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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.”
Bible Story

Whose Bible?

It started with a simple nudge—a last-minute feeling that I was forgetting something important. Rushing through the airport, I couldn’t shake the urge to buy a Bible. I didn’t know why, or who it was for, but I trusted the feeling. A week later, in a small village in Ghana, that Bible found its way into the hands of Talata, a girl who had never heard of Jesus. This is the story of how God’s quiet whispers and a small act of obedience became part of something much bigger than we could have imagined.

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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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christian

A Strong Cord Built with Chavannes

This November, Forward Edge International celebrated 40 years of fruitful ministry at our annual Worth & Purpose Benefit for Children. As part of the celebration, Forward Edge’s Program Directors were invited to attend from around the world. As preparations and accommodations were being made, I learned that our Haitian Program

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community

7 Keys to Effective Mission Trips

For over 35 years, Forward Edge has mobilized more than 20,000 individuals on nearly 1,600 mission teams to many parts of the U.S. and 34 countries. Over this time, we’ve learned tried-and-true principles that allow short-term teams to help without causing harm. 1. Support programs that are directed, designed, and

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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Miredita (hello), my name is Dorian

  • location

    Kosova

  • 16 yrs. old

    09-30-2009

Entered the program: November 2023

Dorian lives with his parents and sister in a two-room apartment. Their furniture is second-hand but kept very clean. Dorian’s mother lost her eyesight in 2013 and doesn’t work. His father works as a waiter in a restaurant for a low wage. During the summer he must work long hours so Dorian and his sister look after the house and their mother, as she cannot be alone. This is hard for Dorian because he doesn’t have the opportunity to be with friends. He has had to take on adult responsibilities and has very little time to enjoy activities.

Dorian's sister, Eneja, is also in the Corner Stone program.

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.