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Alice’s New Home

“Don’t worry Mum, keep trusting in God. Who knows? Maybe next month we’ll be in our own home.” Joseph fervently prayed for God to provide a new home for his family, and encouraged his mother, Alice, to keep faith.

A Dirt Floor for a Bed 

In a humble home in Kenya, Alice lived with four of her children and one grandchild. Her unemployment and reliance on sporadic, low-paying work made it nearly impossible for the minimum wage to cover the family’s essential needs. 

They lived in a small wooden house with a dirt floor, an outdoor kitchen and no electricity. The communal pit latrine for their bathroom was in poor condition, and the family fetched water from a shared well. 

During the warmer seasons, their dirt floor became breeding grounds for dust and fleas, while the rainy seasons brought cold, muddy interiors, making the family vulnerable to colds and infections. 

Alice shared of their living conditions, “I lived in a house without power, an uncemented floor that would at times have fleas. I didn’t have a decent bed and would sleep on the floor.” 

Alice's Old Home

You May Be a Part of the Story 

Two years ago, Forward Edge purchased land in Kijabe, Kenya with the intention of constructing houses. Due to the urgent and severe circumstances facing Alice’s family, they were chosen to receive the first new home!  

It’s possible that YOU even played a role in making this answered prayer a reality. If you contributed to our Giving Tuesday fundraiser in 2021, your kind and generous contributions were used for the construction of this home. You are then a part of Alice’s family’s journey and the answer to their prayers! 

The construction of the new home began, but the children were kept unaware, purposefully, to ensure that it would be an amazing surprise when the day came to reveal the house to them. 

 

A Day to Remember Forever 

On August 7, 2023, Alice’s children returned from school unaware of the extraordinary surprise awaiting them. Their mother directed them to an unfamiliar place, and they were overwhelmed to hear her reveal, “This is our new home!” Filled with joy, the family entered their new home for the very first time. Amidst tears, Alice expressed her thanks,  

“I am grateful to God for blessing me with a home! A home with electricity, floor tiles, and a great bed! I am short of words and much overwhelmed with joy. God bless everyone for the great work of changing my life. I am soo happy!” 

Not only did the family celebrate together, but the community joined them in enthusiastic jubilation in cheers of praise, singing and joyful dancing! Smiles were everywhere and tears of happiness flowed. 

Alice's New Home

Encouragement to Us All 

Alice and her family’s new home stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness as they enjoy the essential comforts of electricity, plumbing, a bathroom and furniture. Jane, the director of our Kenya program shared,  

“It is surprising how the new home has brought the family closer to God through gratitude. It has brought peace and harmony to the family since the mother is much relieved from the mental distress of finding rent each month which she could not afford. I saw God at work through the provision of resources until the completion of the project. What can we say? God blesses all He loves to bless!” 

Joseph’s humble and faith-filled words to his mom, “Don’t worry Mum, keep trusting in God. Who knows? Maybe next month we’ll be in our own home,” encourage us to not miss the opportunity to trust God with our lives today. Whether it’s small or big requests in our hearts, God holds us in His hands and He sees us. He truly loves to bless His children! 

Picture of melaniekruse@forwardedge.org

melaniekruse@forwardedge.org

Melanie has always had a heart for making a difference in the lives of others, especially those facing difficult circumstances. Deeply influenced by the love of Jesus, she longs for others to discover the same hope that has shaped her own life. She and her family sponsor three children and have been blessed with the opportunity to travel and spend meaningful time with them. Known for her love of organization and attention to detail, Melanie thrives in roles where she can use these strengths to serve others. At Forward Edge, she is grateful for the chance to combine her skills with her passion for ministry, saying, “I love that I can use my gifts to make an eternal difference in the lives of people around the world.”
Child Nutrition

Nourishing Bodies, Transforming Lives: The Impact of Meals in Kenya

In the heart of Kenya, where many children face the daily struggle of hunger, a simple meal can be life-changing. At Forward Edge, we’re not just filling plates—we’re filling lives with hope, strength, and opportunity. Our programs in Kenya provide nourishing meals that empower children to focus in school, grow in their faith, and dream of a brighter future. Discover how something as simple as a meal is transforming lives and bringing lasting change to communities across Kenya.

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mission trips

My Forward Edge Story

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sheri Stanley, our Director of Operations & Mobilization, to hear her Forward Edge Story. While what we spoke about was only a fraction of God’s incredible works in her life, these significant moments were an inspiration to me, and I hope they

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community development

Why We Should Involve Children in Development

In his book, “Empowering Children”, former Forward Edge board member, Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, shares the importance of involving children in the process of their own development. When a community invests its resources in its children, it invests in its own future. Just as Forward Edge values all children and believes

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disaster recovery

Team Shows Love After Hurricane Harvey

Three Team Members, a piece of cake, and Miss Bonnie It had been three days, and none of us had met Miss Bonnie. “We could see this small shed on the property as we were working, but weren’t sure if someone was actually in there. And then we heard that

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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Ka wula (hello), my name is Elizabeth

  • location

    Ghana

  • 21 yrs. old

    06-30-2004

Entered the program: March 2023

Elizabeth lives with her parents and two siblings in a one-bedroom mud house roofed with thatch that is in very poor condition. They have no latrine. The home has access to electricity but no potable water. Water is fetched from a local dam until it dries up, then the village women and girls must travel long distances to find other sources.

Elizabeth comes from a Christian family. Her father is a small-hold farmer who cultivates rice and corn but barely harvests enough food to feed the family. Her mother is a housewife and is faced with mental health issues. Before joining Create Hope, the family lived on less than $1 a day and Elizabeth’s ability to attend school was jeopardized. Also, like many girls her age, she misses school during her monthly cycle since they cannot afford sanitary supplies.


 

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.