Ways To Help The People Of Kamaguta

As we went to Africa, we knew as our trip unfolded that God would tell us what he wants us to do in Kenya. These people do not want a hand out but are soooo hungry for that same life changing Word that we enjoy on a daily basis. The pastors need someone who has gone before them to share insight, revelation and practical advise about what is means to pastor the body of Christ. Getting them Word and training and resources will not only help them but as they are poured into and then begin to pour out, they will help the body be the body and function as God intends it to.
Bibles!!!!!! Something so simply and so taken for granted are very hard to come by in Kenya. This is an easy problem to solve. For $7.00 we can get a Bible in the hands of someone who wants one and has never had one.
Clean Water!!!!! The same river they get their drinking water from is the same one they wash their clothes and even bikes in. School children carry water long distances to have water to clean their school with. Clean accessible water would reduce sickness and disease and make the lives of the whole community better. I have heard before, people don't care what you know until they know that you care. What better way to care but to give them clean drinking water.
School Supplies!!!!!! The government provides one school book for every four students. They don't have supplies they need. Paper, pencils, colored pencils. Some young children don't even know what crayons are. Simple supplies can enrich their learning. Many children attend school without anything to eat all day. At least if they have supplies, their money could be used to buy rice and beans.
Uniforms!!!!!! The children must wear uniforms to school. Many of the children have them on but they are in terrible repair. We are working now to get prices for uniforms for children that need them.
Supplies for young ladies!!!!! Many young girls miss a week of shcool a month due to their period. Some end up quitting school due to getting behind. Many who try to stay in school resort to using rags that must be washed or boiled to get clean. For $7.00 a year we can provide a young girl pads and two pair of panties.
These are just a few ways that you can help. In the United States we sometimes tend to equate poverty with laziness. That is not true in Kenya. These are very, very hard working people. We saw women doing heavy labor that most of the men in our country would not even do. They are in a place where the average per capita income is $300.00 per year. Things are less expensive but not cheap enough for $300.00 to last a year. They enjoy life without TV, and electricity, and indoor plumbing. Their life is not worse than ours, just different. In some ways, it is better. They have less distractions and complications. The people of Kamaguta center their lives around their church, their family, and their community. I was told that companies like to hire people from this area because they have a good work ethic.
When I was in Kenya my conversation with God was "God what do you want me to do"? I had someone tell me one time that just doing what God wants you to do today was being in His will. If each of us would just do what God wants us do, every need locally and internationally would be met. I suppose that is the body of Christ doing what it was designed to do.
Be Blessed!!!!!!
Teresa

Reflections Of Our Trip!!!

The gentleman in the white shirt is Edward. He was our driver and a most valuable member of our team. He was totally with us doing whatever we did. He helped set up and video and gave us so much insight into the people of Kenya. He is married and has a six month old and a five year old. He was away from his family the entire time we were there. He was such a blessing to us and we look forward to seeing him again. He has a sister living in the United States. We told him if he came here we would take care of him like he took care of us. He is a wonderful example of Jesus with skin on.

This is part of the grounds of the hotel in Thika. As you can see it is a beautiful, green place. Just looking at the picture makes me want to just crawl into the computer and be back in this precious place. Each person at the hotel was so gracious to us. I was told that David, who owned the travel agency that provided our driver and land arrangements, told the hotel staff to make sure we had anything we needed and boy did they. We felt totally at home and care for. All the people in stores, businesses and restaurants were so helpful. It is an example of their culture. Before we left for our trip, I read that even if you mess up and do something not culturally correct, the people of Kenya are so polite and gracious that they would love you anyway. Since meeting these wonderful people, I can tell you that is true.

The lady on the right is Pastor Stephen's mother. She was a very sweet lady and would come to me before we left and wish us a safe journey back to the hotel. I could not communicate with her in words but our hearts connected.

This is Jenny. She was one of the children that I had some extra time to get to know. One day she ended up falling asleep on my shoulder. I was told that her father mistreated her mother and left them before she was born. I can't wait to see her and the other children again.

Just another picture of young boys praising God. They were ready to dance as long as the music way playing.

Here is a picture of Carlmats. He is named after Pastor Carl of course and his birth will mark a special time in the community of Kamaguta. His birth was not the only new thing in the time we were there. There is new hope, new faith, new joy!!!!!!! From the emails we have received we are told that they people see things differently and praise God that curses are broken and the blessings of God are on them and their land.