Moses and Mercy, two children whose stories are sadly emblematic of the larger narrative of an orphan crisis that plagues Kenya, were fortunately discovered and rescued within hours of their abandonments.  Like the biblical character who was jettisoned in a river basket by his frightened mother, this orphan Moses may too grow up to change the world because of the sovereign plan of God that he be found and brought to Naomi’s Village at just 11 days old.  And Mercy, who surely has received mercy beyond measure, bounced briefly through a Naivasha safe house after her rescue before landing in the baby room at NV alongside her new siblings, Hannah and Naomi (and now Moses).

What next?  Grace now awaits these two lives, like nearly empty canvases on which God will paint his glory.  Redemption will play out in color again where bleak death once threatened to breed cynicism and hopelessness.  Come and listen to what He has done.  Come and see for yourself.  All our trying battles will not be lost after all.  These two victories should remind us that one day everything broken will be made right again. Everything.             -Bob Mendonsa

Moses, soon after coming home to Naomi’s Village.

Mercy and Flo, the NV social worker, at the safe house in Naivasha.

Mercy (15 months) and Hannah (10 months) playing in the baby room at NV.

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Moses and Mercy, two children whose stories are sadly emblematic of the larger narrative of an orphan crisis that plagues Kenya, were fortunately discovered and rescued within hours of their abandonments.  Like the biblical character who was jettisoned in a river basket by his frightened mother, this orphan Moses may too grow up to change the world because of the sovereign plan of God that he be found and brought to Naomi’s Village at just 11 days old. And Mercy, who surely has received mercy beyond measure, bounced briefly through a Naivasha safe house after her rescue before landing in the baby room at NV alongside her new siblings, Hannah and Naomi (and now Moses).

What next?  Grace now awaits these two lives, like nearly empty canvases on which God will paint his glory.  Redemption will play out in color again where bleak death once threatened to breed cynicism and hopelessness.  Come and listen to what He has done.  Come and see for yourself.  All our trying battles will not be lost after all.  These two victories should remind us that one day everything broken will be made right again. Everything.         -by Bob Mendonsa

Moses, soon after coming home to Naomi’s Village.

Mercy and Flo, the NV social worker, at the safe house in Naivasha.

Mercy (15 months) and Hannah (10 months) playing in the baby room at NV.

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Our ministry provides a wonderful opportunity for families and churches to get involved in God’s redemptive work in Africa. Visiting teams have ministered in the nearby IDP camps, Nairobi slums, hospitals in Kijabe, local schools, and in Maai Mahiu town.

There are many projects underway including construction of Rift Valley Fellowship church building, teenage housing and school. Each of these projects will need visiting teams to assist construction. Our guesthouse will provide on-site, safe, and comfortable housing for these teams.

As these other ministry facilities are completed, there will be opportunities for teams to serve at them in future years. Housing will be required for these volunteer groups as well.

How You Can Help

While construction is under way, we currently do not have the funds to complete the building at this time. With a total contracted cost of $200,000 and completion date of June 2, 2013, we are pushing to complete final fundraising to finish the house in time for our summer visiting teams. Please donate now to help us complete the guest house by then for the glory of God.

Guesthouse Specifications 

• Estimated building cost – $200,000 USD
• Time to complete – 6 months total
• Dormitory style w/housing for 28 people (12 men’s wing, 12 women’s wing, 4 family unit)
• 3014 sq. ft.
• Central living and dining areas
• Open kitchen w/center island
• Laundry facilities – washer and dryer
• Solar hot water heaters w/instant source heaters in showers as backup
• 110/220v sockets in all rooms
• Wireless Internet connectivity
• Will be connected to 3-phase diesel backup generator already on site at NV
• Rain catchment system w/separate underground storage tank
• Covered front porch
• Security wall topped w/electric wire

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After residency Bob joined Orthopedic Associates of Lewisville/Flower Mound, TX, where he served in private practice for 11 years. Bob and Julie had 2 children, Emily and Will, and bought a home in Flower Mound. Bob’s practice focused on arthroscopy and sports medicine. The Mendonsa family began attending The Village Church in 2004. Emily and Will attended Coram Deo Academy in Flower Mound.

In 2003 the Mendonsa family started taking yearly trips of 1-2 months to Kijabe, Kenya for Bob to work as a volunteer orthopedic surgeon in a mission hospital. During that time they developed a vision and plan to move to Kenya and build a children’s home.

The Mendonsas moved to Kenya in 2008 and broke ground on Naomi’s Village Children’s Home in 2009. Bob and Julie both retired from their full-time jobs as surgeon and teacher, respectively, in July 2010. They now work full-time at Naomi’s Village in daily administration, intake of children, employee training, and continued fundraising. They plan to live in Kenya indefinitely to help raise NV children as future leaders of their nation.

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Lindsey plays “Thelma”, while Tim plays her arms.

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Tim plays “Woody”, while Lindsey plays his arms.

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