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A message from Gideon

We received the following email from Gideon a few days ago. I thought it would be nice for you to hear how well the children are doing in school at Nice View Academy/Orphanage from the Executive Director (Gideon).

Tati is doing very well in school and looks happy.He was position 3 with 382 marks.I hope he will score good marks in KCPE.Generally all the kids are trying to work hard in their school work . We rewarded the good performers and the rest felt challenged and so i expect a lot of competition next term.The class eight did a district exam and they managed position 2 out of 82 schools. So you can see that the academy is doing well and i thank God for this performance.Its also because of your efforts with Tammy that you have made our pupils comfortable and have been learning while their needs are being met translating this to good results.Thank you

Here is another part of Gideon's email to show how the country is doing right now during the drought:

The dry season is still going on and you can imagine how it is now without water for many Kenyan. I thank God that we have water that has became a problem in the country to a point of affecting electricity generation.From tomorrow the country will be having power rationing for the next two months until we receive the expected short rains in october.I thank God for His provisions and all our donors for their great support.May God bless them all!

And I wish to also thank you. Thank you for your continuing support and if you'd like to join us in helping the kids in Kenya please visit our website where you can donate securely online.

New school update

This photo shows where construction was of the new school building when we left Kenya in October 2008.

The second floor roof had just been poured and the supports had to stay up a few more days.

All the students at Nice View were so excited about being able to use the one room that was completed even if the desks had not been painted yet (they are painted now)! The Class 8 students were joking with their lower classmates that they (Class 8) would have the new room.

I'm not good with heights so just watching this guy from the ground made me dizzy! As you can see from the next photo, the windows are in this section but they aren't complete.

This is where the building sits as of today. A third floor is planned and after its completion it will be one of the largest buildings in Tala! While we were in Tala last year many people were coming to the school looking for employment and wanting to enroll their children in the school. We had to remind everyone that the building wasn't finished so no work and no enrollment. Gideon (Executive Director at Nice View Academy/Orphanage) is handling the enrollment of the existing school very carefully. He does not want to bring in more children than can be handled with the funds available at the present time. As more support is given he, along with Saved By God's Grace, will move to bring in more children to the orphanage.

But like any construction project, funds are needed to proceed. Right now we only have funds available to buy food for the three orphanages (Mercy, Eldama Ravine and Nice View) and even those funds do not completely cover the costs. Please prayerfully consider if you can help. If you are already supporting Saved By God's Grace, thank you!

Chuck and I look forward to the time we can serve our friends and family in Kenya for an extended period of time, but until then we are called to tell of the needs in Kenya.

Street ministry in NYC

A taste of New York style street ministry. We went out to different parks throughout Brooklyn with Agape Christian Center. Music, drama, testimonies...it was a time of praise and thanks for all God has done for each of us! Over 200 people gave their hearts to the Lord during the week! Praise God!!

Drought and famine continue

Let me first say that Timmy is me (Tammy)! For some reason the "a" in Tammy is very hard for the kids to say or maybe it's my accent (everyone tells me I have a mid-western accent- whatever that means)! Anyway I thought this was a neat picture sent to us by Pauline from the kids at Nice View- thanks dada (sister in Swahili)!

For those of you who are supporting Saved By God's Grace know that you are remembered by the kids at Nice View, Mercy and Eldama Ravine. Your help is greatly appreciated and you can see from the following email that it is greatly needed.

Our friend, Nathan, is a Kenyan we met during our trip in 2008. He and his wife are raising their baby boy during difficult times. He tells us how things are in Kenya at this time:

Kenya is currently undergoing a severe drought,there has been no food in our farms and people are scared,many people including children in the worst hit regions are feared dead,a big no of people are going without food.The biggest problem is however lack of sufficient water!

This is real life for our friends and family in Kenya. I pray that when you read this you will say a prayer for them and their country. My heart and prayers and energy go towards loving our God and trusting Him to bring providence to Saved By God's Grace.

I wish I could fix it all, but God has placed these specific children in our path for us to reach out to. I have always loved the story of a man who was asking God why there was poverty in the world and why He didn't take care of it. Then God asks him why the man wasn't doing anything about it with the resources God gave him.

God will be faithful and I trust Him to move people's hearts to also reach out and help. I pray we are all listening to God's voice and stepping out to help those He puts in our path.

Greetings!

Just a brief introduction and a few ways to contact us:

Our website is SavedByGodsGrace.org or

you can find me on FaceBook or

follow me on Twitter or

email us.

We would love to hear from you!

Water please!

Yesterday Chuck and our son Mark picked up approximately 700 cases of water from the Phoenix Rescue Mission here in Arizona. It was a blessing to us and the people who are on the streets who will receive this water over the next couple of months.

I'm thankful to the organizations who donated the water to the Mission and to the Mission for then passing their abundance onto us who in turn will pass it on to the people on the streets of downtown Phoenix.

And it is a bold reminder of our friends and family in Kenya who have been experiencing drought for the past year. There is no Mission to go to for donated water and families are left to find water wherever they can. If they do find water then they have to have firewood or some other means of making fire to boil it in order to drink it. Otherwise there is a high probability of contracting typhoid.

God has provided and continues to provide water (through your support) for the three orphanages (Nice View, Mercy, Eldama Ravine). But we heard from Mercy Child Foundation that the well is low (they need rains) and the water is getting quite "dirty". A couple of the kids have gotten sick (we did get them medical attention) and we emphasized that they boil the water before consuming any of it.

Next time you take a drink of water, please say a prayer for rains in Kenya. And if you feel led to help Saved By God's Grace in continuing to provide food, water, etc. please join The Change Campaign. For those already supporting - thank you!

Coloring project ideas

While we were in Kenya (2008) we had a coloring project with all the classes at Nice View Academy. Here are a couple of examples from the Nursery and Pre-Unit classes.

I'm still trying to figure out what to do with them - any suggestions? I have around 300 pictures! Maybe have a contest to choose the favorites out of the classes and make a calendar? Auction off the favorites on e-bay or some other venue?

I made sure each picture was "signed by the artist"! They had a fun time not only because they were able to get out of regular school work for one hour but

When we return I'm planning on doing this more often and to find other craft projects to do with the kids on a regular basis. I have a friend in Nakuru, Kenya (Hi Kate!) who is very crafty - in a good way! I'll probably hit her up for some neat ideas once we are in Kenya. You can see what they are doing in Kenya at A Future and A Hope.

Please comment with any suggestions you may have for the drawings and thanks in advance for your ideas!

They are not forgotten

We have been encouraging Anastacia in her work in taking care of the kids at Mercy Child Foundation. She is by herself with over 30 children to care for. Recently we sent her a note, this is her reading it with Pauline, giving her encouragement and reminding her she is not forgotten.

I also talked with her last night, she was getting the kids ready for school (from Arizona they are 10 hours ahead of us). Every time I talk with her I remind her of God's love for her and the children and how He has brought us together. Many times she expresses fear of being left alone. I tell her we think of her and the children daily and are praying for them. We will not leave them, they are our family.

The children are told that God is providing for them because people are willing to give sacrificially. I am here to pass on their thanks to you for not forgetting them. God is giving these kids hope through your support and they are learning how very much God loves them. What an eternal impact you are having in the lives of these children - thank you and may God bless you.

We are praying and spreading the word about our kids in Kenya not only for support for food, clothing etc., but also to get Chuck and I back to Kenya on a more permanent basis. If you would like to help us bring the Gospel to Kenya please join The Change Campaign today.

Christopher's letter

Sorry it's been a few days since my last post. We left Missouri at noon on Saturday. Thanks Kevin and Pam for extending the invitation to stay another night. The morning conversation was great, hence us not leaving at 8am. We then drove straight thru to Oklahoma City to visit Florence, she is Gideon's (from Nice View Academy) sister. We had a late dinner with her around 10pm, stayed until about 1am then took off for home-Phoenix, Arizona. We arrived in Phoenix around 5pm Sunday night. I hope that explains why no posts the past few days!

But as I had mentioned before, here is a picture and part of a letter from Christopher at Mercy Child Foundation.

"I thank you for your help because with your help we are going well with education, we have our daily food, and we have good health...I have this chance to thank you for your help in my life. From that time up to now I see there is change in my life. You are blessings in my life. So with your support I am very far in my life. The God whom Israel were praying is one we are praying...We are praying for you everytime and I hope God had eared our prayer and we are waiting for super natural thing that you never see in you life...because our God is living God and will provide."

This letter shows how your support is helping and the faith Christopher has that God will continue to provide.

We recently sent funds over for food purchases and Christopher, along with all the children at Mercy, Nice View and Eldama Ravine, do not have to worry if they will be eating tomorrow, or going to school.

Please consider becoming a $12/month supporter through The Change Campaign. Our goal is 1000 people (as of this post we have 15 people signed up) at $12 a month which will allow us to continue providing food, education, medical attention and shelter for the three orphanages. It will also put us on the ground in Kenya so we can show them the love of God in action and put into motion some self-sustaining projects.

During our trip we had some great conversations and ideas brought to us and we are very excited to return to our family and friends in Kenya to begin implementation. We are waiting on God's timing but as Christopher said in his letter, "our God is living God and will provide."

For those of you who continue to support Saved By God's Grace-thank you! We know you sacrifice to ensure the kids in Kenya continue to survive, we thank you for that sacrifice. Because of you the Gospel of Jesus is being presented daily to the kids in Kenya as they eat, are clothed, being sheltered and receive medical attention.

How glorious our God is to meet the needs of the children through His people.

God-incidences!

Let me describe to you some "coincidences" (which I personally don't believe in, as Pastor Ralph from New York would say, God-incidences) that have occurred over the past few weeks. It could go back years to when we were invited to Desert Breeze Community Church.

That same friend who invited us to church, let's call him Joe (ok that's really his name!) recently introduced us to his friend Gary. When Joe met Gary and his wife, Terry, she was being treated for cancer and they had purchased a home in Phoenix to live while she was getting treatment. Without getting into any details, Gary and Terry prayerfully decided to move back to Tennessee with hospice. They talked about using the home in Phoenix for cancer patients to stay at while undergoing treatment. Sadly Terry passed away about 7 1/2 months ago. Recently Gary has offered the home to a couple of ministries, but none of them have been lead to accept his offer. He was contemplating selling the home but felt the Lord was telling him to wait...

Now move back a couple of months and our daughter, Tarrin, was introduced to Pastor Zook from Morningside Evangelical Presbyterian Church. They had a brief lunch meeting and parted company. A few days ago Tarrin received an email from Pastor Zook asking for help. A woman (who is a cancer survivor) was walking across America in support of our troops. While in Phoenix her cancer returned and she needed a place to stay while going through treatment. A church came up with emergency lodging for a few days and we contacted Gary about his home. Gary and Pastor Zook are now in touch.

All these introductions, meetings, emails may seem like coincidences but God has the entire plan under control and had it in the works long before we were aware of the needs. He put people in position to help those who need help and everyone involved had a choice - they could have said no to the prompting of the Holy Spirit but thankfully they said yes!

Choices

"If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:18 The Message

This verse was on my mind today. We are all brokenhearted somehow, but we are all called to love our neighbor as our self. To me that means looking outside ourselves and seeing how we can help our neighbor before going after our own desires. We can, and should, make these decisions daily over big and small issues. Vacations and lattes or helping a needy family or local homeless shelter. I have to make these choices everyday and I'm not saying it's easy or that we can't enjoy these things but are we making those decisions based on prayerful consideration of what God would have us do with His resources or out of selfish motivation to have fun?

My service is to God and He has called me to help my neighbors in Kenya. I pray that each choice I make is in line with His will and His direction for my life. I pray I do not try to "justify" those choices which are not in line with scripture and the Holy Spirit convict me swiftly so I may repent and turn again towards my Father.

I trust God to be there with my Kenyan friends and family and help them catch their breath, but I wonder if He is asking us why aren't we loving our neighbor?

Blessings...

Just a short post today - we've been traveling many miles and meeting many God-loving followers of Christ. It's been a wonderful trip thus far! You can go back through past blog posts to read up on some of our adventures.

Today we are leaving from Georgia and heading towards Missouri. I'm sure we'll see some beautiful country along the way.

If you are a new reader to our blog and/or would like to become a supporter check out our website - www.SavedByGodsGrace.org. You can contact us, donate, see our photo album, sign up for the newsletter etc.

You can also become a $12/month supporter through The Change Campaign, a way to use your pocket change for change in Kenya.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Seems we're always saying goodbye...

We left Greg and Joyce's this morning from Indiana and made it to Illinois around 12:30 this afternoon. We had to keep reminding ourselves which state we were in! It's always difficult saying goodbye to our new friends, but on this trip we know more new friends are just around the corner (or state in our travels!)

Jason and Stephanie are wonderful people and we had a great conversation before the presentation tonight. Thanks guys for opening up your home and allowing us to be a part of your family if even for just a few hours. Here is a picture of their beautiful daughter Grace! Yup, she's a feisty one but love her compassion and passion for life.

Before we left their home she gave me 70¢ and said it was for the kids in Kenya. She listened to us talk about the kids' needs and she gave what she had. I explained to her that what she gave was two days' wages for some people in Tala, Kenya and it would help feed a child at the orphanage. And her attitude was - well I had it and they need it, no big deal, then she ran off to play. "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven." (NIV Matthew 18:3)

You ask if that's all it takes? How about 40¢/day which comes to $12/month? You can help Saved By God's Grace continue to feed, educate and provide shelter for three orphanages in Kenya at The Change Campaign.

Jason's church had graciously invited us to speak at their Sunday evening service. Most of the church was there and they had some good questions. We were able to continue answering questions and at dinner afterwards (along with a few stories about our travels to Kenya). Thank you to everyone involved with feeding us, the hospitality was great and we felt very much at home with our new brothers and sisters in Christ.

Many of the young people were very interested in coming to Kenya by themselves, but the parents said "I want to go too!" So maybe during our next trip to Kenya we'll have a lot of visitors. I know that how ever many people come, God will be glorified in it!

Speaking to people about our kids in Kenya is our passion and calling. The situation there has not been good for quite awhile. The rains have not come and crops are continuing to fail. Here is a short excerpt from an email received today from Gideon (director at Nice View Academy/Orphanage)

"Things are not very good since the rains failed and the future does not look promising but we trust God who Has assured us of prenty even in times of famine. Our help comes from Him

My brother if the cost of food was reasonable things would be easy but its unfortunate food has became costly and our children use one bag of beans for 3 days , one bag of muthokoi for 3 days ,maize flour of 90kgs for 4 days and so food is taking everything but i thank God for He has been with us and He Has continued to provide

I wish to ensure you brother that despite the hard times i will remain faithful to the call of God knowing that He is there for us"

Please prayerfully consider becoming a monthly donor either through Saved By God's Grace or The Change Campaign. Your support will help us show God's love to them through providing for their basic needs.

More new friends!

We left Gary's this morning around 10:30, a bit late but still ok for the next leg of our journey. I know I've said it before and I'll say it again, several times I'm sure, but God has introduced us to some wonderful people the past few weeks.

Thanks Gary for the great coffee and even better conversations. You were a blessing to me and your faith during difficult times has encouraged me. Your faith is not only in your words but also in the way you live. May God continue to be your strength and show Himself to you.

It was about a four hour drive to Evansville, Indiana for our next stop at Greg and Joyce Donaldson's. Joyce was very gracious and invited us for a little walk to stretch our legs - and it felt so good! Tarrin was able to get veggies and herbs right from Joyce's garden for dinner, so now she's going to try her green thumb in Phoenix again! The poor girl has a tough road with the extreme heat but I know she'll give it a try.

Joyce made a fabulous meal and we had a wonderful conversation that went into the evening. Yes I'm saying it again - God has brought such fascinating people into our lives and I am so thankful for the opportunity to meet and talk with everyone on this trip.

We are so appreciative of everyone who has opened their home for us to stay and fed us to help keep the costs of this trip to a minimum. As we are traveling telling others about the kids in Kenya their needs continue. Last week we sent funds to Gideon (Nice View Academy) for food at Mercy Child Foundation and Nice View Academy. The cost of food is still high but we are trusting God to move people to support this ministry so we can continue meeting their basic needs. If you feel led to help please go to Saved By God's Grace or The Change Campaign and donate online.

New testimonies daily!

How do you thank someone for opening up their home, giving us a bed to sleep in and feeding us? Thank you just doesn't seem enough. Gary has done that for us and also allowed us to be a part of his life for a couple of days here in Chattanooga, TN.

We've shared testimonies, histories and funny stories. Another brother in Christ has been added to the family and we only met yesterday. I believe God brought us together for a purpose. We may not know the reason now, or ever, but we trust He knows why.

Who has come into your life recently? Are you open to the Holy Spirit leading you to meet someone/invite someone over/call a friend? Do people see Jesus in you when they talk with you in the grocery store or at work? Many times we are so wrapped up in our own daily grind that we miss those opportunities to fellowship with another believer or testify to an unbeliever of what God has done is our lives today.

God has blessed us on this trip with new testimonies every day. He has led us to speak on behalf of our kids in Kenya and He is our strength in spreading the news of His saving grace. What has God done for you today?

Oh the sights you see while traveling!

Amazing sights you see as you drive across the states! This giant guitar was across the road from the Tennessee Welcome Center.

You see so much beauty that even in the car I can appreciate the awesomeness of God's creation. The majestic mountains, deep forests and sparkling waters where we can enjoy them at any time. But we are also called to be good stewards of the resources He has given us. I think that's one reason why the trash in Kenya is so upsetting.

We stopped in Hershey, PA (Tuesday) hoping for some free samples, but they don't even have free tours anymore. You have to pay to get into the amusement park (Chocolate World) then you can go on the tour :( So we just visited the gift shop at the museum and Tarrin bought a chocolate bar!

On our way to Tennessee we ran into this dragon. I thought it was appropriate since Harry Potter came out today-don't know if there are any dragons in the movie but it made me think about it.

God has been showing Himself to us on this trip in so many different ways and places - the concrete jungle, busy sidewalks, quiet forests, small stores on main street and in the people we've met.

Our children in Kenya have been on our minds constantly and we are very thankful to all who invited us into their homes to stay and to those who set up presentations. God will continue to move people so Saved By God's Grace can continue to feed/clothe/educate the kids in Kenya.

Impromptu presentation

Sunday after services we had dinner with (from left) Shay, me, Chuck, Tarrin, Pastor's Ralph, Dawn and Jesus and Mark. Minister Guno was also with us but he had to leave early. It was a great time of fellowship and it gave us a chance to say goodbye. Mark and Shay left early Monday morning to return to their homes.

That evening Tarrin went out with her new friend Carmin. So this picture is Tarrin parallel parking in Times Square! She was pretty proud of herself.

Monday after going over our schedule for travel we decided to leave New York on Tuesday morning. That left us with an open evening Monday, so Pastor Ralph called a few friends from the church to set up a presentation.

We met at Iris' apartment (thanks Iris you have a great apartment and you are a wonderful hostess!) and had some food beforehand. Lots of questions and interest and I loved spending our last night here with good friends.

Leaving Tuesday morning was not easy - God brought such beautiful, wonderful, gifted people into our lives this week and I feel so blessed. We've had great conversations, opportunities to share our lives and get to know one another. We didn't say goodbye, but see you later. Pastor Ralph - fuhget about it - I'll miss hearing that!

I'm testing text blogging. It was an awesome service and the Holy Spirit was alive and God was praised and exalted! Can I measure up? Only thru His strength!

Agape picnic and baptism

Agape had their annual church picnic/baptism today at Heckscher State Park. Food was everywhere and the fellowship was great. After eating we all walked down to the beach for the baptism.

Awesome to hear why people wanted to be baptised - leave their world of sin behind, be a new creation, be a new man in Jesus. During our time here we've met so many people with a strong testimony of how Jesus changed their lives. People who were verbally abusive, drug addicted, and one woman's testimony was that she was on the verge of double murder and suicide when she cried out to God and He delivered her from her addictions and changed her life forever.

Watching them come up out of the water with a joy on their faces was a blessing. They knew their lives would not be the same. They aren't told that things would be all rosy from here on out. But they are surrounded by people who love them and will guide them and teach them how to navigate the rough waters of life with Jesus in their lives.

After the baptism we got in a circle and sang worship songs - praising God for all He's done in all our lives. To end the evening Mark and Jay played the guitar while "scripture rain" came down. If you felt the Lord laying a verse on your heart you could speak it out loud. How wonderful to hear the voices of His children singing praises with the Word.

World Trade Center, outreach and Alphabet City

Yesterday we took the day and went to the World Trade Center. Here we are waiting for our subway. (from left is Sharon, Tarrin, Chuck, Mark and Pastor Ralph) Mark joined us from Minnesota and Sharon joined us from New Orleans Wednesday night - it's been great roomies!

A lot of construction at ground zero and if you hadn't seen the Twin Towers you wouldn't know anything happened there. Amazing how short our memory is but also a testament to how life goes on.

Last nights street meeting was another great event. This church, and many others in the area, are living among the people they are trying to reach with the gospel. They are such a powerful witness because they have lived with them, gone through the same struggles and are able to tell them there is hope through Jesus Christ.

Today we visited Alphabet City - lots of very talented people which you can see in the street art. We visited Abounding Grace Ministries. Great group of people who are showing the love of Jesus to those living around them.

I can't seem to say it enough, but seeing people living what they believe is such a blessing. They aren't just saying what should happen - they are going out and doing it!

Another day of walking!

A day at the Bronx Zoo makes for a long day! But Wednesday's is free admission - yeah. We thought that was a good deal until we got inside and found out you have to pay an additional $3 to see the gorillas, $3 to see the butterflies, $3 to see the tigers, $3 to see the bears...it was crazy.So we're at the zoo and not seeing any of the big attractions - but we did see giraffes (but the ones in Kenya were much more majestic since they weren't behind fences). And we saw these little guys - makes me want to watch Madagascar real soon!

Love walking around with Pastor Ramos though. We are waiting for a couple from our group to catch up and he stands to the side of the path and starts preaching! Telling people what it takes to be saved and to repent. It was awesome! Who knows what seed was planted in those few minutes of him speaking.

We have service tonight at church so no outreach tonight in the parks. I did find out that last nights "street meeting" was in a park known for gang activity. The atmosphere beforehand was very dark and oppressive, people of all ages were scattered around the park. But after the last skit (the young adults did a skit to Carmen's The Champion song) people began to gather around and listen to the gospel. There were many who came forward during the alter call and many around the park who were ministered to by the congregants. Phone numbers are taken so the church can follow up with them, get them involved in a church and let them know they aren't alone. The emphasis is always on a personal relationship with Jesus - not getting involved in a "religion".

Agape Christian Center is raising disciples in their midst to go out and preach the Good News to the nations! God is using them to reach the hopeless and defeated in their 'hood. Telling them they can have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

You have to be a walker in NY!

Long day of walking everywhere! We started the morning out by walking to the subway to get to downtown. Love the transit system here, you can get anywhere by bus/subway/train/taxi.



Our first stop was at Energy Kitchen. The owner, Anthony, is a friend of the family and is a supporter of Saved By God's Grace. He was kind enough to carve out a few minutes from his busy schedule to meet with us and offer to help in anyway he can. He's been spreading the word about the ministry by attaching our brochures to delivery orders. Love to see how people help in their own unique ways with their gifts and talents.

After a delicious lunch at Energy Kitchen, thanks Anthony, we walked around Central Park. We did get rained on a bit but what a great place-all that green in the middle of the concrete jungle! Then it was a walk through Times Square. Lots of people rushing about their lives.

I wonder if the people walking around have a connection to anyone? Are they feeling alone? The spiritual poverty here in the US is so prevalent and I'm thankful for the outreaches of churches like Agape. They are living here and reaching out to their neighbors with the living waters of Jesus Christ.

If God isn't leading you to support Saved By God's Grace please take that first step to find an organization near you to give your time to. Reaching out and letting others know they are not alone, there is hope for them and there is a purpose for their life - that's spreading the gospel! We'll be doing more of that tonight at another street meeting in the park!

Street ministry is awesome!

These young people at Agape Christian Center blow me away! They are getting out of their comfort zones and reaching people in their neighborhood with the Good News.

Every church should have youngsters like these. Now I know we are here visiting during their evangelism week, but does your church have a week that you concentrate on reaching the people in your 'hood? Is your church's youth group mainly focused on getting together to have pizza and discuss the latest movie? Or are they learning skits, talking to neighbors, handing out tracts and guiding people in asking Jesus into their hearts?

For my friends who know me this may come as a surprise - I was asked to give the closing prayer. Yes I had to stand up in front of the crowd with a microphone and pray. The Lord is stretching me during this visit and what a rush! Thank you Father for your love and encouragement.

This gentleman got up at the beginning of the service and started dancing with his umbrella. Reminded me of Fred Astaire and Singing in the Rain! He stuck around, I actually think he sleeps in the park, but listened and enjoyed hearing the worship and praise.

New York is a place of so many different nationalities, languages and religions all living together. People were coming into the park to dance and worship God while others stood outside the fence. Lord may your peace and comfort reach all those around who are hurting and in need of your love.

What a day!!!

God is so good, God is awesome and He is so merciful to give us a glimpse of what He wants for our lives. This morning we walked to a small restaurant for breakfast with Pastor Ramos before service at the Agape Christian Center. Service starts at 11 with about an hour of praise and worship. Then they have a few minutes of announcements and today we had the honor of being here for communion. Pastor Lopez spoke on getting the church prepared to go out for street ministry. He said that we are being prepared everyday for ministry. We aren’t called to just sit at the well and continually drink and be fed, we are called to go out and make disciples of all people. He encouraged people to love one another and show them that the hope we have is a hope they can have too. “Stop being a mission field and become the missionary God has mandated!” (Pastor Lopez) No matter your circumstances, and the testimonies we have heard have been incredible, Jesus will meet you where you are.

After service he asked people to come up for prayer and Pastor Lopez spoke words over Tarrin and I. He has never met me or Tarrin but his words were spot on and it was a blessing to know that the God of the universe loves me so much that He would put that burden on Pastor’s heart to speak those words to us. It was encouragement and affirmation and focus for me. Thank you Father!!

Then around 2 (which was right after church service!) we walked to Wendy’s for lunch. I was at first a bit bummed-we’re in New York City and we are eating at Wendy’s?! Then we walked into a “railroad apartment” and met Wendy from Trinidad! She had prepared an authentic Trinidad lunch which was extremely yummy! Thanks Wendy for your hospitality and opening your home up and cooking for all of us-you are a beautiful servant of God.

That took us to about 4 when we walked a couple of blocks to where the young adults from the church set up their equipment. That’s when the music began and God’s presence was in the ‘hood, or maybe I should say borough?! The youth presented three skits to music and they were very good for their first “live” performance. I think I need to give Dondi (from DBCC) the video so the youth can see what others are doing to reach people for Christ. Chuck was asked to present the alter call and hearts were led to the Lord. Pastor Ramos asked people to come up for prayer and said “don’t be embarrassed, you aren’t embarrassed to buy drugs/alcohol/sex why should you be embarrassed to accept the free gift of salvation?” Praise God people accepted! My prayer is that those individuals will continue to seek Him and be encouraged to grow in their new life.

The people we’ve met have been from all walks of life with all sorts of backgrounds, but because of our familial tie of Jesus Christ we are one big family all serving the One who sustains us.

New York, New York

We left Michigan this morning at 2am! Chuck took a nap beforehand and I actually stayed up until around 12:30 then tried to sleep, but that was ok since I slept in the truck. I took over driving around 8am but only drove for a couple of hours, I was just really tired. Then Chuck took over driving the rest of the way. We stopped just before getting into New York at a scenic overlook – our last look at trees for about a week. Unless of course we make it into Central Park during the week.

We met Pastor Ramos and I love how when God brings people together they just get along! He is such a wonderful man of God and I am really excited to see what God has in store for all of us working together this week. We were introduced to NY by making sure to bring in all our stuff from the truck so as not to tempt anyone to break into it! So we brought everything in and got our room organized then we walked a couple of blocks to a pizza place and had a slice of pie. Ahhhh New York pizza!

Pastor Ramos gave us his testimony and I would love to have it on video. Maybe I’ll ask him to do that for me later. I love hearing testimonies and seeing how God has and continues to work in lives. Pastor kept saying “what are you guys doing here and what is God bringing us together for?” Great question and one I know God will show us as the week progresses.

Tomorrow is church service at 11 then the week begins with "street ministry". I don't have any idea what exactly that means, but God is in control and I praise His holy name for being here right here and now!

PS-Happy 4th of July. Tarrin would love to get into the crowds and see the fireworks but I think we'll just explore the neighborhood tonight.

Sparklers and VBS

Had a family cookout the other night and my kids (on the ends) got to have a bonfire and sparklers with their cousins (in the middle). Being in the Arizona dry heat we don't like anything with flames around the house!

It was a fun night with family and we are so thankful for the good times.

Then last night we had a dinner get-together with a supporter of Saved By God's Grace. Carol and her daughter have been wonderful in telling others about the kids in Kenya. Her church is having VBS and focusing on missions around the world. They will be collecting change for The Change Campaign. During the week of VBS she will be calling Chuck on speakerphone and letting the kids ask questions about being a missionary, Kenya and what ever question they come up with! They'll use a photo like this one just like they use on the news - "On the phone is Chuck McDonald..."

They'll also discuss the spiritual poverty of those living in the US. We were able to give them some insight into this with our recent trip to Skid Row.

We leave tomorrow night/Saturday morning at midnight for New York. We are scheduled to be there between noon and 4 pm on Saturday.

Thank you for all your prayers and support - I love watching God working in different people, different situations and different ways. His grace is sufficient for what ever it is He calls you to!

Another positive note

We donated my dad's clothes to a shelter (West Midland Family Center) and it felt so good knowing his clothes were going to help another man in need.

As you can see from the second picture, he had very little. The two boxes on the floor and the laundry basket were the contents of his entire closet/dresser drawer. And it got me to thinking of all the "stuff" we accumulate in our closets. I can say this because I am a woman, but it's usually us women who have an over abundance of clothes. I was guilty of this for many years. Buying the next new shirt/pants/jeans/purse (my personal demon!) etc. was excitement. Now, thanks be to God, my excitement comes from seeing our 372 kids in Kenya eating, playing with a soccer ball that was donated to them, hearing their excitement of going to school!

It wasn't my idea or strength to curb my want for "things", it was the Holy Spirit. Opening my heart up to Him and His purpose for my life gave me that determination. It's not easy, I have to rely on His strength moment by moment every day but what a blessing the past few years have been in service to Him!

To become a part of blessing a child in Kenya please visit Saved By God's Grace or The Change Campaign to see how you can make a difference.

Personal note

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 2:21

"For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." Ephesians 2:18

These verses gave me much comfort this past couple of weeks. My father died on June 14th. I didn't know him well and he was not a part of my life growing up. He was an alcoholic and had lived much of his life with shame and guilt over the choices he made that affected me and my sister. I had seen him only a few times and had written him several times over the years but never received any communication in return. But the Lord is so good - I was able to attend my aunt's funeral (my fathers sister) back in January of this year and had a long talk with my dad. I told him that I loved him and forgave him. I found out today that was a turning point in his life. He was able to accept my forgiveness and I believe the Holy Spirit was opening his heart up for accepting Jesus' forgiveness and sacrifice. He was filled with shame at the funeral and couldn't stop saying "I'm sorry". I understood at that time how difficult it was for him to try to attempt to have a relationship (with me and my sister) with all the guilt he was living with.

Two weeks before his death he went to live with his sister and she lead him to the Lord! I can not imagine the burden that was lifted from his shoulders but am so thankful that he experienced Christ's love and forgiveness before his death. And what a blessing to know that the Lord of all waited for that perfect time to call my dad home. Now my earthly father is singing praises to his and my Heavenly Father for eternity!

We spread his ashes today at his parents grave site and I told my family how difficult it was to be sad because "If you loved me you would be glad that I am going to the Father for the Father is greater than I." (John 14:28) and I am so happy he is with the Father!

A place to rest our heads!

How many times have we driven pass this "artwork" and never stopped? But today was the day. Tarrin just started driving when Chuck pointed it out, so we turned around and decided to take some pictures. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. I drove in the morning (Friday) and Tarrin drove the rest of the day. This was written while we were driving through Oklahoma, because really what else is there in Oklahoma?!



And now that I've finally gotten on the Internet at my mom's I can update the blog.

The drive was good, hard to sleep in the truck though. But last night we slept in a real bed and slept in! Felt good and also thankful for having a place to lay our heads at night.

We will be here in Midland until Friday then we are off to New York. So the blog this week will be basically updates from Midland (Chuck and my hometown).

If you know of anyone who would like to host a presentation please have them contact Chuck.

By the way, on my last post I didn't have the link for The Jonah Project but now I do. We've had people tell us they didn't want to help outside the US - this project is right here.

Homeless but not hopeless

We visited The Jonah Project. Here Patrick, Mary, Jeremiah and Sara have been blessed with over 35,000 sq. ft. of building for The Project. They are currently getting the inside ready for a church, dorm area for women and children, computer area etc. We heard story after story from them of God's faithfulness and we were able to see first hand how much they love the Lord and love working with the homeless on Skid Row. (Patrick is on the far left with the dreads!)

Then we visited Set Free Church also located on Skid Row. Pastor Ron and his wife (pictured here in the chapel) had a beautiful service. Pastor Ron is familiar with the struggles these people go through because he was once a drug-addicted, homeless person just like them.

At the beginning of service he said he wasn't feeling well and maybe he would get everyone out of there early, but then his wife sang Mercy Said No and he was then filled with the Holy Spirit and began preaching about God's goodness and mercy for all of us! He asked everyone if it was alright if he just preached on that instead of finishing the sermon from Sunday! It was an uplifting and encouraging sermon and you can tell he loves the Lord and means every word he preaches!


Set Free also has an outreach where men can come and stay to get back on their feet. This is Thomas, Tarrin met him on her last trip to Skid Row. He cooks for the outreach and does a mean spaghetti! He is so passionate about his love for Jesus and what He has done in his life. You can see the Lord shining through him every time you talk with him.

While walking around you felt a heaviness on the people. Such hurting individuals, yet with The Jonah Project and Set Free Church those individuals are being told of the truth of Jesus Christ and His hope for them. What a blessing it was for me to see the Lord working everywhere in peoples lives. He loves every single one of us and wants us to be near Him and that is the message being told on the streets of Skid Row - Praise God!