Update of activities

A brief update of current and upcoming activities. 

The Ministry continues growing and it appears May, June, and July will be busy months as calls from schools requesting Ministry sessions increase (see upcoming events for specific dates). In addition to the high schools we currently partner with,  we are also about to start ministering in Primary Schools, and are preparing for the August Students' Camp.

We are receiving inquiries regarding the New Student Scholarship Program and have had one student "fully" sponsored. We've also had some new donor contributions that helped with the purchase of text books, uniforms and other school supplies.

With this increased ministry activity and growth, and given the decision last year to focus our efforts on the youth in South Nyanza Province, we wanted to report that William is now residing "upcountry" full time. Going back and forth between Nairobi was getting a bit hectic, and although he will be greatly missed by all of us here, we are so excited to see how God is moving in this Ministry.

He will continue to reside at his home place in Kitere and is currently in the process of establishing a small office in the Kitere Glory Community Church. This will allow him to expedite recruiting & training of volunteers and to be closely involved with the nurturing and development of the Partnerships that CML has formed with local schools. Additionally, from his position "upcountry", and mine in Nairobi, we are well suited to coordinate logistics & projects for short- term Mission teams from the US. 

So book your flight and come see what the Lord is doing in Kenya!

In His Service,

Denise Davenport

For CML Ministry 

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!

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