“Ask and you shall receive!” is a truth found in Scripture that World Hope experienced in a mighty way on Thursday night. Throughout the week we had been spending time building relationships with guests, and some even came back to the table after they had gone just to talk more. We met many who asked how they could help with medical missions, a musician that asked if his talents could be used, and a lady who wanted to see how she could help start a “pen pal” program for the children at Hope Academy. It was not by chance there were so many skilled people on board! The time for the final concerts came and the people began to fill the theatre ready for the nights concert, and many told us they were also anticipating hearing more about Hope and eager to give. Doctor Janney told the story of the boy in Scripture that gave his fish and loaves of bread which ended up feeding thousands of people.”Money is just money, nothing special, but what money can do can be miraculous!” He shared the goal that we had of raising $40,000 to build a toilet block in Hope Academy for the children to have a functioning restroom; also to put in sinks with clean water for them to cleanse their hands, and to rebuild the wall that kept Hope Academy safe which had been torn down by the government earlier last year.” He gave a final challenge for all those in attendance to be part of a greater miracle, ” We may not be able to change the entire world, but we are changing the life of a child in Kenya!” The offerings were collected, and the counting began, and even still people continued to come by our table to drop off their donations. One father came with his two children, a young daughter and son, because he said they wanted to give all they had in their pockets to Hope. One of our team members watched as the little girl opened her small purse and spilled out all the coins she had in the envelope and with a smiling face handed it back as our team member told her, “I want you to know this gift makes a difference for a person like you in Kenya, they appreciate what you have just done for them. Thank you!” The time came for the final, farewell concert and looking up from the center stage the guest lined the railings all the way up a couple floors watching and wondering in anticipation if the goal had been met. Doctor Janney told the crowd, “Well, we’re close… The final count is $48,600!” The guests cheered and shouted for the outstanding amount that surpassed what we expected. “During the last concert I was speaking with someone that told me they had the faith for $50,000 to be raised.” In jest he continued, ” So, it’s his fault the goal is higher and we almost met the mark. If anyone want to complete the gap, come see me!” Not minutes after he walked off the stage two people came and gave gifts that put us above $50,000! God has shown himself faithful from the minute we stepped aboard, and we know this has only been a glimpse of how Great and Marvelous the works He has in store for us will be! Thank you Premiere Christian Cruise Line, K-Love, and all guests who made this week extraordinary and for your gifts that will continue to reach our friends in Kawangware slum!
