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!

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.

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.

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.

Thank You!

A big THANK YOU goes out to all those at Desert Breeze Community Church who gave their spare change for Kenya. The church placed a 5-gallon water jug at their outreach table and congregants reached into their pockets to give whatever spare change they had to the ministry. Over $700 was raised!

What an example of how simple and inexpensive it is to reach into your pocket/purse and give your change, yet what a blessing it will be to the children of Kenya.

Visit The Change Campaign to become a monthly partner with us for $12/month (that's just 40¢/day!)

Happy Father's Day!

To all you dad's out there - Happy Father's Day!

We are presenting The Change Campaign to our local church today and helping people understand how easy it is to change the life of a child in Kenya. Just $12/month can bring change into their lives!


Your support will enable us to take the gospel of our Heavenly Father to these kids who have no earthly father. And by His grace they are learning that God is real and He will provide for them through your partnership with us.

On this Father's Day please remember those who do not have a dad and if you haven't spoken to your dad in awhile - call him!

Feet

Weird subject I know, but everyone has them - some people have problems with theirs others don't even think about them.

As in most places, boys are rough on their feet. Here at Eldama Ravine the boys were playing football (American soccer) and, as usual, many only have their school shoes and flip-flops which are not the easiest to play in. So they were running in the field without shoes and Anthony got something in his foot. Peter then stopped the game to help him out, which I thought was very sweet.

Then you see the girls making sure their feet are clean and soft. Again at Eldama Ravine I watched the girls rub their feet on a rock which was very much like a pumice stone. By the time they were done their feet were as smooth as a baby's bottom!

It just reminded me of the fact that boys are boys and will continue to play rough and not worry about their feet. While girls like to keep things neat and clean.

Another reason to join The Change Campaign...keeping shoes on their growing feet!

Playing on the field...

My external hard drive crashed a couple of weeks ago with all my downloaded video from our last trip :(

So I have begun the process of re-downloading it (about 5 hours of tape!) By the way, thanks Mike for the new external.

Here's a very short clip of the kids at Nice View Academy playing while we toured the new building progress (August 2008).

There laughter and watching them play takes me back to them in a heartbeat. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter either through Saved By God's Grace or The Change Campaign. Your partnership with us is helping our kids in Kenya have the chance to be kids without the worry of where their next meal is coming from. Thank you!

The Good News...

The past few days I've been thinking a lot about the Gospel message and how we spread the Good News. We are called to teach all nations to obey God's commandments (Matthew 28:18-20).

But how do we do that? We speak the words to people, but without our lives being an example of the Word we are simply talking (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

By living out the precepts God has laid out for us (one being - love your neighbor as yourself, Mark 12:31) we are showing Christ's love to the nations. Saved By God's Grace is bringing that love to the country of Kenya - specifically Tala, Koma Rock and Eldama Ravine.

By providing for our children's basic necessities they are beginning to understand that it is God who is loving them and providing for them. He hasn't forgotten them and He continues to provide for them through your support.

Thank you to all who are part of Saved By God's Grace and/or The Change Campaign. You are supporting the hands and feet of spreading the Good News to the country of Kenya.

Missing friends, family...Kenya

We watched a film last night about a country in Africa and it really made me miss...

...the kids

...hearing "mum and dad are here!"

...singing praise and worship songs with them - although some of them are in Swahili

...the little ones staring, then smiling for a picture

...the kids asking for sweets

...the older kids asking for a picture

...the friendly people stopping to say hello, just because

...tea time - a time to relax with friends and/or family to chat it forward

...laughing together about our differences in culture

...my Kenyan family

...long talks during dinner (even though I usually went to bed long before the conversation was over!)

...the togetherness


All these things have helped to build a relationship which encourages conversation and helping each other in times of trouble. With your continued support we are continuing to build on these relationships and bringing the gospel to them not only in word but in action. Loving our neighbor as ourself.

Please consider becoming a $12/month partner with us through The Change Campaign and see how your spare change can bless our kids in Kenya.

New video!!

Hey everyone - check out the new video for The Change Campaign!

What are you waiting for? Join us today!!!

The call is being made...

Ok everyone we have a better idea of our schedule for our tour of The Change Campaign and we are asking for your help.

As you can see from our Calendar of Events we will be in Los Angeles, CA June 24, 25, 26 and 27. If you or someone you know would like us to present Saved By God's Grace along with The Change Campaign please contact our Executive Director, Chuck.

We will then be in Michigan for a couple of days before heading to New York City where we will be staying from July 4th - July 12th. Again, we will be happy to speak to any size group or if you'd like to have a fundraiser while we are in the area please contact Chuck and he will be happy to work with you on arranging the schedule.

After our stay in New York we will be traveling back to Arizona with possible stops in Georgia, Oklahoma and Florida. We would love to meet some of you in our travels and answer any questions you may have about this ministry.

Please help us spread the news of The Change Campaign so we can bring change to our Kenyan kids.

A dream come true...

There was a huge agricultural show in Nairobi while we were in Kenya last year (2008). It's something that occurs every year and many schools try to attend. It reminded me of the 4H fairs I would attend when I was younger.

For many of our students at Nice View and Mercy it was literally a dream come true to attend!

Even the bus ride there was an adventure. Most of the kids had never been outside their village, let alone, seen a big city like Nairobi. So they got to walk around and learn about the agriculture of Kenya, ask questions of government officials at the "show" and of course ride some carnival like rides.

They had such a good time and before going home they all got to eat at an outside restaurant - which again was a first for many of them.

The one thing that touched me as I look through my pictures was this last one of students from Mercy sitting next to students from Nice View Academy.

One of my prayers is that the Lord will continue to provide providence and guidance for Saved By God's Grace so we will know how to move each day in helping the kids at Mercy, Nice View and Eldama Ravine.

Please consider becoming a part of "The Change Campaign". Your spare change can be multiplied by God to help these kids.

"...what is impossible with man is possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

Last day at the Academy

These are sad photos for me because 1) they were taken our last day in Kenya (our first trip) and 2) my hair is way too short!

Since then my hair has grown out and we had another trip (at the end of 2008) to visit the kids at Nice View and meet the kids at Mercy and Eldama Ravine.

Our prayer is to get back to Kenya on a more permanent basis and The Change Campaign is one way of getting us back there. Please visit the website and prayerfully consider becoming a $12/month supporter.

Thank you and have a blessed weekend!