SAMBURU SNAPSHOT : Samburu of Kenya

SAMBURU SNAPSHOT

Posted on July 26, 2009 - Filed Under General News | Leave a Comment

Last Monday, Charlie went to one of his weekly preaching points. He
usually visits 2 places in this area each Monday. While he was speaking, a
woman standing nearby fell down. They began to explain that she hadn’t eaten
in many days. Her son had left a celebration to attend the
meeting. Two of his daughters were being married soon and he was dressed in
ceremonial clothes for the occasion. He wore lion skin around his knees and
on his walking stick was a piece of leather. Charlie knew as soon as he saw
him that he was “father of the bride.” He didn’t know that he was this
woman’s mother until she fainted. Then he began to beg the others in
attendance for any extra food they might have. No one volunteered. “Please,
anything,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Charlie retrieved water and a peanut butter sandwich from the
truck. He poured some water in a cup so she could drink. They began to tear
small pieces off for her. She ate slowly at first, but eventually finished
the whole sandwich.
When asked why the group didn’t meet the son’s plea for help, the reply
was, “there is no food here.” Charlie surveyed the crowd to learn when they
had eaten last. Answers came back as, “three days, four days, a few days.”
Any further plans for the day were cancelled as it was obvious what needed
to be done.
He drove with Dixon to the nearest town (Kisima) approximately 45
minutes away. He obtained 2 large 200 pound sacks of beans and maize meal
each on credit. He wanted to help those who had not eaten in days, who were
most in danger of starvation. There were about 25 women in the group. He
planned to give them enough for about a week. Before he returned, however,
word had spread that food was coming. Now, there were twice as many
gathered. After determining those most in need, everything was quickly given
out. Elderly women received 4 pounds each of the beans and meal. Others
received 2 pounds each. The food will keep them alive for another week.
Each day Charlie has gone out this last week, he has had numerous
requests for food. Each day, he responds as he can and as the Lord directs
him. Other requests come for medicine, rides to the hospital, prayer for a
sick child, help with a hospital bill. Last Sunday, we were transporting a
woman from the village in the back of our truck. When she got out, she
dropped a dirty red blanket. She reached down to pick it up and only then
did we see she was holding a tiny baby. She had brought the infant a week
ago for treatment and was now returning for further help as the child had
not gotten well. Please pray for the many needs of these people.