Kibera Kids Center Reports Growth and Ministry
Kibera Kids Center opened in Nairobi, Kenya, by Church of God missionaries Jim and Debora Womble in May 2004 as a new orphanage and school. Jim and Debora were busy building churches, ministry centers, orphanages and preaching everywhere the car stopped when he accepted the call to create a new children’s work in the massive Kibera Slum.
Throughout the prior eight years, Jim and Debora had endured the rigors of real missionary life living among the indigenous people of remote desert areas, rural mountains, and camping out on the side streets of larger towns and cities while building churches and holding large outdoor services. It was during this initial phase of his African ministry that God showed Jim the new spiritual adventure on which he was about to embark. Jim was accustomed to preaching to thousands, seeing hundreds of people submit to the call of Christ, but now he would give all to the fatherless, vulnerable and rejected children from one of the largest slums in Africa. But first he would have put his skills as a builder to the test. He and his team have built a 52,000 square foot facility on 14 acres at the edge of the sprawling Kibera Slum that today houses dorms, two schools, chapel, dining hall, offices along with staff houses and playing fields. The facility is also their home for the past 7 years. This is a benevolent ministry built on the premise that God has mandated to the church that we care for those who can not help themselves and then do what we can by reaching out to help them during the critical times of their life. The church must do this. It is not an option. With that mandate clearly in mind, Jim and Debora set out in 2004 to do everything humanly possible to fulfill it. During a time when there was adequate funding, during 2007, they started a public, fully benevolent school, THE FREE SCHOOL, to educate and feed 276 very dysfunctional and displaced children. This school was operating along side the regular school for our resident orphans and needy children. At the same time, from 2006 they operated a public feeding center which fed around 19,000 children, widows and pregnant women every month. When the election clashes erupted at our back door in Jan 2008, KKC was there with food, blankets and Bibles. The Wombles open their gates and their hearts to the injured, displaced and confused who had suffered greatly throughout the violence. With bullets flying overhead, the Wombles served the community well. But in 2009, during the beginning of the economic downturn, they were forced to go to a partial benevolent system where those who could pay something toward their child’s education would help support those whom we wanted to help. Plus they were forced to scale down their feeding program to provide only for the children in their education program. Today, together with the donations sacrificially given by our church family, the school can provide a education to needy children from every walk of life.
New Preachers and Teachers
After arriving in Kenya 16 years ago, Jim and Debora probably never realized that they would see the success they enjoy now. They are filling a need to bring Jesus to orphans and underprivileged children, providing them with a strong Biblical background. Fervent prayer has replaced the children’s struggle of slum life and now intercessory prayer consumes their nights. In a recent evening service, led by Debora, 19 students acknowledged their calling to ministry. Full of new life, they prayed for hours, some collapsing from exhaustion. The Spirit of God was so powerful that evening as HE gave a fresh anointing to us and a new relationship with Christ to them. When the rejoicing was over they testified, one by one, to the ministry that God has called them to. For some, it was a new testimony. To the others, it was a renewal of the calling they have known for years. But nevertheless, they all know this one thing: they are not here by coincidence, but by divine providence. That God has sent them is not up for discussion. They know, we know and now you know!
What the Wombles Are Doing
Caring for these children is no easy task. Each child has come with their own set of problems which include social and psychological issues. Add the normal childhood developmental characteristics and you have the makings of a full 16 hour day. Educating them, feeding them, fulfilling their spiritual needs and giving them the tools necessary to be productive adult citizens requires dedication and passion. Jim and Debora are known for this dedication and passion everywhere they have gone. The amount of care and parental guidance they provide each of their kids surpasses that of the normal African family. It is interesting to note that probably not one of our kids had experienced a hug nor experienced any feeling of familial love until they came to KKC. Imagine a life without love. Even with those who have come from families in a more adequate economic situation, the love the Wombles exemplified was their first experience with compassionate care. And that sums it all up! That is, after all, why Christ died for us; so we may know, experience and share the love of God.
KKC/LifeSpring Christian Academy TODAY
Today KKC/LifeSpring Christian Academy serves a student body of 450 from all walks of life in our preschool, kindergarten, primary and high school. These students quickly realize that they have been thrust into a Godly school where the name of Jesus is glorified and lifted high. Within a short time, their hearts melt in the atmosphere of a sovereign God providing a solid pathway to salvation and a new life they never dreamed was possible. These students have come from most all religions including nominal Christian, Catholic, muslim, hindu, traditional, and ‘none’. But the one thing they understand is that God loves them and they have to deal with His overcoming love. These students struggle everyday with thenormal adolescent problems and peer pressure but Christ provides a soothing balance to an otherwise difficult childhood. Academics are stressed with the goal of high achievement. Many bright students among those in our student body would have been lost in the shadows of poverty if KKC had not been built, funded and maintained in its present status. LifeSpring Christian Academy is the product of God’s will and His dynamic love to provide an education and home to those whom He has chosen. LCA is noted as a Premiere School in our district by the Office of the Prime Minister. LCA has trained students over the years producing some very talented musicians. Our band has performed at various times at the request of government officials during functions on a district level. They are amazed that disadvantaged children can learn to perform at such a level.
KKC/LCA provides a rich balance of Christ-centered education with ministry training opportunity. Of those students who have expressed a calling of ministry on their life, they have an opportunity to exercise their abilities, gifts and passion. Peer sessions allow the students to witness, teach or preach as they feel called. As time progresses in their stay at KKC/LCA, they are provided with doctrinal training which will eventually prepare them for service and onward educational opportunities. It is the hope and desire of KKC/LCA to give them an atmosphere conducive to ministerial training, introduction to church organization and operation, proper Christian socialization, witness skills and tools for personal spiritual growth.
Teaching the masses, preaching them the Gospel of Life, feeding the poor, distributing to the needy and caring for the widows and orphans…what more could a Christian desire to do or support? It is all happening here at KKC!!!
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The Wombles have always asked the church family to provide for the project, rather than asking for support for themselves. The church family has responded generously to the needs of KKC over the years. Also their personal budget over the years has been blessed. But the level required for their personal monthly budget has not been met over the past year. Now at this time they need a boost in their personal missionary budget account with World Missions. During the next two to three months, they are praying for $20,000 over their regular donations to be received on their behalf. This amount will take off the pressure and allow them peace of mind to what they are called to do. They are so thankful for the campmeeting donations and the regular giving that many of you are providing. Don’t STOP!! If you feel that you should begin a regular plan of giving to the Wombles to help provide for their support, or should you desire to send in a special gift toward this urgent need, please direct your gifts to Church of God World Missions, PO Box 8016, Cleveland, TN 37320. Please indicate Project Number 065-0072 on your check or donation envelop at your church. Any amount you send will be a great benefit to keep the visionaries on the field. Also don’t forget to pray for Jim and Debora. The challenges are great. The rewards are divine. Please add this need to your prayer list. You are on ours.
(Source: Church of God World Missions)
