Little details and Cinderella's castle...

We arrived in Grand Rapids, Michigan around 10:30 am on Monday and had to set everything up for an 11:30 presentation. It wasn't too rushed though because it was a luncheon and we basically sat around the table and swapped God stories. What an inspiration and encouragement to hear how God is working in their lives. It amazes me to think of how He does it - keeping all the details straight and moving the universe for His plan.

After lunch we visited with our wonderful host, Elizabeth and her two children. Chuck was Prince Charming and had to crawl into the Cinderella castle with Olivia and Caleb! Happily he didn't get stuck inside and it was a joy to interact with kids - it's been awhile for us with little ones.

After dinner Elizabeth and Chris had another couple over for dessert and we again talked about how God is working.

Hearing so many different testimonies during this trip has been a complete unexpected blessing. Lives are changing, young people are committing themselves to serving, couples are focusing on missionary work and God is being glorified in all these lives - Yeah God!

Two more presentations complete

God is working and opening doors and we are so thankful for all He is doing in this ministry. We had a presentation last night at the Gall's home. We had the privilege of meeting some wonderful young people with hearts for serving. One (Meah) is sponsoring a child in Guatemala and she is paying for her sponsorship by selling homemade tote bags. Another (Nate) is raising money for the Sudan by making wood trivets. These young kids (around 12 years old) are an inspiration and I pray that we can learn a lesson in humility, service and love from them.


Then today we had a presentation at St. Vincent De Paul church in Shepherd, Michigan. Other than the cold wind and blowing snow we were warmly welcomed into the community. Carol Gall (whose home we were at last night) advertised the event in their newsletter and with posters. Thanks Carol!


We had a great conversation with Cheryl who has been to Kenya several times with groups of young people. We felt encouraged by her love for the people of Kenya and it made us even more homesick for our family and friends there.


I spoke today to a friend in Kenya and she was telling us how difficult life is there for everyone. Food prices are soaring and the rains have not come to their area...yet. We are trusting God to bring the rains.


Your support is always appreciated and in these difficult times we are thankful for your help in getting food, medical attention, education etc. to our kids at Nice View, Mercy and Eldama Ravine.

Delta panel and open doors for Open Door

Sorry I didn't get a blog post out last night.

Yesterday (Thursday) we participated in the Delta Community College panel on faith-based services to Africa. It is always so encouraging to hear of other people working in Africa (and around the world) of how God is moving throughout the land. So many small ministries are doing great things through the strength of the Holy Spirit.

We were on a panel with six other people and what was neat was to hear the similar stories of serving in a third-world country. But we were all in agreement that the joy we receive far outweighs the risks. Pastor Phyllis on the panel said that others say she is courageous to do what she does, but she says it isn't courage just obedience to God's calling. Amen sister!

After the panel discussion we met with a delegation from Delta who are going to Kenya in May. They are going to attempt a visit to Nice View Academy! We are praying for God's plan to be met for the Academy through His people.

Today (Friday) we saw and were involved in God working out some details and logistics. Our brother-in-law, Vic, works for Meijer's in Midland and he told us they had some mattress pads they were going to throw away unless a 501(c)3 wanted to pick them up. Since we were in town and he knew Saved By God's Grace is just that, he called us. We picked up about 50 mattress pads and took them to the women's and men's shelters here in Midland. We met Pastor Bob from the Open Door (the men's shelter) and talked about his wonderful ministry to the men in Midland.

To think we were here from Arizona for "a time such as this." Those mattress pads would have been throw out, instead God had a plan for them to be put on the beds of those in need.

I thank God for these opportunities to serve Him and to be a part of His plan. Whether in Arizona, Michigan or Kenya I pray for God's will to be done in this ministry.

Twitter has moved!

You may have noticed that my Twitter is no longer on the blog page. I've moved it to the front page of the website. It's on the right hand side at the bottom (below the video, calendar etc.)

Check it out!

Busy and glorious days

We've had three presentations the past two days and they have all been wonderful opportunities to talk to people about the kids in Kenya, talk about what God is doing and how God is working in all our lives.

We spoke at Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Tuesday afternoon. The students there (7th graders) were very interested in how the kids in Kenya go to school and what a day is like for them. One student saw this picture and said "oh look they have Old Navy stores over there." We pointed out that we took those clothes over there and explained how many of the kids only have one or two sets of clothes (which includes a school uniform). I pray their eyes were opened to a little bit of the world around them.

Our next presentation was at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland.

They have a beautiful setting and we were very thankful for the opportunity to speak with them about what God is doing in Kenya.

Then our final presentation on Wednesday was at my moms house. She was a bit disappointed that only a couple of people showed up but God knew who had to be there. We had a great conversation with them talking not only about the orphanages but about God Himself. What a blessing to be a part of community with another brother and sister in Christ.

Home Sweet Home

We were talking tonight about our home in Kenya and thought I'd show you where we live while there. It is a 20x20 home with four 10x10 rooms - you walk into the living room, bedroom is to the right, kitchen/office area is straight ahead then to the right of that is our bathroom.

The living room has two couches (I think Gideon brought them back from the US in the 1980's) there is a coffee table and a corner stand. This is where most of our stuff lands when we walk in at night.

The bedroom is big enough for a bed and nightstand. Our last trip we actually took the door off the hinges so we could move the bed!

The kitchen/office area has a refrigerator that is about 30 years old. If we have electricity we can barely get it to freeze water for ice! We also have a small table which holds our cups (2), spoons (2), my instant coffee and an electric heater to heat up water for the instant coffee (again only when we have electricity). Then we have a desk which holds our toiletries for the bathroom and a place to work on the computer.

The bathroom is one room with shower, toilet and sink. The shower has an electric shower head to heat the water. I know - electricity and water do not mix! It was a bit scary the first couple of times and I won't turn it on for fear of touching the open wires on top. 240volt and water just don't mix and doesn't appeal to me!

When we don't have electricity the water has to be heated up by firewood then brought to us in a big jug. Then we pour it from there into a smaller tub so we can pour the water over ourselves. We learned that during those times without electricity we only wash the "vital" areas. I think you can figure out where those are.

So that gives you a glimpse of how and where we live in Kenya. It's amazing how much you don't miss. We have no tv, no radio, no heat, no air conditioning, sporadic electricity and water...the list could go on. But when we get back to the states those things become luxuries. It shows us how blessed we are here in the United States but it also shows me that we have so much to do and share with our brothers and sisters in Kenya.

Confirmation day

A day of odds and ends. Today we visited family, responded to a few emails and confirmed a couple of presentations. Our calendar now has the updated schedule.

But throughout the day we thanked God for His continuing help and guidance while on this tour.

Your prayers and support are appreciated and may God be with you.

This beautiful lady is Gideon's mom (mwaitu in Kiswahili). She lives with Gideon and Pauline so we were a part of the family and had the pleasure of seeing her everyday. The "network" is going as they say in Kenya but she loves to talk - although we couldn't understand a word since she only speaks Akamba! She also loves to sing and would sing prayers for us. When she spoke to God it didn't matter the language, you could tell she was speaking to the Almighty. Her health is slowly failing and I ask for your prayers on her behalf.

Thanks to the Mennonite Church

Many thanks to Pastor Duford at the Midland Mennonite Church for opening up his church to us for a presentation tonight. They had great questions and we had wonderful conversations with people.

I thank God for these opportunities He has given us to tell people about the kids in Kenya.

I knew Pastor Duford from waaay back (I grew up at the church he worked at) and when he heard about Saved By God's Grace he worked us into the schedule. Thank you again Pastor Don!

A very good friend of mine from about 20 years ago (yikes!) also came to the presentation. She heard about it from the newsletter and looked us up on the website to see the Calendar of Events. So it was nice to hear that the whole email/newsletter/website calendar works for the purpose we intended it.

Thank you to all who attended tonight's presentation. Your prayers and financial support are appreciated.

Small glimpses of life in Kenya

I am going to try to update on a daily basis here on the blog. While we are in the United States it will most likely be a picture from one of our trips along with a short story or background of the picture. I thought it would be a good idea to get in the habit now and then while we are in Kenya it will be part of my routine.

This first picture is Katine. It is a small village where many of the children who attend Nice View live. (I did some photo shopping to it and made it a 3-panel picture because I really liked the composition of the landscape.)

I took this while we were walking to a students home for a visit. We walked for about 20 minutes before reaching the first home and I thought about the child who walks this everyday to and from school. These kids are taking a chance every day by walking to school. But many would rather take that risk then stay at home and not attend school.

I remember when our daughter, Tarrin, started first grade and was walking to school. For the first two weeks her dad, Chuck, followed her to make sure everything was ok. Our kids in Kenya don't have that luxury. They are mostly on their own and try to walk home together in a group if possible. And many come home to an empty home because dad has left the family and mom is either working for a few shillings or trying to find someone who will give her family some food for the evening.

I pray that these small glimpses of life in Kenya will show you how these families try to live every day by God's grace. If you haven't read our recent newsletter you can go here and read it to find out what items we will be taking with us this next trip to Kenya. Thank you for any and all help you are able to provide these children.

Day one down!

We made it to Tucumcari, NM last night. The drive was long but mostly uneventful. Just outside Flagstaff, AZ on I-40 we were “parked” on the highway for about 1 ½ hours. We took advantage of the time to do some reading but I was thinking about how many people were probably complaining about the inconvenience of waiting. But all I could think about was the people involved in the accident and how their lives have been changed now forever.

It reminded me of a song about living my life like these are the last 5 minutes. What would we do differently if we knew these were our last five minutes? Would we be worried about buying that new car, tv, shirt etc.? Or would we want to make sure Heaven was our next stop?

One prayer for this ministry is that we are working like it’s our last five minutes.

Why Twitter?

I wanted to explain a bit more about why I joined Twitter. Twitter is what you see on the right - little tidbits of information throughout my day. The main reason for joining is so that when we are in Kenya I can update it throughout the day. You'll have a front row seat as to what we are doing during our day, who we are visiting, what projects are beginning (or ending) and so forth.

So while we are here in the states you'll see updates about my day here. Maybe not as interesting as in Kenya but it gives me a chance to learn the process. Thanks for reading!

More techie stuff

You may have noticed the new "widgets" to the right. I'm getting Facebook up, Twitter up and trying to keep the blog updated, the website updated, MySpace updated and what ever new media comes up!

My prayer is that the Lord will, and can, use any and all types of media to get the word out about Saved By God's Grace.

If you're on Facebook we now have a group Saved By God's Grace and a cause for Saved By God's Grace. Tell your friends about it!

Check out the Calendar of Events on the website - we are getting a lot of presentations set and we still have a few in the scheduling stage. See where we are and maybe you can join one or have one of your own. Contact us and we'd love to set up a presentation with you and a group of your friends, colleagues and/or family.

Technology - what a gift!

I'm finally getting on the bandwagon of Facebook. At first I wasn't to sure about it but then this morning I was logged in and my very good friend, Kate, from Nakuru, Kenya was online. We chatted for about 20 minutes and it brought me right back to her in Kenya. The pull back to Kenya gets stronger everyday and I miss my friends, family and the kids there.


I received an email from Pauline and she told me the electricity is on! Praise God! But she also encouraged me with these words:


"trust God that He will do the needful in his perfect time.Just be patient and carry on with the presentations. and since nothing escapes His mind and attention you will soon witness what He will do. "



It was just what I needed - God does see everything and knows the situation - with us, the ministry and all over the world (amazing to think about isn't it?)

If you are led to help Saved By God's Grace in any way, please contact us or go to the website to donate securely online. Any and all help is greatly appreciated, thank you.

In the dark

Some of you may remember or heard me tell about how dark it can get in Kenya. When the electricity goes out it is EXTREMELY dark. You literally can not see your hand in front of your face. Now for many families being without electricity is a non-issue because they don't have electricity in the first place and are used to using candles, lanterns etc. for a light source. For many of these families when the sun sets the day is done because they can't afford the fuel for lanterns or batteries for flashlights.

When I think about the times I've been without electricty (which has been maybe a handful of times in my life) it wasn't that bad and the city was on top of it right away. But as you will see from the following, it's not the same in Kenya.

Our brother and sister (Gideon and Pauline) in Tala have been without electricity for about two weeks now. Some thugs (theives) stole a major component of the transformer which runs electricity for the village. Here is an excerpt from an email I received today from Pauline:

"You cant just imagine that the power is not yet fixed though this is the second week in darkness.To make matters worse they demanded a payment of ksh.1000 (about $12.50) per every homestead to strengthen security of the transformer as if the power company belong to us. This has really inconvinienced every body with no water and light.We hope they will move quickly this week to arrest the situation."

Pauline goes on to say: "To write this i had to carry the laptop is school. (this is where Pauline works) Pray with me we get our power back I hope to write more when am at home coz here there are alot of disturbances i cant concentrate on the computer well"

This is just one instance to show you the stark difference between living in the United States and living in Kenya. We continually pray for God's will to be done and that we will be obedient to His calling. Please keep Saved By God's Grace in your prayers and thank you for your support.