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.