for Internally Displaced Persons outside of Nakuru.  These people live in deep poverty.  That means they do  not have proper housing, jobs or food or clothes.  They live in ragged tents and ramshackle buildings constructed with scraps they have been able to find. They live without water, electricity or basic toilets. It is a miserable and hard life.

Now and then if they are lucky they might get a glimmer of hope through the gifts of strangers like Jonah and those that help him in the missions.

Here are a few photos of the children and the people of the camp.

Children love to be remembered. These small gifts of snacks made them happy at this time of year.



The grownups also love to be encouraged and remembered.  Many of the people in IDP camps once had land, homes, jobs. Now they live like beggars not knowing what will happen to them tomorrow. They are trying very hard to get some kind of compensation and a new start from the governing powers.


They were very happy to receive the gifts.
This is what the spirit of the Christmas season is about.
Bringing joy to others.

Blessings of the season to you.


8 comments:

Lonicera said...

Wonderful to see those pictures, and hey, love your new banner! Happy Christmas Penny.
Caroline

Joyful said...

Caroline, I'm so glad we were able to accomplish this mission before Christmas. Thank you so much for your part in it! I pray you will be blessed beyond measure with the pure desires of your heart. Love and hugs and have a wonderful Christmas. xx

Kay L. Davies said...

Penny, you are a wonderful person, and that fact certainly shows at this time of year!
Praying for Jonah and his mission now and in the coming year.
Luv, K

Joyful said...

Aw. shucks, Kay. You are too kind. Thank you so much for your prayers. We deeply appreciate the prayers for ministry and the Missions of Hope. God bless you dear friend.

Candice Suter.....Sweetstuff said...

Merry Christmas and God bless them all!

Joyful said...

Thank you Candy. God bless and give you a Merry Christmas too! Thanks for stopping by.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Wonderful work, so good to see.

Joyful said...

Thank you, Pieces of Sunshine.

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