Some Trust in Chariots...

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Trusting God for the Children

This song was one of my favorites during my youth.Psalm 20:7 I liked it because it was an upbeat, joyous song about our Lord, reminding us that even if others put their trust in the machines of war, our ultimate trust was to be in God. It is well to sing songs, but another matter to put trust in God for something you KNOW YOU CANNOT DO! But, He is my hope, my song, my strong tower, the lifter of my head, my everything in this world. I cannot look to any individual to provide enough money to meet the needs of orphans in a third world country. It is God that touches hearts, it is God that orchestrates connections, it is God that goes ahead and is in fact there in His omniscience, tenderly taking care of them much better than I ever could. So, we are declaring, we trust in you God! I have learned that I can’t trust how I feel anymore. This has been a very confusing, difficult year to walk through filled with exciting highs and devastating lows, but God does not change and I can count on God’s word and His faithfulness and that is enough. I will remember the name of the Lord MY GOD and we can continue saying that He is the One that has provided.

School Needs Text Books

In the last month, so much has happened! We were notified in September that changes had been made to the Kenyan School Syllabus, requiring the immediate purchase of brand new text books in each grade level. As you know, that is very expensive, but someone sent in funds at the perfect time, enabling us to purchase books. Thank you Jesus!!

Teacher Training & Shoes

Monica recently attended teacher training in Nukuru. She will be holding training sessions for the teachers at Miracle Victory Children Centre to pass along her newly acquired knowledge. At another training session, teachers were asked to list some of the major needs at their own schools. Monica decided to list the need for shoes as a high priority. What a blessing, when she later learned that the children would each receive a pair of Tom’s! Tom’s usually requires biannual follow up after a child has been given a pair of shoes. If that turns out to be the case, each child will receive a new pair of shoes every 6 months! How cool is THAT!! I was super excited about this because more than 2 years ago we had sought out Tom’s, filled out applications and attended meetings in Nairobi to investigate being a Tom’s partner. After expending lots of energy, we learned that we would be responsible for distributing 1000+ shoes biannually to children and be responsible for the shipping container and any taxes due. It was overwhelming to even think about the time, energy and expenses we might be faced with in this type of commitment, so we just put those ideas away on a shelf. But God, He had better provision for the children. He made arrangements for Monica to attend training, write down our needs and then later learn that Tom’s shoes would be delivered to our children!! So much better than my plans and the ensuing stress and responsibility. Thank you God for your goodness to the children!

School Demolition Slated

A little over a week ago, we learned from Paul Obia, our Kenyan Contractor, that our current school will be demolished because of it’s location. All shanties that are close to the railway will be demolished to make way for permanent structures. While this is a great step, it means we will not have a place to continue school coursework. We are trusting God and believing that money will come in to pay for the new school to be completed. God is able to do amazing things and we know He wants good for these children. He will touch people to give and there will be more than enough to continue feeding the children, providing teacher’s salaries, medicine and any other need that comes. The teachers have asked for a raise- I believe God will provide that as well!

I got an email from Paul last night, telling me that he was going to keep the men working, with the promise to pay them at the end of the week. normally he pays a daily salary. He is taking a huge leap of faith in doing this. These men and women rely on their salaries to feed their families. It is not like our first world realities. They shop daily for food because most do not own a refrigerator or have running water. Let’s step out in faith together and be a part of seeing these children continue school. With their new text books now in hand, help us make sure that they will not have to disrupt their education because of lack. Let’s complete the new school in time for them to move out of the old school and move in to the BRAND NEW SCHOOL!

Be a part of celebrating God’s provision, faithfulness and goodness!

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THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

Children Ask For Help

A friend of Monica’s made this video to help the children explain the importance of completing the new school as soon as possible.

Katie, the Traveling Teacher, Came to Visit!

Let me introduce you to Katie Ruth. She came to visit our school through Transparency Travel and she has a really big heart.We thank God for her and for His perfect timing. There are times when you have walked in a dry, lonely space...such as we have recently experienced with the sudden death of a lead teacher, our wise Janet..then God sends new hope and vision. Katie has been traveling to different countries the past year, using her gift and love of teaching to work with children in schools. She, with the help of supportive friends and relatives, helped the children make their very own books! She also has an idea for sponsorship of the children, that we hope to implement as soon as possible. Here is a blog that Katie wrote after spending time at our school . Katie's blog is here :) 

Katie Ruth will be sharing with churches and other groups in the Chicago area. Just let us know if you would like for her to come and share with your  group!

UPDATE ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION:

Tommy and Janis Burch  made a very generous donation to  bring construction to a point of safety and protection, thus preventing the potential for damage. We thank God for their huge role in seeing the school built!! The children are overjoyed!! The teachers are excited too!! Without  their love and support, this project could not continue.

We are stepping out in faith and sending $9,000 to continue construction of the school. All glory to God for this! We are trusting  that God will continue helping us  complete this project  AND  continue providing for the entire school budget.  Thanks to the support of many loving people and my church, Lakeview  Baptist Church, First Baptist Church in Monroe and Hopewell Baptist Church, we were able to continue. God will bless all of you for your sacrificial love.

THERE IS ONLY A $50,000  need left :)   It is a LOT still...I know...but GOD IS ABLE!!!
Please pray, pray, pray...however God leads.

Help us build the school! Donate now :)

Katie Ruth outside at MVCC teaching the children

Children lining up for food

We wash our hands before lunch!

Satisfying and finger licking good!

Lunch time!!

So proud of their books!!

GOD We DESPERATELY need YOUR help!!!

****Please note that Monica has received funds via Western Union to pay for the burial , transport, and all other funding for Janet's burial.****

We are still reeling from the news of Janet's sudden death, funds are needed to cover all the expenses.(the nursery where her body is kept is charging daily fees, special outfits were made for her children, a burial dress for Janet, the car to transport family, her body and everything upcountry must be rented - delayed funeral because of heavy rains destroying roads) Fundraising is still ongoing for completing the new school- but is going at a snails pace. To be quite honest, even monthly budget expenses are difficult to raise. But most of ALL, I HATE focusing on money...HATE asking people for money...HATE the knots and cramps it does quite a number on...HATE the way it distracts and consumes my thoughts. Did I tell you how much I HATE talking about money??? My accountant husband is able to broach the subject easily, but not me...there is a blank stare, a heavy sigh and the desire to run far away when this subject is brought up.

On top of these issues... here is an email I just received from our Kenyan contractor. I thank God for him, a god fearing man and fair and decent businessman.

Hi Cindy,i hope you"re doing well.We thank God for our lives. Cindy i know it has not been easy to raise funds but i thank God who has brought us this far.

I just wanted to write to update you on how the project is .Cindy we did the form work ,but our main worry is majorly about the rains which has been damaging the timber and if it continues to rain for a long time then we may be forced to do the form work again and even buy new timber and poles  as well.

The price of steel is also likely to increase due to rise V.A.T.There"s also a security guard who is paid on weekly basis.

I know it is not a easy task but we are joining you in prayer so that everything may happen according to God"s will.If only we could get some funds to help us put the slab then we could be very safe but if things continue the they are ,then we might not be on the safe side.

Cindy we were suggesting that if the funds which have been donated so far may not be enough to put up the slab then we can even pay the steel before the prices goes up so much.

Hoping to hear from you soon .

With regards.Thanks in advance. 

Paul 

Please pray for us for clarity, hope, comfort, peace and in whatever way that the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. I have never done any of this before and I desperately need God's guidance and some favor with God and man.

Thank you so much!!

I have recently received some funds (hallelujah) but need more in order to help get the school where it needs to be to protect our investment thus far. So far, $36,000 has been raised and sent, the need is for $62,000 more. We have installed a fundraising indicator on the website that will be updated as funds are raised and sent. Please feel free to check it out here.

A LIFE WELL LIVED... A tribute to Janet Awino

                                 Janet loved teaching her young students in "baby class"

Janet preaching the word of God in Malindi. It was a strong word, imbued with the Holy Spirit.

We went to Fort Jesus, Mombasa, Kenya in September 2013 with 10 students from the school.

Janet Awino has been working at Miracle & Victory Children's Centre since the very beginning in 2007. She has been Monica's right arm, her confidante, her sounding board, her prayer partner and it is difficult to imagine the school without her strong, wise, sweet presence. Janet leaves behind 4 children; Quinta 15, Yvonne 12, Christine 9 and Dickson 7 years old. Janet had spent the last 2 years attending school each afternoon after finishing work at the center. She was trying to improve her teaching skills and show her children the importance of getting an education. She was so focused on her goals , even in the face of sheer exhaustion, she said it was not so bad. Janet did not see the glass half empty, she saw it as enough, she knew it could be refilled and emptied and she trusted God to do just that. 

Janet had major surgery several months ago. She was told that she would need at least 3 months to recuperate. She recently had become bored with staying home day after day and told Monica she wanted to go back to school and teach. The walk to school was a long, arduous one for her- most likely, things had not healed yet, or blood lost during surgery had not been fully restored. She recently expressed to Monica that she felt her strength was failing and her health was in a poor state. This Sunday Janet cried out to God in prayer, asking Him to either heal her or take her home. As she walked to school on Tuesday morning, she became very weak and called out to one of the students heading for school. She collapsed. As folks scrambled to contact the school, Janet left this world to be with her Father in heaven.

It just does not seem real that she is gone. At times my insides feel numb because the death of young , bright people is an everyday occurrence in Kibera. Tragedies abound, some more unbelievable than the next, but all are senseless to a first world view. 

Monica wants to see Janet through to her upcountry home. she wants to nurture and provide solace for the children that Janet leaves behind. Dickson has already moved into Monica's home, dreading his own home, absent his mother's embrace. The cost for burial is approximately $1850, some of which has been raised by well wishers. If you can help, please send a donation as soon as possible.

Please pray for her children, provision

MVCC school & students

Monica- wisdom, discernment, comfort, peace

Bringing Miracles, Inc

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This is REAL Life...Deborah's LIFE

Monica had posted some emotionally wracked  information about a girl named Deborah.

Hay friends meet Deborah she is Lillian daughter a woman whose husband was killed in 2007 post election violence she found her husband rotting in sack under the sewage water. Deborah has passed exams and qualified to join high school, but due to lack of school fees her dreams seems to be shattered. Today she was rescued while she was attempting suicide because her friends had all left for school. She was rescued by neighbour. Lillian cannot afford to pay for her daughter, I am asking for prayers and anyone feeling touched to support this girl to contact me, even prayers are accepted.

Monica had run into her and her family as she walked across the slum. She was horrified to find out that Deborah had become so distraught,that she had tried to commit suicide. They rescued her from ending her life.  As I read her post , I began to weep at the thought of this poor child becoming so hopeless, that she was willing to end the precious life she has been given. Deborah dreams of becoming a doctor. After doing some investigation, I found out that she been promised a scholarship. An organization, that made a promise was unable to provide one for her. She saw all of her friends leaving, preparing to go off to school. Her temporary setback suddenly seemed to be a crisis. In Kenya most children are sent away from home for high school years. This allows the child a chance to be away from home, away from daily housework and distraction. They can focus on their studies!  There are some extra purchases  necessary as a child prepares to go to high school. They must purchase a mattress & bedding, several sets of uniforms , shoes, underwear , socks ...  it all adds up as a family tries to send their child to school. Deborah's family had experienced the tragic loss of their father after the post election violence. He was found, rotting under a sack, causing not only emotional pain and loss, but also devastating the family financially.
Deborah's story is not unique. It is often repeated all over Kenya. Some very similar, some even more heart wrenching than the next.
Monica's plea on behalf of Deborah has had a happy ending. Someone has stepped forward to pay her tuition.
There are so many needs, so many Deborahs, so much we can help with... It becomes overwhelming. But, if we help the ONE in front of us... I think God is pleased with that!
May the Lord continue to allow us the privilege to keep helping. Donate if you can help!
You can designate how your gift will be used!
Scholarships
Medical
Malaria
School building
Teacher salary
Food
Uniforms
Books
Please continue to pray for us!
Donate NOW

Bringing Miracles, Inc. Serving Miracle Victory Children's Center, Kibera

Sharing this with the children at Lakeview Baptist missions group tonight!

News from Kenya & Haiti

PLEASE DONATE NOW

April 8, 2014/0 Comments/in News /by Cindy Baucom

Pictures of the new school being built.

Phase 2 began last week on Miracle Victory Children’s Centre. But we only got to this point, as seen in the pictures below. We went as far as the $10,000 was able to stretch. It is our hope to complete this school in the slum of Kibera, enabling 150 children to get an education and be instructed in the Word of God so they will know who they are in Christ and understand that God has plans and purposes for them! I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

His word is true in Kenya, it is true in Haiti, it is true in the US as well!! With God we do have a future filled with hope. Without God we have no hope!

It is true, that we can know this scripture and learn it by heart. We can make beautiful art, to remind us everyday…but unless we experience some tangible evidence that the God of the universe loves us, cares for us and wants good for us- it is really hard to “get it”. Bringing Miracles has been committed to feeding these precious ones physically and spiritually for 7 years and needs your help to make this school happen. They are being taught now, in  ramshackle buildings of tin and wood, some with dirt floors…but this new building would be a big step hygienically, structurally and in so many other ways. We are almost half way there! Would you please consider donating now?

                                                   PLEASE DONATE NOW!!!

I just heard some statistics today that might motivate you and increase your happiness 

Once all our physical needs are met, it is difficult to increase your level of happiness. It only happens when we do something bigger than ourselves. Won’t you decide to help a child in Kenya, who may not even have parents, who can never pay you back for your kindness, who is ecstatic at the chance to get an education?? I could tell their stories (very graphic- do you want that??) and try and lay a guilt trip on you for being born in the US or Sweden or some other wealthy nation?? Why not choose to do something for another human and stick your tongue out into the ugly face of selfishness and self serving garbage??

DO SOMETHING NOW, be a DOOR of CHANGE, be a beacon of encouragement, WALK THE TALK!! Even if you personally don’t have money, you can spread the word, do a kickstarter or other fundraiser, you might KNOW someone who could help. PLEASE SHARE THIS NEED!!

I can’t promise you blessings, but according to research, your HAPPINESS will increase BEYOND NORMAL!

The children did some prayer walking.

  

Paul Obiya, our Kenyan contractor is doing a great job! 

Pa

Haiti Medical Mission 2014

Haiti Medical Mission

April 8, 2014/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Cindy Baucom
We were able to help about 175 folks in Cite Soleil, a large slum on the outskirts of Port au Prince, Haiti. What I did not know before coming, was that it is regarded as one of the most dangerous areas in the western hemisphere. It some ways there are parallels to Kibera; raw sewage running in open canals, masses of severely impoverished living in close quarters and small dwellings dotting the streets. Maybe I have become slightly jaded, but there was not the joy and hopefulness of Kibera. Was it due to the pervading voodoo influence in the area or was it because they really are the poorest nation on earth? It is probably much more complex than that ,with so many witnessing horrible violence. Emory Wilson had invited me to come see the work they had been doing in Haiti. I told him I would pray about it, thinking I would get to see Gonaives, Haiti- where he and his wife had lived and served for many years. God had other plans and purposes for this trip! Instead, our team of seven would be running a medical clinic in the heart of Cite-Soleil slum, working alongside gang leaders, who would keep the peace and prevent a riot. Actually, it was the Lord God that protected us and set large angels to stand guard around us. People praying for our team told us that was how they prayed and I truly believe that God sent those angels out on a mission to protect us and keep us out of harms way. I am not a doctor, but in Haiti, I got to "play" one. We desperately prayed and cried out for God's direction in the treatment of multiple ailments and disease that had been eradicated in the US until the bright notion to refuse vaccinations raised it's head. So NOT a good idea folks! We saw measles, mumps, STDs, pus draining from ears, eyes and wounds and numerous other ailments! We were able to pray with many patients after treatment and had the privilege of leading a woman in the prayer for salvation. Praise God!!We were able to make many connections with people in the area and trust God to continue His work in that nation. Please pray for Emory Wilson, that God will direct his continued efforts in the nation of Haiti. They need Jesus.

Baptist Church in Matissade, Haiti where Pastor Elysio preaches

Some of our friends in Matissade

He was showing us his muscles!

Emory, Gordon , Laura Lynn and Pastor Elysio

Sorting out our medical supplies

Blood pressure check completed his exam

Box homes put in the middle of nowhere

Lonnie and Sondra were "pharmacists"

Ear check :)

Greg wrote patient symptoms down so we could help them

Emory and Apps

Greg checking our supplies

Gilnore translated for me

large slum on the outskirts of Port aitiA