Post Theme: Kenya Trip Update and Masks
In our last update, we mentioned plans to return to Kenya in May. That, of course, was before the coronavirus pandemic. Like so many others making enormous decisions during this season, we’ve spent a lot of time praying. We’ve been in touch with the Sangs as well as their field director at Macedonia World Baptist Mission.
The culture, lifestyle, and government approach to this pandemic are so very different to what we are experiencing here in the US. About 41% of the population does not have access to good drinking water, and on top of that they’ve been experiencing water shortages in Nairobi for sometime. This makes the need for frequent hand-washing complicated. In a country the size of Texas with double the population, people are on top of one another everywhere you go. Masks are currently being required along with strict curfews, especially in the large cities. These things are being enforced by the military.
Obviously, travel restrictions are going to make our planned trip in May impossible. We have moved the trip back until sometime next year. But as we’ve been discussing these things, the Sangs have expressed a need for masks for the people in their community. They have already distributed hand sanitizer, and are hoping to distribute about 1500 to 2500 masks to their community. There are also concerns of food shortages as the restrictions continue. There are two ways we (You and FTN) can help:
- We’re looking for a VERY SIMPLE pattern for masks. These masks will be made on simple, treadle sewing machines. If you have a pattern you think would fit this description. Please send it to rmiller@forbidthemnot.com
- We can help them purchase fabric. Obviously gathering and sending fabric from the States would take much too long to be of assistance, but we can help them purchase it there. I (Rachel) will be contributing a portion of what I have saved for the now-postponed trip. FTN will be contributing some funds as well. This brings us to about $500, which will cover between 200-335 masks depending on fabric costs.
We are very aware that for many this is a difficult financial time and don’t want to add any strain. If the Lord impresses you that this is something you might help with, we have set up a fundraiser on Facebook to help with the purchase of fabric and or food. You can find it here, or you can give using the link below. $15-25 will cover between 10-15 masks.
Because of the urgent need for these items, we’ll only be running this fundraiser through Wednesday, April 8th so we can get the funds to them as soon as possible.
We’re so grateful to everyone who has stood behind both FTN and this ministry in Kenya over the years through the Green Bean Project. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
