SPOTLIGHT ON: MADE IN THE STREETS

Nairobi is home to the world’s largest slum (Kibera). It is also the home of several other slums (like Mathare and Eastleigh). These slums are home to the world’s poorest people. Extreme poverty, disease (including rampant HIV/AIDS), (including), crime, homelessness, alcoholism and drug addiction, hunger/malnutrition and broken families, unfortunately, define more of life in these “neighborhoods” than they should. For many in these slums there is no hope. However, there is at least one organization making a real difference, and providing real hope, in these hells on earth: MITS is an organization with a center in the Eastleigh slum, and a boarding/schooling program outside of Nairobi in a town called Kamulu. MITS serves teenage boys and girls who are often homeless or without family, and teenage single mothers with young children. The center in Eastleigh provides a space for child care and parenting lessons, Bible studies, food, water, showering facilities and relationships. Those who are consistent in coming to the center and demonstrate a desire and commitment to getting off the streets (most of these children are either addicted to drugs, involved in crime, or both) are then considered to join the boarding program in Kamulu when space is available. In Kamulu the children are provided an education (math, English, Bible, etc.), trade skills (carpentry, tailoring, hair dressing, catering, farming, mechanics, computer skills, etc.), housing, clothes, food and a community that does everything from birthday parties to soccer tournaments to church together. Kids usually stay at Kamulu for between three and five years. After graduating from the program they move on to the next phase in life with the assistance of the MITS staff. The most successful have well-paying, full-time jobs, homes and even families of their own. Many have even joined the MITS staff and are continuing the cycle of bringing children from the brink of despair.

I have now spent two summers working with MITS and have sponsored several children in the program. I believe deeply in the people who work at MITS and the ministry. They are truly a city on a hill and the salt of the earth. In their own way, both large and small, they are living the Kingdom of God as best they can while on this earth. Please check out their website and consider partnering with this amazing organization.

James (Jimmy) W. McCarty III is a doctoral student at Emory University in the Graduate Division of Religion. He is in the Ethics and Society course of study and has concentrations in "Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding" and "Religious Practices and Practical Theology."