God is in the slums...

“God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them.”

Some might recognize the quote above. It might be no surprise that they were uttered during the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. What might be a bit surprising is that they were said by Bono, the lead singer for the band U2 as he challenged those in power in the government to get involved.

I don’t know how much of an effect it had on those people there, but it hit a nerve in me that has taken a while to define and to stir me to action. I knew Bono was a philanthropist. I knew he had the influence and wherewithal to put words into action. But I also saw that there was more to his story. I saw that, in all his fame and fortune, he is still just one man doing what he can.

Africa has been on my heart in some way or another for a few years now. We’ve done some work with World Vision and been on-and-off supporters of the ONE Campaign. This last year our local church decided to partner with a church in Nairobi, Kenya and we gave some to the special project fund. And when Jami went to the informational meeting about the upcoming trip in June, I thought, a nice idea, but probably not realistic. Since that night the nerve was struck again, the stirring began, we explored the realities, made the leap, and I believe that there is a purpose for me going on this trip.

Last night we learned a little more about what the trip might look like. We will visit the slums where we will help the local church to keep families together that are being severed by the HIV/AIDS problem that is rampant in those areas. We will help awareness of the local church as a resource for those in need and a place for children that are orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.

We will be affected by what we see. God will use us in unforeseen ways. And I am looking forward to that. If asked the question, "why are you here, why do you care," I hope to answer "because I serve a God who cares" and to put those words into actions.

“Every era has its defining struggle and the fate of Africa is one of ours. It’s not the only one, but in the history books it’s easily going to make the top five, what we did or what we did not do. It’s a proving ground, as I said earlier, for the idea of equality. But whether it’s this or something else, I hope you’ll pick a fight and get in it.” - Bono

I ask that, if you can, partner with us in this journey. 

Financially, this will be an undertaking. The cost of our trip is $6,400. We have several deadlines to reach with our funding; our next one being June 1, 2009 when we must have 90% of our funding in to World Orphans. Please consider donating by this date! 

If you feel this is a journey that you could support we would appreciate any donation. You may send your support in numerous ways: 

Our support code is ST7003RILEY. You will need this code for phone donations, on your check, and online.
BY PHONE: Call Terryll at 720.362.4880 and pay by credit card
BY CHECK: Checks may be mailed to:

World Orphans
ATTN: ST7003RILEY
PO Box 1840
Castle Rock, CO 80104

ONLINE: Secure donations can be made by visiting: www.worldorphans.org. From the home page, go to GIVE in the top right corner of the page and then go to ONLINE GIVING. Choose one time only & in-field ministry and special projects when you donate. Please note our support code ST7003RILEY in the memo box.

All your donations are tax-deductable!

Spiritually, we expect our time in Nairobi to be extremely emotionally taxing. We need your thoughts and prayers in preparation for our trip and during our travels. We hope not only to make a small impact in this part of the world but also that the trip might shape our world-view and affect our lives personally.

I will keep you all updated as I can.

Looking forward to the journey

--
Stace