Official BBSI Dedication 2011
The home was dedicated by Bishop John Anthony Francis and the event was well attended by many Kenyan officials, church leaders, supporters and friends of our charity. This event gave people the opportunity to see how happy the children are in their new surroundings and how well they are being cared for by BBSI.
The dedication took place on a section of the 5 acre grounds of the children’s home which included dance performances and scripture recitals from the children……it was such a blessing for everyone to see the vast improvement in the children’s general well-being. From the school report received from the children’s teachers which showed most of them had excelled in subjects such as Maths & English, it is evident that the children are taking their education very seriously indeed. Some have confessed their desires to be doctors, teachers, lawyers, electricians to name a few. It is hard to imagine that these are the same children who were once living in the slums in extreme poverty.
The dedication continued with a performance from the choir of the children’s local church and a formal address from Pastors from various churches. The floor was then taken up by the woman herself, the founder and visionary of this exceptional charity, Mrs Florence Shakes. She delivered a very heart felt; tear wrenching speech explaining her long journey as a Jamaican born national being sent to an unknown country such as East Africa Kenya, in order to bring this vision to pass.
She explained “At my mature age it wasn’t easy but I never gave up and will not give up until the Lord takes the last breath from my body”. As she lovingly pointed to the BBSI children who fondly call her mama Florence, she went onto to say with tears in her eyes “these are my extended children whom I love with an everlasting love. And when I see them I do not see slum children, I see doctors, preachers, lawyers, children that will go on to make a difference in their communities”. She was accompanied on the floor and supported by her husband and co-founder Wesley Shakes who lovingly described her as his queen. He went on to say “wherever the Lord takes her I will be by her side always”
This was followed by a powerful sermon by our own Bishop John Francis, which lead us into the official unveiling of the plaque to Florence House, the cutting of the ribbon and planting of two Mango trees on the grounds of the home by the founder herself and Bishop Francis. A rapturous applause and a shout of jubilee from the crowd could be heard from miles away as Florence House was officially dedicated. The elation on everyone’s faces spoke volumes.
The captivating dedication prayer lead by Bishop Francis as he unveiled the BBSI plaque was very poignant. “I dedicate this home, Florence House; Lord may it continue to flourish. May you pour out your blessing upon this home. Send the right people to the founder so that the vision you have given her goes from strength to strength. Lord send finance from the north, east, south and west. Cover this home and all those involved in BBSI. Protect these children and all the children that are to come. I speak peace and prosperity upon this home – in Jesus name, Amen”.
A Special thanks goes out to two of our volunteers who accompanied us on this recent journey. Thelma Ramsey and Edith Lewis whom worked tirelessly throughout the dedication process helping us to make it the success it was.
And for those who continue to support us we extend our thanks and gratitude to you and ask that you continue to support us in your giving. No amount is too small.
