Rongo Mission

"Thanks be to God" for the report Brother William brought back of a successful Mission held in Rongo District from 28th February to 17th March 2008!

Along with CML’s new volunteer Evans Wagoro, and with occasional assistance from local Christian Union (CU) Patrons, a total of 18 Learning Institutions were visited and six Ministry sessions were conducted.

Of the 14 High Schools, 2 Colleges and 2 Primary Schools visited; eight were first time visits for the purpose of introducing the CML Ministry Programs. A favorable response was given by six of these schools, and we look forward to a Ministry Partnership with them in the near future.

Maintaining a very busy schedule during the three week Mission, William was also able to meet with the Rongo District Education Officer, hold meetings with potential volunteers, deliver December Camp Certificates, distribute donated Bible Study materials and attend the wedding of a local Pastor….Whew!!

Below are some highlights and details of this exciting Mission.

Ministry Sessions:

Six ministry sessions as follows:

1. Manyatta Boys’ High School- 7th March

Evans Wagoro ministered on “Repentance”

2. Kanga Boys’ High School - 9th March

Evans Wagoro ministered on "Living a life Worthy of The Calling"

3. Dede Girls’ High School – 12th March

Issues handled: Emotional Problems, Self Esteem and Sexual Purity.

This was group counseling session with all students organized by Madam Carren, Head of Guidance & Counseling Department. William did a short introduction and Evans concluded the session. An Open Question forum was included at the end the session.

4. Owiro-Akoko Girls’ High School - 12th March
Theme: “Attitude and its effects on a person’s life” Session Facilitated by: Madam Carren from Dede Girls’ High School, George Kienga, CU Patron of Kokuro Boys’ High School and William.

5. Moi Institute of Technology (MIT) – 15th March

Evans Wagoro ministered on “Dedication to God- A life of Purity”

6. Mariwa Mixed High School – 16th March
Evans ministered on “Repentance”

CML December Camp Certificates:
Certificates were presented to the December 2007 Camp attendees as the CML Team visited their respective schools. Where they could not meet with the students personally, they left the Certificates with the CU Patrons.

Potential Facilitators & Co-workers:At least 7 High School Teachers involved in the Christian Union and Guidance & Counseling Department in their respective schools, have confirmed willingness to partner with CML Ministry and work with the Schools in the Rongo District. Two of these teachers joined the CML Mission Team on March 12th, as they ministered at Owiro -Akoko Girls’ High School.

Additionally, discussions and considerations to form a ministry partnership with the Missions & Outreach Department of the Christian Union at the Moi Institute of Technology (MIT) were initiated as Brother William held a fruitful meeting with three members of their leadership including the Patron.

Weekend Challenge/Spiritual Weekend:
The Principal & CU Patron at St. Albert’s Ulanda Girls’ School have agreed to consider hosting a Spiritual Weekend Mission early next term in May, since it was not possible this term because of the late opening of schools resulting from post-election violence.

A visit to the District Education Office:
William had an encouraging meeting with the Rongo District Education Officer (DEO) on Thursday 13th March, during which the DEO expressed interest in allowing CML to form a working partnership with the Local School teachers. He further advised on how his office would facilitate the official involvement of the local teachers in the CML ministry to students in the area.

New CML Programs:Information regarding the CML Pen-Pal Program and the Students’ Scholarship Program was discussed with several new schools and all have now expressed interest and approval of the two Programs.

Several parents/guardians of past CML Camp attendees have already signed consent forms permitting their children to participate in the programs, and CML in partnership with the school staff have started the process of identifying potential beneficiaries for the Scholarship Program. Background information on the successful applicants will be posted soon.

CML April Students’ Camp/Seminar:
Tentative Camp venue and dates: Kanga Boys’ High School, from the Tuesday 15th to Sunday 20th April 2008. Due the delay in schools opening this Term, some schools may not close for April vacation, others may only close for very few days, or extend this term’s academic period. Depending on these factors, we may, or may not be able to proceed with the April Camp.

Pending Missions:
The following two sessions were to be conducted by Evans after Williams return to Nairobi:

1. Sigiria High School – 26th March 2:30-4:30pm
2. Rongo Health Centre–22nd March 2:00-4:00pm. Evans Wagoro had a wonderful time when he ministered to the youth on Sexual Purity. He confirms it was a success.

Additional Ministry Activities

While in the Rongo area, William also took the opportunity to meet with leaders from Glory Community Ministry (GCM). This local ministry, which is comprised of three local churches and six Pastors, is dedicated to sharing the love and transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Towards this objective, they work diligently in developing community programs, both locally and beyond.

A gracious donation made by the Women on Mission from Rocky Point Baptist Church in TN, was given to the GCM churches providing them with Bible study materials suitable for adults, teens and children. The Pastors and congregation were thankful to receive these items and excited to put them to use in assisting with their small home group Bible studies.

An additional donation of t-shirts (given by John Smyth) was distributed to area students, GCM Pastors, church members, and members of the Kitere community.

Of special mention, was the blessing William received attending the wedding of one of GCM's Pastors. Pastor Duncan, and his bride Grace, were wed at Kitere Glory Community Church on March 2nd, with the entire community turning out to help celebrate the joyous event!

We thank you for your continued prayers and support, and for each accomplishment, we give Glory to God!

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter,

Denise Davenport

For CML

Rongo Mission Update

Dear Friends of CML,

It is with great joy that I relay the following report from William as he continues visiting and ministering to the schools in the Rongo District.

To date he has been able to visit 13 schools and has had 6 schools confirm dates for the CML Team to return and conduct "on-campus" ministry. Confirmed schools and dates so far are as follows:

Moi Institute of Technology March 5th

Manyatta Boys High School March 7th

Kanga Boys High School March 9th

Mariwa High School March 9th

Owiro Akoko Girls High School March 12th

DeDe Girls High School march 12th

As you know, following the post-election violence in Kenya the schools in this area have faced tremendous challenges. Their opening 1st Term was delayed over one month and many students and teachers were personally affected, some being forced to transfer to new schools. There has been much for them to cope with, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Please continue to pray for William, Peter and Evans as they take the "good news" of the Gospel to these schools and endeavor to encourage and counsel students and facilitators.

We give thanks for all God is doing and we know that only He can comfort and heal the wounds left by this recent tragedy.

Thank you also for your continued partnership with us, both in prayer and financial support, and for supporting the Vision God has given the CML Ministry Team.

Peace and Love,

Denise Davenport

February/March 2008 Rongo Mission

Finally, students in Western Kenya are slowly settling in for the first term/semester after the long delay in schools opening, due to the skirmishes that affected many parts of Kenya after the December 2007 general elections. As a result, this term/semester is bound to be relatively short given that the Schools have to break by end of March for April holidays.

The schools therefore have to embark on a crash-program to cover the Academic content scheduled for the term/semester. CML is equally facing the challenge to readjust her in-campus programs in tandem with the Schools programs and the needs arising as a result of the effects of the post elections violence.

Consequently, I am planning to travel to Rongo on Tuesday 26th for a 3 week Mission in the areas's surrounding Schools, Colleges and the local community. During the mission, I will be accompanied by the two new CML Volunteers: Peter Paiyineetto and Evans Wagoro. We plan to visit at least 9 High Schools and 2 Colleges in the area.

We expect to accomplish the following during this mission:

- Minister in the Schools' Christian Union(CU) Fellowship meetings
- Conduct in-campus Counseling Sessions with students
- Investigate the Possibility of and organize for the planned Weekend Challenge Mission
- Identify and recruit potential Facilitators for training
- Disseminate information regarding the new CML Programs (The Pen-pall and the Students’ Scholarship Programs)
- Gather information on the student applicants for the CML Scholarship and conduct necessary interviews
- Disseminate April Camp information and collect Students’ commitment forms
- Present December 2007 CML Camp attendees with Certificates
- Establish working relationship with the Schools’ Administration
- Conduct Workshop with Local Community Assembly Pastors/Ministers

We need Kshs.49,000(an equivalent of US$ 700) to cover the costs of Transportation, Lodging & meals, Volunteers' Support and other incidental expenses during the mission.

Your support in prayers is highly cherished. We also appreciate your financial support.

May the Lord's Will prevail. Amen.

CML Launches Two New Programs for Students

CML Launches Two New Programs for Students

As part of CML’s vision to facilitate cross culture learning experiences for students and to provide financial assistance with school fees, we are launching two new Programs; the Pen -Pal Program and the Student Scholarship Program as below. For more information please contact us by email: thechristianmile@yahoo.com

Pen-Pal Program

This Program will enable students from the US and Kenya to learn more about each others’ culture and lifestyle and will also provide Christian fellowship and encouragement.
Parental permission would be required for each student, and all correspondence will be conducted through the CML Ministry and supervised by one of our staff.

Kenyan students that have attended a CML Students’ Camp or other similar Ministry Program will be eligible to participate, and we will provide communication guidelines for all participants.

We believe that this type of supervised personal interaction will benefit the students’ overall development helping them grow socially, academically and spiritually.

If you have a student or youth group that would like to participate in the Pen-Pal Program, please contact me by email for more details and Program guidelines.

Student Scholarship Program

One of the biggest challenges each Kenyan parent and student faces, is how to pay school fees.

With an average income of about $1.00 per day, many families struggle to send children to school.

While the Kenyan government meets most cost for Primary Education (grades 1 thru 8) and a portion of the cost for High School, there is still the expense of books, uniforms and boarding fees etc that parents have to shoulder. High School Education can still cost the parents between $500 to $1,000 per year, per child.

As a Ministry that works with students and schools, this critical need has been brought to our attention. Last year we “unofficially” assisted several students with full or partial payment of school fees, and pray that through this new Program we can “officially” increase that number.

If you are interested in sponsoring a student please contact me by email. Sponsors will receive detailed information on the student including a photo, school name and location, and family background. In addition, sponsors will also be given the opportunity to correspond with the respective students.

December Students' Camp at Kanga High School

We held our second Students’ Camp from the 11th to 16th of December during the schools’ vacation. Once again, The Christian Mission to Learners was in partnership with the Missions and Outreach Team from NPC Buru Buru. The camp was held at Kanga Boys High School which is located in the Rongo District of Nyanza Province.

The group photos- Students and Facilitators

Twelve different area schools were represented with a total of twenty-two students participating, nine facilitators and three local guests attending. The theme for the Camp was “Balanced for Life” with the key scripture verses being 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and 3 John 1:2.

During the six-day camp, students were given the opportunity to develop spiritually and physically through daily participation in interactive teaching sessions, outdoor games, one-on-one counseling and various other small group activities.

Students playing Basketball.....other games included soccer and Badminton

Group counseling sessions: Joel, Peter & Carolyne

Marwa, Daniel, Job & Joel



Tom, Mary & Denise


Isaac & Elisha

Pst. Jeremiah & Suzan

Raphael & William


Students socializing during lunch

William facilitating the session on Spirit, Soul & Body

Of equal (or perhaps even greater value) is praise and worship, in which the students were enthusiastically engaged.

Evans leading the group in Praise & Worship

We are engrossed in Worship, wonderful moments!
It has long been the prayer of CML, that God would use the Camp Ministry to effectively impact the lives of the young people attending, leading them into a closer relationship with the Lord and helping them identify Gods specific purpose for their lives. That prayer was joyfully answered during this Camp when two returning students, Peter Paiyineetto and Evans Wagoro, came forward and took on leadership roles facilitating in some of the teaching sessions.


Peter teaching the session on Sexual Purity

Evans facilitating the session on Media and its effects

Furthermore, CML enthusiastically welcomes their interest in becoming CML Ministry volunteers as they wait to join College or University. We give glory to God for what He is doing in their lives, and the lives of the other students we have had the privilege of ministering to and fellowshipping with.

One of the groups during Bible Study session...time to search the scriptures!

A newly added session called “Small Group Workshop & Presentation” quickly became one of the students’ favorites.

The first day of Camp each student was assigned to a small group and the groups were then given a daily “Question of the Day”.

The questions came from the subject matter covered during one of the day’s teaching sessions, and had to be tackled through participatory group discussions. Each group would then appoint one of their members to present the group’s response to the Question of the Day. The answer presented was to reflect the group members’ opinions and had to be supported by scriptural references.

Following are just 2 examples of questions given:

1) As a Christian believer, how do you strike a balance in choosing your career considering the need for a good income, social prestige (or status) and the desire to honor your parent’s wishes?

2) As a Christian believer, would you distribute condoms to the general public in your strategic fight against HIV/AIDS?

Seth contributing during the group workshop discussions....the rest are actively listening

As you can imagine there were some lively debates regarding the questions and we all had a great time. Most impressive however, were the thoughtful and insightful answers given by these young people. We were all encouraged and blessed by the addition of this session!

The girls discussing their specific challenges

The boys also met to talk about their specific challenges

Other daily sessions covered during the Camp included the following teachings: Who is God - Who is man - Spirit, Soul & Body - Who are we in Christ Self-Esteem - Peer Pressure - Emotional Problems - Relationships HIV/AIDS - Sexual Purity – Media - Drug /Substance Abuse Life Purpose-Academic Excellence -Career Choice & Development –Christian Leadership How to Live a Balanced Life.

Winnie facilitating the Self Esteem session

Isaac teaching on Who is God?

Jumba facilitated the session on Drug & Substance abuse

Amani teaching on Who is Man?

Daniel facilitating the session on Peer Pressure

Muasa facilitating the session on Academic Excellence

The immediate impact of the CML Camp Program is best determined by the students themselves and can be gleaned from their following comments:

"The CML Camp is a noble idea, it transforms many lives. May God help you realize the vision.”

“I am inspired and spiritually nourished. I expanded my knowledge about God and have made new friends.”

“We were provided with everything and lived as a family, not just as people who came to a camp.”

“In fact I was spiritually blessed so much. I use to think I knew everything but I came to realize that I still need to know more about God.”

“I have grown spiritually and emotionally”

“I am very grateful for the organizing of this Camp because I’ve learned many things which I may not have known - God Bless You.”

“I have learned how to keep myself sexually pure and how to deal with Peer Pressure.”

“The CML vision will bring more students to Christ.”

“Thanks for showing concern to this youthful & needful generation.”

We thank all the participants, sponsors and facilitators for the success of the Camp and give thanks and glory to God!

Schools Programs Disrupted

Following the skirmishes that have plagued Kenya after the disputed December 2007 Presidential election results, many learning institutions have not resumed sessions. Parents/guardians fear for the security of students on their way to the schools and in the school campus. For the same reasons, many teachers are unable to report back to their work stations after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Due to the current volatile situation in the country, we are not able to conduct our schools ministry programs as scheduled in this first term. We will resume business as usual as soon as the situation reverts to normalcy.

For more updates on the post-election situation in Kenya, I wish to invite you to visit the following online webs:

• The Economist (http://www.economist.com/)
• The Nation Media (http://www.nationmedia.com/)
• CNN (http://www.cnn.com/).
• You can also visit Sister Denise’s website at http://web.mac.com/denisedavenport or her My-space page at www.myspace.com/ddkenya for more updates.

We continue to pray for Peace, Security, Harmony, Justice, Truth, Reverence for the Sanctity of Life and Godly Leadership in our country. We therefore request that you join us by keeping the Kenyan people in your prayers.

Let us all remember that God is Almighty and that He was, He is and will forever be on the Throne. Despite the current circumstances, I believe God Reigns Sovereign and in His divine providence, we rest in this assurance; that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Amen.

December Camp was a Success!

Sister Denise Davenport and Brother William Ochieng travelled from Nairobi to Rongo District early in December to prepare for and help to facilitate our second Students' Camp which was held at Kanga Boys' High School.

A full report on the camp, complete with pictures will be posted once Denise and William return to Nairobi - when they are able to travel safely back to Nairobi.

Sister Joanna Kelley is posting this entry from the US where she will be until June of this year.

The camp was excellent! With 22 students in attendance, including several who had also participated in the camp held in August of 2007.

Two of our returning students, Peter Paiyineetto and Evans Wagoro are excited to assist Brother William during the next months to plan a Weekend Challenge in February and to help prepare for our next Students' Camp to be scheduled during the month of April 2008.

Because of the current unrest in Kenya, students will not be returning to school until at least January 14.

Please pray for the safety of Sister Denise and Brother William as they journey home, and pray also for the situation in Kenya. Please pray that Christ Jesus reigns supreme and that His love and mercy for the people of Kenya pours down. Please pray for the leaders to work out a solution to bring peace again to this beautiful nation.