People often ask how I became involved with Tumaini Children's Home, so I thought I'd share my story.

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Sandy Earle was actually the one who God used to start me on this journey.  My mom, Yvonne Bridges, knew Sandy and was familiar with the different ministries in which Sandy was involved.  At that time, our family faced calamity after calamity (flood, new job, infestations—eek!—flood again, etc.).  I didn’t know how we would make it through and I remember telling God that I was not as strong as Job in the Bible.  About that time my mom suggested I check out the work that Sandy Earle was doing on Facebook, and so I did.  I could see that my problems—even though they were important to God—were nothing compared to some.  Even though anxiety and depression were overtaking me, I remember God explicitly telling me, “Rise! Take up your mat and walk” (John 5:8).

 

In Sandy’s posts I read about infants being left in ditches and the needs of an infants’ home called Under His Wings.  After speaking with my husband, we decided to ask Sandy if we could adopt two babies from the infants’ home.  However, it was not to be.  Kenya had closed its borders to international adoption, so I waited to see what God would do. 

 

In October 2018, Sandy Earle and Frederick Munuku, director of Under His Wings, came to speak at Crystalbrook Church in Independence, Kansas. My mom asked me to go with her to hear about their ministries which I did. I wanted to ask Sandy what I could do for the infants’ home.  During prayer time, I spoke with Sandy and introduced myself as the person who wanted to adopt, and I asked her how I could help.  She in turn asked me if I would be willing to help with another children’s home that she was supporting.  Honestly—and I’m a bit saddened by this--, I told her my heart was really set on helping the babies and I even remember donating money to buy a milk goat.  Still, she encouraged me to ask for God’s direction.  This was the last time I would see or speak with Sandy, and now looking back, I can see what an impact she had on my life.  I completely believe that our meeting and her praying for me was arranged ahead of time by God. 

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On the Friday after Thanksgiving 2018, I received some messages and a phone call from Kennedy Mbaja through Facebook, and for some reason, I decided to answer.  I don’t usually answer calls from people I don’t know due to the many spam calls we get, and I don’t think Kennedy and I were even Facebook friends at the time.  Nevertheless, I feel like God prompted me to answer.  Kennedy told me that Sandy died and asked me if there was anything I could do to help.  He and the children had been without food for three days and they were hungry.  I sent him some money through Western Union—another first for me especially since I didn’t know Kennedy—and I told him I would see what else I could do to help.

 

Since then, Kennedy, my mom, and myself have teamed up with the board members of Tumaini Children’s Home, Be Their Hope Ministry--the name of our nonprofit organization based here in the USA--to care for the children rescued by Sandy plus four more for a total of 65.  It brings a smile to my heart when I think about how I asked God to help me rescue two babies, but instead He gave me 65 children, four aunties (widowed women who care for the children), two security guards and their families, and Kennedy and his dear wife, Christine, for whom to care.

 

I must admit, there are many times when I worry that the day will come when I have to tell Kennedy that I have nothing to send, but these moments force me to call upon God.  Sometimes I think God just wants to tell me, “Breeze, just sit back and watch.  Let Me do what I do.”  It is in these moments that I get to see Him work miracles.  It has definitely taught me to trust God and made me admit how teeny tiny my faith can be, but how BIG my God is nevertheless.  It has also brought Bible stories to life . . .stories like Elijah, the cripple at the pool of Bethesda, the parable of the 10 talents, the loaves and fish, and the Good Samaritan.  I would encourage anyone who needs to see the Bible come to life, to take a leap and become a part of a ministry whether it be Be Their Hope Ministry or something else.  It’s amazing what God will do when we offer Him the little we have.  We get to see that “mountains” actually do move!!  Please feel free to share our story with anyone who might be interested to hear about Tumaini Children's Home.  Tumaini Children's Home has taught me so much about God’s love and faithfulness and I am excited to share it with whoever has time to listen.

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--Breeze Jones, Tumaini Children's Home USA, Be Their Hope Ministry