BLUE SKY

Prayer Request

Please pray with us as Kenya is faced with an imminent drought. We pray that the Lord will provide funds to buy the much-needed and scarce food for not only the 6,800+ children and youth under our care but also for the surrounding schools, which now total 80 with an average population of about 29,000 learners.

Background

In Africa, the description of a clear blue sky does not always bring smiles to many. In 2022, both the short and the long rains were inadequate; thus, many of the arid and semi-arid areas had crop failure. All the MCF projects are in Kenya’s arid, semi-arid, and desert regions. With the international and national economy being on a downward spiral, there has been a general increase in food prices and essential commodities. Subsequently, Kenya has had a prolonged drought, with clear blue skies, and the purchasing power of many impoverished communities has been affected. Consequently, they faced starvation.

This year, 2023, the rainfall began heavily and continued for approximately five weeks. However, the rains have disappeared, leaving the crops at a delicate stage where they might not survive. The crops are currently wilting under the scorching sun. Despite the recovery of some vegetation and water during the rainy season, the food security situation has not improved; the number of people needing assistance remains at 4.4 million, and the risk of acute malnutrition persists. As it takes time for crops to grow, mature, and be available for harvesting, there is frequently a lag between the end of a drought and food availability.

Isaiah 41:17-20 (KJV)

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. [18] I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. [19] I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together: [20] That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.