Hooper couple raising funds to build orphanage in Kenya

HOOPER -- Times may be tough here, but Hooper resident Charles John knows where they are tougher -- Kenya.

The organizer of an evangelist mission to that country, one of several called Zions Temple Ministry, John is hoping to collect donations to help him and his wife, Valerie, construct a new building for an orphanage there, as well as to purchase land and a house to remodel for a medical clinic.

"We are Christians," John said. "The Word of God says to carry one another's burdens. It's important to give because, to give to someone, it really makes you feel good."

The couple and a partner bought the land for the orphanage and a school in Busia, Kenya, in 1999, and the facility opened its doors in 2002.

Named Ebenezer Academy, the school has earned a reputation for its quality standards, curriculum and staff, say the Johns.

Although the school is Christian-based, Muslim and Hindi parents began sending their children there as well.

The retired couple, who live on Social Security and some part-time work, also have invested in an orphanage and church in Uganda.

John has visited the area a handful of times, and he's been excited with how far his money and the funds of those who have occasionally donated to his cause have gone.

But now, he'd like to take some of the comforts of home to the Busia orphanage.

"When it rains, it's a monsoon," he said.

"You have to hold your hands to your ears inside the building," he said of the current structure made of corrugated steel.

"I want to build this building so the orphans have someplace to call home."

John is hoping his appeal to the community for help will net $7,000 to cover the cost of the project as well as to purchase some land and a house to be remodeled for a clinic.

He said he doesn't often go to the public for help but he believes God is calling him to do so now.

The school funds the orphanage. Those who live at the orphanage are able to go to the school without paying the fees other students must pay.

They also are supplied uniforms.

"I believe that education will help the world more than anything else can do," John said.

He's hoping that Christians will agree and open their hearts to the need.

"Jesus said: What you do unto the least, you do to me," he said. "When we give and help a Third-World country, we are doing what Jesus said."

And John said he's been impressed with the efforts of others to help him in the past.

In 2004, when he put out a public appeal, one woman sent him $1,000. Fellow construction workers and others also responded.

Another woman made 19 quilts to take back to Uganda. He sent those with another pastor.

"I have to thank those people," he said. "Thank you for those people that helped support the program in 2004."

John said people who serve those who are in need have the discernment of the body of Christ.

"You must believe that God is a rewarder of people," he said. "We need to all work together."

To talk to John about a donation, call him at his Hooper home at (801) 731-1734.

John invites interested parties to visit the school's Web site at www.ebenezer academy.net.

Donations are tax- deductible. Checks may be made to Ebenezer Academy and sent to: Charles John, 5588 W. 4200 South, Hooper, UT 84315.