Monday --"Cucus"

Pictures of meeting with Grandmothers and Rift Valley

I (Diane) am a cucu and proud of it.  Before you’re quick to agree on first glance, let me explain that cucu is Swahili for grandmother and is pronounced more like “shoe shoe,” and today we had the joy of meeting with more than 100 cucus in Limuru.  For moms and grandmoms there an instant connection, for we have the common love and concern for our children and grandchildren.  These are older women who have taken on the responsibility of raising yet another generation of children because they have lost their children to disease or abandonment, an increasing issue here and around the world.  They meet every Monday to pray for one another, their families, churches, and their nation.  It is so inspiring to hear them praying for Kenya and their upcoming elections in the spring.  They’ve already been praying and fasting for Godly leadership for their nation, a great reminder that we would do well to do more of the same for ours.  After a time of spirited singing and dancing, we heard a report about the result of our visit last year, which was a surprise to us.  Our time together last summer was videotaped and shown as part of the Christian TV program hosted by Judy Mbugua.  The minister of agriculture was watching this particular program and learned for the first time about the ministry in Limuru and their ministry to needy mothers and grandmothers who are desperately trying to provide for their families.  As a result, she contacted the leader of the Limuru center and told her that when the government issued a number of chickens given to the various districts as part of a government aid program, she was going to see to it that a good number were given to the Limuru Homecare Center for distribution to those they serve.  Imagine…..our visit produced chickens!

Ministry is all about relationship, and that is what is wonderful about our Tirzah network of partnerships.  We come alongside and form relationships with believers in countries all over the world so that together, we can do more than either could do alone; the body of Christ functioning together.  We share one another’s burdens and encourage one another, and that is what Rene and Kara did today as they shared from their hearts with the grandmothers.  Many of the particulars of Rene’s story resonated with them, having gone through similar challenges, so her testimony of God’s faithfulness encouraged them greatly.  Kara shared about the impact that her grandmothers have had on her life, their witness of God’s love and faithfulness, and what a blessing they are to her, again encouraging the women in their role as grandmothers.  In response, a number of the ladies shared their testimonies.  Just to give you a glimpse of some of them, one woman shared about how her daughter died, leaving seven children for her and her aging husband to care for.  Soon her husband and one of the grandchildren also died, at the same time, and she was overwhelmed with the thought of how she would even afford to bury them both.  She considered suicide in her despair.  But someone connected her with Homecare where she was embraced, loved, and provided for.  Even though it is still hard to provide for six children at her age, she praises God for His provision and love through Homecare.

Another woman shared how she and her children were ostracized by her family and friends when she discovered that she was HIV positive.  She was frightened and alone.  But again, someone told her about Homecare where she came to know the One who created her, loves her unconditionally, and provides for her.  Now she said she willingly shares about her condition, even if it means rejection by those she tells, for she knows she has family who love her at Homecare.

A young man had been sitting at the keyboard during the meeting and came forward to share.  He wanted to share about how hard his mother worked to provide for him to attend school, how difficult it was for him to attend high school because of school fees.  Homecare has assisted his mother in providing these fees so he can continue his education.  He praised God for his mother, Homecare, and the opportunity he has to pursue an education.  Afterward Rene and I went to talk with him and tell him how much we appreciated his testimony.  It isn’t often you hear teenagers share like that, especially in front of a large group of women and some strangers, so it touched us deeply.  As former teachers, we encouraged him to persevere in his education and got to pray for him.  What a sweet moment.

Josephine, the ministry leader, closed with praising God for His faithfulness, that through Homecare, these women have abandoned thoughts of suicide and have hope.  They no longer feel cast out, but experience real community.  Instead of despair, they are encouraged and have real hope……all because of Jesus!

Homecare tries to supplement the scarce supply of food for these grandmothers by bringing certain staples to help them, so today our team had the joy of providing bread, corn meal and sugar for them, which was received with great thanks to God for His faithful provision.

The lines in the faces of these older women exhibit the hard life they endure.  Many walk up to six miles to come to these prayer meetings, some with canes, crutches, stooped shoulders…..but they come.  They come to pray, to share, to encourage one another, and mostly, to praise God for His goodness.  Despite the burdens, they smile and give thanks…….because He IS GOOD.