Kigumo Upper

Guardians of Hope Kigumo Upper chairman,

Joseph Mwangi Njagu,

addressing today's meeting in Kangari

Today Aaron and our friend Sammy Miana travelled into Kenya's Central Province to encourage and evaluate the work of the Africa Christian Church & Schools Guardians of Hope program in the Kigumo Upper Region.

Aaron interviewing Ruth and Lucia Wanjiku

for an upcoming fivekennys podcast

Guardians of Hope

Our friend Sammy interviewing

Guardian of Hope Grace Njeri in Kikuyu

Grace Njeri is a Guardian of Hope caring for five children

She was diagnosed with HIV

and has been on ARV treatment since 2003

Cows grazing in Kigumo Upper

It was very encouraging to hear how the 37 dairy cows distributed within the Guardians of Hope in Kigumo Upper have impacted lives of Guardians and orphans. Already, ten of these recipients have given back the first born calf to become a gift to another family affected by HIV and AIDS within their community.

Richard Kiharg a beneficary of the Guardians of Hope

AIDS orphans, like Richard, who have lost both parents from HIV and AIDS, are being cared for by grandmothers and widows within communities like Kangari. Richard was born HIV positive and by age six had lost both his mother and father from AIDS. At nine years of age, he takes antiretroviral medications each day. With the help of the GOH, Richard travels to the district hospital to receive his free medications and regular check ups from his doctor. The local guardians help his family with food stuffs that ensure he receives three meals a day to accompany his medications.

Richard has completed the third grade and as he works hard in school, he dreams of one day becoming a pilot. "I want to move through the clouds!" he shared with us in Kikuyu. Richard struggles with his health, but with the aid of a good diet and medication he can live a full and long life. He asked us to pray for him, his grandmother and his older brother. Perhaps one day, by God's grace, Richard will live out his dream.

The majority of the ACC&S churches also support primary and secondary schools attached to their churches. The church has an education board that works hand in hand with the Kenyan government to provide Christian education to thousands of children throughout Kenya.

Aaron with Reverend James Karanu,

Regional Minister of Kigumo Upper Region

Rev. James oversees twelve pastors who minister within the 24 churches that form the four parishes of the Kigumo Upper Region. Within this region, the Guardians of Hope are serving over a hundred beneficaries.

Patrick, Henry and Aaron

Henry and Aaron taking a look around

the new ACC&S Kangari sanctuary

The new ACC&S church in Kangari will seat 400 parishioners. The present structure will be used for a community hall to serve the youth and various children's programs in the community. Kangari is the largest congregation within the Mwarano parish, one of four parishes in the Kigumo Upper Region.

Please pray for the ministry of the ACC&S as they care for the most vulnerable families within their church and community.