June Mission-Part 2

This entry will conclude our report on the June Mission.

Another high point of this Mission was the invitation CML received to attend and participate in two different programs held at Kanga Primary School. These two events; Kanga Primary School Education Day and the Kuja Zonal Education Day, were attended by students, parents, teachers, administrative staff and various District Education Officials.

This was a wonderful opportunity for us to speak to all stakeholders involved in the learning process and at the same time show our support for local students. We were also able to present the Kuja Zonal Education Quality Assurance & Standards Officer, Madam Huldah, with a copy of the Josh McDowell’s “Youth Counseling Handbook”. For now, until we are able to provide more copies, this handbook will be shared amongst 14 Primary Schools located within the Kuja Educational Zone.

The June Mission also marked our first time of ministering to students at the Primary School level. Receiving a warm reception, we were also challenged to present topics in a new and engaging manner that would meet the needs of, and appeal to the younger students. While we were greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm of the younger children, we also realized that the teaching sessions for them can be rather challenging because of their relatively short attention span compared to that of their older high school counterparts. To improve our effectiveness in ministering to these young ones, we are hoping to blend our teaching sessions with some skits or dramas to make the message more appealing through illustrations.

Another first time event for CML during the June Mission was the official launching of an Income Generating Project for a small group of local community women. In Kenya, and specifically in Nyanza Province, women are among the most affected and vulnerable groups in terms of poverty and HIV/AIDS. This new initiative is part of CML’s long term Entrepreneurial vision to provide skills learning opportunities and assistance to vulnerable members of the rural communities we serve.

The 15 ladies participating in this Project will have an opportunity to learn skills that will enable them to financially support themselves and their families while at the same time provide a time of fellowship amongst themselves and their neighbors. Learning to make jewelry that can be sold in the local markets and in the United States is just the beginning and we believe that over a period of time, additional skills will be incorporated in the program. To ensure project continuity and growth, these pioneer trainee participants will in-turn be involved in training other interested community members.

In addition to the ministry activities and joyous time of fellowship with students and teachers, CML also celebrated another special event that took place during the June Mission. Denise and I have announced our plans to wed! Having worked together for over a year and a half, we want to share our commitment and passion to serve God and His people, not only in ministry, but also in life as a couple. With the wedding to be held in Kitere sometime before the end of this year, we will soon post the date and remaining details. It is our hope and prayer that our families, friends and co-workers will be able to join us for this blessed event.

We thank God for a successful Mission, the CML volunteers and for your continued prayers and support. We look forward to the upcoming August Students' Camp and future Missions.

Blessings!