Current School

So excited for changes to come 

New School drawing

Our prayers are being answered and the long held hope is beginning to visualize- hallelujah! Tommy Burch and Emory Wilson fly out to Kenya January 18th. Some of you may remember Tommy from our August fundraiser. He and his wife Janis, from Jesup, Georgia had asked for prayer at the end of the worship service. They wanted to do something significant for God and wanted us to pray with them to understand exactly what God would have them do for Him. From that point, Tommy and Janis would need to fill in how the decision was finally made to go to Kenya and build the school. We believe that it is all a God connection! From the time we visited the ladies from Calvary Baptist Church last fall, God has had a plan!

Tommy and Emory will stay with Monica and her family for 2 weeks, working alongside our Kenyan contractor Paul Obiya. Please pray for everyone and for the building process. We are trusting God to strengthen, give wisdom, cultural fluidity, excellent planning, safety & provision. We know God is able to do above and beyond whatever we might ask or think on our own. The children and  teachers are completely thrilled and can't wait for the new school. Pray for them too!      Here is the architectural drawing of how the school is designed, it follows the lay of the land that we purchased last year. We have also started fundraising, our 2 man team cannot do this alone! They are working with about $25,000 that was donated by the generosity of an anonymous donor in the Georgia area. We hope to raise the necessary $75,000 to complete the structure. There are also more needs for each classroom, chairs, desks, blackboards, paper, pencils, textbooks, etc

Please check out our fundraiser site :https://www.fundraise.com/bringing-miracles-inc/school-build-in-kibera-slum   Or you can engage with us directly and save the fees involved. Thank you so much!

I have been there and seen the needs of these children. The heartache is real, the stories of incredible strength and hope in the midst of horrendous obstacles is humbling and very powerful. Jesus has plans for each child, really each person involved in the school. They have all seen their share of heartache and loss, but Jesus, through His shed blood, has bought redemption for those that receive His mercy, love and grace. They are getting a taste of His goodness and love.

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!!