(AP Photo)
Kenya (MNN) ― The United Nations reports that more than one million Kenyans face the threat of famine as a result of the country's worst drought since 2000.
The Kenyan government along with World Food Program is in the process of providing food aid to 3.8 million, but many people still are in desperate need of food and water. In addition to maize prices sky-rocketing up to 130% according to BBC News, the government should have stockpiles of maize. However, what they have now will only last for a few more weeks.
In this dire situation, Kids Alive International has four residential children's homes there. At these homes, Kids Alive is currently taking care of 180 kids. They also provide medical care and education for about 300 people in the surrounding communities.
"Thankfully, all of the children in our homes are able to have food. But the people in our communities come to us and try to get help just to get enough food to eat," said Linda Mugo with Kids Alive.
Like the majority of the population of Kenya, Kids Alive has not been able to plant their own food because of lack of water. This forces them to buy food at inflated prices and puts a large strain on their budget.
Another outreach of Kids Alive to the community is called "Keeping Families Together," which trains parents or guardians in a particular trade so they can become self-sufficient.
Kids Alive is concerned about more than the physical well-being of these children and their families. Devotions lead by children and staff and Sunday school programs have introduced them to Christ's love. Many of them are responding to this love and turning to Christ, as well as leading other children to Christ.
This spiritual transformation is great for the future of Kenya, says Mugo. "It means that they get healing for their past heartaches. Some of these children come from really, really difficult backgrounds. It's a challenge for us as their guardians to help, but once they can depend on God for healing from some of those difficult experiences they've gone through, it makes a difference," Mugo said.
Mugo asked for people to partner with them in this time to make an even greater impact on the future of Kenya.
You can do so by donating to the Keeping Families Together program for $75 each month or sponsoring an individual child for $35 each month. Click here for more information.
Mugo also asked for prayer that people around the world will see the grim reality in Kenya and take action. She also asked for prayer for the leadership of Kenya in making good decisions.
