the probability of it being buried is fifty-fifty. It can easily be sold
away—either to man-eaters, witchcrafts or sorcerers. Surely this
world is different in a way of doing things. From there, we went to
a place where all the family members sat down to eat together.
The Meetings
From there, we proceeded to the place where we had arranged
to met Jerry Masarira and Janet Perry. It was agreed I would ride
north with them to the rest of the meetings, while Esther stayed be-
hind to spend some time with her children, consoling them.
It was my first time meeting Jerry and we really had a wonder-
ful time. Jerry is also from Africa [Zimbabwe] and knows the situa-
tion here at home. He is on the Board for Hearth to Hearth
Ministries. We shared a lot both spiritually and socially. He is truly
a man of God. Janet is sponsoring one
of the orphans. It was a blessing to
meet both of them.
We drove to Edna Shaffer’s home
near Traverse City, Michigan. Edna is
Vicki’s mom, and had organized meet-
ings for us. One was at her church, the
Lake Ann Methodist Church, and the
other at Traverse City Adventist
Church. Edna is a wonderful grand-
mother. She is social, loving and just
interesting. For the days that we stayed
in her home, it was always laughter
and encouraging words from her. Ac-
tually, she looks younger than her age.
She is a very good cook and her food is
always available. Truly, Vicki and
Molly are blessed to have her as their
mother. Even both of them are just ex-
actly like their mother. Edna’s food is
so delicious that one hardly gets satis-
fied. You can eat and eat until your
stomach can take no more but the
mouth still feels like eating. I love her
and she is just like my grandma. No
wonder Jerry couldn’t wait to visit her
with his wife and children. Jerry,
Oppah and their sons spent a weekend with Edna recently, where
she taught the boys to play “Boggle.” If I happen to come to
America again, I will make an effort to visit her.
Vicki met us at her mom’s home. She really made the visit even
more interesting. On Sabbath, we went to Traverse City SDA
Church. We had a beautiful church service. Even though the church
pastor was not present, he had arranged everything for us and we
were welcomed warmly. The church elder conducted the program
and then I took over the divine service. After the services, we went
for lunch in one of the rooms in the church (a tradition in almost all
churches in the US). While there, we had an opportunity for a slide
show and Vicki and I spoke on the plight of orphans. I am happy to
say that several orphans were sponsored. God touched the hearts of
His people and today those children are getting assistance. Thepeo-
plein this church are so loving and kind-hearted. May God continue
to bless them. After we returned to Edna’s home and rested, we trav-
eled to Lake Michigan where we watched the sunset, walking out on
the pier to the lighthouse.
The following day, we went to Lake Ann Methodist Church. I
had an opportunity to meet Pastor Chuck, a real man of God. The
church is big and the congregation so large that they must conduct
two services every Sunday. I was privileged to speak in both services.
God touched the hearts of His people and they sponsored over thirty
children. The services were spiritually inspiring and the songs beauti-
ful. I admire the way all churches in America conduct their programs.
I made several friends, met some earlier sponsors with their families,
and it was just good times for me. That is where, for the first time, I
met Ron and Therese Miller. They have been wonderful sponsors.
We really discussed a lot and even, after services, they came back to
Edna’s home, where we visited all afternoon. Their daughter,
Theresa, and her family, came also. Therese and Ron brought gifts for
me and my wife and children. I was glad to hear that they have
supported an orphan girl in India through her college. God is
truly good.
The following day, Edna, Vicki and I went to the
church where Edna’s husband was one time a pastor, on the
other side of the state. The meet-
ing there was in the evening. We
arrived in time, even though we
started late and got a little lost.
People came and the pastor was
also present. I thank God that
several children were sponsored
even beyond our expectation.
This is a country church where
most members have belonged
since they were very young.
They love God’s work and they
are really dedicated. May God
bless them.
Again, we had a dinner after
which I helped the men clean up
the kitchen while the women vis-
ited and looked at the orphans’
photos. They talked me into
singing and telling tales of my
childhood. It was so good. From
there we went to the home of
Jerry and Kay LaComb and, after
resting, had a good breakfast
with many slices of fresh home-
made bread, and fruit from their farm. I was beginning to think I
no longer liked Ugali!
Then we drove back to Edna’s, said goodbye to her, and started
the trip back downstate to pick up Esther at her daughter’s home.
We did not arrive back at Vicki’s until very early in the morning.
After a short rest, Vicki drove Esther and me to meet George, part
way to West Virginia. The final days in West Virginia passed in pre-
paring myself and belongings for the trip back home.
Now that I’m back to Kenya, I am happy to say that over one
hundred new children are sponsored and are in the Center. No
more starvation for them, no more cold nights and no more
abuse. God has been so good. We have a new school, more staff
and a brighter Christian future for these orphans. May God con-
tinue to bless you abundantly.
?
-8-
Pastor Maurice speaking
at Lake Ann Methodist
Church above; on the
pier at Lake Michigan
with Jerry Masarira at
right; below right (clock-
wise from left): Jerry
Masarira, Janet Perry,
Vicki Kritzell, Maurice
Anyango and Edna
Shaffer (Vicki’s mom).
