We Wish You a Merry Christmas from Kibera!!

God's story is continuing here in Kibera! God is raising up people to mobilize and help build a school for these precious children. Please continue to pray for the energy, clarity and finances to be raised for the project to begin and for it to be completed in excellence. Right now, we want to focus on prayer and trusting God to see this through to completion. I trust God to touch hearts to want to be a part of glorifying God in Kibera, Kenya; by joining with us in building a school in the heart of this community. As the community sees this school they will know the love of the God who cares about the least, who loves them more than any one.

Can you be a part of this legacy to change the landscape of Kibera? To be a "city on a hill" that shines the light of His Love, His Joy & His Salvation?

Can you donate?DONATE NOW!

We cherish seeing the story of God's love being tangibly demonstrated through you. Little lives that have experienced care and nurturing through the food, clothes and gentle touch of a teacher that will walk with them in this life. 

God's story written long ago touches us now...if we choose to make Him our Lord and Savior. He sent His only Son to redeem our lives from brokenness. Let us bring our lives to Him this Christmas season, just as the wise men brought

GOLD....OUR KING

FRANKINCENSE...HIS PRESENCE

MYRRH...HIS DEATH FOR OUR NEW LIFE

MERRY CHRISTMAS & GOD'S BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR

Jesus LOVES the Little Ones

             This image of eyes on top of the buildings in Kibera, reminds me of the scripture:
      "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose         heart is completely His."

                                Prayer is an important part of each and every day!

Each Friday, the children assemble outside to declare their praise to God! They recite scripture, they sing, they pray...it is a wonderful way to start the day at Miracle Victory Children's Centre!

Teacher Melvin leads them during this particular Friday.

Here are a few of the precious children impacted by you and your generosity! The reason we do what we do- LOVE these kiddos!!

They are loved and nurtured by our staff of teachers. 

Richard(far left), Monica, me, Janet, Calvince, Janet A., Mercilyn and Celestine! (our cook)

We have spoken before about the tapestry that the Lord is weaving between lives, people and different ministry groups. I am in awe of God and it is a joy to serve Him and watch things unfold. I still can't see the entire masterpiece or understand just how this whole thing will come together- but God is faithful, He is good and I can put all my trust in Him. He loves these children more than I do, He is the Giver of life and the Creator of everything! He wants them to experience His great and perfect love.
Sharon, Jeff and other children waiting at the school's entrance :)
Oscar, Fidel, Little Cindy, Tracy- all Monica's children except Stacy



Stacy at her school, Nyawara Girls School




With Mark and several children visiting from the center-little Cindy too :)


Baobab trees were pretty cool, they make an interesting candy from the seeds.
the dry fruit pulp is covered in colored sugar and sold as a sweet and sour candy called “umbuyu”, we picked some up in Fort Jesus in Mombasa

learn more about the candy



Day one, this trip-
it makes it very hard to leave, love is a beautiful thing!

Prayer needs:

Monthly needs for the school (food,salaries, rent, utilities, supplies)
Provision for the teachers, their families, their health (little Janet has had a lung infection)
; creative ideas and ability to work with what materials they have
Children's health, spiritual growth, educational and recreational needs to be met
Monica's health and health of her family, spiritual growth of children and desire to 
become involved in the kingdom of God, guidance and wisdom for Monica
New school building project, money to undertake the project, people to have a vision 
and desire to help, that is will bring glory to God
Potential new partners to support the school, that the Lord will give discernment and clear direction
Speaking engagements in November, to wisely use the time and clearly express needs

Praising God for:

the 2nd estimate for the school- it was clear, well organized and less than 1/2 the original estimate!!
Several contacts since returning to the US, wanting to be involved!
Improved health for the students!
God's goodness and faithfulness at all times  <3



Donations joyfully accepted!

Open Your Mouth, Say Aghhhhhh!

He is finished and on the road to good health!

When you spend some time with the children, you see the smiles, you see them play and dance, you see them working so hard in their workbooks learning- but dig a little deeper and you notice the rashes, ringworm, dull hair, yellowed eyes and other signs of significant disease and deficiency. We worked with the sweet folks at Mercilin Clinic, a short walk from Miracle Victory Children's Center. They gave us a reasonable deal and working with local medical professionals was a pleasure. First step was to de-worm and give Vitamin A to all 148 children at the school, then we processed them at the clinic 5 at a time.

Elizabeth and me in front of Mercilin Clinic

First step is to de-worm and give vitamins

Mercilin Clinic's Dr. Abner and Elizabeth then began to do physical exams on each child after they were weighed and measured for height.

Ben assisted in measuring height and weight

Exam complete!! So happy!

Spending one on one time with the children at the center, going on our fun field trip to the zoo, helping to weigh and measure these precious ones ,told the story of obvious deficiencies in diet. The physical exams revealed desperate medical needs. One child had multiple lab tests run, but in the end the culprit was found to be malaria. It was worth it all to treat these little ones and send them on the road to healing.
I watched as the children exited the doctor's examining room, it seemed to me that they had an extra little lilt in their step! The knowledge that the supporters cared enough to take them to the doctor was evidenced by smiles, clutching tight to their very own bag of medicine and vitamins.
PS The deworm medicine was very effective, many children had "animals" come out of their bodies- they were terrified, but so thankful- their health will improve!!

Here are some pictures of our times in Kenya, enjoy!!


The children's accommodations in Malindi, they loved it!!


Our view at National Marine Park in Malindi


Rukia shows the children a crab!


Discovering God's creation, fish :)


The loved the beach in Malindi!

Malindi- many fun memories!


Church in Malindi


Church


Jeff gives God praise!!


Emily, Rose and Molly


Fort Jesus


Mombasa, at Fort Jesus

UPDATE!! Dreams for the Children of Miracle Victory...Why Kibera?

UPDATE!!! I have some very exciting news! While in Kibera, I got to visit a friend of Brian's, from his time in there ( in 2006-2007).Connie and I chatted about her work and then she asked about the ministry in Kibera. I shared with her about the potential new school and how much it was supposed to cost. She could not believe it would cost so much to build & I agreed with her. She wanted me to meet another building contractor that she greets just about every time she leaves her cute little apartment. We went to talk to Paul Obiah together and he showed us a job he was currently doing. I asked him if he would consider doing an estimate for me. at first he started the typical "mzungo" treatment and asked how much I would pay him. So, I said that my other estimate was free and he agreed to do it for free. A few days later, he presented me with a well organized, neat estimate that was more than 8 million Ks less than the first estimate! I was so thrilled!! The new school seems within reach now at about $90,000, instead of $200,000! And I thank God for directing it all. I know He has a good plan for a future for these children and teachers at Miracle Victory Children's Centre. 

Please keep praying and sharing the vision for the new school!

May God bless you BIG- as they say in Kenya!  :)

DONATIONS MADE HERE!!

The day after I arrived in Kibera, Monica spent the better part of a day negotiating with thugs and Chiefs that rule the settlement. She had to ensure protection of the property and assurances that the "slum lords"would remain our allies and protect our investment. Kibera is so different than any thing we can relate to in the US. We had to purchase 9 mud and stick shacks and then relocate the people living there, paying rent for them in a new place . As an outsider, looking in- I thought why is this heap of dirt costing so much! It is not that spacious, definitely not very attractive, I was not in love with this property at all. So, why should we pursue this? There are 148 children in Miracle Victory Children's Centre attending school, eating meals and snacks, being cared for medically, being nurtured spiritually and physically- within walking distance of the new school site.  Kibera, one of the largest slums in the world, is where our ministry began to some of the neediest children and we remain there to continue ministry. 

We cannot abandon them! Many have already been abandoned through violence, disease (AIDS) and other loss. Each one has their own story of devastation. Our God has been faithful to meet the huge needs and I trust Him to make a way that seems impossible to my own human eyes. He can do more than we can ever imagine or think- He owns the cattle on a thousand hills- He touches hearts to respond- He gives us our passions- He gives us our gifts, provision and our everything!

Please pray with us more than you ever have! 

Below is an architects drawing of a school that would accommodate the 148 children and allow them enough outdoor space to assemble. This also fits the land space that we have bought. The cost for this new school is $200,000- according to initial estimates; yes, you did hear me gasp!! But, with God...all things are possible!

Please share this need with your friends and neighbors! Share it with teenagers, share it with mission-minded folks- or non-mission-minded folks. You never know who God will use to complete this task! It might be an elementary student that wants to have a lemonade stand :) Maybe a middle or high school student would have a kickstarter (raise funds online- SO EASY) There are so many avenues and ways. 

The funds raised in May have been used to do the following:

buy 9 homes to obtain land for building

relocate all families living in the homes

pay rent for those that vacated the area

demolish buildings in order to begin new build

architect drawing

fence area to prevent squatters coming into the area (buy large wooden studs)

pay bribes to settlement leaders to ensure success

pay down-payment to cement company for xx cement during build

You can see that the task ahead is enormous! We really need help :)

Please donate if you can! Thanks SO MUCH!

PS. Yes, we still have our water tank and pipes- they are awaiting the school build to prevent having to re-do this during the mess of construction.

A Day in Kibera

I arrived in Kibera, 2 days after leaving Sweet Union county. Things have changed in Kibera. There is evidence of progress, but it might not be evident to eyes that have never gazed it's streets and tenements.

There is still hope!

The children are a loving and curious bunch. They greeted me sweetly, a few of them clinging to my hands, then one boy began to rub the "muzungo" arm and seemed to count my freckles. I noticed one little boy, with several scabby knots on his little head- was he hurt by an unruly caretaker? or was it just a rambunctious boy that played too hard among the rocks? or was it some type of infestation? I hope to find out more details as we start the health assessments.

Here are some photos that I hope will paint a picture for you- a day in the life of Kibera's people.

Teacher Melvin, leads the children in Friday morning assembly.  The children begin the day outside and they sing and pray. Several children came forward to recite scripture. It was beautiful to see them worship and share the word hidden in their heart.

 Demolition has begun! This is a huge praise report because we can't begin construction without first removing the old mud and metal sheet buildings. And we could not begin that until the very last resident had been relocated. Monica and team had to endure some difficult times in order to relocate the people. It was their responsibility to do so- and some residents had tried to incite a rebellion to keep people from leaving. Even though we legally owned the land, we could not make progress until they decided to leave and go to a new residence. But, praise God- with prayer and waiting on Him to show how to respond - they now are relocated and it is BEGINNING!

New life was begun for this new mom Irene. she gave birth in the clinic across from Miracle Victory! This clinic provides 24 hour medical care. They don't have much in the way of facilities, but they serve their community the best way they can!

Their original delivery room was destroyed by fire and this is the new temporary one.

This is Lillian, she used to be the school cook. She now stays home to care for her child. She has also been kind enough to store books and other supplies in a trunk for the school. I was troubled to hear that many tables, chairs, a chalkboard and other supplies had been stolen from the center. That requires them to daily remove things- such a hassle- and it means they have less to work with than I realized. Why do people steal and sell things that are used by needy children? Our broken world needs Jesus!! Please pray for Kenya. It's complicated, lack of work, lack of sustenance, lack of so much...

Little friends sit together outside of Lillian's home.

Kibera corridor leading to a main "street"

Monica's home, my place to stay for the next month.

Monica and Alice in the courtyard :) 

The needs continue to be huge and overwhelming. But, we serve a mighty and faithful God! Time and again He has revealed His goodness to us and He does not change. We trust God to continue supplying the vast needs.

Pray with us!

Taste of Kenya~benefiting the children of Kibera, Kenya

Precious children from Miracle & Victory Children's Centre

Hello friends!

Please make plans to come to Lakeview Baptist Church on
Saturday, August 31, 2013
6:30-8:30pm
1st hour- in the fellowship hall
2nd hour- in the sanctuary

The church is located at 4602 Concord Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
704-283-0019

This fundraiser will give folks the opportunity to sample Kenyan food, play some games, see one on Kenya's top gospel singers via video, pick up some recipe cards, bid at a silent auction and a time of prayer, testimony and praise! We will joyfully accept any donations on behalf of the children. This will allow us to continue tangibly showing the love of God to the vulnerable children of Miracle Victory Children's Centre. We want to keep providing education, a good meal, mosquito nets and medical care for the most needy kids- many orphaned and in desperate need of sponsors to help them realize their full potential.
Will YOU be one of the answers to their prayers? Will YOU make a commitment to pray and donate, even a small amount can BE the DIFFERENCE in their world by giving them hope and allowing them to see first hand the love of God demonstrated?
THANK YOU for being the world to a child in the 3rd world. We can't do it without YOU!!

Donations joyfully received for the children :)

If you're Happy and you Know it!!

A God Thing :)

Trying to follow God in life is filled with unexpected joys, heart-wrenching loss, total dependence on His goodness & faithfulness and thankfulness that the speck of faith that itself is God's gift to you- can grow and flourish because of things He has been working out in the tapestry of our interwoven lives.

I was introduced to Jess Smith via email mid April 2013 from Mark McCoy. Mark is a young man that came through the same mission program as my son Brian, a couple years later. Africa captured Mark's heart- like so many of us. You do need to come for yourself- let your heart be touched too :)  Mark contacted me to ask why I would start a non profit there & so I shared the story of how God brought Monica & me together. It seemed to touch his heart and we stayed in contact via email. He even built a better website and tried to set up a summer time fundraiser. Fast forward a few years and Mark is in Nairobi, Kenya starting a business to bring volunteers to the school and he introduces me to Jess Smith. Isn't God incredible??

The "things"  God sets up are pretty awesome. When each one decides to stop day dreaming and finally takes that leap of faith- ahhhh- the potential for great "things" abounds!!! His story writing the tapestry of these precious children's lives- and how each person chose to leap, not hold back...
KEEP LEAPING...KEEP TRUSTING GOD!!!


Please read and enjoy this beautiful young ladies guest post! Jess Smith...
http://bringingmiraclesinc.blogspot.com/2013/07/unexpected-joy.html

Unexpected Joy

Everyone thought I had lost it.  "You want to go to Africa?"  "Voluntarily?" "Alone??"  Against the majority of my family's wishes, I purchased a ticket to Nairobi to spend 2 and a half weeks living with and learning from the people of Kenya.  The first week was spent in the Kibera slum in Nairobi.  The second week we travelled to a small rural village in Western Kenya called Awasi to live with Monica's family and learn from the people of the Luo tribe.  Countless people offered me "advice" before I left.  "Don't get eaten by lions."  "You might get kidnapped… be careful."  "Don't wear an American flag."  Going to a foreign land without knowing one soul on the continent was probably a "risk".  But it was the best risk I've ever taken.  So on May 22, passport and vaccine card in hand, I hopped on one of two flights to Nairobi.  I was all smiles.

I became a Christian about four years ago.  Since then, Africa has constantly been on my mind.  For some reason I had to go to Africa.  I made excuses, lacked funds, lacked time, etc. for so many years.  And maybe it was meant to be, because the timing and placement of Mark and Monica in my life seemed all too perfect.  After following countless leads and researching so many organizations, I was ready to give up my search.  Again.  My last inquiry would be with Mark McCoy.  A friend I lived in Italy with mentioned in passing he had a friend who was moving to Nairobi that I should contact for any advice.  I thought sure why not… nothing else is sparking my interest.  Turns out Mark had just started up a business catering to people such as myself who wanted to see Africa.  After talking to Mark on that cold Minnesota evening in January, I knew I was going to Africa.  Finally.  

It is hard to fit my experiences and thoughts from my time in Kenya into tiny words on a computer.    There is something about Africa that steals your heart.  And it stole mine.  I never expected to love Kibera as much as I did.  A man who had been to Kenya numerous times said "You're going to be in Kibera that long?  Wow, that's a long time to spend there.  That will be really hard."  Turns out, my time there was not nearly enough.  All of my opinions on Africa influenced by American thought were completely turned upside-down.  Yes, Kibera is a slum.  Yes, there is trash.  Yes, there is poverty.  When you see past that you find joy and faith, pure and true.  The Kenyan people are the happiest, friendliest, strongest people I have ever met.  

Kibera:

It is impossible not to smile once you enter the Miracle and Victory Children's Center.  Those kids are special beyond words.  The MVCC is alive with life and joy.  We were greeted by 20 excited children as we walked to the school.  

We arrived to a beating drum and dancing children.  

Sweet music to my ears.  The school is crowded and lacks electricty.  The children have to use the bathroom outside the door.  The chairs are breaking.  There is no room for the children to lay their sleepy little heads.  There is such a need for a new school, and the kids are so excited to have one in their future!  The conditions of the school might be subpar, but it doesn't phase the moods of the teachers or children.  Their spirits are soaring.  The children are extremely well behaved and so eager to learn.  

It is so hard for them to concentrate in a room with three classes going on, but they try their hardest.  There is something special happening at the MVCC.  They take nothing for granted and make the best of what they have.  I hope those hungry little souls continue to be fed.

Best place in the world, Miracle and Victory Children's Center:

The wonderful cook at the school - she is cooking for 138 kids here.

 

The streets smell of delicious food cooking, the air is filled with lively Kenyan music and the views are riddled with smiling precious children.  Kibera made me happy and brought me so much joy.  This is a people that are very much alive.  They are constantly outdoors, mingling with one another.  Helping one another.  Depending on each other.  Finding creative way day in, day out to survive.  Something very interesting that I learned was how much they value education.  I remember hearing hopes and prayers that the children could find sponsorship to continue on in school.  It reminds me of what Jesus tells us in Luke 12:22-26:

     "So I tell you, don't worry about the food you need to live.  Don't worry about the clothes you need             for your body.  Life is more important than clothes.  Look at the birds.  They don't plant or harvest.  Birds don't save food in houses or barns.  But God takes care of them.  And you are worth much more than birds.  None of you can add any time to your life by worrying about it.  If you cannot do the little things, then why worry about the big things?"

You would think the people in the slums would be constantly overcome with worry as to where they will find their next meal.  What I saw was Luke 12:22-26 come to life.  They trust God to provide what they need for basic survival. The day before I left, I spent a lot of time talking to Janet about her current situation.  The previous evening, she was forced to skip school and purchase clothing in Nairobi to sell for a small profit in Kibera to feed her children.  I asked her if she ever worries or gets anxious that she will not be able to provide for her children.  Her response was strong and genuine, "No I do not worry.  I know God will provide."  I will never forget how sure and true her answer was.  The things that I worry about are so petty and are by no means life or death worries.  Janet, and countless other families in Kibera, deal with survival on a day to day basis and lay their anxieties and struggles at God's feet.  They are certain He will remain faithful and will provide.  We all have so much to learn from them.

Monica and Janet:

Kids at the center blowing kisses:

As we walked to church on Sunday in Kibera, the ground literally shook with worship.  They depend on God to provide everything.  Literally everything.  The joy and faith in Kibera is real.  But so is their poverty.  Their spirits are alive and full of laughter, but at times they are tired and hungry.  I saw far too many sad eyes of children with bulging bellies standing alone on the streets of Kibera.  They still need food and shelter.  The children at the center were so eager to have their photograph taken with their mug of porridge.  I hope those cups are never found empty.  

I urge anyone reading this that has been contemplating going to Kenya to visit Kibera to just go.  It will change your life and your heart in ways you cannot imagine.  I feel so blessed to have incredible women like Monica and Janet in my life.  I learned so much from the countless people I met in Kenya; whether it be a tiny, giggling 3 year old or a smiling, toothless old man. My heart breaks when I think of them - there is nowhere I would rather be at this time than in Kibera.  A little boy in Awasi, said something to me the night before we left that I will never forget.  He said "you can't leave Africa.  You are happy here."  Forget Western amenities.  Forget a mounting bank account and a "nice house."  I now know what true and pure happiness looks like.  I only saw a glimpse, but I think I've cracked the surface.  A life fully dependent on God is a joyful life.  A life not measured by your bank account or the type of car you drive is a happy life.  I dream of the day my feet are covered in Kibera dirt again.  I can't wait to see the sweet smiles of the children and hear the little voices yelling "how are you?  How are you?"  It is a gift worth everything and I hope some of you reading this will have the opportunity to experience it.  I made excuses for four years why "I can't go to Africa this year."  Stop making excuses.  There will always be something… but it can wait.  Get busy living. 

- Jess