The calendar tells me it is Christmas time. It is kind of hard to believe. I haven’t seen one Santa Claus, the houses aren’t all lit up, and the weather is certainly not Christmassy. But you can’t argue with the calendar. Because it’s that time of year again, I thought I should let everyone know how I am doing. It hardly seems possible that it has been three years since I came to Kenya. Reflecting back on my time here and what’s it is like living here I would have to say overall I really enjoy it. There are a lot of things that if you dwell on them you will get disgruntled. I much prefer to look at all the blessings – and there are many – of living in Africa. I love the weather. I have come to really like the people of Kenya. They have their problems, sure. Sometimes I wonder – ‘what are they thinking?’ But on the whole I have come to like them. I no longer think of them as ‘Africans’ but as individuals with great personalities who are not bogged down with all the American ideas of conformity and fashion and ‘being cool’, etc. I can be myself here and be accepted more than I ever could back in the good ol’ USA.

Of course the main thing and the reason I am here is that I find here people who are genuinely positive to the gospel message and who want to grow and develop in the grace of God. Among all of the superstition and ignorance of a third world economy are some special people who are learning and growing and rejoicing in God’s grace. It has been my incredible privilege to be able to teach them, to bring them the truth that it is not religion, but God’s work on the cross that not only saves them but is also the basis of their new life and sanctification. Many have told me that they used to be under the bondage of trying to please God by what they do, but are now understanding the grace provisions by which it is God who works in us and produces the life which sets us free. Every day I am in awe that God is able to use someone like me to bring a message of such importance. I would not have traded my time here for all the physical luxuries in the world.

So life here is good. The school that many of you helped build is going great. Joshephat and his family have been so faithful to help me in many ways. My boys, Isaac and Derek are growing up into a couple of great teenagers. It is good to see them growing spiritually as well as physically. Just this last Sunday Derek asked me if I could buy him something for Christmas. You would never guess in a million years what it was. While the kids in America put things like toys or clothes on their list, what Derek wanted was textbooks for his class in school. Not just for himself but for the others as well because they cannot begin the next grade without textbooks. I was kind of blown away. I have to find out from Joshephat how much money is involved to see if I can afford it but I told him I would certainly do what I could. Dixon and Kazi are also doing well and help me keep up my house and yard.

PRAY FOR STAN AND THE OTHER MISSIONARIES ON THE GROUND IN KENYA AS THEY DEAL WITH THE DAILY THREATS OF THE AL SHAABAB TERRORIST INSURGENCES INTO THE CITY. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN KENYA'S HISTORY THAT IT HAS BEEN AT WAR (SEE VIDEO BELOW FOR DETAILS)

NEED A DAILY DOSE OF INSPIRATION AND PERSPECTIVE? WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT FAR REACHING MINISTRY'S CHAPLINS CORP.

SUGUTA BIBLE TRAINING CENTER IS HAVING A FUNDRAISER ON OCT 6TH TO EXPAND THEIR BUILDING 

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