A Message from Ron & Tamara Faris:
Twenty years ago, while volunteering as a nurse in South Africa, I gifted 78 orphaned children with simple scrapbooks to preserve their stories and reestablish their identities after losing everything dear. Only God knew then of His grand plan to reach children with a message of His love inside a Memory Book.
Today, Memory Books for Children & Teens has spread to many corners of Africa simply by word of mouth. Today, thousands of children and teens attend Memory Book Clubs organized by trained volunteers where they discover “I Am Somebody” who has been saved and healed by Christ, and accepted, loved and cared for by our God who offers to be a Father to the fatherless.
We are pleased to share some of these life-changing stories with you as we celebrate 20 years of Memory Books.
LIFE NARRATIVE CHANGED
by Andrew Mataka, Memory Books Club Coordinator for Malawi and Southern African Nations
Andrew & Mary Mataka, Memory Books Club Coordinators for Malawi and Southern African Nations
The coming of Memory Book Children’s Club has changed everything in Malawi. Children are given a chance to express themselves as well as to learn about the Bible. Children are able to speak freely about what they are going through, and can hear from others who have been able to overcome similar experiences in their past. This has been an effective way to help heal a traumatized child. Memory Books goes beyond only a spiritual part of a child, and looks at his/her whole life and feelings.
Pastor Salijeni (Memory Book Children’s Club in Blantyre) said at the conclusion of Memory Book leadership training in Blantyre, “When I was invited to attend the training, and informed that it is about children, I thought this would not bring any impact. But no, I was wrong. The staff was amazing, and it was time well spent. Everyone was happy with the training. It was amazing, and the approach was different. I am beginning to view children differently. I am beginning to value them in a special way.” This man has been on the ground establishing Clubs for Memory Book and teaching children to tell their stories using pictures. Wonderful indeed!
Memory Book is now spreading like bush fire in Malawi. In Mozambique, Memory Book Children’s Club is already in Nyasa and Tete Provinces. In Zambia we have Clubs in Lusaka and soon we will have training in Chipata. Memory Book is spreading quickly in Zimbabwe and South Africa, too. Memory Book Children’s Clubs remains an instrument that brings hope and healing to traumatized children and teens in Africa, and Malawi in particular.
Despite the trauma they have experienced, children from Dzaleka Refugee Camp Malawi are able to see their potential and have grown up to become medical doctors, lawyers, and the list goes on and on. When they see their friends doing it, they also know they can do it and become somebody.
When God created the earth (Malawi inclusive), He said, “It is good.” God has never regretted this statement after seeing Malawi languishing with poverty and hunger year after year, despite the fertile soil and fresh water everywhere across the country. God is still saying it is good that He made Malawi, even though it is the 6th poorest country in the world. God continues to say it is good that He made this little child to be born in Malawi so that through Memory Book Children’s Club, she/he will be able to say, “I am Somebody.”
We have over 12,000 children in our Clubs in Malawi, and this number is likely to double as a result of the leader training. In Mozambique, we have so far over 3,500 in our Clubs. Memory Book Clubs restore hope and instill confidence in a child and this generation.
Memory Books—a bright light!
by Judith Akinyl Sellanga, Kenya
I am Judith Akinyi Sellanga. I have been a Global Coordinator of Memory Book Club since 2014. I oversee Memory Books for Children & Teens in Barchando Village, Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County – Kenya. I am married to Josiah who is my Co-Coordinator.
August 2014, Tamara’s first visit to Barchando Village where she met with children at Judith Akinly Sellanga’s home, Kenya.
In August 2014, a bright light shone in the village of Got Nyapong, Barchando - Bondo where Memory Book Club is located. The arrival of Mama Tamara and a few team members from Women of Purpose International was the start of the new beginning in the lives of the traumatized children in the community. I watched keenly as Tamara passionately interviewed the children. Immediately, I knew that the Holy Spirit had sent her to break the power of sickness, death, hopelessness, spiritual and physical poverty in our community. She imparted in me the gift of teaching and touching the lives of the children by actively listening to them as they tell their stories.
After Mama Tamara left, I started to actively gather and meet with the children at our school. A Memory Book became my friend as I used it more to teach the children. The children also enjoyed telling their stories, writing and drawing. The best parts were use of the talking stick and telling children and teens the meaning of their names. The courage and the confidence the children have gained through Memory Books is unfathomable!
Memory Book Club today, Kenya.
It is so hard to teach a hungry child. In 2019, I prayerfully presented before God about the high level of poverty that led to perpetual hunger and anger in children and women. At the right time, I shared with Mama Tamara and Papa Ron who immediately began to provide rice and chicken on a monthly basis. This simple act of love turned the lives of children around. Today I teach healthy, strong, highly intelligent children who are top pupils/students in their various schools. Approximately 400 children have learned about the love of God through the power of rice and chicken.
Judith Akinyl Sellanga, Kenya Global Coordinator.
Since 2019, over 50 high schoolers have benefited in their education as Memory Book Club (MBC) paid their tuition. Mama Tamara and Papa Ron didn’t hesitate to help these students who are now in universities/tertiary colleges and other colleges pursing different courses.
In November 2025, Bondo – Kenya, hosted the first MBC Facilitators Conference. Young men and women with a passion to raise the next generation were trained and given the mandate to teach the children.
I have grown spiritually along with our children as I use the Memory Book and Club experiences to help heal from trauma. The parents/guardians have also come up strong to tell their stories and are in the process of being healed. The light of Christ is shining in the village of Barchando and other communities because of Memory Book Club.
How Memory Book Club Wrote My Future
by Emma Adhiambo Ogola, Kenya
A seed was planted in Barchando Village, Bondo Sub County in Siaya County, Kenya, where the red earth meets the vast Kenyan sky and where my story began. My name is Emma (immaculate, without stain, holy, pure) Adhiambo Ogola. Like many girls born in Siaya, my education hung by a thread—until the Memory Book Club (MBC) became my lifeline. What started as a simple storytelling, reading and drawing group became the foundation of my faith, confidence, and academic journey.
At MBC, we didn’t just draw, write or read stories—we lived them. Through weekly Saturday meetings, I discovered the power of the meaning of my name and of words to transform minds and hearts. The club’s meetings deepened my relationship with God, teaching me that He is the ultimate author of my life. My communication skills, once stifled by shyness, flourished through storytelling sessions by using the talking stick and mentoring younger members.
But the greatest miracle came when a sponsor stepped in to pay my high school fees. For the first time, I dared to believe that my dreams—of education, of impact—were possible. With the support of MBC, I excelled in my studies, knowing I carried the hopes of my community. Today, I am a 3rd-year student at Presbyterian University of East Africa, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism, majoring in Public Relations. Having been taught the importance of accountability in life, I chose to not just be accountable to people but most importantly to myself and God.
My wish is to return to MBC as a facilitator, helping younger students find their voices just as I found mine. My passion for public relations stems from this truth: every person’s story deserves to be heard, with dignity and clarity.
To my MBC family and my sponsors: You turned the page when I couldn’t. Because of you, I am not just a student, but I am a future communicator, a faith-driven leader, and a living testament to the power of God and opportunity.
This opportunity was not just for my success but for success of God’s work. One day, I’ll write a book and its dedication will read: “To Memory Book Club, where my story began.”
Magical transformation
by Jerome Muremangingo, Memory Books Global Coordinator; Living Faith Memory Book Club – ERM HOPE VTC, Masaka Sector, Rwanda
Jerome Muremangingo (right) with Emmanuel Sitaki-Kayinamura.
For the past two years, I have served as a Memory Books Global Coordinator. The Memory Book Club is located in the Masaka Sector of Kicukiro District, Rwanda, and functions under ERM HOPE Vocational Training Center. I would like to further expand Memory Book Clubs into other regions.
Currently, the club serves a total of 250 children and teens. These youth face a variety of challenges—some are bereaved, some live in poverty, and many suffer from illness or loneliness. The club gives them the opportunity to showcase their abilities and tell their stories.
My own story has shaped my deep commitment to this volunteer work. After the 1994 genocide, I was left with only two sisters, having lost my entire family—parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunties. That left us among the very few surviving members of our extended family. I felt completely isolated for a very long time, which caused a great deal of suffering and loss of meaning.
My journey with Memory Books began 15 years ago when I first took the training with Tamara in 2010. That training was incredibly transformational for me, and I attribute much of my current work to it. When I met Tamara, everything in my life began to change. The training I received on Memory Books and storytelling introduced me to the concept of sharing my narrative. I actually got to read my own story. The first time I shared a part of my life with a friend, I gained confidence I had never experienced before and I began to realize how impactful stories can be. Over time, this became a means of healing—not just for me, but also for countless others.
Children & facilitators of Light & Hope Memory Book Club, Rwanda.
Today, I help children, teens, and young adults on their own healing journeys. Observing their transformation is magical. Watching them find their voices and grow into self-confident individuals is a reward in itself. With time, I’ve come to understand that these individuals are not defined by the trauma they have endured, but by the immeasurable courage they possess.
I am thankful to be part of this mission. With the support of Ron, Tamara, and everyone involved, I look forward to expanding the Memory Book Club model to serve even more communities.
Raising A Generation of Excellence: Impacting and Transforming Lives
by Rev. David Musumba, Kenya, Memory Books Global Coordinator; The Lord’s Visitation Church International LVCI (Rhonda)
Memory Book Club in Nakuru, Kenya where children gather to learn “I am Somebody” and practice telling their stories.
I have been a global coordinator for Memory Books since 2014. Memory Book Club has impacted the lives of the children in our Rhonda community; many have been able to go through grief recovery processes and now have grown up to be people of honor in the society and community.
On April 18, 2025, some of the Club members in LVCI Rhonda who finished school and others still in school were featured on the National Television Citizen show. Through Memory Book Club experiences, these youth discovered their God-given talents; I have seen God change them and use them as agents to give hope to other young people in the community. Memory Book Club gave a platform to the children to discover themselves and use their God-given talents and to grow through their grief and loss.
Lilian Wanjiru, Nakuru MB Facilitator, distributes a simple meal that helps children focus & learn during Memory Book Club.
Grace Waithera shared this: “My parents lived in the streets and never brought us up in any home and the only place we called home was just the streets. When I joined the Memory Club because I was invited by the pastor, they were providing porridge that was like heaven to me. I would come early just in case I would get something to eat; that kept me coming. As time went by, I started to get an understanding on what was happening. The Love they showed me transformed my life completely; I was changed because of the love. My parents died because of drug abuse; I lost them but I had the support group of the Club and this became my life and family. I am forever grateful that pastor David and the one lady Beatrice never lost hope in me but have stood with me and been my pillars all along.”
Lives have been transformed and changed by Memory Clubs that are here in Nakuru, Busia, Kajiado, Malindi, Turkana and Kapoeta in South Sudan. Through this ministry, by the grace of God, I have been able to train national coordinators and volunteer children’s workers from the churches and local communities, and also start clubs in the following countries: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. I have had a personal growth through this ministry and my life has been impacted as a person who has gone through much suffering while growing up, as my father died on the day I was born.