Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 in Kenya

CULTURELink’s mission is to make disciples of those who make disciples of all nations. Despite the constant turmoil around the globe and the continued impact of the pandemic, we remain focused on our mission. We want to keep you informed regarding the ongoing opportunities we’ve shared in previous updates and how we continue to move toward ministry during these uncertain times.

Every week, our team hears from our partners around the globe who continue to share ongoing challenges with us related to COVID-19. Lebanon is on the brink of a political and economic implosion. India is in crisis. Violence continues to wreak havoc between Israel and Palestine. And below is a text we received from Ronald, one of our Kenyan friends.

Ronald and his brother, Kelly, were in Mikindani Royal Kids School in Mombasa the summers (2012 and 2013) when my family lived and worked in Kenya. Luke, my son, become close and still remains friends with Kelly and Ronald. These boys are orphans and the school was authorized to be their legal guardian – yes, adopted by a school! Their older sister Faith, too, was raised on the campus of Royal Kids. In 2019, we made the commitment to pay for Ronald’s college education ($3,000 per year for each student’s room, board, and tuition). He is a remarkable student. Obviously, COVID-19 has greatly impacted his educational endeavors.

We received this text from him recently:

Hello, hello! Hoping all is well. On this side of the world, things are getting tougher and tougher. Inflation is having a great toll on us, skyrocketing public debt, lockdown, 8:00 PM curfew, economic crisis, but through God’s love, we are resilient enough.

Earlier this year, I had to move out of the college dorm and rent a single room with the accommodation money you sent me where I currently live with Kelly and my elder sister Faith. At first, things were very tough on us knowing that we were going to run short of the upkeep money with no alternative source of income. We then made a small business where we make Samosas and sell them by the roadside in the evening. With this, we are able to earn our daily bread. I also sell music to drivers at gas stations. This boosts our finances, too.

Today, my sister got whipped by a rogue police officer while selling at the roadside a few minutes past curfew. She was trying to sell the few pieces of samosa that were remaining. But unfortunately, he got to her. She has been beaten severely. It is a very painful and sad affair but there is nothing much we can do. Having hope that things will be fine, and the future is luminous. I write because our hearts are broken. Please pray for the three of us.

About school… Good news, we are resuming on the 22nd of April my third year second semester. COVID made us lose one year of school. Classes will be online-based. Without your gifted computer, my education would be no more. I will be sending you more details once updated. Thank you for building my future, and Kelly’s and Faith’s. We are not alone. Pass my greetings to Mama Luke (Karen), Dada Luke (Larry), KaKa (Cameron), and my brother Lukas (Luke). Also, greetings to all CULTURELink family that cares for us.

Blessings, Ronald

We received another update from Ronald a few days ago. Faith is severely bruised and has bumps, but overall she is okay. Curfew now 6:00 PM. The leadership at Royal Kids is appealing for an after-hours permit for Ronald, Kelly, and Faith to conduct business. There is no action they can take toward the police and more are acting out as they did toward Faith. PRAY – this is just one of many stories of which we are aware!

Many of our projects are big, but many are small and personal. You make a difference in all of them. CULTURELink family, you are changing the destiny of these three young adults and many others across this globe.

To our donors, ministry partners, and alumni: Thank you for being on our team.

Blessings,
Larry Ragan