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Alice’s New Home

“Don’t worry Mum, keep trusting in God. Who knows? Maybe next month we’ll be in our own home.” Joseph fervently prayed for God to provide a new home for his family, and encouraged his mother, Alice, to keep faith.

A Dirt Floor for a Bed 

In a humble home in Kenya, Alice lived with four of her children and one grandchild. Her unemployment and reliance on sporadic, low-paying work made it nearly impossible for the minimum wage to cover the family’s essential needs. 

They lived in a small wooden house with a dirt floor, an outdoor kitchen and no electricity. The communal pit latrine for their bathroom was in poor condition, and the family fetched water from a shared well. 

During the warmer seasons, their dirt floor became breeding grounds for dust and fleas, while the rainy seasons brought cold, muddy interiors, making the family vulnerable to colds and infections. 

Alice shared of their living conditions, “I lived in a house without power, an uncemented floor that would at times have fleas. I didn’t have a decent bed and would sleep on the floor.” 

Alice's Old Home

You May Be a Part of the Story 

Two years ago, Forward Edge purchased land in Kijabe, Kenya with the intention of constructing houses. Due to the urgent and severe circumstances facing Alice’s family, they were chosen to receive the first new home!  

It’s possible that YOU even played a role in making this answered prayer a reality. If you contributed to our Giving Tuesday fundraiser in 2021, your kind and generous contributions were used for the construction of this home. You are then a part of Alice’s family’s journey and the answer to their prayers! 

The construction of the new home began, but the children were kept unaware, purposefully, to ensure that it would be an amazing surprise when the day came to reveal the house to them. 

 

A Day to Remember Forever 

On August 7, 2023, Alice’s children returned from school unaware of the extraordinary surprise awaiting them. Their mother directed them to an unfamiliar place, and they were overwhelmed to hear her reveal, “This is our new home!” Filled with joy, the family entered their new home for the very first time. Amidst tears, Alice expressed her thanks,  

“I am grateful to God for blessing me with a home! A home with electricity, floor tiles, and a great bed! I am short of words and much overwhelmed with joy. God bless everyone for the great work of changing my life. I am soo happy!” 

Not only did the family celebrate together, but the community joined them in enthusiastic jubilation in cheers of praise, singing and joyful dancing! Smiles were everywhere and tears of happiness flowed. 

Alice's New Home

Encouragement to Us All 

Alice and her family’s new home stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness as they enjoy the essential comforts of electricity, plumbing, a bathroom and furniture. Jane, the director of our Kenya program shared,  

“It is surprising how the new home has brought the family closer to God through gratitude. It has brought peace and harmony to the family since the mother is much relieved from the mental distress of finding rent each month which she could not afford. I saw God at work through the provision of resources until the completion of the project. What can we say? God blesses all He loves to bless!” 

Joseph’s humble and faith-filled words to his mom, “Don’t worry Mum, keep trusting in God. Who knows? Maybe next month we’ll be in our own home,” encourage us to not miss the opportunity to trust God with our lives today. Whether it’s small or big requests in our hearts, God holds us in His hands and He sees us. He truly loves to bless His children! 

Picture of Melanie Kruse

Melanie Kruse

Melanie has always had a heart for making a difference in the lives of others, especially those facing difficult circumstances. Deeply influenced by the love of Jesus, she longs for others to discover the same hope that has shaped her own life. She and her family sponsor three children and have been blessed with the opportunity to travel and spend meaningful time with them. Known for her love of organization and attention to detail, Melanie thrives in roles where she can use these strengths to serve others. At Forward Edge, she is grateful for the chance to combine her skills with her passion for ministry, saying, “I love that I can use my gifts to make an eternal difference in the lives of people around the world.”
Child Nutrition

Nourishing Bodies, Transforming Lives: The Impact of Meals in Kenya

In the heart of Kenya, where many children face the daily struggle of hunger, a simple meal can be life-changing. At Forward Edge, we’re not just filling plates—we’re filling lives with hope, strength, and opportunity. Our programs in Kenya provide nourishing meals that empower children to focus in school, grow in their faith, and dream of a brighter future. Discover how something as simple as a meal is transforming lives and bringing lasting change to communities across Kenya.

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christian

Pearl Partners

In Matthew 13, Jesus is sitting in his friend’s home, after a long day of teaching parables to the crowds. His disciples ask him about the Kingdom of Heaven, and he shares another story with them, to help them understand: “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for

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stories from the field

Learning to Smile

Many of us have seen profile photos of children in sponsorship programs; they are often solemn, sad and sometimes down-right angry looking. I know I have thought at times, “Wow, that poor child must be so unhappy!” But then I come across a video from the same organization in which

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community development

Why We Should Involve Children in Development

In his book, “Empowering Children”, former Forward Edge board member, Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, shares the importance of involving children in the process of their own development. When a community invests its resources in its children, it invests in its own future. Just as Forward Edge values all children and believes

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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Ka wula (hello), my name is Sayidatu Suhuyini

  • location

    Ghana

  • 9 yrs. old

    11-29-2016

Entered the program: March 2023

Sayidatu lives with her parents and three brothers brother in a one-bedroom mud house with a thatch roof. Her oldest brother sleeps at a friend's house nightly due to lack of space. The home is in poor condition, and they have no latrine. There is electricity in the village but the family cannot afford to be connected to it. There is no access to potable water. The village women and girls fetch water from a local dam until it dries up, then they must travel long distances to find other sources. The area the family lives in has poor sanitation which poses a health hazard.

Sayidatu’s family is Muslim. Her parents are both unemployed and can barely provide the basic necessities. They live on less than a dollar a day and rely on the support of Create Hope to help feed their children. Before joining the program, keeping Sayidatu in school was an extreme financial challenge.

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.