One day, several months after they had established the home, a little girl came to the woman and asked if she could go home now. The stunned British couple quickly pieced together that the Kenyan man who had helped them find these “orphans” had cut a deal with local villagers to rent their children to the Westerners. Devastated, they quickly shut down the “orphanage” and sent the children home.
Since then we have discovered this is not an uncommon story. Scripture does tell us to care for widows and orphans, but doesn’t tell us how. We have learned that it is better stewardship and more effective ministry to empower and invest in a person of peace (Luke 10) and/or a local pastor who knows the culture, language and people in the surrounding community. Vineyard School of Ministry Africa is focused on equipping such leaders who impact whole communities. In our view, this is a better stewardship investment than “renting a child”.
Sue and I tithe to our local church, but also give to Vineyard School of Ministry Africa (VSM Africa) because we believe we can impact Kenya better by investing in the future of people who can influence others. May we encourage you to invest with us in leaders who are the influencers in their villages for the Kingdom of God.
Alan’s experience and expertise in church planting was much appreciated as we met with Kenyan church planters, as well as others who are interested in being part of an international church plant we hope to do in the near future.
Alan with church planter
Peter Kabiku and family
Sue is a 'multi-tasking maven' who took a break from her normal routine to be the make-up/
hair/costume mistress for a film shoot!
