Giving Thanks from Kenya

We thank God for each of you as you pray for and encourage our work here in Africa!  You are a blessing to us and the world as we partner together to empower lives!

Just a few minutes ago I was with a dozen people who traveled 14 hours across Kenya to come to our training center here in Kenya.  2 hours of that journey was on foot and as we finished our session of training they all gave thanks. When you come from a village where clean water is a luxury and hope is being drained by the challenges for adequate food and resources – you hold onto those relationships that can pull you through and give you hope for tomorrow. These 12 people from the  same church in Mochongoi, Kenya have told me to please express appreciation to all of our staff and ministry family who have helped make this time possible for their lives. It has been only three and  a half days and they finish tomorrow but they are not the same as when they came. Today they are filled with thanksgiving to God. 

Ideas are now filling their minds and our fellowship together in God’s Word has renewed their spirits. It is this momentum that launches needy lives onto new paths of hope and practical steps to break the chokehold of poverty. As each of our ministry areas here in Africa communicates the results for the year –  it is amazing to see that we have reached and impacted 13,860 people so far in 2010. This does not include the 1,750 people that we purchased milk from yesterday (and every day) in Kipkaren through the dairy plant. For this and the changed lives these numbers represents we give thanks!

Recently I visited with Pastor Wesley on the other side of the Kerio Valley.  His life has been changed over the past year because of the trainings he received. A gentleman named Timothy on this side of the valley was so impacted by the training that he has over the past two years connected almost 1,000 other people with ELI and our extension program (Farmer Field Trainings). These are exciting days.

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Sounds From Sunday

The  sound of the children’s voices on Sunday morning have touched me deeply as they worship in church. Imagine yourself in our training hall in Ilula, Kenya as 20 kids from our Children’s Home sing with all their hearts to God during todays’ chapel service.

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Sharing God’s Word in ZIWA, Kenya

The audio Post was made on my way to the church service.  Over 300 people came and for sure it was an amazing time of encouragement.  I shared from 1 John 3:3 on the theme Mambo Bado (Things are not yet complete) and challenged them to do all they can to be right with God and to work together to make things right in the villages where they live. After the service I visited Pastor Sainas’ home and saw again the wonderful projects he has established at his small compound as a result of the ELI training he received to help support his family.  GREAT people and village – terrible 40 miles of potholes and crumbled road – but I thank God for another safe journey to and from.

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Water of Life / ELI helps reach needy women in Kenya

The life for women in Africa is difficult and demanding. Many are rarely appreciated for the work they do in their homes. Water Of Life Fellowship (So. Calif.) is right now helping lead a special conference at our Training Center in Kipkaren, Kenya. Pray for God’s favor on this important time and encouragement for the women of Kenya.

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Pastors Training in Session!

We thank God for the many friends who have come together to strengthen the work of Empowering Lives! Jim Mann of North Hills Church (So. Calif.) is today finishing up a pastors training workshop at our ELI Training Center in Ilula, Kenya.

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In route to Nairobi

As a family we are traveling with Dick and Ellie Bossard (Amy’s parents) as they begin the journey back to the USA. Today we passed through Nakuru National Park. God blessed us with great weather and beautiful displays of His creation.

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Water Of Life Team arrives at ELI Kipkaren Training Center Today

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Getting ready for Sudan

Don will be heading to Sudan sometime in February but this weekend two of our Kenyan directors will be going to work with our staff in Bor, Sudan for three weeks. Please pray as this is an important time for setting clear goals, training of staff, strengthening our CLASS SPONSORSHIP program at our school in Kolmarek, and trainings for pastors and youth. Please note that January 9th is a countrywide vote that will change the course of the nation. Pray for Sudan.

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Moving Performance

Seeing the children from our ELI Children’s Home in Ilula, Kenya perform today for over 400 people was very moving. They were fantastic as they shared scripture – song – dance during the graduation ceremony for Samro School (Where our 96 orphans attend). Ten more of the children are graduating from 8th grade and will soon be head off to High School (making a total of 19 of our Ilula kids in HS in 2011). It’s wonderful to see how God has transformed these little lives into young men and women that we are all so proud of.

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More Photos of Matunda Training – Kenya

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