Ministry Update and Appeal

Some of you know that my missionary work in Kenya is coming to an end and others may not even know that I am here. Since school was closed for seven months, I have been able to find new ways of assisting others. My main focus was to use my donors' money to allow vulnerable youth an opportunity to join the Marianist Technical Institute where I teach Catering; Hospitality Industry.

Here are just a few success stories from your generosity. You may recognize some of these students/stories as I have written about them in the past.

• Shukrani (Shuku) was my student last year. He lived with his mother, brother and sister in a one room home located in the slum next to me. He drove a motor bike to pay his school fees and rent. He was chased away from school because he could not pay the fees and disappeared for 3 weeks. After locating him, he was now being locked out of his room for not being able to pay the rent. He planned to sleep in an unfinished building nearby. I assisted him with rent for three months and returned him to school, He found odd jobs and now is now providing for himself. We just got him a passport and his next step is to relocate in Dubai where he will earn $500 month, ten times his wages here. I encourage students to leave Kenya if ever possible to have the opportunity to accumulate wealth then return in a better financial way.

• The Triplets (Orphans)- Kathy, a commissioner, relocated them from a dangerous area into the small slum next to me last November. She continues to pay their rent, while Rich, another commissioner, provides schooling for two of them and I will begin paying for the third when he enters into Catering School this January. Zachayo the oldest is now a 24-hour watchman. Jackson, schoolomg at the Marianist for welding, picks up small jobs from his training and is now a day security at the school. Peter, the youngest, buys spices in bulk, repackages and then sells them to shops. Though Kathy has paid their $60/month rent until May 2021, the boys have begun saving $20 each per month so that when we return to the States this June, they will be well on their way of independence

• Abdalla, my guardian son is now running his own small business and was able to rent his own room and has been able to accomplish this by himself. His next challenge is the beginning process of removing his two young siblings from his alcoholic mother’s care. Our hope is to place them into a nearby orphanage managed by Catholic Sisters. This will be a trying and costly endeavor.

Our personal goal is to encourage and teach these youth how to become self-sufficient. Unlike the US, there are no homeless shelters, soup kitchens, medical assistance or any other government assistance and the church provides little. Can you imagine there is just one home for the elderly run by the religious, in the entire city of 2 million people housing, with only 40 elderly.

And now our current ambitions: As for those above, I believe is teaching them to always remember these blessings God has given to you and that one day you lift up others in remembrance.

• Relocation of two Class 8 girls from up country to Mombasa so they have the chance to be in Secondary School. The school fees are approximately $700 per year per student.

• Peter, Agnes, Brighton and William. Twenty-six-year-old Peter, his wife Agnus, 4-year-old Brighton and 2-year-old William were relocated last Saturday from the poor and dangerous over populated area of Likoni. Peter was attacked and robbed 4 months ago early one morning while delivering masonry supplies at a building site. He was cut so badly he lost his left arm at the shoulder. All this for $7.50 and a cell phone. They have been living in fear since. Two of my students, Shuku and Jackson (above), helped me with the move and are now living nearby. Kathy, Sr. Pauline and I visited them in their new home and laid out a plan to finance the supplies for a small business for Agnus to cook and sell a variety of items on the street. Once she is established and self-sufficient, we will begin to find how we can get Peter some training so he can work with only his right arm. Brighton and William will enter into Rich’s program when the time comes for schooling.

• The last big project I am currently working on is trying to help an 18-year-old boy with his eye sight. He was born HIV positive and quit school after 8th grade because of his impaired vision. Within a couple years he gave up hope, stopped his HIV treatment and began using drugs. He has now stopped the drugs, back on his HIV medication, but cannot see well enough to read. We are taking him to a very good eye clinic located in the south coast. He has had both eyes injected thus far and may end up having eye surgery. If that is the case the cost will be overwhelming.

It is not my manner nor technique to solicit donations. My approach has always been to be bridge and an example for others to witness. A witness to open our hearts for others and in my case for the poor. I feel nudged to make this uncomfortable request as the needs are becoming greater. I am providing my donation link below if you feel compelled join us.

May God bless you if either you decide to contribute or not, but know that you are loved and appreciated. 
 

Mike Garr, Maryknoll Lay Missioner
Mombasa, Kenya

mklm.org/MGarr