The Omoribe Story
In December 2007 Kenya erupted into widespread post-election violence. Fighting ensued for days and by the time peace was restored 1200 people were dead and many children were orphaned. Pastor Peter Onchoke and members of Gesonso Freedom Church took in 45 of these children and provided shelter, food and clothing. In addition they now also help 26 children from extremely poor families in the area.
Gesonso Church, however, is located in a poor, rural area of Kenya and caring for so many children long-term is difficult.
Currently the orphanage children are housed in two windowless storage rooms, each about 10 ' x 15' in size. Omoribe has no kitchen or dining facilities. The floors and walls of the adjacent school building are badly pitted and the windows have no glass to keep out driving rain. The children and teachers have few school supplies such as books, paper and pencils. Medical care is limited.
Returning home from a mission trip to Kenya in July 2013, members of HillSpring Church in Sand Springs, OK shared the plight of the orphanage with fellow members. In November 2013 a child sponsorship program was initiated to help support the children. Shortly thereafter the Kenyan facility was officially named Omoribe Orphanage and School. Omoribe is a Kisii word describing a blessed tree that flourishes even when the sun is hot and the land is parched.
In January 2014, HillSpring began a building fund with an initial goal of $60,000 to build two dormitories and a kitchen and dining hall. Construction is estimated to begin in the summer of 2015.
The vision of Gesonso Freedom Church in Kenya and HillSpring Church in Oklahoma reaches beyond providing for the basic needs of hurting children to fostering opportunity and genuine hope for their future. Our dream includes quality education, adequate medical care, training in sustainable farming, sanitation, a clean water supply and solid spiritual nurturing. Furthermore, Omoribe envisions assisting widows and needy families in the community.
