Recently we asked you, our supporters, to send words of congratulations we can pass along to Candlelight School. Thanks to your generous donations, Candlelight has a fully functional computer lab in the middle of the Matopeni Slum. Candlelight used local craftsmen to create a safe and secure facility that now provides essential learning opportunities for students, and a revenue stream as a cyber cafe for the community.

Here’s what supporters said; you can add your voice in the comments below!

From Lisa

To my friends in Matopeni:

Have fun learning about computers! They can be frustrating at times, as I’m sure you’ll find! Though by far the best thing computers have done for us is make it easier to contact friends, and to stay in touch through the years though time and distance may separate us! Good luck!

Ashley Smith expressed her excitement:

How incredible it is to see the power of Christ working through people’s hearts to give in order to support an amazing organization! What a blessing to the Matopeni community to have a such an awesome tool of knowledge at their fingertips. Way to go 1010project family!!

Cathy Cuttrell shared

This is awesome, Brian, to hear about the computer lab providing much greater access to knowledge to solve problems and train for the future….very excited for our Kenyan friends.  Hugs to all

From Kim Koole

Alice – your computer lab looks amazing!  I’m so glad that you’ve been able to continue on that project – and it sounds like a great way to generate additional revenues for the school!  We miss you and pray for you often!

From Kathy Harvell

How time goes by so quickly and so many changes in just one year!!  Our group from Northside Christian Church in Spring, Texas was in Niarobia last June just before the school and church were demolished.  The Lord has brought you a long way from those terrible and dark days.  From the few pictures I’ve seen, it appears you have made several very nice improvements!!  Praise God!!! The trip to Kenya was a life changing event for me, actually all of us.  You taught us so much about faith and true worship.  It was truly a pleasure to be in your presence and spend time with you and those beautiful children.  I’ll never forget the welcome song and smiles we received from the children and teachers.  I still talk about the trip and think and pray for you often.  I hope I can return someday and spend time with you again.  Did any of the trees we planted survive the demolition?

Sending our love and prayers, God Bless

Kelly (in orange) and the Discovery Crew

Article by Kelly Little of Discover Church in Broomfield CO
At Discovery Church we value the reciprocal relationship we have with Fred and Alice Afwai and the work they do in the Kayole neighborhood with Hands with Hope Safe House and also Candlelight school.  We do not see Candlelight School as a charity that we donate to, rather our brothers, sisters and children that we care deeply about and will do everything within our abilities to advocate for them. Through this relationship our church is given the opportunity to cultivate compassion and generosity to benefit our friends.

When we went to Nairobi last fall to visit our friends in person we went with a purpose; to learn more about the life they live, the people they work with, and to have a conversation about how we can serve their vision.  Every day we worked hard and every evening we talked, laughed and cried as we did life together and shared struggles.  One evening Alice called me into her room and showed me piles upon piles of beautiful Kenyan goods that mothers had given to Alice in the hope that their child would be able to go to school.   Alice, having a heart to see every child be able to go to school – regardless of income – graciously accepted these items, even though the items alone would not pay for teacher salaries, supplies or food for the school children.

As we sat on her bed and looked at these piles and piles of scarves, jewelry, handmade bags and aprons, she asked me in a quiet but confident voice, “do you think you could bring some of these items home with you to sell?”

Cooperative Computer Learning

After spending the time to get to know the men, women and children of Kayole there was no way we were going to say no.  We had no idea how much we would be able to sell, but we packed our suitcases full to the brim and trusted that the Lord would provide a way for us to sell these items back home and send all of the money back to Fred and Alice to be used to improve the care and education of children in the Kayole.

Over Christmas and Easter we were able to sell the items to our friends, family and congregation and we raised $3200, with every cent going back to Kenya.

Through the sale of these goods, our church members are able to contribute to the well being of our friends and directly to the Kenya economy at the same time.  When our members are given the opportunity to directly impact real people, the generosity overflows.  We strongly encourage other churches to get to know any of the amazing partners who work with The 1010 Project, have a conversation, and see what you can do to help.