Email: Hodari Williams

Dear Supporters,

These past months in Kenya have been very challenging. Kenya has experienced some turbulent times as result of the December elections. However, in what I call a remarkable time frame, the conflict was resolved and the country seems to be getting back to normal. This is great news because the work that I was doing can now continue.

Currently, I am working on two projects. My first project is multifaceted because it involves working with Prof. Wangari Maathai and the African Union on a diaspora initiative. Secondly, I am working as counselor for displaced victims and developing a contextual Bible study manual on healing and reconciliation with a faith-based NGO called FECCLAHA (the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa).

The project with Prof. Wangari Maathai involves developing and shaping the diaspora component of the African Union. This has required me to develop relationships and partnerships with various NGO and organizations of civil society within Brazil, Europe, Caribbean, and the United States. In addition, I have also been facilitating a relationship between Prof. Maathai and Jada Pinkett-Smith, who has expressed interest in working with Prof. Maathai and the African Union. Ms. Smith has developed a foundation that focuses on education and gender-equality issues. It is our hope that in July she and her husband will visit Kenya and view possible sites for the building of a school in Nyanza province and participate in regional diaspora forum, which will focus on gender-based violence.

The second project consists is a contextual Bible study manual that focuses on healing and reconciliation. It’s being developed to facilitate healing and reconciliation for victims of genocide and tribal clashes in the Great Lakes region and Horn of Africa. Thus far, I have been able to solicit various contributing authors from theological institutions in the United States and Africa. Through my work with FECCLAHA I have been able to counsel and preach to many who have been affected by horrible acts of violence. My work with them has taken me from the desk, put me in the midst of the people, and given me an opportunity to experience God in new ways.

Both of these projects have been time-consuming but very fulfilling and have made my time in Kenya move quickly. I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and prayers during this year. I still have a considerable amount of money to fundraise for this year, so I am soliciting your contributions because they are much needed in order for my work to continue. Please help me to meet my goal of $10,000 by June of this year. Again, thank you for your support, and may God continue to bless you!