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Resource: a source or supply from which benefit is produced.

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.

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Home again

The days passed quickly here in Chennai India. The humid hot weather makes you wonder how people live in it with out relief. We took our refuge in the bedroom with an air-conditioner to cool back down and rest.  Our bodies are so turned around from an 11.5 hour time change, so we rest, pray and study for the next meeting. The first meeting was to begin at 9 AM it was close to 10:30 AM when we started with about 20 people straggling in the door. Transportation is by motorcycle, bike, foot or taxi. It is the rainy season and there is road construction on their small street outside the church.

Flooded roads make travel difficult

The street has been dug up for drainage and the dirt was not compacted, so the rain washed it away leaving a huge hole which makes the road unusable by vehicles along with piles of dirt left down the center of the road. You must drive off the side of the piles to get to the house. Our first night arriving the cows that wander the streets freely found it a nice place to sleep and we had to wake one to move pass.

The meeting ends about 2:30 and lunch is served, Rice, chicken and gravy. We are given special food with less spices knowing we are not accustom to indian spices. They also had some vegetables, eggplant and drumsticks. I tried a taste and the spices are so hot I need water. They had a crispy bread, we asked to try; it was similar to a crispy tortilla but made from lentils. It had the consistency of a potato chip but the size of a tortilla. Then they serve a dessert, described as  “sweet sweet”. That is their word when something is very sweet, there is no word in Tamil.

I found that there are many English words that are not in the Tamil language, they just use the English. So you hear them talking and there will be understandable (that is for me) words interjected. When I asked how to say please in Tamil they said “Please”!  Thank you is “Nandree”.

The Pastor’s conference is three days, it rains hard with lightning and thunder each evening but it is keeping some of the heat away. The clock in the back of the church tells me it is 32 to 35 celsius which is 93 and 98 degrees farenheit. This is in the church during the meetings. Thank goodness for ceiling fans.

We offered the pastors a time for questions and comments so we could hear feedback. Are we getting the message through? What are they hearing, can it be applied in their life and ministry? These are important ingredients to a successful time together. They tell us “We have never heard teaching like this before; you are telling us the importance of stewardship”. They caught the challenge we are God’s mangers here on earth, do it well.  They are encouraged and so many came to say “thank you, I learned so much”.

Prayer and hugs

Pastors can carry a heavy load, burdened down with the concerns of life and working with others; these Pastor’s left refreshed, happy, with new energy to serve with gladness. We ended the meeting greeting, shaking hands and praying  for some, we then retreat to our room to cool down once again.

Friday we take a taxi to the beach. We decide to walk in the water but the sand burns our bare feet so we walk in sand filled sandals the long journey back to the street where our taxi awaits.

Bay of Bengal

I am saddened by all the trash thrown in the sand, It takes away so much of the beauty of the World when trash is left behind. It is a huge issue in Chennai.

We then head to a mall to have McDonald’s India style interestingly there are no hamburgers on the menu! Mc Chicken or Mc Veggie or Spicy! We went for the Mc Chicken. Then  we were off to an ice cream shop for dessert . We have still had one more church service and a long plane ride home.  We are thankful the taxi has air-conditioning and the windows can remain up.

We have our one last meeting with the church members who are gentle sweet people who are very shy. You have to reach out and make them feel secure in your presence. It was a special time as we sang and praised God and then they prayed for us. We had such precious moments together with our hard-working dedicated friends.

It was a great journey, a time of celebration of the progress of the church building. Just two years before it was concrete walls and the floor filled with sand. Today it has a roof, door, windows and lots of ceiling fans to try to keep it cool. It needs to have a permanent roof, then they can install air-conditioning. So there is opportunity to give towards the final completion. They also want to begin a bible school for training and then begin an orphanage, they have already registered for the orphanage but one step at a time. We walk together  with them seeing progress and rejoicing.

God bless you Sam and Beaulah God bless Chennai India.

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Chennai India

The ladies side of the church on Sunday morning. White is the traditional choice of clothing color on Sundays for all.

Day 2 of the Pastor’s conference. We are speaking on stewardship in the many areas of life, the holy calling, the bible, our families, our money and much more. The Pastor’s seem to be getting a lot out of the teachings. One said ” We have never heard teaching like this before” Chuck taught we are manager’s for God. God is like the owner of a store that you don’t see and we are his manager’s on earth taking care of business. We must do a good job for the owner. He also used the example of a tailor. Sunday, Chuck was measured for a white suit but when we picked it up Monday night it was too small. God knows our measurements and he has the right suit for you.  God knows just where to place you in life to flourish. God doesn’t take wrong measurements.

The weather is so hot,  there is not much relief. The church stays between 93 and 96 degrees with fans blowing. How do I know? There is a clock telling us the time and temperature in both the house and the Church.

We are thankful for Sam and Beaulah who gave up their bedroom to us it has an air conditioner so we shower off and rest under the nice cool air, the rest of the house stays around 88 degrees.

It is fun working with an interpreter as they come to us afterwards and say they are getting so much from the teachings. They probably learn more as they have to think through it twice!  What a job that is to hear in one language and speak it out in another.  Oh how I want to speak more than one language.

Here is a note for those of you who hate speaking to India people over the phone like with Dell and other world-wide companies. They understand their English perfectly it is yours that is hard to understand!  They don’t understand why you can’t understand them or why you accuse them of not speaking English.  It is kind of like going from Boston to New Orleans. We have had such fun at our dining room table having friends from Kenya, India, Jamaica, Peru, and Nepal all trying to communicate in English with each other. Chuck and I just sit back laugh and enjoy because each understands perfectly what they are saying with their accent and no one else can get it!  But if we take the time to listen pretty soon you can figure out the accent and understand it all.  It is kind of like listening to Jesus,  My friends be gentle in life; we live in an international world, we are connected by internet, airplanes, phones and so much more. Take time to listen.

Monday was my birthday. When I get home I am going to meet my friend Adell at IHOP so I can get my senior discount and we can share our birthday’s together.  Freda, Sam and Beaulah found out on Facebook that is was my birthday, it was also our tour day so we went to the Chennai zoo. It was really nice they had many kinds of animals and many of those animals. So you didn’t see just one in a cage but families.   We saw many of the animals of India so it was nice. They needed more signs telling about the animals.  It was also very hot and humid. Sam met a friend that works for the zoo and we ended up getting VIP treatment in a golf cart tour. We were to go to lion safari but it was getting late and we were having to wait too long. So we called it a day. I was satisfied.

They then took us to the Lemon tree Hotel and restaurant where we had a nice meal. When we exited the building it was raining and the traffic was terrible. Driving in Chennai is an experience!  Add rain and oh boy! They stopped by a bakery and purchased a cake and off we went until we got to the dirt roads our driver did very well and we made it back with out incident.  No cows sleeping no mud holes too deep.

Once home they had candles and sang to me. They have a tradition like we do with wedding cakes, the birthday person cuts the cake and gives a bite to the husband or sibling or someone. They were surprised we didn’t do the same! They said “you do” and I replied “with my hands?”   Even cake they eat with their hands and they are very good at it.   It was a nice day with many happy day greeting from family and friends via Facebook.

I got bit by something I could feel it under my dress in the taxi I have a large red rash on my thigh. Looks pretty nasty it was painful and itchy. It kind of looks like a spider bite. I am using antibiotic and anti itch cream on it. Oh what fun.

We are thankful to be here and look at the Pastors and the hard work they have to do here in their home country.  We are thankful for Sam and Beaulah and all the work in outing together this conference. For Gail Buse International Director of FCF for sending us here and helping with the cost.  We are thankful for our Pastor’s Fred and Cookie and all the support they give to us! We are thankful for The Carpenter’s Workshop Community who have been so faithful and generous and believe in this calling in our hearts and always encourage us to keep going.

We are thankful for you!

Chuck and Connie

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The next Journey

Greetings from Dubai

We had a wonderful day that went by quickly. Samson and Hannah took us to the Dubai Mall and other sights. this was the aquarium inside the mall, my phone camera doesn’t do it justice. Hannah may have tagged me on some photos in facebook to get a better look.

This was the bus ride to the mall, we first took the metro then the bus. See Hannah smiling!

Afterwards, we were so tired that we slept in a darken room. Housekeeping came knocking at the door and I told them no cleaning now. When I looked at the clock I thought it said 5:45. I couldn’t figure out why they would come so early to clean. I fell back to sleep, the next time I woke the clock said 11:45. I thought the clock was broken.  My children know I never sleep in!  8:00 am would be sleeping in for me not noon! We were to be ready for lunch at 1:00!  So we quickly got ourselves ready.

The church service began at 3:30 pm and we needed to leave by 2:30 to get there. There are 7 Emirates in the united Emirates, Dubai being one of the seven, the church was in an adjoining emirate, I will have to look at a map to tell you the name but is was south I believe.  Sharjha maybe the name of the area we were in.

The music had already begun when we arrived. They ushered us to the platform. It is always amazing to join in praise with people of other nations.  We soon become one family.  This is a Tamil Indian speaking church community.  After music, prayer offering and communion it was about 4:15 Chuck was given the microphone he introduced me and I shared a few words then Chuck taught out of Galatians 5:22 on the fruit of the spirit against such there is no law.   In an Arab world where there are many rules there is no rule against walking in unconditional love that comes from God.

New doors of friendship were open to us today. We were asked to return and come to the church any time we are traveling east to come to Dubai, the Pastor has 4 churches and wants to return and speak in each one.

After the service the Pastor and family asked us to join them for lunch. Hannah and Sam came along and we were shown many places  and taken to a wonderful Arab restaurant. The best hummus, pita bread and kabobs I have ever had.      

He then drove us out to the palms which are famous in Dubai. We also saw the city of Atlantis. We prayed together on the sidewalk overlooking the sea.

This Pastor has great vision and zeal and is an inspiration to any that will listen.

It was a great day with new and wonderful friends.  We are back in our hotel room ready to sleep, our plane leaves for Chennai tomorrow afternoon so we will get the chance to see a bit more of Dubai before we leave.

We are so happy to get to spend time with Hannah and Samson. We had lunch in their small flat and blessed them as they have been such a blessing to us!  What a great future this young couple has together. They call us Auntie and Uncle and we feel like we are just that. It is our honor to be called family.

Love, Chuck and Connie

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From Dubai to Chennai

Greetings from Chennai,

We had a good flight from Dubai to Chennai; not many on the plane and there was room for us stretch out.  It is the 150th anniversary of MADRAS HIGH COURT http://post.jagran.com/pranab-on-a-days-visit-to-chennai-1347099973  and so the plane before us had VIP’s on it! The Plane was ordered to circle overhead until the security was in place for the VIP.  And here we thought we were VIP’s!   No wonder we are told not to take the best seats at the table unless invited, there may be someone more important than you!  Like the President of India.

Once they allowed us to land, everything was smooth. Our luggage arrived with us( first time in 3 trips)  and Sam and Beaulah arrived at the airport just as we came out the door. All timing was perfect.  The roads are under construction as they are building new highways throughout and it is the rainy season!  So the roads in the neighborhoods look impassable! Silly me, after stopping to ask the cows to move from the roadway we drove onto the side of the road and made it almost to Sam’s front door. Sam and Beaulah had to get out and walk as the driver thought the car would bottom out.

Sam and Beaulah bought a new bed just for missionaries; it is very nice. They store it away until the next missionary comes this way. We slept well, as well as I could. I can’t seem to figure out what time it is and even though I am tired my mind remains active until about 4 am then I fall into a deep sleep just in time to wake for the day. Which today was 6 am as the government turns off the electricity every day from 8 am to 9am.  So we had to have our showers, ironing and breakfast done before 8. Which was fine as the service began at 9 am.

I wore my Sari, the woman who made it 2 years ago was at church and was so happy to see me wearing it. She did a good job. They put several seams in the side you can let out to adjust the fit  and so yes I had to adjust it before I left home to allow for the extra weight I have somehow mysteriously added to my frame.

The service begins with singing in Tamil and they forget we can’t understand one word. So we pray, clap, hum. They always amaze me with such sincere worship. This was a 3 hour service and our part was maybe an hour. Afterwards each came to us to greet us and ask for prayer as a family. Chuck found a moth on the wall to use as part of his sermon illustration. This moth fluttered for the whole service at the artificial light wearing himself out. It was probably 5 inches in wing span.  Jesus said you are the light of the world don’t wear yourself out looking at the wrong light. John 1:1-9.

We were so happy to be in the new church building. Just 2 years ago it was short walls and the inside filled with sand it had been that way for 10 years. It was 2 years ago Chuck said to have the congregation stand in the middle and take a picture because it was time to finish the work.  The next year they had removed the sand cleaned up the yard and we walked the floor with Sam telling of the plan and vision for the building. Chuck encouraged them to move the church from the roof to the new building and now 1 1/2 years later it is done enough to hold services. They finished it in time for their first daughter to be married last November in the building! What a joy, it was Hannah and Samson’s wedding our Host of Dubai!

We have had the priviledge to be a part of firsts. The first to come to Chennai church in ten years,the first to hold a pastors conference for Sam and Beaulah. The first American to go to Dubai and minister in Pastor David’s church.  The first guest for Sam and Hannah to host.

What a joy to be led by the Spirit of God and it turn out to be true and good!

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Our Kids Our Future (James)

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 9th 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 3rd 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 6th grade after my father died also. By this time I had already caught up with my sister and we were both in the 6th grade while my younger sister was in her 2nd 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.

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To Educate a Woman (My Kenyan Children # 2 Benta)

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

 
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My Kenyan Children

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 (9th 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.

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Hello world!

 As we began our journey’s to different nations I began to write emails telling of our adventures abroad. Each time I wrote I would get comments back saying “I feel like I am right there with you.”  Then this Summer at the Faith Christian Fellowship annual conference I was speaking to our book publisher and he said “I love your emails you need to start a blog” and so it has begun.