Our non profit organization establishes community relationships among the impoverished to bring a tangible response and support for development.
We aim to help people understand who they are in Christ and empower them to make decisions about how to use community resources to better their lives, solve problems. Realizing that God has plans and purposes for each life- everyone can contribute, each life has value and can contribute to making the community a better place to live.
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!!
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!!!
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.
Okay, so how many of you are familiar with the verse " ...obedience is better than sacrifice.." ? and what exactly does that mean? In the context of the scripture in Samuel, Saul had heard God. But, Saul thought he knew a better thing to do- perform a huge sacrifice of rams- thus doing God a great service- piling up his own "works" and effectively having a bargaining chip with God in return for God's protection, provision or any other "need" that might arise. Sacrifice is the earmark of religion: if we do something, we get something in return. While obedience occurs when there is a personal relationship with God- you trust Him, He tells you stuff, you listen and you respond- you trust Him some more! And man, it is fun to be in relationship... but it is stressful too! The adventure of serving God obediently is truly the story of Bringing Miracles, Inc. Without God, we would not even exist.(great worship song) Without His people responding to a nudge to help this ministry, we would be totally broke. Without people hearing God call them to minister to the most vulnerable children in Kibera, they would become hopeless. Bringing Miracles, Inc is very thankful that two special,obedient young ladies have heard the call to go and minister. Jess Smith has just arrived in Nairobi and will be visiting for 3 weeks. She also felt a nudge to begin fundraising for a new school building, which is a huge encouragement to ALL of us. Because of this, the water project is on hold so we don't have to move and redo pipes until the new structure is in place. Please pray with us that funds will come in to allow us to complete the project and not leave anything done half way. God is faithful and He is an awesome provider! Go here if you can help us with a donation Let's build something special together! Here is a part of the current school facility:
This is Jess and her mom Shelly on departure day!
Trusting God to use her mightily at the children's center :)
Bwana asafiwe!
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Natalie Stapleton met Monica at our visit to the Pattons' home in September 2012. We did not realize it at the time but, the Lord had been stirring Natalie's heart to minister to the orphan and vulnerable long before we met her. She later contacted me to say she really wanted to go and spend some time at the children's center. We began to pray and seek God and stayed in constant contact. She got all her vaccinations and began fund raising. Even before she reached her goal, she stepped out in faith and purchased her flight- a huge step of faith! We know God is preparing her for great things :)
Would you go to Kibera?
Bringing Miracles, Inc is planning a Fall 2013 trip to Kenya. Cindy will be going for a month, Lord willing, from mid-September to mid-October. Please pray and ask God if He needs you there? Planning,booking flights, etc will be taking place very soon. Call if you have questions:704-283-8553
Even if you can't go, please pray for God's provision, favor at work to get time off, strength in my physical body and whatever you feel lead to pray! Thanks for your prayers and support!
Have you ever been really thirsty? Maybe you have been outside ,enjoying a nice walk and your mouth feels a little dry- so you run inside the house and fill up a cup with some cool water and gulp it down- ahhhhh! You decide to fill up another cup to sip and enjoy now that the initial need to quench has been satiated :)
Nothing unusual about that, right? But, suppose you had been born in a 3rd world nation, what then?
It would consume your time and energy just to locate water, find a way to transport it, sterilize it and then have a little to drink- perhaps taking 1/3 of your day just for a cup of cold water- oops- it won't be cold- but it WILL quench that thirst! Some of you are saying...well that isn't my problem- true. But you can be a part of helping make water readily available to the vulnerable children in Kibera. If we ALL donate a little, it will go a long way!
Matthew 10:42
New International Version (NIV)
42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."
We have a video describing what the current water situation is at the children's center in Kibera, Kenya. We have raised 2/3 of the funding to complete the Clean Water Project. Help us finish strong so we can send funds to complete the project! Project deadline is April 7th!!
Donate now! click here or mail us and save admin fees here
Meet Ramses from Sudan!!
Monica introduces us and tells us about Ramses- please pray for him and his siblings!
Kenya Bound!
Join us in praying for Natalie Stapleton as she prepares to go to Kibera, Kenya this June to volunteer alongside Monica and the rest of the team at the Miracle Victory Children's Centre! This young lady will soon graduate from high school and has a heart to minister to the children in Kibera. We know that God is already there working in lives and will go ahead of Natalie as she prepares spiritually for this adventure. Believe with us that every need will be met on this trip!
You want to go too??!!
Send an email and we will give more information about upcoming trips to Kibera, Kenya!
We wanted to share a few more of the pictures from the day the children of Miracle Victory Children's Center received their dolls and their new mosquito nets, new chairs and blackboards... (photos courtesy of Mark McCoy and students 2012 and Monica)
We had new wooden chairs made in bright primary colors, reinforcing lessons on teaching about colors
Monica preparing to give each child their own special doll, made and prayed over by the Kindred Hearts team at Lakeview Baptist church
Sasa (hello)!
Back home in Kibera, the reality of life struggles
grab at my heart- but not just on an emotional level.
The needs scream for attention! As a microbiologist by trade, I know that our friends in Kibera face true
risk of infection as they must slog their way through
alleys of refuse and human waste in virtually every square inch of the slum. We want to address these needs as quickly as possible.
Phase 1 Complete
Early in December we were able to complete phase 1 of the project. The floors of the school were plastered, allowing for better sanitation. It was a difficult task, but well worth the effort! The staff took part in achieving phase 1 and I am so proud of their efforts.
New cement under wooden desks
Phase 2 begins...
Phase 2 of the hygiene improvements involves the purchase of a 1,000 liter tank, installation and pipe laying by Nairobi Water and Sewerage, building a cement base to contain the tank and the installation of a new bathroom. This is a huge project! It is expensive - but so necessary for the improved, healthy lives we want to provide for the children. Please pray about what your involvement might be- can you have a fundraiser toward these efforts? could your church make a special offering toward this project? Estimated costs for the entire project are $1700.
This is an existing tank with cement base required in the installation
Mosquito Nets
The mosquito nets have arrived! Delivery will take place tomorrow!! We were able to purchase 150 nets. They are sold in bundles of 50 - giving us a better rate than buying them singly. The children will be instructed on proper use at home, so the whole family can benefit from the repellent treated nets. Special thanks to Lakeview Baptist Kindred Hearts for raising money for the purchase of these nets. These nets will save lives from deadly malarial disease.
Meet Leone
Leone's Aunt brought him to the children's center after learning that we provide food, education, love and care to vulnerable children in Kibera slum. It is great to see his sweet smile. When Leone first arrived he was listless and sad, unwilling to interact with the others. You see, both parents died of HIV. Now he is happy, well fed and loves coming to the center! His smile lights up a room:)
The children are tested every 3 months for HIV. They receive drug therapy and proper nutrition- without a good diet many children have died ; but our center has been congratulated for our care!
Thanks for being one to help pour out the love of God on these vulnerable ones.
Prayer concerns
Finances for continued support of the center, fixed budget is running at $1240 per month. (anyone wanting a break down of expenses can ask for it and we will send you budget spread sheets via email)
Pray for staff that they will continue to work hard and know their needs will be met- the Lord God provides.
The children will continue to grow strong spiritually, physically and mentally- God has great plans for them!
Means to complete phase 2 of the hygienic upgrade at the center
Monica has alerted me that with upcoming elections- the atmosphere is volatile and school had to be closed for almost a week. Kiberans are keeping a close eye on events and want change and a renewed sense of hope. Please pray for them! The last elections brought with them a surge in violence- many at our center are orphaned because a parent was killed during the events that followed the election. May God provide leaders with integrity and clear plans to improve life in Kenya. God forbid the intentional stirring up of tribal hate during this election. Give insight, wisdom and discernment to all - leaders with an eye to justice, strength of convictions and the support of a united Kenya!
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