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!

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.