by Staff Writer on MARCH 23, 2015 in WORLD POVERTY

What is your favorite Bible verse? For many people it is Romans 8: 28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” There are many others that may have personal meaning to you. Perhaps, even the same one that 12-year-old Lkisomai of Lakartinya, Kenya, says is his favorite.

Lkisomai is one of the most active members of the Lakartinya School Bible Club which is sponsored by Food for the Hungry (FH) in Kenya. He gets excited when given the chance to talk about the Bible and the verses that have made a difference in his life. Without hesitation he quotes John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.”  Because he now has his own Bible, he can read it to others to let them how much God loves the whole world.

The Bibles FH provides for the students who attend the club have beautiful pictures and illustrations of difficult words. Lkisomai’s excitement continues as he learns that the wooden yokes referred to in Matthew 11:29, 30, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” are like the ones that the people in a neighboring community use to plow their fields using bulls. In his own words, “The Children’s Bible is enabling me to learn many new things!”

At one time, there was no school in Lakartinya. Now, there are grades up to the eighth. This is one of the changes which Lkisomai believes has happened because he and others in the community prayed about their difficulties. Although there are still problems with water, a need for more teachers for the school, and better-equipped schools, because of the results of FH, Lkisomai and his friends are encouraged. He says that Matthew 6:25 tells him, “Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, what you shall put on,” because our Heavenly Father already knows what we need.”

Lkisomai hopes to become a doctor, which is now actually attainable because of his hard work and good grades. His behavior has become more disciplined as he allows the fruit of the spirit to grow in his life. He was voted the “best-behaved boy” at school because of his polite and helpful manners. Attending Bible Club and reading the Bible have become an important part of Lkisomai’s life.

As you contemplate your favorite Bible verses, look around your house and count the number of Bibles you and your family own together. Ask yourself, “How often do I read my Bible and learn new verses?” While you are pondering your answer, remember that you can make it possible for more children and young people in Kenya to receive the same blessings Lkisomai has received from reading his Bible. The FH catalog has a Children’s Bible page where you can contribute specifically to put a Bible into the hands and home of those who do not yet enjoy direct access to God’s Word.