A big thank you!

Thanks Chris and Diane for a wonderful evening. You opened your home, fed us (along with several others) and invited us to tell your friends and family about our kids in Kenya.

These opportunities are always a blessing to Chuck and I - not only for the people we meet but for their support, prayers, connections and hearing how God is working in their lives. We appreciate you telling your friends about us and directing them to the website. It always reminds me of that old shampoo commercial - you'll tell two friends and they'll tell two friends and so on and so on!

God spoke to us early on in this ministry that we just needed to tell people what we are doing and He would speak to those He wants involved. We love being the hands and feet of the gospel for our supporters.

If you have a group you would like us to bring our presentation to please contact us. We are working out details for our next "presentation tour" which begins the last week of June in Los Angeles, California. We would love to partner with you.

Movie night at the Academy

Every Saturday night while we were in Tala, Kenya we would set up our projector/dvd player/speakers and have a movie night. We found the kids love action movies and they really seem to enjoy slapstick humor (falling down and such nonsense as that!)

We would also have snacks - one night we had crisps (chips) and soda, another night would be popcorn and juice then another night would be biscuits (cookies) and milk. Now being a mom the cookies and milk were ok with me as the milk didn't have as much sugar, but the kids voted the popcorn and soda the winner snack hands-down!

After the first couple of Saturday's we found many of the adults at the Academy (teachers, night watchmen etc.) would show up just about the time the snacks would be handed out and the movie started!

It was so neat to see the kids enjoy a "night out" even if it was in a classroom with a sheet for a screen and sitting three to a desk! We've heard from Gideon and Pauline that the kids are anxious for us to come back so we can again start our traditional Saturday night movie time.

If you have any DVD's (PG-13 or below) you'd like to donate please send them to Saved By God's Grace at 4410 W. Union Hills Drive, Suite #7, Glendale, Arizona 85308. Thank you!

You can't take it with you

As I was viewing some of my video from our trip last year I came across this one with Gideon. He is the Director at Nice View Academy in Tala, Kenya. He began talking about money and how we can't take it with us.

Gideon loves the Lord and has sacrificed much to help the children in Tala. But he doesn't see what he's done as sacrificial just what he is called to do. When the Lord brought us together it was like arriving home to our Kenyan family. What a blessing Gideon and his family have been to us and the help they have been both while we are in Kenya and the States.

Thought about doctors lately? I have...

When was the last time you went to the doctors? Did any of these cross your mind as you made the appointment - will I have any money to pay the doctor, will I have any money to pay for transport or will I have to walk there, will I have any money to pay for medicine if I need it?

These questions usually don't enter our thought process. Even for those of us who do not have health insurance, there are agencies, free clinics, etc. to help - you just have to find them. Or we have family who can help.

But for our friends and family in Kenya these are questions we have to ask each time someone gets sick at one of the orphanages. There are no agencies to help, no free clinics, no family to turn to because they are in the same situation.

The funds coming in to Saved By God's Grace is covering food costs (because of the famine situation and rising food prices), so sometimes those funds have to be stretched to cover other necessities, like medical attention. Many times our friends, Gideon and Pauline (Director of Nice View Academy in Tala, Kenya and his wife), will ask the doctor for a "favor" to see the children without being paid at the time. The doctor has met us, he knows us and knows that we will get him paid.

Right now Chuck is working with an organization to help one of our daughters, Madina, at Mercy Child Foundation in Kenya. She was diagnosed on our last visit with elephantiasis and we are in the process of getting that diagnosis confirmed and getting her treatment.

If your child were sick what would you do to get them help? Saved By God's Grace is working to get Madina the help she needs. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Your support will help change the lives of these beautiful children.

High school should be for everyone

Our youngest daughter graduated from high school last night and, needless to say, I am very proud of her for that accomplishment. But it got me to thinking of our attitude about school here in the States compared to our friends/family in Kenya.

Here in the states parents expect, and even take for granted that their children will attend school. And the kids, even though they may not like it, expect that they will have to attend.

In Tala where Nice View Academy is located, we have families who can only afford to send one child to school and if they can't afford to send a child to school many will pray for a school like Nice View to take them in as a sponsored child. If the child is an orphan some show up at the gate of Nice View hoping to be taken in, others are brought in by a "well-wisher" who found the child and is requesting the school take care of them. Otherwise they would not be able to attend school.

Even if a family can afford to send them to school (primary school goes from Nursery to 8th grade) many can not afford secondary school (high school) so the student will have to drop out after 8th grade. What do they do then? If they can find work they will work to help the family, or if no work is available they will help with the farming to feed the family and possibly sell some produce to make a bit of money. If the child is an orphan they will try to find family to take them in, but there they are treated as slaves not family.






Saved By God's Grace is working on completing a new school at Nice View. Your support is needed to complete the building which will educate at least 500 students! And the orphans currently at Nice View will have a secure future in knowing they will attend school through 12th grade.

My prayer is to have all our kids in Kenya complete primary then secondary school and go onto university if they want. I would love for them to "expect" to have to attend school rather than praying they will be able to attend.

Printers and socks...

What these two have in common is how long it takes to fix/purchase each in Tala, Kenya.

As some of you may have noticed on my Twitter the printer was finally fixed at Nice View Academy in Tala, Kenya. This was in the works for about two weeks and I received word today that is was accomplished!

Getting the printer fixed took the efforts of Pauline (here with Gideon who is the Executive Director of Nice View Academy) calling people, having someone come to figure out what was wrong with it then fixing it. Needless to say it isn't as easy as taking it to the local office store.

We had the same issue with socks, uniforms, mattresses, sheets and so many other items that here we just run down to the local store and pick up these items in one stop.

We planned days in advance to head to Nairobi for these items. Then we had to make plans for them to be transported back to Tala where we have a storage room for the orphanages supplies.

We were able to buy the uniforms in one store (pictured) but we were in this store for about 6 hours - counting and recounting uniforms, making sure we had the right colors/sizes/amount! Their backpacks, however, were very expensive. So those had to be purchased at another store, then we had to go to another location for books, another for mattresses, another for sheets, etc. It made for a very long day and we usually only crossed off one or two items from our list. Meaning another 1 1/2 to two hour drive into Nairobi, finding our items, getting them back to Tala and then the three (possibly five hour drive if we get into a traffic jam) back home.

After our return home to the states we were brought to tears when we needed socks. We got into the car, headed down a few miles to the local store, drove the smooth/safe roads and bought a package of socks. We had just come from planning for days to buy socks and here it was so simple - taking just an hour or less.

Sometimes I feel like complaining when I need to get some milk or other item from the grocery store (it's too hot out/I'm comfortable/I just don't want to go out/I just want to get home etc.) but the Holy Spirit convicts me and reminds me of our brothers and sisters in Kenya who do not have that opportunity.

Toys for Kenya!

More people helping the poor is always a good thing and we are always humbled as to how people get involved.

We are in the process of working with the Academy of Cinema and Television (A.C.T.) for a toy drive. With the extreme poverty in Kenya, toys may seem like a non-important item. But for our children in Kenya it not only lets them know they are cared for but that they are worth our efforts of getting toys to them.

The simple act of giving them a toy of their own puts a smile on their face and that is priceless.



This video gives you an idea of what the nursery students were playing with and this was the only doll for the entire class. This was taken in February 2008 on our first trip to Kenya.

On our last trip in October 2008 we took with us several dolls, trucks, Frisbees, jump ropes etc. But as many of you know, toys don't last forever. The A.C.T.'s offer of having a toy drive is wonderful and we look forward to partnering with them in this effort.

More info to come...

God comes through yet again!

"...She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy." (Ezekiel 16:49 NIV)

Great way to start the blog, huh? This was in my reading this morning and when I read it I first thought of the United States. Sad, yes, makes me angry, yes, but oh so true for many here. Later in the reading God says He will do away with them. Scary, yes, but it doesn't have to be if we follow the teaching's in His word.

Ok, so that's just a very short version of my first impression of this reading. Then I started thinking of people who are helping the poor and needy.

You may remember last Sunday we spoke at Peoria Baptist Church. They took a love offering for us and we received that yesterday. Now what does this have to do with helping the poor and needy other than the obvious - Saved By God's Grace is helping the poor and needy in Kenya.


Well, you may also remember my Twitter (see those updates at http://www.savedbygodsgrace.org/ at the bottom of the page) about Fransisca (the manager from Eldama Ravine Children's Village) being pick pocketed with most of the funds we had sent her. The amount that was stolen was almost exactly covered by the love offering from Peoria Baptist! Praise God! That money has been sent back to Eldama Ravine and the kids are continuing to eat because of God's providence.

God worked through Peoria Baptist to bring providence to a situation we didn't know was going to happen. He brought us all together for a reason and what a privilege it is to work for the King!

Accepting the good with the bad

I was about to write this post with news we received from friends in Eldoret, Kenya when we received an email from Francisca at Eldama Ravine with upsetting news.

Now the question is - do you want the good news first or the bad? I'll give you the bad -

Francisca (from Eldama Ravine Children's Village) was pick pocketed yesterday between Eldama Ravine and Nakuru. She wasn't hurt as a matter of fact she didn't even realize what had happened until this morning. She had over 190,000 shillings which included most of the funds we had sent her for supplies and salaries.

We were reminded just this morning before this news of Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV).

Please pray about this situation and we must trust God to always be faithful. Francisca was very upset and distraught in her email. She asked us to pray that she would "have the grace even tonight" to see this situation through.

Now for a bit of fun news. Our friends in Eldoret, Kenya started a school, Jamii School, last year. Before they opened they expected 30 students to arrive, on opening day 60 children showed up on their doorstep. They were a bit overwhelmed but trusted God to provide the needs for the students. They have been struggling to survive but have put complete trust and faith that God will meet their needs.

Yesterday we received pictures from them and at the beginning of this school year (January) they had 170 children show up!

Now you might think that is bad news because as they put in their email "We are facing a very hard time because we don’t have enough facilities especially classrooms food and so on" but they are being faithful to the call God has put in front of them and I know that He will shower His grace and mercy upon them and the students.

We will keep you informed as to the situation with Fransisca and thank you for your prayers for Fransisca, Jamii School and Saved By God's Grace.

Rains are a welcome blessing

We've received word that rains have come to Tala - Praise God! Seeds were planted in time so that means a harvest will be forthcoming for Nice View Academy, Mercy Child Foundation and Eldama Ravine Children's Village!

The following pictures are from our last day in Kenya April 2008 (at Nice View Academy) when the rains had just began. So needless to say, this rainy season was a bit late but we are so thankful it's rained and crops are growing.


























As you can see when it rains it really rains, and this is just one day! Our friends and family also like the rain because it cuts down on the dust and cools things off a bit.

Thank you for your prayers for the orphanages in Kenya and please, if you are able, consider helping financially. The children thank you, their caregivers thank you and we thank you for any help you can give.

Home away from home

Here are just a few glimpses of our hometown in Kenya - Tala.

This is a row of kiosks. Each is very small and each has their own specific things they sell. We go to one kiosk for eggs, one for milk, one for cabbage etc. It makes for a long shopping time going to each kiosk, but most are very close so we park the car and walk.

Here is Chuck and Pauline walking into Rat Race - our local kiosk for getting our top-up cards for our phones.

Tala has the kiosk area which leads to the market - this area is closer to the market. You will find second hand clothing, vegetables, second hand shoes etc. But you can also buy 1 bar of soap, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 dixie cup of kerosene - that is how most people buy these (and many more items) because they can not afford anything in a bigger quantity.

This is the market and my favorite place to shop and watch people. The women are all friendly and wanting you to buy their vegetables/fruits/pots & pans because they will give you "bei mazuri" (good price)! On market days this area is packed with people selling 1 head of cabbage, 1 banana and trying to make enough to feed their family that night.

Sorry if you have a weak stomach! This is the butchers. In the morning the butcher will slaughter a goat, hang it in the window and wait for customers. When we went in he simply hacks off a chunk of goat from the window with a machete, weighs it on the scales (bones and all) and wraps it in brown paper.

Sometimes you'll even get a small package of herbs/spices to boil the meat in!

On the far right of the picture are the intestines which are considered the choicest part (Kenyans say the sweetest part). Yes I have had them and sorry to my Kenyan friends and family but I don't consider them to be the sweetest!

So there is a small picture of what our home away from home looks like. It is pretty rustic and getting supplies for the school isn't possible here, but our daily needs were met.

Your support is helping to keep food in the kids' bellies, clothes on their backs and education in their lives! Thank you for your continued support.

Happy Mother's Day!

We spent the morning at Peoria Baptist Church here in Arizona giving our testimony and raising awareness for the children in Kenya. All morning I was thinking of our children in:

Tala,

Koma Rock,

and Eldama Ravine and how very much I miss them.

Every time we talk or email the orphanages I tell them we haven't forgotten them and we love them very much. We emphasize to them when God provides for us here that provision is passed along to them. They are seeing God's hand in their lives and for that I am thankful!

On this mother's day please remember those who have lost their mom's and those who never knew their moms. And give your own mom a call or hug! :)

Reminiscing

We were going through some papers we brought back with us from Kenya. Yea I know it's been months, but they were all letters, pictures and drawings that the kids sent back with us. We just weren't sure where to put them!

I am in the process of putting some of the students artwork onto the website in an Art Gallery. We have some talented artists at Nice View Academy!

The entire student body drew pictures of whatever they wanted. Most were of their home or Nice View. This drawing is from Damaris who was in Pre-Unit (Kindergarten).

Eric Musembi, Gideon's son, gave us a story. It reminds me that the grass is not greener on the other side!

"Kigo Kigoi had been in Kareru Prison for many years. One day the prison guard forgot to close the back gate. Kigo saw a van that had come to collect kitchen waste. He crept onto the back. He wanted to escape. When it stopped after an hour, Kigo was shocked to find himself in yet another prison--Giture Maximum Security Prison."

It also reminds me that God can use me right where I am. I trust Him and rely on Him to direct me and this ministry. Thank you for your prayers of encouragement and support.

God's perfect timing!

Chuck received an email from Fransisca (Eldama Ravine Children's Village) and she said the children are all doing well. She says the children have returned back to school and are improving in their studies.

I was brought to tears however with the following:

"Please tell Tammy her children miss her soo much and any time they talk of her they shade tears of joy knowing though they dont have parent mothers God has given them a caring mother to fill the gap."

I want to be there so badly to talk with them, hug them and just be there with them, but we are waiting on God's timing. And, as usual, my reading today spoke to that issue directly! Galatians 4:4 says "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son..." Since God knew the perfect time to send His Son then I have to trust He knows the perfect time for us to return to Kenya.

The children in Kenya are also praying, "we are still praying for you about your coming the soonest." We thank you all for your support and prayers.

Saved By God's Grace is waiting and trusting in the Lord for His perfect timing - Amen!

Kenya is still Kenya

Chuck passed an article along to me that made me laugh but yet was so truthful and to the point I had to share a quote or two. The gentleman wrote this in 2001 but it still applies today!

" Kenya roads are just about the same. With the exception of worse Nairobi traffic jams, things are the same as 20 years ago. Matatus drive just as badly with just as many people hanging out the doors. Trucks drive just as badly and spew just as much black diesel smoke as they crawl up the hills."

and

"Kenya dust is still the same. After ten years in Canada, it is hard to recall just how pervasive the dust is around here. This fine volcanic dust gets everywhere. It is in houses, throughout cars, and coats anything in the vicinity of a road. There is no end to it! I'm continually amazed at the dirt around here.

This took me right back to Nairobi in a flash! I can see the people hanging out of the matatus (mini-van taxis), the traffic jams everywhere and the dirt and grim in the air.

Our trips to Nairobi were few and far between - we only went when we had to get supplies. Nairobi is about 36 miles away from Tala to the west but that trip could take up to two hours getting there and depending on the traffic jams up to five hours for the return trip!

It's not like running down to your local convenience store. Trips were planned out for days before hand to make sure we had everything we needed on the list. We had to plan for buying socks, uniforms, school supplies and many more items not available in the local villages.

Your funding helps make getting these supplies possible. Thank you for your donations and support.

Change 4 Kenya!

We have a 5 gallon water jug sitting on the outreach table at Desert Breeze Community Church. We've labeled it "Change 4 Kenya" and people are asked to drop in their spare change. Our friends and family have jumped on the band wagon and are bringing in cans, bags and wallets of coins to drop in the jug. Here's Danny and Wendy with their contribution - thank you!

This is a simple way of raising funds and awareness for our kids in Kenya. Maybe your church/group/business can do something similar for Saved By God's Grace? Please contact us if you'd like some brochures and business cards.

Do you put 40¢ a day into a change jar/dish/box etc.? For a glimpse of what's to come visit our homepage (scroll to the bottom) and read more.

A few Yeah God's!

Annastacia (house mom from Mercy) called today. Actually she "flashed" us - meaning she called us and hung up after the first ring. That means they want us to call them because it is cheaper to call from the US to Kenya than from Kenya to here.

She told me they are all doing well and getting ready to go back to school on Monday - yeah God!

Benjamin, who was sick recently, is better after getting the medication he needed - yeah God!

They planted maize, skuma (spinach like veggie) and beans at Mercy and Annastacia said they had "a lot of rains" - yeah God!

Annastacia is feeling better after receiving malaria medication and cream for an eye allergy - yeah God!

I thanked her for her on-going strength and faithfulness to God and to the children at Mercy. It brings me much comfort knowing she is there loving the children and letting them know it is God who brings them providence through Saved By God's Grace. I told her how very much we love her and the children, and I pray she sees that by our continued support.

Christopher asked me when we would be returning and I asked them to please pray with us so that God will show us when is the proper time for our return.

Annastacia said "I am very happy that you continue to care for us and have not forgotten us. I pray Jesus will meet your needs." A woman (she actually seems more my daughter) who has nothing but the love of Christ in her heart is praying for our needs to be met - it was a humbling prayer and I thank God for allowing me to be a part of Annastacia's life.

Please consider donating to Saved By God's Grace - may He meet your needs so you may help others through your abundance. Thank you for your support.

A day at Glendale Community College

We were invited to participate in the "All Shades of Black" for the Black Student Union at the Glendale Community College campus in Arizona. They had several different cultures represented and Saved By God's Grace was there to represent the children in Kenya.

We talked to several people about the orphanages, we had several people sign up for our newsletter and we handed out a lot of information. Now we let God move the hearts!

COMING SOON - "The Change Campaign" - watch the website or blog or FaceBook or Twitter for details!