Dama and I are heading back to Mombasa to continue where God
had us planted before our brief one year" intermission" in the
States. We will continue to lead Come
Back Home, the Cousin discipleship and mobilization ministry, for at least the
next two years. However, there are a few
areas we will look to develop and expand. - Mobile Clinics - Treating physical needs is often a bridge to the heart. This year we are planning at least three mobile clinics in the communities with the greatest physical and spiritual needs. The three day camps will be held during Kenya's school breaks, April, August, and December, in order to focus on treating children and youth. Pray for volunteers for these outreaches. Also, pray for finances to be raised for medicine, transport, and lodging.
- Sewing Project - The sewing project will expand by focusing not only on discipling and empowering new believers but also look to be used as a means of outreach. We have come to learn of the increasing need for women's sanitary towels. Sadly, the lack of sanitary towels or pads is one reason that causes some youth to miss school during their menstrual cycle. This makes them fall behind and some to drop out of school. For others it is the choice between buying food or sanitary towels. We believe this is a choice no one should have to make. We have been able to secure a pattern for which we will be able to make reusable and washable pads. We are praying that this will open the door for not only meeting the basic needs of women's hygiene, but will also provide a bridge to communities otherwise closed to the gospel.
- Discovery Bible Studies - One of the greatest challenges in discipling Cousins to Jesus is providing safe and fruitful environments for learning about Jesus. The term "discovery Bible studies" is often used for people who want to learn more about Jesus but for various reasons are hesitant or uncomfortable about engaging in meaningful conversations about Him. These Bible studies are stripped of the traditions of "cultural Christianity" and could be conducted anytime or anywhere offering the truth for discovering who Jesus really is. Pray for seekers who want and are willing to know more about Jesus. Pray that we might have wisdom to discern motives and to help those God is calling.
- Springboard - The majority of world Christian leaders realize it is high tide for the sub-Sahara Africa church to be a major mission sending force. Springboard seeks to be a network which empowers Kenyans to carry out the great commission. A curriculum is being developed for Kenyan's wanting to represent Christ in the Arab World. Pray for workers who will be willing to heed the call and count the cost to go to the nations.
We are excited for what God is doing and going to do. It is with great anticipation that I ask you
to pray about partnering with us this year. There are at least three ways I believe you
can be involved. First, pray. As mentioned above prayer is essential to the
battle that is being waged. Second, you
can go. Those with medical qualifications
can be a great blessing to our clinics. There is never a shortage for servant hands
and feet to be put into action. Third, send. Not everybody's role is to go,
some are called to give and pray so that others can go. The mobile clinics and the sewing project is
our greatest ministry expense. In order
to conduct a three day medical outreach on the field, which treats roughly 400
people, the cost is an estimated $2,000 ($5/patient). Medical expenses vary but, for example a
cataract surgery costs $50. The safe house where the sewing project is
conducted costs $150 / month to stay open. We are estimating the startup cost for the
sanitary pads to be $2,000. Our desire is that the sewing project will
ultimately be self sufficient.
I have never mentioned ministry costs before, and rarely my
personal needs, because I don't want my focus to be on finances but on the God
who provides. However, I mention it now
because I want those who do give to our ministry to realize where some of their
funds are going. I also want people to
be given an opportunity to manifest their giftings and service to Jesus by
giving.
If you do desire to meet some of these needs please let me
know. I can inform you of an easy and
secure way to give.
Thank you for your love and partnership in the gospel.
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