Widows & Orphans in Kericho

We had a great visit to the widows in Kericho, Kenya. We shared with them foodstuffs and LOVE. It was the greatest time ever. I really loved it.

We also visited with orphan children. This was the greatest time of our trip. The orphans are in great need. Please pray for them as they have not enough food, and lack shoes and sporting clothes, etc.

 

Enjoy the pictures of our visit and please do leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Shoes, Shoes

Hello,


I have friends from the United States who are visiting Africa for the first time (two of them), and we are visiting orphanages and schools.

One of the biggest challenge so far is the issue of shoes. Most of the students in the schools we are visiting have no shoes, and have never seen a computer. This really puzzles me. We are still far away from getting into the 21st century here in Kenya.

Any one reading this, please pray about this great needs: SHOES SHOES



Have a great day.
God bless

Kipngeno Needs You

Hello friends,

Kipngeno topped his class and passed with flying colours from a local school here in Kenya.

The school has barely a working lab or a properly equipped library. He was a day school student and his impressive B grade despite the resource limitations has really made him a hero in the school and in the entire village.


We do believe he could have done better if he was in a better school, with the right equipment and facilities. Nonetheless, we are not looking back.

Kipngeno needs to join university soon and I am appealing for well wishers to come to his help. He just applied to Masinde Muliro University for a Bachelors in Nursing He wants to be of help to the hospitals in our region after he graduates.


The school needs about $2000 per year or a $1000 each semester (6 months). I wish I could help him, but am not able to do so at the moment though I helped him through high school.

If you are touched by his plight, feel free to contact me. The details for sending money to his university's account will come soon. I am praying someone will be touched by his need. I forgot to mention that he comes from a single parent (mother) family. They have no land and no money. His only hope is education. I have asked him to pray also.

Hoping to hear from you soon,
God bless


UPDATE: June 2011 ~ Kipngeno has now been accepted to Kisiii University. He will need a sponsor to help him start studies in September 2011. Please help us spread the word.

Christmas Gifts in Kericho Town

Hello,

It is Christmas again and we praise God for his love for us, that we can see another Christmas.

As usual we visited those needy places in our town. We started at the rehabilitation school and ended at the hospital here in Kericho, Kenya.

We are glad we managed to visit these sites and we were so much welcomed by the people. We want to thank God for the new administrator at the rehabilitation school; Mrs Boit, who encouraged us to keep visiting the school.

The center of our attention at this school was the two twin gals who are at the institution. We were so much touched by their plight. Continue to pray for the two of them, Sharon and Pigoty. We do hope someone can adopt them. They are in the group picture we took.


Thanks for your prayers and support,
God Bless

The Kids of Kericho!

Dear friends, I want to share a wonderful poem written for the children I minister to in Kericho. This poem was written for the Missions of Hope, by my good friend Stuart, from England. He has such a heart for the children and we appreciate so much his prayers and the prayers of his lovely wife, Michelle.

THE KIDS OF KERICHO!

MANY HAVE NO PARENTS

THEY HAVE NO PLACE TO GO

STRUGGLING FOR SURVIVAL

THE KIDS OF KERICHO

MY HEART IS FULL TO BURSTING

I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW

AND SAY A SIMPLE PRAYER OR TWO

FOR THE KIDS OF KERICHO

IF I WAS TO WIN THE LOTTERY

THATS IF I HAD A GO

I KNOW THERE'D BE A BIG FAT CHEQUE

FOR THE KIDS OF KERICHO

I PRAY FOR PASTOR JONAH

MY LOVE FOR HIM DOES GROW

I SEE HIS HAPPY SMILING FACE

WITH THE KIDS OF KERICHO

I SIT HERE IN MY WHEELCHAIR

IN SURROUNDINGS THAT I KNOW

BUT MY HEART IS THERE IN KENYA

WITH THE KIDS OF KERICHO

BEFORE I LEAVE THESE PASTURES

I PRAY MY STRENGTH WILL GROW

AND FATHER GIVE ME PLENTY

FOR THE KIDS OF KERICHO

by STU

Crosses for Missions

This is a post from my friend and patron Joyful Servant . I am happy to hear of this blessing and invite all my readers to order one or two crosses for yourself or your loved ones. God bless!

I am excited to reveal a new opportunity to my loyal readers and to new readers.

Many of you know that I am deeply involved in missions to poor villagers, mainly to the widows and orphans in Kenya. We operate on very few donations to try and bring relief to the many people in the village who struggle to eke out a living in a country hard pressed by famine and poverty. Pastor Jonah's time is strictly voluntary as is mine. I try and support Pastor Jonah and other village leaders as best I can, including through helping build a web presence for the Missions of Hope.

Recently, I was blessed with a donation of hand crafted crosses with a request to sell them and use some of the profits for the mission field. I cannot tell you how happy I am about this blessing because it provides an exciting opportunity to help the mission field in Kenya in time for Christmas. The villagers will be so happy that they can celebrate Christmas like others throughout the world if we can sell enough crosses to help them. At the same time, you, the reader will have a chance to do some Christmas shopping and buy stocking stuffers for one or two of your favorite people. "Yes" Christmas will soon be here!!!

I have a very limited supply of crosses to sell. So if you want one please be quick to speak up. You will see from the two photos that these crosses are designed to be worn by men and women alike. My small shipment will be arriving very soon and then I will be expecting one more smaller shipment. I am hoping to sell at least the first shipment in time to be able to get your cross to you in well enough time for your Christmas tree. The price for each of these handcrafted crosses is $25.00 (US) plus $5.00 for shipping and handling.

Your hand crafted cross will come with a card which reads:

100% hand crafted by Christians in the USA

The Disciple's Cross is made up of three distinct components. The simulated leather cord reminds us of the leather straps used to beat our Savor; the wrapped wire stands for the thorn branches twisted into a crown to mock the King of Kings; and, of course, the nails represent the large spikes that were driven into the hands and feet of the Lord of Lords.

As you carry your Disciple's Cross with you, consider the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and take up your cross and follow him.

(c) 1994 By Disciple's Cross. All Rights Reserved.

Matthew 15:24 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

These wonderful crosses will be cherished by your loved one (or by you) for years to come. Profits made from the sale will be used to make a jiko stove/oven in the village of Kericho to help make the lives of village women safer, healthier and just a little bit easier. You can read more about the Jiko Stove Project here and in the blog here Missions of Hope.

[One of the women who received a jiko stove in 2009]

To order your crosses or crosses now, please send me an email with your complete shipping address and remit payment of $30.00 (US) via Pay Pal (includes price of the product and shipping charges) to kerichojoy{at}gmail{dot}com. Funds must be received before crosses are shipped.

The crosses come in several different colors but there is only one cross in each color. Let us pick the color for you and it will be an adventure, like a "surprise box". You won't be disappointed.

If you have any questions, I would love to hear from you.

God bless you and thank you for your support

School Opens for Another Year

Hello,

Are you ready to help? Even if you are not here is the chance. With just $9 you will be able to buy supplies for orphans as they go to school next week. Maybe you are wondering what this would buy? Books, pens, pencils, jelly, soap and the list goes on.

I want to thank Joyful servant for the gift to these orphans. We pray that the Lord would continue to Bless you, as you serve Him even while you are seated there in Vancouver. we were able to supply about 15 orphans with all the needs for this coming school opening. (The pictures are not exhaustive).

A family...led by Mercy (she is training as a Pharmacist..with white top) at Mount Kenya University

We are still praying for her needs. She is supposed to go to University next week

Her brother

Happy with the gift

Excitement

Make this smile in other orphans

Cancer Takes a Sister in the Lord - Elizabeth

Hi,

The death of Elizabeth, was so painful, but she fought hard to see that she could say her last words to her children, who are now orphaned.

She cried for her last daughter who is right now a teenager and asked everyone who could hear that she be taken care of. Please pray for her. Her name is Cherono.

Continue to pray for the family also. they are such a people who love God. Many people attended the funeral.


Last respects


Grave


Her children, the eldest on the left--Julius


Viewing the body


Arrival of the body


At the morgue..me standing with the black sweater


Thomas paying the mortuary charges

A Week in Ministry

Hello,

I wanted to share my week, last week, in pictures with you. These are in addition to what was posted in the blog post Visiting Day. Early in the week, we distributed some seeds and fertilizers to people who could not plant this year because of one reason or the other. Some of the families are looking after orphans and some are not, but the needs are more than the people can bear so we had to do something to help them.

Little boy holds tight to the donated seeds. From Last Week

Mama & family accept seeds for planting. From Last Week

I also shared an especially exciting day with a church I started way back in 1997. Initially, it started as a Sunday School and I am so glad to see that it has grown to become a big church! What a blessing.

Wearing some of the medals. From Last Week

Lastly, we celebrated the wins of medals by our college athletes by having Holy Communion. Imagine. These students won in every sport in which they participated, volleyball, athletics, archery. You name the sport; they won a medal! The only games in which they did not win, were longs tennis and scrabble. These were games in which they didn't compete.

Holy Communion From Last Week

In short, that was my week. Praise God with us for the glorious week!

Jonah

***If you can help with seed planting & harvest; buying food for the widows or the school needs, please email us at (contact information in side bar at right).

Praising God for Education Needs Met - Repost

February 22, 2009

Students are still in need of school fees and other school necessities. We need to hear from you if you are able to assist these students to get another year of education.

Original posted February 8, 2009

This is an update on the post "Getting Back to School", dated January 9, 2009. Please continue to pray that these scholarships would be received soon and that the additional need for supplies, bedding, etc. would be met.

For Beatrice - Already admitted to Secondary Girls School. School fees to be paid by scholarship.

Spent on her expenses kshs 2900 as follows:
- school uniform:- skirts kshs 1000
- sweater,socks and blouse kshs 1050
- utensils and pens kshs.220
- fare and lunch kshs. 400
- other kshs. 230
Other expenses met by friend, relative and well wishers.

For Moureen - Has joined Secondary school and been recommended for scholarship.

Used 300 Kenyan shillings on her expenses.
Other outstanding needs are a mattress,blanket, bed sheets and miscellaneous for total cost kshs3800. she will be a day scholar until we get funds to meet these expenses. Other expenses met by relatives and well wishers.

The other child Chelangat has changed schools and we are waiting for a vacancy.

This child is a total orphan and has no adult to assist so the expenses are high. this may cost kshs 8500. Pray much pray for this child.

Note: The two scholarship orphans are attending school free after making arrangements with the head teachers until we get funds. We rely on scholarships from NGOS and hope this (funding approval) will soon go through.

God bless you.

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.

Feed the Hungry

hello everyone,

this month has been a very busy one for me. we have been involved in visiting homes that have been affected by the post election violence. we feel that the people have not really healed from the political situation that happened here.

we pray that the government will come in and help the situation with the people who have been affected by the violence and especially thru a joint venture to address the dire food issue in this country.

we are experiencing a very high inflation rate of 31%; making food very expensive. crop failures also seem imminent in this country and that will likely mean more food price increases. please pray for continued rain so that the food prices of crop foods can be contained.

here are some of the pictures taken of recent corn distribution to needy orphans and caretakers earlier this month. if you can help feed the people, please let me know. otherwise we value your prayers for this ministry and give all praise to God for what He has done and continues to do. May the Lord bless and keep you and your loved ones.


Update: July 16, 2008
Pastor Jonah reports that regular rains have returned to the Kericho area...Praise God as this will help to contain the already escalating food costs in the country. Thank you for your prayers for the nation of Kenya.

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

Cooking with Jiko Stoves

Editor's Note: This blog entry was originally posted on April 12, 2008 and is being reposted to ensure the widest readership. If you would like to support this Jiko project or any other project described in this blog site (see sidebar), Pastor Jonah would love to hear from you at kericho120@yahoo.com God bless, sister Penny Joy

hello saints,

for the last few days i have met this woman who makes cooking pots or Jiko as we call it here (jiko is swahili for "stove"). this whole item is used for cooking instead of three stones, that most people use. i was really tempted to have this available in every home and am delighted, soon i will start with our own family. i so much wish and pray that this can spread to all the people in the community and my village. if you feel led to give toward this project, please contact me at the email on the sidebar.

Project Cost for making, delivering and installing one Jiko Stove:
Jiko (pot) Ksh.600
Cement 850
Bricks (20) = 300
Transport= 1000
Labor = 1000
Total: 3750 Kenyan Shillings or $61.00 US
Right now in Kenya the US dollar is worth about 58-60 shillings per dollar.

Most forests in Africa have been depleted ....and now the rain has become scarce, as people rely heavily on firewood from the forest. This is about 95% of the people living here in Kenya....as electricity reaches less than 10% of the population. (even me - am not connected..lol).

here in Kenya, only 1 million people have electricity attached to their homes,out of 34 million people. please pray that this firewood saving jiko can reach many homes and save our forest ....it uses less firewood. the experts talk about ...80% saving...on firewood. the jiko stove not only helps to save our depleting forests but is also more healthy for the women who do the cooking (and the children sitting with them) as they do not have to breathe in all the smoke.

have a great day
because He lives
Jonah

Editor's Note: On a pressing matter, I want to advise the readers that due to the inflation caused by political discord, the food prices for average Kenyans have now now tripled. many of the caretaker families and their caretakers are in desperate situations. We ask you to pray and to do what you can to feed even one child as this is good in the eyes of God. May God touch your hearts and bless you so you may be a blessing.

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

Healthier, Happier, You!!!!: ***Love and Pastor Jonah***

Pastor Jonah was recently interviewed by the author of the houseonahillorg.blogspot. Please check out the interview at this link.

Healthier, Happier, You!!!!: ***Love and Pastor Jonah***

Thank you to Dwana for creating time and space to help raise awareness of Pastor Jonah's Missions of Hope to orphan children in rural Kenya.

God bless.
Sis PJ

Here are the words to a lovely song I've seen on a number of Christian websites. I am not sure that the writer and songstress is actually a Christian but the song itself is thought provoking on a number of levels. If you're interested you can also follow this link to the posting by Pamela dated August 29, 2007. She gives a good critique of the song. Enjoy
http://blog.achristianhome.org/category/essays/

A Life Profound,
(a song by Mica Lee Williams)

There is a reason for believing in the seasons
To know that spring will always come around
It's to begin again though there seems no means to this end
Before one lays a body down
But things that die and wither soon will find new roots and tether
To gather strength beneath the ground

I think that
Far too many soon forget the sound of their own laughter
Far too quickly we move swiftly towards the ever after
But I will stake my claim and I will find the rapture
Of a life profound

I cannot manage to estimate the damage
Of holding deep regret that seeks to pull us down
I see my life as a vessel traveling swift and light
I seek my wrongs to right where I run aground
And the wind that fills these sails speaks metaphors and fairytales That never fail to set me safely down

I think that
Far too often we forget exactly what we're after
And far too soon we skip the book to read the final chapter
But I will savor in each moment I can capture
Of a life profound

When fortune wheels spin around it's good to stay in the middle of it
Cuz yes luck she is a tricky one, but there is joy in the riddle of it
And all that can be lost in another way can be won
And there in lies the meaning

Far too often we forget exactly what we're after
And far too soon we skip the book to read the final chapter
But I will savor in each moment I can capture
Of a life profound

Democracy Under Fire

This week schools re-opened in Kenya for younger children but many schools have yet to open due to lack of teachers and students caused by continuing tensions in the country. Also, some schools are being used to house the displaced.

The following Reuters video shows the new violence that happened today as the first of three days of peaceful Opposition protests went ahead in defiance against rallies.
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=74547&videoChannel=1

In this environment it is challenging to have business as usual and to care for the orphans and widows here. Since my first post on this blog, the numbers of children in our care has grown from just under 40 children to just over 200 children in and around Kericho village. Please continue to pray for our ability to help the helpless and also for opportunity to do what we can to assist the displaced. If you can support us financially in this work, I would be happy to hear from you. May God bless.

Because He lives,
Pastor Jonah

James 1:27 (New International Version)

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Pray for new Corn Crops

Hello to all of you in cyber world.

I am happy that so many of you have continued to view this blog and I am really excited about that!! Thank you too for lifting us up in your prayers. What I do pray for is to hear from you. Let me know what you think about my blog which is dedicated to the children of Africa. Or let us know that you have prayed for us or send me your prayer requests. kericho120@yahoo.com

Right now I am happy to report that we are grateful to the Lord for His provision for the daily food requirements and other daily needs of the orphans.

At the same time, we are planning for the planting season that starts in January. Please pray for the much needed resources (land rental, seed and fertilizer and some small funds to feed the workers) to do the work on the fields.

God Bless and hope to hear from you as the Lord leads. Brother Jonah Kipkorir

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

Work on the Farm

Hi, today (Saturday) was my day to work on the farm. We were planting potatoes for the orphans project on our rented land. We thank God for the people and the orphans who came to help us to do the planting.

Thomas who is working with me, organized the food so that we could all eat together. This was a great time of bonding for all of us, and I really loved it. I thank God for the opportunity to do something each weekend that helps in one way or another, the orphans that we have in my community.

We have also received an invitation from another village to go and help out!! Please pray that this dream will come thru' as we are trying as much as we can to duplicate what we are doing here in Kericho, in the other villages. We also feel good that some people are seeing something good happening through our group.

I also had time to visit with some of the kids in the neighborhood. They are great kids as you can see in the photo. Have a great weekend and know am praying for all of you, my co-workers in Christ. God Bless, your co-labourer, Jonah