I wrote last week about the horrific crisis unfolding in West Pokot where we have been helping tribal groups of people recover from a sustained drought that completely changed their economy. For five years we have been investing over $1.5 million dollars to help them with food, water, medical, and educational needs as well as help jump-start a sustainable economy. Over the past week torrential floods, the first ever in that region, have wiped out their villages and destroyed much of the progress that they made. Over 65 people have died. You can view a BBC report on the crisis here.
In response to my blog last week we received about $5,000 over this past weekend to help with that relief. Today, I received an update for their immediate needs just to care for the families involved, that our friends have been helping:
Today we have received the report from our coaches regarding the affected villages. They also added another one—Ngetut Village—to the list of casualties. That’s three villages including Olorwo/Compass and Chemyon/Kasoyan. About 630 households with their families have lost everything. They are so desperate with no blankets, mattresses or food.
The local government, NGOs and other bodies are working tirelessly to see that people are getting food and other necessities in other places, but they have not reached these villages with any help. We request for emergency to help the situation as soon as God provides.
We do not yet know about the damage to our agricultural projects. Our coaches have not yet gotten to the site to see how it was damaged. As soon as the rain stop, we shall go and find out with our coaches.
Here is our immediate need:
- Food supplies (maize, beans, salt, sugar) – $34,390
- Bedding – $4560
- Transportation to Pokot – $2300
- Reconstruction of latrines $3300
Total emergency Request – $44,550.
Please pray for these people and if you can give anything to help give them this week, please send it as soon as you can. Keep in mind that the people asking us for this money already live in poverty themselves, but they are asking for money to help fellow Kenyans who are in far worse shape than they are. We want to try to send them $44,550 in the next day or two if you can help. And please keep in mind, this is only for immediate relief. We will also need funds to rebuild the agricultural projects that were destroyed. I’m grateful to so many of you who responded last week. Thank you. We do need some more to meet our $44,550 goal.
If you know of others who might be touched by this need, please pass this information along.
As always, every dollar you send us gets to Kenya, and all contributions are tax-deductible in the US. We do not take out any administrative or money transfer fees. Please see our Donation Page at Lifestream. You can either donate with a credit card there, or you can mail a check to Lifestream Ministries • 1560 Newbury Rd Ste 1 • Newbury Park, CA 91320. Or if you prefer, we can take your donation over the phone at (805) 498-7774.
Thank you for your concern and your prayers. And, if you are in a place to help, please give generously.
I am overwhelmed with joy at the moment. On Friday I put up a blog about a tragic new crisis among the people of West Pokot and added to it on Monday. I was just informed that as of noon on Tuesday, we have significantly overrun the initial amount needed and were able to send funds just a short while ago. We are grateful for every dime and know that there will be more expenses, especially as we look at rebuilding the agricultural projects. So, please, if anything is on your heart here, please don’t stop giving. I promise every bit of money given for Kenya will end up there. The needs are vast and ongoing, though I’m grateful we could get over this initial amoung on its way so speedily to help in this tragedy.