Partners and Friends,
We have just wrapped an exciting and busy season here in Nairobi, and we are preparing for a short furlough in the States! We will be home for most of June and July, and are looking forward to being with family and friends for the first time in 2 years. We will predominantly be with family in NC and SC during this time, but will be traveling a bit as well. Because of the kid’s school and our work schedule, we are only able to come for 8 weeks, but we would love to connect if possible. Please reach out and let us know if you are interested in connecting.
Project and Ministry Update
Tana River Irrigation and Agriculture Projects
Our work in Tana River with our partner, Bocha Hussein, has continued to grow. In recent months we were able to expand the irrigation/agriculture project in Gardeni to 25 acres! The women that manage the project have been so successful expanding the shamba, but the initial well wasn’t providing enough water for the large amount of crops they were producing. So, we were able to dig an additional well and construct a tank tower on the opposite side of the farm. With this additional water source, they are able to sustain their growing operation. This project continues to provide food and income for the entire community, especially the children and the most vulnerable. Even in the middle of extreme drought, they have been able to continue producing food.
Mosquito Net in Tana River Communities
This area has been facing an increase in Malaria cases in recent months. We were able to conduct a mosquito net distribution for 430 families, as a part of a People to People initiative. Our prayer is that these nets will mitigate the risk of contracting malaria for these families.
Relief Distributions
Fortunately, the rains finally came in April, and have been fairly steady. The rain was much needed after the long and extreme drought that the entire nation had been facing, one of the worst in decades. We are praying that the rains will continue.
In the height of the drought, in partnership with Rosslyn Academy, I was able to coordinate relief distributions of nearly 7 tons of food to 1,000 households in 7 different communities around Kenya. Each household received a combination of maize, beans and rice. Many communities were suffering from food insecurity earlier in the year, so we were grateful to be in a position to stand with these communities in a small way. Rosslyn students and staff (including Sophie and Ethan) were able to assist with these distributions.
Service-Learning at Rosslyn Academy
Jamie’s part-time role at Rosslyn Academy (as Service-Learning Coordinator) has continued to develop. This role has opened many doors for ministry and work throughout Kenya.
In the last several months he has been able to coordinate 23 different student service trips, ranging for 1-5 days in length. Through these experiences students have had the opportunity to immerse in cultural learning, service opportunities, relationship formation, spiritual formation and adventure. It is incredible to see how these experiences impact both the students and the communities that they are able to partner with.
PtoP Updates
Over the last two months, we have been able to do updates on the 250 kids in the People to People Child Sponsorship Program. This is always a big job, but so rewarding to see the impact that this program is having on children and families. There are 75 pastor’s children in the program, and the rest are children at our partner schools and children’s homes. PtoP sponsorship helps families and staff to pay schools fees and provide supplemental food for children.
PWF Development and Relief Summit
In April, Bocha was able to join me at the Annual PWF Relief and Development Summit. This year it was hosted in Kenya, just outside of Nairobi, so it was extremely convenient. This is the 3rd summit that I have attended, and it is always encouraging to be surrounded by other practitioners and missionaries and to encourage and learn from one another.
Prayer Requests
- For the millions of people in Kenya facing drought, food insecurity and the uncertainty of what is to come.
- For the Nation of Kenya, and the individuals, ministries, communities and churches that we have partnerships with.
- That we would love God and others as He loves us, and that we will be faithful in all the areas that we are being called.
- For continued direction and wisdom in our work.
- For our marriage to grow stronger every day.
- For Sophie and Ethan…that they will feel a meaningful connection to our ministry and that they both will grow to love and follow Jesus.
- For our extended families as they live life without having us and the kids nearby.
- For good health, safety and protection.
Can we pray for you? Please send us your requests at dunningsinkenya@gmail.com.
We love and appreciate you all! Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean everything to us. Thank you for partnering with us.
Grace and Peace,
Jamie, Jessica, Sophie and Ethan
THE DUNNINGS IN KENYA 