The Hope of Africa

I told a friend recently about our upcoming trip to Africa.
"Anywhere but Kenya, right?" he replied, noting that the East African country might have more missionaries and Christian organizations than anywhere else in that part of the continent.

I told him I had once felt the same, but have learned things aren't always as they seem. There is indeed a mighty Christian influence in Kenya, with many local and foreign workers there. It's said that more than 40% of the population is Christian, a high percentage in any country. But there is still contention and strife among those from different tribal groups, especially when politics are involved. The two largest slums in Africa, Kibera and Mathare, are both found in Nairobi. There are more than 2 million AIDS orphans found throughout the country. And people still need the hope that only a relationship with Jesus brings.

Tumaini International Ministries offers just that. Tumaini is

a Kiswahili word that means hope, and was established by Stanley and Rose Mutunga. Their focus is to come alongside AIDS orphans through sponsorship, education and encouragement, and walk with them in their journeys toward adulthood.  These kids have lost one or both parents to AIDS, and usually live with grandparents, other relatives or friends.  Life is hard at best, and sponsorship ($35 monthly) is the difference between failure and success for hundreds of children, both young and old alike. 

Tumaini has grown to include not only AIDS orphan sponsorship, but micro-economic partnerships, vocational training, academic education, church planting and work with the severely impoverished. And the investment they're making in adults and children alike is changing the face of East Africa. Bringing hope. One life at a time.

So now if someone asks me, "Why Kenya?" I simply say to  them, "Because there is still a need for tumaini in that great place."