Helping Children in Crisis in
Kenya: Proud to be a Part of
this Work
By Kay R. Alden
Chair of Helping Children in Crisis (HCIC)
The following is a report on a July 2014 trip to Etora, Kenya, by four volunteers
for Helping Children in Crisis (HCIC). See photographs on pages 90 and 91.
Vignette: On the grounds of the Rev. Samson Abuga’s New Church School,
Etora, Kenya, July 2014:
I sit at a roughly made wooden desk transcribing background information on
orphans into my battery powered computer. The building I am in is made of
corrugated metal and the floor is hard-packed mud. There is no electricity or
running water on the premises.
To my left is a bookshelf full of New Church printed materials, including books of
the Writings, curriculum and collateral works. These materials are familiar to me
and represent the connection I have to this place that is halfway across the world
from my home. To my right are large sacks of rice and beans – two weeks’ worth of
food for my friends here.
The door stands open to the warm African air and the sound of children’s laughter.
The students are on break from classes and waiting for their cooked lunch of kale
and ugali.
I glimpse the Rev. Samson Abuga making his way across the red mud yard. His
progress is slow. As he passes through the throng of children, each face lights up
with delight and a small group of F