from kenya

Dandora, Kenya

Leading with Prayer: Seeds of Wisdom from our Branches

When we recently went for children’s rosary rally in Lodwar in Nothern Kenya, our staff van broke down in the middle of a deserted stretch of an expansive thicket. This was within a corridor where the deadly cattle rustlers operate. It had been less than a week since the deadly group had struck, killing a child and making away with several herds of cattle. Fear gripped the entire team. We felt lost and forsaken. The next trading centre was 27 Km away and waiting for an hour or so until help arrived seemed like eternity.

It is at this point that the HCFM team gathered for a rosary prayer as we waited for help. Others tried to fix the vehicle under the hopeful voices of a dozen hail marys. The team worked and prayed at the same time. Eventually, we calmly managed to tie the broken control arm with sisal ropes just to enable us leave and shorten the journey between us and the mechanic, who was now on the way. He arrived  just as we hit the tarmac and we chattily watched him weld  back the broken piece.The prayer of the Rosary was the best thing we did under such cirmcustances.We took our respective positions thus managed to calm down an otherwise tense situation.

NOVENAS: WHEELS OF OUR MINISTRY

Prayer in Action: Blossoming in the Field

When it is true that the prayer of the Holy Rosary and prayer in general is a powerful tool in our ministry, we have realized how hard it can be for the people we serve and our team as well to remain focused and persistent in prayer. Hence the birth of different Novenas in our attempt to create a culture of faithful relationship with God. Our home-made novenas are drawn in line with the different intentions we have. As we review and confirm budgets for different activities, as we assign roles and look forward to the success of these activities, prayer is at the heart of our ministerial planning.

Our simple approach has endeared these prayers to our team and to those who come to our ministry center with different intentions. These customized novenas have specific intentions accompanied by Bible verses as well as suggested prayers which include suitable psalms that participants recite as prayer. Thus, we have experienced success of our events, witnessed answered family prayers and a growing culture of reading the word of God. Indeed the powerful tool of prayer is the very wheels of our ministry.

JUST 60 MINUTES A WEEK

The Quiet Garden: Whispers of Transformation

Twice a week in our centre, we have devoted 30 minutes to profound silence in adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. As we sit in quietude, we have experienced the sacred power that lies within silence. These transformative moments as members have come to experience them have not only cultivated relationship with Christ in the Eucharist but have also been a great avenue for seeking clarity, creativity and focus.

Silence have also made us to be attentive to our surroundings and to see the finger of God at work in every person. This has deepened and strengthened the sense of purpose and responsibility in our different roles in the ministry. It has also led to our communal growth in the ministry; extending programs and HCFM mission in prisons, among children, the youths and couples in Kenya.

In the Spirit of PPG

Trusting the Harvest: Seeds of Surrender and Growth

The Peyton Prayer Guilds gather for prayers regularly. One member of Humility PPG, encountered family challenges that led to a very serious conflict between her and the husband. The conflict escalated into both physical and emotional fights and eventually a bitter separation. Seeking support, she turned to her PPG members for prayers. Their assistance extended beyond prayer, for they also helped her in managing her anger towards her husband. Through consistent prayer and support, the couple eventually reconciled, resolved their issues, and now back together and happily at peace.