One in Christ

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24 ESV) Early in February I was joined together in Christ with the one who God choose for me and me for him, Michael Osiro. We had a small, intimate and beautiful ceremony, just as we both always envisioned. God allowed our paths to cross at just the right time. Our friendship, relationship and love for each grew over the course of almost two years and just at the right time, before God we took our vows joining us together until death do us part. The one thing that Michael always says to me is that "we should put everything before God and allow Him to lead and guide us." I am thankful to God for a husband who loves the Lord.

Jesus loves the little children...

"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven'." (Matthew 9:14 ESV) Jesus makes it clear that children have a place in the Kingdom. There are too many children in the world who are orphans, abandoned and not nurtured or loved as they ought to be.

It was a blessing to attend the dedication of the newest Project 24 boarding facility, Lenkishon. Project 24 is an initiative that was started between the LCMS Office of International Mission and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK). This initiative provides school boarding facilities in Kenya that give vulnerable children the opportunity successfully to complete primary or secondary school education while living at a site, a home away from home. Each site provides a Christ-centered, loving, caring and safe environment.

The boarding facilities provide several services such as adequate lodging, meals, school fees and related school expenses, medical care, an appropriate play area, adult oversight, scholastic tutoring, emotional support and spiritual care. On school holidays, children are expected to return to their families, extended families or clans to foster family connections and to help develop their ancestral identities. There are five operational sites and the hope for 24 in the future.

What a wonderful day it was as the leadership and members of ELCK, staff from the LCMS East Africa Field Office, special guests from America, government officials and the local Maasai community gathered together to give a special blessing at the opening of the boarding facility. The bishops gathered together at the entrance of the building as the Massai women sang beautiful songs of praise. Each bishop shared a message then the ribbon was cut officially opening the Lenkishon boarding facility, home to 25 beautiful children. There were special gifts of computers, bibles and text books that were given to the children and a special time of fellowship between all who attended. What a joy it is to be part of the body of Christ. #witnessmercylifetogether