Gifts We Receive...

This Christmas we received Gifts…

We watched children, abandoned at birth - left in ditches, pit latrines, and tea fields but rescued by the merciful hand of God - preform a Christmas play celebrating the birth of Jesus. A Gift.

 During the short presentation, a little girl sat on my lap.  She finds me every visit and climbs up. Who could know behind those inquisitive eyes and nimble fingers lies experiences far beyond her 12 months? She came to the home plagued with sickness leading to death, but now she radiates life. 

A Gift.

A small boy, dressed like a shepherd with a towel over his head, tied snug with a pink headband, sucks his thumb and waves at me.  He doesn’t speak yet his smile says everything. He came to the orphanage at 16 months, significantly impaired by cerebral palsy. Today he runs like he’s dancing, giggles bubbling from his belly. 

A Gift.

She stands, leaning into a gold-colored walker, forcing her feet to obey.  Dressed in white with tinsel woven around her braided hair, she is an angel.  Last summer, she crawled along the ground, frustrated by overwhelming limitations. Her last trip to the hospital, as she waited, she sang songs about Jesus, encouraging those suffering around her. 

A Gift.

He needs constant care, tucked in a wheelchair, anticipating a push onto the porch that’s dressed like a stage.  A sparkly cardboard camel taped to the side of his chair indicates he’s a wise one. He grins while others sing, and his hand reaches out to hold the air. I think he’s holding the hand of his Savior that no one can see. 

A Gift.

 These children – found as babes in places no child should be, challenged by physical handicaps and developmental delays, the ones left behind when families come to adopt, the ones ignored because they don’t fit the scheme of healthy and normal – they are the gifts we are blessed to receive.

We thank God for the gift of life – the life of Jesus who came to seek and saved those who were lost. He also was born in a place not worthy of a child.  But God had a plan... May we remember the hopeless and helpless this Christmas season and bring them the gift of Jesus.

Matthew 25:40

Merry Christmas!

Asante sana for your prayers, encouragement and support.

hugs from the haugers Ooo0

12 Days of Christmas in Kenya.

Thinking of the Twelve Days of Christmas 

in a different way...

The days before Christmas can be a scramble 

to find the right present, finish holiday baking, 
and attend various get-togethers.

While you plan, shop and celebrate the birth of Jesus, 
would you remember some forgotten ones?

Below is our Twelve Days of Christmas in Kenya.  

It shares prayer requests,
ways to relate to those less fortunate, and ideas for donations.

We appreciate your prayer and gifts 
on behalf of widows and orphans.

                                                                                 James 1:27                                                                                                                     Blessings of peace and joy,

   hugs from the haugers Ooo0                                     

Roots

As Taleah played in her favorite tree, I examined its roots... following them up the strong branches supporting 
my daughter's smile.
 

Then, I remembered a boy... eyes holding hatred beyond his tender years. Wickedness invading innocence, infecting roots for his future and now… who brings hope to his dying life?

Living in Kenya, among people with roots formed by generations of poverty, polygamy, tribal violence, gender injustice and colonial oppression we see where truth must eliminate lies so healing can flourish.

The word root or roots is mentioned 56 times in the Bible.  Roots deal with foundations and fruitfulness - stability, support, nourishment, growth, productivity.  

The Creator, Father God 

determines where roots start.

Then life happens. 

Almost uncontrollably, bad things sink deep into hearts.

Evil’s desire to destroy reflects in sin’s horrors - stolen innocence; suffering inflicted without restraint; incessant, searing pain of abuses; neglect's lonely abyss.

Sin infects roots with bitterness, offense, unforgiveness.

(Deuteronomy 29:18)

Amusements might temporarily soothe sins throbbing wounds, but who can heal root damage? Who can make new foundations that affect fruitfulness?

 Jesus.

Only Jesus.
(Isaiah 11:10)

Recently we started teaching a facilitator class for the DIGGS training.  We asked widowed mammas to look in a mirror and tell us what they saw…

First, uncomfortable shifting emerged. 

Faces in a mirror, in front of others?

Really looking…

Honestly seeing… 

What did they say?

“I see my old face... missed so much life.  I see God wanting to give me more.  I see me giving because I received.”

“I see someone who was shy but now I know I have confidence in the Lord in me and my sons.”

“I am ugly.  I don’t know some days how God will help me. But He does. I am here. I am learning. I am growing. I want to help others. I need help to do that.”

“I was loud, got angry easy. I want to defend myself because no one ever stands with me, my children. Now I want to enjoy the life God made for me and teach others to trust Him.”

Jesus heals sick roots. 
These widowed mammas believe Christ provides more than their traumatic pasts dictate, more then evil destroys. 

The Christ-centered relationships between us cultivate roots that create stability, support and productivity.  

True growth might be slow, but it’s established,

and we see healthy buds of fruit forming.
(Jeremiah 17:8)

By helping these mammas create new roots, children 
are spared generations of hardships. 
Does evil remain? 
Yes, it will remain until the end, 
but choices change evil's destruction and yield healthy roots - 

as long as Jesus is the answer.
(Colossians 2:7)

                                      

    TOGETHER, WE NURTURE ROOTS THAT BRING ABUNDANT LIFE FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND THE FUTURE OF NATIONS

IN JESUS NAME.

(Ephesians 3:17-19)

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers Ooo0

The Blessed Catch

Jesus is calling, inviting, challenging us to trust Him in the deep places for the catch He will provide. The "deep" can 

be an uncomfortable place - filled with threats of danger, discomfort, and insecurities...

But when we obey, He's faithful to give all that's necessary - the blessed catch.

Question is,

What do we do with the catch?

•    Disciple widowed/single mammas opened ministry-businesses where they tell testimonies of the Lord's provision to care for their children.

•    Share God's love and redemption with handicapped, orphaned children.

•    Minister in churches on missions, adoption and orphan prevention. 

Asante sana for helping us "go out in the deep" and "teach others to fish."

Let the cycle of the blessed catch continue in Jesus name.

We appreciate your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers Ooo0

God's working...

Almost two months back in Kenya and it seems time moves faster than the projects we're implementing, but after reviewing images captured by the camera, we're reminded that God does far more than we can imagine. His concern for the poor is cradled in kindness and nurtured through relationships. Our western impatience and preoccupation with effectiveness is learning to yield to the gentle heart of peace.  Even in all of this, God's working... 

Garden Against Hunger

Some of the widowed mammas put the DIGGS teaching on service into practice by preparing the "shamba" for planting.  We're anticipating yummy, homegrown veggies in a few months to share with children at the orphanage.  Feeding the hungry is Jesus name is part of the gospel message. 

 Digging hard earth to cultivate fruit is symbolic of these women's lives.

 Tavin volunteers and the mammas enjoy his help.

 

Meaningful Object Lessons

Imagine precious few years of education where you sneak into class late because chores delayed you... You came in hungry and without shoes to sit on a dirt floor and listen to a teacher for hours... This was the childhood of our DIGGS facilitator trainees who recently learned the value of using object lessons to introduce a topic. We reviewed biblical object lessons and practiced some of our own. With peals of laughter mixed in thoughtful responses, the mammas understood - involving the learner brings greater meaning.   

Gaudencia and Mildred try an exercise about strength and meditating on God's Word.

The women attempt to walk with pebbles in their shoes while sucking on a pieces of candy.

Which do you think got the most attention - the discomfort or the sweetness?

What gets the most attention in your life?

 Needing Miracles

Always, the orphaned children touch us like no other.  In a country twice the size of Nevada, with 2 million orphans, what can we do? Of course, help mammas who are at risk of loosing their children, but what about the abandoned ones who's extended families and rural villages can't be identified?

We been asked by friends in USA to identify an orphanage that needs a nutrition program; that investigation led us to a place of brokeness - 60 kiddos, some desperately sick, in less than adequate facilities. 

 Prayer is their only weapon against evils threatening to steal what little life they still have. 

Will you pray with us?

These children need miracles.

Asante sana for your prayers, encouragement and support.

hugs from the haugers Ooo0

The Good, the Sad and the Ants

The Good:
1.  We moved into a bigger, older compound more suited to our family and ministry.  Thanks to sweet friends, we're fairly unpacked and organized.

Beautiful life in the new compound.

2.  The newly formed Love In Action leadership team met at our compound! (And I forgot to take pictures.)  Three wise, capable Kenyan women, a young, energetic gal from India and Lisa settled into the airy room; and while thin curtains swayed in the warm afternoon breeze, they prayed, shared visions, strategized, and prayed some more. They all felt prompted to create a safe, healing place on the tree-covered compound for victimized mamas to receive biblical discipleship and empowerment through the DIGGS program.  Everyone agreed the compound offered amazing potential to serve widowed mamas in Jesus name, helping them parent their children and halting the orphan cycle threatening to steal children from poor women. We begin our next training in a few weeks.

3.  A tender little orphaned boy grows dearer to us each day.  He's received sponsorship to attend school that will greatly assist him to overcome significant developmental delays. Yes Lord!

4.  Mark's cleaning out an old shipping container so he has a place to work on the evangelistic water project - a service that will not only bring clean water to poverty-stricken areas, but more importantly, bring the Living Water of God.

5.  Tavin's voluntary involvement with a new club surprised us.  Our sports-loving, academic-tolerating teen joined East African Youth United Nations.  This interesting association brings global issues (like child abuse, orphan crisis, hunger, potable water) to the table of young people, provides them opportunity to construct solutions and present them at the United Nations in Nairobi. Tavin hasn't forsaken his love for the game.  He travels this week (all expenses paid) to a sports festival in Nairobi.

6.  Taleah continues to amaze us with her gift to make friends with Kenyan children and invent fun.  We usually see a circle of small kids surrounding her, engaging in pastimes from Taleah's imagination. She claimed the vote for most creative writer in her class this week.

The Sad:
A young mu*slim girl Lisa ministered to at Joyland passed on. 

Where I found my Zeppond whenever I visited...

Zeppond lost her leg in Kenya's war against Al*Shabab terrorist group. Leaving what family remained in a refugee camp, the UN sent Zeppond to receive education, but she never recovered from her loss - both of her family and her leg.
Lisa would pray over her, share stories, candies, and even found her a pretty head covering, trying to make a connection that mattered. As Lisa saw Zeppond grow weaker and weaker, she advocated for interventions. Zeppond was sent back to the refugee camp. She died today. Obviously, too little was done too late. Our hearts cry for these wounded ones who don't know Jesus saving love.

The Ants:

Ugh! They are everywhere! 
Little trails of tiny ants marching, carrying things much too big for their small, small bodies. If we open anything - they are there, silently, stealthily invading the peanut butter, sugar, tupperware sealed oats and rice.  When we clean them out - they return, unhindered by our fierce resistance.  Even now, as Lisa types she's swatting tiny ants that seem to materialize out of nowhere.  Persistent buggers!

Scripture tells us we should consider the ant (Proverbs 6:6; 30:25). If we as believers work together without complaining

just think of the burdens the Lord would empower us to carry. Nothing is too big when we band together and depend on Him. Next, our Christian influence would be everywhere; regardless of harsh environments, we should be the aroma of Christ to a lost world. If we are not detoured by opposition, we can be effective for the kingdom of God. If a multitude of minuscule ants can cause such havoc in our house, know that diligent submission to God and constant refusal to give the enemy attention can accomplish impossible things. Never give up on Jesus, His purposes, His desires, His plans. He never gives up on you.

What do you think when you consider the ant?

Gratefulness for more” good” than “sad” focuses us on goodness of God. Please pray with us that... 

• Zeppond’s family will recognize the Lord’s goodness. 
• For widows and orphan care to filtered through divine goodness.  
• We embrace His goodness and extend it willingly.  
• We practice the lesson of the ants.

Some faces are just too cute not to post!

Asante sana for your encouragement, support and prayers.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0

Back in Kenya

We're back in Kenya, among our friends, ministering with them in places desperate for hope. Jesus brings hope that grows into fruit shared, fellowship enjoyed, orphans loved, and unexpected blessings of participating in a leadership conference, ordination and baby dedication. Grateful to be found faithful to the call and entrusted with God's heart for the fatherless.  Photo's below of the last couple weeks. Take a peek into what the Lord is doing in Kisumu...

 

Poverty's oppression is thwarted by the DIGGS project as widowed/single mamas commitment to serve God by banding together to read the Bible, pray and 

share their blessings with others.

  

Agnus and Josephine taste fruit from USA, 

something their "tongues longed for."

Fruit of the Spirit is what their lives long to produce. 

 

Giving with generous hearts.

Tavin and Taleah ready for the first day of classes. 

 

 Last weekend we enjoyed fun fellowship 

with families at the first annual school picnic.

 

Mark and Tavin join in the big "futbal" competition.

 

As many of you know, we live in a house with a very small compound - no room for hosting DIGGS training. We prayed for something in a fair price range with a place for widowed/single mamas so they 

could come to us for classes. 

Tada! Photos of the new home of CARE4Nations! 

It's in a secure location, but a block from the slums.

There is also enough room for Mark to work on the evangelistic water project.  Yeah God!

 

 

Our family joy - ministering to the orphaned kiddos

 with special needs. 

They love to tease Tavin. 

 We participated in a two day leadership conference 

on Identity of Integrity.  After the conference, you could find Lisa outside the church with Pastor Mary spending time with the women and children.

 The women work together preparing 

food for the conference.

 Mixing ugali and making chapati.

The children learn about Jesus 

and how our camera works.

 Tom, part of the visiting missions team, is 94 years old!  He wanted to come to Africa before he got to old. 
(Gonna be just like that at 94.)
He's not sleeping.  He's praying for the food.

 Breaking bread and feasting as His body, 

joined by bonds of brotherly love.

 Asante sana for sending us back to Kenya to express 

the Father's love to the "least of these"

who are precious in His sight.

                                                    Matthew 25:31-33

 

hugs from 

the haugers Ooo0

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Carrying Pieces

He pulled his grubby fist from the pocket of dirty, torn shorts.  With pensive dark eyes, he examines his treasure, and then holds it out to me for a look.  It’s pieces from an electrical part he might have found among the trash littering the side of the dirt road.  I think he wants me to identify them, maybe put them together and make them work.  I can’t; instead I smile, rub his head and watch him scamper off, returning the random pieces to the only place in his shorts that doesn’t have holes.

He keeps carrying pieces, wanting to find their value and meaning.  We do too.

We just spend the last six weeks among my family and friends in Colorado and Phoenix.  We ate yummy foods, laughed to tears, talked late into the night hours, prayed, encouraged one another with stories of God’s amazing grace.  I left for Kenya, still needing rest but content with the time spent enjoying those who love me well.  As the plane lifted for the long journey across the world I realized many pieces of me were left behind.  I pondered how many pieces of you I carried with me. 

Carrying pieces.  Like the little boy with his treasure of electrical bits, we carry pieces - pieces of those our lives have rubbed against that find homes inside us.  We might not truly understand what relationships really mean this side of heaven yet I do know conversations with kindred faiths along the San Juan River, in the few houses warming the valley of Rainbow Drive, over grilled burgers and African sideshows, in churches, on decks, in coffee shops, and even the grocery store parking lot deepens my walk with Jesus.  We share pieces of who He is in each of us, like children exchanging treasures, and we scamper off to live, carrying more of Him to into the next encounter.  

Carrying pieces.  We’ve carried pieces of you all from Jesus back to this beautifully challenging place, to the hovels of the poor, to widows and orphans.  We bring the tenderness of lingering embraces, the giggles from clever jokes, the wisdom, the intercession, the help of sturdy friends with resilient hearts, the donation and support, the strong words and belief that our lives make a difference in the Kingdom of God.

Carrying pieces.  Like my little boy with his treasures hidden in a safe spot of his tattered life, we desire the pieces we carry to bring meaning, to reveal value.  We might not grasp how these pieces all fit together to work miracles of redemption in the lives of the fatherless, but we see the One who does.  We’re grateful for the piece of you He entrusted to us, for the peace He gave us to carry.

Asante sana for all your love, prayers and support.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Home

Kenya created our home for 11 months. Tavin and Taleah attended school, birthday parties, participated in clubs and ran with laughing kids to a barrage of activities. Mark and I formed friendships with Africans that celebrated joy, struggled through trials, and felt comfort with each other's presence.  We decorated our white-washed cement house sparsely 

but our heart fully.

We traveled from Kenya back to Pagosa 4 weeks ago and found this place holds the same feelings left in Kisumu - relationships that challenge and nurture us, 
that connect us, make us vulnerable 
but warmly satisfied because we belong. 

In moving back and forth between countries, houses and friends, I've come to realize that neither place is my home.  It's not about Africa's muddy slums, flowering trees or sweet mangos. It's not about Pagosa's mountain views, 

green chili and hummingbirds. It's not about what I can have, what I miss or which place we think suits us best.

It's all about the heart of God.

At the risk of sounding too spiritual, 

I see life through a lens shaped by the orphaned child.  Regardless of where, the filter is passion 

to find family for the forgotten fatherless.

Maybe this focus formed because of my own current
physical limitations. Whether in Kenya or Pagosa, I'm

the penurious person, the one who attracts attention out of my need.  My body is weak. Without help, I wouldn't live. If somebody didn't dress me, I would not be clothed. If somebody did not get my food, I would go hungry. If I fell, there I would lie until somebody came to my rescue.

This image reflects a bigger picture.

Globally, there are hundreds of millions of children (today - right now) who will not have clothes because no body dresses them, who will go hungry, maybe starve, because nobody gives them food. Innocent young ones falling into places of horror and needing rescued, but nobody is there. 

Imagine a 4 year old on the street, without clothes, 
without food, without a safe place with caring family...

Imagine that child was yours...

Imagine if that child was you...

Literally, these children can NOT get what they need to live.

They need somebody. 

The difference between them and me 

is I have compassionate somebodies -

people that help me to not just live, but to live my destiny.

I want to do the same.

Help the helpless.

Make sure abandoned children, lost, left for death,

move gracefully, become accepted, belong, and fulfill destiny.

I want to find somebodies who know God enough to love Him beyond their comfort zones and risk loving that involves everything.

God's heart for the fatherless is my home. I want to live close to the problem because the Solution lives in me.

God lives in me. He made His home in me. Let my life be making a home for those God wants to father who have 

nothing

nothing

nothing 

and will die of nothing is done.

I'm not talented to paint a pretty house.

I'm not designed to gather trinkets that change seasonally.

I can't feed the plentiful or clothe the rich.

My deepest motivation must match the world's deepest need

and there, I will see God smile.

My home?  

I don't think it's here. Not Pagosa. Not Kenya.

Not of this world.

I'm looking for a better place;

home where orphans are not orphans anymore.

Please pray as we prepare to return to 
Kenya and complete the task the 
Lord entrusted to us.

lov,
~lisa 
because God loves us.

Kwahari Kenya

 This evening, sitting along the shores of Lake Victoria, we munch on freshly cooked chips made in a fire pit by a toothless smiling mamma.  Mark visits with the boat men as the sun sets beyond the hills across Winam Gulf. Tavin kicks the futbal with orphaned boys from Covenant Home. Taleah wanders through the maze of tropical trees, sharing secrets and giggles with barefoot girls.

The sun drops slowly casting an orange glow along the horizon, and it's departure reminds me of ours. I linger, watching Kenya and her life sink deep into me; places and people settling in my heart. I've heard widowed mammas sing God's praises in the midst of certain heartache, then seen their lives transform from ashes to beauty. I've embraced vulnerable children as they hold hope for a better future with eager hands. Friends have died, leaving behind the grieving for greater glory. Joy of salvation prayers overcame poverty's grip. I've tasted the bitterness of corruption, felt anger at injustice, and wondered with awe that my failures are redeemed by God's amazing grace. All this spreads across me in reflective hues burning my memory bright.

We leave Kenya, for a time  We pack up our experiences to carry home along with the African dust on our feet.  Warm welcomes we received surrounds us with peace that stays behind, blessing those we've grown to love. Like the lingering colors of a breathtaking sunset, our lives here set only to dawn again another day.

Kwahari Kenya until we return!

SPeCIaL DeLIvErY

It came!

It finally came!

The long awaited shipment 

of donated school supplies and resources.

And was it worth it?  

You betcha!

So many of the gently used items are 

very expensive here and very poor quality 

or not available at all.  

The church in Momboleo

is going start THE BEST school.  

Do you know why? 

Because God said 

He would make sure the poor are cared for.

(Do a scripture study on helping the poor!)

Below are photos of the 

SPeCIaL DeLIvErY

and the story of how God brought it all together 

for the least of these.

(Matt 25:31- 46)

Two years ago we sat in a sweltering cafe, 

drinking mango juice with Pastor Jeremiah.

He shared how difficult it was to minister in a needy community when the church itself had so little.  

We discussed an idea...

  

What if we found donors and donations to match 

what the church raised and do a project that would 

bless the community in Jesus name?

We committed everything to God in prayer 

and traveled home.  

It would take two years to see God's plan unfold...

First, Jeremiah's church faithfully gave 

to construct a sturdy tin structure.

People stateside donated funds used to build 

a pit latrine and construct a fence 

(both necessary to start a school in Kenya).

Pagosa Springs students generously filled boxes with 

 books, binders, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, rulers,

paper, erasers, glue, and all sorts of supplies 

left over from the school term.

Friends from various churches gathered curriculum, resources, manipulatives and teaching aids.

More great friends transported the supplies to a safe place 

for storage that was provided by another great friend.

And even more great friends packed the donated shipping crates, counting and catagorizing each and every item.

Then, 

we waited... and prayed... and waited... and prayed.

Scripture says it's a good thing to wait on the Lord so we encouraged ourselves with those words. 

Waiting.. praying... waiting some more...always praying.

FINALLY

after refusing to pay bribes and experiencing daily delays  

the shipment arrived! 

Contagious excitement invaded in the community.  

Masai warriors helped unload the truck.

Different tribes working together for God's glory.

The line of cooperation brings boxes 

into the church.

So many supplies in a place 

that never experienced such things.

Sharing with the delivery men -  a m*slim 

 was in awe of the teamwork and unity.

The value of books... 

Everyone stops to look with wonder at God's provision. 

(Books here, even paperbacks, 

are scarce and usually cost 20usd each.)

Children gratefully embrace something

they don't have - toys.

Because of what God did and the way He did it, 

people asked for prayer in Jesus name.

(Our motto - Kingdom equation: Biblical Development + Evangelism = Sharing the Gospel)

Soon, a Christian school starts in this building by local believers - a blessing to the community.

This SPeCIaL DeLIvErY came through God's people working together - from small town USA to rural Kenya, 

from believers at different churches to believers from

different tribes, from Pagosa students and friends 

to forgotten children.  

And one great Asian in California who helped connect 

it through oceans and continents.

Asante sana.

You all made it a SPeCIaL DeLIvErY indeed!

hugs from the haugers O0ooo

What do you LOV?

LOV

living in Kenya... 

LOV

 that we're coming state-side in July to hug family and friends!  

LOV

 that God's leading us back to Kenya to keep
loving widows and orphans in Jesus' name.

              

The Lord led us to commit a year of our lives to serve orphans and widows in Kisumu, Kenya. That commitment comes to an end; but our time here has not.  

Because of your prayers, support and encouragement, we’ve seen His handed extended through ours. 

We LOV that...

• True orphans embraced with care while families are found from local churches to welcome them home. 
• 14 widows discipled to live for Christ and empowered to raise their children instead of placing them in orphanages. 
• DIG trainings can continue in three local churches with Kenyan facilitators. 
• A Christian school prepares to open in a rural area to serve the poor. 
• Missions’ messages taught monthly in a Kondele church. 
• The gospel shared through tracts, conversations, but mostly living with those who do not know a Heavenly Father full of mercy and grace. 

We feel deep gratitude for the work God has done in Kisumu among the oppressed. We sense He’s not done sharing who He made us to be. Holy Spirit’s tug gently pulls us into new projects that will multiply His influence in the lives of those forgotten.                 Many have asked us, 

“Why Kenya? 

Why don’t you work in USA where the needs are many?” 

Our answer is, 

"We’re called. 

We've ministered for years in the States

and when Father God equips for service, 

you don’t argue location.

It’s best to just say, 

'Yes. Here I am. Send me.' ” 

Other questions we’ve been asked are, 

“What’s next and how can we help?” 

Answer: 

"Read on"...

Many widowed mammas here come from very difficult places - a culture that practices polygamy and devalues females, lack of education, lack of resources, severe neglect and abandonment. The vision is to create a resource center that minister to these mammas holistically and trains churches to do the same. We will offer Bible studies, skills training, DIG seminars, parenting classes and reproductive health teaching and child care. We LOV to see more women prepared to serve their communities by finding their positions in God’s kingdom. We LOV for churches to be ready to assist the overwhelming population of widows and single moms that timidly hang on the fringes of community.

We will also offer adoption information to churches and orphanages so they can advocate for families to adopt parentless children. We plan to train caregivers in child development, and methods to practice strong bonding and attachment activities. Providing these services can keep vulnerable children from becoming 

victims of neglect and institutionalization.  

LOV!

         

Continuing with water purification and visiting disabled children are on the agenda. 

LOV some more!

Last but not least, our family is actively pursuing foster/adoption of a 3-year old true orphan (totally abandoned at birth) with mild cerebral palsy. The daunting process has numerous obstacles but we’re plowing forward.

                                                (Notice the heart-shaped mark on his face
                                                       from his very 1st ice cream cone.)

 This little guy NEEDS A FAMILY! 

 We would LOV to be that family! 

          3 ways you can help us to LOV:

• Commit to defending the cause of the oppressed through prayer. 
• Give to start/operate the resource center. We are half way there but need sponsors to donate towards equipment and resources. Any size gift will help. Total start up: estimated at $3,994.Total monthly management: estimated at $2,140. 
• People willing to serve short term or long term in evangelistic based development. 

We’ll be back in the states mid-July for 2 months. We would LOV to visit at your church, organization, bible study or simply share over an American mocha... and maybe some of Sarah's cupcakes... or Kevin's chocolate chip cookies... or even George's granola... mmmm! See ya soon!

Contact us at mlthauger@hotmail.com

LOV n hugs from the haugers oooo

Asante tena

Our passion with children here in Kenya is sharing Jesus.   

Many of these precious ones are orphaned, abused, neglected, 

infected with HIV, physically challenged by severe birth defects. 

They may be abandoned, but they are not forgotten. 

 Jesus inscribed them on the palms of His hands. 

He is their reason for living.  

He is their joy.  

He is their hope. 

They are His glory - fearfully and wonderfully made.  

Asante sana for the gifts 

of developmentally appropriate toys, backpacks and bibles.

Asante sana for the financial donations.

Your kindness helps us show God's love in tangible ways.

Mungu akubariki Rafikis.

(God bless you Friends.)

hugs from the haugers ooo

Tax-deductable gifts can be made to 
CARE

P.O. Box 3543

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.  

with a sticky note directing the funds to 

CARE4Nations - Kenya.

Or visit the sidebar and make a donation through paypal.

.09 seconds for 2 hours

This .09 second video clip (thanks Casey) was our experience for two hours. An experience that speaks...

                              

Descending the Rift Valley escarpment, Mark worked his 

way though the winding road as rain began to fall in 

earnest.  Along the flat bottom, cars had stopped… 

Wildlife? An accident? Then, we saw it move – earth 

heaving toward us, throbbing with water from the 

mountains. Dirt, silt, small trees and large rocks churned along the side of the car, some rolling violently across 

our path.It seemed surreal, like someone had planted 

an invisible movie screen outside the window. 

We were in the flood zone with no way out.

We waited. We prayed. We watched, amazed and a 

little concerned as the muddy water flushed out onto 

the Serengeti savannah stretched before us. Masai 

observed from the hills, leaning on their spears, murmuring 

to one another. Mutatus, trucks and automobiles shifted 

back and forth, trying to avoid high waters that broke over 

the road. Fretful faces stared at the strong currents slipping 

under their vehicles. Uneasy tension rose with the water.  

That’s when I heard the still small Voice of scripture 

bubbling in my mind.

 

“When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit 

of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” 

Isaiah 59:19 KJV

Yes, we all know those times when we feel the enemy’s 

presence on every side. Pressed down by torrents of tests, 

trials and temptations.  Crises overwhelm us like a deluge; 

we struggle to keep our heads above, gasping for the breath 

of God. Those times inundated with trouble, remember 

the promise – He rises up a standard of protection and 

provision.  Truly a lesson to meditate upon considering our situation.  These words comforted me, yet something 

unexpected seeped in…

“Move the comma.”

“Huh?”

“What if the comma came after the word enemy instead 

of flood?”

(For all of you who think I just blasphemed by “changing 

scripture” I certainly did not. Consider the word flood in 

this verse means nahar – prosperity, sparkle, cheerful.)

“When the enemy comes in, 

like a flood the Spirit of the Lord 

shall lift up a standard against him.”

I saw God in the flood. He agitates cleansing currents 

against evil influences, whipping the weights that so 

easily beset us. His rolling presence penetrates the drought 

of our neglect, breaking up hard ground so new life can 

grow.  He is in the flood - powerful, surging, bring a standard 

of obedience and blessing (Isaiah 28:2).

I gazed at the rising filth with new eyes.  I saw sin being 

swept away.  I saw God’s covering hand holding us as 

His strength removed the debris that pollutes our souls 

(Psalm 90:5). His intensity to rush in like a flood to save 

made sure a way out. His waters overwhelm with grace. 

In the midst of a storm in central Kenya, that delayed our 

best-laid plans for hours, God spoke. When life experiences 

feel like drowning waves, the Lord’s standard comes in like 

a flood of freedom  (Ezekiel 47:1-9).

Asante sana for your prayer, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Mother's Day and Masai

Mother's Day (or Mum's Day as they say in Kenya) celebrates those who influence lives with motherly love by nurturing unconditionally.  Below are a few faces of "moms" in Kenya...

Phoebe, a beautiful mom in who makes and sells peanut butter to provide for her daughter.

Ruth, a wise and gentle grandmother who cares for her grandchildren by sewing dresses.

A child-headed household where "mom' is a 12 year old girl, faithfully carrying her small siblings to church.

A motherless child who looks for arms to hold her.

Whatever you do to honor motherhood in your life today 

please remember the hundred million children in this world who long to have a mom to hold them.  

If orphaned children are asked what they want, 

they never say - " a big house" or "education" or "more sponsors"or "visits from donors." 

They inevitably answer they want - "a mom."  

Please pray for the mammas and children 

we serve here in Kenya.  

May the work God's given us to do continue 

to help them grow together as families in His redeeming love.

A Visit with Masai...

They peeked through the bushes, watching tentatively 

as we left the tin church building.

We waved them over with the 

welcoming words of Swahili greetings.

Sohoyto smiled, 

making introductions in with his few English phrases.

Lazaro wasn't as talkative 

but readily accepted the sweets we offered.

Obviously curious about the chair Lisa uses, 

we shared the tract that Lisa wrote with them, 

which explains the gospel.

After a fun visit and group picture, 

we invited them to church next Sunday.

Please pray the join us and learn more about 

Father God, their creator 

and Jesus, the Savior of the world. 

Happy Mother's Day from the Haugers, 

especially from Lisa who is so very grateful to be a mom

and prays God will always fill her life with children.

Caesy's doing great, 

learning lots and hugely helping the ministries she visits.

So grateful for her teachable spirit and willingness to serve.

Everyone loves her! 

Thanks for you prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Quick update...

 Casey's here. 

FINALLY!  

What a long haul - after 48 hours on planes and in airports 

she arrived late without luggage.  

As we say here - Karibu Kenya (Welcome to Kenya) and "Akuna matata!"(No worries).

We set off from Jomo Kenyatta for the journey home.  Wild Kenya did not disappoint Casey's desire for adventure.  She experienced raging flood waters off the Rift Valley escarpment as baboons dotted the roadside.  

Casey sharing her dance talents 

with an youth group at Covenant of Peace.

African worship is always moving so Casey fits right in.

When the luggage finally arrived, it was Christmas in May! We opened suitcases filled with special treats sent by special friends.  We're so grateful Becky, Ellen, Kiki, Linda, Robbie and Margaret! Thanks for blessing us. Taleah squealed in delight and Tavin's big grin went from ear to ear. Mark kept saying they should remember to share... with him! 

               Lisa reads all her birthday cards early, 

much to Taivn's shock. Ha!  

  Don't worry about her opening them early. 

She's sure to read them over and over again, 

before and after her birthday.

The bakery shirts are a blast. We're gonna invite Kenyans visit this new coffee shop in Pagosa.  Ministry items for the orphaned kiddo's are perfect.  Can't wait to play with them, to share new Bible lessons and encourage healthy child development.

                        
                          

Ministry updates...

We continue to pour ourselves 

into the children and babies at New Life.

Although many see these children as burdensome, their precious lives mean so mach to God and to us

We've been asked to do a training on transitions - preparing care workers and children for changes that come through adoption.  We pray this is an open door for more interaction on adoption issues, much needed for these 

abandoned little ones.

The education center in Mambo Leo is getting ready for 
the shipment of school supplies 
donated from Pagosa Springs students.  

The mandatory fence is being constructed, a pit latrine stands ready for children, and the school building waits for windows, a floor, benches and tables. By assisting this church to open
this center, orphans and widows can receive much needed resources.  James 1:27 in action. 

If anyone would like to donate towards these needs that will help provide quality Christian education for orphaned children and discipleship-skills training for young/single widowed moms, please visit the sidebar to see how to give or contact us for more information.

Our kids being goofy! But that's not new. Ha!

Coming up is more DIG training with our beautiful widowed mammas.  Tavin plays futbal in Nairobi and Taleah visits the City Council and Kisumu History Museum.  Mark and Casey will attend a free water purification seminar.  We'll be visiting the children at Joyland, New Life, and Covenant Home. We'll be ministering at Agape for street boys, Disciples of Mercy HIV clinic and the local churches. We also plan to take Casey for an overnight in Carolyne's rural village.

Please remember us before the Lord; May we continue to find favor by His grace. 

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers

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

It’s Good Friday

and I’m thinking about death. 

I’ve been perplexed by recent deaths – 

Franklin, a young man we admired 

who was fighting kidney disease and 

Benta, a young widowed mom we trained 

who became our dear friend. 

The last few weeks carry shock at youth dying 

because simple medical treatments were not available. 

These days bring grief of a teary-eyed boy and girl, 

now orphaned by the scourge of AIDS. 

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 

life, raw and ugly. 

I studied the research of 1.5 million children orphaned 

by disease and destruction. 

I read the stories of victimized widows 

who sold their bodies to feed their babies. 

I understood the extremely alarming statistics 

on mortality rate, life expectancy, and per capita income. 

But now I see poverty devour. 

I hear anguish cry. 

I taste the bitterness. 

I feel the life of Kenya’s oppressed.

 The recent deaths vibrating WHY, WHY, WHY… 

It’s Good Friday 

and tonight I’ll celebrate worship with Jesus friends, 

sharing communion. 

I’ll remember His sacrifice and 

let these deaths be swallowed in victory. 

Franklin told his mom he was leaving her in peace. 

Benta created a ministry/business 

to provide for her son and daughter. 

The WHYs will fade because 

I trust the Eternal WHO gave His life. 

The grey hardness of suffering 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.

                                          

       You can read the story Benta Shares on this blog.

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.