Kenya Missions Base - Bringing the Father to the Fatherless -

Kenya January 2009 Update

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Real Life Team
This past fall 12 students and 6 leaders headed to Kenya for the first Real Life team since Fall 2007.

Training camp was a great jumpstart to the journey as many of our team members grew in the faith and grew as a "new family" with their team. On September 15^th we boarded a plane and the adventure began. The first few days were spent sleeping, and acclimating to their surroundings; and then we jumped right in.

The team headed to Webuye for 10 days and partnered with Alpha Christian Ministries. During that time they participated in a youth conference, prison ministry and many other activities.

The team came back to Nairobi and ministry was up and running. Six students were part of the pilot-tutoring program at New Adventures School. The other six were involved with clinic work and a feeding program in Kibera. The team also spent time at a local boys detention center and became involved in the local churches in Kibera.

Those six weeks flew by and before we knew it, the team was heading to nearby Eburru to continue their ministry. VBS and children's programs were a large part of their time spent there.

The team grew spiritually as well as emotionally and mentally. They loved to have fun and throughout the twelve weeks spent much time learning the language and spending time with the local people. Many of them left Kenya with a piece of their heart still there! Our team verse for the trip was Philippians 4:8. God did great things with this team while they were in Kenya!

New Adventure School Update: A note from our principal George Odhiambo

New Adventure School is a community-based project in Kibera, Kenya. The school sponsors orphans and vulnerable children in the slum community through education, nutrition, sports, care and support.

In the 2008 school year our school participated in sports and performed very well. We were even awarded a trophy by the Sports Minister and this really excited the school and the community at large. We also participated in a music festival where our school excelled in four classes and we were rewarded with another trophy.

God has been good to us this past year; we have also obtained some new desks. Our upper grades are now sitting comfortably, which is an achievement. We are still hoping to be able to provide enough desks for our remaining lower grades.

Even more exciting is the recent completion of our new school addition. Our teachers and staff now have a lounge in which to eat lunch and grade papers; and our students have two new classrooms. We are also very happy to have completed the first tutoring program ever at NAS.

End of the year report:

2008 was a wonderful year of ministry for Adventures In Missions. While we are known as a short-term mission agency, we've found that by growing radically committed disciples of Jesus Christ we're bearing more and more long term fruit around the world. We've also found that as we help our participants understand what God is doing in the world and join with Him, they want to do more. We're in a great season of ministry growth. Not only are our core short term ministries expanding, but we are partnering with local believers around the world to see God work His miracles in hopeless places.

new pictures added

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We added a few pictures from Monica's feeding program. See the last update for more information!

Relief Update

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Greetings in the Name of Jesus.

We wanted to give you a quick update about how through your support, we have still been able to send help to Kenya.

What a cool thing to be able to keep sending financial gifts. It seems to be almost a message that we have not forgotten them.

Pastor Steve:

Recently we sent funds over to continue aiding him with his relief work in Eburru.

Monica:

Monica runs a feeding program for the neglected children in Kibera. We were able to send money to her to help purchase food to distribute.

Monica wrote a note of thanks. I have changed some words to make it more understandable. I hope you are as much encouraged by her words that we were.

"I am very sorry for delaying to write. The word of GOD made me busy. I was instructed by the Lord to go for prayers and fasting at Ngong Forest,. I couldn't deny it and had to do as the Lord said.

After coming out of prayers I had a lady's convention in my center for three days. Five ladies gave their lives to Jesus Christ and they were born again. I was very much happy to see the power of the Lord working and touching peoples lives.

There was a lady whose son is in my program, she had never believed that Jesus saves, heals, and fills us with His Holy Spirit. She has been suffering with asthma for almost 6 years.

Her son while at the feeding program asked us to visit his mom. We went and the Lord healed her. She gave her life to Jesus and has become a church member.

All this happened because of the feeding program. Your donations have given the Lord a path to penetrate and touch people of Kibera. The program was started because of the adventures team."

Hannah:

Hannah is part of a feeding and counseling program for the orphans and vulnerable children of Kibera. This year due to the political skirmishes, the number of children who have joined this school has increased daily.

This is a note of thank you.. "I have no words to thank you on behalf of our Christian education committee. I am surprised at how God makes people meet for His own glory. The children moved us to tears when they sang the national anthem and very sad songs about their experiences. M ay GOD BLESS you for touching the poor children with your compassion and generous contribution. Continue praying with us that our beautiful country may resume peace, things seems to be moving positively, I believe the good work that God has started in Kenya He will surely complete it."

Testimonies Home

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Impact Testimonies

Kenya, Africa

"Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord."
- Acts 11:22-23

The purpose of these testimonies is to encourage you in your faith and to exhort you to continue spreading the Word of the Lord throughout all nations; "that [His] way may be known on earth, [His] salvation among all nations." (Psalm 67:2)

COMING SOON!

(This section is still under construction)

many thanks

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today we received a bushel of thank you notes from pastors in Kenya thanking us for the food vouchers we were able to send because of many of you who have supported the Kenya Relief Fund. I wanted to give a few tid-bits from some of the letters.

"Warm greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The pastors and the Calvary Langata Church members wish to take this opportunity to thank you for remembering us during these difficult times in Kenya after the election. It has rendered people homeless, no food, and many things have become nightmares, people are hopeless and life has become unpredictable not knowing what will happen next, many people have become refugees in their homeland. The church is facing a great challenge of how to take care of hungry members, physically and spiritually. Thank you for the food vouchers you sent..Continue to pray for Kenya for the restoration of peace and calm among Kenya communities. Let us join together in prayer and fight this battle with prayer and God will give us victory."

This is from Pastor Sheth"Many thanks to Adventures in Missions for the generous donation to the churches in Kibera at this time of serious trials and scarcity. Those who received the food vouchers in our church really appreciated and are happy that their fellows remembered them during this tough periodPray that our country would emerge stronger and united.A mighty bless you"

This from Pastor Humphrey, "As a church we would like to pass our thanksgiving to our dear friend and brothers who showed their deep concern and care by donating their funds that were used to buy food for relief for people who have been affected in post election crisis, as a church this assistance came in the right time when we needed it most. For sure many people were assisted by this aid. As dear friends we ask you to continue praying for us as a church as a nation at large. Surely we are grateful beyond measure and indeed may God bless you more abundantly for such a loving and generous heart. Thank you."

This from Reverend Michael, "Receive Kenya's greetingsThank you for your sincere prayers and support that you have sent to us as a church at Calvary Evangelistic Fellowship Olympic. The members were very happy for the vouchers you gave them. Most of them had lost their properties in the post-election violence. Their homes and small business were burned down and they remained helpless with nothing to do. They thanked God for remembering them.Please continue praying for us that the Lord may bring peace in our country."

Thank you all for making this possible. How cool is it that we are not alone. Every one of them talked about us remembering them. There is such beauty in the body of Christ.

a special thanks from Pastor George

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Because of the Kenya Relief Fund, we were able to send food vouchers for all the children at New Adventure School. Pastor George, who leads the school, sent this email...

Dear Friends,

The management, parents, teachers, pupils and the community at large take this precious opportunity to send a word of Hallo.We hope that you will read this message and be blessed by the power of God.

Second the school want to thank you for the donation we got. The children of New Adventure are happy to receive food gift vouchers from you and now they have something to eat as they go to school, most of them are praying for you and your work. We hope God will always bless it, so that you will keep on in the same spirit.

Food for Thought

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who has given and prayed for those in Kenya. God is continuing to provide for his people even in the midst of the troubles in Kenya. I was sent this picture and a report from Pastor Steve in Eburru thanking everyone for all the help. They were able to feed and care for a large number of displaced individuals through the funds we were able to send to them. On behalf of our friends in Kenya, "Thank you and God bless!"

Although things are calming down, there are still hundreds of thousands of people without jobs, homes, food or hope. We will continue to send funds as we receive them for at least the rest of this month. If God is leading you to give you can use this link:

https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=kenyaBaseRelief

If you have any questions that I can help you with directly please let me know.

Scott

from rivals to partners

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thursday was a monumental day on the journey to end the violence that has plagued Kenya since December's announcement of Kibaki as the president. On Thursday an agreement was made between Kibaki and Odinga.

THE AGREEMENT

"Under the agreement, Odinga will become prime minister and have the power to "coordinate and supervise" the government -- more authority than Kibaki wanted to yield.

Odinga said: "We on our side are completely committed in ensuring that this agreement will succeed. The ball has moved partially from the hands of the negotiators and ourselves to the court of parliament."

Kibaki said that his government "will fully support implementation of the agreement reached under the national dialogue and reconciliation process until we achieve the results we all want."

CNN reported that "The agreement calls for an act of parliament within two weeks that would change the country's constitution, creating the position of prime minister to "coordinate and supervise" the government and its ministries. Odinga will assume that position. The National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008 establishes that the president, vice president, prime minister and other ministers will form the government's cabinet -- with the addition of two deputy prime ministers who will be appointed by the president. The act also stipulates that ministers cannot be fired without written permission from their party."

HEALING AND RESTORATION

Now is the time where healing begins. I was reading of several accounts where Kenyan's were screaming with joy, "Happy New Year!" Since their celebrations of the new year never surfaced, instead they got violence and bloodshed. This signing of the agreement brings so much hope. I have read many accounts of some Kenyans saying they just want to move forward and forgive. Other don't know how they can forgive their neighbors who killed one of their loved ones. All would agree that they are tired of the violence. The displaced want to go home. CNN reported, "despite the trauma of the past and the fear for the future, and while it may be true that it will take generations for these people to forget, everyone I meet is full of hope -- for peace, for a better life."

OUR LATEST RESPONSE VIA THE RELIEF FUND

- One ministry that many of the AIM staff have been involved with is helping teach at a Pastor's Training School that Pastor Timothy runs. We sent the Pastor's Training School money to be distributed to each of the pastors.

- Food vouchers were purchased for a woman's bible study that AIM has been involved with in the past

- We also gave food vouchers to every single student at New Adventures School, the school AIM funds and helps run.

Our relief fund is running low and we want to keep helping and being involved in the aftermath of the elections. If you are interested in giving please check out http://www.adventures.org/opps/kenya2008.asp . You can even pass this link on to friends and invite them to participate in the restoration efforts.

Jeff is found....

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This update serves two purposes:

1. News on Kenya

2. News from Eburru

1. Kenya:

CNN reported today, "Kenya's opposition party says it will embark on a "mass civil disobedience campaign next week" if its demands aren't met in the intensive negotiations aimed at defusing the political crisis in the tense East African nation. The lawmakers are calling for the prime minister's job and proportional sharing of powers in any new government. If the demands aren't met, the movement pledges to start its civil disobedience by Wednesday and will employ such tactics as work slowdowns to apply pressure in the talks."

Both sides have agreed to talksnow it is a matter of waiting until Monday to found out the outcome and if the rest of Kenya will comply.

CNN continued"If there is any community in Kenya unwilling to co-exist with other Kenyans in a manner that reflects the popular will of Kenyans; then that community is at liberty to exercise the principle of self-determination as is well-enunciated in the U.N. Charter and other international legal instruments..."

Kenya this week has been relatively calm this week. There were a few killingsthough deep down I wish I could say there was peace. I can't imagine what it is like to live in the tension our friends in Kenya are feeling.

Quick Allie thought.

I have been learning much about hope this last week. And I realized I can't put my hope in the negotiators in Kenya or that Odinga or Kibaki will choose reconciliation. But, we can hope in Jesus. And we can hope that He will enable reconciliation. That is what He is all about, isn't it! I often misplace hope.

2. Eburru:

I spoke with Pastor Steve this morning. Many of you have been praying for Jeff, the elder from the Eburru church that has been missing. JEFF HAS BEEN FOUND! Jeff was found in Nairobi. Pastor Steve said he was a little unclear of the details. Pastor Steve explained that Jeff is not talking about it. Jeff seems coherent in all other areas of his life, his just silent about his last few weeks. The good new isJeff is home and safe. Pray for his healing and the restoration of his family.

Right now there are 172 displaced people living in Eburru. It seems to Pastor Steve that the numbers keep increasing. Every Tuesday the church in Eburru distributes rice, sugar and other needed supplies. They are also offering counseling to the displaced.

Pastor Steve asked that we pray for him.

First, that we pray for the Morgan House. This is land and house that he recently purchased with the help of many. There seems to be some controversy over the land. As there seems to be much controversy over land in Kenya in general right now.

Second, He wanted us to praise the Lord together. The church has steadily grown this last month. Amen! There was a transformer put in Eburru close to the dispensary (hospital) that they built. (Now we need to pray in the wires and all other needed supplies). The government has installed pipes for water. How cool is that?!?

Pastor Steve said, "God is good and he is so thankful. The devil always tries to discourage us, but we will prevail and continue to hope for the best."

May the hope of God hope through us.

Thanks for joining us in prayer and support.

This isn't the Kenya you knew!

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As I sit at home this evening I feel almost guilty for having a normal day when my friends in Kenya are hoping that they will make it through another long night. We have been trying to keep up with people to let them know we are praying for them and to know how to help the most with the funds that have been donated to help those in need. It has been both encouraging and very hard. It has amazed me what an encouragement it has been for our friends in Kenya to receive a phone call and to be prayed with from half way around the world. But on the other hand it is so hard to see my friends who are normally positive and trusting take on a hopeless or at least melancholy demeanor.

After two calls today I had to call it quits. It was getting late in the evening in Kenya and I didn't know if I had another call in me anyhow. I was able to get reports on what had been accomplished with some of the funds we had sent over and that was very encouraging. Yet there are so many more needs it seems like we were running a race we couldn't win. I had to remind myself often of the phrase, "You help the ones you can."

Let me share with you some from my conversation with Pastor Steve. He is a Kikuyu who lives in Kijabe and pastors a couple of churches in the Rift Valley. I have known him for years and I have never seen him as somber as I did today. Here are just a few comments from our conversation:

"This isn't the Kenya you knew!"

"You feel like you could die any day"

"We are living a day at a time wondering if morning will come"

"IT'S WAR SCOTT! It was war here."

When commenting on the fact that there are over 300,000 displaced people in the Rift Valley Steve said:

"You can't help everyone."

"Now I am ok."

"Today we are hopeful."

I left the conversation broken and yet encouraged because for some reason his spirit had picked up from a simple phone call from a friend who loved and cared from him half way around the world. I told him we are praying! Will you join me?

I want to share with you some of what Pastor Steve is doing to help those in need. They have formed a pastors committee in the area he works that is hardest hit. There are at least 2,000 refugees in that area and more are coming every day. Many of the families in the area have taken in others and they are camping in their yards and staying in their small homes. They are trying to feed and clothe those they can. To help with medicine and any other needs that might arise. But it is overwhelming. We are doing what we can to help pastors like Steve. We pray and we send as much money as we can to help.

I want to close with another story about Pastor Steve. He wouldn't tell you this unless you specifically asked but some of his family is in the hardest hit areas. One of his brothers and his family is living with them because they have lost everything. Three others from Eldoret are camping in a squatters camp because it isn't safe to be at their homes. They won't know until they can return if anything is left for them to return to.

With all of that the hardest story for me to hear today was Samuel's story. He lives in Nakuru and is like a father to Steve. I have met him and benefited from his hospitality and kind spirit but today his hope is gone. Samuel is, or should I say was a rich man. He lived in a beautiful house with his family and had done very well for himself. Yet in the midst of the chaos his house was burnt and he lost everything. There is no insurance, no large bank account, most of what he had was in his house and now it is all gone. He has lost all hope. Steve said he wasn't in his right mind. I asked if there was anything we could do to help and his response was, "what can you give him, you can't replace it all." I thought about it and he is right, all his worldly possessions are gone. I don't have the resources to replace it. So tonight I sit in my house and pray to God that my security isn't tied up in what I own. I pray that God will bring me hope and I ask God to show me how to live my life content in Him and not in what I own. And I pray for Samuel that God would restore his hope. Not in what he owns but in the Lord. It is a tall order for one who has lost so much, I can't give him hope but God can.

If you wonder what you can do, pray! If you feel led to give toward the relief effort that is definitely needed and appreciated but your prayers, well, those are the only thing that can really turn things around. The money we send can help a few but only God can restore hope.

Thank you for interceding for our friends in Kenya,

Sincerely,

Scott

Where is Jeff?

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

My first time in a town called Eburru was in 2005. Eburru is a town in the mountains, filled with Kikuyus, with no running water and electricity. We helped put up a church which really just consisted of tarps tied together. But they served their purpose well.

On our first night we held a church service and shared the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A man named Jeff was inside the church. He heard the Message of Hope, but at that moment, did nothing. Hours later, at 2 am, Jeff found his way to Pastor Steve's house. Jeff explained to Pastor Steve that he couldn't wait any longer to ask Jesus to forgive his sins and begin a relationship with him and wanted Pastor Steve's help.

That was in 2005. This summer I was back in Eburru. The church is still growing strong, and is still using those tarps to keep out the rain and wind. Between 2005 until now Jeff became and elder and leader at the church. Wow!

Just today I spoke with Pastor Steve. Pastor Steve explained that they have about 120 displaced people in Eburru. He said it is not directly affecting them, but indirectly. Most of the congregation has little to no money, and now they have extra mouths to feed.

Please pray for the provision of food and supplies for the beautiful, mountainous town of Eburru.

More heavy on my heart today is the next item of prayer Pastor Steve asked forJeff is missing. He has been missing since last week. People have been searching for him, but no leads have been made.

Please hope and pray with us for the return of Jeff.

Dominic Praises the Lord

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As you have read Dominic Mutua was seriously injured in the violence in Kibera and was taken to Kenyatta Hospital. I called to check on him and was able to get a hold of Francis Anubi who assured me he would find out and report today. This is what I learned:

On Tuesday, Dominic and Kefa (another Blue House Hostel boy) were walking in Gatwakera (near the train tracks just south of Karanja) when they happened to walk through a group of Luo youths who pounced on them. Dominic's Akamba tribe is considered as favoring the government and siding with Kikuyus.

Dominic was severly cut on the head with a machette (across the top of his head) as well as greatly beaten with clubs on his knees. Kefa was also beaten but much less severly. Dominic was able to escape and made it to a group of police officers who loaded him in their truck and took him to Kenyatta hospital.

At the hospital they were able to stitch and treat the head wound and he was released on Wednesday. He is still very weak but is praising the Lord that he was able to escape as it was clear that the group intended to kill him. He knows that it is only the Lord who helped him run away while so severly injured.

Thank you for your prayers for Dominic. He is doing much better but, obviously his tribal heritage continues to make him a target. Francis said that there are many walking around in the slums with machettes, clubs and other weapons and will attack anyone at any time if they are the "wrong" tribe. No one is walking around much and everyone is sticking close to their homes in fear. Please continue to pray for the safety of our many friends who are still in such danger. But also join us in praising our sovereign Lord who rescued Dominic's life.

from bad to worse

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An MP (Member of Parliament), Were, belonging to the ODM party and Luo which is Raila Odinga's tribe was killed earlier this week as he was entering his home near Kibera. This caused riots in the city and many other towns in Western Kenya. Kibera was a no go zone for an entire day. Several people were killed and some homes were torched. According to the press they counted up to 9 bodies in Kibera alone, though there could be more.

One of our hostel boys (this is a ministry that provides housing and education for street boys through a church we work with) Dominic Mutua was attacked in those skirmishes but was rescued by the police. He is now at the Kenyatta Hospital undergoing treatment. Please continue to pray for him.

It was reported that close to Pastor Timothy's church, The Blue House, someone was killed.

Today another man for the ODM party, David Too, was shot dead in the city of Eldoret. He was the second person this week to be assassinated. "The opposition leader, Raila Odinga, said the killing was part of a plan to reduce the number of opposition members of parliament. A government spokesmen did not immediately respond to a request for comment."

CNN reported that "violence has killed at least 863 people and forced 261,000 out of their homes. The violence is not stopping," a spokesman for the Kenyan Red Cross, Anthony Mwangi, told CNN on Thursday. "It could reach a point where it is difficult to reverse."

A U.S. diplomat has described what is happening in Kenya as "ethnic cleansing."

The gravity and reality of death is increasing. "In one town in the vast Rift Valley of western Kenya, members of one tribe poked out the eye of a young man from the rival tribe and then hacked his body and burned him to death, residents told CNN."

Pray for resolution. Kofi Annan is still in Kenya meeting with Kibaki and Odinga.

The peace of God is powerful. Even more powerful than what is happening to beloved Kenya.

We still have a relief fund set up. And each week help different people from different places in Kenya. This gits are making a world of a difference. If anything, besides the comfort of our prayers, they are helping giving hope. Check out: http://www.adventures.org/opps/kenya2008.asp

Nakuru and Naivasha hit with violence

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Violence continues to reign in Kenya. I wish with all my heart that I could give you an update of a peaceful weekend. But life in Kenya seems to have gone from worse to horrible.

Just today around 2,000 people from rival tribes faced off on a main road amidst a once quiet tourist town, divided only by a handful of police who fired into the air to force their retreat.

One newspaper reported people from opposing tribes shouting"This is Kikuyu land!" was the cry in Naivasha from one side, which called for revenge against the rival Luo tribe. Others shouted, "We want peace, but we (also) want to fight them," said Peter Mwangi. "We don't want Luos here."

Over the weekend there was a reported around 100 dead in the Rift Valley town of Nakuru and Naivasha. "Groups from rival communities have been fighting each other with machetes, clubs, and bows and arrows in both towns, famous for their lakes teeming with wildlife. In the worst incident of the latest flare-up, 19 people were burned to death locked inside a house in Naivasha on Sunday, police officer Grace Kakai told Reuters."

It is now said that the nationwide death toll is now more than 800.

"What is alarming about the last few days is that there are evidently hidden hands organizing it now. Militias are appearing ... the targeting is very specific," Britain's Africa minister Mark Malloch Brown said on a visit to Kenya.

May the hope of God, hope through us for the people and the nation of Kenya.

Today we are sending out another amount of money from the relief fund. Thank you for making that possible.

A meeting of reconciliation?

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It looks like President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga met for the first time since the election with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

I just spoke with Pastor Simon, being the realist he is, said that he had just heard on the news that these two leaders made a joint statement and are moving toward reconciliation. He seemed very optimistic and you could hear the hope in his voice. Though he said he was still overwhelmed with the displaced people under his hedge of care. He would keep trusting the Lord. And passes on many thanks to everyone praying and helping.

Yesterday I read in the New York Times that, "You can never underestimate the ability of just a couple of people to tear a place apart" An ambassador said of Kibaki and Odinga, who are arguing about the presidency. This article, for me, served as another reminder how much we can influence we can have in this world.

Keep praying for peace and reconciliation. In Isaiah 66:12 peace is said to have been extended like a river. A river flows. God's peace flows in the midst of chaos. Amen.

update

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Quoting Martin Luther King, Raila (the opposition leader) said: "I have a dream that one day the people of this county shall not be judged by their tribe but by the content of their character".

Violence in Kenya seems to continue on. According to Reuters, "About 650 people have been killed in violence since Kibaki's re-election last month and 250,000 displaced in a country that is more used to taking refugees from war-torn Sudan and Somalia."

Tomorrow Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan is due to arrive in Nairobi. There are high hopes for his talks with both Kibaki and Raila. Please pray for resolution as he talks to the leaders.

Life in Kibera for our orphans

It seems that life is becoming slowly back to normal for our AIM Orphanage. All the girls except the four youngest are back at the orphanage and all the children began school today. Please pray for their safety and for Eva who has the responsibly of caring for them in the chaos.

Helping the Displaced

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to give you an update on how the money you have sent in to help Kenya is being used and to ask you to continue to pray. Currently we have sent funds to two different locations both of which have seen continued violence since the election.

One of the things that is so difficult for me is that as we help these two different areas I am also aware that these are the same two tribes who are fighting against one another. In Kibera most of the resources are going to help Kenyans from the Lou tribe and in the Rift valley it is the Kikuyu who are struggling after being chased from there houses. It just breaks my heart to see those I love struggling so violently against one another.

Kibera

In Kibera we sent money to 3 pastors that we work with. Pastor Timothy, Pastor Humphrey, and Pastor Sheth. That money was used to purchase food vouchers that they passed out to those in need both in their congregations and in the community. This was special to us, because these are the 3 churches that countless teams have built into and this allows us to continue serving alongside them in these hard times.

Every time we talk to one of these pastors they are overflowing with thanks. Please know that your gifts are making a world of difference to many people in Kibera.

Rift Valley

Near Kijabe in the Rift valley we are working with Pastor Simon. He has been organizing relief work for those displaced from their homes in western Kenya. The primary effort has been in the hard hit town of Eldoret. This is the area where a church full of people was burnt down. He has organized people to either drive or fly people out of western Kenya. He is working with two impromptu relief camps that have sprung up.

In one on these camps 90 families who have nothing are staying in a church. Simon described this to me as overwhelming. The money going to that area is helping with food, blankets, shelter, transportation, shoesand looking forward even schooling for the kids. In short there are many needs that these families have who have lost everything.

There are 30 families that we know of that are still trapped in Eldoret. Pastor Simon is working to get a truck there to get them out and to safety.

Our prayer is that this verse from 2 Corinthians 1:10 will come true in Kenya:

"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.

On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us

as you help us by your prayers."

Please know your prayers matter!

On behalf of so many in Kenya that you have helped I want to again say thank you.

scott

Families reached through our relief fund

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many of you have given to our Kenya Relief Fund in response to the unrest and violence that has plagued Kenya these last few weeks. I have heard violence described there as "reason, no longer rules" and some described the slums "as a terrifying place at the best of timesthis is the worst of times."

In Kibera we work with 3 local pastors. It is to these Pastors that we have sent the Relief Money we have received. These local pastors will receive food vouchers to a local grocery store now open. This grocery is huge and has everything from food, gas, water, and blankets. The pastors will hand out the vouchers to their congregation. What an amazing way to let them know that they are not alone and that we are fighting battles not only by giving financially, but in prayer for them.

Thanks again for your gifts. Love abounds. Amy Carmichael, a famous missionary once said, "Suffering, hunger, poverty, baffling circumstance cannot of themselves make anything but confusion. But if there be the touch of the Hand, all these things work together for the good, not for ill, not for discord, but for something like the harmony of music."

Your gifts are very much appreciated. And they have helped much. Yet, there is still more to be done. The more we give; the more families we can reach. If you haven't already checked out our relief fund page on the AIM website, we encourage you to browse. http://www.adventures.org/opps/kenya2008.asp

Praise Report

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite continued instability in the government there are many praises to report as well. Here is a quick list:

As far as we know, no one we know has lost their life!
The New Adventure School buildings were not looted or destroyed -- books, desks and classrooms remain intact.
The teachers are all well and safe -- none lost their homes.
Calm enough to begin school again on Monday, January 14
The AIM House buildings and staff are all well and safe.
The kids from AIM house were all with relatives during the calm lessening their danger and the stress on our staff.
The kids are all well and safe and uninjured despite being in some tough areas during the crisis.
The kids are planning to return this weekend so that they will be able to begin school agin on Monday.
The relief fund is providing vouchers through our partners to needy and hungry families who have lost so much during the instability.
Talks are beginning with international pressure between the opposing political parties.
The ability to communicate with our staff there throughout despite the distance to learn how we could support and pray for them.
Thousands of friends across the nation who are continuing to pray for our ministry in Kibera.
Calm beginning to increase in Kibera as well as through out the country.

We don't understand why these difficult things have to happen but we will continue to trust the Lord: "For my Thoughts are not yoru thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9) We know this is true when we continue to hear how God is at work there through this situation.

Please continue to pray for our friends there in Kibera but also join us in praising the Lord for all He has done and continues to do as well.

Kenya Relief Fund Established

Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The latest news out of Kenya is that over 300 have died and 70,000 have been displaced in the wake of a flawed election. Please help us reach out to the poor who are most affected with a donation to help us buy food for the orphans in the slum of Kibera. Any money you give will be wired directly to our base to buy food.

Click on the Link below to give now to the Relief Efforts!
https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=kenyaBaseRelief

The country's economy has shut down and most neighbors at our Kibera base simply have no food to eat - the situation is dire and they are desperate. Alex is an example. He is a close Kenyan friend of ours who was shot in the uproar and languishes in a hospital with minimal care.

Our Kenyan staff has asked God what he would have us do and they feel that he wants us to help provide food and share the love of Christ in tangible ways. Yesterday some of the poor in our neighborhood were able to buy a few small vegetables at a very inflated price. Those in the slum who already struggle to get food on a daily basis are suffering the most.

When we buy food, we work with local pastors to distribute it to those in the worst condition. There are a few staging areas beginning to develop and two have been identified thus far that we are going to try and fund.

Please help bring hope to this horrible situation.

Situation update

Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This is written by my friend and co-worker Kayla on the current situation:

I just spent several hours calling many of our friends in Kenya to inquire about their wellbeing amist the chaos and violence. It did my heart good to hear them as up until this point we've been unable to reach many of them. Turns out that 2am (11am in Kenya) is an excellent time to reach them, ha. Here's the latest report:

Everyone is living in fear of what will happen this Thursday. The opposition leader, Raila, has called for a million man march in protest of the presidential election in which he lost. The current government under President Kibaki has banned all such protests and plans to thwart all plans. The word is that police have been given the order to "shoot to kill" anyone who tries to get to Uhuru park downtown where the march will begin. Police will be out in full force. The march is then planned to walk (all million people) from downtown to the State House, which is the headquarters of the current President. According to Raila, his people plan to storm the State House and take over by force. This has the potential of getting much worse than we've already seen.

Currently, no one is allowed anywhere in downtown Nairobi and business and daily life has come to a standstill. Some reports say that the Kenyan government has declared war on the slums, such as Kibera and Mathare. Yesterday they were patrolling all roads and no one was allowed in our out of Kibera. This means no food is available at all. People are bunkered in their homes fearing the nearby gunfire and praying for peace in this land. There are lots of people dying and the constant cloud of tear gas choking others out.

One of the most gruesome stories circling is that the gangs are traveling from home to home breaking in, looting, then asking to see the ID cards of all in the family. If they discover they are of the oppossing tribe(s), they are severely beaten and some are shot and killed.

The Kibera protesters are found fighting police, raiding homes, looting shops, and chanting "No Raila, No peace" meaning they will not be peaceful until Raila is the President. They are desperate and feel like they have nothing to lose, so they're willing to lose their life for this cause.

The latest news is that the electoral commissioner has just admitted to swearing in President Kibaki under great pressure. This confirms the many suspensions of corruption in the voting results. The US Ambassador as well as political officials from many other countries are now involved in the investigation and ongoing communication with Kenyan officials. The goal is peace in this war-torn land.

As I watch all of this unfold on TV, I see very familiar sites and it's hard to believe that this is really happening. Videos of our neighborhood and familiar landmarks around Nairobi are all overf the news. As you can imagine, this hits close to home for me. I fear for the safety of loved ones in Kenya. But I am confident that the Lord is still on His Throne! I will continue to stand in the gap and intercede on their behalf. Thank you for joining us in prayer in this crucial hour.

If you want to know more about what is happening, check out CNN or BBC or the other various news websites. There you will find articles, pictures and videos covering the violence.

Thanks again for standing with me in prayer over the nation of Kenya!

Friends Living in Kibera

Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This is written by my friend and co-worker Kayla and gives updates on more people:

Reports from our Kenyan friends and what they're saying:

Michelle: they're doing ok. Although currently displaced from their home, they have found a safer place to stay for a bit.
"It's obvious there will be war on Thursday...millions fighting and deaths."
"We don't know what turn Kenya will take. We don't know how to manage if it doesn't improve soon."
"People are desperate and willing to die fighting."
"We are in desperate need of a miracle from God."

Liz: doing ok, currently staying with Michelle and family.

Ramla: Doing ok. Her family is all ok for now. Her shop (and livelihood) however was looted and all is gone. "Please pray that Thursday there won't be war."

Pastor Steve: Remains in Kijabe along with Simon and Margaret. Ok, but feeling the tension.
"There's nowhere to go to get out of it. So we will remain, praying and hoping for a better day."

Monica: Her storage place where she keeps food for a children's feeding program was looted and everything was stolen. At night in her neighborhood, the men sit guard outside while the women and children try to sleep inside, fearing sudden attacks. The boys (Oscar, Albert, & Oliver) remain upcountry until things settle and word is that they are safe.
"It's war within the tribes now, but God has protected us."

Ronald: He sent his wife and kids upcountry for safety. He's staying with a friend in the Jamhuri area. His car (and livelihood) has not been injured in all the destruction.

Pastor Timothy & Pastor Sheth: Denise spoke with them earlier. They are all holding on, bunkered into their Kibera homes. In the same situation with no access to food. Crying out to the Lord.

Pastor Humphrey: all of Toi market was completely destroyed and his church remains standing in the midst of the surrounding rubble. It was looted, but not destroyed.
"they tried to burn it, but the fire can't take that place!"

Pastor George: referring to the protest march on Thursday, "Many people will die on Thursday."

Richard: "Things are very horrible in this country."
"We don't know who to trust because in some places it's even neighbor turning against neighbor."
"Night comes and you wonder when day will come again."
"Instead of fireworks for the New Year celebration we had gun fire, night and day."
"We are refugees in our own country."
"God will breakthrough!"

As I heard the stories of horror unfolding hourly in Kibera my heart crushed for my friends. However I must trust in the Lord to carry them through such a time. I pray a fire wall of protection be around them and over them. I pray for a miracle in impeding the rally planned for Thursday. That a declaration of peace will be spoken and walked out instead of war. Our friends were all encouraged when I told them that we were calling for all to gather here and pray for Kenya. They all send their gratitude for your prayers.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for joining us in prayer! May God be glorified!

January 1 Update

Tue, 1 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I called Pastor Humphrey the pastor of Toi Calvary tonight as I'd seen pictures on BBC of Toi market having been burnt down and wanted to let him know we were praying for him and his church. He reports: "The church is still standing." What!? I saw the pictures. I know the church is in the middle of Toi market. How is that possible. "They tried to burn it with fire but fire can't burn it". Mind you, this church is made of nothing different from the surrounding stalls that have been reduced to rubble: tin, plastic and wood.

Ten families from the church have had their homes and all their posessions burnt or looted but "No one has lost their life. Even the small children are all safe." "Only God we depend on." He asks for prayer for the families who have lost their possessions and homes and for peace but sees this as "the Lord taking over".

The next phone call was to Pastor George the project manager of our school. He also asked for peace and echoed every person I talked to tonight: there is no food in Kibera. He asked for special prayers for a planned rally on Thursday where those backing Raila are asking for 1,000,000 people to march. George's thoughts on it: "Many people will die." We are asking for you to gather with friends and be in fervent prayer for Kenya from 6pm Wednesday night to 6 pm on Thursday. Fast if you are able. Call your Church's prayer chain. Have friends over for a prayer meeting. We need to actively be on our knees before the throne for peace to be restored. Please email and let us know you will join us in this: deniseisinkenya@yahoo.com

I also spoke with Eva who is seeing that they are okay with food today but has just heard that her father, upcountry, is extremely sick and is obviously unable to go to be with him.

I spoke with Francis who we help with schooling and he reports that he and his family and neighbors haven't slept much since December 26th when the chaos began. They are also in fear of their houses being looted or burned and have no food. They also live in fear knowing that many people have been killed in their area.

Pastor Mike again echoes that there is no food. All the shops on Olympic and in most of Kibera have been looted and burned. People tried to come into his house as they were going house to house killing Kikuyu but he was able to explain that he's not Kikuyu and they were satisfied and left (God alone!). He is hopeful that the US Ambassador and the British Prime Minister are now going to meet with Raila and Kibaki and work on a solution.

That is the report for now. Keep praying. There is much fear. But there is also a feeling that God is in control and He alone can right this situation and quell the chaos.

Again, please join us in active prayer from Wed. 6pm to Thursday 6pm for peace to be restored, tribal tensions to ease, safety for all our friends and loved ones and special protection for our Kikuyu friends who are at special risk.

God is in control and "Loves Kenya so much" (to quote Pastor Mike).

Kenya post-election Chaos

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

As many people have heard the post election situation in Kenya has descended into a state of complete Chaos.

To recap for those who have missed it.

December 27 elections were held for the presidency with the front runners being Mwai Kibaki (sitting president) and Raila Odinga (Member of parliment representing Kibera).

On Friday rioting began for delayed results. On Sunday afternoon the Electoral commission declared Kibaki the winner and he was immediately sworn in for a second term without media being present. All live Radio and TV has been banned to quell the voilence. Raila's party declared him the winner and asked Kibaki to concede. Raila has also now been sworn in as president (unclear to me by whom) and has stated he will be installing a "parallel" government. Western observers, the US and the UN all seem to agree there were large irregularities in the election count process. The outcome of all this is large scale riots, violence, killings, and chaos in Kibera, other slums in Nairobi and increased tribal violence across the country. THis is a worst case senario situation.

I spoke with Eva, our house mom, and Mzee Aziz (great friend and muslim elder in the area who lives below me on the same compound as the kids) both yesterday and they report the same things: lack of food, to much chaos to leave the house and safety concerns. Eva had heard that there was a chance people were going to try to break into the orphanage looking for food (which they have none) so the Mzee has stepped up their security and has many people watching the houses.

The kids went to be with their relatives for break and are scattered across the country to it will take time to verify that they are all well and safe and take longer to get them back together for school after the insanity calms down. We also have many friends down in the heart of Kibera where much of the violence is.

I am asking you to be in ferverent prayer for Kenya. Some prayer requests are:

Political situation -- God's will be done
Peace
safety for our kids, staff and friends
Killings to stop
Food to reach those in Kibera without it (transportation has been stopped)
God to be glorified through this hard situation
Those of us here in the states who are concerned for our friends and many loved ones there

I will be updating my blog (deniseroberts.myadventures.org) as I recieve more news (at least daily) for the next few days. Please check back there for new prayer requests and up to date information on our base in Kenya. Also, please consider asking others to join us in prayers: church prayer lists, prayer chains, email friends, your family and friends. God alone is in control of this situation and we need to go to Him on behalf of our brothers and sisters in this hard situation.

This is an article that I came across that explains well how things are in kibera:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22440430/

There is a slide show that shows some on that page.

Thank you for praying!

Prayer for friends

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I just got off the phone with our good friend Evans (of Evans, Humphrey and Sammy). He sounds seriously tired, worried and frightened. The reports continue to be difficult.

Toi Market the main clothing, and food source for Kibera has been completely burnt down. "It is completely gone". There is no food to be had in Kibera, "Even if you had money there is nothing to buy".

Evans and Humphrey are staying at Humphrey's Father's house as his family is upcountry. They have heard that people are coming to burn that block of houses tonight so they are waiting to see what happens in much fear. Also, Evan's mom lives in a very difficult and dangerous area and there is also a roving gang near her burning houses so there is also worry for her safety. Sammy, as far as they know, is safe.

Alex, a young many we've used a a translator some and a relative of Alex, was shot yesterday by police during the rioting. They were able to get him to a hospital and it appears he will live.

In other news we know that a church in Eldoret was burned down today with around 50 women, children and elderly killed inside. It was being used as a place to hide by people who's homes had been burnt. Most of the agression is toward the Kikuyu tribe which is the tribe of President Kibaki by the Luo tribe which backs Raila. It's ironic that these are the two tribes we work with the most.

Prayer Requests:

Pray for peace between Kikuyu and Luo tribes through out the country.
Pray for the residents of Eldoret as they mourn and face huge unrest.
Pray for Kibera residents as they lack food and face days and days of fear and trauma.
Pray for Humphrey and Evans and their families that their houses would be safe.
Pray for Alex, that he would heal well and that God would teach him through this.
Continued prayers for our Kids, staff and friends who are still in fear and scattered.

Thank you for your concern. Know that each one I talk to is extremely encouraged when i relate how many people are praying for them. They feel that they are not forgotten when they hear their brothers and sisters in Christ are remembering them before the Lord. Thank you for being a part of this prayer covering!

First Birthday

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I don't remember my first birthday party. I have seen pictures and know that there was a cake that didn't farewell from the experience. I remember when I was 3 and mom made me a Big Bird cake and I remember the year I had chicken pox on my birthday and got a cake with a pond on it becuase I wanted to go to the pond and go fishing but couldn't. I remember the year that I had the Barbie cake. I'm sure you're like me. Bithdays come and go and you assume people will say "Happy Birthday" and there is an assumption of at least a small celebration.

Kevin Msiega will always remember his first Bithday party and his first cake -- lemon with blue icing. He should remember it -- he was turned 13.

When I came to live with our kids in February one of my first decisions was that every one of them would have a birthday party this year. I soon found that wasn't as easy as it sounded. When I asked them when their birthday was they didn't even know. Not only have they lost their parents and their families but they've forgotten this important piece of themselves. So we sad down and picked birthdates. Kevin and I picked July 26th for him -- my brother, Brian's, birthday.

When the day rolled around Kevin had to be reminded that it was his birthday -- he'd forgotten. When he was reminded the huge grin never left his face. In the US the tradition is spankings for the years you are old. In Kenya, the "wash" you -- which means buckets and buckets of water are thrown on you. The other kids jumped into this with relish until Kevin was past soaked.

After dinner Zitah proudly brought in her first "solo" cake (I've been teaching her as the birthdays came and went how to bake the cake and make frosting and rudimentary decorating -- all that can be done without tips that I'll take back next time.). After questionable singing the cake was devoured and the pans were licked.

Kevin says, "Thanks for helping me feel special and giving me a birthday!"

Kids for Orphans

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Can you imagin being an orphan?

Can you imagine going to be hungry becuase your family has no food?

Can you imagine wondering if you will be able to finish elementary school because there is no one to pay your school fees?

Stand up!
Speak out for them because they can't speak for themselves!

But, you might think, I'm just a kid...just a teenager...still in college...I will help when I get a job and get older. Why wait? Do you want to be part of the solution now? Your voice is powerful and God can use it to move mountains to benefit the orphans? God has called us to help the orphans and the widows (James 1:27). He didn't say "help the orphans and the widows when you are an adult". He said "Help them".

What you can do:
Have a bake sale
Set up a lemonade stand
Do a fundraiser at school, or scouts, or your Sunday school class
Commit to giving a little bit of your allowance or birthday money

Above all -- SPEAK UP! The more that we can speak about the crisis of orphans, poverty and AIDS in Africa the better off they are.

One girl raise about $900 through a bake sale at her church. Bet you could do that to...but it's not all about the money. It's about getting involved. It's about raising awareness. If it's $3 is enough to pay for one of the orphans for a day. $20 will feed one of the orphans for a month. Can you do that?

What to do:
-Read the articles on this website and talk with your parents about how you can help.
-Email me and let me know that you want to be part of the solution
-I will mail you a packet with a DVD of the orphanage and all the info you need to start

Make a difference. Don't wait to do something until you are "older". Do it NOW!

They are counting on you!

Quick Facts

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

New Adventures School

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
- Proverbs 22:6

Clockwise from top left: Inside one of the upper level classrooms; Outside the seperate classroom building; Inside one of the classrooms in the main school building; The main school building

Founded in 2003 by a local pastor through a generous anonymous gift, New Adventures School, has continued to thrive throughout the past several years. Adventures in Missions began its partnership with New Adventures shortly after. Since then the school has seen many changes. Many of these are credited to the hard work of the school superintendent, Pastor George Odhiambo. New classrooms were acquired to keep up with the growth in the student population, standard 8 was added to complete the primary school, a feeding program through the government makes providing meals possible, all the teachers are now certified, and the school is recognized by the government as a legal informal school allowing students to take tests to continue on to secondary schools in the area.

Quick Facts

Location: Kibera, Kenya	Founded in 1999
1 Main building	3 Additional classrooms
Standards 1-8	Total enrollment=410
11 Paid staff	4 Volunteer staff
Superintendent: George Odhiambo	Headmaster: Benjamin Obaga
40% in single parent homes	27% are orphans
Christian religious education required	2 Meals/day provided
Teacher salary=$1,848/year	School funded through donations
Free education for students	Cost to support one student=$54.71/year

Enrollment Breakdown

Class	Students Enrolled	Teacher
Standard 1	50	Mary Kituli
Standard 2	57	Rose Mule
Standard 3	52	Ann Kamathi
Standard 4	58	Josephine Oguta
Standard 5	56	Stephen Atsiaya
Standard 6	58	Josphat Kaleka
Standard 7	49	Everlyne Kidake
Standard 8	30	Maurice Onyango

If you would like to partner with New Adventures School and its staff in providing education and Godly influence in the lives of precious Kenyan children please donate here.

Video about AIM House

Thu, 4 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Check out the AIM House video:

In it you'll get to meet each of the kids and get a glimpse of life as they know it in Kibera, Kenya.

To get it online we had to reduce the quality significantly, however, please contact me (Deniseroberts@adventures.org) if:

You are interested in a DVD copy
You are interested in raising awareness
You are interested in helping raise funds

For more about the AIM House follow the links below:
Meet the kids	Video	AIM House	Home

Video of Kibera

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

People frequently ask us "Why Kibera?" Below is a video that seeks to answer some of that.