Renew - The Kenyan Sex Worker Recovery Program
Over the past year Lahash and SCF have been talking with several Prostitutes in the city of Eldoret Kenya. The fires of the HIV virus are burning out of control - and it is tough to know where to start with efforts in battling AIDS. One of the projects currently underway is a Sex Worker Recovery Program.

During November and December of 2005, the staff of Lahash and SCF interviewed several prostitutes - called "Parking Girls" in Kenya. These women were chosen because of their interest in leaving the sex industry. They were profiled, and plans were made to create a long term assistance program where the women could receive counseling, micro loans, education, accountability, and friendship though a network of Kenyan and American partners.

Currently there are five courageous women who have left the often lucrative "Parking" profession to seek new life, new hope, and new healing. We are helping out with some temporary basic rent and food allowances while we try to plug each of the women into business or educational opportunities.

They have also been paired up with ladies in the United States via email, with the hopes that new friendship, encouragement, and hope will strengthen their resolve.

I've asked the women if it would be okay to share their stories and pictures online. They've agreed to it - and Karin and I have uploaded the story of the women.

Renew - Kenyan Sex Worker Recovery Program

Thank you to all of you who've been supporting this program recently. The women are so grateful. Josphine emailed me recently with the following words:

"Yesterday I was asking God for forgiveness for all that I did before. I didn't know the real meaning of life but you have shown me. I thank all the staff of Lahash along with SCF for bringing me to who I am and thank you for caring for those who are less privileged."

We still need lots of help with this program. We still need about $150 a month to cover all of the expenses. And the team in Kenya is in negotiations to purchase a small clothing store - which will be used to employ a couple of the women and provide money for the SCF. They have estimated this cost at $1000.

And we need people to pray for these ladies as well.

* Pray for Nick and Dr. Oronje that they will make the right decisions when making plans for this program
* Pray for the 5 ladies. They need encouragement, healing, and hope for the future. They are battling depression and suicide.
* Pray for safety. One of the ladies recently tried to get a job and was told she would get the job if she had sex with the man. She refused and he attempted to rape her.
* Pray that the women emailing the ladies will be able to encourage them and be able to bridge the cultural and language barriers.