To date, I have been maintaining contact with the widows in Kenya through their pastor; Pastor Peter. It is through his vision and love for the community that so much has been accomplished through the Five James Foundation and the projects with the widows. By the way; their names are Shiroh, Monica, Naomi, Mary & Jacinta.
It all started in 2010 as I prepared for my first trip to Kenya in 2011 with Pastor John Stanko and a team from ACAC. I was a broken woman at that time and couldn't believe nor understand why or how the Lord was going to use me. I was fifty-two pounds overweight; self medicating myself with wine, obviously overeating and deeply depressed. However, He saw something I could not see in myself. I thought that was as good as He could get. But God!
There were other widows prior to these five. That partnership soon dissolved as their was very little accountability with the contact person at that time. Keep in mind those widows were five hours outside of Nairobi; thus it was difficult to stay in touch and keep account of what and where the funds being invested to improve the lifestyles of those widows.
In 2012, Pastor Peter searched his community in a little town called Banana for any widows. Thus he found these five. He was unaware of their needs and lack of community support. He was humbled to walk along side them and the Five James Foundation to begin a plan for their future to sustain themselves. That year, through your generous donations I raised $2400. That was the beginning of what I call the industry of merchandising for those widows. They purchased a very antiquated machine to start making jewelry; earrings, bangles, and key chains. I'll always remember the picture that was taken of us upon our meeting. There were three present at that time. They were unsure of what was going on; who I was and my interest in them. The money was presented with no clear understanding on their part of what it all meant.
Well, that's it for now. Stayed for more history of the ministry. To God be the glory.