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.