How the story began…
Life’s Heart was formed as a result of serving those in need after Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and Louisiana. The rebuilding of homes and families had a huge impact on our life. With God’s grace and the call to serve others, the journey began due to relationships formed in Mississippi. Through those relationships, Timothy was invited and attended a 2007 Youth Conference held in Kenya. His witness to the poverty and lack of agricultural knowledge was a life-changing moment. Having worked in the agricultural field and ag-business environment for over 35 years, the decision was made to share his knowledge and expertise with those less fortunate. With the belief that life comes from the soil and that God asks us to care for those who live upon it, trips were made to Kenya in order for us to share and provide.
In February 2009, a borehole well was provided to a Kenyan community named Migori. The well was primarily financed by personal funds from us. It provides a source of clean, fresh drinking and cooking water and is a source of irrigation for crops during the dry season. Water conservation, soil erosion, and practical crop planting sessions were taught by Timothy. Marcia provided rice, maize, sugar, salt, mosquito nets, and blankets to widows and families taking care of orphaned children. School supplies, desks, uniforms, and teachers’ salaries were provided in an area where none of these things existed. As we continued to visit Kenya twice a year, a new project was being developed. In February 2010 with the assistance of Africa Harvest in Nairobi, the planting of banana seedlings in the Maasai communities of Narok began. Banana seedlings were delivered – all 1,550 of them! The process began after several meetings with Africa Harvest, an international biotech foundation, and the director, Dr. Florence Mambugu. Maasai villages and communities were selected, and a field supervisor, Zachariah Ole Munyakei, was hired. Ground preparations were started by digging 3’ x 3’ x 3’ holes to support the banana tree root mat. Villages and communities attended an instructional training class, and tissue cultured banana seedlings were provided. With the proper amount of water, manure, and insecticide, all but a few banana seedlings grew. Cattle, baboons, and goats have developed quite a taste for the seedlings.
In 2011 we concentrated our efforts in the Narok and Naroosura areas. Lack of proper banana orchard management, watering, and climate conditions resulted in slow growth in a few of the orchards. However, many of the orchards are growing, and plants are four to five feet tall. In late summer, blooms were produced, and the first banana was harvested in October. Life’s Heart also partnered with the Nuns at Naroosura Catholic Parish and planted 267 banana seedlings. This important partnership also includes a health clinic as well as a nursery and primary schools.
Management of the banana orchards continued in 2012 as well as community involvement. In June, Tim was back in Naroosura to oversee the drilling of a borehole well. A source of clean, fresh water sustainable during a drought was found at 500 feet deep. Life’s Heart provided a diesel pump to bring the water to the surface, fill overhead tanks and flow to the community, schools and health clinic. A water blessing ceremony was held with the local pastors and the Catholic Bishop conducting the ceremony.
In 2013, a roadside banana kiosk was built for weekly and Market Day sales. A cooked banana stew was introduced to the students at the nursery and primary schools. Several adult students are now enrolled in higher learning programs to help their villages in health and educational fields. The water flow system is constantly being improved and upgraded in Naroosura and the importance of clean, fresh water for drinking, cooking and hygiene are being taught. The banana orchard is constantly being maintained and the fields of maize and sorghum are monitored for the unknown virus spreading throughout Kenya. The banana orchard is producing record numbers of bunches!
While Timothy is providing agricultural knowledge, Marcia continues to seek ways to minister to the children and families. Medical assistance has been provided to children suffering from malaria, malnutrition, club foot, and other conditions. Cleft lip surgery was provided in two villages, and a child with an extended belly was able to see a doctor and have surgery to correct the bowel obstruction. Several students are attending a higher level of education because their school fee/tuition has been paid. Schools have been provided with pencils, writing tablets, books, and other supplies. Families received food supplies as well as personal items. Marcia has distributed many little dresses, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats to the numerous Kenyan children. Donations from families, friends, and associates have helped to fund these special charitable gifts. Life’s Heart continues to bless those who give and those who receive.