December 9th to 13th, we hosted 50 youth from 14 different schools for five days of Discipleship Camp.
The Camp’s theme, “In Christ, You Are a Leader”, focused on our call as believers to lead in all areas of our life. Establishing an understanding of “Who God Is” and “Who We are In Christ” first, we went on to learn about what constitutes Godly character and how we can lead by example in our homes, schools, communities and relationships.
The above picture shows a passionate Elishah Otewa speaking about being "salt" and “light” in the world. With no minimum age or educational requirement, we can all act like salt to enhance, or flavor, our relationships with others and shine or reflect the light of Christ where we encounter darkness, fear, sorrow, injustice and oppression.
Too often referred to as the “Church of Tomorrow” youth, like those above, can loose the zeal they have as new believers waiting for their time to participate. We learned, however, that all believers became part of Christ's Church the very day they first believe and never have to wait to be part of what God is doing in them and through them. God’s plan for how He reveals Himself to the world through those who believe includes students as well people of all ages, communities and races.
Besides the teachings and discussion sessions we also made time for games! Football (or soccer for our American readers) was played and we had other games instructive in helping students learn how to listen, follow directions and lead.
The favorite game this Camp, “Turning over a new leaf”.....or "sheet" in this case. With 7 team members standing on a sheet the goal is to completely turn it over without anyone stepping off the sheet. Not an easy task and one that requires leadership, teamwork and imagination. Below two teams race each other.
During the Camp, we met with recent graduates to discuss an idea they have for a Magazine that will target youth attending local boarding schools. They want to provide a quarterly publication that will have articles teaching God's word, giving health tips, sharing testimonies and allowing students to share their problems and prayer concerns. Below Marwa, Tilly and Rebecca present their business plan, specific ideas for articles and how they plan to attract advertisers. We are so proud of these kids and can't wait for the first publication!
Saying goodbye is always the hardest part of Camp. Posing with Rebecca, Tilly and Elisha before they leave, we also waved goodbye to other students as they go out the gate and down the road heading home.
KAKWARA BAPTIST CHURCH YOUTH CONFERENCE
A day following the Discipleship Camp we joined the Kakwara Baptist Church “Arise & Shine” Youth Conference. With over 100 youth attending and an equal number of adults, this was an awesome opportunity to encourage and equip the Body of Christ.
William spoke about how to "Arise & Shine" in the world and I spoke about "Shining through Salvation". Each session was packed with the overflow sitting in the hall. Finally we took the sessions outside.
RUSINGA ISLAND
Following the Camp and Conference, we accompanied two students, Hemstone & Brian, to their grandmothers home on Rusinga Island.
Family photo with the boys in front of their grandmother's home.
In between all the other ministry events- work has been non-stop to complete the new CML primary school which opened on Jan 3rd 2011.
Let me start by saying that this project (building & starting a Primary School) was way beyond anything I envisioned happening at this time, but my husband, a visionary, sees things I would never imagine, so my faith gets stretched!
Our school is considered a “private” school and teaches Baby class through class 4. The school has been approved by the Kenyan Ministry of Education to teach the required Kenyan curriculum and will also teach Christian fundamental principals. We currently have 4 Certified teachers and 2 assistant teachers.
Additional toilets and desks are all that remain to be completed. Otherwise the school year is underway!
