The message included in this BLOG came from the leadership in Rionchogu, when you read this think of what information you could share in your third language, My Gusii or Swahili will not offer much in the way of communication, and I ask myself, who is it that may have not taken the opportunity handed to them. . . .is it I Lord?

GAD –KENYA PROGRESS REPORT
FOR JAN – DEC 2008.

Brother Bud, the GADL Board members , sponsors and all well wishers and friends. We wish to take this chance to welcome you all to read through the GAD Kenya progress report for 2008.

GAD Kenya programme is a registered (CBO) community based organization that is a non governmental, non- profit making and non- denominational human development agency whose major thrust is the improvement of the quality of life of Rionchogu Community members . It is a sponsorship programme that is based on the establishment of relationship that is achieved through correspondence and visits and exchange of cultural experiences.

GAD Kenya started operating in 2007 by supporting 10 orphans, the aged and widows. And by Dec 2007 a church roof was built that is mad wall and iron roofed. . By 2008 January, 8 students were supported with scholarship Bursary and by the same year the number of students increased to 23. By June 2008. 25 members have benefited from Micro franchise fund for small businesses. Come September 2008, 4 families benefited also from the provision of daily cows. In Early November 2008 , spraying pumps were in place for the spraying of ant- mosquitoes chemicals for malaria, spray daily cows against ticks , and spray against insecticides and fungicides in horticultural farming. In the same month of November 2008 ,a community – Van ( Land cruser) of high capacity that was donated and received in the community to assist the transport patients to hospital ,transport students to school ,transport food and help in other travel matters.

In Dec, 12th 2008 our church was officially registered as “King of Victory Church” with registration certificate NO 29558 by the registrar of Societies and we have applied for the registration of GAD- Kenya as independent organization that is now a waiting for approval.
HOW WE OPERATE
GAD- K uses a wide variety of innovative Technologies to assist the people of Rionchogu and Kisii as a whole to achieve sustainability in their lives.

The approaches we use are cost effective and practical way of tackling the very real challenges faced by the people of Rionchogu .
Note that approximately 80% of Africans live in rural areas including Kenya ; their options to improve livelihoods largely, depends on agriculture which has been hindered by lack of enough land because of the large population in the African countries.

We believe that the real and lasting change can only be achieved by enabling and empowering the local people through education, training them the modern simple methods of farming and providing them with the necessary support to break the cycle of poverty and begging.




1. ADMINISTRATION
The GAD Kenya personnels who together with the programme committees work as a team to formulate ,co-ordinate, supervise and implement programes.
Committees
a) Management committee (GAD Kenya Board)
b) Education committee
c) Credit – Small enterprise development committee ( Micro franchise committee)
d) Agricultural committee
e) Sponsor relation committee
f) Primary Health care committee





2. COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES
A) EDUCATION
While formal and informal education is one of the basic needs of a child, the GAD-K funds received through GADL are used to make attendance possible by providing scholarship bursary to secondary school enrolled children.

Bellow is a table showing children enrollment per class / form / training.


Class / form/ training Boys Girls Total

01
Form 1 4 3 7
02
Form 2 6 2 8
03
Form 3 3 2 5
04
Form 4 0 0 0
05
Vocational training 1 0 1
06
College / universities 0 1 1
07
Special school deaf 0 2 2
08
Std eight (primary 6 14 20
09
Drop out of school 0 0 0

Total 20 24 44


Scholarship bursary was given to those that were in secondary, vocational training and college and special school ( deaf). Education is light . thanks to Brother Bud and all well wishes . We expect that the number for scholarship will grow to over 40 and we believe God will provide the resources.



Adult Education
We as GAD- Kenya board are also encouraging adult literacy classes aimed at transformation, developing capacities and capabilities to be able to identify and positively respond, to their own problems affecting them directly or indirectly by mobilizing of resources within their reach.

B) AGRICULTURE:
The aim of the programme is to improve social- economic conditions, poverty elimination and equality among the beneficiaries. Thus the community need a kind of therapy to enable them believe in themselves, develop confidence and take control of their own situations in life. However because we are living in an agricultural region , the GAD- Kenya women who are having a merry – go round programme to assist themselves, decided to contribute twenty shillings weekly and they raised enough to hire a peace of land to plant tomatoes. The tomatoes did not do well due to heavy rains and lack of spraying chemicals. These women have decided to assist the orphans ,widows ,the aged and the sick with the proceeds they got from the tomatoes during this Christmas season.

We hope in future when God will provide the resources GAD- K shall assist the beneficiaries with farm – in- put for encouragement and increased food production. We are happy to note that our collaboration and participation with the government extension workers has made it possible for our beneficiaries to learn good and simple modern farming methods aimed at increased productivity. While we are doing this to increase family household incomes, the dairy programme was launched by September where by four (4) daily cows were given to four families. In this daily cow programme , the cow remains the property of GAD- K, the first calf shall be surrended to GAD- K to be given to the next beneficiary and the process shall continue until all needy families have the cow and this will justify our mission on development geared or focused on family level. This is where we shall need full participation and commitments from our beneficiaries to make this programme benefit them and hence improve their living standards. But our beneficiaries need to know that, our work through (GAD- K) is to enable them develop themselves given some assistance. This programme is bringing appositive sense in economic opportunity , health and nutrition.

C) MICRO FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT
Special thanks goes to sister Anastansia for her efforts to create a credit – facility for micro franchise and to continually make it grow.

The micro Franchise development is to bring an economic opportunity and a sense of new hope in the future. The good of micro franchise it to increase income at household levels, so as to enhance independence through empowerment of participants in entrepreneurship management. Empowerment is enabling participants to be self – reliant, sustainable, improve their living standards and the family to manage themselves.

Credit scheme on Micro franchise started mid- June 2008 at acapital of kshs 75,000 was disbursed to 25 clients and the repayment period was 12 months and interest rate was 4 % per annum . To date kshs 105 has been disbursed with the same repayment period and interest rate repayment started on the month of July , that is the last Friday of every month to date. Therefore, first repayment July 2008 was 100% , 2nd repayment August was 96.84% , 3rd repayment Sept 2008 was 88.2%, 4th repayment Oct 2008 was 100%, 5th repayment Nov 2008 was 73. 53 % .

The overall repayment percentage is 91.714%. This excludes the month of December 2008. However our analysis shows that these women are more honest and reliable as they are also committed to surface their family needs. As can be witnessed the loan defaulters are 8.286%. This was because of their bisiness price fluctuation ,family financial constraits ,lack of enough training on small businesses, poor screening and selection of our clients as we has not known their business abilities by then

The women have split and formed work groups. They are soliciting for funds to hire apiece of land to enable them carry out an income generating activities like ( horticultural farming) to strength their financial capabilities as well as act as farm demonstration center. They need to be assisted as they have created a sense of ownership in their Merry- go round and working groups.

D) HEALTH
We at GAD- K hope that primary Health care addresses the fundamental basic needs such as food, housing ,control of communicable diseases , environmental sanitation and above all it is concerned with the health of vulnerable groups in the community ,particularly women and children. Our collaboration with the government . Health has promoted awareness and the health of the community is raised. The vehicle ( van) has also provided visual proof of hope that the sick can now be transported and healed unlike in the past.
We also hope that in future when God shall provide the resources GAD- K shall be able to pay for medical bill to the patients or provide National Hospital insurance Fund (NHIF) card to assist them meet their medical bills easly.
E) WATER
Water is a basic human need resource and Rionchogu community need it.

The geological survey for water has been conducted and we are waiting for authorization certificate from the ministry of water lake vicoria water Basin department so to allow water drilling to be done. This will require funds for drilling and supplying of the water.
F) ELECTRICITY
The electricity is a major problem especially in rural area in African countries been but the supply is held up by lack of resources (funds).Because of the high cost of power installation from the Kenya power and lighting company ,the board has agreed to install power for two families at atime .this will be cheap in comparison to the the cost of installing power for the whole village.

Brother Bud, GADL, well-wishers and friends thank you for the mercies the God has provided you all for us and we shall live to glory Him for ever and ever Amen.

Lastly I take this chance on behalf of Riochogu community to thank you for accepting to extend support to this part of the world – Kenya Africa.

Many God bless you most abundantly, have a nice merry x mass and a prosperous new year 2009

Edward

What an exciting year

I have not the words to even begin this update, but I will get rolling here shortly. May each of you be blessed greatly in this season of reminding us of what life really means. I have attached an email received today from Pastor Kiefa Ontiri who, as you know, is the man to whom God gave this vision and heart for the poor and the children. I do not expect you to be able to read between the lines so I will give you a brief view at what is current for today.

The cause of education has been embraced by many in the village and the role for scholarships may swell to over 40. As the invisible reality of the dream of a future with education becomes even more visible, I expect this number to grow each year. Today and for the near future, my best guess is that, we you and me, Go and Do Likewise and friends will be the source for this open gate to the future.

The health of the community is being raised up to awareness; the vehicle has already provided visual proof of hope; the sick have been transported and healed, the poor have been fed and the children have been provided for. The nutrition brought by cows and the beginning of sanitization or at least improved sanitization at the school, gives hope.

The Micro Franchise efforts continue to grow, bringing not only economic opportunity to the women but new sense of hope and growth for a new future.

The leadership taken by Kiefa and the others involved both with the church and Go and Do Kenya has been the strength of promise.

Economic opportunity through export to Middle Eastern markets is being explored and moving very rapidly.

Electricity is only being held up by economics. ( that equates to the lack of funds)

Water is waiting only for final drilling certificate from the government. ( this will also require funds)

The local government representatives for Health, Nutrition, Agriculture and Animal health are very willing and eager to work with Go and Do Kenya. There is no cost for their help, but the projects undertaken will require funds.

I know of no other words to explain what is happening, except to say, God has determined to do a quick work in that place.

Read Kiefa’s email


Dear brother Bud,Greetings in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.brother Bud iam out of the village since yesterday morning and we are together with edward and Elijah for the purpose of facillitating our permanent church registration.we came together with our driver Innocent.We are using afriend of My brother in law who works in sheria house. we have paid the application fees Ksh 40,000 and are waiting the approval of the Attoney general and if approved we shall be required to pay Ksh 20000 for the certificate.it is ahard process but we trust that with God all things are possible.we have done the application in the name of KING OF VICTORY CHURCH.this will enable us open more church branches.so we hope after the receipt of the registration certificate, our church shall be called KENYORO KING OF VICTORY CHURCH.we hope to register GAD kenya after succeeding this one.You can call me tommorrow .let all look unto the lord for the provision of this short of Ksh 350,000 for scholarship.brother Bud we slept in my cousin`s house here in Nairobi and beside her is apastor who is caring for five orphans ,however i advised him not to call this children as orphans but call them Children at risky because two of them were street children.they had no food ,no water and they were anly singing.well having compasssion on this innocent children, i told thev three of to visit this children they welcomed us with praising songs and the pastor told me that he lives in arental house and he depends on well wishers.we assisted them with 50 kg bags of rice.we boughtb this rice in asuper market and transported it in GAD Kenya vehicle to this pastor`s home to help this children. children in Africa are really suffering.the electricity quatation cost has been received at home by my wife Rachel.the cost for installation is Ksk 525,000 ($ about 7000).on phone the kenya power and lighting company has asured me now that within two months the two families will have electricty is we make the payment as soon as possible.brother Terry, having the solar panels here will help very much but i believe that transporting them here will be very costly bur should you it be cheap to transport them here,it will be agreat blessing. Brother Bud and terry,i wish to inform you that we have requested our members here to donate in kind or financially to help the poor with chrismas gifts.this is targeted to children at risky but not those ones that im taking care of in my home ,the old and the sick.this time we need to share God`s blessings and chrismas with these untouched needy people.we need them to taste the love of God.I am requesting you to send us a donation for the chrismas blessings and gifts towards the poor.two days after the chrismas the Kenya national exam for Grade 8 students results shall be announced.brother Benjamin has called me on phone and has again assured me that he is working on the authorization certificate.may God bless you ,wish you amerry chrismas and prosperous and blessed new year.pastor Kiefa

Bud here again, I realize the spelling and the use of our language may make this a little more difficult to read and understand, however, I think too the general tone of the times can not be mistaken. For a village to gather from their own poverty an amount to give to poor other than their own children is way out of the box for these people, other than the leadership. They have seen what you have done, what Our Lord has done through you and are learning the blessing of giving. Frankly, they are beginning to act as a people with hope, a people with a new confidence in a future directed by their Lord.

As you can see, in the days after Christmas we will know the number of accepted children and will know the requirement for scholarships.

I am learning to be at peace in the midst of the Chaos

Today we are about $4,500.00 short (estimated). While I am sure there are additional monies coming, I am also sure that without, each of us, seeking peace once again about our own involvement or asking others we know to help. The potential for leaving some children behind looms before us.

My dear friends, this is worthy, these are not unknown people and faces. These people are anxious to meet you and greet you in their own homes and make you welcome. They are not strangers, they are friends. The villagers of Rionchogu are friends, my friends, desiring to be your friends, who are learning the responsibility of change and the hope that comes with Faith.

Join me as this year comes to an end and as we celebrate this marvelous season.

Such love as this brought forth the Son of God and brings forth His work in Rionchogu.

Such love as this I have for you and your support for what is happening in Kenya.

Blessings and this love I send to you

The urgent issue of involvement

November 17, 2008

Each of these updates bring with it a new albeit sometimes consistent attitude on my part, I find myself today, with a challenge to myself. That challenge is urgency.

Now there are no issues in the village of Rionchogu that are any more urgent today than they have been for decades or longer, but the awareness of these issues, for me and for you have brought more visibility and I hope, in each of our hearts a sense of urgency and possibility, that we would not have had otherwise. I know I would not have had any sense of my own ability to influence the future for so many to such a drastic degree.

I look over the email list of friends, associates, brothers and sisters of the faith, family and co workers and each of you I see in my mind. So, you might understand this is personal. Maybe it should not be, but the recipients of our assistance are so full of promise and new hope and even planning on a future when just a few months ago many of them still lived in a world where the only question of future was, will we have food today, it is personal.

There was no hope for water, or education, no planning for the future and certainly no educational future for most of the children. Today all that has changed and before us, you and me, is an opportunity to do something very special.

It will, however, take some courage and some possible paranormal thinking. No, no space aliens and such, but, trust and financial support, even at a very low level on a regular basis, for what we are doing. I have shared over the past months the steps we have taken, for many, even the process of verification and my own sense of hesitation. We have shared the initiation and the greeting and the first steps and the small hope and now the new hope.

On December 5th the grade scores for the students will be reviewed for all those who have been on scholarship this year. Each will be interviewed with their parents, as will the 8th graders who are finishing up their National test for secondary entrance. Application will be presented for the 2009 school year and we expect 33 students will be presented for this opportunity. These do not include students whose parents could afford the education. These are kids who may well lose a life opportunity or at the very least have it made nearly impossible, except for the potential of us to help.

I could go into the detail of our desire to fund a Malaria eradication effort for which the local government officials have offered to train the villagers. I could go into detail on the project for clean water and the drilling and all the official authorizations we are involved in. This could happen at any time. I could go into detail about the danger surrounding the current latrine situations and the dire need to help with this. I could talk to you about the economic potential that will come with electricity when that is funded and approved. I could share with you all the plans and opportunity that will come when the vehicle is delivered. These are all worthy issues and in their time will be overcome. Greater than any of these, in my opinion, the urgent issue for today, is for us to gather the 1000 who will come alongside in a small way and open the doors to the future for the village of Rionchogu..

It would be great if a few people with the financial ability would step up and help here, but my spirit has not followed that course, rather, I am believing that if you and me, each of us who receive this will tell just a few and genuinely ask for their help at $10.00 or $20.00 a month, we will not have any issues of finance for such potential that exists. My goal, our goal, has been for the past year, to find 1000 people who are willing to give up a lunch a month to change the future for this village.

There are so many things on the horizon that can make such a difference. We are not called to change the world, but to come alongside this village for a season, to reach out in love and encouragement and to find some way to provide resources for the season they need to become self sustaining.

We have upgraded our web presence. Go to either www.goanddolikewise.org or www.gadkenya.org. You will find video of current issues. You will also find a link to the DVD of our April trip and the comments of the travelers that went. It is found in gadkenya-the story. We have secured a new web location for our truck driver friends.
Soon you will find all this on www.truckershelpingchildren.org.

I am not asking someone else I am asking you, help me, please.

If you are one who has already reached out, thank you so very much. If you are still wondering if this is for you, the answer is yes. You are called by association. The price you pay for knowing me.

All abundance comes from our God, I pray that This God of our eternity and history will bless you and keep you in His favor.

Just know that this is a letter of love, for the village and for you.

I can not keep it to myself, in His love and by His Grace,

Be blessed

Bud

November news from Rionchogu

November 12, 2008

A hearty hello and thank you to all who have continued to encourage and support what we are working for in Kenya. I am reading the news of the continued violence in Goma, which is on going since the Rawanda genocide of 20 years ago. It is tragic, truly tragic. Pray for Anastasia and her friends the Lusi's, the Lusi's are in the Goma area working in the hospital that is serving those injured in this latest violence.

For us we are two countrys and ten months away from the violence that comes with the poverty, lack of education and hopelessness that surrounds the clashes for power. In just a short time we have seen, hope raise and people begin to work together for a larger outcome than just their personal circumstance. I just finished reading a book called Velvet Elvis, don't ask, it is very good and speaks to the need for recreating the church throughout history and the necessity for us to rethink the who and what and why of our communal ministry. One thought at the end is that we are to put our selves past the limits of our comfort to reach out and help. In our communities, in our regions in any place the Lord has brought us to be His body.

I think of that as I look at the near future and the opportunities in the area of Kenya we have been called to. We just received the list of funding necessary to begin and for the most part accomplish the priorities of the village leadership for the near future. At the very top of the list are education scholarships. They are expecting that they will receives a large number of applications and that they very well may be accepting as many as 10 additional requests for education assistance. As you remember, these are students who received total scores above the national requirement for continued education into what we would consider High School. This is a very great opportunity for the village poor, even the bright ones would many times miss the opportunity due to their poverty.

GAD Kenya leadership has increased the level of acceptable grades, the students no longer need the minimum points over the national level, but must exceed by 20 points the required level. In addition there are still the requirements that the family sign agreement to support the children and to assist with the help the family is able to provide. Additional school supplies such as books, uniforms and other incidental charges are still needed.

Lat year we were delayed with the start of the school year which allowed us to go into January before we needed the funds for the scholarships. If you remember, last year we also began with eight students and added as more families realized this was a for real opportunity and completed their application paperwork and applied later in the year. No such luck this year, the beginning of the school year will be early January the fees are due by end of December. We estimate the total cost of the scholarship program for the term year ahead will be ks 800,000. This will be close to $14,000.00. I can not tell you how much hope there is in the opportunity of education. I think I told you the story of Emma, who used an entire weekend to travel from her school to the village, and back to school, just to take the time to say thank you. Oh, how I wish you might experience that in person. These young men and women and their families, and especially the village leadership understand the future is in the education of the children. Now for our part, we have some who have already made the decision to use Acceptiva to support us each month. We have some who support us through the local church. Believe me when I say, we need the help of everyone of you.

Education, though, is not the only urgent issue before us. We still have a water project before the regional water board which could receive the green light at any time. This project would bring clean water, with a purification module into the village and do away with the need to carry water in old infected cans for long distances. On the horizon is electricity which will open doors to an economy these folks have never been able to participate in. There are a variety of hopes and dreams the leadership has identified, all will require resource and all are firmly situated in either the health, education or the economy of the villagers themselves.

This brings me to the Urgent need of the day; health, specifically Malaria or the eradication of it in the area.

Highland Malaria is a major health concern in the area of Kenya in which we work. It is a leading cause of sickness and death among the children of the area. The local hospital records an average of 9000 cases of Highland Malaria a year and most of those are children. The local government, represented by Hellen Moseti has agreed to supply the training and a supervisor for no cost so the village might do a malaria eradication spraying in the near future. It is the rain that brings life to the mosquito and the heat that makes them active, these both are in place now and a malaria outbreak is only mater of time. The spray program includes hand pump sprayers and the people trained to use them properly and the spray material available through the government which kills the Mosquito and their larva.

To provide this eradication effort, even with the free involvement of the offer from Hellen will cost ks 125,000. The cost is for the sprayers and the materials. The geographic area of the eradication is planned to reach beyond the limits of the village for two reasons, one the gift for those in the surrounding areas and as important is the fact that the mosquito does not know the village boundaries and so to eradicate you must encompass an area larger than the target. So the request is for $2,200.00 which will complete the first step in keeping the babies and young children protected from the malaria which is so deadly.

My request is this. If you are a member of a group, work to see if they might allow me to come and speak to them about this place and people and what our God is doing. If you are a Pastor, please, consider a time for conversation to bring your council into an awareness of the Real and personal mission available through this type of involvement. And for any and all, if you have not yet gone to the website and looked at the ease of using Acceptiva as a means of supporting this purpose in Kenya, please do. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated. OH yes, feel free to forward this email to anyone you may think would be interested in what we are doing.

Finally for those of you who have taken the step to say, "I will help" to whatever amount, thank you so very much. Our numbers are growing and we have great hope for the goal of a self sustaining village by the year 2013.

And so I use two new words in this email, one word is the replacement for 'orphan' because the actual status of many of these kids range beyond just children without parents, they are without any network, abused, turned away by their families or just abandoned. These are bright and outgoing children who have no support, the term is "Abanya" . . .Children at risk. So we have learned and will continue, everyday there are Abanya who are eating, playing, getting educated and involved in a support network because of the work of the church in Rionchogu, the leadership there and your support. God bless you all.

The other term is Baka ekero tora`umerane, until we meet again, we have decided there is no 'good by' between brothers and sisters working in the purpose of the Lord, so there is only, Until we meet again . . .. . . .Baka ekero tora`umerane.


In His love and by His Grace alone


Bud

Back again from Kenya

As I write this, I have this uneasy feeling that you will become somehow used to the descriptions and the accounts of the people in Rionchogu and that somehow you will not sense the urgent and great need for your help.

Let me say without reservation, I can not alone, nor even with the few who have made decision to support this effort, provide the resources which will be required for the future and vision of these people. Rather than tell you of their difficulties, I have done that and shown pictures and shared other distress, this time, with one exception, I want to tell you of their accomplishments already. I had at least three situations which confirmed our paths and the goals.

Three different people whom I have never before met and only one of which I expect will ever meet again. One person I met at the Mennonite Guest House which is a way station in Nairobi for missionaries. While there on the way home I sat next to a woman who has been in church planting work in Kenya for years, she was on a rest at the guest house and during our conversation, she mentioned that what we are doing needs to be done as the days of Church Planting in Kenya are over. She also agreed on the difficulty of churches working together, . . . . such competition over God’s children.

The second, and the one person whom I will meet again was Hellen Moseti, she is an agent of the government of Kenya for the local area in the field of health and nutrition. Hellen is the person whom GAD Kenya arranged to hold the Micro Franchise Seminars I told you of last spring. Hellen came to the village on her day off, remember she is a government employee, to give additional instruction to the women on the care of their most aggressive venture. The venture is an entrepreneurial effort. 27 women saved ks20 a week, about 10 cents, for many weeks they combined their money and rented a plot of land on which they are growing tomatoes. Hellen was there to give them the next step in the best care of their product. Hellen willingly gave us the OK to take her Picture and do an interview which I hope to make available soon. She was very positive regarding the willingness of the government to assist GAD Kenya to provide a better future for the rural villagers. I can only say I felt very positive after my time with Hellen.

The third person was a gentleman I sat next to on the flight from Nairobi back to London, this man was an official of the National Government of Kenya and was on his way to a seminar on Public Sector renewal. His comments were regarding the determination of the new government of Kenya to train their local area officials to better attend to the needs of their constituents, I am not sure it is possible to be more people focused than Hellen, but think there may be many who are not as focused on the local people. I took this to include their attention to reducing corruption, which he said without really saying it. This was a very positive conversation from my own sense of what I have seen and heard.

As for the projects in action, the cows are producing now with one still waiting on the completion of it’s new stall. Until all the requirements are fulfilled there is no placement. Many of the villagers are still learning that they must work by the rules set by GAD Kenya. One of the interesting additions they have made to the Cow Project regulations is that when the cow calves, the person housing the cow must take very good care of the calf until it can be separated from it’s mother, if GAD Kenya thinks this is not done then the cow must be given to the next in line and the first person will keep the calf. Very creative accountability.

So much to say but I can not say everything at once, but I can not forget Emma, a sponsored student who when unable to get a day off from school, spent the entire weekend coming to the village and then returning to school, to spend 1 minute to say thank you. I hope she can somehow know how much her effort means to me and to us. I can only say to you that read this, I was so speechless that I am not sure I even said thank you, can you imagine what it is she did. God forgive us for being so sure we deserve all that we have. Her kind of appreciation can come only from the really pure in heart and one who understands opportunity. Thank you, Emma from the bottom of my heart.

So many stories I get to tell, My great dream is that you too will become a story teller and not just one who hears the stories of others.

I have much to share, maybe some day I will tell you more of young Isabelle, who has an amazing voice, who leads singing in worship time, who is always taking care of smaller children, who has a great smile and beautiful eyes and seems always to be right next to me.

The one distressful issue we discussed has to do with sanitation and health. On one day we toured through the village area and Kiefa pointed out many of the (pit Latrines) which are so very dangerous. The normal construction has been to dig a hole cover it with boards and build a wall around it of corn stalks or other natural materials. This has gone on for generations. A major danger is that the integrity of the wood cover degenerates from weather and the natural rotting you might expect and from time to time, during the night, an elderly person may go the latrine, step on a weakened board and not be able to move quickly enough to keep from falling into the pit. . . . . . .30 to 40 minutes without rescue means death.

There is no easy answer, simple answer is to make available the concrete slabs on foundation for the pit floor and then have the village residents construct the walls as before. The problem with this is there are probably 1000 latrines or more. The cost does not need to be very high to reach a great expense. The leadership will come up with a plan and they will follow their vision. How willing are we to be a part of their answer.

My prayer for Kiefa; may God continue to bless you and your village people, and may we be worthy of our call to encourage, support and empower you for the work and Call upon you.

I am not embarrassed to say to you who receive this and have not yet decided to support this work, for us it is as simple as a burger and a cup of coffee a MONTH. There is not one person, not one, to whom I send these letters for whom this is impossible, for some difficult, but not impossible. To the people of this village it is hope for a different life, how can we not help. Please join me, this is really happening, a culture of poverty is changing, and you can share the blessing of being the one who blesses these people.

Check our web sites, www.gadkenya.org or www.goanddolikewise.org, through either you can join our efforts.

By His Grace

Bud

Next stop Kenya

What a ride, I remember years ago the rides at Disneyland were coded alphabetically and the most exciting were called the ‘E’ tickets. Well we have been on an ‘E’ ticket ride for sure.

On such a ride it was not unusual for a sudden turn to come up and you would almost lose your sense of up and down. All those senses are in fullness within our experience as we approach the October visit. So when you might say . . . I thought . . . when you hear of a change in our plans, just know, this is an ‘E’ ticket and one great lesson we are learning is to go forth only with peace. So it is that we are taking the next step. Peace abounds, even though by appearance it seem as uncertain change. For this time and hopefully not to become a regular practice, I am traveling solo to Kenya in October.

Sometimes it is as if the Lord says, your plan is not my plan, so off we go, determined to be obedient to the voice which calls.

As of today a vehicle has been purchased for use in the village as transportation including transporting injured and very sick people for medical care. The vehicle will also be used to transport supplies and other issues where before fees were paid anytime such a need was faced. The vehicle is owned by GAD Kenya and will be operating under the direction and purpose of the leadership of GAD Kenya. Our God has moved swiftly to show His hand for the efforts to Glorify Him.

We have received the report of the water survey and will be talking about the next steps as we meet with the GAD Kenya Board during the trip. To support the water effort an individual has set a donated fund for the water purpose. We do not know the additional monies we will need yet. But I am confident the resource will be available.

The first 4 cows have been purchased and 3 are placed, one waiting for the ‘cow shed’ fencing to be completed. Today’s report is that 3 are giving 2 pints daily. Such a blessing for them, today, thanks to you who have joined us financially, children are receiving the nourishment of milk, which has not been a part of their previous diet.

We are taking eye glasses, donated by a number of local sources, for a church outreach that we believe will provide better vision to some in the village and surrounding area. The women of the church will hold a gathering for those with poor vision with the hope that in those glasses we bring will be better sight for many. Due to the reduced number of travelers the capacity for additional baggage is diminished so I will not be asking for donations of any sort. With the glasses, new t-shirts I am taking for the village, the clothing we have already received and other items already assembled, there is just no room.

As for other updates on the different ministry efforts, reports are coming back to us regarding the micro-franchise efforts. Women have literally changed their life style, from one of alcohol and selling themselves, to one of buying and selling products to find a life giving means of support. In my heart I know, the village is finding hope in your love and support. All I can say is, I pray you will continue to come alongside us and that you will also talk to others about what is going on in Rionchogu. We are far short of our goal for the number of people who will support all the various ministry efforts going on in Rionchogu at just $10 or $20 dollars a month. It is not much, even in our economic times, to commit $10 a month.

Finally, closer to home, we are taking steps to upgrade our website. Our goal is to make it more visual, and to articulate our message to a younger and more tech-savvy generation. The hope is that the GAD Kenya web site will be fully functional by October 3rd.

More on the local front, we have made arrangement for printing T-shirts for Go and Do Likewise. One will have the GAD Kenya logo. Due to the complexity the shirts will not be inexpensive, but they will be attractive, colorful and they will show the logo as close to the original as possible. We have authorized the printing of a second t-shirt which says simply, Lift up Jesus. This is our statement of purpose. All these will be available for purchase to support the greater cause of the ministry. Keeping with our pledge, the only funds used to secure any web site or t-shirt or any other general administrative effort come from those who have stated a desire to help in that manner. The donation we receive through Acceptiva or which are not marked specifically to be used for the general efforts of the ministry are used 100% for the direct ministry in Rionchogu. This is our pledge and our promise.

Pray for all of us, and for those who will come forward to help. This is worthy, we are not people doing people stuff, we are children of the Most High, going and doing what He has set before us. The purpose is His, the outcome is His, His reward to those who hear His voice is His. We are blessed to be in this place, we are His recompense.

Blessed to be a Blessing

WOW what a ride.

There are times when I think I understand how Dorothy must have felt when she asked her little dog Toto, if she were in Kansas. One thing for sure, our God is far beyond any wizard hiding behind a curtain, and His intimacy is far beyond giving us good instruction on how to live, even with courage and heart. So you may ask, what has this to do with the ongoing purpose in Rionchogu. Well, nothing and everything.

We are not living a fantasy, even though events may seem as such, or at least give some resemblance. It is equally, for me, as difficult to find the words or expressions to convey the depth and breadth of God’s hand in this effort as it must have been for the trio of adventurers to know what was ahead. It is good to keep reminding ourselves, God so Loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that who so ever would believe in Him would have eternal life. I allow for eternal and Kingdom to be interchangeable for current purposes.

If you sense a little preaching going on, please forgive me. I am being taken past new comfort levels in, my own walk. Just when I think I have God figured out, he moves to dislodge me from the comfort of the familiar and move me into a new place of dependence and reliance, oh yes, and amazement. You would think it would get old. Such is not the case. In fact the most invigorating pieces of my life and time are the transformations taking place right before me and in me. I am, we are, blessed above all men, for He has put His hand on His purpose for Rionchogu and revealed His love active in serving others.

Thanks for your indulgence. I do want to update you my beloveds on our dance of joy we call Working Together to Glorify God in Rionchogu. The October Trip is getting close. In His perfect planning God has determined for three to go. These are Terry Debay, Ecar Oden and me. We will leave on October 5 and stay the night in London the 6th going on to Nairobi where we will stay at least on night before heading for the village.

I plan to give you more detail on the plans for our time in the village as we get closer. For this update I hope to give you some view of the current efforts, projects and status for and from your support and prayer. The garage is under construction and the final arrangements for the purchase of the ambulance and 12 passenger vehicle will be completed in September when our friend Frank Khoie will go to Nairobi to meet with Pastor Kiefa and David our vehicle contact to complete the purchase. We continue to be blessed by the called out nature of Frank’s humility and his understanding of the Spirit of God directing His participation.

Thanks to your support we have taken steps to begin the process to bring water to the village. This is very exciting. Your donations have provided for the initial Hydrology survey to determine just what the issues will be to bring up the water. The plan will include a well or wells. We will also incorporate on going pumping and storage and some type of delivery system. You may remember that through the focus and determination of our Alan Marcum, who has been keeping us on target for clean water, we have connected with an organization, GWAKO, they manage the water drilling, hygiene training and sanitation guidelines for Lifewater in western Kenya. They are working with our Kenya leadership to provide the information necessary for us to begin. Again thank you all for your financial support and Alan for your encouragement. You are making a difference.

Next on the update list are cows. Once again we say a thank you for your financial support. We have funded the purchase of 4 cows. The initial purpose is to provide supplemental nourishment for children. These cows will be the foundation for future expansion as the program develops. The five year goal is for the families to work together, expand the involvement as the cows give birth and work together to provide for the nourishment of the orphan children as well.

We will watch this with excitement and expectation.

The leadership in Rionchogu is currently interviewing a young man who has been accepted for University education to become a teacher. If his application is accepted and he agrees to bring his education to the village and help in the local schools the GAD Kenya board will present him to us for Scholarship. This will be the second funded scholarship to University. We currently are sponsoring a young woman who is in training to be a nurse.

So it goes, so much comes possible, so much is dependant on your support. I pray you will continue to share what we are doing with your friends and associates. We need more who are willing as well to give a little. This is our foundation.

As we speak the music ministry of Kenyoro Christian Fellowship is working on the program for our joint worship during the trip. There is a new boy’s choir. We hope to bring home and share the sound, maybe even video of this group. SO much, I know I am leaving out but there will be time again.

To give you an example of how this works after my last update a friend and supporter emailed the address of a relative who was involved in ministry work related to electrical infrastructure. We have since connected, made initial exploration and will begin the dialogue to bring electricity to the village within the year. You see, it works like this a life touches a life, touches a life, touches a life. Within us we have all the potential to change lives we do not even know. To give a hope and a future where there was none. To see children, healthy children, where before disease was the victor. We, you, us do make a difference. We don’t just hear or read about but we do the stuff of life. How blessed we are. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

May God bless you and may you be provided the opportunity to have us share the story with your group or church.

Count down to October Expedition

August 11th, 2008

It is time for Africa to be lifted to the top of the awareness ladder. By this I mean that for me I have spent July in many ways, out of touch with you, the people who provide the encouragement for all we do in Kenya.

WOW, the time is close to decide if you are going with us in October, don’t hesitate on this one it promises to be incredible. We must close the door of opportunity due to the fact that names for international travel must be submitted in a timely fashion so the travelers can be approved by Homeland Security and also the window grows short for any that have not had all their Vaccinations or do not yet have possession of a valid Passport as required for this travel. If we could we would hold it open until the last minute, but for the purpose of encouraging you to talk about this to friends and acquaintances the time is short.

Our cup simply ‘runneth’ over for the upcoming expedition. The events of the last few weeks have left us with great excitement . . .and . . . humility, by what has been prepared for this journey. I wish you would come with us, I pray some of you will hear in your heart of hearts, Go . . . There is no way I can give you even a close appreciation of what awaits you. We are going to meet a new friend in Nairobi for the final travel to Rionchogu. Our new friend has come forward as one Called by God to provide resource for a future for Rionchogu. What this means exactly we do not know, but it will be beyond our imaginations, it already is.

As is typical of my interaction when the Spirit of God is at hand, I sometimes try to control things too much. I know, I know, you all never do that but it is a rather disgusting habit I am trying to rid myself of. I think sometimes God leaves it as a piece of my personality just so he can laugh with me when I say, again, forgive me father, for I do not know what I do, when I do it, only afterwards do I see.

The reason for my confession is to give you some background on the current circumstances leading up to October. During our April visit to Rionchogu, during a particularly emotional meeting with the elders of the village my brother in Faith and partner in ministry Terry Debay made what I considered an outrageous declaration to this group of strangers in a strange land. He stood before the men and in the boldest voice said, ‘I am committed to do what it takes to bring a vehicle to this village to provide transportation for the elderly and the sick and injured’. Then he added, “I believe God would have me do this”. Kiefa and I had just had this conversation about being careful about making promises and trying to make sure the voice of hope came from Go and Do Likewise through the local leadership and Zap, Terry makes his verbal commitment! Well you can understand my frustration, right, can’t you? Don’t answer.

In June a conversation began between Mr. Debay and a gentleman from a far away place. This conversation has been focused on the possibility of funding for a vehicle for Rionchogu. Yes, that’s right, a vehicle for Rionchogu. Much discussion has taken place and much planning. The connections are close and without a doubt, directed by the Hand of our loving God. There is a lot of detail and it is being worked out. Where to house it, who owns it, who drives it, frankly a lot of questions more important to us in many ways than to the GAD Kenya leadership, who see so much hope and future and witness and ministry this vehicle can provide.

As of today, these funds (privately provided, single donor) (which do not affect the giving received for the education, health or economic opportunity we have been working for), have been received and provided to GAD Kenya leadership to begin the construction of a ‘garage’ to insure the vehicle is secured and protected. The plan is for the vehicle to be available to transport the baggage of the travelers to the village. It is only appropriate, but also a piece of the plan, that the villagers will be providing the unskilled labor for all the construction. Only materials and skilled mason is to be purchased with the funds provided.

I am almost afraid to share the latest in this story with you. How ever, as long as I have shared this much, why not share all we know. The man from a far away place, and who requires that he be anonymous, has instructed Terry to enlarge the garage to accommodate two vehicles, one of which will be a 12+ passenger vehicle and the other outfitted to function as an ambulance and work to see that they are both available as soon as possible. Well for an old control freak, this is just too much.

To top off this, the man has told us that he and an assistant, who happens to be a young Christian man from Kenya, will be meeting us in Nairobi when we go in October. Go figure. So it goes when stepping out in dependence on the living God. We are totally unable to accomplish anything, but He who is God can accomplish all things according to His purpose through those that love Him. We are living each day in new appreciation for the authority and Living Grace that is our God.

As of today there are only two committed travelers in October. Mr. Debay and I will be leaving on October 5th. We sincerely seek for others to join us. If you have any, even small, hint in your spirit that you should venture into this, than by all means, pray and step. We know it all begins with the first step. The only thing, be prepared to have your life changed. As Bret Van Leeuwen told me, you will fall in love. These incredible people will invade your understanding of community and your life will be connected to them in some way forever. I warn you too, you should be prepared for the Living God to intersect your life in an unexpected way. Not through my experience but through your own. Oh yes, age is not an issue, Terry is 75 and I am a kid at 66, and God met both of us in total newness of understanding and love for Him.

As for the other pieces of ‘looking ahead’ we are planning for the travelers to work on building a latrine for the elderly women. We will help with the garage construction if it is not completed. We will be planning (asking God) for direction in the pursuit of electricity being brought in. Water and sanitation continue to be atop the list for the short future. There will be discussion concerning a library for the primary school and dormitories for the closest secondary school which today can not house any students. We will be meeting with all the leadership as our stay includes a Saturday and the Board will meet on that day. There will be time to stroll the village and surrounding areas. Meet people in their own places and talk of the love and kindness of our God and urge those who do not yet know Him personally to take that step.

Unfortunately with just two travelers our capacity to take items for the village will be reduced but we will be collecting through September.

I told you of the vehicles to let you know what is going on, my fear is that somehow you might think that your regular contribution to the scholarships and daily efforts to help these people are not important. The truth is, in my heart, I know a few will come for specific purpose, but many with little will be the backbone of our ministry in Rionchogu. Once again I ask, no beg you to consider support through Acceptiva for $10 or $20 a month. (Less than a lunch or even a Starbuck and sandwich) Or you could drive 40 miles less each month and send the money for Rionchogu. I can not imagine why I am so exhausted writing this. Yes there is excitement in what has happened with regards to the vehicles, but mostly for me the encouragement is from you and the excitement for the future of the children.

May God bless you and bring peace to your heart and pour out in you blessings to help us.

Don’t stay home if God calls you to go.

Bud

Baba Mogaka

On Goings concerning Rionchogu

Jambo my friends;While this is not the regular monthly update I do want to share some of the goings on with you. Foremost the Micro franchise was begun in easy fashion and while the jury is our as far as the real ability to save and pay back the loan all indications are very positive. The Board is expecting it will be four to five months before we have a real demonstration of the villages readiness to jump to this level in the economy. Prayer for them is certainly appropriate and helpful. We are expecting to launch the "cow project" in October when we are there, that will be part of the work we will participate in, more of that in a week or two. There is plenty of room for additional travelers but the time is getting short, Mid August will be benchmark if you do not have your Passport or your International shots yet. There are certainly things going on which are in the preliminary stages for the village and I hope to share some of that in the coming days.Last week I had the opportunity to shoot through Seattle and talk to a few folks in Blaine Washington. What a great evening we had. The reception was just great and the fellowship and interest in our little village was very encouraging. As I learned during the years of Go and Do Likewise here locally, I never know who is being ministered to, so we Just Do It. this is a great way to go forth, So far we have had three meetings to present the work and hope for Rionchogu, I believe two a month is very minimal, but I need your help. Please pray about getting a few folks together in your house, a Subway sandwich, some cold drinks and a few interested folks make for a great evening. There is no minimum number, but I hope we could get five or six. The main thing is we continue to talk about this.So, again my request is, help me please, the story is powerful in itself, we just simply tell the story.Blessings and love.P.S. I will go almost anywhere to share the story, just a little bit of advance notice and we can do this.

Going to Kenya again

To all our friends joining in this effort we send our most gracious thank you. As we go forward in this journey we are finding more and more just how evident is the hand of an authority outside our understanding and vision. Many of us have a belief in a transcendent authority, we believe in this God and in the scriptures as evidenced in the Bible. It is impossible, I think, to find any stability for this effort in any other view.

We go forward in Faith, not in ourselves but rather in a purpose beyond our own.

Much is happening, so, this may be a rather long message. I believe you will be blessed by what is happening and by what others share about the expedition experience.

I hope you are considering the possibility of joining our next expedition scheduled for early October. We will be departing no later than October 5th and returning no later than October 19th. We are planning to allow for a two day and two night diversion for Safari in the Masi Mara if the travelers desire. We will be spending at least three days in the village. We may stay longer in the village; this too will depend on the makeup of the traveling group.

Here is a comment from Terry Debay (one of the April travelers). If you know Terry you can appreciate I edited down some of his enthusiasm. However, his zeal still comes through. Terry is hoping to return with us in October.

From the moment we left Nairobi and started into the Rift Valley. I found it very hard to comprehend what I was seeing I was barely able to take it all in. The terrain was covered with "beautiful tea plantations”, open green fields..This beauty and majesty was totally unexpected.

The Cities were primitive, dirty, crowded yet seemed to explode with incredible Color...Yet, these were the most beautiful people you've ever seen I believe we all knew or sensed ...we were somehow related for eternity because of God's Love! That same bonding of the...spirit...and love prevailed...for the entire days we were there, together in Africa!

Selfishly, I can tell you that I can't wait to get back there and experience that.... "God created mutual love. There was and is "Nothing like it" to be found anywhere else in the world....... but when His Kingdom kids get together...!...That was the essence of this adventure to Rionchogu...and what it was all about...! Experiencing and sharing That Love!.....

Why don't you come along with us this October...I know! ....If you do...you'll catch a ton of this love too! I promise ya!...

I hope to bring you more information on the Lifewater International conference Alan Marcum and I attended on June 20–22, however most importantly I want you to hear words of the other travelers. I am most keenly sure, a great blessing from this effort will come to those who can journey with us, immerse themselves in the village life for a short while and meet, really meet, the men, women and children who are so blessed by our love and willingness to be Jesus in their midst.

Traveler Ecar Oden added;

I think one of the unique things about the team that went was Anastasia, Bud, I, and Terry, weren’t from one church, or one organization, that was sent out. We were actually from 4 different churches. And the Holy Spirit just worked in each of our lives. To have these little connections that brought us together once the request was made for a team to go. The unique personalities, the different experiences, the gifts that each of us have added to the experience. I knew I’d be changed by the people in the village, and that I would develop a deep, personal connection. What hadn’t occurred to me is how much of a deep, personal connection I was going to get from the people I traveled with. One of the scriptures that has come upon my heart, now that this trip is coming to an end, is in the Book of Micah, in the Bible, I think it’s Chapter 6, and in it a question is asked, “What does the Lord require of you?” And then it follows with an answer, “To seek justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” I can think of no place that I’ve ever been in my entire life, to be able to experience that, and practice that, than Rionchogu, which is known as a village despised.

Likewise we hear from our fourth and only woman in the group, Anastasia Hansel. A real trooper, her trip included additional challenges as she was the one left in Nairobi, one extra day, to bring the lost baggage. Why make the one woman stay behind? Well she was accompanied by our tour host, Mr. David Ngunjiri of David Tours and Car Hire Ltd, whom was highly trusted and all three of her bags had been left in London. She had very little for the trip to the village. Anastasia shares a few of her thoughts;

In the past the paradigm has been stay in a hotel and then we go out to the villages.. And I’ve been so aware that it’s one thing to visit the poor, it’s another thing to become immersed in their lives. Years ago, I wanted so much for the women to spend the night in the village, and none of them were willing to do it, and I, I did. I spent the night in the village that night. And I have, I have since said it was probably one of the most defining moments of my life that I would have missed out on. As I went to bed that night, and I heard two of the African women at my door – whatever it was – outside my window, just praying in Swahili, and the quiet African night, and just hearing them – it was – I just thought those other women really missed out on a transformational moment. And I think this past experience of spending four days and four nights actually in the village, where I was living – I was sleeping with the girls, the little orphan girls, and the last night, hearing them – we’d been singing Cumbaya, I’d brought my baritone Uke with me, and just hearing those girls, before they went to sleep, singing, “Cumbaya my Lord,”I will not forget.

There is nothing special about the travelers, except, they heard the Spirit and went. As the Bible says of Abraham; ‘not knowing where they were going’. My own experience is that God shows up when you are about His work. I hope you read in the words of the travelers, the blessings we received were greater than those we gave. In October we go again, who will go with us?

It is worth repeating that very early on, Alan Marcum was adamant, water and sanitation are extremely important to a positive outcome of our efforts. In what can only be described as a miracle of God’s hand, a close relative of mine mentioned his own relative by marriage happened to have lived in Kenya. This person just happened to have connection to a ministry called Lifewater International. It was during a first lunch with Tory walker that Alan decided to sign up for the water conference (this was in January I think), I took a while longer, and I signed up on June 16, four days prior to the beginning of the conference. I am not always the quickest on the uptake. Alan and I both learned much about the efforts of Lifewater International to bring better health through water, sanitation and hygiene training. What was more than I could have expected was the availability of two men, Edward Kiwanuka and Daudi Kaliisa, who very quickly agreed to communicate with and begin the interaction with Kiefa Ontiri to pursue the potential of a water and sanitation training project coming to the Rionchogu area. Edward is the Administrator for Deliverance Church, Uganda which is a Lifewater International Partner and Daudi is the Country project Coordinator for Lifewater International for Kenya. Who could think, this is just a coincidence.

At the conference we met many new friends, each of them called to the purpose of taking hope through health to people in many places. It is a natural fit for our common interest. I pray the days ahead will be walked in Faith according to His plan, as we continue our work.

Finally for this update I am attaching a brochure which we have produced in the hopes of providing some visual assistance, both to those of us here working on a regular basis and for you, for each of you, to hopefully print to give to others. I continue to believe this is a work which will be the product of many giving a little. I believe this with all I am. It is interesting, I saw today where one of the Presidential Candidates has erased all previously set records for campaign funding by gathering a very large number of people giving a small amount. For me, this is what I think we are to do as well. It has nothing to do with politics, everything to do with doing much with little. I pray we will all meet a few, even one or two, who will hear and say I will. In the brochure we say, and it is true, the cost of a Starbucks or a hotdog at the game, once a month will change the lives of this village. Today we can say, the cost of two gallons of gas. Once a month, this small amount from many will provide the schools, the health and the economic potential for thousands of villagers in Rionchogu and the surrounding area.

This may a request for the most drastic movement out of the comfort zone, would you tell a friend, about us, please.

May our God richly bless each and every one of you.

In His love and by His Grace,
Bud Potter

Thinking . .What next for Rionchogu. . . .

It seems more than just a month since we left for Rionchogu amongst the still uncertainty of what we would find. Even being there we had such a short time that we came back with as many or more questions than we left with. However the questions were of a different nature. They ran along the lines of where do you start, what do we do first, what are the priorities and what is the financial resource that we have available, and, what will be needed to accomplish this purpose set before us..We did agree to provide certain specific support and encouragement in three areas. One was to increase the number of scholarship students. Early in the year the GAD Kenya Board had rejected some requests for aid due to the fact that the families did not complete the process as it was set up. So an early lesson for the village and surrounding area was; this is new opportunity and you must follow the processes as presented. When it was clear that this was not a joke or a gift, that there was responsibility involved, the proper documents were completed and the appropriate preliminary steps were taken, although after the original time frame. The families completed their work and submitted the preparations. I, we, felt the circumstances afforded us an opportunity to give immediate positive feedback to the Gad Kenya efforts for education, so we accepted ten additional students. These have already begun their secondary education at this time.The what next window remains open. A seminar has been arranged for the women to attend training for Micro Franchise opportunities. The local Social Service network of the Government will hold the seminar tomorrow and Wed in the village. Following that training a report will be filed with us as to the reception and initial feedback of the seminar. With a positive first response, the GAD Kenya Board will accept business plans from the women for entrance loans into the local economy. This is a major step on more than one level. Certainly the economic status of the family will be impacted as the families will have that opportunity. Socially the elevation of the awareness of the expanding role women might play is cutting across traditional practices that humbles me. I think; how hard would it be for us to change long held beliefs and practices to change the future. Actually I am in some ways saying just that to us.I spoke with Kiefa on Saturday. He had just returned from Nairobi where he had taken a young girl to get shoes for orthopedic support. He told me the traditions have been that a physical handicap at birth was seen as a sign of a curse. This episode with Grace's daughter. ( she has a long name, I will pass it on when I receive it through email) has been an opportunity for Pastor Kiefa and us to make a statement concerning the Christian world view of the Fall and our responsibility to help those in need. He preached and practiced. I continue to view all this with a little, well a lot of, humility, asking for God's wisdom and Grace for all of us as we determine just what it is we will do about this 'village despised', Rionchogu.I continue to pray for completion of our Acceptiva application. I will give you all the good detail as it becomes available.

Learning from the expedition

My first goal is to try to keep this report from being overly dramatic or full of exclamatory words.However, this is not possible. I believe I speak for the entire team when I say this was the most incredible series of events in my experience. Not because God was evident or present nor because He provided examples of His Grace, but rather because what He did reveal was how long and how thoroughly He has scripted this series of events and how complete the understanding He has left.First let me say, ALL THE BAGGAGE ARRIVED. Some of you may be aware that the airlines left more than half of our baggage in London overnight. We left one of the team in Nairobi to secure them as the balance of the team plus a newly hired videographer, Chris Rohio, set off for Rionchogu. The ride is a long one and took more than 8 hours. Noted the roads are not what we might call highways, but get worse the closer we get to the village. Ending in very poorly maintained dirt roads, except when it rains and then the dirt turns into a slick clay like, very slippery substance. So as we arrived in the rain, it was with some 'Indiana Jones' efforts that we finally disembarked, including a fall on my part which resulted in one of the most illustrious splats, yes there are pictures of the outcome of this and I am sure Ecar will make them all very available.Before the splat we were greeted by many children and adults singing and praising and laughing and celebrating that we had finally arrived. This was just the beginning. During the three and 1/2 days we were in the village we had many meetings with teachers, head masters of schools, the village elders, the local Chief and the inevitable multitude of children, of all ages, everyone completely eager to make us at home, and they did. I can not possibly relate all the events and individual circumstances, but, here are a few highlights. We attended three midweek worship services, each day they gathered, thanked their God, praised Him with song and prayer and Word. Chris captured much of the sound and we will make this available as the days go by. Most importantly we lived in the village for the entire time. I had thought this to be important, I was correct. We were accompanied for the entire time by our driver, David. Both he and Chris have had many experiences with groups in Kenya and Christian groups as well. Both are Christian, David told us he had fallen away and asked for forgiveness and re-dedicated his life to the Lord, right there in the village. Each of these men remarked how this was the most amazing time they had experienced.As I watched the events and heard the comments and listened to many it became apparent that Pastor Kiefa has been pursuing his vision long before I ever received his email. This man began many of the circumstances early in this decade including the Academy and the church, both of which he has supported in the best way he could find.Maybe the most difficult area of challenge for him is that of the long held customs and traditions which have resulted in the current situation they face. They have more work to do, but, they are willing to face ahead as Kiefa leads them forward. Many of the current circumstances identify some of the work he has already accomplished in this area. In line with this is the raising of the importance and the level of potential for the women. We knew this was a new understanding for the village and believed that the inclusion of Anastasia Hansel, who has a long history in this exact area, would be a great benefit for this awareness. We could not have been more right on. All the village were blessed by all the team but the women were lifted to a new understanding of life for them by the seminar and interaction focused on their needs.We accepted the recommendations of the GAD Kenya board for an additional 10 students to begin Secondary School, plus one young girl who had left a school for the deaf due to her mothers death, and through her grandmother was seeking a way to return to school. One of the comments Kiefa made during our many conversations was that to just feed a child was destructive, they had to be educated, just feeding children made them into thieves, thugs and beggars. He is very specific, the children MUST be educated.There is need to make sure the elderly have food, so a fund has been established. A plan is being developed to allow for women to enter the economy through micro franchise opportunities. They must provide a plan to GAD Kenya which will make all decisions to loan for starting the efforts, all of which must be repaid, plus interest, back to Gad Kenya.A plan was set forth for the expansion of the Neema Nuru Academy which will including facilities for this to become a boarding school. This has replaced the need for a dormitory for the orphans, who will remain at the Pastors house for the near future. The 'Cow' project was demonstrated, defined and explained. A thorough paper will be presented, based on our conversations, our plans are to move forward on this quickly. Two very important aspects of this are investment and accountability. The investment is that any recipient of a cow must first provide the acceptable shed, feeding and shelters necessary for success. As the cows reproduce, each group will continue the same requirements until all involved have a cow producing. Each cows production will be tithed back to GAD Kenya to provide milk for schools,orphans and elderly. All the cows will belong to GAD Kenya until the program is complete and all costs have be recouped.Gad Kenya has identified 10 groups of five core recipients, we will begin with five cows and increase to the 10 as they work out any issues which come up.There is much more, including the needs for water, power, other energies, sanitation, and others on and on. It is very important that we not get ahead of their willingness to change the things that caused this. There are no gifts, through hard work, changing values and new hope, the road is very bright as we continue ahead with our new brothers and sisters in Christ in Rionchogu, Kenya.Enough for now, we are blessed that you will continue to pray for this, Watch for the video and photo works which will come.Just one add on, the Grandfather, 94 years old, still the authority in the village supports his grandson Kiefa , he speaks to his sons that they must change and follow the young man. By the way, Grandfather told us, we were the first white faces ever in the village. He also brought out his favorite chair for me to sit on, that is an entire story.So much, our God is; exceedingly, abundantly able to accomplish more than we could ever think or imagine.

Hello world

Heading off to Kenya for the second time, such a difference. Surely confirmation of purpose (bigger picture) has helped but I still can only discribe this as finding of fact. I have found some dependable support both here and in Kenya and am learning some necessary steps. The big questions are to be lived and learned yet. First is the trust we must learn to stand on, both GADL here and GAD Kenya board, on this issue both groups have worked long and hard to learn new priorities and form a desire for new futures. Pastor Kiefa and I both agreed when in Mnyenzeni, our relationship must be candid and transparent and our Faith must guide all that we do and work towards. The simple stated purpose; Glorify God working together. The group is ready, the preparations made, what lies ahead?