No Holiday for Schools in Nyanza

The article below was published in the Daily Nation newspaper last week.  

Even though this years extended school term resulted in our having to cancel the CML April Students' Camp, we were able to interact with the students by doing in-school ministry (see the "April Mission" post for details and pictures).

We offer our support and encouragement to all students as they prepare for the second term and pray that peace and stability will continue in Nyanza and throughout Kenya.

No Holiday for Schools in Nyanza Province

By Mangoa Mosota

Schools in Nyanza that were affected by post-election violence will continue with studies during the April holidays.

Provincial Director of Education, Mr Geoffrey Cherongis, said the Government had reached an agreement with head teachers on the matter.
"We have discussed the issue and agreed that learning should continue to recover lost time," said Cherongis. In January, at the height of post-election chaos, learning was paralysed in most schools in the province as teachers and students were threatened. " 

Pupils and students in the region do the same examinations with others in the country. It is important that we cover the syllabus," said the PDE.

Most learning institutions in the region re-opened for the first term after Prime Minister, Mr Raila Odinga, then the ODM leader, urged supporters to stop disrupting education.

April Mission

What a wonderful and busy time we had during our 14 day April Mission trip "upcountry"!

We ministered in 8 schools, held an all day meeting with local teachers, picked up 6 Student Scholarship Application forms, delivered school supplies, planted trees and provided treatment for 20 children with ringworm.

The first Saturday was by far our busiest day, ministering at three schools. Starting at 6am and finishing at 11pm, we went to Kanyawanga Boys' School; where over a dozen young men celebrated their recent Baptism,

Korderobara Boys' School; where we enjoyed sharing stories, teachings and God's word in the great outdoors,

and the Moi Institute of Technology(MIT); where I gave a personal testimony and spoke about  "Prosperity and Success"according to Jesus.

Our Team consisting of William, Tom, Evans Wagoro and myself was also joined by some wonderful teachers during the course of the Mission.

We were grateful for the opportunity to minister at Korderobara Boys' High School for the first time and we want to thank Mrs. Okeyo, the Christian Union, for the warm welcome we received and for inviting us to return next term. We were blessed by the powerful testimony she shared during our session and appreciate the love and compassion she has for her students.

Below is Mrs. Okeyo as she led the boys in a Praise song and then later posed for a photo with Evans, Tom and William.

We also ministered at Owiro-Akoko Girls', Kokuro Boys' and Dede Girls' schools.

Above the girls at Owiro-Akoko listened and took notes. During our session at Kokuro Boys', teacher George Kienga encouraged the boys with a story about the challenges he faced as a student and how he overcame them.

 

Below is William as he gave an informative and encouraging message about Academic Excellence and Life Purpose. 

Evans is speaking from his heart as he teaches about overcoming Peer Pressure. I then spoke about HIV/AIDS.

An open forum followed this session and the girls had lots of good questions!

Our meeting with local teachers was an opportunity to spend some time with the people who know the students better given that they work with them on a daily basis. We started with worship and prayer, led by Evans, a message of encouragement by myself and proceeded to a brief session of sharing the vision and goals of the CML Ministry. We wanted to hear from the teachers what challenges they and the students were facing so that we can be more effective in our ministry. 

An informative and open discussion was held and we were enlightened regarding some serious issues that affect the students. We also listened to the teachers concerns and they gave us some good suggestions and lots of encouragement to continue sowing into the spiritual lives of the youth. Some of the issues raised were the impact of family problems on the students, concealed sexual abuse, improper use of contraceptives, abortion and negative effects of overemphasis on academic achievement. We were asked to address these challenges/issues in our teaching sessions or consider them in separate special topics as we minister to the youths. We were also strongly challenged to consider extending our ministry missions to the younger generation in the Primary level schools. 

Please pray with us as we seek the Lord's guidance on how to address these sensitive issues and challenges in a way that will bring His truth to each subject and will edify His people.

We concluded our Mission with several confirmed ministry dates in May and June, including a weekend challenge at Nduru Boys' High School from May 23rd, 24th to 25th. We have much excitement as we look forward to the next school term.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support.

Be Blessed,

Denise Davenport

For CML

Sunday Ministry Session at St. Georges Girls School

On March 9th Laura Dickerson and I were given an opportunity to minister to the students at St. Georges Girls' School in Nairobi. This school holds a special place in my heart for two reasons; 1) it was the first school I ever visited with the CML Ministry and 2) the girls always hold an awesome student led Worship service! What a blessing joining such enthusiastic girls as they praised God, prayed and gave testimonies.

After worship, Laura gave a timely message “God's Truth About Women”. Acknowledging that many cultures and even some of the Churches founding forefathers taught that women had less potential than men, Laura wanted to assure the girls that God values them equally and that they can excel in all areas of life.

Expanding on the following 5 truths, Laura went on to encourage the girls to continue searching the scriptures to fully understand their value and potential.

1) God formed women and men equally in His image
2) Women and men are equally fallen
3) Women and men are equally redeemable through the life, death and resurrection of Christ
4) Women and men are equal heirs to the Kingdom
5) Women and men can be equally filled with the Holy Spirit

We thank Mrs. Wario and all the students of St. Georges for a wonderful time of fellowship.

In Christ,
Denise

April Students’ Camp Cancelled

After consulting with teachers, CU Patrons and school officials, we have determined that it would not be viable to hold the April Students’ Camp. We have therefore cancelled the April Camp due to the extended term and tuition schedule that resulted from the late school openings earlier this year.

We are, however, organizing a Mission to the Rongo District from April 5th to April 18th. This will be a follow-up Mission to the recent February/March mission in the area, and we are planning to conduct in-school ministry sessions and hold meetings with the teachers who have expressed interest in Partnering with CML.

Please note that during this period CML Staff will have limited access to the Internet, but will respond to inquires and emails upon returning to Nairobi.

Thank you and God Bless!