BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Last month, Pastor Moses Brown accepted an invitation from African officials to visit Kenya. During his visit, he had the opportunity to speak with religious leaders, and met with many distinguished members of the Kenyan community, among them the grandmother of the U. S. President.

Pastor Brown visited Kenya January 20th through January 31st. Having returned home, he said one of the highlights of his trip was to meet Mama Sarah Obama, grandmother of President Barack Obama. He traveled with an interpreter.

“Upon arrival I was surprised to see that Mama Obama maintained a simple lifestyle. Living in a small modest home, with relatives, and a few orphan children. She lives in a one-acre, fenced, yet heavily secured compound, where President Obama’s father and grandfather are buried,” Pastor Brown said.

He described her as being a 90-year-old Muslim with head covering who greeted him with warmth and jubilant spirit.

During their conversation, Pastor Brown asked many questions including how life had changed for her since her grandson became President of the United States.

“She said that things started changing after he became a Junior Senator. The school in her area changed its name to Senator Barack Obama School. Upon becoming President, the Kenyan government had to provide her 24-hour security at her residence, and people from all over the world, desire an audience with her.

“I also asked Mama Obama what message she would like to send to the people of Tampa. With a smile, she expressed that I was the first person to ever come to her home from Tampa. She would like people to know that she loves and supports her grandson, and believes that he will be re-elected.

“Also, she indicated that she wants Americans not to forget that poverty and AIDS have left many children as orphans. She and the President’s sister, Auma Obama, have established a foundation to educate orphans in Kenya called, “Mama Sarah Obama’s Children Foundation,” Pastor Brown said.

The two shared one last event before Pastor Brown left. “Even though she is Muslim and I am of Christian faith, Mama Obama welcomed the spiritual words of encouragement and a prayer of God’s blessing for her and the President.”

Pastor Brown believes that said he believes meeting Mama Obama was a “favor from God because of those praying for me while I was in Kenya.” He further stated that his organization, “Feed Our Children Ministry,” plans to remain in contact to provide assistance in her effort to help orphaned and abandoned children.