Visiting Day at Dede Girls' High School- 4th October 2008

On Saturday the 4th October 2008, before heading to Kitere Technical School for the Primary Schools Tournament launching, we went to Dede Girls' High School to visit Monica and Rebecca. It was visiting day and the girls were very glad to have visitors. Joseph- my Dad accompanied me.

Joseph took a picture of me and the girls....behind us you can see other visitors still arriving...

Rebecca and Monica are both in form two and are part of the more than 11 students who have benefited from the CML Scholarship Program this year. They were particularly glad that we took with us bread and margarine for them to eat. Kids love when you visit and take with you something to eat that is not in their normal school menu. This was like a surprise to them because am known to forget that bit especially when I visit alone....I think Joseph made me remember.

I also took to the girls some of the text books that they had informed us were needed. The text books are part of the initial stock for the CML Library, which is a component of the envisioned CML Resource Center. The students get to borrow from the few supplies of text books and other materials that we have on stock. Due to the limited library resources we have at the moment, priority is so far given to the beneficiaries of the CML Scholarship Program. Otherwise, we intend the library to serve all as many students as possible.

Below are Monica(in red top) and Rebecca... behind them you can see other girls chatting with their visitors...


Monica is a true Sanguine...behind her are some visitors waiting for the students by the administration block...

Below is Joseph waiting patiently in the vehicle...


In a boarding situation, the visiting day serves various purposes:
The students get to talk personally to the parents/guardians. This offers an opportunity for students to share their personal and even academic challenges with the parents/guardians. Students get to receive replenishment of consumable supplies and needed books. Students get to socialize with family members. It offers a break from the monotonous school routine and studies. Parents/guardians get to counsel with and encourage the students.


The sad part is when a student fails to receive an expected visitor. They may get affected emotionally for some days thereafter. Failure to be visited may be misconstrued by a student even if it was due to some genuine or unavoidable circumstances. Rebecca's father, the only surviving parent could not manage to visit because of lack of finances, but thank God Joseph and I were there for her. We even called the dad for them to chat for a while over the phone. She was thrilled.


Many students asked to use my cellphone to find out if somebody was coming or not, and why they were delaying if at all they were on their way to visit. I was glad to have them use my cellphone to connect to their loved ones.


We encourage parents/guardians to visit the kids on the visiting days at the boarding schools. It makes them feel loved, cared for and thought of. The sense of belonging that comes with being visited has an impact on the student's self esteem. They get to feel that the family is interested in them and their studies.


They longed for us to visit for the whole day, but we had to leave after 2 hours because of other commitments. Other parents get to visit for most of the day depending on their schedule.


It was a blessing to be there for the girls.

Primary Schools Tournament Launching

CML officially launched the Primary Schools (under 15yrs) Tournament on Saturday the 4th October 2008. Like the Community Youth Club Tournaments launched earlier on the 27th September 2008, the Primary schools tournament matches will be played over the weekends;Saturdays and Sundays, through to the 14th December 2008 for the finals.

That means there will be at least two matches every Saturday and Sunday till the finals. Every Weekend, the Primary School teams will play first followed by the Community Youth Clubs.

The program on this launching day was not much different from the previous one. First all the people gathered together for a preaching by Pst. Paul Ochieng assisted by Brother Benard Owiyo. The message was "Christ the Power and Wisdom of God" based on the Scripture portion from 1 Corinthians 1;18.

Thereafter, we had a curtain-raising match between Arundo Primary School and Kitere Primary School. It was such a blessing to see these youths exercising their talents in soccer.

Many people from the community, the young and the old, boys and girls, men and women came in large numbers to support the young people. We received complaints from the ladies that they feel left out in the games- they requested CML to facilitate sports programs for the female gender as well.

The main match that day was between Arundo FC and Kanga FC. Once again it was a brilliant display of youthful talents in soccer. The young people surely have potential, all they need is opportunity for exposure and encouragement.

I then presented soccer ball to representatives of the 8 Primary School teams that registered to participate in this tournament. They are to use these balls for their soccer training. Once more, I took the opportunity to acknowledge the donations of soccer equipment from SoccerGrow(http://www.soccergrow.or/), CML'S partner in the Sports Evangelism Program.

In cases where a Primary School representative was not present on the launching day, we personally visited the schools to present the the administration with the soccer equipment. Below is David Atinda-Chairman for the CML Sports Evangelism Committee presenting a ball to the Deputy Head-teacher at Nyaoke Primary School.
Below are other photos from the event:

Many thanks to all the participants and Partners.

Thanks also for your support in continued prayers for the program to facilitate the intended divine impact amongst the youth and the community.

Glory to God!

Elphas needs a Wheelchair to attend school!

Entry under construction...

We found him seated at the back of the house on his own...his step-brother only joined him as we were approaching the home. Elphas showed a great smile as we came closer, especially when he saw David walking with the aid of his crutches.


David managed to talk him into coming away from behind the house. Slowly, he moved himself out into the open as David continually motivated him. As the other kids and adults from around the village gathered, Elphas grew more shy so it took him a while to get to the open ground where David was seated...

David assisted him get the last stretch closer to him...

With encouraging words, through observation and touch, David did some assessment on Elphas and found to be very weak in the legs and the hands...

Here David is asking Elphas to squeeze his hands...which he couldn't...



David feeling the boy's legs...


David helped the boy lie down on his back and then up again....because he cannot do that on his own....


Then I got chance to encourage Elphas with these few words...."God loves you"...This seemed very unusual to him....


The following week we took Elphas Dr. Okidi for assessment. He was accompanied by his step-mother...

Elphas was excited to get out of the home where he has been confined for the last few years....
Even though his teeth are not showing...his bright face still reveals that great smile...

Sisan also accompanied us in her capacity as the Special teacher at Koyier Primary School where Elphas used to attend school....

After the Doctor's assessment, in the hope of getting a wheelchair, we drove to the Disability Service Program(DSP) offices in Opapo, a few kilometers from Rongo....

Here we found Jared...who is disabled himself....working as one of the assistants at the centre...He was trained by David...

David explaining how the DSP works in partnership with other organizations to help the disabled child...

We did not get a wheelchair for Elphas on that day, but we left full of hope and faith that a process has been initiated towards helping Elphas....

Elphas is 11 years old

Mother dead, father alive

Lives with Step-mother at the village home about 300 metres from the nearby school

He was hit by polio during early childhood

Elder brother also died of a similar case

Ability to walk gradually affected until now totally weak in the legs and hands

He used to attend Koyier Primary School

He left school in class 2 several years ago because of his disability

Susan, a teacher at Koyier Primary school brought his case to our attention

At first his step-brothers used wooden structure to carry him to school, but not for so long

He has continued to study at home, borrowing books from step-brothers

He has taught himself to read Kiswahili and a bit of English

We took David Atinda, himself a disabled person to encourage him

Elphas says he still longs to go to school

We then took him to Dr. Okidi at Rongo for assessment

Dr. says his case should have been brought up long time during early stages

Dr. Okidi recommended a wheelchair for mobility

Dr. booked Elphas for "training" at the Disability Service Program 24th - 29th November 2008

This will give him more time for assessment and physiotherapy

The step-mother will accompany him during the training at the DSP in Opapo

Your assistance towards Elphas' mobility to continue with school is highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your support.

Kanyawanga Boys' mission- 11th October 2008

On Saturday the 11th October 2008, I went to a mission at Kanyawanga Boys' High School. I spoke about "Attitude, and how it affects one's personal success or failure in life". I reminded the boys that I was a in the same school over twenty years ago, and my attitude then has an impact on who I am today.

Reading Scripture portions from: Romans 12-1-2, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 23:11a, Psalm 139:13-14 and quoting the saying: "Your attitude determines your altitude"- I encouraged the boys to be aware of the fact that their personal perceptions, mind-set, and way of thinking about God, themselves, their parents/family, present circumstances, their teachers, their School, their subjects and studies, the school rules/regulations, education in general, examinations, their country, success/failure and their future, will have a direct bearing on how far they go in life.

I encouraged the students to try and develop "positive attitude" in all things- an attitude that is in line with God's will, as taught in the Holy Scriptures.

I finally proposed to them my favourite radical definition of true success: " True success in life is determined by the extent to which a person accomplishes the purpose for which God created him/her, for His glory." In driving the point home, I once more used my favourite illustration about the ball pen that is used to stir tea- the tea will be just as good as if it were stirred using a spoon, but it will have failed to accomplish the purpose which was intended by the manufacturer.

I encouraged the students to seek the Lord's counsel as they chose their careers. If they develop a positive attitude towards God and His will for their lives, He will for sure lead them into true success: glorifying Him in the vocations He purposed for them before He created them. If He did this for the young Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-5), He will for sure do the same for each of us.

Thereafter, we had a valuable time of Open Questions forum. The questions were very relevant and the responses, even from the students were of great insight. The CU Patron at the School- Mr. Ojwang Francis assisted me during the Open Question forum. He also encouraged the students and myself with a wonderful testimony of how his positive attitude has kept him inspired and passionate about his career and family, despite the varied challenges he has continually faced.

Here are some photos from the mission;

The students listening as their colleagues present a song....

Am giving the ball-pen illustration....

Sometimes I get very serious driving a point home....when that is appropriate....

Yet, in other times humor is most effective.... then my bright smile works....

One of the students presenting his question during the Open Question forum....

Mr. Ojwang Francis stressing a point...

It was a blessing to minister amongst the boys in my former school.

To God be all the Glory.

Update on my US visit...

Hello Friends,

So much has been happening since my arrival here in the U.S.,  and William has been just as busy in Kitere and Nairobi! I'll give a brief update from this side of the ocean and he will be doing a post with information about CML's first Sports Evangelism Event. 

Upon my arrival,  I was able to spend the first two weeks with my family and friends. How nice to have time to catch up on all that's been going on in their lives during this past year, and how sweet to hug my granddaughter once again!

We are having plenty of laughs, some happy tears and lots of good times!

My family is all doing well, and the most notable changes since last year are these:

My daughter & her husband are building a house..

My son has a serious (and very sweet) girlfriend...

And my Dad & step-mom put an amazing new shower in their house (love this thing!)...

While here, I am also speaking with various churches, organizations and groups. We are grateful for each and every "Ministry Partner",  and it is truly a blessing when I'm able to "show & tell" supporters what their prayers and financial contributions have helped us achieve. 

One of the groups I talked with last Wednesday was the youth group from my home church. This group of young people have given such encouragement and support throughout the years,  and I always enjoy sharing with them about what God has been doing in my life & ministry. We are also excited that they will be hosting a fundraiser for me before I return to Kenya! 

Monday I had a meeting with Joshua Propst, the new Director of the local Boys & Girls Club, and got some great ideas and information,  about beneficial programs, like the Youth Development Strategy Program, that CML could implement for students in Kenya.

Touring their spacious and multipurpose facility, I was also able to share with Josh about the vision CML has for building similar Resource Center(s) for the kids in the rural area of Kenya. My thanks to Joshua for his time, suggestions, prayers and offer of assistance.

With one month left on my trip, the next few weeks are filled with meetings, speaking engagements and fundraising activities.  I'm also taking a quick trip to Tupelo, MS to visit with my mission agency, Global Outreach International....whew!   

On a more somber note, the U.S. is currently experiencing one of the greatest financial crisis in its history. If you have seen the news, you know that the failure of several large financial institutions and banks have seriously shaken the American economy. Add to this, we are in the middle of a hotly contested Presidential election. The nation as a whole, is facing some tremendous challenges right now, and I realize that 2008 has been a "year of challenges" for the two countries closest to my heart. 

In closing, I ask for your continued prayers for both William and myself. As we juggle hectic schedules, multiple events and continue planning for our upcoming wedding (not to mention missing each other during this time) we need wisdom, strength and continued abiding in Christ for our emotional, spiritual and physical wellness. Thank you for your support and involvement in our lives and ministry!

Love, peace and blessings to all,

Denise