Nairobi, Kenya, Africa Assistance to two children’s homes

This is Solidarity Child Rescue Center and School. This Christian organization rescues children off the streets or from abusive situations and give them a home and a basic education.  They and many such organizations are struggling because COVID-19 has caused donations to decline sharply.   They were running out of food and basics for the children.

We provided for food staples for them as well as a pickup truck full of firewood which they need for cooking. 

Bethsaida Orphanage was also running out of food and contributions because the COVID-19 shutdown greatly affected donations.  

Here are comments from the founder and one of the caregivers:

 "Bethsaida Community was grateful for this aid. We must say it was very timely especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. Food is scarce since travel is restricted. May God bless the Knights of St. John." -  Julian Hika, Bethsaida Community Founder.

"Thankyou for the Food stuff may God continue blessing you so that you can continue assisting us more. Say hello to the children of Hawaii for helping us last time. May God bless their Parents and protect them. Stay safe." - Mary, 12 years, Bethsaida Family Member.

Helping FIDE Learning Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This is FIDE Learning Center in Phnom Penh, sending their thank you for the financial support sent by KOOSJ. Their prayers are answered for their rental bills and funds for the village ministries every weekend. They said it was a huge help especially this time of great challenge in the Pandemic.

Longer Time To Serve Cambodia

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of our missionaries, Lani, was stuck in Cambodia.  We have served kids in Kratie and Kampot during our first visit and when she came back from our ministry in Vietnam, she has been finally stranded in Phnom Penh. Nonetheless, it is still a blessing to be able to serve more marginalized families in the said city. 

Most of these kids are not able to go to school. We also fear their incapacity to work in the future. Hence, we are looking forward to serve them by providing English Centers in the villages where we are visiting. This will make them more confident and able to look for better jobs when they grow up.

Dame Dr. Ayin Adams Leads Juneteenth Celebration

Civil Rights Activists Dr. Ayin Adams, O.O.S.J., Rev. Kedar St. John, Shelley St. John, Ciaara Carlsen (Knights/Dames of O.O.S.J.) address the community on Peace, Non-Violence, Racial Disparities, Healing, and Forgiveness.

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino presents the Juneteenth proclamation to African Americans on Maui Association spokesperson Ayin Adams. Other Juneteenth supporters include ( left to right) Bryant Neal, Patricia Roberts, Adams, Mayor Victorino, Gwen Gorg and Kahu Leiohu Ryder. Photo courtesy of Gary T. Kubota   in Maui Now..  

June 19th also known as "Juneteenth" also called "Freedom Day" and "Liberation Day" is the anniversary of the day that slaves in the U.S. were freed.  Despite the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863, Texas did not free its slaves until  June 19, 1865 when Union army general Gordon Granger announced federal orders in Galveston, Texas, proclaiming that all slaves in Texas were free and enforced the order.