Project Updates - September 2008

June 28 – July 23, 2008

Last month, Pastor Greg and I had the privilege of traveling to the continent of Africa. Although Greg has been to the northern part of the continent, this was the first time for both of us to see Eastern and South Africa.

We spent about one week in Kenya, arriving in Nairobi and traveling by mezunga metatu (white man’s bus) to Kitale. Steve Pippin was gracious enough to drive us cross-country, and to all the children’s homes and schools we visited near Kitale. We met with Charles who oversees the children’s home at Mali Saba (mile seven – 7 m. from Kitale), and Ruth who helps him with the girls. We were impressed with the condition of the children’s rooms and the overall health of the children. The children were very happy to greet us and watch themselves on our little camera. They also sang for us and recited some Bible lessons. Joni Eveleigh and I taught them some songs also.

We then visited Dalton’s Caring Home, where Lillian oversees 23 orphans – their basic needs, their education and most important, their spiritual training. These children sang and danced, and led us into the presence of God. Their gratefulness to God was humbling as they have only the clothes on their backs, a meal a day and a small room used for school, church, and meals.

From there we went to Elim Church and primary school property where Bishop Simon is the pastor and his wife, Beatrice, is the headmistress. They have about 60 children in Baby Class, Nursery, up to class 3. We also toured Bishop Simon’s dream property, where they have a beautiful chapel and 24/7 prayer rooms. They also have a medical clinic (in need of supplies) and a tech shop where the ladies are learning to sew. Bishop Simon also leads God Bless You High School which now has Form 1 & 2 classes (grades 9 & 10), but need to expand to Form 3 & 4. We would like to see the children from our children’s homes go to Christian Schools. We want to help Elim School build another classroom for class 4 and then class 5, 6, 7 & 8 so that there will be room for children of all grades.

We also met Ryan, an entrepreneur who is helping the Kenyans run several businesses including a water drilling rig, organic compost factory, and organic farming - growing food for the orphans and widows. We were also introduced to John and Eloise Bergen who just 5 days later were brutally attacked. It was a random attack that most Kenyans would be very upset about as the general population is grateful for the missionaries and the work they do in their country. We pray for the Bergen’s continued complete recovery.

On to South Africa! We flew to Cape Town at the south end of South Africa and drove south to the tip of the Cape. Suritha Kaminski and her husband, Keith, were our hosts there for about 5 days. We toured the area and were very excited to find PENGUINS in Africa.
From there we visited Johannesburg and the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) headquarters. Several of their leaders and principals have visited Western Canada in the past couple of years. It was a blessing to learn of their progress. In Soweto we toured the Apartheid Museum and learned a bit about their history. The country has come far, but still has a long way to go.

Then in Pretoria, the main purpose for our trip was fulfilled. Hatfield Christian Church and School welcomed Greg for 4 days of consulting (and many extra hours of questions) as they considered starting their own online school. It was a blessing while we were there to witness the school council and senior church staff embrace the concept and make the decision to start a pilot project this coming school year (January 2009). I’m certain we will have an ongoing relationship with them in the years to come.

After our time with Graeme and Debbie Holloway and their family and staff, we took two days and drove to the Timbavardi Game Reserve to see the African animals: elephants, giraffes, lions, cape buffalo, zebra, hyena, warthogs and even a leopard! We praise God for the wonder of His creation!
Thank you to everyone who supported us in our trip. We are grateful to God for keeping us and our children, here at home, safe.