Sam’s Story

Samuel 2017

SAM’S STORY IN HIS OWN WORDS:

My story is my mum had me when she was 20 years old with a guy who left her after she begun to get sick. After he left my mum, she become very stressed and that caused her to go into a coma. After recovering from the coma she could no longer talk and she became paralyzed in half of her body (stroke).

She had left me with my grandma who was very old and she could not work, not only was she elderly but also very poor. Unable to even buy milk for the baby (me) was a problem. My mum used to come to visit me but I was afraid of her because she could fall down anytime and unable to speak.

I never used to go to school because school fees was the greatest issue as well. But through the favor of God my mum met Pastor Victor of the Father’s House and that’s how I got help. 

I have now completed high school with good grades and believe the same God who opened a way so I could study high school will now provide for my college education. I desire to work with computers. 

Samuel

WE first met Sam in 2005 as just a small boy, shy and quiet.  This past December, we asked him to speak at the Youth Advance. He stood up with boldness and said “I am going to tell you a story I have never told anyone before”.  He told us the story of his early childhood and what he went through. It was terrible and wonderful because of all he was able to overcome.  He shared how God brought him out and placed him in the children’s home. What a humbling experience for us to hear his story, to feel his pain and to see this wonderful young boy becoming a man of integrity and joy.  I introduce him to you, my friends in hopes your heart will be touched and together we can financially assist him through college. Sam has always been a deep thinker, full of quiet dreams.  Sam is a hard worker with a servant’s heart. I know he will go far. I just want to continue to be a part of his success.  Let’s make 2017 a year of dreams fulfilled.

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Motherhood

MOTHERHOOD QUOTES; WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

FRASES VERDADERAS ACERCA DE LA MATERNIDAD

  1. “She was the driving force behind our early childhood development.”

“Ella fue la fuerza impulsora detrás de nuestro temprano desarrollo infantil.”

  1. “She planted the seeds of leadership by modeling good behavior.”

“Ella plantó las semillas de liderazgo al moldear un buen comportamiento.”

  1. “She held us accountable and introduced us to new experiences”

“Ella nos sostuvo haciéndonos responsables y nos presentó a nuevas experiencias”

  1. “She encouraged us to participate and get involved in our surroundings.”

“Ella nos animó a participar e involucrarnos en nuestro entorno.”

  1. “She cultivated our gifts and knew when to push us out of the nest.”

“Ella cultivó nuestros dones y supo cuándo empujarnos fuera del nido.”

  1. “She allowed us to explore different activities and discover our talents.”

“Ella nos permitió explorar diferentes actividades y así descubrir nuestros talentos”

  1. “She promoted our creativity celebrated our ingenuity.”

“Ella promovió nuestra creatividad celebrando nuestro ingenio.”

  1. “She took us places and introduced us to the world around us.”

“Ella nos tomó y nos presentó todo el mundo que nos rodea.”

  1. “She was eager to compliment us when we did something well.

“Ella estaba ansiosa por felicitarnos cuando hicimos algo bueno.”

  1. “She was quick to discipline us when we were out of line.”

“Ella se apresuró a disciplinarnos cuando estábamos fuera de línea.”

  1. “She was always proud of us.

“Ella siempre estuvo orgullosa de nosotros.”

  1. “She supported our interests.”

“Ella apoyó nuestros intereses.”

  1. “She identified our gifts and bolstered our confidence.”

“Ella identificó a nuestros dones y reforzó nuestra confianza.”

  1. “She was our coach and we were her team.”

“Ella era nuestra entrenadora y nosotros fuimos su equipo.”

  1. “She created a safe environment allowing us to blossom.”

“Ella creó un ambiente seguro que nos permitió florecer.”

  1. “She taught us about true leadership by her faithful parenting.”

“Ella nos enseñó acerca del verdadero liderazgo mediante su fiel crianza.”

  1. “She set the vision for a possible future.”

“Ella puso la visión de un futuro posible.”

  1. “She established our values and beliefs.”

“Ella estableció nuestros valores y creencias.”

  1. “She provided direction, opportunities and resources.”

“Ella nos proveyó de dirección, oportunidades y recursos.”

  1. “She generously supplied encouragement and reinforcement.”

“Ella generosamente suplió aliento y reforzamiento.”

  1. “She taught us to be disciplined and develop healthy habits.”

“Ella nos enseñó a ser disciplinados y desarrollar hábitos saludables.”

  1. “She told us we could become anything if we set our mind to it.”

“Ella nos dijo que podríamos  llegar a ser cualquier cosa si poníamos nuestra mente en eso.”

  1. “She challenged us to always be and do our best.”

“Ella siempre nos desafió a ser y hacer lo mejor.”

  1. “She saw us reaching our God-given potential.”

“Ella nos vio alcanzar nuestro potencial dado por Dios.”

  1. “She regularly said to us we were someone special.”

“Ella frecuentemente nos dijo que éramos alguien especial.”

  1. “She laid down the rules and regulations of life.”

“Ella estableció las reglas y las regulaciones de vida”.

  1. “She modeled the values and beliefs to guide our behavior.”

“Ella modeló los valores y creencias que guían nuestro comportamiento”

  1. “She gave us the information we needed to understand our world.”

“Ella nos dio la información que necesitábamos para entender nuestro mundo.”

  1. “She read to us.”

“Ella leyó para nosotros.”

  1. “She played with us.”

“Ella jugó con nosotros.”

  1. “She was the moral and religious center of our home.”

“Ella era el centro moral y religioso de nuestro hogar.”

  1. “She showed us what was important by how she spent her time.”

“Ella nos mostró lo que era importante al observar la forma en la que pasaba su tiempo.”

  1. “She made us do chores.”

“Nos ayudó a hacer las tareas.”

  1. “She practiced what she preached.”

“Ella practicaba lo que predicaba.”

  1. “She was a continuous learner.”

“Ella era una estudiante incesante.”

  1. “She was always active in our community and school.”

“Ella siempre fue activa en nuestra comunidad y  escuela.”

  1. “She warned us about actions that would not be tolerated.”

“Ella nos advirtió acerca de las acciones que no deberían ser toleradas.”

  1. “She trained us well so we would not embarrass and shame her or the family.”

“Ella nos entrenó bien para que no apenar, ni avergonzarla a ella o a la familia.”

  1. “She taught us manners and polite behavior.”

“Ella nos enseñó buenos modales y un comportamiento educado.”

  1. “She showed us standards of good conduct.”

“Ella nos enseñó las normas de buena conducta.”

  1. “She lived her life by the Golden Rule.”

“Ella vivió su vida por la Regla de Oro.”

  1. “She encouraged us to express our opinions and grow our talents.”

“Ella nos animó a expresar nuestras opiniones y hacer crecer nuestros talentos.”

  1. “She instilled in us the value of hard work and how to handle money.”

“Ella nos inculcó el valor del trabajo duro y cómo manejar el dinero.”

  1. “She always saw to it that we had everything we needed.”

“Ella siempre se encargó de que tuviéramos todo lo que necesitábamos.”

  1. “She was a great source of encouragement and reinforcement.”

“Ella era una gran fuente de estímulo y fortalecimiento.”

  1. “She picked us up when we fell down and made us feel better.”

“Ella nos levantó cuando caímos y nos hizo sentir mejor.”

  1. “She always knew what to say when we were hurting.”

“Ella siempre supo qué decir cuando nos estaban hiriendo.”

  1. “She was our biggest fan”.

“Ella fue nuestra más grande fan.”

  1. “She had absolute confidence in us.”

“Ella tenía absoluta confianza en nosotros.”

  1. “She never showed favoritism among the children.”

“Ella nunca mostró favoritismo entre los niños.”

  1. “She knew there was a purpose for our lives and gave us room to find it.”

“Ella sabía que había un propósito para nuestras vidas y nos dio el espacio para encontrarlo.”

  1. “She would never abandon us even if others did.”

“Ella nunca nos abandonó, incluso si otros lo hicieron.”

  1. “She was always in our corner offering words of support, guidance and forgiveness.”

“Ella siempre estaba en la esquina que ofreciendo palabras de apoyo, guía y perdón.”

  1. “She gave us positive and realistic feedback when we did well.”

“Ella nos dio una retroalimentación  positiva y realista cuando nos fue bien.”

  1. “She checked our homework to make sure it was completed and done correctly.”

“Ella revisó nuestros  deberes para asegurarse de que estuviesen completados y hechos correctamente.”

  1. “She did not let us off the hook when we made an error in judgment.”

“Ella no nos dejó descolgados cuando  cometimos  un error de juicio.”

  1. “She held us accountable for our actions.”

“Ella nos sostuvo para responsables de nuestras acciones.”

  1. “She made the punishment fit the offense when we broke the rules.”

“Ella dio el castigo preciso ala ofensa cuando se rompieron las reglas.”

  1. “She taught us to get in the habit of always doing our very best.”

“Ella nos enseñó el hábito de hacer siempre nuestro mejor.”

 

Blogging is not my thing

I look back at the dates and see I lost touch somewhere in 2013, for 2 years silent on the blog page.  I have never considered myself a writer. So if you are reading this thank you!

I want to tell stories of the wonderful people we have the honor of meeting around the world. If I can tell their stories maybe I can make a difference even if it is only a little.

I love the story of the starfishes washed up on the sea shore, hundreds maybe thousands lying in the hot sun slowly dying unable to reach the ocean waters. A boy comes along and begins tossing them back into the water one by one. A fellow sees him and asks, “Why are you doing that? You can’t save them all. How can this matter?” And the boy replies as he tosses yet another starfish into the water, “It matters to this one!”

Charles K matters.

Charles, we first met in 2005, was tending a cow and serving at the children’s home. He is a diligent young man with an 8th grade education. In one of our many trips to Kenya we began to sponsor students to attend bible school; Charles decided he wanted to attend and this was his chance. HELPS made it possible for him. Charles had no idea of his own talent or abilities but when he began to attend bible school and do the lessons and take the tests something wonderful happened, it dawned on him that he could learn; he was intelligent! When Charles graduated from bible school he had a new found dream, to go back to high school and get his diploma. At this time Charles was 25. He enrolled in school! How many young men do you know that would humble themselves and return to high school at age 25? He not only returned but he graduated with high scores and now his dream is to attend Kenya University.  He needs sponsors to help him finish his education.  You can matter in this young man’s life. We can make a difference to this one. To learn more please contact us at thehelpsorganization@gmail.com visit our website http://www.helpsorg.com.

Charles is one of many but it matters to him!

Connie

Christmas is Coming

December our annual journey to Ruiru Kenya was postponed to refocus and re-fire.

It brings tears to my eyes to read below and know we will not be there this year to celebrate the accomplishments of the year as well as Christmas outings and dinner together.  We won’t get to hug them look into their eyes and tell them they are loved.  We can only do it from afar this year.

 Things are changing and the children will all be placed in a different school this coming January as the new government requirements require a dining hall and a certain number of students in the school among other things. The Father’s House High school is not able to meet at these requirements time.  In truth they are in need of an entire new facility housing and school. We are committed to make sure they receive their education through High School.

Last December in Kenya we spoke with each child who attended high school. It was harder for most than what they expected but each one worked hard and they are thankful for those who believe in them enough to pay the school fees.

Sam

  ←Sam wrote “I was nervous at first but finally got the courage to ask for help and scored his highest scores.”  I knew it was in you Sam. I believe in you!

Joyce at the Dam Joyce started out in a new area of Kenya, knowing no one but made lots of friends, scored very well and endured the colder weather.  God has great things for you Joyce. →

James and Anne ←Anne,  James younger sister  has struggled, she is smart but things don’t come easily. She said, “I won’t let you down. I will work hard.”  We surround you with our love Anne. You will succeed.

Benta

Benta is personality plus. She wants to work in international relations. I have no doubt she will make a great mediator.  She had a setback in boarding school and returned to Father’s House High School to finish her school year. The boarding school was not a constructive environment. We want them in an environment of learning and peace. You have too much to give to the world Benta to settle for second best. →

Tom at ndikini Dam

 ←Tom did well, made it through and is so thankful. Tom is bold and he will go far because he has hope. He has dreams. Press on Thomas you can do it!

Beatrice  (2)

Beatrice, my bright and brilliant star began slow but finished at the top of her class. How great is that? She is Tom’s twin sister, my inspiration. You look at challenges and laugh. Nothing is too big for you! Keep smiling you will go far. →

Caroline close up

←Caroline, is hiding behind the scenes watching observing, laughing unsure of strangers; these funny people who come each year. Her letters reveal her heart. She says; “I am happy because you want to see us excel and succeed in life. You are part of our family in a faraway country. Thank you for being consumed with my life.”  I am consumed with your life dear Caroline, be strong and courageous.

Akinyi Dam pics

Akinyi Is full of faith, determined to move forward with her education and be all she can be. Her struggles are far more than most would endure. She has a learning disability that Kenyan teachers are not equipped to handle. But that doesn’t deter Akinyi. She will succeed, she will move forward. That is what she told me and I believe in you Akinyi! Akinyi has left Father’s House and returned to her family’s village. I pray she is still following her dreams. →

IMG-20121217-01902

Bomas of Kenya Outing

2012 christmas clothes

2012 Christmas Clothes

 There are 14 children, some young adults, each worthy of mentioning. But the problem is, as Chuck says I make people’s eyes gloss over.  When I begin I can’t stop telling you of each and every one.  Their future has been given in to our hands for our joy to be full.  Jesus said, “Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” John 16:24

James put it this way. “With everything contributed, you have made dreams come alive!  Every year in December, you shower us with gifts. We are grateful and our hearts are filled with joy for you. I must say, during the December period is the happiest moment of the year.” ↓

Jacque and James our college students

←Then there is this note from our dear Jacqueline who is attending DayStar University, her words echo some of my own feelings. “It has been another year that you have put all your efforts into not only making our Christmas great but also watering the seeds of love you have planted into each and every one of us. at times I just sit and meditate on How awesome God is for bringing both of you and your entire family into our lives. You make me feel loved and appreciated, wanted and accepted. You gave me and many more hope for tomorrow. Thank you for being there for me and us. Deep inside I will always be grateful to God for you”  I, dear girl am grateful to God for you!

Each year we give to make sure the children receive their new school uniforms and a new outfit for Christmas.  We are providing the children a special Christmas dinner along with the staff. Thank you to our FCF friends in Yankton South Dakota for their generous offerings that have supplied most of this need already.

Visit our website and make this Christmas special once again. www.helpsorg.com.

The younger children are not that young any more.They too are growing up fast. They are beautiful talented and full of wonder.  Millicent, Joyce and Kelvin want to know there are those in the world that believe in them, they were not rescued only to be abandoned once they reach high school.  We have to keep going and not give up. There are lives hanging in the balance. That saddest thing you can say is “someone else will do it”………

IMG-20121217-01880 joyce

Millicent and Joyce

IMG-20121216-01818

Kelvin

You will walk you will run, this is a new beginning

OUR 5th journey to Peru has been another beautiful adventure.  We could hardly wait to find out how our Dayana was coming along after surgery last July. Some of you may remember the story.

A Mother's Day presentation with Dayana popping out of a box. 2009

A Mother’s Day presentation with Dayana popping out of a box. 2009

Dayana and Dayan born  twins  in the first of May 2002. What a joy! Then the doctors found inflammation on Dayana’s  spine and thought it was a tumor. They did surgery that left her paralyzed from the waist down. For the next 7 years she was cared for by her devoted Mother, Father and Grandmother, carried everywhere. We met them in 2009 in Tarma at  the Eben-ezer de iglesia as they brought her and laid her into my arms to pray for her. My heart was greatly touched. I watched the family in desperation to find her help. We later sat down and heard the story and the struggles of attending to a child in Peru with such limitations, they cried and cried in such hopelessness. I left Peru with Dayana in my heart.

I asked myself this question why does she not have a wheel chair? How do I get a wheel chair for a child in Peru? And so my search began. I asked my friend Mark Carson who is wheel chair bound since the 80’s from a car accident and he guided me to “wheels for the world”.  Wheels for the World was great to work with, they walked me through the necessary information and I was able to get the forms to the family and what steps to take for this new freedom was now in the process.

The chair was custom fit to Dayana’s size and our dear friends in Kansas picked it up for us and delivered it to our home. The next challenge was get it to Peru, when another special lady stepped up to pay. January of 2010 Chuck flew to Peru to deliver the chair.

Chuck setting her in chair for first time.

Chuck setting her in chair for first time.

We had no idea what this simple act of kindness would do for this family. We just saw a need and worked to meet it.

So what did it to for the family? It brought hope. It gave them a sense of the universal family and that someone cared about their difficulties enough to act. It lifted their eyes to new possibilities.

Look at the size of Mother and daughter. then imagine carrying this child everywhere.

Look at the size of Mother and daughter. then imagine carrying this child everywhere.

They were constantly in search for answers and found them in their own back yard, Peru.  A doctor was located; He does a special surgery to take cells from the inner skin cells of the belly area and inject them into the spine where the restriction was causing the paralysis. The doctor saw Dayana and said she is a candidate for this type of surgery and now after the surgery and seeing her progress said her recovery is expected to be complete. That she will walk.

The day of the surgery as Dayana was being sedated she had a dream and heard a voice say to her “you will walk you, will run, this is a new beginning”.  Her mother Alessandra was in the gift shop looking for something to give to Dayana after surgery. She found a balloon and decided to purchase it not knowing what it said as it was written in English.  As the family gathered in the room after the surgery and the Doctor was there to explain how the surgery went; Dayana told them of the voice she heard and the doctor looked at the balloon and said “do you know what it says”? They said “no”.  It read “This is a new beginning”!

Within hours of the surgery Dayana had sensations in her legs for the first time of her memories. Tingling and pins and needles. Her legs were a purple color and always cold to the touch. They are now  the same color as the rest of her beautiful tan body and warm to touch. The physical therapy is retraining her brain to move the muscles. We watched as she concentrated to lift her feet ever so slightly a once impossible movement until now. When she sleeps at night her legs kick and she moves around the bed,  before surgery and therapy when put to bed she never moved at all, always in the same place from night to morning.

Now when they tell the story there are tears of joy instead of tears of pain. Now there is hope! I hope to be able to get their stories in writing.

dayana family and us 2012

For those of you who believed in a brighter future for Dayana we thank you for your contributions to help in the cost of the surgery.

We would now like to provide her with a keyboard and piano lessons for two reasons the joy of music and to help in her development of her brain to connect cells to further her recovery in coordination and brain stimulation. Please consider how you can be a help to Dayana in the days ahead. A key board is being sought out in Lima we need to raise money to purchase one and then begin the piano lessons. If you would like to be apart of this act of love. Please contact HELPS at PO Box 2481 Broken Arrow OK 74013. Let’s continue to be a part of this on going miracle. From my heart to yours,   Connie

Our recent visit with Dayana

Our recent visit with Dayana

What difference does it make?

I have in my heart to help start 3 more bible colleges in 3 different countries because of the positive impact on the attendees. We want to impart that knowledge of hope, self- worth and life skills to those who lives have not been filled with opportunities and full of pains unknown to us as Americans.

Mass grave Rwanda 80,000 bodies.

Mass grave Rwanda 80,000 bodies. 

Pastor Enock and Family

We asked our friend Pastor Enock in Rwanda “Tell me what’s happening in your world “. His reply was. “The only challenge we still have is the consequence of genocide, WIDOWS, HIV/ AIDS,  ABUSED WOMEN, ORPHANS WHO NEED SPONSORS TO STUDY, PIGYMEES WHO ARE LIVING IN THE FOREST, PEOPLE LIKE US WHO ARE STILL LIVING NAKED IN THIS 21st CENTURY!”

These are the lives we are reaching; these are the people we help.  This is one of the places we want to get a college up and running.

Now let me share some thoughts from our sponsored bible college students in Kenya.

Mary a 2013 student writes, “I joined the college as a result of my dear friend who had joined the previous year 2012. Having seen their lives changed in all areas I desired to know what they learned.  So far I have been really transformed with the teachings. I expect as I continue the course I will be fully changed not only for the sake of my life but for the church, community and the nation as a whole.  Yours, Mary.”

Salome writes, “I decided to enroll after attending my daughter’s graduation in 2012. She has changed from the person I knew, I was so proud of her and it made me desire also to learn this great wonderful things about the Lord that she talked about. I am so grateful and honored I have already learned a lot.  It is wonderful to know I am not alone.  Imagine I am 65 years old and in Bible College Oooh how great and wonderful you become younger and good looking!  Yours faithfully, Salome. “

Antony writes, “I am sincerely grateful for choosing to sponsor me to attend this precious bible school; to be equipped for the work of the ministry. I am expecting to get out of this school being fully transformed and fully prepared to that I will be more effective in my area and be able to serve with knowledge, understanding and skills.  Yours faithfully, Antony.”

The last to share is Joseph, “The thing I can say to you is that the Lord used you to be a bridge for me to reach to the place where I had a desire to go but was unable”.

Joseph describes HELPS as a bridge, others have described us as a conduit a, pipe of blessing flowing through us to others.  Can you hold up one end, can you send your blessing through to lend a helping hand?  Of Course! $10.00 per student per month or $120.00 per year.

Our friends in Rwanda greatly desire to begin a Bible school though International Scool Of Ministry (ISOM). When asked we got a Whoo Hoo! YES! We need to supply the Curriculum.

Chennai India for Sam and Beaulah, they want to begin a Bible College  up until now that they have concentrating on finishing the church building.

In Peru we are looking at supporting their effort in training others.

Lets make this a great year of service!

Love,

Connie

HELPS INC a non profit humanitarian organization
Bringing together people and resources from around the world.
to Donate: Make Check payable to HELPS
PO Box 2481 Broken Arrow Ok 74013

To Donate by PAYPAL follow link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JWKTHAH3XG4PG
Web Site HELPS : http://www.helpsorg.com/

Oh the places you’ll go

Dr. Seuss wrote a book called, “Oh the Places you’ll go.” I can say that last year in the end of December I did not know what 2012 had in store for us. I am glad to say that wonderful things were in store for us and now to put some of it into words.

I learned that in spite of me, God provides.  We took on the challenges of the year in prayer and faith and we met each one.  We traveled to Peru, Dubai, India, Rwanda and Kenya. We found that with each year as we return our relationships deepen, fruit comes forth and we are enriched. We find God has been faithful in the stories young men and women tell us of how their lives have changed and blessings have over taken them. We find the fruit of our efforts with long lasting results.

Pastor Sakasaka

Rwanda is an example; Pastor Emmanuel Sakasaka was a sponsored bible student and graduate of 2009. He is now working in Rwanda teaching English in the villages outside of Kigali. He uses an English curriculum along with the leadership manual Chuck put together for the 2011 leadership conference for Kenya.

The Graduates

We had the honor of participating in the first graduating class of 49 students! It was exciting for us and for the Students.

The top students gave their speeches in English. This is an important skill as they enter into the global market as a progressive emerging nation, coming from colonization to freedom to genocide now to restoration and unity.

Top students

The need is great and we are in the middle of it standing alongside Pastor Sakasaka and his passion to teach English. We also met with several Pastors who have a passion for leadership and world outreach. Our kind of people! We look forward to working with them in the future.

Traveling on to Kenya our schedule was full preparing for the graduation of the 8th graduating class of bible school students. There are now 265 alumni, and of those we have sponsored 157 in the past six years. Because we are always looking for the most effective way to support others in their vision and callings we saw this as a great way to produce results.

IMG-20121214-01759 Pastor Anthony New building

We first met Pastor Anthony in 2005 on our first trip. Chuck visited his small village church made of tin walls. In our next visit to Kenya we strongly encouraged him to go through bible college, he did!  Each year of our return Pastor Anthony made a special effort to visit us in our meetings and each year he would ask us to visit his Church. But time and scheduling prevented us from accepting his invitation. This year we made plans for such a trip. On Friday we went by taxi to the village of Kiamwangi. The new church, still madPastor Anthony's Mom20121214-01756e of tin but larger, is just off the highway on a nice plot of land.  He called a special meeting, most of the members arrived on foot. The first woman we met was his mother, a precious woIMG-20121214-01754man. Once every one had arrived he called each member to come and sit by us as he told us their personal stories of sorrows and victories. It was a special treasure.

We met a man named Pastor Geoffrey. He introduced himself as, “I am your fruit!” He was a graduate of 2010 by the help and love of Pastor Anthony he began a church up the road in another village. He was thankful for Victor and Eunice for their obedience and devotion to have the Father’s House Bible College and reach so many. He was thankful to us for the sponsorship. Now Anthony has another man, Moses in his congregation ready to take the challenge to devote a year to training. Pray for Moses.

Bible College12  Sponsors for 2013

Those who stepped forward to sponsor a student

A significant moment happened at this year’s graduation. Chuck gave the invitation, 63 people came forward saying, “I want to go to school.”  I gave a challenge for those who graduated in previous years and were blessed to step up and sponsor a student, to give as they have received. Thirteen people stepped forward and out of those thirteen they have agreed to sponsor 31 students!  This is fruit that will remain. This is what we long for that the vision is reproduced in others!  The cost is $120 per student per year.  January 12th the School began. We will be sponsoring 49 students.  Out of those in Kenya that stood up to take the challenge to sponsor  13 students have been paid for.  Not every one kept their word.  But we are glad they were inspired and we pray that they will be able to one day.  Many people in Kenya only make  $120 a month in wages. So it is a huge step of faith but for us it is $10 month which might mean one skipped meal out or 2 cups of coffee in order to give.  the next time you send $10.00 think of what it could do for a student.

IMG-20121216-01825

We had many wonderful days in Kenya, We spoke several times in services and held a leadership conference for Pastors. Chuck gave the commencement address to this years graduates a class of 65 Students; 45 of which we sponsored through our faithful Wednesday night  group and others that saw the value of this great investment.

Our time with the children was precious and never long enough but in order to do them justice I wrote a separate blog just for them.  James read it and took it to the home so each one could hear what I wrote and be encouraged.  I am loving facebook as there is a computer lab close to the school/home and I am getting requests to be a facebook friend with those who are old enough to have an account!

In closing we have so many invitations to nations to come.  The nations we have touched are waiting for us to come again.  With your help we can do it.  We need to do it. It is our great commission.

Thank you for taking the time to read about these wonderful people in my heart.

Connie

See other posts for reports on  the other nations we traveled to this year.

The Father’s House Children

I had to make a post just for the children so you can read and not grow tired.

Now on to my kids; this year in Kenya we spoke with each child who attended high school. It was harder for most than what they expected but each one worked hard and they are thankful for those who believe in them enough to pay the school fees.

Sam  Sam wrote he was nervous at first but finally got the courage to ask for help and scored his highest scores.  I knew it was in you Sam. I believe in you!

Joyce at the DamJoyce started out in a new area of Kenya, knowing no one but made lots of friends, scored very well and endured the colder weather.  God has great things for you Joyce.

James and AnneAnne,  James younger sister  has struggled, she is smart but things don’t come easily. She said, “I won’t let you down. I will work hard.”  We surround you with our love Anne. You will succeed.

BentaBenta is personality plus. She wants to work in international relations. I have no doubt she will make a great mediator.  She had a setback in boarding school and returned to Father’s House High School to finish her school year. The boarding school was not a constructive environment. We want them in an environment of learning and peace. You have too much to give to the world Benta to settle for second best.

Tom at ndikini DamTom did well, made it through and is so thankful. Tom is bold and he will go far because he has hope. He has dreams. Press on Thomas you can do it!

Beatrice  (2) Beatrice, my bright and brilliant star began slow and finished at the top of her class. How great is that? She is Tom’s twin sister, my inspiration. You look at challenges and laugh. Nothing is too big for you!

Caroline close upCaroline, she is hiding behind the scenes watching observing, laughing unsure of strangers; these funny people who come each year. Her letters reveal her heart. She says; “I am happy because you want to see us excel and succeed in life. You are part of our family in a faraway country. Thank you for being consumed with my life.”  I am consumed with your life dear Caroline, be strong and courageous.

Esther 2012 close up (2)

This year, Esther and Akinyi have taken the 8th grade exam and are awaiting the results to see if they passed, and if so what high school will accept them. Esther is brilliant and may be accepted by a National High School which is the highest ranking in Kenya.

Akinyi Dam picsAkinyi Is full of faith, determined to move forward with her education and be all she can be. Her struggles are far more than most would endure. She has a learning disability that Kenyan teachers are not equipped to handle. But that doesn’t deter Akinyi. She will succeed, she will move forward and she will graduate. That is what she told me and I believe in you Akinyi!

IMG-20121217-01902There are 14 children, some young adults, each worthy of mentioning. But the problem is, as Chuck says I make people’s eyes gloss over.  When I begin I can’t stop telling you of each and every one.  Their future has been given in to our hands for our joy to be full.  Jesus said, “Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” John 16:24

2012 christmas clothesWe ask for their tuition to be paid. We ask to supply them with uniforms and Christmas clothes and then to go one step further and have actual gifts.  James put it this way. “With everything contributed, you have made dreams come alive!  Every year in December, you shower us with gifts. We are grateful and our hearts are filled with joy for you. I must say, during the December period is the happiest moment of the year.”

Jacque and James our college students

Our college students

Then there is this note, her words echo some of my own feelings. “It has been another year that you have put all your efforts into not only making our Christmas great but also watering the seeds of love you have planted into each and every one of us. at times I just sit and meditate on How awesome God is for bringing both of you and your entire family into our lives. You make me feel loved and appreciated, wanted and accepted. You gave me and many more hope for tomorrow. Thank you for being there for me and us. Deep inside I will always be grateful to God for you”  I, dear girl am grateful to God for you!

Mama Regina Robbed

In Kenya when a Mama Reginawoman has a daughter, the mother is then called by the daughter’s first name. Lucy Njeri is loving known to us as Mama Regina. We met her in 2005 on our first trip to Ruiru Kenya. We noticed her smiling face and her dedicated service to the church.  Her story is one of victory and great sorrow.

A widow and mother of two, she lived in extreme poverty at that time. Her house was a rat-infested mud hut which filled with water during the rainy seasons. She had an incurable illness, was jobless and she was skin and bones. Even her mother called her “The dead!” Daily meals were not an option.  Lucy began to attend the Father’s House. She decided if she was going to die she would die serving the Lord.

We watched her work so hard, diligent, faithful. She scrubbed the floors with this bucket and a rag. She wiped down every chair, cleaned the bathrooms, swept the dirt walk ways, shook out the rugs.  Afterwards she would often fall asleep on the floor of the church because of her illness and the strength it took to clean. This sickness was robbing her of life. But she became such an asset to the ministry they began to pay her for the work.  God was showing himself strong on her behalf.

Her daughter Regina had a son, Morgan; we lovingly termed him “the church mouse” as he was there with grandma every day. What a smile he had.  What fun we had with him. There was never a dull moment. He captured all our hearts.

               It has now been 8 years;  each year we return to find Mama Regina working and smiling. This death sentence illness was loosing its grip; strength and health were springing forth. This picture from 2007 is dark but here she is dressed beautifully, I could hardly recognize her.  Her joy was evident to all, her life glowing with warmth. Her voice had been attacked by the illness making it deep and gravel sounding, so her smile and service were her modes of communication.You think… Lord, how can I be more like this woman? She is such a role model.  Mama Regina

Her time working at the church put her in a position to hear the teachings in the daily services and the bible school. She began to hear that the healing and restoring power of the love of God was at work in her. The Church knew she was so valuable they made her the Custodial manager of the facility. They also made sure she had nutritious food to eat and medicine.  Love and Life began to take hold. We returned each year to find her the joy of the day!  Then in the fall of 2011 we learned her daughter Regena died of pneumonia. She had remarried and moved to the coast. But when she passed so suddenly the husband no longer wanted to  keep Morgan. Morgan had health issues and needed constant medical care.  We saw him once again in December and put together a small Christmas package. Morgan needed steroids and his kidneys were failing him. His sorrow of the loss of his mother was a heavy load to bear. Our sweet Mama Regina carried all this on her. Her smile was there but the light-hearted joy was harder to see. She was grieving as we were with her.  Then once again the unthinkable came, we got an email Morgan’s health is serious, please pray. As we sat on the couch praying for Morgan a text came to our phone: Morgan had passed. We wept. Our dear Mama Regina, the widow, once again faced death in her family, her daughter and grandson. She knows her heavenly father is holding her in his wings. He comforts those who mourn. Precious to the Lord is the death of his saints.   And we shall be together again.

Africa, Kenya is too well known for this sorrow, needless death because of lack of medicines and facilities to treat. So we honor you Mama Regina dear Lucy for your strength and faithful service, for your example to all around you, for your courage, for never giving up, for knowing and walking with God your father and Jesus your Lord. Last December as we walked the church grounds I could hear her singing joyful songs as she cleaned; another sign of the healing power of God in her body.

So all this makes the enemy mad. Like Job, in all this she didn’t blame God, she praised him. And like Job, satan attacked once again. thieves broke into her one room home, no longer a mud hut flooded during the rainy season; a nice home filled with treasurers of love and service stolen. In one foolish moment the enemy found a fool to do his biding.

That makes me mad! Mad enough to act. Mad enough to get revenge on the enemy, to do like Jesus go heal, give, serve and love others! Join me in this victory march. Help me restore what the enemy has taken.  Help me do something.

Left to right: Mama Regina, Mary, Ann and Connie 2011

Tea Party

I want to share with you one of my passions and hope that you will hear my heart.

Almost 2 years ago I was sitting in my $200,000 house on 2 acres of land, with a new car, 2 beautiful boys, I had just quit a very stressful job and was then immediately blessed with a job of my dreams. I had a huge walk in closet with tons of clothes and shoes, I could go get a starbucks whenever I wanted, I could go out to eat with friends, go on dates with my husband and never worry about money (to an extent).
I remember one day my heart being heavy as my sister and her husband were in Austin, Tx trying to raise money to start a church and the funds were not coming in. My parents were launching FULL time into the development of The HELPS Organization and I got a letter in the mail from a former student of mine asking me to support her mission trip. I had another friend leaving for Turkey for 2 years and I wanted to help all of them, I wanted to give and wished I could send them all hundreds of dollars.
I have always been good at making money. Ever since I was a very young girl I had a “side hustle.” In that moment as I looked at all the Blessings the Lord had given me so undeservingly, I made this resolve to use my gifts and talents to help raise money for others instead of keeping it for myself. My first project was refinishing a desk and chair. My goal was to sell it to raise money to help support my sister. I wanted to raise $300 and I achieved my goal. Next I made new tags for my handmade jewelry stating that the proceeds would go to helping young women around the world. I then had a garage sale for HELPS and put together a Holiday Market at East Cross United Methodist. Through those events I was able to raise $2000.  Which isn’t a ton of money, but is special to me, because I would never be able to just give $2000 out of my pocket. I wish I could. Then I also regularly take items to consignment shops and send HELPS the money. I do all this because I have been blessed, I lack nothing. And I am convinced it is better to give. I want my whole life to sing praises to the one who has clothed the lilies and feeds the sparrows.Holiday MartHoliday mart 2 

This year I have continued to take items to consignment, we have done 2 HELPS garage sales and made a combined total of about $1200 and the Holiday Market is around the corner. It starts November 25th and will go through December 2nd. I want to inspire you, I want to compel you, I want to stir you to look around at your life to count your blessings and not get caught up in the culture of this world to acquire more and more, but consider blessing others with the abundance you have been given.
My next project is to have a Tea Party to introduce my Special friends to some  beautiful young women in other countries. 
Emily French Director of education for HELPS
We look forward to hearing your great ideas on how you too can do the same and make a difference for others.