Good start at the Fundraiser

Cathi
Aug 10
5 min read

On Thursday, 7/30, we shopped for some of the provisions needed for hosting the fundraising event. We shared in the cost with Enos and the school.

That evening, we visited a neighbor in honor of their father’s death. We had a wonderful time visiting with the family and guests. We will attend the funeral on Saturday.

On Friday, 7/31, we attended the fundraising event. We had a front row seat for the entertainment which was the children of the school. They sang, danced, recited poems, and showed off the robots they built. Between these performances, the collection baskets were passed around and the separate groups, i.e., teachers, alumni, parents were invited to contribute.

The entire process was quite different from any fundraising event I took part in before. So far, the balance raised was 551,000 KES or about $4250 USD.

Of this total, 213,000 KES or $1645 USD was contributed by Joshua Ministry and our supporters. Thank you all for your generous support.

There were pledges made, to our knowledge, they have not been received to date. We know this is far short of the goal of 2 million KES, but a great start.

The building of the classrooms will continue. We will keep you updated on the progress.

Saturday, 8/1, we attended the funeral I mentioned above. The deceased man, who passed due to diabetes complications, and his wife both worked at the Agricultural College for many years and were very active in their church.

Sunday, 8/2, we were up early so we could take part in the prayer service at the Salvation Army Church as we did before at 5:30am. It was an uplifting time.

When we left, we told Captain David that we would not be at the service since we were attending the ACK, Anglican Church of Kenya for their service. During this service we were introduced and told them about our mission for the area, Ray shared on discipleship. The people were very welcoming, and we were able to greet them all after the service.

Later that afternoon Pastor Charles, an uncle to Enos arrived at the house and brought another pastor with him, Pastor Noah. They came to invite us to teach, preach, and show the Jesus film. We will be in his church on August 16, 20, 25. Pastor Charles has asked for teachings on discipleship, baptism, the Holy Spirit, healing & miracles. We are so excited about this opportunity. Please be in prayer for God’s guidance as we prepare.

Tuesday, 8/4, the power was turned off due to an issue with the work that was done earlier. Once the issue was corrected and the power restored, we were experiencing another rolling blackout! No power once again. By Wednesday, the power was restored in the neighborhood but not us. We had another visit from a different electrician and finally our power was restored as well. Praise God!

Wednesday, 8/5, we had to make a trip to Kakamega for cooking/LPG gas. We have a gas stove top that runs on a 13Kg tank and a cooker that uses a 6Kg tank. Both ran empty at the same time!!

That same day we took Dorcas’s daughter, Angela, to her boarding school where she will remain until late November when she graduates high school.

Thursday, 8/6, we met with Captain David and Captain Rebecca. They asked Ray to teach on discipleship the upcoming Sunday and again at their upcoming regional youth meeting, scheduled for 8/19–22.

After about an hour, Captain David told us they were heading to a meeting with regional leaders and asked, “Are you ready?” Ray replied, “I’m always ready,” reciting 1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have”. With that, we left for the meeting.

We traveled a few kilometers down the road to another small Salvation Army Church served by Major Wycliff and Major Betty. They served us hard-boiled eggs, ugali, arrowroot, mandazi, and tea. We learned this was their monthly leadership meeting, which rotates among churches, and we met eight of the leaders.

We sang, shared testimonies and prayer requests—including our own—and then Ray was asked to speak on discipleship. When he finished, they asked if he could share his notes, and he said he would. Then we prayed for one another. Afterwards, they served us another meal: chicken stew, ugali, chapati, cabbage, managu which are greens cooked like kale, and fresh pineapple. We took the pictures they requested, promised to return, and left to take each person to their drop-off point. It was an unexpected adventure, and God was there. So good.

Friday, 8/7 the power went off again. Ray read that a substation in the town of Kakamega had a fire that shut down power to a major part of Western Kenya.

Saturday, 8/8 the power remained off. At 3pm we started the generator to charge the power banks, phones, and power the refrigerator. By 4pm, just after all power banks were charged, the power was restored. Go figure! PTL.

Sunday, 8/9 back up at 4:30am to be at the Salvation Army Church for prayer service. Captain Rebecca pulled me aside to show me a letter she had received from her superiors. The letter congratulated her on her promotion to the rank of Major. Captain David received a similar letter.

Next Sunday they will be officially recognized. I am sorry we will not be there to celebrate with them as God has different plans as we will be at another speaking engagement. They will share their promotion with the church congregation later during the service.

When we arrived for the main service, I noticed many children this week. They were finishing Sunday school. I gave many high fives as the children came to me. Ray gave the message on discipleship. Discipleship is the theme for the Army this year through 2030.

The Salvation Army presents a challenge each year to three groups within the church to raise funds for their children’s homes and homes for the disabled. One of the groups is the older women of the church which Esther is a part of. She collected the most in her group and will be moving onto a regional challenge. If she raises the most money, then she will be crowned the Queen for the year in their ceremony taking place this Saturday.

After the service, a women approached us and told us she is the caregiver for a neighbor. She asked if we could visit the lady this upcoming week, she cares for and pray for her. We told her that we would do our best to do so. Looking forward to a new week of adventures as God leads.

Doors are opening, as especially during this trip we are being offered many opportunities to share our faith, the knowledge and teachings God has prepared us for to advance His kingdom.

We want to be aligned what God wants us to share always recognizing Isaiah 55:8-9 regarding His ways and ours.

Please be in prayer for us as we sit before our Lord and ask for His wisdom and guidance.