By: Rannveig Fredheim, DHI Sponsorship Coordinator and also a sponsor of students at Camp Brethren School

Naomi’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the unwavering love of God. By supporting children like Naomi, we are not only investing in their future; we are investing in the future of our world.

Naomi’s Journey:

When I first met Naomi in July of 2014, she was working as a secretary/assistant at the CBM clinic. We found an immediate connection.

She has 3 older brothers and two younger sisters. The family lives on a small farm in the hillside below Eburru Center. Her father worked as a night guard for CBM.

As with most farmers in that region, money was always scarce and school fees for high school were prioritized to the boys. For long periods, Naomi had to stay home and work, then go back to school when there was money to pay her school fees. It took her many years to finish her high school education.

She then started working for CBM; she was there at Camp Brethren School when DHI teams first came. She helped with cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

Talking with Mary, I found out that Naomi had a dream of going to college to study and become a nurse. But it was just that…a dream.

I remember sitting and talking with Pastor Steve late one evening after everyone else had gone to bed. He was talking about Naomi, her family background and her dreams of being a nurse.

Outside the dining hall, the rain was pouring down. It had been dry for so long and the rain was such a blessing. Out of my mouth came these words: “I always keep some money in savings for a rainy day. It’s raining now, so I will give that money towards college for Naomi”. As soon as the words were out, I wished I could take them back. What was I thinking? My anxiety hit the roof.

The next day, Mary came to talk with me. (Steve had shared my words with her, of course.) She told me not to worry, I didn’t have to pay it all at once.

Naomi didn’t have the high school science grades needed to get into nursing school, but she had qualified to take a teaching degree.

She graduated in December 2019 with a degree to teach high school. She started working as a teacher at Camp Brethren High School in 2021, when they reopened after Covid closure.

Naomi is very hardworking and has a burning passion for her students, her family and her community. Not only is she an excellent teacher; she walks the hills in her free time, visiting and supporting families in need.

Naomi’s description of her first day in the classroom:

“I felt happy and most satisfied when I interacted with the students. Making sure I was able to meet their needs and give them my best was a good experience. I have a deep desire to serve the people of Eburru because this is my community, and I believe service to mankind is service to God. The skills and knowledge I got from school will be beneficial to me, My students and the whole institution.”

As of today, Naomi has been promoted to the level of serving as principal of Camp Brethren High School, a position she fulfills with excellence.

It is so rewarding to see how lives are being changed in the beautiful Eburru community. This is what hope fulfilled looks like, and you, our sponsors, are helping fulfill hope for many in Eburru.

An act of giving Hope and Grace:

When I committed to sponsoring Naomi, it was more than just a financial transaction. It was an act of faith, a belief in the power of human potential and the goodness of God. I trusted that by providing Naomi with the opportunity to pursue her education, I was sowing seeds of hope that would blossom into a life of purpose and service.

As sponsors, we have the privilege of being part of something extraordinary. We are not merely donors; we are partners in a divine mission to uplift and empower the vulnerable. Through our generosity, we are giving children like Naomi a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and realize their God-given dreams.

Let us continue to be instruments of God’s grace, extending a hand of compassion and hope to those in need. By supporting children like Naomi, we are not only changing lives; we are changing the world.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6