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.

2011

2009

2005

Chuck and I read 2 Corinthians 9 the other day in the Amplified version. For years I have loved, leaned on and relied on this scripture. As we read through verses 10 and 11……

¹⁰ And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [^[e]which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity].

¹¹ Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.

It struck me that it says “God will Multiply YOUR resources for Sowing”. Paul was reminding the Corinthians that they had promised to give an offering. But in giving to others God finds a way to multiply your resources! Then as our righteousness manifest itself in active goodness, kindness and charity (or giving to the poor); We (YOU) are enriched in ALL things and in EVERY way. Why? So you can continue to be generous.  It is a cycle, a continuous cycle but it goes three ways: You, others and God. You give to others, they praise God for your giving and God gives you more resources for giving.

Verse 7 after telling us to not give in the wrong way, says…..”for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].”

Did you see that?! Is God unwilling to do without you? What about those you give too?

Verse 14 says “ And they yearn for you while they pray for you, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace (His favor and mercy and spiritual blessing which is shown forth) in YOU.”

Chuck and I have experienced this very thing. We have become family with these precious people in Kenya, Peru, India. Each time we return our bond grows stronger. They are praying for us thanking God for the gifts we bring. In return God is increasing our resources.   I want you to receive the same blessings! I want your fruit to show forth in acts of kindness, goodness and charity. I want you blessed and the fulfillment of the word that says God is unwilling to do without you! I and their independence increase. Now each year some of the bible students will sponsor another because of the blessing they have received in being sponsored. We see leadership coming forth. We see new businesses started. We see children have a chance for an education and in return their goal is to do the same for others.

I have many friends and associates in the same line of work, taking resources to the poor. When I see a newsletter I do something. It is not always big, but it is something. If I can give big I do; if I can’t I do something.  I have a friend who gives $10.00 what will this do? In Jamaica it will feed lunch to a  child for a month at school. How big is that? $25 provides a supply of food basics to a family for a month in Romania.

We have others that give $15 a month, that more than provides a bible school student a year’s tuition and yet another giver who gives so much that it provides for the operation of the Children’s home each month.

Now this also struck me as I read this passage of scripture about God increasing our resources. He has added NATIONS  to us. He has given us more Nations to sow into! This December we will arrive in Rwanda on the 6th. We will be meeting with Pastors who have seen things that no one should see. But it is a nation on the mend, and we have a chance to speak into their lives. Wow!

So to close this note, I want to say you are so important, to me, to God and to those you will touch by giving. HELPS is a resource, an avenue, and a conduit to send your love to other’s.

These are the opportunities coming up:*

Needed by January 2013

High School tuition and school supplies, 8 children per year: $750 each student

University tuition 2 students: $1750 each per semester.

May 1 2013

Trip tp Peru $4000

We know we can  meet these needs it was done last year by precious people seeing the value of giving with a cheerful heart. They are enjoying the fruit of their giving.

Join in the cycle of love and see what new resources begin to open up in your life.

*please note these are estimated amounts based on last years expenses.

Three years ago I wrote this blog to highlight James and the beginnings of his college adventure. Now he has finished the work completed his course and graduation is ahead for him this December 2015. He has worked hard and come a long way.  Take time to read his story. Then make a decision to become a partner for other’s to follow in his footsteps.

     My name is James Wambugu Kamau.

I was born on 9^th September 1991 in a family of three at a place called Ong’ata Rongai in Kajiado District. I have two sisters Purity Wangui being the first-born, I the second born and Ann Njambi the third born. I lived with my both parents till the age of eight where my Mother passed away. My sisters and I went to the upcountry in Murang’a District to live with my grandparents.

At the 3^rd grade we joined my Father once again in Ong’ata Rongai. We found that he had another woman. Life in Ong’ata Rongai with my father was not that sweet especially with my father’s “wife” around. Nevertheless we managed. My older sister took the motherly duties of cooking, doing laundry and all the house work.

My sister was two years older than me. Purity, a girl who was performing well in school started getting bad grades.  Things got tougher when I was in my 6^th grade after my father died also. By this time I had already caught up with my sister and we were both in the 6^th grade while my younger sister was in her 2^nd grade. My father’s death hit us really hard both physically and emotionally.

My father’s wife said we could do with one meal a day and other times no meal for two days. The most crucial moment is when we at the verge of dropping out from school.  She wanted to go back to her home in upcountry, Makueni. At that time I was born again and I was praying . I always knew that no matter what happens God was in control. My aunts and uncles said that they would take us in. The three of us (Purity, Ann and I) were divided among my three Uncles in Rongai. They still struggled to keep us since they had their own children to take care of.

One of my Aunts had a relative in Matasia where Pastor Victor and Eunice used to offer a feeding program. The feeding was about two days to be called off so that the Children’s  Home could be established in Ruiru. My Aunt’s relative was able to connect us to the person in charge of taking in needy children and there God was with us. We were taken in me and my younger sister, Ann. Our paths to our destinies were bright once again. My sister and I camped with the other children  at Matasia for a night then we were brought to our new home in Ruiru in the year 2004.

We met with our new parents Pastor Victor and Eunice. They showed us love and care. I thank God for bringing them across my path. They became my spiritual Parents. They took care of me both spiritually and physically. I enjoyed Pastor Victor’s preaching and Pastor Eunice Teaching. At this time I was in seventh grade. Then I finally graduated in the eighth grade in 2005 and ready to join High School. I had now found a new family and a new Dad and Mum. I was touched by the love and precious moments we had together with them. I mostly enjoyed Christmas because Dad and Mum brought  us gifts and ate new dishes and took us to places we have never gone.

My high school could have not been a success without their support and encouragement. During my second year in High School I was appointed to be in charge of the School Library. Here I was able to apply the leadership skills I had learned from Pastor Victor and Eunice. In my third year I was promoted to be a School Captain. I was the head student of a school of four hundred students. That was a great  achievement for me. My other achievement was being an official  in the Christian Union in the school and being able to minister Gods word to my fellow students.

When I completed High School, I was believing God for funds to go ahead with my education. I have just attained my Diploma in Bible school. I thank God for bringing Chuck Coggins and the Carpenter’s Workshop group across our paths. They have really been a blessing to the Children’s Home and the Bible School as well. I went through Bible School due to their sponsorship. During the graduation ceremony my prayer was answered. Rev. Chuck Coggins offered to sponsor Jackline and I for our  College education.

James began attending Kenyatta University In Sept of 2011 and has completed one year. This next school year begins Sept 3rd 2012.

We met James for the first time in 2005 on our first mission trip  with 5 of our 6 kids to Kenya at Christmas.  We took all the children at the Children’s home on an outing to Nairobi and then the national park petting zoo where they went on to have a picnic.

We were impressed with James and his leadership abilities he showed then at 13 years old.  He has not ceased to bring us joy in all his achievements.  It is an honor to be apart of his continuing education. He has spent his school break this summer,  (what we call summer is their cold and rainy season), helping the other children with their studies and working for the church.  He is ready and capable to begin this next semester at Kenyatta University.

The Lord has given us a heart that won’t say no! We are the conduit with your financial gifts flowing through us to the nations.

www.helpsorg.com

Bringing together people and resources from around the world.

Thank you cards from the Children’s Home

This inspires me.

“In my opinion the most significant thing that can be done to cure extreme poverty is this: protect, educate, and nurture girls and women and provide them with equal rights and opportunities — educationally, economically, and socially.” Richard Stearns.

There is a saying in Africa: If you educate a man you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a nation.” When a girl is educated, her income potential increases, maternal and infant mortality rate decreases, and the percentage of HIV infections (especially in Africa) is lowered. An educated girl is more likely to acquire skills to improve the
economic stability of her family and she is also more apt to ensure that her daughters receive an education too. Educating girls pays dividend after dividend to the whole community.” A quote within a quote from Richard Stearns Book “The Hole In Our Gospel.

As Chuck and I  travel to the nations, my role is to encourage, educate and empower women and young girls to change their world for the better.  I know that inside of every women there is a strength to love, to nurture, to rise up and to overcome. It is our joy to educate the girls and women of this world to become all they can be and bring a better life for those who follow.

Now to introduce you to another one of my wonderful children of Kenya……

Benta Judith,

 Hi! I hope you are fine. As for me I’m doing great and fine. The main reason for writing this, is to tell you how my first term in high school was. I would like to tell you that it was fine and good. I saw God’s favor upon me, I found new friends, whom I shared a lot with. I was also made a representative of different organizations which was very fine. We are doing different subjects apart from the primary ones and therefore I ‘m putting in more effort to catch up with them. We did our first end term exam and I did my best and got a total grade of “A-” but still working hard to score higher. Thank you for your sponorship and may God bless the works of your hands. I love you all and may God bless you.

Benta is a remarkable young women. She has been in the children’s home since the beginning with her older sister Millicent. Her mother, who is not well, lives in Northern Kenya in extreme poverty with several other siblings.  When Benta heard that there was no money to continue their education she wrote……

I write this to let you know how I had felt earlier when Pastor Victor called us into the office and told us that we were going back to our living relatives. I felt my life shortened, I felt very sad that I would have to drop out of school in 8th grade. I had seen how the lives of those 8th grade drop-outs were. I began to cry for fear of being one of them. I felt I had been abandoned. I fully counted myself as a house girl to somebody. I couldn’t eat, I would sit on my bed and start weeping and wondering. My mum is helpless she could not take me to high school, where will I go? Would I have happy moments again in my life, like at the Father’s House Children’s Home? Then a speaker came to the Father’s House Church, I went up for prayer for a miracle. I started meditating on Jeremiah 29:11, I changed all my thoughts and told God if He is the holder of my future I will not fear anything. I began to tell the other children to thank Pastor Victor and Eunice for the care they have given. Some stayed in fear because our families were notified and any minute they may show up to take us away.
Then the great Day came December 12th 2011, when Mum Connie told us the good news of being sponsored to high school. You returned my hope of becoming a great person in the future. I am so thankful for those who have kept their hands to sponsor us. I have seen the miracle I was praying for. I promise to work very hard in high school to reach my destiny and to help others who were like me. No more fear. I am 17 going to high school and I want to be in international public relations.

So back to the quote at the top of the post… Here is a African girl who wants to be in International Public Relations and helps others who are like her!  Living proof of what happens when you open your heart to the world around you and say “yes I will do something!”

My Dear Benta,

You are an inspiration to so many people. I don’t know how many times I have quoted you by saying, “God, if He is the holder of my future I will not fear anything.”  What have you to fear?

Connie Coggins

In 2005 Chuck and I, Directors of HELPS,  met Victor and Eunice Mwangi, founders of the Fathers House Ministries of Ruiru, Kenya. One of the many wonderful ministries they provide is a home for children. They have been caring for 15 children by providing for all their physical needs, including housing, medical care, food, clothing, etc.

Chuck and I go to Kenya each year to bring Christmas gifts,  school uniforms and take the children on an outing. We can only do this by those who see the value in helping the poor of this world.  It is through gifts of love that we can be vessels of love to others.

The Father’s House also provides an excellent academic program for the kids at the Father’s House Christian School running pre K through 8th grade.   This year, seven of the children are ready to start 9th grade. In Kenya, public education stops in 8th grade, continued education requires passing an 8th grade test and paying the fee for the test. If you pass with a C or above you will be put on a list and the high schools decide if they want you or not. Then there is the matter of the tuition. The Father’s House Ministry did not have the money in the budget to pay for the school fees of these seven children. The cost is right around $5,250. ($750 per year per student).  They thought their only option was to send the kids away.

We put a cry out for help and people listened… One family stepped up and said I will pay the balance of the funds needed. They gave a total of $4200!

With the help of donors like you, a scholarship fund has been set up to allow the kids to continue their education through high school and on to college if they so choose. Thank you for your faithful support! We did it! They have begun high school; lets keep them going!

These children are so precious to us their letters touch the depth of our hearts.  From hopelessness to victory.

Esther wrote,

Thank you for the gifts my heart was filled with excitement. I also thank you for making my Christmas enjoyable and for the clothes you bought for me. Thank you for the time you spent with us, speaking it out of my heart, I really enjoyed it my love and appreciation to you is more than words can express. When I grow up I want to be a neurosurgeon, I am 13.

Esther is in 8th grade this year, very bright, the top of her class and now with a hope that she can go on to high school next year.

Caroline wrote,

 Thank you for the gifts, the lunch, the clothes and the trip to Nyayo Stadium. I also thank you for providing my school fees. I felt helpless and I cried because I was going to have to leave the Father’s house family. But I did not lose hope because I knew God was taking care of me.  The bible says we should not be wise in our own eyes but trust in God.  God has answered my prayers. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!  I am 14 I want to be a Meteorologist.

Caroline was selected by a high school in another city, it has been hard for her but she is determined to do her best.  In her last note she said

“I am writing this letter to tell you what I have experienced in secondary school. I have known how to associate with other people. I know how to cope with others and have good study behavior. I have a C+ but I am aiming higher than that. I now know different parts of the country and how some people live. I thank you for your sponsorship. May God bless the work of your hands. May God give you more than enough. May the Lord bless God bless you. From Caroline.  

Beatrice wrote,

It is with great pleasure that I take this time to thank you for everything you have done for me. It has taken God’s hand for me to be in school and it is an answered prayer. When I heard the good news I was  as happy as a King! Thank you for each and every day we spent together. May God lift you up higher like eagles may he strengthen you and bless the work of your hands. I am 16 and heading to form one (9^th grade) I want to be a doctor!

From the Brilliant and Shining Star Beatrice

And now after her first semester in high School My shining Star writes:

Hi, I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me. My experience in high school has been very perfect and good. I am working hard to achieve my goals and seeing my dreams accomplished. I believe God has already supplied all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus and may God bless you the works of your hands and bless you in a mighty way. I managed to be the TOP Student and have a grade of “A”.  LOTS OF LOVE, Beatrice.

Then there are the boys Thomas and Sam! What potential and what determination to stand against poverty and trust in God.

Samuel wrote,

I am writing to thank you for what you have done for me. Before you came I felt very bad because we were to go home after primary school because of lack of funds. I was very disappointed because it would have marked the end of my learning. I also felt bad because I would have lost so many friends who I am sure I would never find again. But because of your love and care you made me to go on with my school. You have changed my life. This is my prayer answered. I also prayed for Christmas gift and you gave me a basket full of gifts.  You have been a blessing to my life since 2005. Thank you for obeying God’s command. I am 16 and I would like to be an Engineer.

Now after being in school Sam reflects,

I take this opportunity to thank you very much for what you have done to my life. For if not for you I could not have gotten to high school. God has helped me understand what I am taught because when I did my exams  I was able to get a “B” hoping next I will get an “A” . God bless you and I appreciate very much. YOUR”S Sam

Thomas had so much to say I was trying to videotape it but I messed it all up but he later wrote….

Thomas,

I want to thank and appreciate what you have done in my life, before I knew that we had a sponsorship and thought we were leaving from this home I felt discouraged. I thought  I  could never learn again because outside is hard. I prayed to God for a miracle and not let me go away from my family members in this home. I felt so down and I knew that if I went back to home I could be introduced into drugs, robbery and other ungodly things. When you came and I heard about the sponsorship I felt happy and joyful in my heat. I now know that my future is bright and I know that God will bless you abundantly. Even for the sacrifices you have made so I can study.  Thank you for taking us to Brackenhurst I have never had a lunch like that one in the highest hotel.  Thank you for buying me Christmas gifts and Christmas clothes I have never imagined myself in a suit! God bless you all you have been like parents to me since 2005.  Send my greetings to the Carpenter’s workshop and all the friends who have given to us.  I am 16 years old and I want to be an electrical engineer.  And I am very happy I am going to High school!

Isn’t that a wonderful letter?  Could we have that much faith in adversity as he showed? All the boys look handsome in their new suits they were so excited. It was Eunice Idea to buy then each a suit for Christmas.  This was such a big deal in Kenya to have something so nice to wear on sunday’s and special occasions.  So once again Tom writes..

I take this opportunity to thank you for touching my life by educating me. I am very grateful for what you have done in me. May God’s blessings overflow in your life. In return of what you have done in me, I will work harder and achieve better grades. In the last term’s exams I had a “B+” but I am praying and aiming at “A” God bless you very much because the mark you have put in me will be a remembrance in my life forever! Your’s Thomas.

When I talk about these children I can’t stop, a well of love and compassion rises up inside that wants you to know them the way I do and help me hold them close in our hearts until the day they are contributing adults, emotionally healthy, educationally strong leaders of the future of Kenya.  I highlighted five of the children in this post. More to come of these amazing kids.