2008, Lorna, Pamela and Sally. Kibera
On my second trip to Kenya in 2008, I landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. After making my way through the usual immigration control and customs, I headed out to the semi-circle of people awaiting arrivals. Scanning the crowd, I spotted the familiar face of Kenyan Deaconess Lorna (Olak) Meeker, and was soon wrapped in her embrace. “Welcome home, sister,” She whispered in my ear. For that is how it is in Kenya. Once you have been there, it is always your home.
Lorna and her husband, Pastor Dennis Meeker, have said, “Welcome home” to hundreds if not thousands of children over the past 14 years of serving in Kenya.
Beginning in the slums of Nairobi, they have been a place of refuge, strength and hope to those in need. I have walked alongside them, making home visits to widows, orphans, families who call the slums of Nairobi home. When crossing the threshold into a home, the greeting is, “feel at home.”
Lorna and friend, 2008. Kibera
A few years ago, Dennis and Lorna were summoned to a small patch of land Lorna owned in Western Kenya. This rich and fertile ground hugs the shores of Lake Victoria and Lorna used it to grow groundnuts (peanuts). Here, they struggled to begin a small school and rescue center. A place where she once again would say, “Welcome home”, to countless numbers of children who had no home. They began with a few boxcars which served as classrooms, dorms and a chapel. Two concrete structures on the land functioned as offices, and another dorm. Today, Pt. of Grace is a huge campus, serving hundreds of kids from infancy to high school. The Meekers continue to bring hope and the light of Christ to the children and families in the Academy, as well as the entire community.
The land hugging Lake Victoria. Carrie Beth, Pamela and Lorna 2012
The children love Lorna. When they see her, they huddle around her for the hug they are ensured to receive, calling her “Mama Lorna”. Lorna will be the first to say, “These are my children. Each one is precious in the sight of God. I thank God for them.” She is tireless in her care of those God has entrusted to her.
And now, Lorna, is the one who need care. She is the one who is in need of mercy. Her dear mother, Adah, has died after a brief struggle with COVID-19. Adah has been welcomed home by the One who is Mercy Incarnate.
Those who dispense mercy, are often the most reluctant to ask for help. So, I am asking on behalf of Lorna and her family. The hospital expenses have mounted—at least $11,000. There are also funeral expenses. If you are moved to donate, your generosity will be greatly appreciated. No amount is too small (or too large!). Any excess in funds will be used for the other funerals sure to result from COVID, or will go to the hospice house project.
Adah and Pastor Richard Olak, Lorna’s parents 2016
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Always Mercy,
Pamela
The Deaconesses: Lorna, Pamela and Dorene. 2012. Dorene’s daughter died suddenly a couple of weeks ago at age 21. Any excess donations will be used to help Dorene cover funeral expenses
Dennis and Lorna at Pt. of Grace Academy 2013. The first big building project
Sisters in Christ, Lorna and Pamela and the introduction of the water filter project at Pt. of Grace Academy and community, 2013
One of Lorna’s “children”, Oscar, who she has cared for since he was a young child. He now helps out at Pt. Of Grace Academy. Pastor David Chuchu on the right, 2020
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
