Kendiwa
History
2004
A group of Kenyans visited Australia in Sept-Oct 2004 with a real concern for the orphans in Kenya. Pastor Joel Kapere from Nyandiwa, a community in the Kadongo district of Western Kenya was invited to the Cranbrook-Frankland Baptist Church.
It was organised for Pastor Joel to be involved in many facets of church life in our area. He also attended a Bible Study of the Kendenup Christian Fellowship. Joel visited the Mount Barker High School as well, and spoke at the Mt Barker Baptist Church.
This resulted in the Cranbrook-Frankland Baptist Church committing to the sponsorship of some orphans in Nyandiwa providing funds primarily for their education.
2005
Kendenup Christian Fellowship also commenced sponsoring orphans 2005/6. During 2006 a request was made for medicines for the Nyandiwa Baptist dispensary. Research resulted in a container of medical equipment and clothing being sent and arriving at Nyandiwa in June 2007. Since then Kendenup has continued supporting the dispensary providing solar power for lighting and equipment, also regular donations for purchase of medicines.
During the preparation for sending the container Alex Fergie, a student doctor, became interested in spending his six week period of overseas training (during his sixth year of medicine), in Kenya. As a result he spent several weeks at the Dispensary in January/February 2007.
2007
Alex treated patients, educated the staff and was a PR for the Kendenup Fellowship. This was followed by a group of 4 visiting from Kendenup. In November they spent 11 days at Nyandiwa visiting schools, churches, researching how best to support the needs of the area in the future.
Dr Alex with a patient at the dispensary
2008
In March Joel made a return visit to both Cranbrook-Frankland and Kendenup. He was taken to more districts in the Great Southern to speak about the needs of his people.
In August three farmers visited Nyandiwa with a view to understanding the agricultural needs of the area as production has declined. These were Ron Watkins, John Butler and Ian Pedrick.
From the visit Ron has devised an holistic approach to implementing changes in agricultural practices for Nyandiwa and the surrounding area.
2009
Ron returned in April to experience the big rainy season and witness the damage that occurs to the soil structure. This enabled Ron to plan drains to prevent further erosion. See Mar/Apr 09 report under Agriculture.
2010
Ron and Mark Jefferies visit Nyandiwa during February to assess progress of agricultural projects. There was some disappointment as 2009 had been much drier and the Napier grass had not been able to grow sufficiently to stabilise the drains. Two projects dropped out for different reasons.
In June, Roger Ellem from Australian Friends of Africa (AFOA), fitted us into his busy schedule. AFOA has encouraged the liasing of East African pastors with Australian Churches for the building up in ministry of each. His visit was very encouraging, giving a greater understanding of cross cultural support. In July 2011, Roger will be taking a team of interested people to visit missions in Tanzania and Kenya. This includes a visit with Mike & Lyndall Rothery at Mission Oz Imara, Tanzania. Any one wishing to join the team can find Roger’s contact details by following the link to AFOA website.
Ron again visited Nyandiwa in August as the Agricultural Committee were very keen for him to return and continue to help with drains, water run off and other issues. Please check out his last report for 2010 under Agriculture.