Background

CFCC seeks to give financial and spiritual aid to children who have been orphaned, many of whom live in the Kibera slum on the outskirts of Nairobi (3rd largest slum in the world).  Their goal is to provide food, education, medicine, shelter, and basic needs such as clothing and shoes.  The ministry was founded by Albert and Nancy Kedenge in 2010 after they saw a report on the local news of a family of 5 children whose parents had been killed during the post-election violence that broke out in Kibera in 2008.  By God's grace, the local news station was able to direct Albert and Nancy to where these children lived, and they began to give them regular aid as they were able, including finding an adult caregiver to live with them.

Since that time, the ministry has grown to include 24 children, along with their caregivers. Kenya, like most of Africa, is overwhelmed with orphans.  Nearly an entire generation of parents have died of HIV/AIDS and related disease.  Additionally, economic turmoil and government corruption has created broken families in which children are abandoned.  When no loving adult is responsible for these orphans, they become victims of exploitation and forced labor. Young girls are especially vulnerable.

In 2010, the Vineyard was introduced to Albert while he was traveling through Fort Smith by a mutual friend.  After hearing of the work his church was involved in, a proposal was made to the elders of the Vineyard to begin partnering with them by providing monthly financial support.  Since that time our church has sent tens of thousands of dollars to help CFCC care for these precious children.  But there is always more to do.

Regular needs

Food & Clothing

Food is the most pressing need facing these children.  Kenya is a lush and fertile country, completely capable of growing all the food their citizens need.  However, due to corruption, poor education, and few employment opportunities, most Kenyans simply can't afford the food that is available.  And, of course, with little financial resources, many of these children have clothes that are threadbare.

Education

Kenya has "free" education - in theory.  While there are free public schools children can attend, they are still responsible to pay for their books, supplies, uniforms, and transportation to get there.  Helping with school fees has been a big problem lately, and often CFCC personnel must advocate with the schools to not expel kids while money is being collected.

Healthcare

Simply put, the ministry does not have the financial support to provide regular healthcare.  In times past, when there was an emergency situation, our church has been able to send one-time offerings to cover medicine, surgery expenses, etc.  More money regularly flowing into the ministry would allow for these children to receive medical check-ups two or three time a year, which would minimize their risk.  It should be noted that some of the children in the program themselves have AIDS and need regular medicine for this.

Support

There are hopes and dreams of one day having enough support to build a children's home outside of Kibera where these children - and more - can live in a safer environment and have access to greater economic opportunities.  But our primary goal right now is to raise enough support to fully care for the needs of the children that are currently in the system.  

Would you consider becoming a regular partner with CFCC?  A recurring donation of as little as $10 monthly can make a huge impact in the life of these kids.  Even if the Vineyard is not your home church, you can still partner in this worthwhile ministry.  You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation from this page.  Or you can send a check directly to the church with CFCC in the memo line:

Vineyard Fort Smith
PO Box 180036
Fort Smith, AR 72918

Your gift is completely tax-deductible, and you will receive a giving statement at the end of each year.  100% of all donations go the ministry - we do not keep anything for administrative costs.  If you'd like more information in terms of CFCC's bylaws and oversite you can contact pastor Kevin directly at kevin@vineyardfortsmith.com to have this information sent to you.

For those of you who feel led to join us, welcome aboard!  Together we can change destinies!