I followed her story on that Compassion trip to Africa. Read about the children in desperate need, and the young girls forced to make horrific choices because there seemed to be no way out.
I was moved to pray, and maybe even sponsor a child.
But I’ve been on mission trips, and walked with the poorest of the poor. And as heart-rending as it is, most of us, well, we walk away and move on with our lives mostly as before.
But not Kristen and her family. They saw an aching unmet need in the heart of Kenya, and instead of shrugging and shaking their heads, they found a way to meet that need in the name of Jesus.
And so, Mercy House Kenya was born.
The Mercy House opens its doors to young women in Kenya who are pregnant and have no where to go. Many in these situations seek out back alley abortions. The statistics are truly staggering.
When I first heard about this organization my heart turned over.
I have been pregnant.
But I have never been pregnant, homeless, and utterly without hope.
On their website they say, “We are just a simple family who is answering God’s call.” But they are also stepping out to be the hands and feet of Christ in ways that most of us couldn’t imagine. And it’s beautiful.
This strikes a chord in my heart in ways that other causes don’t, and if it does for you as well, there are several ways that you can help:
Give- Of course, running a maternity home costs money. You can give a one time donation or on a monthly basis.
Pray- The powers of darkness are hard at work in these bleak places. Your prayers are needed.
Share- Help spread the word on facebook, twitter, and in your local community.
Shop- The girls at Mercy House Kenya are taught skills to help support themselves and the ministry (like the beautiful bowl pictured above).
Visit- You can physically go to Kenya to see and help with the work there.
This post is a part of the Twelve Causes for Christmas Blog Hop, begun by Joy in this Journey. Feel free to join in the linkup below.
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Their story makes me want to do more, but not in a guilt sort of way . . . I’m seduced by the beauty of this family’s heartbeat.
Thanks Emily, for highlighting this cause.
Love,
E
Yes, exactly. I don’t know if you got the chance to meet Kristen at Relevant, but she is a gem. No guilt, just passionate. Love her and what Mercy House is doing in Kenya.
So inspiring. They show that one person or one family really can make a difference in people’s lives, and that gives me such hope.
Right? It’s such an amazing story.
I so agree. I love that one trip for Kristen radically changed her life and the lives of so many through the Mercy House ministry. Just so incredibly inspiring AND empowering. Thanks for sharing their message, Emily!