WE MADE IT!
A GREAT BIG THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO  HELPED BUILD A SCHOOL IN AFRICA. 

THANK YOU!  WE'RE ALMOST THERE

SHINNY NEW TIN IN THE CLASSROOM - HAPPY STUDENTS :-)

FRONT OF THE NEW SCHOOL

THE PLAY AREA AT THE OLD SCHOOL WAS JUST 20 FEET WIDE-NOW KIDS HAVE A BIG PLAY AREA

THE STUDENTS

TEACHERS ENJOYING THE VIEW FROM THE UPSTAIRS WALKWAY

THE STAIRS GOING TO THE UPSTAIRS CLASSROOM AND OFFICE

HOT TIN-IT'S JUST THE AFRICAN WAY!

UPDATE FROM STAN-NAIROBI: 

I went to Kayole yesterday to give Joshephat the money we raised and took some pictures of the changes. They now have all the walls up and the toilet connected to the sewer line, so hopefully it will be ready to move into on Monday. Joshephat told me a typical African story which I'm sure you'll appreciate... 

Joshephat and the carpenter were transporting the tin to the building site when they ran into a bit of a problem; Cliff you will remember where we transfer vans from Buruburu to Kayole-well that's the place where they had to get off to buy the tin. They bought 14 large 4x8 sheets and then proceeded to finds a way to transport it to Kayole. They haired a guy with a handcart (mkokoteni) to haul it and walked ahead to show him they way. Everything was going fine until they looked around and the guy with the handcart disappeared. So Joshephat and the carpenter were stuck-what to do with 14 large sheets of hot tin?  Their only option-pick it up and start walking. Each took 7 pieces and begin the 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)journey back to the school. Joshephat said his shoulder was still sore from the ordeal. I told him he should have called me so I could have arranged transport, but he said, "That is just the African way." So true!

THE HEADMASTER, JOSHAPHAT & STUDENTS IN FRONT OF THE NEW SCHOOL

THE HANDMADE LADDER

HAPPY STUDENTS

UPDATE ON BUILDING AFRICAN SCHOOL PROJECT: THIS ONES FOR THE GIRLS :- )

73% of all girls in the slums have been sexually abused. These faces are just some of the girls at the school you are helping to build. I had a chance to help some of these beautiful girls by doing some fun art therapy projects with them! 

Art for the Heart's mission is to have to have a full time art studio at the new school where we will be able to do after school project and counseling  with the most vulnerable children.

 

UPDATE ON SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT - KENYA 

Hi Everyone,

This is a quick note to let you know how things are going with building. I went to Kayole yesterday to see how the school is coming along. The men were busy and had the classrooms laid out and a roof on. Joshephat said everything was going as planned except he needed more tin for a toilet. Today I got a email from Josh saying he would like to donate some money so we'll use it for the toilets. I hope Josh isn't offended knowing his money is going for the toilet, but it's pretty important.  Now the only thing needing financing is the cement for the floors. This is something that can be done one classroom at a time as fund becomes available.  I offered to help with construction but things are done differently here. There's a lot of cheap labor and the 'carpenters' are the ones who have the 'tools'.  I use the words CARPENTERS & TOOL loosely. Of course power tools are unheard of but what they do with what they have is truly amazing. For example, the ladders are spindly poles nailed together-certainly wouldn't pass a safety inspection. 

The major problem now is dealing with corruption. Joshephat said a city officials came by again yesterday and try to extort money. It's like the policemen Paula, Dan and I encountered in Zimbabwe. They threatened to throw us in the back of the truck and take us to jail if we didn't give them US dollars. I was proud of Joshephat for standing up to them.  He actually put the fear into them by threatened to report them to the anti-corruption commission. Corruption has become such a way of life that those who are involved in it don't even see it as stealing. This new anti-corruption commission is helping somewhat. Fortunately, the people are getting fed up. 

A personal example of the daily corruption faced in Kenya: Yesterday I got on the matatu bus to go to Kayole and when I got off at the intersection of Jogoo Road to transfer,  I pulled a bunch of coins from my pocket and counted out the fare, 20 shillings (there are two guys on the matatu-one drives and the other takes fares and calls out the stops). Well, the guy who takes the fares got greedy. He said he needed 50 more shillings. On principle,  I told him that I wasn't paying a shilling extra because I had been riding the route for almost three years and knew the fare. However, he didn't budge and insisted that before I could get off I had to give him another 50 shillings. He stood in front of me and blocked my exit and we passed my stop. I told him that he could take me all the way downtown and back but I wasn't giving him one extra shilling. 

Fortunately the driver saw that I meant business so he let me out and I had to get another bus back. You're probably thinking, "why didn't you just give him the extra  50 shillings?"  Because I see this as trying to steal from me and the amount wasn't important. This is just one of the little things that keep life here exciting.

I would like to say again, thank you to everyone who have given to help build the school.  You have helped to improve the lives of some VERY SPECIAL school children, teachers, headmasters and Crossroads Africa Bible College students.

Thanks, Stan 

UPDATE ON THE SCHOOL FROM STAN

Wow Paula, that is awesome! I really wasn't expecting anything from America because I know times are financially tough for everyone. We were content to leave it in God's hands. But it seems funds are being provided by our fellow believers through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Joshephat and the guys in th......e class have raised-10,000 Kenya Shillings=$110. This is enough to buy the tin for the roof and sides which is the biggest expense. The $125 raised through facebook and the CRA blog it will be enough to build the basic structure. Other funds that come in will be used to buy cement so there will be at least one area for kids to stay dry when it rains.

The government is supposed to help schools but with corruption it just doesn't happen. Recently there was billions of shillings that went missing which was designated for schools. Authorities said it was enough money to build a railroad from the cost of Kenya to Uganda. What a tragedy! Corruption takes the majority of money necessary to develop this country.

However, things are looking better with the new constitution and new Chief Justice. Maybe things will finally start to turn around. Kenya has so much potential.

PRAY, GIVE & HELP REBUILD THIS $650 SCHOOL

H

Before you read this,  please don't say,  "here's another request for money. Everybody wants $ these day!" This is not an email about money...you may or may not be able to make a donation but you can offer a pray on behalf of this situation.  As believers we are often so focused on praying for the needs we see that we forget the ones we can not see. This is a reminder of one of those needs we can not see.

Stan, Crossroads team member living in Nairobi, Kenya,  sent us an email today about a situation that needs IMMEDIATE prayer. It concerns Joshephat,  a young African man who has been a good friend to Stan and indispensable in helping Crossroads.  He and his wife, Nelly,  operate a small school in Kayole, one of Nairobi's slums. They have been gracious in allowing Stan to use the classroom for Crossroads Bible College classes and by acting as his translator. Additionally, this little slum school, known as the Kayole Christian Academy,  is a beacon of hope in the lives of hundreds of children who would otherwise not be able to attend school. Recently, the owners of the property sold it and gave Joshephat two weeks to get out. If this school goes-so does the education of these children. Joshephat has rented another piece of ground but must construct four classroom areas to legally operate a school.  He used every penny to secure a small plot and now needs funds to buy the building materials.

Please understand, we are not talking about constructing a school with cement floors and hinged doors, but rather a school made of wooden poles and tin with dirt floors.  However, even the cheapest building materials have become very expensive in Kenya. Joshephat he needs 53,000KSH (Kenyan shillings) or $650.

While Stan's Bible students, who are very poor, are not able to give money they said they would be honored to help with the building.  Stan relates, "even after being in Kenya for over two years, the level of poverty here in Kayole still amazes me. For example, just the other day,  a young man I know came by my house and asked if he could cut off branches from my Aloe Vera plant to make shampoo".  We can only imagine such poverty.

PRAYERS DO GET ANSWERED

Stan writes: In closing,  I would like to say that "prayers do get answered. In my last email I asked for prayer for a young street boy named Kazi. I met Kazi while shopping at a market near a dump; he and several other street boys actually live there. Something about Kazi stood out. He didn't appear to be addicted to glue, like most of the boys and when I asked him if he knew Jesus, he said yes. One day I asked Kazi if he would like to make some money doing my laundry (I do laundry outside by a water pump). He answered, "Oh yes. I will do a good job."  For months each time he would leave to go back to the dump he asked me to pray that the Lord would send someone to help him go to school.  I explained to him how our Heavenly Father care for us no mater how desperate our situation my appear.  He waited and waited for his prayer to be answered and finally it came-Monday Kazi attended to his first day of boarding school, sponsored by a local charity.  Not only will he receive the education he so faithfully prayed for but  will also have a safe to live and plenty of food to eat. His Heavenly Father answered his prayer above and beyond anything he could have imagined.

Ephesians 3: 20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

So please pray that Joshephat will have the funds to buy the building supplies and for my continued wisdom and strength in dealing with the daily challenges of living and ministering in Kenya.
God Bless,
Stan

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  James 5:16

TODAY -  PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR ONE OF THE TRIBES WE MINISTER TO IN NORTHERN KENYA, THE SAMBURU (THIS IS THE TRIBE THAT CLIFF SPENT A MONTH WITH IN DEC.).

SEE PHOTO BELOW GRADUATION POST

4M Kenyans Facing Starvation

CROSSROADS AFRICA BIBLE INSTITUTE 

GRADUATION 2011

March 26th, 2011 was a wonderful day for 25 new graduated of CABI - After two long years of dedicated study these young men and women are better equipped to minister to their fellow Kenyans.

CLIFF TAYLOR - NORTHERN KENYA - SAMBURU TRIBE 

I arrived in Kenya Monday night, Feb 14th. All travel went well. Since I had a day to layover in Amsterdam I arrived in Nairobi with no jet lag-a real blessing. I left Den. for Detroit at 4p.  Arrived  at the Detroit airport just in time to hear my name on the loud speaker: "Paula Taylor please report to Gate 21. Your plane is departing for Amsterdam."  Needless to say I flew through the airport only stopping to ask, "Where is Gate 21?" I had never been to the Detroit airport and it's quite unique. No terminals just one big long strip of what seemed like 100's of gates. Delta was kind enough to hold the plane and because they sympathized with my dash through the airport, gave me two seats together.  This is premo when you're flying economy on an international flight because you can contort yourself in more sleeping positions. I arrived in Amsterdam at 11:00am-pretty normal feeling. I was all geared up to sight see after I checked into my luxury hotel which I got for a budget price,   but the room and hot bath were so inviting, I decided to make the most of it. I stroll around the area and got the feel of Dutch life: canals and duck, overcast gray skies and windmills. The next morning I left for the airport at 6am. My flight was to leave at 10a but I wanted to check out the airport which was a town in itself; wonderful museum with the old Dutch masters,  and other sights.  Since I love airports,  I wasn't disappointed. Schiphol is now definitely one of my favorites.
 

PRECIOUS NEW LIFE IN NORTHERN KENYA

Congratulations to Joseph and Pauline Leleruk on the birth of their new son, Cliff Lomunyak Leleruk. 

The vote for to form Southern Sudan moves forward. Southern Sudanese Christians express their freedom to build a church. (Photo Courtesy Samaritan's Purse)

John 14:14 “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”

P R A Y E R   A L E R T!

 

Pray for Christians who have fled the percution in Durfur/Northern Sudan and are voting to form a new country.  

 

Persecuted Christians in Sudan are voting to form a new country, one where they can worship God the Father without free of losing their lives.  This is a historic event and one which require much prayer for our brothers and sisters in Sourthern Sudan. Samaritan's Purse has been doing major evangelism for several years and have a very informative website. 

"Happy Purpose of the Father for you, His child, New Year." 

08 January, 2011

Hey All:  Just thought I'd let you know I'm back in Nairobi.  What an amazing three weeks in Samburu village.  Quite an adjustment in that simple culture at such a different pace.  It was an experience of a lifetime I must say and I have had a few.  The power of the Word works in all places as the Spirit goes before us and the seed is sown.  It was something to see the gospel work in Samburu lives for the realization of the Father's love and grace through His Son, the cross, forgiveness and hope in Him forever.  I taught for some thirty-five hours to a very special group of men.  Joseph Leleruk was always at my right hand to interpret my words. I had my meals with his with his wife and three children daily.  We must pray for their continued growth and outreach to the 150,000 Samburus as they now have a good foundation of truth and faith.  The faithfulness of Christ's Spirit upheld me and gave me such freedom and desire for these ones I was led to.  I was wiped out to say the least when I finally arrived back here, but a good night's sleep and a bath and I was off to Kayole yesterday to teach Stan's group following up on his ground work in these special men.  Thanks for the prayers and love I felt and feel daily from each of you.  I will see how the Spirit flows in sending out e-mails but have much in my heart that I pray will go forth to those who it can benefit.  If I am up to it I am hiking into Westlands for a few supplies today as I cook my meals here.  Hope to get together with Stan for a little RandR tomorrow.  Will take it a day at a time as this venture of grace and love continues.  Love to each of you, Cliff

25 December, 2010 Christmas Day
 
I had a long newsy e-mail but lost the whole thing when the computer jumped and the time ran out.  There are no Christmas trees here in Suguta.  At 90 degrees it doesn't seem like that special day.  I bought all the street kids suckers yesterday and today to celebrate.  It was special for them.  My neighbors prepared goat meat, potatoes and other stuff and invited me to lunch today.  I met the goat this morning before his fate.  It goes that way somedays in the life of a goat.

I am thinking of all of you on this special today, especially the chidlren: Taylor, James, Lauren, Riley, Cameron, Benjamin Weldon, Blaze, Justin, Willow, Sienna, Angel, Summer, Hunter,-I'm thinking of each of them but don't have time to list them all. 

It's good to have our new son-in-law, Chris. We are blessed-a new son-in-law every year; this year Chris-last year Bill. Make sure you praise the Lord for me as though I was there for your celebration.
 There is a strain on one in adjusting to such a different culture and the heat but I have no complaints as I have freedom and energy in my teaching.  I am learning our Father and Lord are infinitely comforting. 

It's been a good week over ten hours of teaching and the men are always eager to learn and very responsive. Many do not read or write but draw pictures and have that look of understanding and appreciation in their eyes.

I'm going to shut this down before I run out of time again. Thanks you all for holding me up in this time in my life.  I believe it's worthwhile.  Love to all as you celebrate this special occasion- where would we all be if Christ had not come to be our Savior? Praise the Lord.  Cliff

23 December 2010
 Once again I will attempt to get an email out on this computer.  It jumps from one line to the other and there is a missing letter between w and y.  It has been an interesting morning. No class today because it's market day. The rooster and I both awoke at 5AM; one of these mornings I'm going to get up at 4AM and wake him!  I went to bed early so it was OK.  I had a great study and wanted to send a lesson but not enough computer time.  The lesson was on understanding that each of us has an ultimate purpose that is worth accomplishing.  For me I know I am not here because it was something I dreamed up, but that God wanted.  God's purpose must be understood, accepted in all of us in order to be fulfilled.  It is all relative to that grace that is in Christ for us.   Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We just got back from market day and had tea and biscuits. The market is a sight to behold! It was a privilege to be there with all the morans and Samburu men in their native garb and hear them wheeling and dealing.  One man bought two brama bulls (ng'ombe) for 60,000 shillings, about $700.  Goats (mbuzi) were going for between 2,000 to 4,000  shillings.  A short and very black man came up and wanted to sell me a rooster (kuku) for 700 shillings. I looked at the rooster and he looked at me.  I decided to pass.  Joseph thought the rooster was worth 450sh.  I thought to myself, one of these mornings I'm going to get my own rooster for the stew pot. 

The market is just outside the town under trees in an large open pasture.  There is a stream running through the pasture where naked black morans wash while the goat and cows drink.  Joseph and I talked to a moran for a while who told us the going price for the animals and then we walked back into town. All the doorways to the simple little shops were flung open and shop owners were selling goods: soap, candles, bread, twine, etc.  Life doesn't more simpler than this.  The average American would go nuts. This morning I stuck my head out the door and workmen were gathered to start work on a crude building across the dirt path. It looks like the beginnings of a tree house the grandkids would build. I said, "Praise the Lord."  They looked at me a little startled and one of them said "Amen!"  He happened to be the one who was somewhat intoxicated yesterday and was trying to tell me he knew he was a sinner and needed Jesus.  I did my best to explain, but I don't think I was got through to him.  Today is wash day. The ladies in the adjoining house washed my clothes and hung them on the line that runs in front of my room. There's lots of red dirt in those clothes!

I am enjoying the meals. It's traditional for which is plain but tasty; rice, ugali, greens, kuku, a little beef or goat meat, potatoes, flat bread, and spaghetti and souses. What a menu!  In the morning we have bananas, boiled eggs and tea.  I am careful not to drink the water.  I remember years ago getting deathly ill from drinking the water on Indian reservations.  I vowed never to do that again!  I don't know the name of the street where Joseph and I live but I told him it should be called Dirt Street.  The problem is that all the streets are dirt, so maybe our street could be called Joseph Dirt Street (see what you do for entertainment around here)? It reminds me of the times when I worked with Indian tribes.  It seems the main difference is that the Sandburu people don't have a chip on their shoulder or have a sense of entitlement. They enjoy their lives and are grateful for relationships. 

Tomorrow is Christmas Day. I think tomorrow Joseph and I will go up the mountains for a time and check out the animals, lions, (simba), antelope (korongo), giraffe (twiga), elephant (tembo ndovu), etc. We will take a few morans with us for safety.  Sunday we will go into the hills,  about two miles up, to be with the village people.  It is a very special privilege to be with them. Most do not speak English and the children don't attend school. They are strictly pastoralist who move from place to place to tend their animals. Since I don't have a video camera I will try a put some of what I see into words. When I talked to Paula she said she put pictures from here on facebook. We took them the last time we were here but nothing has changed. 
 

I'm going to close.  I suppose Merry Christmas is in order, so Merry Christmas one and all!  I pray you all will have a blessed one and enjoy being with each other.  I am with you in spirit, heart and love.  Cliff

LETTERS FROM A BARREN LAND

12 December 2010

Off we go... in the morning at 7:30 to Suguta Marmar.  The taxi driver, David, will pick me up and take me to the airport. The plane leaves at 9:30a and will arrive in at Kisima at approx. 11:00a.  Hopefully,  there will be  transportation waiting for me; those camels and donkeys may come in handy. Stan does not want to go at this time as I had hoped.    

Joseph Leleruk and I will get together to set up classes for some eighteen students and who knows what else.  To have eighteen Samburu men in this remote village wanting to learn the truth of Jesus Christ will be a spectacular sight to behold. 

Thanks for so many prayers that brought this day into reality in the purpose and will of God.  I cannot tell you the various repercussions that have passed through my soul and spirit in how best to advance what we began last time Paula and I were there. 

There may not be a plane coming through to pick me up before Jan. 11.  I am on standby. I feel you all with me-there's no one quite like you. I will communicate as I am able. Love to all,Cliff

  19December 2010 I'll make this short and sweet as I am limited to time on this computer. You pay per minute and then hope the connection stays. It is amazing that there even is internet in this remote land.  I arrived here safe and stayed in Maralal, at the Cheers Hotel the first night.  I bought school supplies for men and took the matatu to Suguta Marmar-an hour and half of bumpy dirt road.  I have a room with an indoor toilet (a luxury). I spent Sunday in a village in the hills with village people and taught them then had lunch with Joseph and Pauline, Joseph's wife. Today classes began with both village men and town men.  It was amazing!  We had three classes. I began with Genesis 1 and taught the value of the soul and benefits of Christ being in the soul, the gospel,  and new life; tomorrow I will move on.  Joseph does a great job of interpreting.  We have a little building just out of town and have a meal after the classes. 

I am comfortable in my room and discovering that Christ's life is very adaptable-if one permit; I am permitting.  It is not a sacrifice but a wonderful and exciting privilege to be here in this remote corner of Kenya.  It is very hot,  but you know me, I handle the heat well. I received a blessing from Ben's email- Pass on my love to him and all.  The  regular email teaching will have to be on hold for a while as I am limited in time. I will try to make it up when this venture is over. That probable won't be until Jan.11th when the pilot can hopefully picks me up in Kisima-this is not certain.  I am able to receive emails through Skybeam. I stay in touch with Stan in Nairobi by phone when I have a connection.

 Your prayers and care for me is a valuable asset in all that the Lord is doing here. I believer I am getting the job done the Lord brought me here to do. I love these beautiful men I am teaching. To look into their faces and share my heart with them; that's as good as it gets. Love to each one who is with me here in spirit.  Clarity and boldness is working and I am learning the power of what I teach.  Love to All, Cliff   

Art Therapy Samburu Tribe Northern Kenya

Art Therapy Samburu Tribe Northern Kenya