2009 April Students' Camp

A week of fellowship, encouragement, spiritual enrichment and fun was had by all, when 48 young people (and a few young at heart!) gathered at Kanga Boys High School for CML's 2009 April Students Camp.

Blessed with several new students, many returning "regulars" and four 2008 graduates (Fred, Kassim, Clifford and Elisha) that came as invited speakers, we were also joined by our dear friends David & Janene Waldrop, Amanda Smith and teacher Syprine Ogada. 

With the addition of new teachings, movie night and a drama competition for the students, we explored the Camp theme "Knowing Christ, the Foundation of our Faith" and learned new ways to incorporate our faith into everyday life. Games, outdoor activities, Praise & Worship and hearty fellowship around the dinner table were also an enjoyable part of the week!

Excited with the opportunity to express themselves through drama during this Camp, we discovered that these kids were very creative and had some amazing talent. Asked to give a 20 minute drama based on a topic they had learned something about during the Camp, the teams explored subject matters such as; redemption, substance abuse, the intricacies of relationships,  and culture traditions in opposition to Christan values. 

Below are pictures of each team presenting their drama,  and let me just say that the competition was very tough to judge! Team 3 won in the end however, and as their prize each member has been invited to Nairobi in August where they will attend a 5 day Youth Convention. As you can imagine, they were very happy!

This was David & Janenes first time to attend a CML Camp. They received a warm welcome for all the students, as well as an invitation to return again soon! Married over 30 years and parents to 5 children,  David and Janene were not only able to speak with knowledge and experience as they taught a session on "Relationships", but were also able to relate to the challenges teenagers face. 

Facilitating the session on "Jesus and Leadership" David emphasised the need for creativity, integrity, time management and transparency in a leaders life. Seen below, he also explained the importance in knowing the difference between one's "Circle of Influence" and "Circle of Concern".   

Several students were also surprised and grateful for the new Bibles they received, and we thank Janene's father for the wonderful gift of God's word!  

Always a delight to have at Camp, Mrs. Ogada and Amanda are not only awesome facilitators with multiple talents, but are also a lot of fun to spend time with. Just ask these kids!

A teacher by profession, Mrs. Ogada had much to say in her session about "Discipline" and encouraged everyone to cultivate the fruit of self-control.  Amanda's topic was "Jesus and everyday life challenges" and she used a personal story from her life, to illustrate how the test of character is given when no one is watching.  Both used scripture to highlight the perspective of Christ and His teachings about these issues and others such as integrity and peer-pressure.

Above, Amanda had a good laugh with her new friend Patrick about his sunglasses and below she enjoys a chapati with Maureen! 

As always, my favorite part of Camp was the interaction between the people....  God is all about relationships and I love to see Him working in the midst of His people! Whether debating a question during the small group workshop session....

....helping each other study....

....counseling  ...

....or just having fun, God is there at work!

And of course we had games! The 3 legged race was something new for most of these students and it took awhile to get the hang of it.

But once they realized the importance of "teamwork" ...they were off to the races! Outdoor games can teach profound spiritual lessons and offer insights to life, while allowing the students to have fun at the same time.

After Camp, William put on his student cap as he started a 9-month program called "Life-Forming Leadership Coaching". Here he is skyping with his teacher as Simba (one of our dogs) looks on. This program will not only assist in his personal growth, but will also help equip him to be more effective when he mentors and teaches other individuals and groups. The program uses Jesus as the supreme example of what a coach is. 

We are grateful for each student, facilitator, cook, watchman, supporter and prayer partner that helped make this camp possible, and most of all we give thanks to God for making the Camp successful! 

As the students head back to school to start their 2nd term, we want to make known the urgent need so many of them still have for assistance with school fee's. We realize that many people are feeling the pinch of the current economic downturn and are having to cut back, but ask that you and your family pray about sponsoring a Kenyan student.  We have over 20 students, both primary and high school level,  that will not be able to remain in school this year without your help. 

Please contact us by email at thechristianmile@yahoo.com for more information or visit the "Sponsor a Student" page on our website at http://web.me.com/denisedavenport.

Thank you and God Bless,

Denise & William

Feb & March Missions...Building our Faith!

Since our last blog entry much has been happening in the Ministry, in the lives of the students we work with and in our personal lives. Jesus said: "My Father is always at His work" and so it is.

Besides the visible results from the work of our hands, there is the "unseen" work that manifest itself through daily life circumstances, transformed attitudes and hearts. While this is difficult to report on, or demonstrate with pictures & video, we believe that it is one of the most important aspects of ministry. And best of all, it is something we don't do....but something that occurs as God works in and through the lives of His people by faith.

Some of you know that one of our Feb/March Mission projects was to begin Phase 1 of the CML Resource Center. Phase 1 is the first part of this Building Project that includes several stages in and of itself. On this trip the work planned included; fencing the compound, starting the construction of the house and getting estimate and plans for modification of the local Church building. To our surprise and delight, we were joined in this endeavor by several students who were out of school for mid-term break.

They arrived eager to help and were seriously excited about laying the foundation for something that others, who would come after them, would benefit from. Side by side we dug holes, carried water, mixed mud, hauled timber and faced daily challenges when things didn't go as planned. On days we weren't building, we conducted Ministry sessions at local High Schools.

In the middle of long hours of hard labor, intense heat, challenges with materials & supplies, disagreements & differences of opinions...... I saw God at work!

It's hard to imagine a better classroom than the one of life in community. It slowly dawned on me that we were witnessing, and indeed part of, one of God's amazing teaching methods. Allowed to encounter various trials and challenges, the content of one's heart and true character is revealed and any cracks in our own "personal" foundation become painfully visible. With love however, God has provided all the materials needed for reinforcement and repair. The molding, shaping and rebuilding process is not so pretty sometimes (especially when it includes things like complaining, whining & grumbling) but if we hang in there He will enable us to stand firm and true.

As we worked together building a man-made structure, we were given a "visual" of how God has been shaping our individual characters towards Christ-likeness and building us together into His Church- the body of Christ!

It was so truly humbling to observe the various stages of God's construction in all of us through the responses to the challenges and stress we encountered during this particular Mission.

While the Lord's work is not yet complete in any of us....we nonetheless see progress and the fruit of the Spirit slowly growing and manifesting through our lives!

With that said, we can now show you some pictures and give details on the Project and other most recent events:

Phase 1 of the CML Resource Center Building Project

FENCING THE COMPOUND:

In answer to our prayers, this land was given for the future home of the CML Resource Center! Our first step after the land was cleared was to start fencing.

In the above picture, Marwa and Joab work digging holes for the fence posts. Once the holes were dug, the poles were placed and secured with concrete.

Next came stringing the barbed wire. Wow, what a great fence! We hope to have the gate up by end month.

HOUSING:

With the vision of establishing the CML Ministry full time in the Rongo District and building a multi-purpose Center for the youth and community, we realized we would need somewhere to live. Williams 2- roomed "Simba"(bachelor's hut) has been a blessing, but can hardly contain the many students and visitors we receive.... not to mention, I don't have a kitchen there!

Originally we planned on building a ranch style brick house near the CML compound. However, due to shortage of funds (resulting from the current financial crisis) we decided to focus the use of the little funds available to the Programs that impact the students directly and to begin Phase 1 of the Resource Center Building Project.

Given the fact that we need to be "on-sight" throughout the construction Project (which may take a few years), and that we need a place the students can come and stay, we decided to: (1) build a very simple traditional style mud house for us, and (2) make modifications to the unused portion of the existing local Church building.

Together, these two facilities will serve as our home, headquarters for the CML office, and provide space for a small library, meeting area and guest quarters. Best of all, once the Resource Center is completed, the house and renovated space at the Church would still be used for other ministry purposes.

And so it was that on Feb 20th, joined by students, family members and friends, we broke ground for the house.

Below, are pictures of students mixing mud, 'mudding' the wall and various stages of the house building process.

MISSIONS TO SCHOOLS & 1st ANNUAL "KANGA-OPEN" SPORTS TOURNAMENT

In addition to the construction Projects, we also conducted 5 in-School Ministry Sessions and attended a Sports Tournament for local High Schools while upcountry.

We were greatly blessed visiting Ulanda Girls, Kokuro Boys, Kanga Boys, Sigiria Mixed School and Dede Girls to share God's word and interact with the students. Making this time even more special, we were joined by Elisha & George, two former students that have been active in the CML Ministry programs.



Elisha is one of last year's beneficiaries of the CML Students Scholarships, and he and George have both attended several of the CML Student Camps. Both these young men have amazing testimonies of God's provision and love in their lives and they likewise express their gratitude for CML and the opportunities and assistance the Ministry has given them.

Here is George speaking to the girls at Dede High School about finding God's will for their lives and encouraging them to avoid the temptations that cause so many to fall away.




Here Elisha is stressing a point as he addresses the boys at Kokuro High School. Having passed through the same challenges they are currently facing, he encourages the boys reminding them that they are not alone and that God's love and provision is there for them just as it was for him.



In addition to speaking at the schools, we were also able to distribute text books, school supplies and needed personal items to students. Here is William working out of the back of our truck, which became our library/supply store on wheels!





Simple items such as soap (for bathing & washing uniforms) toothpaste, toilet paper, shoe polish, sanitary pads, Vaseline and exercises books are often beyond the financial means of many Kenyan students.




The First Annual Kanga-Open Sports Tournament was held at Kanga Boys High School Feb 21st & 22nd. With several local High Schools participating, teams competed in soccer, basketball and volleyball. The event was well attended by students and people from the surrounding communities.

Once again we thank SoccerGrow for their partnership which made it possible for us to sponsor this event. In addition to the Soccer balls they provided, we were able to give assistance with a PA system, and provide trophies and certificates of participation.

We give thanks to God for all that He is doing as He builds our faith in all things!

Blessings,

Denise

SoccerGrow Partners with CML in Supporting budding Soccer Talents

The CML Sports Evangelism program is one aspect of our holistic approach in facilitating youth transformation in the schools and within the local communities. We believe that as they discover the varying talents and gifts that God has bestowed in them, the young people's positive Self Esteem gets boosted tremendously. 

It is worth noting that when one discovers that they were created with potential talent(s) for a purpose, the individual then starts to view God the Creator with due reverence, and themselves, with a sense of worth.  CML partners with SoccerGrow in facilitating the development of such talents in soccer through organized tournaments and provision of soccer equipment.  Above is our first short clip of the video taken during the finals of the Soccer Tournament held last year. 

We thank SoccerGrow for providing the soccer balls, field cones, and ball pumps. You too can support this youth transformation program. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact our partner SoccerGrow, or you may contact us directly through the address provided. We also invite you to check our previous blog entries on the CML Sports Evangelism Soccer Tournament. 

The youth are full of potential, together we can facilitate these talents through support and exposure. Let's join hands to make a difference. Amen.

A Session on Prayer for Students

On Sunday 25th January 2009, CML had the opportunity to minister at St. Georges Girls High School in Nairobi. This is one of the schools outside Rongo district with whom CML has maintained a good ministry working relationship. As usual, the girls were radiant, and after the praise and worship session, we were blessed with various presentations by the students.

Mrs Wario, the CU Patron then called on us to formally introduce ourselves as this was the first time Denise and I were ministering here as a couple. The students were very happy for us, and after the service, one of them was glad to hand Denise a note full of encouragement and prayer for blessings God's will upon our marriage life.

My wife Denise shared a valuable teaching on Prayer, focusing on three major aspects:

1. What is Prayer?
2. The Purpose of Prayer
3. The benefit of Prayer

Bellow is the teaching material she shared from:

As Christians we may talk a lot “about” God but may talk very little “to” God

1 John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

#1) What is Prayer?

Simply put prayer is communication with God.

The Hebrew word for prayer, "li-heet-pallel," comes from the root "pallel," which means to inspect. The prefix "li-heet" is the reflexive form - denoting an action that one does to oneself. "Li-heet- pallel," therefore, is an act of personal introspection.

When you are in relationship with someone you communicate with them, you talk to them & listen to them. Mom and dad, girlfriends, boyfriends, family etc….It is a two way communication…talking and listening facilitates intimacy between those “in relationship”. “Be still & know I am the Lord”…. through prayer we realize the reality of God’s presence with us. After Adam, but prior to Jesus communication with God was not so simple. God spoke directly to Adam but that changed after sin.

The 1st communication we see after the Garden of Eden is an offering given by Cain & Abel…sacrifices of grain and animals. Original Hebrew word for sacrifice is korban /Koran meaning to “come close”. After the temple was built communications was done largely through the High Priest. Exodus and Leviticus gives elaborate details of how the Priest was to be the intercessor or “go between” for God and man. There was danger of immediate death if he was not properly consecrated, hence the Priest had bells on hem of garment. Like getting an audience with the President…would you expect to just be able and walk into the Office of the President and speak to President Kibaki or Obama?

Prayer is Privileged communication bought with the blood of Christ. Prayer can be short, long, simple, eloquent, spoken, non-spoken, said in public, private, early in the morning, late at night, for others, for yourself or just for God…there is no wrong way or right way. We are to pray without ceasing….

Eph 3:12 “ Because of Christ and our faith in Him we can NOW come fearlessly into God’s presence assured of His glad welcome.”


# 2) What is the purpose of Prayer? A.C.T.S.

A = Adoration
Adore God, love Him and praise Him for who He is.
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all."1 Chronicles 29:11

Praise (worship & exalt the Lord) – The Psalms are songs of praise exalting the character & attributes of God… they were read or sung. Praise helps sensitize us to the awesomeness of God…when His character is put in perspective and we can no help but worship Him. Psalm 66:4 says “All the earth shall worship thee”

C = Confession
Admit your sins to God, ask for His forgiveness through faith that Jesus died for our sins. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9


Confession- Luke 18:13“- Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

T = Thanksgiving
Thank God for answered prayers, for the good things He has done in your life. For growth. "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

S = Supplication (supplication, making a request unto the Lord)
Pray for your family and friends, for those who are sick or sad. Pray for those who are not Christians yet. Pray for your own spiritual growth and any other needs that you may have.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. "Matthew 7:7

Phil 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Seek and secure the will of God. The purpose of prayer is to get our lives aligned with God. Jesus taught us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. This is the most basic purpose of prayer. More specifically desiring God’s will be done on earth is tantamount to getting his will done in my life.

Intersession- Abraham pleaded for Sodom; Job prayed for his children, the Prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah prayed for the children of Israel. 1 Tim 2:1 Therefore I 1exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
Jesus pleads for us=Hebrews 7:25. "He (JESUS) is able to save forever those who draw near to God through him, because he always lives to make intercession for them".

The reading of psalms was viewed in Jewish tradition as a vehicle for gaining God's favor…much like we sometimes view prayer. They are thus often specially recited in times of trouble, such as poverty, disease, or physical danger; However Jewish scholars agree that this practice was not designed to achieve favor, as such, but rather to teach belief in Divine Providence and thus embrace these truths into one's consciousness. “Romans 12:2 - be transformed by the renewing of your mind “then” you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.”

To say that "prayer changes things" is not as close to the truth as saying, "Prayer changes me.” The ultimate purpose for prayer is to help us see ourselves as God sees us and thus be transformed.


#3) What are the benefits/provisions of prayer?

Salvation- "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4.12) " if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) 


Pardon- 1 John 1: 9 - “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins”

Protection & DELIVERANCE- James 5:13 - If any of you are in trouble, he should pray....
Psalm 86:1 &2 - Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge a fortress of defense to save me. For you are my rock and my fortress

Comfort- 2 Cor 1:3 - who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Peace- Psalm 122:6 - “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.”

Wisdom

Guidance

Strength & firm foundation to resist temptation –Luke 22:40- "pray that you may not enter into temptation”

2 Cor 13:7 - Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable.


Col 1:9-12- For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy..."

Healing- James 5:14 - Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

I pray that you also may benefit from this teaching and develop a prayerful life in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Promising Future Soccer Professionals

In our holistic approach, the CML Sports Evangelism Program is also intended to facilitate the flourishing of young talents through appropriate exposure to talent development opportunities. Apart from facilitating social growth, physical development, Spiritual nourishment, behavior change and reduction of stress amongst the youth, the Sports Evangelism program is also aimed at facilitating the identification and nurturing of the budding soccer talents in the youth. To the extent that this program achieves any of its objectives, we owe all the Glory to God and much gratitude to SoccerGrow.org, our cherished partner.

During the last Soccer tournament that ended on the December 14th 2008, Kenneth Oloo and Douglas Ogolla were identified amongst the best disciplined players. They are both 15 years old and participated in the Primary Schools Category. Douglas played for Kitere Primary School team while Kenneth played for Toku Primary School team. As we reported in the CML blog, Kitere Primary School finished 2nd after Toku Primary School beat them in the finals. Both boys were very instrumental in bringing their respective teams to the finals.

Kenneth holding the prizes his team won in the finals.

Douglas during the tournament.

Both Douglas and Kenneth (see photos attached) were Grade 8 candidates in their respective schools last year. Even as they participated in the soccer tournament, they were at the same time preparing for the final year-end examinations. They managed to balance their time well between academics and sports, and successfully sat for the exams in November last year. The results are out and both have qualified to proceed to High School- Form 1 (Freshmen) this year. Kenneth performed much better and has already secured admission to Kanga High School. Douglas is yet to receive his admission letter.

We believe that the promotion to High School will grant these young boys the exposure that will facilitate the flourishing of their talent in soccer. They will be participating in the annual High School Soccer Tournaments. They both have the potential to develop their talent to great success.

This is the challenge: both boys’ parents are not able to pay their high school tuition fees, and neither are they able to provide for the basic supplies necessary for high school boarding students. At the current exchange rate, Kenneth’s admission letter requires that he pays US$ 300 Tuition for this academic year and the supplies would cost an additional US$ 130. We anticipate Douglas’ admission letter would have similar financial requirements.

You can be instrumental in promoting these boys, and many others like them, if only you can dare believe they have the potential and take a simple action. Such facilitating action may take many forms including:

1. Donating soccer equipment

2. Contributing towards their Tuition Expenses

3. Arranging and financing an excursion trip for a friendly match

4. Sponsoring a tournament

5. Recommending them to a Sponsor

6. Making a trip to encourage them personally

You can do something today, You can build future Soccer Professionals!

Do not hesitate to contact us through e-mail: thechristianmile@yahoo.com

Blessings.

Our first in-campus mission in 2009.

On Sunday 18th January, my wife Denise and I had our first in-campus mission this year at the Marion Senior School located within Kahawa-West in Nairobi. This is a private boarding high school for both boys and girls.

The students had just finished their lively praise and worship session when we arrived. We were warmly welcomed by the Christian Union Patron Madam Mercy Gichohi accompanied by the Students’ leader. We later learned that the entire students’ body assembles for the service every Sunday morning till 11am. This time the number was relatively small because the Form 1 students had not yet been admitted.

We had a blessed time watching and listening to the presentations offered by the students. The items ranged from songs, poems to encouragements from Scripture. It was great to witness the students exercising the gifts and talents God has given them, all to the glory of His name.

We were informed that the School had chosen “FAITH” to be the theme for the term. Madam Mercy formally welcomed us to introduce ourselves. Thereafter, my wife introduced the session on Faith. She started by giving both the dictionary definition and the Biblical Definition of faith.

Dictionary Faith:
- Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.

- Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.

- Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one's supporters.

- Often in Christianity, the theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.

- The body of dogma of a religion: the Muslim faith.

- A set of principles or beliefs.

Biblical Faith:
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) - “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

“Christianity is distinguished not by its faith, but rather by the object of its Object of faith”

Based on the Hebrews chapter 11, Denise proceeded to emphasize the three aspects of the Christian Faith:

Objective faith- the fundamental biblical truth about Who God Is, His relationship with Man, Purpose for man, the sinful nature of man, Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, and ultimate plans for man.

Subjective faith- man’s active response towards the Object of faith- believing the Holy Scripture, accepting and receiving Jesus Christ as the personal Lord and Savior, total surrender and commitment of ones life into His hands for safekeeping.

Active faith- Objective faith and Subjective faith leads to an active obedience to the One being trusted. The one exercising faith undergoes transformation, progressively living out that which he/she believes, in conduct, behavior and speech. Christ-likeness being the ultimate goal of this Transformation.

Christian faith helps the believer to endure, persevere and prevail in the face of daily life challenges. It is the gift of God through which we obtain eternal life.

I then concluded by highlighting the fact that the youth of today needs the Christian faith to resist negative peer pressure, to maintain sexual purity, to abstain from drug & substance abuse, to resist the urge to cheat in exams, to obey authorities and refrain from destructive strikes, to develop a healthy self esteem, to make right choices in career and relationships, and to develop a godly perspective of success in life.

Madam Mercy finished with a word of prayer before seeing us off to the parking lot.

We thank the Lord for the opportunity to be a blessing to Marion School students, just as they were a blessing to us that morning.

In all these, May the Lord God be Glorified.

Amen.

Student Sponsorship Opportunities

We thank all the CML partners for their support that facilitated the successful launch of the CML Scholarship program last year. Your prayers and financial support went a long way in enabling several needy students to continue with school during the last year. More than 12 High School Students and 10 Primary School Students benefited from the CML Scholarship Fund in 2008. Three young people managed to graduate from high school through your support. We specially thank God for you and pray that you continue to be a blessing to others as His blessings continue to abound for you in 2009 and beyond.

This year, we continue to offer this invitation for you to pray about giving a gift that will have a direct and lasting impact in the lives of young Kenyans. So many bright, dedicated teenagers are unable to complete their education. This in turn contributes to the cycle of poverty and ignorance. It also affects the young people’s understanding, appreciation and belief in God as the Father who cares and provides for them.

For the youth we have profiled below, the separation, loss of one or both parents or the ensuing lack of finances has resulted in their missing school or accumulating large “Past Due Balances”. Nevertheless, these challenges have not diminished their hope or determination to succeed!

As you read about the students below, please note that School fees vary by school and grade and reflect the annual cost. The “Additional Est. Cost” covers the necessary items boarding students must supply such as uniforms, socks & shoes, gym attire, mattresses, sheets, blankets, washing basins, soap and hygiene products. Having purchased these items for numerous students in the past year, we estimate the cost to be between$300- $350.00 per student per year.

If you are a student yourself, consider making this a school project. In addition to meeting the financial need of a Kenyan student, we believe this would provide you and your school a positive cross-cultural learning experience.

We will continually be updating this blog entry with information on other needy students and other information as necessary. Please do feel free to invite your other friends to pray about this ministry opportunity.

For more information or any questions, Please do not hesitate to e-mail us at:

thechristianmile@yahoo.com

Tilly Atieno Ouma - Age 15
Tilly is a very soft spoken, bright, Form 3 student that attends Ulanda Girls' High School. An orphan, she and her 3 siblings are being cared for by their uncles. The uncles, who are also responsible for their own children and other extended family members, often are unable to pay Tilly’s school fees and she has in the past, missed some school because of this. In spite of the difficulties she has faced, her academic performance has been excellent and she finished 1st in her class of 195 students this past term. Tilly benefited from the CML Scholarship program last year.

In a short paper about her career goals, Tilly writes “ My role models are doctors...they motivate me and make me know that if they made it...I can also make it. Being a girl doesn’t hinder me from fulfilling my dreams, not even my background. God is always present... and has good plans for my future”. With this positive attitude and all A’s in Chemistry, Math, Physics & Biology -her dream of being a Doctor is very possible. Tilly says that her faith, prayers, and discipline keep her going and provide her with hope for the future.

2009 School fees: $ 582.00 USD Additional Est. Cost: $300.00 USD
TOTAL COST for this school year: $882.00 USD

Collins Odhiambo Okoth - Age 16

Collins is the only boy in a family consisting of 4 sisters and his mother. The death of his father in 2005 was devastating for his family and brought with it many financial hardships. With a meager income of about $30.00 per month, it has been difficult for his mother to pay school fees for 5 children. As a result, Collins' oldest sister had to quite school and his school performance has been affected by absenteeism.

He has not been able to afford school fees for boarding and has therefore opted to be a day scholar at Sigiria Mixed School. Collins is among those who benefited from the CML Scholarship program in 2008.

In spite of that, his teachers say he is a sensitive, hard working and dedicated young man with good potential. Collins is now in From 3, and he says that he wants to become a lawyer and "help people of my area and community".

2009 School fees: $150.00 USD Additional Est. Cost: $250.00 USD

TOTAL COST for this year: $400.00 USD

Rebecca Adhiambo Ododa - Age 16
Rebecca is a Form 3 student currently attending Dede Girls High School. Rebecca is an above average student and had received invitations from Private Schools in Nairobi to join High School but could not accept due to lack of finances. She was 3rd in her class in 2008. Her mother died in 2003 and her father is left to support her and 3 other children on less than $100 per month. He sold the family cows to pay for her school fees in 2007. Last year, Rebacca is among those who benefited from the CML Scholarship program.

Her teachers report that besides her superb academic performance, Rebecca is a humble, polite and dedicated student. She is active in drama, sports and the church youth choir. Rebecca's dream of becoming a Doctor would be made possible with your help.

2009 School fees: $359.00 USD Additional Est. Cost: $300.00 USD
TOTAL COST for this school year: $659.00 USD

Maureen Achieng Okaka - Age 18
Maureen is a very quiet and humble young lady. A partial orphan with only her elderly father to support her and 4 other siblings, she is currently staying with one of her teachers and wants more than anything to be able to return to school and complete her education.

Her teacher and Pastor report that she is a God-fearing girl of good character and was a good student. Her past school transcripts show that she was indeed an above average student. Due to lack of money for school fees, Maureen missed 1st term school in 2008. She was however able to join Form 2 in 2nd term as a result of support through the CML Scholarship program. Even then, Maureen managed to be 4th in her class of 37 students last year. With your financial help, she would continue and complete Form 3 this year.

2009 School fees: $353.00 USD Additional Est. Cost: $300.00 USD
TOTAL COST for this school year: $653.00 USD

Andrew Baraka Some - Age 18
Baraka and his 4 siblings are total orphans. Due to extreme poverty, only one of his siblings has been able to complete high school. With the help of his 25 year old brother who himself quit school and took a job doing bicycle repair, Baraka has been able to be on and off school. His dream of being one of the few in the family to complete school also includes going on to become an engineer so he can also help his younger siblings and the disadvantaged in the community.

His past academic performance show good grades and great potential if his school attendance can be maintained without absenteeism due to lack of school fees.

2009 School fees: $383.00 USD

Additional Est. Cost: $300.00 USD
(Past Due Balance: $850.00)
TOTAL COST for this school year: $683.00 USD

You can mail donations for Student Scholarships to the address below. If you want to sponsor a specific student, please attach a note bearing the student’s name.

On the check memo line, write “Davenport CML Account #2686”

Global Outreach International
P. O. Box 1
Tupelo, MS 38802.

Please Note:

All donations for Student Scholarships, including any remaining funds after payment of actual expenses for a specific student, will remain in the CML Students’ Scholarship fund and would be used for the sole purpose of assisting other needy students.

Blessings!