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

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

 

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