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

Sports Evangelism Launching-27th September, 2008

On Saturday the 27th September 2008, CML officially launched the first Sports Evangelism Tournament at the Kitere Technical School grounds. A total of 13 (thirteen) teams are scheduled to participate in this tournament. They include 11 (eleven) Community Youth Soccer Clubs/Teams and 2 (two) teams from the local Learning Institution- Kitere Technical School and Moi Institute of Technology (MIT). The tournament is scheduled to run through to December 14th for finals.

The function started at 3pm instead of 2pm as we had scheduled because many people were coming from far walking on foot. After the opening prayer by Pastor Paul Ochieng, Brother Maurice Ambonya did a preaching session encouraging the people to choose life by choosing Jesus Christ. He shared the Scripture from Psalm 107:10-16 and encouraged the people to desist from rebelling against God’s word, but come to Him so that He can deliver them from darkness, suffering and eternal destruction.

Mr. David Atinda, the Chairman of the CML Sports Evangelism Committee then took the opportunity to invite a few community stakeholders to speak to the gathering. They all emphasized the importance of sports in uniting the community as well as helping facilitate behavior change amongst the youth.

He then gave the Head-Teacher of Kitere Technical School, the opportunity to address the people. He declared that it was a blessing for them that their Institution would host the sports tournament and encouraged good behavior from all participants throughout the tournament. He also took time to encourage everybody exercise discipline while using the school property and facilities. He ended by welcoming all to the venue.

It was then my turn to clearly let the people know the object of this occasion and the tournament as a whole. I emphasized the fact that in organizing these events, our main objective is to facilitate transformation amongst the youth and in the community as a whole. Through sports, we get to gather people together for leisure, physical exercise talent development and social interaction. However, we also get the opportunity to preach/ teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them. The love of Christ has the ultimate power for real transformation in individuals and the community. It is great to have better life, but it is better to have eternal life through Christ. For that matter, I stated that as a rule, all will be required to assemble together for prayers and preaching/teaching sessions before every match. I encouraged all to use this opportunity to interact, get to make friends and know each other deeper.

For motivation purposes, as the organizer of the tournament, on behalf of CML I had to make known to the people the prizes expected to be won by the participating teams in the finals. These are as follows:

Position 1: A trophy, a soccer ball and cash award of 5,000Kshs.
Position 2: A trophy, a soccer ball and cash award of 2,500Kshs.
Position 3: A soccer ball and cash award of 1,500Kshs.

I also made it known that CML values partnership and in this particular program, acknowledged SoccerGrow as our special partner and sponsor. CML is certainly blessed to have SoccerGrow as a partner. I let them know that SoccerGrow (http://www.soccergrow.org/) had already shown their commitment to this partnership by sending CML soccer equipment to be used in this tournament. They all applauded the partnership. I extended an invitation to other potential partners in this program.


Brother David then took us through the rest of the program. There were two matches to be played as curtain-raisers to entertain the people on this day. CML Football Club played Kitere Technical team. They tied by one goal each. Penalties had to be used to determine the winner- CML Football Club won. They later played against Kuja Sambo Football Club, which emerged the winner in the second match.


One unfortunate thing happened during the second match, one of the CML FC players incurred a fracture on his leg and we had to take him to hospital after first-aid was administered on him.

Brother David and Pastor Paul then facilitated the distribution of the soccer balls to the participating teams. Thirteen (13) teams registered for the tournament with a non-refundable fee of 200Kshs each. These are the teams which would be included in the fixture for participation in the soccer league. I presented the representatives of these thirteen teams each with a soccer ball for their training.

Thereafter, there were various announcements and Brother Ouma closed with a word of prayer before everybody departed.

Below are some pictures from the event:

Below is Pst. Paul welcoming everybody as we begin the event.

Everybody got seated...

Pst. Paul and Brother Maurice Ambonya preaching...

Then I addressed the gathering...

CML Footbal club playing against Kitere Technical School soccer team(in blue jerseys)...

We had spectators of all ages....

We even had a very creative commentator...

These young boys could not afford to miss every move in the game...they opted for a vantage point of view....on the trees...

Both teams had a brief moment during half time to strategize for the second half of the match...

The CML Team Captain emphasizing a point...

The Kitere Technical School team adviser also had points to emphasize....

Second half of the game...its getting abit darker as the sun goes down....

It was time for penalties to determine the winner...

Everybody wanted to congratulate the CML Club players after they displayed skilful penalty shots that declared them winners....

Kuja/Sambo club players seem almost anxious as they wait to play against the CML team....

David Atinda- The CML Sports Evangelism Commitee Chairman sorting out the balls for presentation to the participating clubs....He may be walking with crutches, but "Ja-Kisumu" as his nickname goes, is a man with varied abilities...


We appreciate all the participants and supporters. And we give all the glory to God Almighty.

Blessings.

The St. George's Mission- 21st September, 2008.

The morning's session started at 8:50am. After the opening prayer, we were taken through a teaching session on the fruit of the Spirit by one of the student leaders. She read from Galatians 5: 22-23. She emphasized the truth that, unlike the gifts of the Spirit which are bestowed differently on individual believers as God wills, the entire fruit of the Spirit is available to every Christian believer. She ended by challenging us to pray that the Holy Spirit help us to have the fruit of the Spirit manifest in and through our lives. We should all desire the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

I must say it's as if she had a glimpse into what the Lord had prepared me to talk about. I later Read from Galatians 5: 16-26 and talked about "Self-Discipline" emphasizing the fact that as Christian believers, we have the Holy Spirit permanently resident in us. This means we have the potential to live by the Spirit and in obedience to God, even though our default nature tends towards disobedience as all mankind is born in sin(Romans 3:23). That is why Paul encourages us in Galatians 5:16-18 to live in the Spirit.

The essence of Romans 12:1-2 is that we ought to walk in self-discipline, keeping our bodies holy unto the Lord, understanding the will of God and then renewing our minds to conform to God's perfet will. This is ultimate obedience. We must remember that it is God who even works in us to will and to do according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). On our own we are incapable of walking in obedience, yet we have a part to play as we allow he Holy Spirit to help us along the way. He is the best teacher and helper. For those who are not yet in Christ, I stressed that the initial step is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, through faith.

As Christian believers, if we live and walk in the Spirit, our lives will manifest the fruit of the Spirit. We are then not subject to punishment, neither by God, nor man. I went further to challenge all the students to determine to practice self-control which is one of the fruit of the Spirit. It statrs with acts that may seem less significant like deciding to wash dishes at home instead of watching a TV program that is not neither educative nor informative. With time, one becomes capable of making the right choices in more challenging circumstances e.g. when one has to decide whether or not to join the majority students in destroying school property.

I concluded by proposing that if we all lived by the Spirit, our lives manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, and thus in obedience to God and all godly authority and discipline, there would be no need for punishment. This would mean no need for discussions or debates as we've had in this country in recent past as to whether we should or should not have "Corporal Punishment" in our schools. Such debates, if you ask me, are not addressing the core issue. The fundamental approach would be to facilitate people encoutering true transformation through Christ. Only then can human beings be truely disciplined and obedient.


The Student leader Teaching on the Fruit of the Spirit.

Thereafter it was a time for Praise. We danced, jumped and made joyful noice unto the Lord! Below are the girls leading the session of Praise.

Following Praise was a time of Worship. Below are the girls leading Worship and the students engrossed in deep Worship of the Lord.

Then it was time for presentations. several student groups and ndividuals glorified God with their gifts and talents. Below are some of the girls' doing their presentations.

Below is the Christian Union (CU) Choir doing their presentation.

At the beginning I almost thought I was alone, but during the time for presentations I was joined by two young people from the Petram Ministries. This is a ministry that also reaches out to students like CML. Here they are introducing themselves and giving information about their forthcoming Students Camp to be held in December.

Then it was my turn to share the Word. I must be emphasizing a point.

The girls are paying close attention!

After my teaching session, I invited the young man from Petram to conclude with a word of Prayer. We all said the Grace and the main meeting was called to an end after the announcements.

But as it is their custom, the CU Leadership at St. George's usually have brief meeting after the Sunday Service. Below are leaders meeting for prayers, encouragement, planning and briefings.

This is the Praise and Worship Team.

The Servants Team group meetings.
The CU Leadership team meeting the Petram Ministry representatives for more information about their Camp.

At the end, these girls just loved taking photos.

We had a blessed time and God is Glorified in all.