Pamoja

Teacher Seminar

2010-07-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

Sharing with teachers has been our big passion. Integrating our teaching skills with our faith is something we both feel strongly about; being here in East Africa it has been a great privilege to spend time with other educators, encouraging them to take bold steps as they shape young lives.

On Tuesday we held a seminar for 21 teachers - a group of primary teachers from the Brook of Faith primary school (a Christian private school started with ELI) and Chebaiywa primary school (government school). Focusing upon the development of students, we encouraged teachers to move beyond the instructional curriculum to also focus upon the heart needs of children. Our discussions centered upon formative instruction, learning styles, and critical thinking...all topics Mark and I love to talk about. Challenging teachers to think about the unique opportunity they have to shape the hearts of students, not only their minds, we hope that our seminar and exploration of the scriptures will bear much fruit in the lives of children.

Oreos and Ice Cream!

2010-07-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday nights with kids from the Children's Home continue. This Sunday we had Ebby, Olivia, and Sharon over to share a meal. We enjoyed hearing about their dreams for the future and their passion for service. Sharon wants to be a musician, Ebby a pastor, and Olivia a professor - great aspirations for young girls of 13, 11, and 10 years of age! As this photo shows we also enjoyed sharing a dessert from America with them!

Movie Night!

2010-07-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you found that the kids you hang out with loved science and nature and you have access to an awesome video about the world? Host a movie night, of course!

We had great fun organizing a 'night at the movies' for all of the children and teachers at Brook of Faith primary school. Then we had the idea to make it a REAL movie night by giving a bag of popcorn to each person who came. During a recent trip to Kipkarren market we saw a popcorn machine outside of a little shop; making arrangements for the purchase of 350 bags of popcorn took a little arranging but 3 large burlap sacks and 4 big plastic shopping bags later we got it taken care of.

"Planet Earth - Shallow Seas" was our movie offering and everyone LOVED it, especially the parts about Humpbacked Whales and Great White Sharks! Mark opened the evening by reading from Genesis, emphasizing the creation of the seas and sea creatures. The buzz in the room was great as the children and teachers marveled over God's creativity. We hope to have another movie in the future and share more about His wonderful creations!

Graduation Day!

2010-07-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today the students from the Sustainable Agriculture and Community Development Programme held their graduation ceremony at the Kipkarren Training Centre. By our estimate over 500 people were in attendance to celebrate their accomplishment. It is our prayer that each student will a change agent in their community, bringing new ideas to inspire their villages toward increased agricultural productivity, food security, and knowledge that God is the great provider of all things!

Hair cut!

2010-07-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

Mark noticed that the kids at the Children's Home had gotten haircuts...and wondered how they did it. We found they have a hair razor here, which he was really missing. Needing a haircut himself Mark asked one of his buddies, Brian Kibet, to give him a haircut. It turned out great!

A Visit to the Eye Doctor

2010-07-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Recently my reading glasses broke. If I was in the USA I would just go to the Dollar Store for a cheap replacement...but living here in the village my alternatives are limited. I was prepared for the 'functional' but unattractive solution that most missionaries would use - duct tape! Thankfully, a nicer alternative exists at the Chebaiywa Medical Clinic. Last year, due to training and assistance from churches and community groups in the USA, an eye clinic has been operating as part of the medical clinic. Last summer, people had the opportunity to have their eyes tested and glasses made right in the village! Knowing that Dr. Julius has been well trained I thought I'd see if he could help me out with a new pair of reading glasses. My examination was carefully done and happily I ended up with a new pair of glasses that have helped me continue studying and preparing for the numerous sharing opportunities I have each week. It was a GREAT visit to the eye doctor!

A Day at the Office

2010-07-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Much of the work Cathy and I do requires a bit of studying, preparing, and writing. There are the daily devotions at the Children’s Home, the Teacher’s Seminar coming up on July 27^th, preparation for the graduation of the Training Center’s Agricultural and Computer Programs, and most recently a new Bible study for some of the agricultural students staying at the Training Center. I am also still preparing to teach a new course called Comparative Religions this upcoming school year. All of this means quite a few hours down at the gazebo by the river, affectionately known as “the office”…and what an office it is! The “wall hangings” are beautiful 3D images of nature, “air conditioning”, a 674,215,897,325 gallon fishbowl (the Kipkarren River), an alarm and security system that runs on leftovers and dog food (a local dog that has adopted us), and a sprinkler system that functions most every day in the late afternoon (rainy season here).

The office happens to be the best zone for connecting to the internet. Who needs a TV for local news? Just look out and watch the latest developments at the water project. Now THAT’S local news. If you hang around enough you might catch the latest cobra snake snapping at the behind of an innocent bystander (that was me… thanks Wayne for frantically yelling, “Mark! Move away from there!” I actually listened. No harm done.)

Directly above “the office”, high up in a tree is an eagle’s nest… home to two awesome and quite large eagles. One morning we discovered one of the eagles walking and standing in “the office”. As we got closer, we realized the poor magnificent bird was injured. As the “security system” approached, the eagle spread its wings, stretched out flat on the cement floor and hissed. The “security system” ran away. I took multiple pictures and video of the injured bird throughout the day. Eventually it hopped/flew over the fence and into a bush. Nearby an elderly man saw this incredible creature and began making his way towards it. He motioned to me as if to say, “Did you see that?!!!” I acknowledged I did with an attitude of awe. As the man got closer to the eagle, I wondered what he was going to do. In a split second, he raised his walking cane and clubbed the bird to death. One quick swift blow to the head and this magnificent bird became idle, one claw quivering. With a bit of pride the old man picked the eagle up by one wing and raised it high as if it were a trophy. Then just as quickly he threw it back into the brush. Needless to say, my jaw was hanging wide open. What had I just witnessed? My friend Wayne and I just turned around, went back into the “office” rather stunned. “They don’t treat eagles here in Kenya like we do back home… do they Wayne?” “Nope.” Later that day, and for several days following, the locals explained to Wayne and I that those eagles come and snatch up their little chicks, which are quite significant to their families for economic reasons. As one House Parent told us, when the eagle takes a chick that the children were trying to raise, it brings them to tears. So, I guess they treat eagles like snakes… if you see one, KILL IT! The surviving eagle can still be seen from time to time. We have been thinking… perhaps the snake went after the cobra, the cobra won the battle, and the eagle was stunned from the venom. We really don’t know… but that’s a day at the office.

Sunday Night Suppers

2010-07-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Our great love for the kids at the Children's Home has given us a fun idea...Sunday Night Suppers. Each Sunday evening we invite three kids from the home for 'chakula toka Amerika' (food from America). The idea has been well received and we're finding it an incredible opportunity to spend some quality time with the kids.

The first week we invited three boys who we affectionately call 'the Brians'. It was a great time to joke around as well as spend some time investing in them spiritually. Drama is something the kids love so they spend a good chunk of time after supper digging into Proverbs and planning out some skits to share at nightly devotions when Mark teaches. This week was "Girls Night" and Magdaline, Veronica, and Stella were our guests. Our menu of hamburgers, pineapple coleslaw, and peach iced tea was named 'sweet' by all. We introduced them to another American favorite for dessert...Oreo cookies and milk! Teaching them how to dip their biscuits (British term for cookies) was great fun! Afterwards the girls requested that we teach them how to use the computer - they ended up typing letters to Kimberly which was so sweet. We are very grateful for the chance to pour overselves into this young lives!

What does a shilling buy?

2010-07-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

We went to the Kipkarren outdoor market Sunday afternoon. Here's what we bought for $2.56:

9 oranges

a head of cabbage

3 large tomatoes

about 4 pounds of potatoes

two small bunches of spinach

a large avocado

several onions

Today we filled up the gas tank of our vehicle. This wasn’t as economical as the vegetables and fruit. The fuel cost over $100! 'Petrol' is currently about $5.30 a gallon. Obviously our greatest expense while being here will be transportation costs as we move about for ministry and just taking care of life. :)

Our First Drive to Eldoret Town

2010-07-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

After two years of owning our Mitsubishi Pajaro, several hundred dollars of repairs, insurance, international drivers licenses, and petrol, I was able for the first time to actually drive the vehicle. It was a beautiful Tuesday morning, following the usual afternoon downpour of the day before, and the 6 kilometers of Kenyan reddish-brown dirt roads were their typical slimy, muddy selves. To those who know what it is like to drive in about 4 inches of freshly fallen snow, you know what I’m talking about!

It is difficult and actually silly to make the trip to Eldoret without hauling people and/or goods to and/or from the big city. Our maiden voyage was no exception. In the back of our jeep-like vehicle was a refrigerator in need of repairs. Since it took up the entire back of the Pajaro, William (the refrigerator’s owner) drove ahead of us in his smaller vehicle, thankfully providing direction and wisdom for navigating the notorious dirt roads. (William would use his vehicle to pick up extra passengers along the way.)

It is actually a story in itself just describing these “roads”. Cattle use them as well, not to mention the foot traffic, pikipikis (small motorcycles, often loaded with extra people and goods), tractors, an occasional pig wallowing in a puddle, etc. Since the local people are used to these heavy rains they control the water by crowning the roads with rather steep slopes on either side. This pretty much dictates your strategy when driving under wet and slick conditions… you stay in the middle of the road or risk slipping off into oblivion on one side or another. Usually it is just woods, weeds or a field you would slide off into, but the slopes off to the sides are often so steep it is impossible to keep your vehicle from rolling on its side. This is just to keep the pressure on to keep from getting too far over. If there is actually some sort of deep ravine off the side they sometimes build what I call Kenyan guardrails… a row of pretty tough weeds and bramble, pulled and strategically placed to indicate danger. All of this being said, you might be asking yourself, “What if another vehicle is coming in the other direction?” Yes… well… in our maiden voyage, we only encountered cows. I stayed in the middle and they managed to walk around us.

There are various strategies to travel these local roads. Some feel speed is essential to maintain momentum through the mud, especially approaching inclines. However, I chose to shift into 4WD Low, never get beyond 2^nd gear, and follow the heart of the tortoise. Ahead of me was William the hare. His back end swerved from one side of the sloped road to the other, probably in 3^rd gear, but actually moving forward much slower due to the additional distance from going side to side. My slow and steady pace kept our vehicle much straighter, in the middle of the road, and probably saved one or two heart valves from rupturing. I just kept telling myself, “Since we have William’s fridge in our car I don’t want to make the ride too bumpy.”

It took 30 minutes to travel just under 4 miles and then we finally made the tarmac (asphalt “highway”). Only about 20 more miles to go to our destination… Eldoret. Truthfully, I could easily turn this short story into a novel but I will just say a few more things. I still have not figured out if the highway is 2 or 4 lanes. Tarmac does not have mud, it has potholes, otherwise known as craters… which have mud in them… along with a few hubcaps, retreads and other broken automobile parts (now that was an exaggeration). The general rule of thumb when driving on the highway is this… if there is space on the road, it was obviously meant for you. Oh yea, Cathy just reminded me of the “mutatu” drivers. Those are the many, many vans that travel up and down the highway as taxis. They clearly believe it is a 4 lane highway. These vans are probably 6 to 8 passenger vehicles, with legal capacity of 14, but I personally counted 19 in one of them. Horns are important when driving in Kenya. Blinkers mean something, but usually not as directional indicators. And headlights, well, I think they mean that they are not stopping or getting over regardless of which of the 4 lanes they are in.

In the end, Cathy and I now feel that we can be a blessing to others as we make the journey from village to city, instead of being at the mercy and graciousness of others. Here are some facts to ponder. Though Cathy can purchase about a weeks supply of fruits and vegetables locally for about $2, just to get to the city of Eldoret costs approximately $16 dollars (over $5/gal). That doesn’t include the wear and tear on the vehicle. We truly do thank God for the provision of what seems to be a sturdy and trustworthy vehicle, very much needed to get around here in Kenya. And if you think the roads are an adventure wait until you read about our “office”.

I Thess 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God.

Week Two - Saturday, July 3rd

2010-07-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning services at the Kipkarren UPEC Church were very lively. The majority of the children from the primary school and children’s home attend so the service is full of kids! Morning worship is very active with lots of dancing by several choirs. Much of the service is in Kiswahili so Mark is being challenged to listen for the words he has learned this week.

Next door to the church is a hospice ministry, The Living Room. One of the residents there, and elderly man named Stephen, accepted Christ this week. He is struggling with several health issues but is so joyful! After church the entire congregation gathered under the mango trees outside for his baptism. It was a wonderful experience to see someone who is nearing the end of his earthly life eagerly step into eternal life with the Father. It was another time of great celebration!

This week we’ve been busy with lots of visits to the primary school, Children’s Home, and helping at the training centre. Mark & I are going to the Children’s Home each evening to participate in nightly devotions and we’ve having lots of fun getting to know the children better. The children we connected with last year have been so happy to see us and our friendships have continued to grow. We’ve had several opportunities to teach during the week and we’re developing more lessons about wisdom (Mark) and faith (Cathy).

Meeting with the Headmaster of Brook of Faith primary school earlier in the week was very productive. We’ve been invited to attend the Monday morning staff devotion next week and Mark will share. Plans have also begun for an educator’s retreat for the end of this month. We plan to invite the staffs of Brook of Faith and the local government primary school for a time of refreshment and encouragement.

This week we attended the ELI Training Centre staff devotion and we were introduced to those ministering at the TC through its many programs. We are helping Pastor Peter, TC director, make preparations for the graduation of 34 students from the Agriculture & Community Development Training Programme.

Prayer Requests for the coming week:

1. Update on the child being abused with a hot knife like a branding iron: 3 yr old Sammy is living at The Living Room for a season as he heals from his injuries. He is cared for by loving Christians but struggles to adjust. It is obvious he has seen many bad things in his short life. Pray that he learns to accept the unconditional love of his caregivers and stops being fearful.

2. Mark continues to study Kiswahili. Cathy will meet with her Kalenjin teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pray that our minds can absorb a new language and that we’ll communicate boldly the few words we know. J

3. We’ve begun driving the dirt roads in the village, even after a bad rainstorm! All has gone well and we want our vehicle to be a blessing to our ministry in Kipkarren/Cheibaiywa.

4. Pray for the planning and venue for the educator retreat at the end of this month. We anticipate about 25 teachers will attend – not all know Jesus as Savior so it will be a good opportunity to share about Him!

**Internet connections are challenging but we still hope to post weekly updates.

Power of Water - Friday

2010-07-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

This morning we read our devotions as we often do, at the gazebo down by the Kipkarren River. It is a place of great beauty – we really love the sound of the water passing by as we read and pray. Of course, the view is changing as the water project continues.

This afternoon, after a long rainstorm that included torrential rain and hail, we were called down to the gazebo. The rains had caused such a rise in the water that parts of the bank were washed away. One large tree right next to the gazebo fell into the river, along with a large portion of the garden land. Check out these pictures to see the power of water!

Water project progress

2010-06-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a bit of an idea of how the water project is progressing. You can see the channel that they're digging to divert the river. Once the water is channeled to the side the riverbed will be allowed to dry out and then an large valve will be constructed, along with piping. After that is completed the river will be returned to its original path.

New Developments in Kipkaren

2010-06-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Water is such a source of wealth and health around the world, particularly in developing communities. It is a source of wealth in that most sustenance in an agricultural economy is so dependent on timely rain and flowing rivers. It is a source of health in that it is estimated 80% of sickness and disease can be attributed to the lack of clean drinking water. So when Cathy and I showed up here we were so surprised to see a government project in the process of building a water treatment plant. The ELI training center is about 2 ½ miles from the village of Kipkaren, and the treatment plant will be right between the two. What’s so fun is that the source of drawing water from the Kipkaren River is virtually IN our back yard! That means we get to watch the big Cat (caterpillar back-hoe) dig a huge canal to divert the river from its usual path, in order to dry up the river bed where they plan to build the “drain” and the beginning of the concrete pipe which will carry the river water to the treatment plant. Have you ever tried to change the direction of a fairly large river; estimated at approximately 3 to 6 feet deep (depending on the rains) and about 50 feet wide… with a fairly roaring flow? The engineer and supervisor of the entire project (Papu is his name) is now our neighbor, living in one of the little guest huts down the path. As they dig the new canal, the big Cat moves the dirt across the river to build a kind of blockade which will eventually divert the river into the canal. There is a 3 foot thick, 15 foot wide and who knows how deep rock that is the last piece of earth to be removed to allow the river into the canal. This is really cool to watch. But more than that, this project will bring the blessing of health to many many people. Who ever saw it coming… clean drinking water to a village (or two!) of people who barely have a road that passes through. So, as I watch this awesome river have its course diverted, God has put on my heart the way He so masterfully diverts and guides the direction of our lives. Can you ever foresee what some of these wonderful kids of the ELI Children’s Home will end up doing? So many of them have dreams and aspirations. One boy named Brian wants to become a “flying doctor”… a missionary doctor reaching people who need medicine. Another Brian wants to be a journalist. Pray for these children, that they would have the courage and wisdom to follow God’s path, which may bend and turn and twist like the mighty Kipkaren River. And so, we have already begun to teach the children about wisdom and God’s path for their lives from the book of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. If it all sounds so wonderfully exciting… IT IS!

Week One - Settling In** Saturday, June 26th

2010-06-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Our arrival in Kenya has gone quite smoothly and time has flown by. Thanks for your prayers - we’ve felt them this week!

Kenya is not suffering from drought like last year. The rains have been plentiful and we found our drive upcountry on Tuesday to be one of beautiful scenery. Sadly, we didn’t see as many animals as last year but figure since the vegetation is so lush wildlife doesn’t need to come to the roadsides for handouts. A small herd of zebra was near the road before we reached Nakuru but after that we didn’t see any other wildlife.

After about six hours of driving we pulled off the paved road for the last leg of our journey to the Kipkaren River area. Even though we’d gone through a couple of strong rainstorms the dirt roads were good and we arrived without any difficulty. At this time of year, the rainy season, driving on dirt roads can be tricky so we were thankful that it hadn’t rained hard in the village!

As we approached the Brook of Faith primary school we were flagged down by one of the teachers. Stopping at the gate we saw all the students and staff gathered to greet us! A piece of twine with flowers on it had been strung across the gate, symbolizing the entrance into Kipkaren/Chebaiywa village. Mark was handed a pair of scissors and after snipping the twine we were ‘accepted’ into the community. It was overwhelming to see so many people we love gathered in one spot. After some hand shaking we were taken to our little hut to begin the process of setting up our home. The remainder of the week Cathy has been unpacking the things we brought with us as well the items that have been stored since her return to the USA in 2008. We were able to get into town on Thursday and purchase a small refrigerator and propane stove. Cooking our first meal on Saturday night (spaghetti) was a treat!

We’ve begun visits the Children’s Home for nightly devotions and have made it known we’re willing to teach. Mark will focus on the topic of wisdom and Cathy on faith. Reconnecting with friends and building new relationships is a big part of our day; we’ve been asked to assist the Director of ELI’s training centre as he prepares for events that will take place in July and August. We also plan to meet with the teaching staff at the Brook of Faith primary school and make a visit to a local secondary school so we’re aware of the current needs of educators.

Our days are full and we fall into bed each night exhausted but supremely happy! It is an incredible privilege to be here as we seek to serve and encourage those we meet. Continue to pray for us as we begin more exploration into how we might best serve existing educational ministries and look for ways to expand into new areas.

Prayer Requests for the coming week:

1. A nearby village is developing as a potential place for outreach. Many of the adults brew alcohol and are drunk themselves, leading to great neglect of children. In one family the police were brought in when a child died and another was being abused with a hot knife like a branding iron. Pray that Christians will gain opportunities to speak truth into the hearts of the lost in this village and that children will be able to live without fear.

2. Mark has begun his studies in Kiswahili. Cathy has found a potential Kalenjin teacher but still needs to make firm arrangements for studies to begin. Pray that our minds can absorb a new language and that we’ll communicate boldly the few words we know. J

3. Our vehicle has been fully repaired and insured. The next step is to have it inspected and then officially record the sale of the vehicle with the government. Pray that these steps will go smoothly and without difficulty. We will begin driving after that and would appreciate prayers for safety as we navigate driving on the other side as well as over rough terrain.

4. Continued prayer for humble, servant attitudes in all we do. We see many opportunities to challenge local Christians as well as witness to those who have yet to know Him.

**Internet connections are challenging but we still hope to post weekly updates.

Kenya arrival!

2010-06-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

After nearly thirty hours of travel by car, bus, two planes, and a van we've arrived in Nairobi! We're pretty exhausted after staying awake the majority of that time but we have several praises:

* no problems traveling at all - we even got to sit next to each other on all plane flights

* all luggage arrived without any difficulties

* a wonderful room at the Mayfield A.I.M. Guest House is ours until Tuesday AM - a great place to rest and refresh ourselves

* we feel 'at home' here and feel God's confirmation upon our decision to come this summer

* reliable internet here at the guest house so we can communicate with our prayer team

At 8 AM on Tuesday we will begin our drive toward western Kenya, into the Eldoret area. Hopefully our next communication will be from the village!

Our Safari Begins!

2010-06-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

We depart in less than an hour - our four LARGE pieces of luggage are waiting by the door. By Sunday afternoon, 2:00 PM EST,we will arrive in Nairobi, Kenya! After taking care of some paperwork in government offices we will drive up to Kipkaren village on Tuesday. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as we begin two months of ministry in western Kenya. Once we've arrived we'll try to communicate again.

Mark & Cathy

Soon on our way!

2010-06-16T17:27:00.001-07:00

We're getting really excited about our departure this Saturday afternoon. We're done with our teaching duties and are now concentrating on packing for our two month adventure in Kenya. Many last minute details have been handled well by the Lord:

* a family will stay in our home for the time we're away

* our African 4WD vehicle, sitting for nearly 2 years in the village, is being repaired and starting well!

* gifts of blessing for 100+ orphans in Kipkaren have been put together by the children of a local church; it looks like all items will fit in our suitcases just fine

* we feel God's power, purpose, and PEACE as we pray together for how we will serve

Please pray for the following:

* humility and servant attitudes

* minds that can focus and grasp a new language (Kiswahili for Mark, Kalenjin for Cathy)

* discernment as we seek our role and purpose, especially in how we might represent Christ to the community

* health and safety as we enter a rural setting

* good communication via internet and cellphone with family and prayer team in the USA - we struggled a lot with cellphone connections in the village last year

We will try to write weekly posts on our blog to keep you up to date on events in Kipkaren this summer!

April Newsletter

2010-04-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

We are so thankful for the MANY people who pray for us regularly and sacrificially give so we may serve with E.L.I. Summer can't come soon enough for us as we anticipate being with our beloved Kenyan brothers and sisters again! Click here to read our April newsletter.

You lift me up.....3,000 X 30

2010-03-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

E.L.I.'s international director, Don Rogers, recently returned from an exhilarating time visiting several rural areas where our ministry is at work. At E.L.I.'s training centres in Kenya (Kipkaren and Ilula) he met with two pastors who have been empowered to better provide for their families - and they want to pass the knowledge on to their communities!

It is E.L.I.'s goal to provide training for 3,000 people this year so they may reach out to their own communities and encourage, empower, and equip. Our ministry does this for about $30 a person. Won't you join us in praying for 3,000 X 30? Click here to watch a video about how this outreach is impacting lives in Africa!

True Fast - A Lenten Challenge

2010-02-04T18:13:00.001-08:00

Our mission organization, Empowering Lives International, is proposing a different kind of fast for this Lenten season - an invitation to churches, small groups, and individuals to participate in a community fast modeled after Isaiah 58. It is our hope that this fast will help people identify with the poor in our world and simultaneously loosen the chains of injustice and feed the hungry by partnering with the ministry of ELI.

In light of the fact that water-borne disease is the number one cause of death in under-resourced countries, ELI is encouraging people to give up all drinks, except tap or filtered water, for the 40 days of Lent (Feb 17th - April 3rd) and to donate the money they would have spent on other drinks. ELI will use these donations to help the needy in Africa break the cycle of poverty, gain skills, and receive training to provide for the health and needs of their families and communities. Click here for more details about the ELI True Fast.

Kipkaren Children's Home in the news!

2010-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

Working in an elementary school in the USA reminds me of my many small friends scattered throughout East Africa. As I take my daily prayer walks I lift up a long list of children I miss deeply. Many of them reside in Mwanza, Tanzania where I lived for three years while assisting in the creation of the Nuru na Maisha Kituo cha Mafunzo ya Watoto (educational study centre for children). Others live in the village of Kipkaren, Kenya where our family spent a month last summer. Each afternoon, eager for my daily 'kid fix', I'd walk the dirt road between our hut and the ELI Kipkaren Children's Home to see what my little friends were up to. Forming bonds of friendship with children always means doing something interesting:

* use dried corncobs as sponges to wash shoes

* sweep pathways with sturdy branch 'brooms'

* stitch up tears in clothing torn from having too much fun near barbed wire fencing

* stir massive cooking pots of cornmeal mush with spoons the size of boat oars

* sit under a mango tree and help make kites

* kick a bundle of cloth and plastic bags around a grassy field in a vigorous game of soccer

On January 20th The Standard, Kenya's national newspaper, ran a two page article about life at the Kipkaren Children's Home. It did my heart good to read about friends I miss so much. While it is sometimes tough to be far away, I take comfort in the knowledge that we'll be together again later this year when we head back to Kenya. If you'd like to read this article click here.

A God Thought

2010-01-25T17:12:00.000-08:00

Mark & I have been sharing with some Adult Sunday School classes at our church over the past few months, getting opportunities to tell stories about life in East Africa and the challenge of working with the poor. One of our sharing sessions inspired Inge Allen, a writer of bi-weekly inspirational meditations. Click here to read how our cow dip story and video (see post below dated August 24, 2009) inspired her to think about how each of us should be like cows!

Christmas Blessings to You!

2009-12-12T04:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas blessings to all! While this picture might lead you to believe we are living in East Africa full time, it isn't so....at least not yet. We are still partnership building in the USA but sense the Lord has plans for us to head to East Africa this summer for full time ministry. Additional support to raise, selling our home, packing up, and saying goodbye to family and friends are just a few things on our future 'to do' list. We rest in the knowledge and peace that our glorious Savior and King has every detail in His capable Hands. May this Christmas season be one where you experience the great joy of knowing the New Born King!

December Newsletter

2009-11-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

In this season of thanksgiving we stand in awe of the Lord's provision. We are so grateful for the people supporting our ministry in prayer. God has been doing wonderful things as we continue to build partnerships with churches and individuals here in the USA. We would love to share how He is at work. Click here to read our December newsletter.

Where and What?

2009-10-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Two months have flown by....we're sure those of you who keep up with us through this blog are wondering what we've been up to and where we are. Since the school year began we're all back at school in the USA - Mark as a high school teacher, Kimberly as a sophomore high school student, and Cathy as a paraprofessional learning support aide at an elementary school.

Life has been very busy for us as we continue to pursue our dream of full time ministry in Africa. For the past six weeks we have been sharing in an adult Sunday School class at our church. Focusing on the challenges of ministering to the poor we've used When Charity Destroys Dignity by Glenn Schwartz as the basis for our discussions. One of our friends guided the group through a wonderful biblical word study of the word "poor"; the discussions have been stimulating! We've also had opportunity to give some cultural input about life in rural Africa and

have shared a simulation detailing life choices and challenges for vulnerable children in East & Central Africa, Ishara's Journey. It has been wonderful to have this extended opportunity to share the passion of our hearts!

Financial support for full time ministry is still a need for us; currently we have 45% of our yearly budget pledged and our ministry fund grows each month as people begin contributing. We still feel a strong call to minister among children, youth, and educators and are eager to plant our feet on African soil soon! If you'd like to become part of our prayer/support team please contact us at cathyinafrica@empoweringlives.org

One Tuesday Morning

2009-08-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

At the Kipkaren training centre there is a cow dip. This is where local farmers bring their cows each week to keep away insects that could harm their herd. In the past, cattle herds where decimated by diseases carried by insects; having an active cow dip in the community is a huge blessing as it preserves the health of the cattle. ELI assisted the local community in revitalizing the cow dip and things have gone well for several years. It is completely run by locals and continues to bless the many families who rely upon their milk cows for daily income.

One Tuesday morning we woke up early to see the cow dip in action. It was one of the funniest things we ever saw. This video is proof. Some of those cows do the most magnificent belly flops. Watch the video carefully to the end....there's a surprise!

Talented Kids!

2009-08-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

The orphans in the Kipkaren Children's Home bless so many through their great singing. We enjoy how they express their love for Christ as they sing and praise. This video was taken one Saturday afternoon when we attended the wedding celebration of some ELI friends.

Pictures from Kenya

2009-08-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

We hit the ground running after our arrival back in PA on July 25th. Shared in PA and CA and more times of speaking ahead. So far we haven't had time to fully craft a newsletter but many of you have begged for some pictures....so here's a link where you can view a few images of our month in Kenya. Enjoy!

http://gallery.me.com/cathyinafrica#100026

Back in the USA! (Cathy)

2009-07-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

After 30+ hours on three uneventful flights we arrived back in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening. We were blessed to find all our luggage made the trip back as well. Thanks for praying for safe travel!

As we readjust to a new time zone (-7 hours from what we were used to in Kipkaren) I've been downloading pictures and thinking about our new friends; so many people to pray for now! This picture captured my attention - a homemade ball I saw in one of the Brook of Faith classrooms. Children all over the world love to play and it seems that creativity always goes along with it. I love the knotted webbing on this ball as it shows so much attention to detail!

Final Days - 21 July (Cathy)

2009-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today is our last day in the village…a day that started off early at the cow dip. Watching long lines of cows fling themselves into a channel of treated water that will rid them of deadly fleas and ticks is pretty hysterical to watch and a GREAT way to start the day! Since morning we’ve been trekking all over the village to say goodbye to dear friends. It is a bittersweet day…one we’ve known was coming but hoped would be slow in arriving. God has shown us in many ways His plans for us and we delight in that knowledge!

We've had many pleasures while living in Kipkaren, Kenya. My favorite, of course, has been time with children. Tonight we'll spend our last evening with the kids at the Kipkaren Children's Home, sharing devotion time with them. Wednesday morning we’re off to ELI’s other training centre in Ilula, traveling by van to Nairobi on Thursday and then starting our way back to the USA on Friday evening.

Not just vision and goals - the joy of the journey (Mark)

2009-07-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

In the world of mission we often think in terms of

“What can be accomplished?”

“Without a vision, the people perish”

“How can we justify the cost of sending?”

Somewhere along the road, as we go on the quest of discerning what the future holds, we find ourselves either in fellowship with God and others, or out of fellowship with God and others. And even if we are not enjoying the presence of Christ somehow that’s not the point. The point is “Where are we heading?” And we want to know.

I have recently read the book The Shack. In it, God as the Great Three In One, expresses His joy of the present because the present is where relationship exists. God is so much about relationship – not accomplishment.

In the past couple of weeks as I’ve lived without so many comforts I am used to in the USA, including the lack of running water, Jesus has grabbed my attention and said, “Enjoy the journey.” It is not about the future, and it certainly isn’t about the past…but where He is at the moment, that’s where relationship is….relationship with Him. That’s where joy is…HE IS JOY. Regardless of the amazing wonders we see everyday in the accomplishments of ELI’s clinic, the children’s home, the school – or the heartache of malaria, broken homes, or broken water pumps Jesus walks with us – without a worry – always good – and full of joy. He says, “With Me the joy is in the journey.”

Good Times (Kimberly)

2009-07-21T02:42:00.000-07:00

There were a few punches in the beginning of our trip but we’ve kept on rolling. The water pump broke the day we arrived in the village (July 1^st), finally repaired two weeks later. My luggage did not arrive in Kipkaren until about a week after we got to Kenya so I shared clothes with Cathy. Despite the challenges nothing has stopped me from enjoying my time here to the fullest. It’s been great to be at the children’s home, the medical clinic, and building relationships with everyone. My highlights have been encountering an ultra dangerous caterpillar, being with the children, and observing at the clinic. I spend most of my time watching a Kenyan nurse in the treatment room and when it’s a slow day, we (the clinic staff and I) have a really good time talking and laughing. I’ve seen God working in many ways here - from the children’s hearts, to the clinic barely surviving but still striving. The clinic has been struggling financially in the past two weeks so all prayers are appreciated. Even though there is a drought here malaria has flared up. Some staff and many kids in the area have had it recently and the cases are still coming in steadily at the clinic. The clinic’s motto is “We treat, God heals.” Mungu ni mwema. God is good, and I’ve seen it first hand a lot in the past few weeks!

The Kalenjin of Kenya (Mark)

2009-07-12T06:02:00.001-07:00

My first impression of our “home sweet home” in Kipkaren, Kenya – itty bitty living space, AWESOME backyard! An absolutely beautiful river is a mere 50 yards from our back door, while mountains and the great Rift Valley are close by.

The people – even though they are FAR behind in normal rainfall, and the water pump supplying the community with clean well water has been broken for several days now – the people, young and old, know how to live! They are full of joy and full of fun. Singing, dancing, and praying are the norm throughout the day. The children – when they smile their faces light up so brightly. They know how to plan in such way you can only watch in delight.

All this without even mentioning the work ELI is doing. And there is so much to do. More coming soon to our blog. Bwana asifiwe (praise the Lord)! PTL!

We Made It! (Cathy)

2009-07-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

After a couple of days in Nairobi we headed toward western Kenya. Our drive took us from the bustle of the capital city of 4 million plus people, through the Rift Valley, crossing the equator twice before arriving in Kipkaren. Muddy roads the last few kilometers made us a bit later than anticipated – but we were still welcomed into the village by a crowd that included all the children from the Children’s Home, their teachers, and house parents. Tears overwhelmed us as the children sang and presented us with beautiful bouquets of flowers. It was such a homecoming for me, made even more wonderful because I was sharing it with Mark and Kimberly. We are settling in well, enjoying getting to know those working at the children’s home, school, and training centre campus. We are reminded each day of God’s great love as we experience living in a different culture – the sense of community here is strong and we are blessed to be accepted as part of it!

God Cares

2009-06-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Life in Africa is about relationships....building and nurturing them. As we speak at churches here in the USA we've been able to nurture 'prayer relationships' between Americans who have a heart for orphans and vulnerable children. When we spoke at the Fleetwood Bible Church their children's Sunday School team was inspired...so we formed a relationship with them. An outflow of that is a developing relationship between children in Fleetwood and Kipkaren, Kenya. We will be carrying messages of love from the kids here in PA to the kids in Kenya in the form of t-shirts. As the Sunday School children have learned about praying for others they also wanted to tangibly express God's caring. These t-shirts say it all! Once we get to Kipkaren to distribute the t-shirts we'll try to post pictures of that day....a day of blessing for sure!

June Newsletter

2009-06-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

We are soon leaving for our family adventure in Kenya. It seems like we've been waiting for this opportunity forever and now it is just a few days away. Click here to read our June newsletter to find out how you can pray for us during the next month.

Count Down!

2009-06-21T16:15:00.001-07:00

We are only six days away from our departure. For me (Cathy), that day can't come soon enough. Seems like I have been piling items to pack in our spare room for days now...I'm just a little bit excited! This week I'm concentrating upon the inner self rather than the stuff I think I'll need. I know that life in the village is survivable even without what we tuck into our luggage - God is so much more interested in the state of my heart and so I'm focusing on that 'piece of luggage' so no extra baggage comes along with me. We desire to be vehicles of encouragement and love for those struggling with illness, poverty, and hopelessness.

For those who are interested in praying for us as we travel this weekend here's our travel information:

Saturday June 27
2:49 PM Leave Allentown PA for Philadelphia
6:15 PM Leave Philadelphia for London

Sunday June 28
6:20 AM Arrive in London
10:20 AM Leave London for Nairobi
8:55 PM Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya

27 days and counting!

2009-06-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

In just 27 days we'll be on our way...which means that I (Cathy) am making lots of lists. As my family says, I am a "planner". Lately I've been working on purchasing our airline tickets, scheduling airport transfers, arranging ground transport from Nairobi to the village in western Kenya where we'll stay for the month, booking lodging for us at local guest houses, checking on our immunization records, current visa costs, international driving licenses, and getting new passport photos and updates. Last week Kimberly and I went to the Goodwill shop in Reading and hit the jackpot, outfitting her for the trip for just a few dollars. We've gotten word that we will stay in the home we'll also use in the future so I'll be able to cook most of our meals. Now I'm thinking of the cooking items I might want to take along that we can't purchase overseas. Ministry for us will be mainly focused upon encouraging teachers and students to be and do their best for the Lord so we'll pack resources for discipleship and bible studies. Needless to say each day is busy and exciting!

Journeying to East Africa

2009-05-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

We are heading out to Kenya soon. Mark, Kimberly, and I (Cathy) will leave Pennsylvania on Saturday June 27, arriving in Nairobi after nearly 25 hours in the air on three different airplanes, jumping over 7 time zones, crossing the equator, and hopefully getting some sleep along the way. We'll have two days in Nairobi to meet with some Kenyan friends and see where I worked in Africa's largest slum, Kibera. After that we'll spend a day traveling 'up country', re-crossing the equator, before our arrival in the village of Kipkaren. This village in western Kenya, between Eldoret and the Ugandan border, will be 'home' for us until July 24. We are very excited to experience life in Africa as a family!

Together....Pamoja

2009-05-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

"Pamjoa" is a perfect term to describe what we'll be doing in Africa. We were attracted to our mission organization, Empowering Lives International, because ELI seeks to do things in partnership with local leadership. In East Africa relationship is the driving force behind so much of life. Together as a family....together as a community....together as different cultures.....together as brothers and sisters in Christ. We hope to use the 'together-ness' factor to equip and empower people to know and serve God.

Empowerment is a challenging process. Uniting national leadership with God's vision is key. Located in rural areas, ELI works to impact the poor, local pastors and church leaders, village alcoholics, orphans, youth, and vulnerable children. Through demonstration farms and biblical training, ELI brings hope to the hungry. Through AIDS awareness campaigns and sharing God's plan for all people, ELI raises the value of life. Working alongside national educators, ELI seeks to give spiritual and intellectual purpose to the next generation. Ministering to over nine hundred orphans and vulnerable children, the fatherless are introduced to the Father. Together...pamoja....people recognize their importance in the eyes of God!