March Break on Mt. Kenya

Mt. Kenya 

Over the past week, we enjoyed celebrating Easter and our children's March break with Aaron's parents, Cecil and Marie Kenny, visiting from Prince Edward Island. We had a wonderful getaway at the Serena Mountain Lodge nestled in the forrest canopy in Mt. Kenya National Park. The Lodge is set amongst the trees overlooking a watering hole where we watched hyena, forrest pigs, buffalo, elephant and a host of antelope and birds. One of our highlights was a young leopard that came hunting.

Trout fishing on along the streams of Mt. Kenya

Fly fishing with Grampy and Grammie was another great highlight of our trip. Although the brown and rainbow trout proved elusive, we still had a glorious day hiking along the beautiful brooks and streams. 

Fun at the animal orphanage at the Mt. Kenya Safari Club

 We are so thankful for the great visit with Grammie and Grampy, and for the wonderful memories we are making with our family. We wish you a great Easter!

Transforming Mission: She Matters

Educate a Woman and You Are Educating an Entire Village 

                                   -- African Proverb      

As people around the world prepare to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, we have had the joy of hosting the She Matters Short Term Mission team serving in Kenya this past week with our friend and colleague, Brenda Halk.

She Matters is Canadian Baptist Ministries' campaign for gender equity. Together with our partners we are working to educate, equip and empower girls and women who have the potential to be the greatest influencers for change in their families and community.

Brenda and Erica with women leaders in the 

African Christian Church and Schools (ACC&S)

The She Matters team has spent this week with the ACC&S, CBM's longest standing partnership in Africa. The ACC&S is growing in its understanding and practice of gender equality. It has been exciting to see the ACC&S embrace women in leadership in the local church and as ordained clergy. 

"We look forward to the day when our church has a woman in the highest office of leadership," shared moderator Joseph Maina. "Women are the strongest force in our churches."

Later this year, a group of Canadian and Kenya women leaders and pastors will be embarking on a journey of mutual mentorship and encouragement. We are excited to see how God uses this experience to strength us all.

Sandra Robinson leading a session on parenting
during workshops with ACC&S

"SHE MATTERS to me because...

She Love & Cares to the Needy"

Rev. Mary Wanjiku Kanyanjua

Sandra and DJ Moore with members of the CBM Nairobi Self Help Groups

In urban ministry projects like the Self Help Group (SHG) ministry of CBM, women are deepening their experience of solidarity, sisterhood and self-confidence as they work together to address challenges facing their families and community.

The She Matters team had the opportunity to meet Aisha, one of the community facilitators working with women's groups in Nairobi. These groups are learning how to make handmade scarves that are a valuable source of income for several of the groups that are selling their products locally and to church groups in Canada and the United States.

Throughout the week, it has been encouraging to hear the stories of women who are working together to see change in their communities, churches and families.

Michel Belzile with Self Help Group members

Laura and Erica with a woman leader from Kariobangi

Rhonda and Beth at the ACC&S Cathedral, Thika

As Canadian men and women participate in She Matters, we have the privilege of standing in solidarity with courageous women and men who believe that access to education, livelihoods, and human rights are for ALL people. 

Get involved by clicking on the link below and participate in the social media campaign. Raise your voice and lend a hand.

http://shematters.cbmin.org

Sandra, DJ and Mary Ellen at the ACC&S Sunday School

You can learn more about She Matters and the work of Canadian Baptist Ministries in Africa and around the world at our website www.cbmin.org

Canadian Baptist Ministries She Matters Too