FiveKennys: Stronger Together: Kamp Tumaini 2017

Stronger Together

Kamp Tumaini 2017

We divide ourselves in so many ways -- Gender, religion, economics, and ethnicity are just the beginning. For people living with HIV and AIDs in Africa, social stigma, ignorance, and fear are realities that they face every day. For many, HIV infection often leads to social shame and isolation.

We are so proud of the work that our partner churches are doing to overcome such division that marginalizes and harms people infected and affected by HIV/AIDs. For almost fourteen years, Canadian Baptists, and our African partners, have been on the front line working with people impacted by this virus by providing support and care.

In the coastal community of Kenya's Kwale County, one in twenty people are infected by HIV. This extreme prevalence rate is one of the highest in the world.

Beginning with the first diagnosis of AIDs in 1984, the HIV epedemic has created much fear and concern. In Kenya, local churches have been helping families and orphans impacted by HIV/AIDs. Since 2004, we have partnered with the Africa Brotherhood Church and African Christian Church and Schools in our joint effort to bring hope and healing into the lives of people suffering in the brokeness of our communities.

Brigette and Claire with girls in their pod group today in Kwale, Kenya

Canadian Baptist Ministries' 2017 Kamp Tumaini is being hosted by the Africa Brotherhood Church and one of their secondary schools in Kenya's Kwale County. We are so grateful for the team of 17 leaders and youth that have joined us from Springforth and the Canadian Baptist Churches of the Atlantic provinces.

The Springforth team is engaging in a peer education approach of students helping students improve their understanding of HIV and AIDs and address the need of including all people in their community.

Kamp does a fantastic job in facilitating the breaking down of walls and the building of common ground. Through music, games, shared learning, and discussion the students are being encouraged to show love and inclusion to everyone.

In the region where we are working, HIV infection is incredibly high. The county's infection rate is almost five percent. In the local hospital, nearest to the school, over 200 children and 700 adults are currently being treated in the ARV program. It is feared by the community health workers that this number may be on the rise. Lack of education and prevention is a major concern.

Emma Kenny with one of the Mivumoni students this afternoon

Through the kamps, teens are coming together to talk about the challenges that they face and to be open about the reality of HIV and AIDs. Above all, the students are recognizing that we are all "stronger together".

Jackie Crain with one of her campers at today's rally

As we share some pictures from this week's program, we invite you to pray for the community of Mivumoni and the churches of Kenya that are ministering to people impacted by HIV and AIDS. You can learn more about our work by visiting our website at www.cbmin.org

Abby Murphy and one of her campers with "Timmy" the camp bear

Craft time with Julia LeBlanc

Emily Derrah and one of her campers

Ava cheering on her team during Masai blanket volleyball

Catherine Cole with a Mivumoni student

We are so thankful for the three great leaders that are facilitating this year's Springforth team, namely: Renée Embree, Catherine Cole, and Adrian Gardner. They are the glue that holds this great short term missions program together.

Renée Embree during the community home visits

Our friend and CBM collegue Adrian Gardner with Aaron

earlier today in Mivumoni

Conner and Eli during the morning games time

Erica with Standley and Geraldine after the daily HIV training session

Our CBM colleague, Patrick Ndugo, back for his third Kamp Tumaini

We are so thankful for the support of our CBM team in organizing and hosting the Kamp Tumaini program, especially Patrick Ndugo and Jackson Andai, that travelled all the way from Nairobi to participate in the camps.