The Great Adventure Ch.11- Blankets, Bibles, Beans and Babies

I did some counting the other day. I counted the number of blankets I have in my house. Between the three beds I have nine soft blankets and in my closet are a few more along with two warm sleeping bags. Then, there are a few small covers as well as cotton and flannel sheets. Next was a trip to my bookshelves where I counted the different types of Bibles that I have a choice to read; NIV, Amplified, Romanian, Student Bible and a pink Women's Devotional Bible. Last was a trip to my pantry to count the types of beans that are waiting to be eaten; One bag of pintos and a can of black.

The reason for all the counting was brought on by my trip to the one of the many Internally Displaced People’s Camps here in Kenya. A team came and asked me to take them to minister to these people that were run from their homes escaping death and violence during one of the presidential elections. Many of them experienced the evil of mayhem started by election violence. Two years ago we heard the atrocities taking place; people being locked in a church then fire being set to burn it to the ground because the people inside were of a different tribe to the people outside. There was rape, pillage, murder and numerous other actions, forcing people to leave behind everything they had ever worked for. I did not realize until we got to the camp that this not only happened in 2008 but it also happened in the early 90’s. The people we met have been there for more than a decade, closer to two.

They live in the forest in makeshift 10’x 10’ bamboo huts with gaping holes and plastic tarps acting as roofing. The government allotted three acres of land to the 4,000 people, comprising of 620 families. I had thought I had seen poverty but felt I was introduced to a new level during my visit to these people hidden in the depths of the forest. With the cold nights (it is in the 40’s at night in the mountains) and blankets made of dirty burlap sacks, the lack of health care, education, food and opportunities I walked away asking myself: Why do I get to have a warm bed, food any time I want, and opportunities? The expression: “We

IDP Camp
Home to 4,000 people driven from their homes.

are blessed in order to be a blessing” comes to mind over and over again.

We held a church service on the hill overlooking the camp. The sun was shining down on their tattered village, the breeze was blowing and these people who have little hope walked out of their state of poverty for an hour and stepped into a place of praise. They sang and danced and smiled and humbled us by their ability to have faith and joy in the midst of their storm of struggles.

I also walked away asking myself what I can do for these people. I realize I may not be able to change the situation of the whole camp but I know that together we can bring some warmth to their lives. The idea of a blanket, a Bible and a bag of beans came to mind to provide warmth for their body, their bellies and their souls.

I was tossing around the idea with a few people and my friend Janice said she knows where to purchase wool blankets wholesale. Bingo! I can get discounts on Bibles at the International Bible Society and purchase beans in bags. The cost of a package of all three items for a family is $20.

Twenty dollars in the states sometimes is “not much” as it can easily be spent on a good steak or entertainment. Twenty dollars for three valuable gifts to give a family will make a huge difference. I look forward to the day when I can drive up to this camp where presents are scarcer than food and bless them with blankets, bibles and beans.

Babies

As many of you know one of my last big projects was helping raise funds for Into Abba’s Arms (intoabbasarms.org) baby dorm. Two years ago a vision of a baby dorm was dreamed and the work began telling all of our friends, family, and whoever would listen! Love, compassion and generosity compelled many people and they listened to us talk, ask and dream. Then, they gave generously. We opened the baby dorm officially in March. Thank you!

Since March Jacob, who was abandoned in an empty house at a few days old, Martha, Faith, Sharon, Milka, Peter, Lucy, Richard, Baby Joy, and Baby Hope have joined the IAA family. Some came because they were abandoned, some came because their parents have died. As I take these new babies in my arms and listen to their sweet coos and as I watch the toddlers giggle and play I again am grateful for the teamwork that has made this home (and others) possible.

Teams

Thank you is never enough to say to the teams that have come from Colorado, Texas, Florida and other places to shed light, love, gifts and the Gospel. One thing that other countries say about Americans is “Americans are generous people!”. Of course they are as they came giving food, school supplies, clothing, shoes, new desks, playgrounds, school fees, encouragement, hope, love and support in various other forms to those with whom they worked.

Livestock

The goats that ITHM purchased for HOREC orphanage had babies. HOREC orphanage is donating one of their male goats to Into Abba’s Arms so they too can start breeding. Thank you to those who have purchased livestock over the years!

Girls

Our six-sponsored high school girls are doing well. Janet, Ann, Maggie, Sharon, Mary and Letecia are thrilled that people care about them and are making an education possible.

Life

I have not written an update in awhile because I was busy with wedding plans and a wedding! On July 3, 2009 I was married to my best friend Johnny Lawrence. It was always my hope and prayer to have a husband that has a generous heart and that would help those in need. I’ve found my man. He is my closest friend and a great partner. Although he has a full time job working for his family’s engineering supply company, he always finds time on the side to get involved and bless the projects and people with whom I work.

Land

Johnny and I are moving to a home that has one acre of farming land. I am so excited as it has been a vision of mine for the last year to start growing produce that we can donate to orphanages that lack food. This starts yet another adventure as we learn to work the land.

How this work is possible

International Treasure House Ministries (ITHM) and all the other projects exist because of generous people.

If you would like to assist in any of the above projects, please make your tax-deductible check out to:

ITHM

A new meaning to "babysitting"

23223 S. Warmstone Way
Katy, Texas 77494

Please earmark your check if you would like it to go to one specific project.

Thank you and God bless!
Jennifer Phillips Lawrence

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