Mama Linet Smiles

Hi friends,

I was able to visit Mama Linet again a few days ago and give her some help for school needs. Please continue to pray for her and her family's needs to be met. Also pray for me as I've lost my camera which I need to document our work to bring hope to the needy through Missions of Hope. 

Mama Linet was very happy.

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Our Outreach to the Slums

Hello,

We had a short time this week where we visited with Linet and her family to check on their progress.

I was so excited to see them continuing to grow and fellowship in the Lord.

Here is little Linet. She still needs cleft palate surgery.

Here is Mama Linet holding the baby. You might remember that we helped her start a charcoal business but business has been slow.

Here is her little girl. We are so blessed to see her healthy and pray that some day she will get the surgery she needs.

Presenting Mama Linet with a mosquito net which she is happy to have.

The other woman in the area are also happy to get a mosquito net.

We had also visited those who really needed help in this slum area. especially during this time of heavy rains.

We gave out some mosquito nets to protect the kids in this area who need lots of help.  Blankets are really needed too as it is very cold in the slum areas during the rain.

They will use their nets to protect against mosquito bites and malaria. They need blankets to protect against the cold.

Continue to pray for these dear ones as they continue to thank the Lord for his provisions.

Otherwise have a great day and God bless.

 

You can help raise awareness of the Missions of Hope by using the share buttons 

at the bottom of this post.

Ministering to the Mau Forest IDPs

Hello friends,

We still have many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kenya. I am just hoping this will be a thing of the past soon, but the challenges are still there for all to see.

It is foggy as we head into the Mau Forest IDP camp.

 I guess we need a marshal plan to end this kind of disaster.

Team leaders gather and speak to the people.

There are over 4000 people in this camp. They need a permanent solution soonest. Please pray for them.

Every face in this next series of photos tells a story of the hardships these people face.

Look how frightened and uncertain this young girl looks. Young children should be free from hunger, homelessness, illness and uncertainty. You can be a part of putting a smile back on this young girl's face by helping to ensure she gets all of these necessities of life.

This man has lived a long life. He should now be enjoying his later years with dignity and certainty of food and housing.  Just think about how he feels about now being landless and unable to work and provide for himself and his loved ones.

In this entire crowd of mostly women you can see the hardships of life etched on every face.  Some of these women are young and some are old but they are all living a very hard life with few people to care about what happens to them.

Hardship is written on his countenance.

Continue to support us as we meet the needs of these dear ones as we did this week. We had a lot of contributions from the doctors and VCT counsellors who helped us in providing medical services and testing the folks here.

Hospital help with doctors and medicines was a huge part of the day's help for the IDPs.

Some medical supplies.

Food relief.

Medical help.

IDP patients in the medical tent.

People line up for medicine.

What a challenge it was! Especially driving on the roads. But we did really love this great work of service to help the Mau IDPs.

The roads are really difficult to traverse. There is thick mud everywhere. You need a really good four wheel drive.

Me with the IDP camp and humanitarian relief effort in background. It was touching to help these people. Will you join with us?  I hope to hear from you.

Enjoy the pics.
God bless,

Death at IDP Camp

Hello friends,

It is disheartening to die at an Internally Displaced People (IDP) Camp. It happened this week to one dear soul and we had to make quick arrangements to go there with food and water for the community that needs help. A kid died of cold, and chest problems since their tents are now torn and it is so far for them to access help.

We had to go and comfort the people with the Word of God too. Mr. Chepkwony who lost his kid said he tried everything to save his child. But where they live it takes a full two hours just to get to a tarmac road.



They people in the IDP Camp really appreciated the little we had to share and they shared it equally. We plan to go there again at the beginning of February. We are sending appeals now for donors to help us and we are sure the Lord will open a way.

Have a great day.

School Uniforms in Kenya!

[Photo caption: Bro. & Sister shop with 4 orphans]

we want to thank God for providing some uniforms for these kids who so much need these clothes. many of them had been praying and waiting for a time when they can be able to have some new clothes and go to school. i am really happy that with the help of the leaders that we have, these kids were at long last able to have the clothes they so much needed.

there are still alot of needs..here, but as the Lord leads we will be able to get the needs of all these kids met.

just a little background on this ..we had to pick the kids up and travel with them over to a small city where these clothes are sold. the kids were very excited though the weather was a bit cold that day. this picture is of 4 of the kids who went shopping but the list of orphans who received clothing from this donation is longer: caroline c., gladys c., vienna c., victor c., evaline c., kipkoech k., underson k. and ebigael c.

otherwise receive the greetings of this small group, which is a part of the bigger group of orphans that we work with here in Kenya.

have a great day and God Bless

Because He lives
Jonah

Note: Many of these orphans are not related but the letter in their last names represents the time of day they were born. That is how the people are named in Kalenjin country. Like my last name Kipkorir, means I was born in the morning.

A Friend Ordained

hi

one of my greatest friends and mentor, (Cheruiyot) was ordained yesterday. it was a great day for him as he had served in the church for over 28 years, after graduating in the early eighties from seminary. he had also served in the adhoc ministries before.

Recently he was blessed and gifted with car and this makes his work easier. i was privileged to be among those who joined him in praying and congratulating him...i was so moved by this great gesture by the ordinating council to give him this opportunity to serve. he will be ministering by serving communion, dedicating children, among other roles that goes with this....

enjoy the pics and continue to pray for the immense work ahead of him.



Because He lives

Jonah

p.s. i have been to various conferences with him. the most notable is Amahoro in Uganda 2007.

Some needs met

Dear Saints,

A quick word to thank you all for prayers and for recent contributions for food. We praise our heavenly Father for his goodness.

Brother Thomas was able to buy 2800 Kenyan shillings worth of corn to distribute amongst 8 households of orphans. It cost him 300 Kenyan shillings to transport it from Kericho to the village. Pastor Jonah will also be able to put the $50. contribution from brother, Dan in USA to good use....The children and the overseers thank you so much!!!

Brother Thomas also reported that a family of 7 requires the following bedding: two mattresses, several sets of sheets and some warmer blankets. Brother Thomas has no email so if you can help, please let Pastor Jonah know.

We seek your prayers on this and other orphan and Internally Displaced Person needs as well.

Love and blessings. Because He lives!!
Sis PJ

What If?

Hello friends,

This is a quick note to introduce you to a wonderful praise singer from North Carolina, by the name of Kathy Duke. I do not know Ms. Duke personally but came across her amazing CD on CDBaby about a year ago. I was very moved by her song "What if" and wanted to share it with you but it never seemed to be the appropriate time. Recently, as I thought about the post-election violence in Kenya and the hardships suffered by the people in small villages in and around Kericho, this song came to mind and the timing seems to be right to share it with you now. As you listen to the words of this anointed song, I pray you would be moved to ask yourself "What If?", in relation to the orphan children of Kericho Village.

About 8 of the households with orphans, are headed by the orphans without any adult caretaker to help them. The other 30+ households are headed by women and couples. Since December 2007, these families have all been hit very hard by the soaring food costs in Kenya and inflation in general. The overseers of the missions have also been hard pressed to provide counselling and support for daily needs though they have a great amount of faith and pray that God's people will understand the need and be moved by the spirit of God to do his will....that of caring for the widows and the orphans.

It is heartbreaking to know about the suffering in Kenya when you know that the children are wondering who will help them and if God really cares for them? My heart is also heavy for the overseers and the enormous burden they face as they assist the orphans and their families with limited resources. God promises us that the "righteous will never be forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread". In North America, where we have opportunity to work and earn our daily bread, this verse is easier to comprehend than it is to starving people across the world,when their hands, though willing, seldom find adequate work to pay for their daily bread.

Think of the impact that your gift can make for the Kingdom of God and what your practical assistance will mean to an orphan, a widow, a poor family and the overseers. All of them need to know that God's people around the world love them. Your gift can communicate the love, grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father to the children and their families and pastors. You really can make a difference in the life of one person, one child, one family, one household. May God bless and guide you as you pray and as you listen to "What If". May the wonderful voice of Kathy Duke, fill you will the love and mercy of God.

Because He lives,
Sis PJ

Ministry and Mission Update

Dear readers,

Some time ago Pastor Jonah posted a list of immediate needs and long-term needs of the Missions of Hope. By God's grace the activities and ministries of the Missions of Hope have gone forward despite limited available resources and God is to be praised for making the way. [King James Version: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8]

Post-election violence in Kenya, which has been featured in blog posts over the past two months has put a strain on already limited resources. However, Missions of Hope stands on the power of prayer and God Almighty to continue the work for the Kingdom. [King James Version: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 3:4]

All parts of the body of Christ are needed in this Kingdom effort. Men and women of God in Kenya will labour and do the physical and evangelistic work on the ground. Others around the world are welcome to support them by prayer and finances and other creative ways as the Lord leads, and God will give the increase. [King James Version: So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:7]

If you feel God speaking to you about any of the needs described below, we ask you to contact Pastor Jonah. Contact information is located in the column on the right side of the blog under "Donate".

[New International Version: But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 and I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth. 3 John 1:4-7].

May God bless and keep you.

PJ

King James Version: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15: 58

Ministry and Missions Needs - Missions of Hope

Total costs for all areas of need have been given and are based on projections made in Fall 2007. Any amount that God lays on your heart is welcome. Small funds from many people can be joined together to deal with the most urgent projects such as crop planting, medicines, basic food stuffs and school uniforms. Perhaps there are others who are able to fund specific projects in whole. We only ask that you ask God to lead you in these areas of giving.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS:

URGENT: Rent & plant 4 hectares of land for corn growth, harvest, storage, sale and use $360./yr for 1 hectare. Total Annual Need: $1440

Update: Corn was harvested in September 2007 and a smaller interim crop of potatoes was then planted. Corn was not sold as originally hoped since the price of corn was low. Instead we used it to assist the caretakers in feeding the orphans. Our storehouse is now empty and it is time once again for corn planting. The funds are for land rental, fertilizer and seeds.

URGENT: Plant interim crops (cabbages, potatoes) after corn harvest. Total Annual Need: $600

Update: A smaller sum than the total need was received and potatoes were planted, harvested and distributed to the orphans and widows. The orphans assisted in harvesting the potatoes. We hope to plant interim crop(s) again in future after the corn has been harvested and prepared for storage.

URGENT: Pastoral support - $100 min. - $200./mo. Total Annual Need: $1200-$2400.

Update: We need 1-2 faithful supporters for the pastor so that he can provide for his extended family and have the support needed to carry on the work of the Kingdom without concern over meeting daily food and other needs.

In North America, congregations generally support the pastors by providing salary and bonuses (sometimes called love offerings or gifts commemorating special events and milestones). In Africa, especially in rural areas, it must be remembered that congregants, though they do give to the churches do not have the resource capacity to meet their own needs, the needs of the pastors, churches and evangelism efforts. Unless you have travelled and lived in the community for awhile, it is also difficult to understand that though some costs in Africa are lower than they are in North America, in times of peace, these costs are still too high for the average African. In times of crisis, food and daily survival costs increase greatly, making it even more important to send international aid.

URGENT: Monthly support $50/ per child to cover cost of school fees and supplies, medicine and clothes. Annual cost $600/ per child. Total Annual Need: $24,000 (40 children @ $600).

Update: At present there are no monthly supporters to cover the costs associated with school fees/uniforms, supplies, medicine and clothing. Caretakers are thus supporting these children out of their own limited resources. This is indeed sacrificial giving in service to the orphans.

Recently, the Kenyan government made changes to enable school children in public schools to attend school without paying tuition fees, but the children still require uniforms, school supplies and daily food before they can attend school and be ready for learning. Depending on enrollment rates, location, etc., some students attend private schools if their caretakers are able to pay the funds. Often they fall into arrears and the children must drop out for a time.

The post-election crisis has meant that some children we are trying to serve have dropped out of school. Some try to work before they have acquired sufficient skills. In other sad cases, some children begin to sell their bodies to make money for food. This entire issue is in very great need of prayer. We do our best to provide counsel and support to the children and caretakers but they require specific kinds of counselling and other assistance, which is more than we can provide. We continue to do what we can as we must not allow the enemy to destroy the lives of these children and their caretakers. There are actually more orphans and families that we work with now than when we compiled this budget. If we can secure even some of this need, it would be a great blessing to the children and families.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Clean water - Hand Dug Well and Pump Well (cost varies).

Update: No funds have been received for digging another well. At present, the local villagers who need water use the one well where Pastor Jonah lives. If you can partner with the mission to dig one or more wells, or know of an organization that can provide the funding and know how to do so, please let us know.

Cows - Total Need: $900 for 1 cow. Total One-Time Need: $3600 for 4 Grade cows (for milk production).

Update: No funds have been received for this need. The plan is to purchase a few cows and distribute the milk between multiple families in the village.

Motorcycle - More reliable than a bicycle for travelling the muddy hills and roads of the area. Total One-Time Need: $3500

Update: Ministry transportation needs continue to be met by walking and taking a matatu or bus for longer journeys. When the weather permits the bicycle is used, but this is very difficult due to the hills and mud which often do not fully dry out between rains. We pray for someone to bless Pastor Jonah with a motor bike; the preferred mode of transportation for pastors in the Kericho area because you can travel to places you cannot walk or pedal. In the longer term, it is also much cheaper to run a motor bike than it is to hire cars and taxis or purchase a car.

Pit Latrines - $60 each for 35 houses of orphan caretakers. Total One-Time Need: $2100

Update: We have not yet been able to meet this need. Besides good drinking water and food, pit latrines are needed for basic sanitation and hygiene. The number of orphans and caretakers (total households) has increased considerably since September 2007. We would like to complete pit latrines with a portion of these households, and eventually all of them, as the Lord provides.

URGENT: Vacation Bible School - December 2007 Total Quarterly Need $500. Next VBS - March/April 2008

Update: Funds were not received for the Vacation Bible School (VBS) that was held in December. We have been holding VBS on a quarterly basis for the past several years and this December it almost did not happen. By God's grace, we were able to continue with VBS for the students of the local Rehabilitation School because of the student teachers at Kenyan Highlands Bible College who offered sacrifices of time and resources to teach.

The last fully funded VBS was held in August 2007. We pray for the funds to run a full VBS in March/April 2008 as this event is one of the key evangelistic outreaches to children and young people. These young ones would not otherwise hear the word of God and have an opportunity to see, hear and be loved, by Christian role models in the community.

VBS lasts for one week and funds cover the purchase, development and preparation of teaching materials for approximately 170 children, modest lodgings and meals for the teachers (as they generally do not live in Kericho but come from the surrounding region), a small honorarium for each teacher, replacement of soccer balls for the play time, and a small graduation and closing celebration at the end of the week.

LONG TERM NEEDS:

Grace House Construction (Kericho, Kenya) - $25,000-30,000

Update: None. Grace also needs additional donors to care for the orphans under her care.

Land purchase (Kericho, Kenya) - $20,000 for 1 hectare - $80,000 for 4 hectares.

This is a key missing component of the vision for the ministry to youth in our village. We are praying for the land need to be met soon. This land will be used to construct a Rescue Centre for wayward boys. We would appreciate your prayers and support. Once we have the land we will need funds for the structure to be built.

School Construction (Kericho, Kenya) - $25,000-30,000

Update: None. For the present time, children attend government and private schools.

As you can see, there are many plans underway. We believe in God for seed and the harvest. Thank you for your part in praying and sharing these needs.

Ministry Support Needs

Hi everyone: I hope you have all had time to review our video "Images of Kericho, Kenya: Missions of Hope" as it will give you a view into the area where I serve and some of the people I am serving. If you haven't looked yet, please scroll down to the last post in this blog and view the video. Or you can do a "youtube" search under my name "Jonah Kipkorir" and it will bring up the video images. Today I want to share with you the intermediate and long term needs of the Missions of Hope, so you can pray for us and also consider whether you are able to help in any of these areas of need. May God richly bless you as you seek his leading! Because He Lives, Pastor Jonah

IMMEDIATE NEEDS:

• URGENT: Rent & plant 4 hectares of land for corn growth, harvest, storage, sale and use $360./yr for 1 hectare. Total Annual Need: $1440
• URGENT: Plant interim crops (cabbages, potatoes) after corn harvest. Total Annual Need: $600 (some funds received to plant potatoes)
• URGENT: Pastoral support - $100 min. - $200./mo. Total Annual Need: $1200-$2400.
• URGENT: Monthly support $50/ per child to cover cost of school fees and supplies, medicine and clothes. Annual cost $600/ per child. Total Annual Need: $24,000 (40 children @ $600)
• Clean water - Hand Dug Well and Pump Well (cost varies)
• Cows - Total Need: $900 for 1 cow. Total One-Time Need: $3600 for 4 Grade cows (for milk production)
• Motorcycle - More reliable than a bicycle for travelling the muddy hills and roads of the area. Total One-Time Need: $3500
• Pit Latrines - $60 each for 35 houses of orphan caretakers. Total One-Time Need: $2100
• URGENT: Vacation Bible School - December 2007 Total Quarterly Need $500.

LONG TERM NEEDS:

• Grace House Construction (Kericho, Kenya) - $25,000-30,000
• Land purchase (Kericho, Kenya) - $20,000 for 1 hectare - $80,000 for 4 hectares
• School Construction (Kericho, Kenya) - $25,000-30,000

What We've Been Doing

This past Saturday, I visited the orphans houses. The Missions of Hope wants to repair the homes of the orphans. In this particular home, we wanted to repair the house and give it a new look. The house is headed by an orphan who is not even able to buy food for the household let alone to build and repair the house. So on this day, a number of other orphans were able to come along and help in rebuilding the house. First we had to look for water and mud to do this!! It was hard , but I thank God that we were able to accomplish this work, with God's help. The ladies did some of the finishing tasks, but the boys and the youth had to do the hard work of bringing the water to the house and mixing the water and the soil.

We do plan to start the digging of pit latrines for the orphan homes as we realize this is also a big need. We hope that by the end of next month, we would have dug at least 5 pit latrines for the different homes. Altogether, we are hoping by the end of the year to do this project for the 30 plus homes of the orphans. To dig one pit latrine, it costs about $60...to dig about 30 feet. Please pray about this with us as we need to wait in prayer for these funds.
Because He lives
Jonah