Setting: A new church building on the edge of Kondele
and Ubunga slums in Kisumu, Kenya.
Characters: 50 students ages 7 to 17, 3 missionaries, 5 church volunteers.
Plot: The church, after
experiencing violent hostility from corrupt men over land issues, has now
constructed a church building. For the
last year, regardless of torrential rain or harsh heat, we met under a tent and worshiped Jesus. Now, a brick structure
with tile floors welcomes those who need ministry.
Public schools in Kenya
closed in a month long teachers' strike, leaving 12 million students -- more
than a quarter of Kenya's total population with no opportunities. Idle students long for activity but there is only trouble crowding the narrow mud alleys that twist around their tin
houses.
One Sunday the church introduces an
event to meet the community need by inviting students for afternoons of
music, spiritual encouragement, fun learning, snacks and competition. With a single announcement and no outside
advertising, 50 students of various ages enter the church. The day overflowed with singing, learning and
laughter – things these kids earnestly desire but rarely find. The church not only tells the gospel but also
shows it through service. What the devil intends for bad, the Lord turns around
for good. Instead of complaining about
the strike the church found something good to do.
The Lord uses your gifts to assist us in equipping the local church to empower those living in poverty (vulnerable widowed mamas and orphaned children) to become contributing members of their communities.
Please pray, as the “almost complete”
Resource Center will be a venue for more local church outreach into the community.
Metal window frames and doors are fabricated should be installed next week.
Electric is wired but still needs to be connected to the transformer. The building also requires a cement floor and
plastered walls. Septic, painting and minor
landscaping will be the final details before we move furnishing and supplies from
our compound to the Resource Center.
More news: After many long months of waiting and praying
the judge wrote a 5 page ruling in favor of Henry’s adoption into our
family! YAHOO JESUS! One big hurdle out of the way and only a few
more left. Our finalization date is October 27th. After that we register the adoption, get a new
birth certificate, apply for a passport and head to the American Embassy for a
travel visa. Then, we purchase plane tickets. So still a few months before
heading stateside, but a least we are coming there as a family - with Henry! Please pray for a quick, uncomplicated finalization.
Maybe
there will be a Resource Center Grand Opening and Child Dedication of Henry all
in one very special day… want to come join us for a real Kenyan celebration?
hugs from the huagers Ooo0o