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 Munga,Gilbert and TyTy are cousins we met in Kenya in 2001. They needed to help their families with the basic necessities of life, especially food and shelter on a daily basis. They are Congolese refugees that support their entire families, in Kenya, refugees have no rights and cannot find jobs. Heavenly Treasures has been able to help through product development and a s imple marketing strategy, locally and internationally.
Munga brought some beautiful banana bark samples that have turned into an ongoing business or also know as a livelihood project. The Nativity sets and angels have become best sellers. This Livelihood Project has been a source of income for Munga, his family and relatives for almost six years. The changes in their lives have included continuing education, food, lodging and an opportunity for a better life for each family member. Munga and Gilbert support their mom and dad, sisters and brothers and other relatives.
 Elisha is also one of the Banana Bark Artisans. Here is his story:
God’s gifts and talents extend to all his people and when he created Elisha he specifically gave him the ability to make beautiful art. Coming from the coast of Kenya, Elisha was born into a very large family, the second of twelve children. Life can be a lot more unpredictable living in a developing nation and when he was only twelve years old his father was killed by a mob. On his way back from working in the mines he was robbed and left for dead, leaving his family in a state of desperation and his mother a widow at an early age. Despite their great need Elisha was able to finish secondary school (high school) through his scholarships, and his family was able to get by through small business efforts. Knowing their great need, Elisha went to Nairobi in hopes of making a better life for his family. His first encounter in Nairobi would forever change his life. Because of his interests in the arts, when he saw an old man on the streets of Nairobi making banana bark art he became extremely drawn to the man. Within weeks of this meeting he was living with and working for this old man, making a small living for himself. But this was to be short-lived and just after 6 months the old drunk man kicked him out. Even though Elisha found himself yet again in another sticky situation he was thankful to God for this opportunity because it provided him with a useful tool. Thankfully Elisha was able to find other people to work and sell his cards to but it wasn’t enough and he knew he had to find a better market. Elisha didn’t want to give up on his future in the arts, therefore he went hunting in the market for opportunities to sell his cards and found Francis, the man that opened up a huge door for him. He had instant business with this man and found his life to pick up a little. But God knew what he was doing because in 1998 Elisha met Don Rodgers while he was buying his cards at Francis’s shop. This started a relationship that led him to KipKaren with ELI to train others in banana bark art and to Kathy and Christina as well. Life seemed good for his family until ELI stopped business with him, and because of this he lost contact with Kathy and Christina. Unknowingly, a year later in 2004 they would randomly meet in the markets of Nairobi. From this point on Heavenly Treasures has been the backbone of Elisha’s business and thus giving him the ability to support his family fully. He is humbled by the fact that God has given him the opportunity to work with Heavenly Treasures. In the future he hopes to be able to train and pass on his talents to other needy people in order for others to see the love of God in their lives. |
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Project Info |
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| Project Name:
Banana Bark Art
Location:
Nairobi, Kenya, Africa
Ministry Partner:
Banana Bark Art
Mission Leadership:
Heavenly Treasures Kenya
Who is Supported:
Congo refugees in Nairobi
Participants:
Congoiese refugees
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