Amani Sasa Camp Update

This April Amani had the Amani Sasa "Peace Now" Youth four day camp. The youth traveled to Malewa- Bush Ventures, 2 hours north of Nairobi. The 18 teenagers had been looking forward to the camp for a while. It was a new experience for many - a camp site, thatched shower rooms and dining hall, tents, high ropes course, clean and fresh air and the natural sounds of birds and animals.

Our first day consisted of a CPR (Creating Positive Relationships) short course on the theme ‘Our sexuality is a special gift from God worth respecting and protecting.’ It was relevant and geared towards their age group. The campers interacted and listened to personal experiences by the facilitators from Dawntreader Adventures, Nairobi Chapel and Tanari Trust.

The second and third day offered the teenagers a chance to do low elements as well as the high ropes course. The low elements challenged them in teamwork and assisting others while having fun in the process. The high ropes course challenged them as individuals to conquer their fears. This was a different experience as they took the roles of encouraging those climbing and even those that were afraid to try. They realized that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and together we compliment each other and make a better, peaceful community. For example, the ropes and harness experience caused each camper to realize there are times when we will need to trust those around us. The entire trip was a great success. The teenagers bonded through times of fellowship, exercise and devotions. We also watched environmental documentaries which reminded us of the importance of taking care of the environment.

We would like to convey our heart felt gratitude to everyone who made the camp a success through giving of their time or other resources. May God bless you for making these memories and teachings a reality!

A word from Becky

May 2008

Dear Amani Family –

Thank you for your support to the ministry of Amani. It reminds us of our good and generous God who faithfully provides for our needs. God is our stability in a world absent of permanence.

Amani has experienced the lows and highs of life lately. The death of Charles Mwatha, our faithful keeper of the gate, came as a shock to the Amani family. Our thanks goes to those who have prayed and sent gifts to help his wife, Anna, as she suffers the loss of her husband and faces an even more challenging life without her provider. Women of Amani have been with Anna 24/7 to be by her side during this difficult time reminding her of God’s love.

Thank you for your friendship and support. Your involvement directly impacts us at Amani giving us encouragement and hope.

“…Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In His peace alone,

Becky Chinchen
Executive Director, Amani ya Juu

Charles

April 30, 2008

Dear Amani friends,

This is a sad day for the Amani family. Charles Mwatha (husband to Anna), our faithful gate keeper, was killed on Monday. We are all grieving the loss of someone who was loved by all. Everyone who visited Amani knows Charles because he was the one everyone first met as he opened the gate.

Charles was due to testify in court next week against a policeman who had beat and robbed him last year as he was on the way to the bank with his hard earned savings. Charles’ family had pleaded with him to drop the case, especially after he received several threatening telephone calls, but he was determined to follow through for the hope that justice would be done.

Charles leaves behind his wife Anna and an extended family for whom he was responsible. Please pray for Anna that God’s peace and comfort will carry her through this tragic time in her life. The Amani women are with Anna constantly giving her the love and support she needs.

In His peace,
The Amani ya Juu family