Update from Cindy Alexander on Food Shipments

Posted on Feb 14, 2010

February 13, 2010

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you excerpts from two recent communications from Pastor Joseph about the efforts to provide food to those who are suffering as a result of the recent drought in central Kenya. As you will read, the contributions received in January fed 350 families at Solio Ranch (Village 4) and 300 families in the Ndathi community, and contributions received in December fed 380 families at Solio Ranch (Village 3) and 320 families in Ndathi.

On January 25, 2010, Pastor Joseph wrote:

. . . . I just want to say thank you very much to you and the rest of our friends for your love and kindness you have shown to us. We received the money you sent to us which amounted to 370,000 [Kenya shillings] and . . . we distributed the food to the people of Solio as well as Ndathi on Saturday [January] 23rd and Sunday [January] 24th respectively. We decided to feed village FOUR which has a population of about 350, and managed to feed about 330 families. . . . [and we] were able to feed about 300 families at Ndathi. I would therefore wish to specifically thank Sandy and Clint Spooner for their love and concern they have shown to our people. We have been able to feed 4 villages and therefore there still remains 3 more [at Solio Ranch]. The situation is not as [dire] as it was for they will be getting some little harvest soon, but still it will not be sufficient enough for they had cultivated just small portions, yet we thank God for everything and the way he has continued to use you to be a blessing to our people in a time like this. Whenever possible, any support will always be appreciated. May God bless you all and keep you strong as you continue to serve in his vineyard.

Hoping to hear from you,
Pastor Joseph

On December 28, 2009, Pastor Joseph wrote:

. . . . I did receive the money you sent to us on the 12th of Dec, which was equivalent to about 385,000 [Kenya shillings], and I was very very thankful on behalf of every one else within our communities. Here is a summary of how we distributed the food: . . . . To Solio people this time we decided to feed village 3 on the 24 of December. . . . We were able to feed about 380 families. Then yesterday [December] 27th we fed the Ndathi people. We tried to identify the most needy people within Ndathi area and invited them to our Sunday service, after the service we gave them food. The invited people from the community were about 250 and other needy people from the church about 80. . . . The needy people from Ndathi were very excited, they have never had such a good X mas. . . . There still remains four more villages that we have not yet reached, yet we are very thankful to God for using [everyone who has] contributed to the welfare of our people. It is said that service to humanity is service to God, thus you are also serving God together with us in our communities. . . .

In love,
Pastor Joseph

I want to add my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported, through financial contributions and/or prayer, the continuing effort to provide food to those who are hungry in these villages. As Pastor Joseph tells us, the recipients are deeply grateful to you.

Blessings,
Cindy Alexander