The slum neighbourhood of Korogocho, Kenya is home to around 150,000 people all living in an area of approximately 1 mile. The slum is situated close to the city’s main rubbish dump, providing a small source of income for many of the residents. There are many challenges for the people of Korogocho including high levels of poverty, violence, crime and corruption.
At the heart of the slum lives Pauline. A mother of two, Pauline was born and brought up in the Korogocho slum which is east of Nairobi. Until recently, her home was in a dilapidated state, the walls were caving in and the roof sagged alarmingly. Pauline was embarrassed by her home and feared the dangers it put her family in; “My door could not shut well at night and we feared being attacked at night,” she says.
Pauline found help through the local church of Korogocho slum. One of the church members noticed her predicament and raised support for her with the help of Pastor Muthama. “The church members practically reconstructed the house,” she remembers with a warm smile. “The church bought the posts, iron sheets and provided labour.” Pauline’s confidence has now been restored and she is thankful for the act of generosity.
This is just one of the many examples of how the local church is a shining light to the people in Korogocho. Pastor Muthama believes that the church is key to bringing people out of poverty.
Compassion works in partnership with the local church in the Korogocho slum. We love the local church because it’s God's chosen instrument to bring hope to a hurting world and to deliver justice to the poor and oppressed.
Prayer:
Heavenly father, we thank you for the local church. Thank you for the hope it is bringing to people like Pauline. We pray today for Pastor Muthama and his church, may it continue to be a beacon of light to those who are poor and oppressed. Amen.