Offering Shade

Twelve years ago a small group of committed Catholics in Nairobi who called themselves, "Koinonia Community" decided to try taking the gospel seriously. They moved into a small house together, began sharing all their possessions, and asked Jesus to show them what to do next. It didn't take Jesus long to show them the "Parking Boys." Parking boys was the name for the street kids who hung out on the corners with nothing much to do but cause trouble. The folks at Koinonia starting talking to these boys, bringing them food, giving them a place to shower, and praying for them. That's how the dream of Kivuli Centre began. Kivuli means shade. A place to find rest from the heat of the day. Kivuli is a rehabilitation centre that houses sixty former street boys. They are given shelter, regular meals, counseling, education, sports activities, Spiritual formation, and a real chance at life. Many of the boys come to Kivuli addicted to glue or other drugs, hardened by the streets, and forgotten by everyone. But when you enter the gate at Kivuli you will find more than just shade. You will find joy. You will find family. You will find irresistible community. And you will find Jesus. Kivuli also offers other gifts to residents in the area: low cost clean water, computer classes and a cyber cafe, vocational trainning, programs for refugees, a health clinic, and a place for local artisians to market their products at living wage prices. Tangible hope.

In the last ten years Koinonia has become a movement in Kenya. They have opened multiple rehabiliation centers for street kids, including Anita Home for girls and Tone La Maji, which means, "drop of water." Nearly 300 children are currently in their care, and many others have already graduated from the program. This has been the result of one small group of people who decided to take the gospel seriously. Their guiding principle comes from a quote by Mother Teresa, "Peace begins when we remember that we belong to each other." Who wouldn't want to belong to a family like this? I long for the Koinonia I experienced in Kenya. I miss them everyday. To find out more visit www.shalomhousekenya.org