In Biblical times the Acacia tree was known for it’s beauty and was used to build the Ark of the Covenant… the reminder of God’s presence. Yet in Mutomo Kenya this exotic tree is known for something else… charcoal. Yes, it is a source of the finest charcoal.

Several years ago Kate and I visited Regina, a Mutomo HIV+ widow who was in the midst of the lengthy process of making Acacia charcoal… from this majestic tree. Charcoal is the only source of income for her family.

I couldn’t help to think of Jesus’ promise that “He died that we might have life.” Perhaps it’s a stretch but this family will have food because of that tree. We also purchased a bag of Regina’s charcoal which we gave to a local children’s home for HIV+ children.  

Kate and Rudy Miller, Together for Kenya