The Meaning of Our Lives

How do we know what God wants with us?  What is it that He has created us to be, to do?
How do we find His will, His desire, His vision for our lives?

These questions seem to constantly rouse Christians’ hearts, sometimes with anxiety and concern, sometimes with hope and excitement.  Whichever reaction you find yourself experiencing, 
it’s related to your belief about God. It might even be the difference between 
knowing about Him and truly knowing Him. 

Take the parable of the talents for an example.  
Matthew 25: 14-30 is a story about investment.  
We’re told that “a man” gathered his servants and delegated responsibilities to them depending on their varying abilities.  
Then he went away on a long trip.

Upon his return he met with the three servants to settle accounts. The first servant, who was entrusted 
with 5 talents, doubled those assets.  
The second servant was given three talents 
and he likewise doubled the endowments.  
Both were rewarded with 
“entering into the joy of their master.”

 The third servant… Well, his end turned out different.  
Why?  
Let’s look at what he believed about the master.  
He judged him to be a hard man.  
This belief caused him to fear so he hid his talent.  
When the master asked for an explanation he made excuses and returned what he had been given without appreciation.  
All was removed from his cautious life and given to those 
who were willing to take risks for the master.  
That third servant then lived in outer darkness, 
far removed from the master’s joy.

How does this apply to the questions of future and destiny that rumble in our hearts?

Consider this:

1. God’s entrusted to you His best gift – life through Jesus Christ. He longs for you to live it with abandon.

2. When you don’t trust the Lord and live in fear of the unknown, you miss the opportunity to 
fulfill the dreams of God.

3. When you risk a challenge in Jesus name,
 invest your life in something beyond yourself, 
you find you’re living in the Master’s joy. 
This doesn’t guarantee liberty from suffering and trials. 
On the contrary, it might even invite such hardships, 
but your focus is not the outcome of your investment. 
Your center is completely Jesus – a fulfillment that goes beyond human measurement of success. 
Knowing Him defines “meaningfulness.”

So today, invest you talent in simple, yet profound ways. 
Look for God in the lives of those who need His touch.

 You might ask, “Who’s that?”  Well, continue reading in Matthew 25; this is a good place to start…

Instead of avoiding the hungry, 
give them something to eat.
 Instead of ignoring the thirsty, 
give them something to drink.
  Instead of walking passed the stranger, 
invite him to join you.
Instead of buying more clothes, 
clothe the naked.
Instead of preserving your health, 
serve the sick.
Instead of being selfish with your freedom, 
visit those in prison.

If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to Jesus, you'll find both yourself and Him.                                                                                                                            Matthew 10:39

Love mercy, do justly = His will, His desire, 
His vision for you.
                  Micah 6:8

Thank you for investing to help us show mercy to widows 
and bring justice to orphans.
Below are photos capturing the meaning of our lives...

Teaching the lesson you just read to widowed moms.

Mark and one of our widowed mom's 
lead a time of worship.

 Prayer, encouragement and plans for serving the 
fatherless with the widowed moms, church leaders and pastors.

Jacquline, a single mom 
of six children from 14 to 4 (2 sets of twins) 
sells mandazi on the streets to provide for her family.
It was a sacrifice for her to attend the DIG training 
but she's committed
to know God and serve Him.
She's continuing to come to training; 
she wants to keep learning.

Carole, a widowed grandma, 
provides for her nephew's children.
She sells household linens on the street.  
She graduated from the DIG training
with the dream to serve Jesus 
by caring for orphaned children,
 raising them to know their Father God.


Sharing the love of God with the 
forgotten victims of this culture.
Now they see themselves as 
citizens of God's kingdom, ready to take
the challenge of moving forward with Jesus.


A small orphaned boy that struggles with autism, 
disconnected from those around him...
takes Tavin and Taleah's hands.


Jennifer, a feisty, four year old 
orphaned girl with withered legs, 
gets some big brother time with Tavin.


Moses, crippled and left abandoned in a ditch, 
delights in blowing bubbles with Tavin.
                                                                            
 Henry, abandoned because of cerebral palsy
has special time with Taleah.
They love playing together.

Discussing the future of 20 abandoned babies and 
how to build an adoption network among churches. 

                             Stopping on the streets 
                        to share Jesus with a little one.


  We appreciate your prayers, encouragement and support.
hugs from the haugers oooo

Good Friday

On Good Friday, I’m thinking about death. Confusion from the recent deaths of young friends’ swirls around us like wild dervishes. A student, Franklin, and a joyful widowed mom, Benta are gone from our community. Last week overflowed with distress of unavailable medical treatments that could have saved their lives. The grief of a teary-eyed children, now orphaned, feels unbearable. Will extended family help them? Are resources ready to keep them healthy? I’m sitting on my bed, looking at tender flowers climbing over the grey cement wall, trying to make sense of disturbing sadness.

I knew when we came to Kenya we’d experience a raw, scarring life. I studied the plight of vulnerable children traded like commodities. I read the stories of victimized widows who sold their bodies to feed their babies. I understood the statistics on mortality rate, life expectancy, and per capita income.  

But now we actually see poverty devour. We hear the anguish cry and taste the hostility. We feel the life of the oppressed, inhaling toxic fumes of too many burning dreams. We are a part of these people, and the recent deaths vibrate an echoing question - WHY? WHY? WHY? …


It’s Good Friday and I’m thinking about life. Tonight, we’ll celebrate worship with Jesus friends, sharing communion. We’ll remember His sacrifice and let death be swallowed in victory. The WHYs will fade because we trust the Eternal - WHO gave His life to save us from the shroud of uncertainty. The grey hardness of suffering is covered with fresh blooms of hope. I’ll place my affections there, on the beauty growing before me.

It’s Good Friday. His sacrifice is enough. Resurrection morning proves it true.

Please pray for Mildred, Franklin’s widowed mamma and Benta’s children, Seth and Winnie.

.

Back to Babies and the Tract

Not long ago we wrote about babies abandoned -
found in fields, empty shacks and even pit latrine.  
We pray for them.  
We asked you to pray, specifically for families to adopt them. 

One of our goals while in Kenya was to stir up local churches 
to pursue God’s heart for the fatherless.  
In a country almost twice the size of Nevada, 
with over a million and a half orphans, 
it’s the Kenyan church’s responsibility 
to defend the orphan's cause (Psalm 82:3, Is. 1:17) 
to care for them (James 1:27).

Orphanages are good since they provide basic needs for survival, 
but it’s not the answer for parentless children.  
God created families.  He intends for children to grow in families.  
When God found you abandoned, He did not place you in an orphanage. 
He adopted you. You belong in His family!

 Some of the pastors we’ve been ministering with 
became stirred by what we shared concerning orphans.
They didn't know.  
They were not aware of abandoned babies in their own town. 
we invited them to meet the little ones …  
the best is yet to come!

 Pastor George and Mary hold and pray for babies who need to be adopted.

They met with the home's director and have committed 
to helping find families for the babies.

 
Thank God for pastors who will live God’s passion for the fatherless.

Pastor Jeremiah and Joyce love on the babies.

Joyce’s first words after we left the home,
“We need that baby now.”
 They made an appointment with the adoption agency the next day.

Of course Lisa has to keep a baby with her at all times!

Mark, Tavin and Taleah teach the workers and the older kids 
to play duck, duck, goose and how God chases after us with His love.

Mark reads to a little guy who is precious to us. 
Please pray for his future…


We also wrote a post a while ago about ministry. 
Ministry here can happen all the time. 
Not. Even. Exaggerating.  

Because Lisa uses an electric wheelchair, which is a total novelty, 
she attracts a lot of attention, 
so much attention that she wrote a tract.  
She regularly hands this tract 
to curious onlookers who wonder about her situation. 
We trust God to manifest healing, but in the mean time, 
God uses the chair and the tract is amazing ways. 

We were at the immigration office. 
There are lots of M*slims at the immigration office, 
many from northern Africa, mostly refugees.  
Not many M*slims will start a conversation with “wazungus” 
since they realize we’re here as missionaries, 
but they will tallk to Lisa. 
They want to know about the chair.  
So, she shares the gospel by telling them about the chair. 
Then she gives them the tract.  
M*slims hear about the love of Jesus.  
Below is the tract Lisa wrote.  
Please pray for those who receive it. 
May they respond to the Lord’s saving grace.

M*slim woman at a kiosk 
near one of the widowed mammas ministry/business.


The tract... 
(in case you're interested)


Jambo!

You might be wondering,
“What is this mzungu woman doing here in Kenya driving around in an electric chair? Aye, how is that thing moving?  Who is this person? Why does she use such a chair?”

If time permitted, I would sit with you over a drink of mango juice and share my story; but life happens, and we all have our things to do.  I’ll leave you with this note to ease your curiosity and tell you the wonderful truth of destiny fulfilled.

Let me introduce myself.  My name is Lisa, and I’m a teacher from USA.  I’m married to a wonderful man.  We adopted two children within the USA when they were small.  Those same children are growing up strong, kind, generous and smart.  They are our joy, and I’m pleased to be their mamma.  Some years back, I was diagnosed with a debilitating muscle disease and doctors said I should have died, but God had mercy on me.  Everyday, I believe for continued healing.

This chair you see me using was a gift.  It was given to me so I can go various places and not be
confined by the severe muscle disease that limits my strength. The chair is powered by two dry cell
batteries that generate energy to a motor. My right hand manipulates the steering controls, which allows movement, speed and direction.  Like I mentioned earlier, this chair enables me to be out doing things no one imagined I could do.  It was a gift.  I paid nothing for it, but I must take care of it.

Actually, my situation in not uncommon.  I think we all experience some type of weakness that limits us whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.  We all need help in those weak areas so we can move into our destinies and do things no one thought was possible. Did you know there is a gift available for you to help you overcome your setbacks, your problems, your weaknesses and let you move into the life you were intended to live?

Just imagine for a moment that you were created for a purpose.  You have a hope-filled future planned for you by your creator, but choices you’ve made and hardships you encountered have prevented that hope-filled future from happening.

Do you think, “What must be done to redeem that lost life?”

You need a gift that your creator offers so you can know Him and the plans He has for you.

Are you tired of struggling with life?  Trying to live on your own?  Constantly creating mistakes?  Wasting time, energy and money on nothing of eternal value? Then know that God, your creator loves you.  He wants to free you from a fruitless life.  He sent His own Son to overcome the evil forces destroying you and provide a way for you to move into places you should be, like the gift of the chair moves me.

Are you asking, “How can this happen?”

  •        First, accept that you need God in your life. Talk to God through prayer by telling Him you are sorry for wasting your life on useless choices.  Tell Him you are tired of making mistakes that bring disappointment and frustration 
  •        Next, believe that God’s gift of salvation is given to you.  Receive by faith the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to cover the bad choices you’ve made.  Know that God forgives you through His Son. Jesus sacrificed himself to buy your gift of freedom, He rose from the grave to empower you to live your destiny. 
  •          Finally, commit your life to follow Jesus so He can change you from the inside out.


Now that you have embraced the gift of God, that you paid nothing for, know that you must take care of it.  Get a Bible and read it regularly to know your Creator and the life He has for you.  Find a place that teaches the truth about Jesus and you can meet people who are experiencing the new life of God’s love too.  Continue to pray, asking Jesus to help you become everything you’re intended to be.  Below are some churches that teach the truth about Jesus.  If you decide to visit one of these churches, show the pastor this tract.

Covenant of Peace Church. Kondele, Kisumu.  Pastor George and Mary Gache

International Growth Church Nyallenda, Kisumu
Pastor Kevin and Lillian Oduor
     
    Community Life Church, Mamboleo, Kisumu
    Pastor Jeremiah and Joyce Machio
   
If we meet again, please come and shake my hand. 
Let me know what you’ve chosen to do with the gift God gives.
Mungu akubariki.




Prayers for Mildred

Dear Friends,

We hope you can recall we asked for prayer numerous time for our precious friend Mildred's son, Franklin. Mildred was part of the September DIG training, 
and we formed a close bond.  She's been a widowed mom for some time, with 
two children, a girl - Valentine, 13 years old and the boy - Franklin, 20.  
Her son has been sick with kidney disease since we met Mildred.  
Mildred is the only momma we've not written about, till now.

After we finished the DIG training and were working with the other women to start their ministry/businesses, Mildred traveled to Nairobi to be with her son who had been hospitalized to start dialysis. Every Wednesday, when the group met, we would call Mildred to pray and encourage her.

At the end of February Franklin was released from the hospital to come home to Kisumu.  We visited with Mildred and Franklin last week on Sunday and Friday.  He needed dialysis treatment, but the nurses were on strike so the hospital was not running out-patient services.  He was uncomfortable, but assured us with confidence that all would be fine. 

Sunday after church Franklin and Mildred walked home.  At 5:00 p.m. Franklin was sitting in the house while Mildred went outside to hang clothes to dry.  He called her in and said, "Momma, I'm going now, but I'm leaving you in peace."  He leaned back and passed on to be with his Heavenly Father.  

Mildred's momma heart is broken.  She's been single-handedly caring for 
Franklin for years, the last three through this medical crisis.  
As a widow, she has no property to bury her son.

Please pray for her.  Please pray we follow Holy Spirit's tender guidance in ministering to this sweet friend who calls us her "adopted wazungu children." 

Asante sana for sharing this tender time with us.

hugs from the haugers oooo  

Below are some photos of our dear Mildred from our time at the training.  I know she will appreciate your prayers so much.





Sema?

"Sema" means "What's up?" in Kiswahili.  
Below is news about what's up with us. 
Please send us a note sharing what's up with you. 
"Like cold water to a weary soul 
   is good news from a distant land."  
                                                               Proverbs 25:25

The DIG trainings continue; we have two 
trainings going - one at a church where two different 
churches are participating.  This is a big step in 
cooperation for pastors.  Thank you, Lord!  


Using object lessons to teach scripture - 
Nothing is impossible with God! 

Carolyne moves in her gift of teaching 
the women that knowing what skills/gifts
they have is necessary for determining 
what ministry/business to pursue.

The mommas are busy taking notes about 
biblical principles for modeling a Godly life,
"being" a servant and ruling in the spirit realm. 


In between our trainings and the kids' 
school,  this is where we usually find 
Tavin - playing "futbal"with his Masai buddies.  
He lamented us being too close - 
"Gee Mom, it's so embarrassing 
when you to take pictures."  
So, out of respect for my 14 year old son, 
I took a long shot.  
Look hard... Tavin's the tall one in the red shorts.

DIG training in a thatched-roof hut.
Feels really "African" surrounded by flowering 
plants, palms and banana trees.
Ha - just beyond the bush is a busy road in 
this town of about half a million residents.
Lovely to use this little oasis to teach God's Word. 
The widowed mommas shared their stories...
  
Jacqueline had been selling glue to street boys
 to keep her children alive. 

She cried 
knowing she was killing them 
so her's might live.

Now she knows God has a future 
with hope for her and her babies.  

She's been
 hired to cook at a home for street boys. 

Redemption always overcomes desperation.

Another woman who's not saved 
"wandered" into the training.  
We prayed for discernment.
Would this be a distraction or a blessing?   
Her name is Agnes.  
She attends a cult and has "spiritual experiences."
We invited her to church which she now regularly attends 
and is still coming to the DIG training. 
She's hearing the truth about Jesus Christ.  
The truth will set her free.

We regularly teach about missions 
at this awesome Kenyan church.
Praying for them to be 
sent into the fields ripe for harvest.


Ministry at an orphanage and 
our new little friend 
who is very dear to our hearts.

Pastor Dwight Saunders, his daughter, Emma of
International Voice of the Orphan 
www.internationalvoiceoftheorphan.com
 (from Durango, CO and now live in Phoniex, AZ)
were ministering in Uganda and 
invited us to attend the 3 day 
Legacy Leadership Conference - 
powerful preaching about 
living a life that leaves a 
legacy for the kingdom of God. 

It was a wonderful time of rest 
and spiritual refreshing for us.

So nice to fellowship into the evening with 
missionaries who love the Lord 
and His call to serve in East Africa.


Extra nice to be with familar faces 
who will soon be "part of the family"
as Pastor Dwight's daughter is marrying 
Lisa's nephew in August.



No matter what side of the border - Kenya or Uganda, 
 fatherless children wander everywhere 
looking for attention.


We love to share a laugh, some sweets,
and a prayer in the precious name of Jesus. 


 After traveling over the equator numerous times, 
we finally decided to stop and snap a photo.


We're blessed to be living in Kenya, 
serving Jesus by "caring for orphans and widows."


Asante sana for your 
encouragement, prayers and support.

hugs from the haugers  O0oo

Now I'm Found

Kenya is fighting the Al-Sh*bab (related to Al-Qu*eda) in Somalia.  Sadly, war means orphans - M*slim orphans who are hungry for food, hungry for God.  Many crippled orphans 

are identified by the UN and placed in Kenyan schools, 

like Joyland.  We get the beautiful opportunity to share 

the love of Jesus with them.  Thanks for making it possible 

for children, who lived through unspeakable horrors, experience God's amazing grace.

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to CARE with a 

sticky- note

"for Kenya." 

P.O. Box 3543  Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

Benta's Story

Benta’s deep brown eyes hold a story she’s reluctant to speak.  She stares at my face, searching for something to encourage trust. I smile weakly and urge her on, 

“Please Benta.  If you can share…” 


She continues gazing at me and the words tumble out.

“My father had two wives.  
I am the second child of the second wife.  
I was not educated.
I married young, but I loved the man. We lived a good life.  
I learned to read and write. I had a son.  
We were a happy family.  I became pregnant again … 
but… 
my husband died…” 

Benta hesitates for a moment, hanging her head. 
She lifts her eyes at me again. 

“In a short time, I had nothing.  
Nothing.  
My son and I were starving.  
I thought I must abort the child I carry.” 

Tears slid down her smooth ebony skin. 
She doesn’t wipe them away.

“There was nothing. 
How could I bring my baby into the world to starve?” 

We wait in a circle, 
listening to the meaningful silence sagging the air heavy.  
We could feel Benta’s throbbing wound. 

What would I do if I were starving - no food for days and my 
small son crying to eat?  How would I feel holding his thin 
body against my swollen belly throughout the dark night only 
to have nothing to offer him when morning broke?  Would the baby weight in my womb burden my thoughts with worry?”

Hard to imagine when I’ve never gone hungry. Judgment 
comes easy when the belly is full, home is comfortable 
and threats of death don’t hover like vultures. 


Part of the ministry in Kenya is to hear these women’s stories.  
To really hear them - let their sorrow touch us, let their 
courage find us, let their desires to truly live burn like fire in 
our hearts. Our passion connects with their pain, and together 
we look to God for answers.

Benta’s desperation led her to church. The pastors embraced 
her and invited her to join the DIG training. She attended 
every session - watching, discussing, praying, learning. We talked, planned and moved forward with her vision to sell 
grains. After submitting a proposal and receiving a donation 
to start her ministry/business, Benta found a place near her 
small home, close to her children. Yes, her children. Benta did
not abort her baby. She birthed a girl and named her Winnie.  

God turns nothing into something.  
He provides food for the hungry.  
He offers hope for the hopeless. 
He does that through us - 
through you, 
through me,  
through Benta. 


Benta's ministry business serves her, her widowed sister 
and their four children. As a family they testify that the 
Lord defends the cause of widows and the fatherless.
Psalm 82:3, Isaiah 1:17


Asante sana 
for your prayers, encouragement and support. 

hugs from the haugers oooo 

Abandoned Babies

Abandoned babies.  
Left in hospitals, at clinics, in fields, even in pit latrines.  Sweet little ones.  Precious to God.  
Needing care, love, to be held and cuddled. 
19 babies who need families. 
If these tiny treasures don't get adopted by 18 months they are moved to another home in Nakuru. 
We visit here as a family to hold babies and pray that God bring them families.








This home also cares for children with severe disabilities. 
We feed them, play with them and pray for God's blessing.




The third DIG training is underway.  
Carolyne shares on the session "Who Is Christ In You?"  
 Pastors and Elders attend with the widowed moms. 
Learning together will help them serve the women better. 
These widowed moms need to know they have a 
place to belong and leaders who care about their futures.






Burying sins of 
unforgiveness, offense, bitterness and abandonment, 
then committing to walk in the freedom Christ provides.

Please pray for the widowed moms to embrace 
everything the Lord has for them.

The directors of Hope's Promise Kenya 
spent 3 days with us visiting 
the widowed moms businesses, 
children's ministries, and talking about God's goodness.
What a blessing to host them 
and receive heavenly encouragement!

Asante sana for your prayers and support.
hugs from the haugers. oooo

From Taleah

Taleah is home from the hospital and feeling much better. Asante sana for your prayers!  
The diagnosis was "maybe strep..." There is no quick strep test here so the lab had to draw blood and run a hemogram.  Taleah was given a fever reducer that didn't bring her fever down so the doctor became concerned - an emotion not translated well from a Kenyan accent to American understanding. Taleah was released from the hospital in time to make the long, hot trip to the Uganda to renew our visas.  Today she's a little restless so we decided to do a post with mom's help.  
Below are recent photos with captions of some special times for Taleah here in Kenya...  

It all started with an egg... or was it the chicken?

 In our case it's my pet hen named Kuku 
(Swahili word for chicken) 
who laid 15 eggs and we now have 8 baby chicks!

 Obviously, I am smitten. 

Tavin (in his school uniform) and I enjoy the 
new additions to the family.

So stink'in cute, huh?


Meet Lillian and Ruth (and their cute kiddos) - facilitators mom and Carolyne are training to take the DIG program
 into the slums of Nyallenda through a local church.


During Christmas break I watched the kiddos 
while the moms did the training.

 I really liked these kids.  I think I found a new ministry...

The local wildlife park ($1.50 for students)
where the only thing that was 
between me and these animals was a chainlink fence 
(which my hand could easily fit through!).





Some animals roamed free like impala and the zebra.





My friend, Sally and me at the wildlife park.


Lake Victoria





I love the trees here.



New shoes for my birthday (my favorite gift).



Celebrating with my family.

Tavin practicing for the Nairobi competition.

  Homework!


Which is where I have to end this cause now I have to do homework.  Yuk!  Oh well.  Thanks for praying for us and helping us do God's work in Kenya for orphans.
(I'd rather play with the kids instead of doing homework!)



Love,
Taleah

Sharing the Joy

They've pastored a church in Kisumu for 6 years and had never been to Joyland.  

"We know God wants us to go visit the children.  Will you take us?" 
George and Mary ask one Sunday evening when we saw them at the market. 

"Sure! We'd be happy to!" was our reply.  

The church that hosted our DIG training 
(you can read about the widowed moms 
stories on tiltingbalance.blogspot.com.) 
and where Lisa's been teaching on missions wanted to become

INVOLVED!

They wanted to help those who feel helpless.
They wanted to serve the poor.
They wanted to share their blessings. 

 We were sooooo excited to introduce this pastoral couple to our friends at Joyland.
Below are photos of our time together...

Taleah, Tavin, and our neighbor Sally introduce Mama Mary to the children who are more then curious to 
meet new people.

Pastor George gets right to work helping Mark blow up balloons for object lessons on Jesus filling them with His Spirit and shaping them into His design.

Mama Mary leads the children in praise and worship.


The kids nibble on their treats and hold their balloons while sharing testimonies of God's goodness.

  The smiles below tell the rest of the story...







Lisa's good friend Denis refused to look at the 
camera, although he's the one who requested the 
photo be taken of them together. Silly boy! 

Pastor George and Mary plan to bring a team from their church once a month to minister at Joyland.  They also volunteered to purchase new drinking cups for the children since there are not enough for all of them.

"Jambo to everyone!" 
 from the GREAT kids at Joyland!

Asante sana 
for all your prayers, encouragement and support.

hugs from the haugers oooo

New LIFE

Beatrice smiles warmly. She pours milky chai from a green thermos into    clear glass mugs and serves crispy-fresh mandazi.  She looks around her food kiosk with satisfaction.  Her customers appear happy.  This is a new life for Beatrice, one she’s been praying about for a long time...

Beatrice was  born the last child to a second wife in a polygamous family and not educated beyond the sixth level.  She was treated as a servant in the family compound.  Like many Kenyan girls, she married young so her father could claim the dowry. She bore two children – a boy and a girl. Then her husband became very sick and died.  Fear surrounded the man's death, and Beatrice was no longer welcomed in her husband’s homestead.  

Without resources Beatrice journeyed to her rural home and made the difficult decision to leave her children there as she begged some shillings to travel to Kisumu to find work.  While in the bustling town, Beatrice tried selling small vegetables along the road, no one would buy; no one showed her pity; no one even seemed to even see her.  She felt her life had been cursed.  

With nothing left, Beatrice waited at a church.  The pastors found her very thin and sick.  After much prayer she regained her strength and started to follow Jesus. When we met Beatrice she worked as house-help, earning the equivalent of 50 cents a day. She knew God had more for her, more for her children, more for their future.  She began praying for new life.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 9:00 till noon, for 9 weeks, Beatrice attended the DIG training. She learned who Christ is in her and who she is in Him.  She learned about the freedom of forgiveness and how God longed to share the beautiful woman He created her to be.  She worked hard developing a plan with a budget.  She received wise counsel committed to accountability.

Today Beatrice applies her lessons well.  She rises early to walk to the market and gather supplies for the day.  She makes her fire and cooks good food for weary workers in her community. She shares her story of redemption along side soft chapati and beans boiled with sweet onions. Ultimately, Beatrice found more than a ministry/business.  She found new life in Christ.





Please pray for Beatrice.  She’s saving money to secure a home so she can bring her children to live with her. 

Thanks for sharing our journey with these young widowed moms. With their permission we've given you a glimpse of the heartache they endured and the miracles of grace God created.  These stories are the fruit of much labor, prayer, support and encouragement.  It's not easy, but then, we've never known God to do something because it's easy.  God moves because He loves.  He loves even when it's hard.  Thank you for helping us show the Lord's love to these women.  

Next post we'll share about Benta, a young pregnant mom that didn't want to birth her child into poverty, but mercy prevailed...  Thank you for your prayers for Mildred and her son.  Franklin is recovering yet still needs dialysis. She's trusting Jesus that soon you'll be reading her story.  

Asante sana Rafikis!
hugs from the haugers oooo

Anne's Blessing

When has a blessing become something we receive that's beyond our basic daily needs?  Many who are reading this don't experience homelessness, hunger or lack of clothing.  In fact, most educate their children with abundant resources.  A majority own vehicles, appliances, and indulge in hobbies and entertainment without pinching budgets much.  But what if...


What if you were not born in a family of means, in a country of influence?  What if you lived in a country besieged by corruption, disease and neglect of human rights?  What if your family didn't value you because of your gender?  Imagine for a moment that you are Anne...


Being part of a large family, Anne grew up in an area overwhelmed by poverty, lack of education being the biggest obstacle to opportunity. With so little land to farm and so many needing to eat, Anne saw her life ending in an abyss of hopelessness.  She wanted more but didn't know how to move out of the vicious cycle of eating the proverbial seed met for planting. She chose a path many young and ambitious Kenyan girls fall prey to - marrying a man who was already married because he promised to send her to school.  As a second wife, Anne's position in the community quickly slipped deeper into the dark abyss.  Her dreams of school were thwarted as second wife duties overwhelmed her - finding water, finding firewood, finding food, but never being able to find enough of anything.  Anne survived slightly above a slave status.  She gave birth to two children; then her husband died.  After his burial, the first wife's family chased Anne and her children away from the compound.  She was denied any inheritance.


Desperation drove Anne to the city where she struggled to provide for her small son and infant daughter.  She arrived at a church that welcomed her, introduced her to Jesus, but could do little to help her life become sustainable.  This was about the same time God let us bring the Discipleship Income-Generating training to Kenya. The pastors introduced us to Anne and a friendship began.  Her desire to learn, grow, and become all God intended mixed beautifully with the DIG program.  Instead of eating the seed, Anne was given the opportunity to receive the education necessary to plant the seed, nurture it and watch it grow into a blessing. 


Today Anne manages a maize business.  Her basic needs are met and for her that's a blessing.  She cherishes the blessing of feeding her children everyday.  She delights in helping feed three orphans whose mother deserted them.  She offers her community a staple grain at a fair price to make the traditional ungali.  Anne shares her story with her neighbors and customers - God provides.  She's been blessed to be a blessing.










As the New Year begins, know that you've been blessed to be a blessing.  The promise Genesis 12:3 passes onto us by faith.  If you live in freedom, use that freedom to help others secure theirs.  If your home is large, welcome those who are lonely.  If your closets and cupboards overflow, look for ways to share.  Do these things with the expectation that whomever you bless will continue to pass it on.  It's because of those who experienced generous giving that Anne can now live generously for others. Who knows what kindness can lead to God's greatest gift of salvation? Blessings indeed!

Please continue to pray for the widowed moms as they walk out the spiritual lessons in practical ways.

We appreciate your encouragement, prayers and support.

hugs from the haugers oooo


W

Christmas Thanks

A thousand thanks for your caring support and encouragement 

as we continue our journey in Kenya.

May the Lord bless you

 for your kindness towards us.

Jambo Dear Friends.

We received such thoughtful responses to our last update, "Beauty From Ashes," with questions asking how to support the ministry for widows and orphans in Kenya.

Checks can be written to 

CARE

 and attach a sticky note that says, "

for Kenya."

The mailing address is

CARE 

PO Box 3543

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Or 

People can donate through

 PAYPAL 

by clicking the following link and going to the

 donate button on the sidebar.

Some of the 

relationship-based projects 

donate support  are:

  • The Discipleship Income-generating (DIG) training for widowed moms so they provide for their children and not have to leave them as orphans.

  • Orphan Care Character Club - helps orphans with food and teaching about growing in Christ.

  • Bio-sand water filter outreach program - builds water filters in oppressed rural areas and shares the gospel message that Jesus is the Living Water.

Thank you for believing that God's love for the fatherless goes beyond borders by sharing your blessings.

Beauty from Ashes

Lillian surveys her shop with a look of satisfaction. It’s a modest place: white-washed walls enclose the small 5' by 12' area, no windows, but there is electricity and a strong green metal door to secure her new livelihood. Lillian has opened a hair salon in the Kondele slum, a dream she’s hidden in her heart since childhood.


Life has not been kind to Lillian. She grew up in extreme poverty and was married at the young age of 15. She bore three daughters. Shortly after, her husband ran off with a witchcraft woman and no one has seen or heard from him. That was 5 years ago; 5 years of desperately struggling to survive and put food into the mouths of her hungry little girls. The option of placing her children into an orphanage loomed over her head like a threatening cloud, ready to consume her last joy of life – being a mother. But God had other plans for Lillian, plans of good and not evil, to give her a future with hope. 


After participating in the Discipleship Income-Generating (DIG) training, Lillian learned who Christ is in her and who she is in Christ. She’s chosen to live in forgiveness and generosity. Lillian is now managing an emerging ministry enterprise in an oppressed area that longs for redemption. She creates beauty with her hands. Her customers are women like herself, who have very little but will spare a few shillings to sit in her quiet shop and have their hair braided. It’s a place of escape from the ever-demanding days in the slums. Soft voices share stories, testimonies and prayers for a new tomorrow. For Lillian, her new tomorrow has come.
As a young mom leaves the salon, her hair twisted into fine rows down her slender neck, Lillian whispers encouragement and hugs her. Lillian returns to her next customer and looks at me, saying words she never thought possible...
“I am happy.
My girls are eating and going to school.  God has given me a testimony to speak.
I have beauty from ashes.”












The DIG project meets widowed moms at their place of despair, teaches them about the transforming power of Jesus Christ, walks with them through healing, trains them to live sustainably, and helps them procure capital to invest in a ministry/business.  As a result of this, children who would otherwise be given to orphanages can now grow up with moms who love them. The women meet weekly to discuss issues and pray for one another. Together, this group is saving money from their businesses to host another DIG training. Their desire is to bless other abandoned moms as God has blessed them.
Would you please pray for Lillian, Mildred Anne, Benta, Beatrice as they begin their ministry businesses to support their children and share their experiences of God's great grace? 


Mildred needs prayer for her son who is very sick with a kidney disease.

Please also pray as we’re training 4 Kenyan women to facilitate the DIG project in other impoverished areas of Kenya.

DIG - a project of CARE4Nations/CARE defends the cause of widows and orphans in Kenya by providing Christ-centered assistance through relationship-based service.  Our vision is for the Gospel message to minster to widows and orphans in their time of need, freeing them from victimization to live the destiny God intended. 


Asante sana for your prayers and support.
hugs from the haugers  oooo

Joy-filled Air

Our family LOVES to visit Joyland Boarding School for Special Needs. We know this because Tavin and Taleah always ask when can we go there and after we leave, they always ask when we can go again. It might seem strange to enjoy a place that houses children whose crippled bodies just begin to tell their sad stories, but sadness is not where they live. Although violence, pain and rejection stole their innocence, the overwhelming power of God’s grace holds them. Even in the midst of a run-down facility that has no library, no playground, no games, crafts or activities, these kids find joy in simply being; that joy permeates the air. You can read about our last visit to Joyland and see some of our friends. They’ve been looking forward to you!

Dennis met us at the gate. Running along side the car, he showed us where to park. Dennis doesn’t put out his hand for us to shake because he has no arms. Instead, he bows his head for us to touch, and he responds with a sweet smile. Dennis is 9 years old. He writes and draws with ease. He’s also a mischievous clown. While Lisa was giving the kids balloons, so many little hands stretched out wanting one; all of a sudden a small foot reached in, bending it’s toes around a red balloon trying to lift it from the pile. “Dennis!” Lisa teased him, “If you do that again, I’m gonna tickle that foot!” He grinned, bumping his head against her arm.

Churchill doesn’t like to talk. Shyly, he sat by our feet always watching and listening. Hugging a two foot high walking stick, his face holds experiences far beyond his tender four years. We’re guessing he’s four because nobody knows how old Churchill is. He waddled over to receive a yellow balloon from Taleah. He waddled back and finds his spot on the ground, looking at his prize with wonder.

Mark’s new buddy is Benta. She took a shine to him after they sang together, and he handed her a balloon. Benta’s struggles to walk because her legs have no bones below the knee. She loved that Mark patiently helped her move outside where all the fun was happening. Throughout the afternoon she followed Mark, which according to the dorm mamma, was the most Benta’s ever moved around! Benta doesn't speak, but she's constantly humming the music Jesus placed in her heart.



After singing praise songs, bouncing balls and eating sweets, a bunch of us hung around sharing testimonies. Finally Alvin, a tiny guy who wants to be a doctor someday, asked us why we are white and our kids are not. We looked at him with wide-eyed shock. “What!” we exclaimed, “We’re white??? Oh my gosh, when did that happen?” Everyone laughed, and we all sat comfortably in each others' presence, breathing in the joy-filled African air.

Below are some more photos of our day at Joyland. Ask Tavin and David (Carolyne’s son) how the boys with significant physical challenges teamed up to play an exciting game of soccer, till the ball popped!

Please pray as we develop a culturally relevant character club to take into the children homes we visit. Also, for Mark as he meets with his "water team" next Sunday. Lisa starts handing out her "tract" this week and continues working with the widowed mommas to take their spiritual training into practical places. Tavin travels to Nairobi with his school to participate in a track meet at Nyanyo Stadium. Taleah is helping plan a birthday party for Carolyne (who's never celebrated her birthday before). Shhhh! The party is a surprise.

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo


Ministry Happens

Ministry happens here in Kenya, even when we're not ministering. It's unavoidable. You might think it's because of the overwhelming needs we encounter on a daily basis. Yes, we face poverty, neglect and corruption all the time, but that's not it. We're constantly ministering because of who we are as a family - really. Picture this: Lisa using an electric wheelchair meandering into the market with our chocolate kids, Tavin and Taleah. Everyone stares, especially the men and children. They watch us with curiosity that begs for an explanation. See, there are not many white people here, even less with chocolate kids. There are NO people here with electric wheelchairs! Inevitably, Lisa pauses long enough to talk to those who are brave enough to ask about the chair. It always leads to sharing the gospel.

Now, Lisa's writing a tract that tells about our life in Kenya and how God provided the chair to help her overcome a weakness. She says the chair was a free gift and it provides opportunity to move into places no one imagined she could go. Then, the parallel is drawn; God provides us with a free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ to overcome our weaknesses to sin. He helps us move into places that hold our destinies. The tract shares that we must accept we've sinned and fallen short of God's grace, believe Jesus died and rose again to free us from the bondage of sin, and commit to living the life God intends. It also includes local church contact information. We'll print these tracts next week, complete with pictures and hand them out to our constant crowd of onlookers so we can minister even when we're not! Please pray for us. By the way, Lisa still "hates" the chair, but is glad God gets glory through it!

We're processing how to serve a couple ministries here. One is Joyland - a school for 276 children who come from various homes and orphanages to receive an education. This is a unique school because the kids are physically challenged, many living with significant birth defects that could be better managed if they were in a developed country. In the future, we will be sharing their stories and photos of fun times we spend with them. We’re doing this for a couple of reasons.

One, they asked us to post their pictures because they are proud of who they are and what they can do. Too many people look away when they see a small boy with no arms or a little girl with deformed legs and no hands. These children don’t want to be ignored, nor do they want to be stared at like a freak show. They simply want what other “normal” children get everyday – affirmation for their accomplishments, encouragement to continue working hard, concern for their problems, playfulness and hugs, yeah – plenty of hugs. The other reason we’ll share is because the kids a Joyland are part of our lives. We love them, and we hope they will find a warm place in your heart too.

That’s about all right now.

Below is a photo of our chickens and rooster who also makes ministry of intercession happen by waking us up at 4:30 am everyday to pray! (We’re praying we don’t kill him!)

Also, the lizard on our security wall stayed outside where he belonged. Thank God he didn't snuggle up next to us during the night.

In this photo is a small boy in a torn striped shirt… we’re praying for him… and we don’t now why… but we might have an idea…


Thanks so much for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Full Days

Our days have been full - ministry with the children from Joyland and Covenant Home, hosting missionary friends from Mbita for a few days, teaching Bible studies, meeting with pastors, finishing up the first training with the widowed moms, our kids running track at Moi Stadium, an afternoon swimming at Kiboko Bay on Lake Victoria. So many stories to share… hmmm… where to start?

We’ve settled in at a Kenyan church in Mambo Leo where we worship in a tin-sided building with about 40 believers who know how to rock that place! Last Sunday we met with the leaders to discuss organizing outreach by building bio-sand water filters in villages where widowed moms and orphaned children live in desperate situations. With this evangelism plan, both clean water and the Living Water – Jesus, are offered to those who thirst. Mark will train a team to construct water filters and develop teachings starting the last Sunday of October. He’s also been teaching a bible study following afternoon prayers at Covenant of Peace Church where we had the discipleship empowerment training for the widowed moms.

Will you pray for Mark as he moves into this new area of ministry?

Speaking of the training, we enjoyed lots of laughter during our object lessons! Imagine never having made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, putting directions to make one in order, and then explain the directions to another person who has to make the PBJ when she’s never made a PBJ either! Now, imagine it’s a competition, which, by the way, Kenyans love. The lessons learned dealt with communication, prioritizing, approaching new ideas with confidence, giving and following specific directions. After that we examined scripture’s on vision, planning, finances and wise counsel. The moms worked hard creating their goals, objectives and details concerning ideas for the future.

After 3 weeks (27 hours) of intense training we had the honor of presenting certificates of completion. Prayer, where Holy Spirit gave words of knowledge, culminated the ceremony. We celebrated by enjoying ripe mango, biscuits, juice and sweet fellowship. It’s so comforting to know these widowed moms are moving in a direction that will help them raise their children and not have to place them in orphanages because of poverty.

Can you pray for Anne, Mildred, Benta,
Beatrice and Lillian as they begin their new lives as employed moms
who will share their testimonies through their businesses?

Saturday is Family Day when we usually catch up on chores neglected during the week, but this past Saturday found us enjoying the pool at Kiboko Bay on Lake Victoria. For a few dollars we played in the water all afternoon, ate tilapia stuffed with mint and coriander, drank cold soda and relaxed under a beautiful sunset sky. Praise God for His creation and the opportunity to appreciate it!

Tavin and Taleah regularly run in track meets (since track and swimming are BIG sports here). Both placed in a meet at Moi Stadium. They have been invited to compete in a meet in Nairobi at the end of October. Their school absorbs the cost of travel and they stay in dorms at an international academy. So, with much prayer and reminders to be polite, pack toothbrushes, wash hands, this mama is sending her kids to the big city 10 hours from home.

With this last week being mid-term break, we had the pleasure of hosting our missionary friends from Mbita! We met them in 2006 and they visited us in Pagosa in 2007. CARE actually helped them with the adoption of their daughter. Refreshing conversation, pillow fights and warm chapatis highlighted the visit. Next time, we’re heading to see them in their rural home on a peninsula in Lake Victoria. Maybe we’ll plan a baptism for the kids!

Now, for the orphaned children… It’s difficult to write; probably hard to read, but I know that God does not want us to forget them. Most people do you know - forget about these kids because it’s hurts too much remembering. I can’t forget their fragile smiles and eyes that hold a world of sorrow. I must do something because faith without works is dead. I’ve embraced abandoned children in my own arms and now, I am responsible. I see their pain and it moves me, their courage to wait and watch for someone to notice them, to look at them and truly see…

What must it be like…
to be three years old and not eat for two days…
to drink dirty water… to scramble for whatever is offered –
a balloon, a cookie from a white lady…
a song sung about Jesus… a story from the bible…
a prayer for tomorrow… please God - let a new tomorrow come…

The orphan crisis is so complex. I want to take all those little ones, like a hen gathers her chicks, but that’s not to happen now; so we carry them to Jesus in prayer. Below are some photos of children who must be remembered. We can’t legally share their names or their stories, but you can see their faces.

Would you help us carry them to Jesus in prayer?


Thanks for your encouragement and support.
hugs from the haugers oooo

Women's Work

Sounds like derogatory words, huh? That’s only because you don’t know what we’ve been up to in Kenya! Our definition of "Women’s Work" brings hope to women who live as victims of poverty, abuse and neglect. We’ve been working with women by helping widowed moms lay a biblical foundation that blends income-generating, raising healthy children and sharing the gospel in meaningful ways. We’ve started training at Covenant of Peace Church with 5 beautiful widowed mommas, the pastors, and our multi-talented trainee, Carolyne. These few participants lend toward better interaction, easier facilitator training, and more depth of understanding. None of these women can fade into the background, something they do so easily.

We open the class with sweet acapella praise to God and prayers for each other. Then we move into an object lesson, like balancing an egg on its tip. They each have one minute to try.

“What?” the Pastor (of a faith church) shakes his head.
“It can’t be done.”

The women giggle in anticipation. Mark hands him the egg. He fumbles with it on the small table. It wobbles a few times and then, stands. His quizzical face breaks into laughter. The women also balance the egg. Smiling at the success of a seemingly impossible task, they are ready to learn.

Mark made the chalkboard that diagrams the lesson – Who Is Christ In You? The women pair off and examine scriptures that tell them that Jesus is their

SAVIOR, DELIVERER, HEALER, FRIEND, SUSTAINER,
PROVIDER, FATHER, COUNSELOR …

We discuss the difference between “knowing about God” vs “knowing God.”

They share stories about how God has carried each of them in times of hardship. Stoically they expose their woundedness, and I want to weep. How hard it is for a young widowed mom in Kenya who has nothing and needs to feed her children. We move into a time of forgiveness. The women confess their offenses on paper, and we burn them in a hole Mark dug around the back of the church. The pastor takes the shovel and buries the ashes. He shows them he’s there to support their freedom.

Back to the chalkboard and more diagrams of the next lesson – Who are You In Christ? Again the women look up scriptures and read aloud that they are

More than conquerors, Servants, Ambassadors,
Adopted Children, Christ’s bride, Dearly loved,
Citizens of God’s Kingdom, Fruit-bearers,
New Creations, Joint Heirs in Jesus...

We distribute small balls of clay and talk about modeling a Godly life by staying soft and pliable in the Master’s hands. They are thinking, squeezing the clay into bowls and flowers. Next we hand out fruit and discuss what could prevent them from producing fruit of the Spirit. We share about service to God from the heart; that being a servant is who they are, not just what they do. We encourage them to beware of the enemy’s schemes, how he whispers lies that they are not appreciated or have nothing to offer. They are rulers in the Kingdom, practicing self-discipline and overcoming evil with good.

We end out time together with role-playing. The women act out real life situations that will try their faith, that will test their fruit. They practice responding in the spirit, instead of reacting in the flesh. The egg comes back out and we remind each other that when things look impossible – God will do a miracle.

The spiritual base for practical training is being set. We rejoice at the women’s progress, their questions and comments, their willingness to move on regardless of tremendous obstacles. Women’s work. It’s part of what carries the next generation. It’s valuable in God’s kingdom.



Mark making chalk boards.

Carolyne, learning to be a facilitator.

Sharing with the women.

The women symbolically bury their offenses.

Balancing an egg - it's possible!

Please pray as this training expands outward to other widowed moms. We have many more small group trainings scheduled in various churches that will be facilitated by Kenyans. This coming week we visit Joyland ( a school for physically challanged children) and back to Covenant Home to play and pray with orphans. God's heart is for the fatherless and our desire is for Him.

hugs from the haugers oooo
 

Among The Least is a is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered and has office in the State of Colorado.