Bury My Blackberry in Africa

Peter has passion for his people

2012-01-27T14:42:00.000-05:00

Many of you know the area we work in when not traveling throughout Kenya is Marurui slum. It is one of 22 slums in Nairobi - a small slum by comparison to other slums in Nairobi like Kibera or Mathare. There are 25,000 people living in 1500 shanty like homes in this slum. Unemployment and illiteracy are very high. Diseases are also very prevalent. Most of these diseases are preventable - malaria, water-borne illnesses and HIV/AIDS. Also, many people have chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes that are poorly managed. Our physician Dr. Vincent screened 200 patients for hypertension and found 50 had high blood pressure.

Our goal as Partners for Care is to promote wellness and eliminate disease in Marurui slum by:
1. Teaching the people of Marurui slum how to prevent community health diseases.
2. Treating those who get sick
3. Help the chronically ill to manage their disease.

We are approaching this through our medical clinic, by implementing mHealth and through community health teaching. And, PFC is working to ensure every child in Marurui slum sleeps under a bed net. To date the staff have distributed 833 bed nets in this slum. The team is teaching how water can be cleaned by using the sun. As you walk through the slum you can see the people have placed jugs of water on their roofs for the sun to turn the dirty water clean. At night there is clean water for their children.

Peter teaching women from Marurui Slum on community health

Jugs of water on a roof in the slum for the sun to clean the water

The team is using the malaria and the HIV teaching cubes. Working with groups of 10, the staff have the client complete a pre-test to determine their knowledge about malaria and HIV. After teaching with the cubes the staff gives a post-test to measure the increase of knowledge. It is very exciting to the staff to see how much the people are learning about malaria and HIV/AIDS using these innovative teaching tools. Learn more about these cubes at www.e3resources.org.

When the people are sick they call Peter who works in our clinic. He goes to them at night, weekends - whenever they call him. Peter uses his mHealth mobile devise to collect medical information and then transmits the information to Dr. Vincent through the internet. An electronic medical record is opened for the patient. Dr. Vincent reviews the information on his computer and then directs Peter how to help the patient.

Peter

Peter, a young man with a wife and two small children has passion for helping the people of Marurui slum. Marurui slum is his community. He grew up there. And, like Moses who helped the Israelites, Peter helps his people. He doesn't want his people perishing from a lack of knowledge. To the people of Marurui slum, the Red Sea is HIV/AIDS and other diseases that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Peter is helping them cross to the promise land.

It is a great joy for me to hear Peter talk about his work. Peter arrives early for meetings and is always available to do whatever is necessary to serve his fellow staff of PFC or to serve the people of Marurui slum. Equipping Peter to do his work is why Partners for Care exists. As Ryan says..we equip them and then stay out of their way because they can do the work....they can reach and help their own people.

Blessed to know and learn from a young man like Peter,

Connie
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Nick requests prayers for his family

2012-01-18T06:18:00.002-05:00

This morning I received a message from Nick. Nick always touches my heart and inspires me with his faith in the God he serves. In spite of hardships we can't even imagine Nick believes. Here are Nick's words:

I have been busy going to Kenyatta hospital everyday, my uncle was attacked by robbers and was seriously injured with lots of cuts on his head that has penetrated into his brain and he will be having surgery soon. Thanks for your prayers for my uncle and his family keeping in mind that his wife is bed-ridden and paralyzed. I know this is a trial time and it is meant to make me strong and bring happiness in our family even so many are either HIV positive, poor, orphan etc. I know that no matter what happens my God will never forsake me nor leave me alone. I want my family and community to see God, love and encouragement in me. I desperately need your prayers. The love you have for me always remind me of the little time I had with my late mum on this earth. Nick.

Nick

In prayer for Nick and his family,

Connie
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Returning home...

2011-12-20T11:42:00.000-05:00

It seems this trip to Kenya went very quickly. I will just share some of the things we accomplished this trip. Jackie Scott was with me the first half and Mindy Miller, a PFC board member, was with me the second half. Both of these women are strong in their faith and came to serve the PFC team and not to be served. They left the PFC team in Kenya better equipped to serve the people of East Africa. I am grateful to both of them. Highlights from the trip:

1. Jackie had brought with her many Christian books and tapes for the team's spiritual development. Jackie had the fundi (carpenter) build a bookselve for all the team's books and tapes. She organized them by category and Mindy completed the task of numbering all the books creating a library check-out system. This also helps us know what books and tapes we can bring to add to the library.

2. Cris and Gary from Parsons had sent hundreds of Crocs for the children in Pakishon. When Cris was there she saw first hand the need for the children to have shoes to prevent the jiggers from attacking their feet. The conditions are very harsh in this area and shoes don't last long. The Crocs are a perfect shoe for these children. Pastor Hirbo was with us in Nairobi this trip and we packed the shoes for him to take to the children! They will have them for Christmas.

3. Several people sent money for the children of Nick and Charles to have a Christmas meal at the Partners for Care house. David my sheep given to me by Sam's mom was sacrificed for the occasion. The PFC team took the vans to bring all the children to the PFC house. Moses and others cooked all day preparing food. We had given each child a new outfit and a pair of new shoes for Christmas. Some of the little ones insisted on leaving the tags on their clothes showing they were new!

4. We spent a lot of time on the implementation of the mHealth program. It is hard to explain how excited Dr. Vincent and his medical team are about mHealth. The bonus from using mHealth is that all the patients who either come to the clinic or are seen in the field will have an electronic medical record. We have really just begun to understand all the benefits of mHealth. None of the medical team had any problem using the devises. Dr. Vincent even put all his medical books into the devise to use as references. We met with the head of the Community Health Workers. She is helping us to reach all the CHWs in Marurui slum which is our catchment area. These 98 CHWs will spread the word about mHealth.

5. While at the medical mission conference last month I found some unique community health teaching tools. The same company that made Evangelism cube have recently released malaria and HIV/AIDS teaching cubes. The cubes are excellent teaching tools. We are doing a small study using pre and post tests to determine if the cubes increase a person's knowledge and behavior change. We gave a set of the cubes to the head community worker. She would like to see the thousands of community health workers have a set of them.

6. When Bridgette and I were stranded during the ash over Europe delay we were put at the Inter-Continential Hotel for a couple nights. We learned they along with hotels in Kenya throw out the uneaten food at night. Bridgette has a dream that someday the uneaten food will be given to the children who are hungry. I have been working with Bill Boling, Atlanta Food Bank and Maurice from the Glodal Foodnetworking to learn the process for establishing a food bank in Kenya. I met this time with two key people in Kenya who could help make a food bank a reality....will keep you updates.
Good trip, good progress. God is good.

Connie
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Sometimes it is good to hear from someone else...

2011-12-15T12:22:00.003-05:00

Mindy Miller, Partners for Care board member is here with me this trip. It is truly a blessing to have her here. She is supportive of the PFC staff, patient even in long traffic delays and has been a great observer of what is happening here in Kenya. Sometimes it is good to hear from someone else. Here is the 2nd update she sent out.

Hello, again, from Kenya!

On Tuesday, I was able to attend the Partners for Care staff meeting. Each person covered their respective projects by telling what their vision was, where the project was at the beginning of the year, what they accomplished this year, what their challenges were, what they want to accomplish next year, and what needs they have in order to accomplish their goals. It was so great! I won't be able to go through all of it here (it was a long meeting!), but let me give you some highlights:

IT - John heads the IT training, which is free to the community. John told a great story: he trained one of the women who did laundry for us at the PFC house. She took her new IT skills to apply for an office job. While she was at the office applying, the hiring person was having trouble with Skype. John had taught the woman to use Skype as part of the "internet training" (there are seven packages plus internet to complete under the IT program) - so, she was able to assist the person and was hired! John just beamed with pride! So precious.

Second Chance Educational Program - Sam M heads the second chance program; also free to the community. In the Marurui slum where the center is located, 85% of the adults never finished high school. In Kenya, getting a high school diploma is accomplished by sitting for exams. The second chance program saw four students sit for their exams in December - we won't know until February whether they passed or not. There are currently 15 students enrolled in the program.

Football (soccer) - Sam G heads the sports program for football. To hear him talk of his vision was so inspiring: to capture the hearts of the young people in the slum in order to keep them away from bad behavior (idleness, drugs, etc.). You could just see the passion in his face as he talked about the kids. When they started the program, there were no teams in the Marurui slum - now there are twelve (with substitute players)! And two players did so well that they were recruited into what is the equivalent of the "minor leagues" here in Kenya - paid positions!

Poultry project - The PFC house has a poultry project led by committee. It's actually chickens and rabbits. This was the last presentation and it had us all cracking up with laughter! Turns out, it's sort of hard to be a farmer. :) But, the project is on the cusp of turning around! We all have high hopes!

Medical clinic - Dr. Vincent officially opened the clinic on October 5th this year. There are approximately 900 households in the Marurui slum. Dr. Vincent has seen 536 patients since opening! Wow. Peter and Charles, who also work in the clinic, have distributed bed nets to almost 75% of the households. They were very excited to report that some of their healthcare instructions to the community have been taking root - for example, they've seen people placing their captured rain water barrels on their roofs (it boils in the sun and kills the germs). Dr. Vincent and his team have great plans for this clinic!

It was such a great meeting! I loved being able to sit in to see and hear the passion and plans these guys have for their community!

On Thursday, I spent the day in Mathare slum with Community Transformers, an organization that PFC supports. Mathare is the second largest slum in Kenya with approximately 800,000 people. It's always hard to see the poverty in the slums - I prepared with lots of prayer (thanks to those of you who are praying for me, too). The CT center volunteers visit the sick and help where they can. I tagged along for two house visits to clients. The women we visited were so grateful for how they are cared for by CT - I was encouraged. The center facilitates a beaded jewelry and note card making business to help cover costs of the center (the clients do the work). In addition, they have a cyber cafe.

I'm looking forward to the staff Christmas party tonight. We've all had a fun time joking about the killing of David, the sheep, for the celebration. This sheep was given to Connie last year as a thank you from Sam G's mother. David's life ended yesterday - I didn't watch the killing, but caught a glimpse of the draining and skinning - glad to be a vegetarian! Ha! (And, by the way, Moses has been feeding me quite well with lots of vegetarian dishes!)

I hope you can sense my excitement about what PFC is doing in Kenya!
Mindy

An exciting day for PFC - implementation of mHealth has begun

2011-12-15T12:21:00.002-05:00

If you read the last update you know Partners for Care is partnering with Global H.E.E.D. to implement mHealth. We have been working with Global H.E.E.D. for the last 6 months developing the technical side of the program. Global H.E.E.D. Has done all the work on the technical side with PFC developing the medical protocols for the program. I came with four smart phones that were programmed with the medical protocols.

We have struggled with technical difficulties all week but this morning I received the following message from Dr. Vincent:
"We just recorded the first patient on the device and its working well. The data has also uploaded to the server." And, to make it even more special, the first patient - patient 001 was one of Pastor Hirbos's children. Pastor Hirbo has been with us all week and had brought his children with him to attend a camp.

The way the program works is we will have two of our non-medical staff collect information from a patient in the slum sending the information via the internet to a server creating a secure medical record. Dr. Vincent can access the information on his computer and provide recommendations in real-time to our staff who is with the patient in the slum. Our staff then advises the patient. The devises take and transmit photos of the patient for Dr. Vincent.

The advantage of mHealth are many including:

Quicker access to healthcare for people living in a slum with poor infrastructure and limited transportation to health facilities
Increased number of patients one physician can manage as he has more people collecting information for him
Improved follow-up to determine resolution of patient's complaint
Better tracking of patient's compliance with treatment regime
Improved surveillance of diseases

Phase I of the project will be in Marurui slum. Phase II we are looking at implementing in Mathare Slum through Community Transformers with Nick and Charles. And, Phase III we want to implement in government facilities with Dr. Joe.
There are many key players to a successful implementation of mHealth including Dr. Vincent who is our physician using the program, Sam who is working with the technical team in the US, Dr. Joe who is our consultant on the project, Sammy who is the PFC Director in Kenya and the Global H.E.E.D. team - Chris, Sonny, Igor, Ling and Shreya.

We are all very excited to be involved in improving health care in Kenya.
A good day in Kenya....Connie

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Can't even begin to tell you how exciting this is! This is just the beginning of great things to come! Partners for Care and Global HEED are on the verge of revolutionizing access to health care in developing nations.

Sharon Dicks

More convinced than ever....

2011-12-08T01:52:00.001-05:00

This trip to Kenya, I have become more convinced than ever that people in developing nations can and will reach their own people, care for their own people, and build their own bridges to their future. We in the developed nations can help by equipping them to do the work. And, together we can celebrate as they move their villages, their nation towards development. Let me share a few examples of equipping that we are blessed to be able to do because of our donors and partners in the US.

First, there is Pastor Hirbo. We have equipped him with the resources to reach the children of Parkishon treating their hands and feet for jiggers. He has reached 113 children in the last three months treating them for jiggers. Twenty-three of these children have now returned to school. They had stopped going to school because of being infected with jiggers. He told me last night he has expanded his territory to other villages in his area. And, he has done this without any means of transportation! Imagine what he can do when someday we are blessed to be able to equip him with a motor bike. Jackie Scott is with me this trip. She sat and talked with Pastor Hirbo last night. She said to me his eyes light up and dance when he talks of reaching the children.

Then there is Dr. Vincent and Charles, Franko and Peter who we have equipped with a medical clinic. They have treated in the first 3 months 350 patients, distributed 250 bed nets and screened 250 people for hypertension. Everyday they see more patients. This trip we have brought smart phones for them to implement mHealth. With this program Dr. Vincent can reach thousands with the help of his non-medical staff using smart phones in the slum to collect and transmit medical information to his computer. These smart phones serve as Dr. Vincent's eyes and ears...these devises can take photos and even video tape the patients. Our partners on this project is Global H.E.E.D (globalheed.org). who is partnering with SANA (sana.mit.edu). If you are interested in learning more about this Initiative go their websites. The staff here are so excited about this new initiative...they are already talking of Phase II of implementation - Mathare Slum and Marsabit.

Next is the ministry of Nick and Charles. We only equip them by paying their salaries and helping sometimes financially with the 34 children they care for. Their ministry reaches to the very heart of Mathare slum - 2nd largest slum in the world. They have helped almost 500 people who are infected with HIV/AIDS through the mobilization of young men and women volunteers. We don't need to tell Nick and Charles how to care for their people...and we don't need to do it for them. I am a nurse and a social worker and I have been in healthcare my entire professional career. I have seen healthcare in health care settings in 35 states in the US. I am in awe of what I see in Nick and Charles' ministry. A ministry without nurses, social workers and medical supplies and equipment. But, what they lack in degrees and equipment they make-up for with a heart and passion to care for their people.

And, the Temples of Worship have been equipped with a keyboard , drums, guitars, microphones, speakers and a saxophone. They use their music to reach thousands with the message of salvation and HiV/AIDS prevention. Next they want to make and distribute a video of their song Peace and Love. It is a song they wrote during the Post-Election Violence. It is a message that will inspire Kenyans as they move toward elections next year. A message of peace.

We have also equipped the team with two vehicles so they go and spread the gospel.
The last example I want to share with you is the equipping of the sports program. Partners for Care staff here started a what if? football team in Maruri Village. Now there are 12 football teams in this village. Thanks to our partner PEACEPASSERS we have been able to bring football equipment for the players equipping them with what they needed to play football.

This trip I have brought the information about the Atlanta Food Bank. I was truly blessed to spend time with Bill Bolling a man who has had a passion all his life to eliminate hunger. Bill is the founder and Executive Director of the Atlanta Food Bank. Bill connected me to the Global FoodBanking Network. The Global FoodBanking has helped create food banks in 30 countries. They have given me the Feasibility Analysis:Starting a Food Bank System Toolkit. My part is to pass this information to people here who like Bill have a passion to eliminate hunger. PFC will play a role in the development by partnering with others and equipping where we can.

Ryan Morris who spent three months with the team here in Kenya once wrote that he was blessed to have a front row seat to watch God at work. I feel the same way - blessed to be a small part of equipping this team on the ground in Kenya to reach their people.

I am grateful for mentors like Steve Saint and my daughter Mindy who continually teach me ways to help and not harm.

Connie
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Remembering Elizabeth and Baby Diamond on this World's Aids Day 2011

2011-12-03T06:02:00.003-05:00

On this World's Aids Day I am remembering two very special little children - Elizabeth and Baby Diamond. Both Elizabeth and Baby Diamond were born infected with HIV/AIDS. Both died from this disease - Elizabeth was 4 years old, Baby Diamond just 1 1/2 years old. Both gave a mighty fight but the disease ravaged their bodies and left them unable to fight off the secondary diseases they died from.

Elizabeth

Baby Diamond

Sometimes it seems the world has forgotten that HIV/AIDS is still a threat. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 34 million people living with HIV. During 2010 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus, including an estimated 390,000 children. Despite a significant decline in the estimated number of AIDS-related deaths over the last five years, there were still an estimated 1.8 million AIDS-related deaths in 2010.

Imagine 390,000 children born with a disease that could have been prevented. The Partners for Care team in Kenya everyday fights to prevent babies from being born infected. Everything they do is focused on stopping this disease that either has infected or affected everyone they know - their families, their friends, their neighbors. Through their what if? campaign they call the youth to do their part to create an HIV/AIDS - free generation.

On this day, I also remember Nick and Charles who mobilize young men and women to go as volunteers to minister at the bedside of those infected with HiV/AIDS. Those who live in the 2nd largest slum in the world - Mathare Slum. Nick and Charles have seen 77 people die from HIV/AIDS including 22 children. Two of these children were Elizabeth and Baby Diamond.

Today...I remember and for me I pledge to do whatever I can to support to support the team on the ground in Kenya who are fighting the giant of HIV/AIDS.

Grateful for those who also help support them in this fight,

Connie
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God answers prayers for Marsabit

2011-11-22T03:29:00.000-05:00

When you search information about Marsabit a town in the far northeastern part of Kenya, you find the precipitation for the year is 0. This lack of rain causes severe hardship for the people of Marsabit. But, God has answered the many prayers for Marsabit. Yesterday Pastor Hirbo sent the following text:

God is so great and wonderful,the face of Marsabit changed from dust to green, from dry to wet. God has remembered Marsabit. The Marsabit Dam is full. (Pastor Hirbo reminded me that is where I slipped and fell once when I visited this dam). I was in Parkishon on the 16th.

Marsabit dam before

The new face of Marsabit dam now

I tell you the situation is improving, but the need of food is very high. I have also been introduced to a new jigger medicine by a pastor from Malindi. I used it and it is so wonderful and powerful. It worked well. After one night the feet are clean and it is locally made.

-- Pastor Hirbo.

Imagine a pastor who is so excited for rain and a new treatment to treat the children's jiggers. Truly this man pleases God each time he kneels and washes and treat the feet of the little children.

Praising God this Sunday morning for Pastor Hirbo and for remembering Marsabit,

Connie
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Meeting an extraordinary man

2011-11-12T09:34:00.000-05:00

I am at the Medical Missions Conference in Louisville, Ky.- one the largest in the country. It is a little overwhelming with 150 vendors and thousands of participates. Partners for Care is sharing a vendor space with MedShare. We shared a vendor space at the Emory Conference, also. It is always a blessing to be with MedShare as we support what they do in the world to help improve healthcare in developing nations. MedShare bridges surplus medical equipment with need by sending hundreds of containers worth millions of dollars to equip medical clinics and hospital in developing countries.

One of the speakers at the conference is Steve Saint, the son of Nate Saint one of the five missionaries murdered by the Waodani. The story is told in the movie End of the Spear. The story is one of incredible forgiveness and healing.

I have been blessed to meet and spend time with Steve. We share a belief in the way missions can be done in the world that respects and honors those we go to serve. I had given Steve one of our what if? bracelets when we were talking. To my surprise when he spoke the next day he told the audience about his bracelet...and he asked them. what if? we served as God served?

Connie in interview with Steve Saint

And, I would add what if? we could all live in a spirit of humble service and forgiveness like Steve Saint, Elizabeth Elliot and Steve's Aunt Rachael? what if?

Blessed to meet a true servant of God,

Connie
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Dadaab Report

2011-11-09T05:45:00.003-05:00

This summer I along with my son David and members of the Partners for Care staff in Kenya visited the Dadaab Refugee Camp. We were saddened at the desperate conditions of the Somalia refugees as they walked thru the desert seeking help. We were heartened by the response of the world to help them. Below is our report.

Some of the photos of the children are graphic. We can tell you that the stories on the news of the desperation of these children when they arrive in the refugee camps are not exaggerated. But, we can also tell you that the doctors and nurses there are performing miracles as most of the children are recovering but not all of the children survive.

Click here to download a PDF version of the Dadaab Refugee Camp report.

Continuing prayers for peace in Somalia,

Connie

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Run for a life

2011-11-08T10:28:00.004-05:00

We ran...they ran. Together we ran to save the life of a child. Together we asked the question what if? 472 children didn't die every day in Kenya from diseases that can be prevented...

On November 5, 2011 Partners for Care held its third annual run. Charity runs in the US are common...but this run was different. While runners were running in Brook Run Park in Dunwoody at 8:00 in the morning, Kenyan runners were running through Marurui Village on dirt roads at 3.00 in the afternoon. All the funds raised go to support the work of the Partners for Care staff in Kenya. Just like us here, the Kenyan team had worked for months to organize their race. Many in Kenya were doubtful PFC could really organize a run.

Some of the runners before the race

Here runners ran for beautiful Kenya handmade soapstone bowls...in Kenya the children ran for pencils and notebook paper for school. Here runners ran through a beautiful archway as the finish line, there they ran over a rope laid on the ground. Here every runner had shoes - nice shoes like Nike. There some of the youth ran without shoes - not by choice but because they don't have running shoes. We ran 5K, they ran 8K.

A girl running without shoes

But, though there were differences the joy and excitement of the runners and those who organized the runs were the same. The pictures from the US run are posted on www.partnersforcare.org. Below you can see the story of the Kenyan run through their photos and here is Sam's report about the run...I hope it touches you heart like it did mine.

From Sam

We had 60 runners register with 47 actually running in the race - 5 women, 8 children and 34 men. The oldest was 30 years old, the youngest 6 years old. The overall winner was 24 years old.

Victor Njogu, our youngest runner (6 years old)

We had spent months planning the run. It was difficult to get sponsors and people to support the run as people weren't sure we could actually organize a run in the slum area of Marurui. It was the first run ever in Marurui and Kasarani region, and many critics said it was the most successful event after the tournaments we held earlier this year. They said we've opened the door for more runs and marathons to come, as no one saw the run succeeding until they saw it happen. It was also good awareness for our programs as the runners ran by the United States International University (USIU) where so many students had come out to see the runners pass by.

Next time we expect many more runners, people are already asking when the next run will be. Many were afraid to register as they weren't sure if it would succeed, but now they're more willing to participate. Individuals are also coming forward asking how they can participate in the next run, through sponsorships and other aspects.

Here are some highlights:

Agnes, Anastasia's daughter (remember Anastasia is the woman who has been blinded by a brain tumor) came in 2nd in the women's category, running without shoes. She's in our volleyball program, computer class and 2nd Chance.
Esther, another one of our volleyball player. She came in 3rd in the women's category, and her mom was there to congratulate her and receive the prize on her behalf. Her and her mom were in tears when they were called to receive the prize. Her mom said she'd never been that proud of her daughter. Esther and Agnes had vowed to do the volleyball and what if? program as a whole proud, which they did.

Esther (center) being awarded in the presence of her mother

Stella, another one of our volleyball player came in 1st in the children's category, and when she received the top prize she refused to open it until she got home so that they could open it together with her mom. She had promised her mom to do her proud. She ran the whole 8kms or so and finished first. Justus hugged her as she crossed the finish line. She was in tears also when she finished, she couldn't believe she came in first. It was the biggest day of her life then when she ran towards the finishing line and everyone was clapping and shouting, motorbikes hooting and applauding her all the way from the matatu stage. (I also teared up when I saw her cross the finish line).

Stella running towards the finish line

Justus proudly hugging Stella when she won the race

John awarding Stella the 1st Position award

It was an amazing run, the team did a commendable job and I've never been more proud of every team member for their participation in the planning and implementation processes.

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Add 22....

2011-11-08T09:18:00.000-05:00

Before the team completed their weekend event at the boys high school 22 more said yes to Christ...a total of 166.

More for the kingdom,
Connie
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Spreading the good news

2011-11-06T12:11:00.002-05:00

This weekend the Partners for Care staff are at a boys high school spreading the good news of Christ and the prevention message of HIV/AIDS. Sammy just sent me the attached photo - 144 young men have accepted Christ. This is the heart of the ministry...equipping those on the ground to do God's work.

Students giving their lives to Christ

Thank you for all those who donate to their work, help with our annual run and pray for the Partners for Care staff in Kenya.

Praising God this morning for the good news,
Connie.

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Wow, great picture! Very inspiring to see the heart of the ministry in action! Lifting Sammy and team up in prayer.

Sharon Dicks

Director of Development

Partners for Care

http://www.partnersforcare.org

Partners for Care 3rd Annual Run

2011-10-31T21:59:00.003-04:00

Please read and then send this message to anyone you think would want to join us this Saturday as we run for the children of Kenya! The Kenya staff of Partners for Care have also organized a run at the same time as us...we will connect to them by phone. This is Partners for Care major fund raising event so we hope you come to support the team on the ground in Kenya. If you live out of state and are receiving this message you can sponsor a runner in Kenya. We will see the Kenyan team gets the financial support. And, you can pray for us as we work as a team here to help the Kenyan Partners for Care staff transform their Nation - one life at a time. Hope to see you on run day, Connie

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Our Third Annual 5K Run
"what if?" 5K Run - Saturday, November 5 - 8:00am

Monday, 31 October 2011

Register Now
Click below to learn more about and register for this 5K Run, to benefit the life saving work of Partners for Care in Kenya. Every day, 473 children die in Kenya due to preventable diseases. Partners for Care asks the question - "what if?" - wondering how different Kenya and other developing nations would be if billions currently being spent each year battling preventable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, etc - were able instead to be invested in schools, businesses and infrastructure. Every day, our Kenyan staff work with a goal of realizing how their nation could be changed by answering the call to this simple question.
The image at right will be printed on the front of a black, technical long sleeve race shirt being provided to each registered participant. Register today to assure your place.

Learn More and Register

Thank you from Partners for Care
You are receiving this email since you have previously supported Partners for Care. Thank you for your prior support. Please share this email with family and friends who may be interested in participating in our Third 5K Run. We hope to see you at the race this weekend. The photo at left illustrates the type of Kenyan artwork which will be awarded to race winners in each age group. To learn more about what Partners for Care is up to, click below.
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All our team in Kenya are fine...but they do ask for your prayers

2011-10-31T05:21:00.000-04:00

I know most of you have probably heard there were two "bombings" in Kenya today. The Kenya officials have not indicated who is responsible but it is suspected it was done in retaliation to Kenya sending troops into Somalia. Sam was downtown near the area of the second "bombing" and was shaken but is fine. They just ask for us to pray for an end to any retaliation in Kenya.
Praying for the people of Kenya,
Connie
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Milestone

2011-10-19T06:17:00.000-04:00

Today is a milestone for Partners for Care and for four young people in Kenya. This is the day Simon, Silvia, Gobet and Ann sit for their national exams to receive their high school degrees. In Kenya, while primary school is free, there is a costs for high school. For many, especially those who grow up in the slums, the cost is too much for parents to pay so many kids have to drop out of school.

Last year Partners for Care hired Sam who had started a program called 2nd Chance. This program helps those who had to drop out of school prepare to take the national exams. Through daily classes and individual tutoring he prepares them for the exams which if they pass gives them a high school degree. Simon, Silvia, Gobet and Ann have been in 2nd Chance this year and under the guidance of Sam are prepared to take their exams today. Pray for them to pass - a huge milestone in their lives.

This is just one of the many ways the Kenya Partners for Care staff are helping to transform their village, their Nation - one live at a time.

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Partners for Care Newsletter - October 2011

2011-10-04T21:32:00.009-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Below is the Partners for Care newsletter highlighting our friends, the Peace Passers organization. Peace Passers is a non-profit headed up by Candace Cooper-Murray, a nurse and Community Development /Health Administration professional in Charlotte, NC.

Peace Passers' mission is to use a collaborative approach to collect and distribute soccer supplies to people and communities throughout the world. Peace Passers supports team development and the funding of sustainable sports league play to empower youth & maximize hope for all participants locally and globally.

Through a friend of Bridgette Boylan's, Partners for Care recently connected with Peace Passers to receive donated soccer equipment and gear for the children of Kenya. Within a few days of making the request, several large containers arrived at Connie's home filled to the brim with practically new soccer balls, shoes, jerseys, shorts, and shinguards in all sorts of sizes and colors! Connie took the shipment with her on her most recent trip to Kenya. It's an understatement to say that the children were delighted to open it all up and couldn't wait to play soccer with their new things!

Enjoy!

To download the newsletter, click on the link below:

Download Newsletter Here

Thank you to Star Travel

2011-09-23T13:40:00.000-04:00

When I first started going to Kenya, Christian, lead musician with the Milele music group told me to use Loise Sauer from Star Travel to book my flights. I have used Loise ever since. She has become more than a travel agent...she is a friend and a supporter of Partners for Care. This will be Star's third year to support our run. This trip Loise had arranged for Partners for Care to be the ministry in Kenya to partner with the team from Protocol International who went to Kenya to train executives on protocal. The staff from Star Travel in Kenya and Protocol International from the US did a day of service with the PFC staff. They went to Maururi Slum and planted a kitchen garden for a family. They also made a donation to the ministry. Some of the PFC staff were able to attend one of the trainings conducted by Protocol International at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi. The staff loved the training! Loise also made sure I was included on the invite list to attend the evening event at our US Ambassador in Kenya. It was an honor to be in the home of our Ambassador. I want to thank Loise and her sister JoAnn who manages their Nairobi office. We consider Loise a great friend and supporter of the work of Partners for Care.

Connie
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We have been to see Yewlanda and the other children of Parkishon

2011-09-19T12:59:00.002-04:00

On Saturday Sammy, Mark, Dr. Vincent and I traveled to Isiolo and took the all night bus to Marsabit. Our mission was to see Yewlanda and to buy shoes for the children of Parkishon. We also planned to meet with the Ministry of Health to partner with them to assist in Kenya's 90 day Rapid Response Initiative to eliminate jiggers throughout the country. We wanted to make sure the children of Parkishon were included in this Initiative. Yewlanda looks great. She is walking and is jigger free.

Baby Yewlanda

Her brothers are also jigger free. A donor funded our trip to Marsabit and sent us with money to buy shoes for the children. The shoes help the children avoid the jiggers. We also were given $40.00 from a young girl who shared her birthday money to buy shoes for the children. While the children looked "better" following the medical camp we did in August they still broke our hearts. They are dirty because there is no water to bath them. They are in rags and some are naked.


The children of Parkishon

Fitting them with new shoes

Thanks to both the medical camp and Pastor Hirbo's weekly visit to treat the jiggers only a few of the children had jiggers. Pastor Hirbo will help them on his next weekly visit. We met with the Minister of Health and he said the answer to the elimination of jiggers in Parkishon is WATER. We are exploring now with the Ministry of Water. Pastor Hirbo is also teaching the women starting with Yewlando's mom how to use animal dung to help rid the house of the jiggers. You mix the dung with the dirt once a week and spread on the floor of the manyatta it keeps the jiggers away. Imagine...but it works.

Returning to Nairobi now...remembering the children of Parkishon in our prayers, Connie

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Yewlando returns home

2011-09-16T00:04:00.001-04:00

Pastor Hirbo took Yewlanda back to her home yesterday. She is now jigger free, walking, playing and growing. Pastor Hirbo was greeted by the elders of the village and the chief who stood and faced the East saying a blessing to the Americans, Partners for Care and Pastor Hirbo praying for them to have a long life.

We cannot forget the condition Yewlanda was in when we did our medical camp there. She was very sick - weighing just 40% of what she should weigh, so infected with jiggers she couldn't walk and severely malnourished. And, her siblings and other children at Parkishon are in the same condition.
We want to help. We want to see that Yewlanda never returns to the condition she was in.

Parkishon children

Jiggers hurt

Dr. Joe (our doctor consultant here in Kenya) came this week to tell us of a government program called Rapid Response Initiative for jigger elimination. It began September 1 and the intent is to deploy necessary resources to treat everyone in the Nation who has jiggers in 90 days. Homes will be sprayed to kill the jiggers. Medicines, spray chemicals, etc. will be distributed throughout Kenya through the clinics.
This is very exciting but we know in any program not everyone is reached. We know the children of Parkishon are the most marginalized children and we know the health situation in Marsabit is critical. The drought has made a difficult situation even more desperate. The children of Parkishon could be missed.

Dr. Paul Farmer, well-known for his work in Haiti, says you must work through and with the governments of developing Nations to affect real change. So, we are going to Marsabit this Saturday to meet with the Ministry of Health to partner with them to reach the children of Parkishon. We will see how we can do our part while they do their part to eliminate the jiggers in this small village. Jigger elinimation involves four parts:

Treat the people infected
Spray their manyatta
Shoes
Water

We will let the people who care about the children of Parkishon know what we find out and ask for them to partner with us to help the children. Maybe our part will be to help transport the government workers to this village to spray the manyattas. Perhaps our part will be to put shoes on everyone of the children. Together we can make a difference for these children. We went there last year and treated the children with jiggers. We went there this year and treated the children with jiggers. I pray when we go there with Dr. Craig and Pat and their team in March we don't find children infected with jiggers.

Partnering to care for the least of these,

Connie
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Update on baby Yewlanda - this one will make you smile

2011-08-19T16:54:00.005-04:00

The following was written by Pastor Hirbo who is the pastor in Marsabit who helped us rescue Baby Yewlando. Kacey and Cris made sure Yewlanda and her siblings were going to be taken care of. Pastor Hirbo is helping.

FROM EDGE OF GRAVE TO NEW LIFE

Yewlanda is a baby girl of 3 years but she looked like a three months old baby when she met a young woman - Kacey. Kacey was on a medical mission trip with her Mom Cris. They were serving with Partners for Care. Yewlanda was half dead, not moving her hands or legs. She only moved her eyes. One day and one night spent in the hospital but no service was given. On Sunday evening at 10 pm I took her to my house carrying her in my arms. Yewlanda lay on the bed with my six month baby boy. My wife (Zainabu) and I prayed for her. Yewlanda was not even able to turn on the bed. My wife woke every two hours to turn her on the bed to another side.

What God Can Do No Man Can.

The second day I saw Yewlanda stand by our bed laughing, I was amazed and did not believe my eyes. The third day Yewlanda walked from our house to the kitchen outside 3 meters away -another miracle.
What has happened;

Yewlanda is a hundred percent free from jiggers.
Her body is strong so we can take her around other children.
Her appetite has increased she is eating well
She is a joyful girl throughout and attracts all the village children and mothers and is loved by every one.
She never cries a single minute

Yewlanda very happy

Challenges

She left two brothers and three sisters behind at her village who are in the same situation as her
But honor and glory may return to God and blessings to Partners for Care and those who support it.
The six children were malnourished and highly infected by jiggers and not able to come out of their house even for the porridge provided at the nursery school once a day for the village kids.

Most needy at Parkishon

After the 6th Aug, 2011 medical camp by PFC, all of them can now walk from their house to the nursery school to have porridge at the school walking on their own feet. This is a great improvement.
I am visiting them every Wednesday for check up on jigger's infection, their health and to connect them to the clinical support from the government.

The children of Parkishon

Children line up for jigger treatment

Pastor Hirbo treating the children

Boy healed of jiggers proudly walks home

Treated children with new shoes now can walk

Thus far I have a lot to say thank you to Jesus the Father to the fatherless and to Kacey who came so far to save a child. May God bless all those who support PFC and for the lives you are saving. You are helping the marginalized and forgotten people groups of Marsabit.

Pastor Hirbo
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Message from Cris to her friends/supporters

2011-08-12T08:04:00.006-04:00

This is the message Cris who is here with her 18 year daughter Kacey wrote her friends and supporter. She titled it "Saving baby Yewlanda".

Dear friends and supporters,

We have been very busy and very blessed since we last sent an email. So much has happened and we cannot wait to be able to share it all with you. We have truly come to the end of the earth and we have seen and met the most wonderful people. Today was the best day and the worst day rolled into one. It was our third day of medical mission camps so we figured we knew what to expect, but boy was it different. The children were sicker and so much more in need. We saw over 240 people and many of them were children with parasites (jiggers) in their hands and feet. And it was the dirtiest day yet, the wind blows the dirt so much you just get caked in dirt. It was overwhelming. Kacey got the best graduation present of all today. She fell in love with Yewlanda a little 3 year old girl who is severely malnourished.


Bringing her from the village

Treating baby Yewlanda for jiggers

Because of your genorosity we were able to fund this trip to bring doctors to these little villages where people are suffering so much. So I want you to know you all helped to save a special life today. We transported her to the hospital today. We admitted her there and went to buy what she and her caregiver would need. She only weighs about 14 pounds but she is so beautiful.

Kacey with baby Yewlanda

Baby Yewlanda at the hospital

Please pray for her and her family. The doctors with us say she would not have survived much longer. There are 4 other children in that hut and they did not seem much better off, but she was the worst we found today. I could not hold back the tears today. Kacey and I cried more today than the others combined. This has been an amazing trip so far and we are only half way through. Kacey has not complained once and we have had some tough living conditions plus she has been peed on and pooped on. She is amazing. I wish you could have all seen her today with that baby, she was amazing.


Kacey with baby Yewlanda at the hospital

We have one more full day in Marsabit with a what if? Event and then we take the long bus ride back to Nairobi. We have a full week planned after that. We will send another update in a few days. Thank you again for your generous donations that provided the medicine for these camps and the soccer supplied for the kids and the books for the leadership team here. I cannot wait to get home and tell you all about the wonderful PFC team here in Kenya. We have been so impressed with each and every one of them. This is an amazing organization.

Love, Cris and kacey
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Feeding the children at CT

2011-08-11T12:25:00.002-04:00

Many of you have been involved with the 34 children Nick and Charles have rescued. You have built a home for them and moved them from the slum. You have provided medical care for them. You have fed them, prayed for them and loved them from a distance.

It hasn't been easy for two young men who struggle themselves to care for so many children but they have always believed God would help them to care for the children.

Yesterday the Partners for Care team took them 60 3-month old chickens. Cris and Kacey were amazed to see how they were transported there - in our van without cages! (Bridgette..not the Noah). It was funny to see George driving 60 chickens to the CT children's home. But, George didn't think it was funny to clean the van after the chickens were taken to their new home. But, he understood and took the van to clean it out.

It was so sweet to see the children one by one carry the chickens to the chicken coop. And, Nick and Charles were so excited knowing soon there will be eggs everyday for the children.

One of the children carrying a chicken

Dr. Vincent with the help of Cris, Kacey, Charlo and Franko saw and treated all the children. And, all of them were dewormed.

And, everyone was encouraged to see the sack gardens Nick and Charles have planted....soon there will be greens everyday for the children.

It was a good day...it is always a good day in Kenya when you see the hope of feeding the children.

Thankful for all your love and support for Nick, Charles and their children,

Connie

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GOD IS FAITHFUL...if we continue to TRULY believe! Love to you today from afar...

Bridgette

The drought has brought desperate conditions to Marsabit

2011-08-08T04:29:00.015-04:00

Marsabit has for many years suffered from drought....but this mission trip we have learned why the cry of the people is so desperate this year. In years past the animals survived the drought but this year the animals have died from the severe drought. The animals that have not died have been taken to Ethiopia by the herders in search of water.

Our overnight bus to Marsabit

Immediately when we arrived we were taken to a village where hundreds of cattle had died. The people are surviving on the relief food that comes once a month...which isn't enough food to feed the people.

Only 2 cows left in this village

Government relief food - not enough for this village

Grazing off barren land

Where they live

Cataracts are a major problem in this area

We have done three days of medical camps in three different locations. We were blessed to have Pastor Hirbo travel with us for all the medical camps.

Our transport to the medical camps

On Thursday we traveled almost three hours to a village called Kargi. There is only one store and a tiny cafe in this village. We had carried our food as food is scarce there. We treated 250 people. We used our rented Land Cruiser to go to the clusters of manyatta (huts they Iive in) to transport the very sick to see Dr. Vincent and Dr. Joe as some of them were too ill to walk. The main health problem we saw was malnutrition and mature eye cataracts. We transferred two elderly people to the local mission hospital who were emaciated from starvation.

Dr. Vincent treating a patient

Dr. Joe treating a patient


Connie treating a woman with a wound


A child receives her medications

Too sick to come to the doctor - Dr. Joe visits

Taking him to the hospital

He is severely dehydrated

Taking him into the hospital

In this area there have been 180 children enrolled in the government nutrition program since April 4. Three babies have died from malnutrition in the last two weeks.

Saving every grain of the relief food

Children depend on the relief food

At the end of the medical camp we went to the missionary house where we had hired a local person to cook our dinner. Some of our team slept in a manyatta, some in tents and David slept outside in his sleeping bag.


Some of the team members slept in manyattas

Some slept in tents

David slept outside

The next day we drove further interior and held a medical camp in a village without even a store. The people walk to Kargi (20 kilometers!) for shopping and medical care, but here they had a well and animals. What a difference a well makes. We spent time at the well with the chief and the men of the village as they watered their animals. This village isn't suffering like the other villages we went to.

Water makes all the difference

This child had been burnt

The last day we went to Parkishon the village where we held a medical camp last year. Nine people from the Redeemed Gospel Church (our partners on this mission) joined us. We were warmly greeted by the people and appreciated. Some of the people including the chief remembered our team from last year. One man sent a note to Dr. Craig sending his greetings. We were especially encouraged as when the people were prayed for this year and ask about salvation they said they were Christians. These are the same people who accepted Christ last year during our medical camp when Pastor Hirbo prayed for them .
Our hearts were broken at the condition of the people especially the children. They are sicker and more desperate than last year. We were treating the children for the jiggers when they told us there were children in the manyatta that couldn't come to the medical camp because they couldn't walk, their feet were so jigger infected. We took the Land Cruiser to get them. As they brought the children to us and put them in the vehicle we could hardly keep our composure. Not only were their hands and feet jigger infected but they were severely malnourshed and so dirty with rags for clothes barely covering their little frail bodies.

The jiggers affect the children's hands and feet

Treating the children for jiggers

We treated 25 children for jiggers. Some children had severe wounds on their backs caused by intense itching due to massive intestinal worms infestation, We dewormed them and left more medications to the community health workers for repeated therapy. Deworming medication is FREE. It is just getting the medication to the children. Kingsway gives us 1500 tablets every time we do medical camps.

When we finished camp we carried the sickest child back to Marsabit with us. Her name is Yewlanda. She is 3 years old and weighs 14 pounds. She is 40% of the normal weight for her age. She looks like an infant. She is in the final stage of starvation,so frail that she cannot respond to any pain inflicted to her body or even cry. She was admitted to the Marsabit hospital with severe malnutrition and brochopneumonia. Our hearts broke though when we saw the condition of the Marsabit hospital. We knew we couldn't leave her there. In the hospitals in Kenya you must have someone with the children to feed them and provide all their basic needs. There isn't anyone to stay with Yewlanda to help her. Pastor Hirbo and his wife have agreed to take her and nurse her back to health. She was already enrolled in the government nutrition program but no one was able to take her to the clinic for her weekly weigh-in so she can receive the Plumpy Nut. Plumpy Nut is a nutritional supplement that saves children who are starving. Pastor Hirbo will take her to the dispensery every week to get it for her. Kacey, Chris and David bought her clothes, diapers, shoes, a cup, a bowl, a spoon and a pink backpack to carry her things. She will live and grow.

Kacey with baby Yewlanda

Sam with Baby Yewlanda

While we served in the field, Pastor Martin from Redeemed Gospel Church held a 3-day conference for Marsabit pastors. There was a revival every night. Sunday the last day of the conference the church was full. The Partners for Care team did a what if? event with one of the bishops testing publicly. Many signed the commitment cards.

Signing the commitment cards

Pastor Martin and Marsabit pastors

Sammy at the keyboard

The Partners for Care team have all been outstanding in their work. The Temples of Worship played all day for the conference and then in the evening for the revivals. The people including all the pastors loved them. Sammy led the medical team with Dr. Vincent and Dr. Joe, treating over 600 people. Sam and David have captured the desperate situations of the people through photos. We were blessed to have Mark with us from the Lumumba Foundation. Mark served the people passionately especially treating the children with jiggers. Mark will help tell the story in Nairobi.

Mark treating the children for jiggers

Cris and her daughter Kacey have served in the most difficult of conditions without one time complaining or being concerned for themselves. It feels like they have always been a part of Partners for Care. They have cried with us at the condition of the children, laughed together as we hung on in the back of the Land Cruiser as we traveled on the rough roads to the medical camps and together we celebrated the small victories.

Cris treating the children

We ask ourselves what does God want us to do now? We cannot forget the desperate conditions we have seen, the children we have held and loved. We will give our report to the Ministry of Health in Marsabit. We will share the stories and photos in Nairobi to hopefully bring more relief food to this area. We also want to employ a person to make a weekly visit to Parkishon to take the Plumpy Nut to the children and to treat the jiggers. We want to work with Gospel Redeemed Church to help get shoes for the children to prevent the jiggers from infesting their feet. And....we will pray for the children of Marsabit. This is a place where God is needed to bring rain and save the children.

The people are desperate

We are all tired and dirty. The dust here makes everything dirty, nothing is spared from the dust. We leave early this morning for the long bus ride to Isiolo to get our vans and then travel 5 hours to Nairobi. Nairobi will look like a developed city...even Marsabit town looked like a big city after where we have been.

Praying for the children of Marsabit,
Connie.

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Mission to Marsabit

2011-08-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

This mission trip to Marsabit is different in several ways. First, is our partnership with Gospel Redeemed Church in Mururi Slum. They are sending 16 people on this mission to Marsabit. And, they have raised the funds to support their team and their mission in Marsabit.

Second, we are going at a time of severe drought in East Africa. Marsabit is one of the three areas most affected with a lack of food and water.

Third, is we will going more interior than we have gone before reaching tribes that don't have easy access to health care.

Our team includes Mark from the PLO Lumumba Foundation, Cris and her daughter Kacey from the US, Dr. Vincent and Dr. Joe, David my son and the Temples of Worship.

We will provide medical camps at three different locations. Pastor Martin from the Gospel Redeemed Church will be bringing 50 tribal pastors together for a 3-day leadership training. On Sunday we will hold a what if? event in the park.

We have traveled from Nairobi to Isiolo (5 hours) in four vehicles. We will take a bus all night from Isiolo through the desert to Marsabit arriving in the morning. We have 8 containers of medicines, supplies, etc. And, we have our music equipment. All this will be transported on top of the public bus.

We feel blessed to be able to go to help the people of Marsabit.

Connie
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Jesus said, "feed my people"

2011-07-31T14:24:00.000-04:00

Never have those words held such meaning to me as they do now. I think Jesus not only intended us to feed His people but to help His people feed themselves.

I have begun to organize my thoughts and assessment of the situation here in Kenya and in the world related to the current food crisis around 4 groups of people.

1. Those who are hungry due to a lack of food security. They maybe eat 1 meal a day.

2. Those who are suffering because they go many days without eating.

3. Those who are starving because they have gone a long time without food or are eating food of poor nutritional value.

4. Those who are dying because of a lack of food.

This trip I have met people that fall in all those categories. Nick and Charles' children aren't starving but they were suffering as last week they went for 5 days with only porridge. The babies and small children at the refugee camp were starving...some dying. Others we know are hungry.

Food or rather a lack of food is the topic of conversation here in Kenya for everyone. It is in the papers daily and on the news every night. Food costs are very high due to the severe drought. Kenyans have launched a program this week "Kenyans Helping Kenyans" raising money to help Kenyans who are suffering and starving in the Turkana and Marsabit areas.

We ask ourselves what can we do as a small organization. Feeding the Somalia refugees has to be the work of the nations coming together through the United Nations and the World Food Program. And they are responding with short and long term plans. In the immediate, emergency situations food is being delivered to those most desperate. Plans also include helping countries plant drought-resistant crops and developing ways to secure water.

So what can Partners for Care do? We feel we can help in the following ways:

1. Helping people plant kitchen sack gardens. One sack cost $5.00 to plant and feeds one child. Three sacks feeds a family.

2. Helping people catch the rain by installing rain guards and rain barrels.

3. Help people with poultry projects - chickens and rabbits. PFC Kenya staff are giving Nick and Charles 50 grown chickens. This will give them eggs and meat.

We feel we are called to help those we know:

Nick and Charles' children

The widows in Mai Mahiu who are caring for children

The orphans and vulnerable children in Maururi Slum

If you want to help you can send money to PFC so the team here in Kenya can follow Jesus command to "feed my people".

Grateful for you messages of encouragement and prayers,

Connie
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Starving children

2011-07-27T15:03:00.005-04:00

It is painful to see one starving child...imagine three wards of starving children. That is what we saw today at the hospital at the Dagahaley Refugee Camp. Simple cot like beds lined up in three hospital wards each with a small, frail child and a mom or dad sitting with them, touching them hoping they recover. The first ward were the most severe cases.

4 year old boy severely malnourished

Children who were so malnourished they could only lay on the cot barely breathing. They were being fed with nasogastric feeding tubes. When the children improve in their nutritional status, they move to the next ward. In this ward they can drink from a cup and are fed plumpy nuts (a nutritional supplement used for severely malnourshed babies). The third ward is where the children are moved when they can sit up and eat food. In this ward moms were telling us "better" indicating the children are getting better. There are 146 of these children. There were only 5 before the recent refugees came.

The hospital 24 hour report

There is a fourth pediatric ward where the children are malnourished and have other health problems like burns, abscesses and other medical or surgical conditions. Then there was a tent where there were children in isolation, those with measles and other highly contagious illnesses were managed from there. There was an outbreak with 30 cases of measles.

Pediatric ward for children both malnourished and other illnesses

We were given great favor today as we met with a Director from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) who spent an hour with us showing us the camp and how the people received help once they arrive. There are three refugee camps in this area with the one we visited being the largest. These camps have been here since the mid-nineties when the Somalians started to cross the border for safety. They started with 5,000 a year then 10,000 with numbers recently totaling 106,000. Since the drought in Somalia and the denying of the relief agencies to be allowed in Somalia the number of refugees dramatically increased. They have received 60,000 refugees since June 4. Presently, they are receiving 1,200 people everyday.

1,200 people arriving daily


New arrivals waiting to be registered

The refugees have walked more than 100 kilometers carrying their children. We were told they can start with a family of eight and arrive with one or two children. The children are dying on the long walk from Somalia to the camp. We went to the maternity ward and spoke with the midwife in charge. She said they are delivering 300 babies a month. Women arrive pregnant and having walked that long distance. Some women are showing up at the camp having given birth along the way. Some had not even passed the placenta. We saw families with makeshift carts being used to carry their loved ones to receive help.


A mother trying to save her baby

When the people arrive they are given emergency food and water. We saw so many arriving here. Then they line-up to be registered and are given a wrist band. They are given shoes as many have walked barefoot. All the children are weighted and their nutritional status assessed. They are then immunized. Next the family moves to the food and non-tangible items distribution center. They receive 21-days of food, blankets, a tent and some clothes. Later they are registered to receive monthly rations of food. We walked through the stations with the UNCHR Director and tried to imagine what it must feel like to those who come here and are so desperate for help.

The UN Director explained to us how everything is coordinated. First, the Kenyan government is responsible for security. The UN only backs them. The camp is actually "run" by the Somalians themselves. They are the ones registering people and distributing the food, etc. The medical care is provided by four NGOs. The main ones are Swiss Medicine Sans Frontiers and the same organization from Spain. In the hospital we were in all the doctors were Swiss. They have hired Kenyan nurses and administrative personnel. The elderly are the responsibility of the Lutheran Federation and Save the Children, a UK NGO, is responsible for the children. Care International is responsible for the food. Water comes in everyday in UN water tanks.
We were able to meet with Ann who is the UNHCR Chief Public Health Officer for the camps to ask her about needed medical supplies. We have her email and contact information so we can follow-up with her after we learn more about what can be sent.
Health care is obviously a challenge as so many people are arriving not only with acute issues related to a lack of food and water, but are also suffering from exhaustion and chronic illness that have not been attended to. There is a surgical suite where they are performing surgeries such as hernia repair, cleft repair, incision and draining of abscesses and C-section deliveries. There are also the health challenges related to having so many people housed in close conditions such as the spread of TB. Of the 240 people in the hospital 104 have TB with possible 4 cases of multi - drug resistance TB. Just today some TB experts from Kenyatta hospital came to the camp to help with the patients with multi - drug resistance TB.
The doctors, nurses, relief workers, UN staff, etc. we met and observed were caring and passionate. They are working in extremely difficult conditions. Many have left their countries for months at a time to help these people. And, they are saving the lives of the children. They are losing an average of 4 children a month - children who come too malnourished to save. The rest are getting better. But, no one knows where these children will grow up. Will they be able to return to their homeland or will they grow up in this refugee camp?

Food has improved the life of this child

The bible says the children will suffer for the sins of their fathers. Today we saw the suffering of the children. You can see for yourself in the photos the suffering on their faces...in their eyes. As the people fight the children suffer. The children need peace in their country.

While the adults are fighting, the children are suffering

One of the many desperate children

Praying for peace in Somalia,

Connie
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Dadaab is a very difficult place to get to

2011-07-27T01:21:00.002-04:00

We have always talked about Turkana and Marsabit being the ends of the earth...but now we believe Dadaab is the ends of the earth. Dadbaa is about 400 kilometers from Nairobi. The road to Garrisa is about 3/4 of the way and easy travel with tarmac all the way. But, once you leave Garrisa the travel is on sand through the desert. We passed an UN truck that had tipped over - all of the tents they were carrying to the refugee camp were laying in the sand. We passed many dead animals that had starved to death. It took three hours to travel from Garrisa to Dadaab - seemed longer.

Animals dying along the road from Garissa to Dadaab

There is like a NGO village that has been set-up here in Dadaab. Our main goal after we arrived was to determine a safe place to put up the tent. Security is an issue here so we paid the police to set the tent in a secure area with guards.

Difficult travel from Garissa to Dadaab

It is now early in the morning and we plan to follow the UN trucks to the refugee camps.

We all appreciate the emails we received yesterday and the prayers. I read your messages to the team and it encourages them. We all feel so blessed as we have food, water and shelter just minutes from where hundreds of thousands of people are starving. Our prayers are for the relief agencies here that they can coordinate and mobilize in a way to bring relief to these people.

Connie
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Leaving for the Somalian refugee camp

2011-07-25T21:48:00.001-04:00

It is early here in Kenya and we are preparing to leave for the refugee camp in Daadab in eastern Kenya. Most of you probably have heard on the news that due to severe drought and fighting in Somalia refugees have walked across the border about 100 kilometers to a place called Daada. The conditions are severe as there is also drought conditions in Kenya and a lack of shelter, food, water and health care for the thousands of people in this refugee camp. Our purpose in going is to assist an organization in the US who wants to send containers of supplies to these people. We have volunteered to go meet with organizations who are working in the camp to determine what they need and if they would be willing to receive the supplies and distribute them.

Five of us are going including Dr. Vincent. We have secured a Land Rover as the last 4 hours travel will be on sand. We have packed all our food and water for the 3-day trip and rented a tent for sleeping.

The Partners for Care team here didn't hesitate when I asked them if they would be willing to go. They are eager to see how God can use them to help the thousands of men, women and children in this camp.

Connie
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Anastasia - now pain free

2011-07-23T14:25:00.002-04:00

You can see by the photo posted on www.partnersforcare.blogspot that Anastasia is pain free since her brain tumor was removed. Her vision has not returned but she is so much happier now that she doesn't have the severe headaches caused from the tumor. And, she is so grateful to the Partners for Care staff for "telling her story" and encouraging people to help her. I was touched when we went to see her and she used her hands touching each person's face looking for Justus. You may remember that Anastasia told Justus he was the first person to visit her in the seven years she had lived in the slum.

Anastasia (center) with her husband (left) and Justus (right)

Thank you to all those who prayed for her and followed her story. Perhaps God hasn't quite finished her story....Connie

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what if? soccer team recognized in the University of Nairobi newspaper

2011-07-23T11:43:00.003-04:00

Here's the article.

473 children die everyday in Kenya...today we know one of those children

2011-07-15T20:31:00.003-04:00

Around noon today Kenya time Baby Chello went into cardiac arrest and in spite of the medical staff's efforts to save her Baby Chello died. Today the number 473 became personal...just like when Baby Elizabeth died last December.

I am so grateful for the wise counsel Bridgette and I received from people that encouraged us to provide whatever help Baby Chello needed. And, we did. Baby Chello had the medical care she needed. She did not die not from a lack of medical care. Baby Chello had a hemthorax, a sign that the malignant had metastatised. We will send the $600 necessary to clear her hospital bill so she can be released to her parents for burial.

Baby Chello, her mom and Bridgette

Sammy, Dr. Vincent and Pastor Martin will go be with her Mom and Dad tomorrow. Baby Chello was their only child. Bridgette reminded me today and I reminded Sammy that even in the death of Baby Chello God must be glorified.

I have ask the team on behalf of Bridgette to buy a white dress, stockings and shoes to bury her in. She will look like a little angel.

Praying for Baby Chello's family,

Connie

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--

Very sad, but God's will.

Loise Ngugi Sauer
Chief Executive Officer
Star Travel & Tours Inc

Bridgette on Mission

2011-07-10T08:26:00.001-04:00

Bridgette Boylan, Partners for Care board member went with me on this last trip. She had many people who were her "senders" - praying and donating money for the medical camps, etc. She kept her supporters updated through sending them updates. I sent this message to them when we returned.
To Bridgette's Support Team
Bridgette would never tell you how she helped on this mission trip...but I will. This is Connie, President, Partners for Care. First, I wanted to express my appreciation for everyone of you who supported Bridgette with your prayers, money and love as she traveled to Kenya for this mission trip. As you could tell from her updates to you, the money was used to buy medicines to treat the poor, to fuel the van so the team could travel to help the people, and to help Baby Chello.

Bridgette

Second, I wanted to share with you some things most of you probably already know about Bridgette. She is a woman of beauty - inside and out. She was such a joy to serve with. She went to Kenya with me to serve the Partners for Care team. And, she served them well. Our goal with Partners for Care is to help young Christian leaders to serve God and transform their Nation helping and caring for the poor. Bridgette constantly poured her heart out in loving them, teaching them and being a role model for them.
She swept floors, dried dishes, made beds, helped at the medical camp, took Baby Chello to the hospital, inspired them, reminded them and encouraged them. She listened to them as they told her their stories, their heartaches, their struggles. Sometimes her best teaching moment came when sitting at the dining table just quietly listening to them or when folding laundry or drying dishes.
Bridgette and I laughed, cried, planned, struggled and worked side by side for three weeks. I can't imagine being there without her. The Partners for Care team love her as I do. They will wait for her return.
It isn't always easy serving in Kenya where our laundry is done in buckets and hung outside to dry. We can't just throw it in the washer and dryer. Sometimes for days we don't have water, sometimes no electricity. And, the transportation situation is something one must usually experience themselves to truly appreciate. Two lane roads become four and the cars frequently breakdown and bottom-out!
The Bible says "die for self to live for Christ". Bridgette gives up her comfort and having her needs met so she can serve those 10,000 miles away. For her, it is personal. I know God is pleased.
In appreciation for all those who made it possible for Bridgette to serve,
Connie
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People not projects

2011-07-04T09:50:00.003-04:00

Partners for Care is a small organization trying to follow God's command to "help". Figuring out the way to help isn't always easy. There is help from the Master himself and we study those looking for answers and direction.

We have tried "projects" and don't believe that they have a transforming effect. They may help some people but we haven't seen that for us that is where God wants us to help. We believe the best way we can help is to help the people to help themselves and their community. To do that, PFC has identified leaders here in Kenya that we are helping to develop and we are working to equip them to do what God calls them to do in their Jerusalem, Samaria. Judea, and the ends of the earth. For them their Jerusalem is Maururi slum, their Samaria is Mai Mahui, their Judea is Mombasa and Kissimu and their ends of the earth is Marsabit in the arid lands of Northeastern Kenya. We stand "behind" them helping them as we can. And, we try to stay out of their way as they work to change their villages, their Nation through the transforming believe in God.

I want to share with you a little about how this is happening and who we are equipping.
First, there is the Temples of Worship. They are a powerful worship team who use their gift of music to draw people to hear the message of the gospel and HIV/AIDS prevention. We have equipped them with music equipment - keyboard, drums, guitars, amps, speakers, etc. To date they have reached almost 200,000 people with the message of living pure for Christ and they have brought over 2,100 to Christ. This is just the beginning for this worship team.

The Temples of Worship

We have been helping Sam Wachira as he completes his degree at the University of Nairobi while still being the Communications Director for PFC and the Manager of the what if? Life Changing Center. Sam has the cameras and computers to do his job. He is a major influencer now with the youth of Maruri slum. They look up to Sam and Sam freely shares about God with all the youth in the what if? soccer and volleyball teams. He has become a great leader not only in Partners for Care but on campus. University students volunteer with PFC going to the slums, helping at the what if? Life Changing Center and working with the sports teams. They always tell Sam they feel their lives are changed after seeing and being a part of the work of PFC.

Sam

And, there is Samuel Wanjau (Sammy) who has been with PFC since January 2008 when we went to the Internally Displaced People's camps on a Peace Bus. He is the leader of Partners for Care in Kenya and directs the Temples of Worship. Sammy reminds me of what I once heard "in the absence of a leader, a leader will emerge". It was not intended for Sammy to be the leader - it wasn't even his intention. But, over time it became apparent he was the best choice to lead PFC in Kenya. He has become a leader who is greatly respected by those he leads. He works to develop himself as a leader...reading the John Maxwell Leadership Bible, other leadership books, watching inspiring movies of great leaders like Martin Luther King. He is humble and wants to learn how to lead others as they change their Nation with the message of Christ.

Sammy

We were blessed in January when Dr. Vincent asked to join our team. He took less than half the pay he was receiving in his job to work for PFC because he wants to serve the poor. He moved his wife and new baby to a small apartment near the PFC house and started work. He is a servant of God wanting to use his medical training to make a difference for the poor. He tells me all the time, "I treat, God heals". We are opening a what if? Wellness Center where he will both treat the sick and teach community health. He is working through Kenya's Community Health Workers which greatly enhances his reach. He is doctor to the Partners for Care staff and their families, the what if? sports teams, Joy Vison children's Home and the children at Nick and Charles' children's home. That gives him a case load of over 200 patients before he even opens the clinic.

Dr. Vincent

These are just some of the staff of Partners for Care. I realize it is sometimes easier to raise interest and support for a "project" - something tangible that we can see. But, my experience is that if we help the people they will help others....and they will build the projects.
Trying to help....

Connie
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Update on Baby Chello

2011-07-03T01:03:00.000-04:00

The answer to my question about whether to help Baby Chello or wait came quickly and was consistent - help her. I appreciate those who took the time to advise us and those who prayed for us for wisdom. The quidance was wonderful.

We don't know what the medical outcome for Baby Chello will be, but we know she will have what she needs to try to save her life. We went to Kenyatta Hospital last night to visit her and her Mom. We found Chello sitting up in bed dressed in a little pink dress. She is in a children's ward with 16 beds all pushed together. The room was crowded with children and parents. While the children receive medical care, the parents are required to meet all their other needs.

Chello was breathing much easier as the doctors had placed a chest tube to remove the fluid. Her abdomen is still swollen with the tumor. On Monday (hopefully) she will receive a CT to determine the extent of the tumor and whether it has spread to her lungs....we pray not. We know Baby Chello has a serious medical condition. Dr. Vincent will continue to work with her doctors at the hospital and keep us informed of her status.

Baby Chello looked at Bridgette as if she could remember Bridgette is the one who took her to the hospital that day when her Mom brought her to the medical camp. Dr. Vincent prayed for Baby Chello before we left turning her over to the Great Physician.

I am so grateful for those who follow this blog reading, responding, advising and praying.

Connie
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Baby Chello

2011-06-28T07:04:00.000-04:00

Partners for Care is trying to understand how to "help and not harm" in a developing nation. We have read the books "When Helping Hurts", "When Charity Destroys Dignity", heard the lectures and the stories of how when we help we can actually not be helping in the long run.

We are beginning to understand and can even see for ourselves the dependency that helping can create. We also see the changes in people when they can help themselves or help others in their community. The story of Anastasia that I have written about is a good example of the community coming together to help. And, like the story of one of the motor bike drivers in Maruri. Recently, one of them was seriously injured in a motor bike accident having to have an amputation of his leg. The motor bike drivers organized a fund raiser to help with his medical expenses and to set him up in a business. PFC staff loaned them their sound equipment. There is a great feeling of success that the motor bike drivers came to help one of their own. And, there is such an appreciation between the motor bike drivers and PFC staff. "Poor" people can and do want to help themselves and their neighbors.

We understand and respect that. But, then there is Baby Chello. Baby Chelo's mom walked over 6 miles carrying her to our medical camp last week. This three year old child who looked more like a one year old has a large tumor on her kidney. She was having difficulty breathing and Dr. Vincent knew she needed immediate attention. Bridgett went with the mom and baby to Kenyatta Hospital....a more than interesting experience for a designer on a Saturday night. The hospital was full with patients even filling the hallways. They managed to have an initial scan for Baby Chello that night.

Now Baby Chello is in Kenyatta Hospital waiting for surgery. Her surgery must be paid for before they will operate. There isn't Medicaid here in Kenya to help. There is a waiver program but we are told it could take two months to receive one.

The family is poor and doesn't have a support network....no one to organize a fund raiser for Baby Chello. Are there times when "not helping hurts"? For now, we have paid for her tests and have asked the family to try to raise the funds for her surgery.

We would be grateful for anyone to advise us....help or wait? We have turned Baby Chello over to God....and we ask ourselves what would God have us do?

Trying to make tough decisions for Baby Chello....

Connie
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RE: Mission fulfilled

2011-06-23T11:37:00.001-04:00

Wonderful.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Loise Ngugi Sauer
Chief Executive Officer,

Mission fulfilled

2011-06-23T11:35:00.001-04:00

The Jr. Partners for Care team is preparing to leave for the airport. Their mission was to come help the Kenyan Partners for Care staff serve their communities through sports tournaments and medical camps. The statistics are impressive:

1,114 people were seen by a doctor and given needed medication

195 people were tested for HIV/AIDS

650 people signed a commitment card to wait until marriage, be faithful to one partner and to test to know their status

5,400 people heard the message of HIV/AIDS prevention, AND

73 people said yes to Jesus

But, there is more to the story and that is what the Jr. Partners for Care have learned. Here are some of their comments:

"Before I came I thought most help came from 'outside'....now I have learned that they are helping themselves and most help is from the people who live here."

"The real test will be what we do when we return."

I was impressed with their insights. They have indeed come, learned and now they will return and respond.

Pray for them as they return,

Connie

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Wonderful.

Loise Ngugi Sauer
Chief Executive Officer

Changing a Nation One Soccer Ball At A Time

2011-06-20T09:57:00.000-04:00

This was written by Bridgette who is on the team this trip. I share her sentiments as I have seen the power of a ball myself.....Connie

I'm not sure I would have believed it unless I saw it with my own eyes. Since here last year, the Partners For Care (PFC) Kenyan team has established a number of "what if?" soccer and volleyball teams in several of the slum areas and surrounding villages. To us Americans, this would seem easy to do as our children change their sport of choice with each new season. I recall spending over $400 to outfit my son for ice hockey so he could "try it out" between baseball and soccer seasons. I think he lasted 3 weeks before deciding it wasn't for him.
In Maruri slum, the young men and women play soccer on a rocky, muddy, cleared area with no shoes, no uniforms and a tethered ball made of garbage bags and rags. The PFC team here quickly realized that if you took these idle young men and women off the streets and equipped them with the necessary equipment both physically and spiritually, you could begin to bring real life changes. These guys started their first soccer team with 1 real ball and several sets of shoes that they would "share" for games. They were required to sign conduct cards which held them accountable for their actions on and off the field. If they chose to drink alcohol, take drugs, sniff glue to get high, fight or have sexual relations before marriage...their cards could be pulled at any time and they were not allowed to play. It has been amazing to watch as these young athletes have made decisions to follow Christ, follow the rules set out for them and begin living with pride, dignity and discipline. As depicted in the movie Invictus, even Nelson Mandela realized that sports could unify a nation like nothing else could.
With your donations and support, we have been able to set up and equip a number of "what if?" teams with partial uniforms, some shoes, balls...and these young people are so incredibly grateful. I have seen idle street kids transformed into superstars. It has brought about so much transformation in the slum that a local Nairobi news station came several weeks ago and filmed their story! You can see several of the soccer players stories and the news coverage at www.partnersforcare.blogspot.com. They now have purpose as they hold their heads high, giving back to their own individual villages and becoming role models for their peers. Thank you for helping to change the future generations in Kenya, one soccer ball at a time.

Bridgette
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Many served today

2011-06-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

The Partners for Care team and the small American team did great today. This was one of our smoothest medical camps ever.....we are learning.

At the end of our first of a two day medical camp:

515 people were treated and given medication
53 tested for HIV/AIDS
515 were prayed for and heard the gospel....23 accepted Christ

And, we really did very well on diagnostic assessing - we were able to test for malaria, typhoid, etc. so the doctors could treat with appropriate medications. This isn't always easy at medical camps.

The most common problem the doctors saw today was severely malnourished children. So many in fact that on Tuesday Dr. Vincent is planning to bring the Moms and their babies together and the government will bring special nutritional supplements for the babies. These babies will be placed in the government nutrition program. Dr. Vincent was so concerned about one of the babies today that the team already took her to receive the supplements.

A good first day...

Thanks to so many of you that contributed to make this medical camp successful. Without your support it would not have happened. I think you and so does the Kenyan Partners for Care team.

Connie

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Go, Learn, Return and Respond

2011-06-14T01:57:00.000-04:00

Those words are from the book "When Helping Hurts". We are a team of 6 this trip and we hope to Go, Learn, Return and Respond and to do no harm to the PFC team in Kenya. We go to serve them. We are trying to follow the wise advise of those who are studying the affects of "short-term mission teams" on the work in developing Nations. We know we want to create independency not dependency. We don't want to do what they can do themselves. We don't want to be the heros in the stories of transformation. We want to serve them in ways that encourages them in their fight to win people for Christ, to stop the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, and prevent children from dying from malaria. We want to listen more than we talk, to learn from them and to share our hearts and our love for the work they are doing.

We will help them serve hundreds at medical camps, hold two major what if? events as they host the finals for 18 sports team both in Mururi slum and Mai Mahui, help them complete the bed net project in Mururi slum and explore business opportunities for them to help them support their ministry.

And along the way we know we will be encouraged and blessed,

Almost to Kenya,

Connie
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Anastasia - recovering from surgery

2011-06-07T16:06:00.000-04:00

Anastasia underwent 9 hours of surgery to remove the tumor. She is slowly recovering. While she hasn't regained her sight she is now able to feed herself and function some. Dr. Vincent is following her progress. She will be hospitalized 12 more days. I hope to see her when I go next week and tell her how many people here have prayed for her and ask about her. If she doesn't regain her sight I hope we can have her receive training on how to live without sight. But, we will see what God has planned for her.....

Thank you caring for a Mom far away,

Connie
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Dr. PLO Lumumba's mother died

2011-06-02T05:48:00.001-04:00

I was notified yesterday that Dr. PLO Lumumba's mother died. Some of you have met Dr. Lumumba. If you want to send your regards please send to me and I will comply them for him. I spoke with him yesterday through text. Sammy will go to the burial representing PFC. He will carry friends and staff of Dr. Lumumba to the burial. Dr. Lumumba is a great friend of PFC and of the people of Kenya...we remember him and his family in prayer, Connie
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Today Anastasia has her surgery

2011-06-02T05:46:00.000-04:00

Today we pray for Anastasia and her surgeon and nurses as she under goes surgery to remove the brain tumor that has caused her to lose her sight. Anastasia has many struggles in her life....living in one room with her husband and children in a slum in kenya. Losing her sight made life even harder. The PFC staff and her church organized to raise all the funds necessary for her surgery. May God be glorified whatever the outcome....

Connie
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The mission begins...

2011-06-02T05:42:00.000-04:00

June 12 I leave for Kenya with representatives from the Jr. Partners for Care volunteers and Bridgette Boylan. We go to support and serve the Partners for Care team on the ground in Kenya. The PFC team led by Sammy Wanjau have been preparing for the medical camp and sports tournaments we will help with. The team have been organizing partners including the Ministry of Health, the chief, local physicians and healthcare professionals. The Gates Foundation will also be partnering with us for the medical camp in Maururi. The team is buying the medications, soccer and volleyball balls, trophies, prizes, etc. They have organized to rent a stage for the what if? events - one in Maururi and one in Mai Mahui. The soccer tournament in Mai Maui started three weeks ago and the one in Maururi kicked off today with hundreds of people from the village watching.

Our team is going to help...to serve. By raising the money for this mission, the Kenyan team is able to reach thousands with the message of salvation. We will go to encourage the team as the battle is tough on the ground. And, we go to witness God working through these young Christian leaders in Kenya and then to tell others the story - to help change our hearts and others for those who serve and for those who are served.

Thank you to all who have donated to make this mission possible....

Connie

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Saving a life....

2011-05-10T13:25:00.006-04:00

Partners for Care uses the tag line....saving lives for the kingdom. To Anastasia, a woman living in Maruri Slums it is more than a tag line. Partners for Care (PFC) staff are working to save her life. The staff met Anastasia through her daughter who is a team player on the PFC volleyball team. Justus knew Anastasia's daughter was sad and when he asked her why she shared with Justus that her mother was blind and had to stop working in the coffee plantation. Anastasia lives in the slum with her husband in one room - with all their children. Her husband continues his work in the coffee plantation while caring for Anastasia and the children.

Anastasia's husband feeding their children

Several years ago Anastasia started suffering from severe headaches. Eventually, it was determined she has a tumor that is causing the blindness. Anastasia touched the heart of the PFC staff. As Dr. Vincent told me, "It is now 2 years 9 months since Anastasia had a privilege to enjoy the golden opportunity of sight".

Anastasia needed 200,000 KSH ($2,500) for the surgery - costs not possible for a family working in the coffee plantations. PFC physician Dr. Vincent knew the tumor could grow causing more health problems and eventually she could die from this tumor. The PFC staff contacted a TV station who came and did a story about Anastasia and PFC's desire to help her. Funds starting coming in for her surgery...and the TV kept running the story. Her church helped as well as a bible college.

Anastasia with Justus

Anastasia and her daughter, Agnes

Tomorrow Anastasia goes for the preliminary work-up to the Kijabe Mission Hospital. She needs blood....the PFC team will be going to the hospital early in the money to donate blood for her.

What Anastasia couldn't do alone - God did. He used a young girl playing on a newly formed volleyball team and someone willing to listen to her story. He then used others like Sam, Sammy, etc. to dare to get involved. He used a TV crew to tell Anastasia's story and, He used people who cared enough to decide to share what little funds they may have to save Anastasia''s life. And, He will use the doctors and nurses at the Kijabe Mission Hospital to skillfully remove the tumor that has caused Anastasia to lose her sight.

For me, I am touched by the Partners for Care staff who are working everyday to save lives for the kingdom....

Praying for Anastasia and her family,
Connie

Re: There is more to the story....

2011-04-28T10:37:00.003-04:00

Dear Connie:

What an amazing story!

God blesss you in your work in the name of Jesus.

Joe Beasley
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There is more to the story....

2011-04-27T15:34:00.002-04:00

On Easter Sunday I shared the victory of the what if? soccer team in the first what if? tournament held in the village of Marurui. While that victory is exciting, the story behind the victory is even more exciting. The work of the Partners for Care team in Kenya is to "save lives for the Kingdom" by spreading the message of salvation and HIV/AIDS prevention and doing whatever they can to reduce the deaths of children from preventable diseases. They do this work throughout the Nation of Kenya and someday they will take their message to other Nations in Africa.
Last year, they told me that when they were not traveling to other villages throughout Kenya they felt called to work in their own village - their Jerusalem. In this village is a small slum - home to approx. 10,000 people. The HIV//AIDS rate is high, most children have only one parent, there is little work for the people, the youth are idle and overall there is a feeling of hopelessness. Over the year PFC staff have:

Began a program of hanging a bed net in every home
Opened a cyber with an IT school and a free music school
Began a 2nd chance program providing tutoring for those who want to complete their elementary and high school degrees
Organized 5 sports teams

This last weekend they held the first soccer tournament. Once I read if you set yourself on fire others will notice. You could say this tournament had this same effect with everyone noticing - the people of the village, the churches, the government officials.

The response to the two-day tournament was amazing! The entire village showed up to watch from morning til night - the bars closed, the churches left church services to watch, people lined the field to watch. And remember this is really a field - not even a true soccer field. It was as if the village took two-days off to watch.

The story of the what if? soccer team is truly the story of David and Goliath. The boys are just young guys and have only been a team since December. It was expected they would be eliminated the first game...but they won. Then they won again and excitement grew. They are known in the village as the "good boys" meaning they have made a pledge to follow the teachings of Jesus. Some of the other teams have boys who are using drugs, alcohol, etc. They are bigger in size and have been teams longer than the what if? Superstars.

The what if? team

The University of Nairobi had sent a team to play. The team was organized by university students who volunteer with Partners for Care. They played the what if? team for the championship. When the what if? boys scored the first goal the crowd cheered and when they scored the second goal and won the game the community shouted "our boys" have won. They went from "those boys" to "our boys". It reminded me of when the South African rugby team became the team of all the people in South Africa when they won the World Cup. Sports have a powerful way of bringing a community together.
The community leaders told Sammy and Sam nothing like this has ever happened in the village of Murarui. You can see the what if! team in church before the game on Sunday as the pastor prayed for them.

The team being prayed for in church

See the smiles on their faces as they raise John (IT teacher who helps coach them).

The team raising John after a victory

PFC staff are using this opportunity to further their reach into the churches in Murarui. They are now planning a community wide youth rally involving all the churches.

The victory

I would like to dedicate this victory to Kevin Cross and Rob Wendt who sent the funds to buy the uniforms and soccer shoes for the what if? team. They for helping these young boys 10,000 miles away!

Amazed at His grace,
Connie
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Why Do We Go?

2011-04-25T19:15:00.004-04:00

I was asked to guest blog for the Medical Mission blog. If interested you can link before on "Why Do we Go?".

Connie
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Click the link below to read the latest from Medical Missions

Why Do We Go?

I can't say any better than Sam...

2011-04-24T14:15:00.000-04:00

Here is the message I just received from Sam. This team of boys from the Maruri Slum who came together just 4 months ago as the what if? Superstars as a ministry outreach of Partners for Care has won the first Partners for Care Tournament! Enjoy the excitement of the Partners for Care as you read Sam's message.

Victory and success

Our what if? Team won!!!!! They beat 5 other teams including the team from the University which they played with during the finals and took the cup. Wish you were here, everyone chanting 'what if?' from the field to the market place.. PHENOMENAL!!!@ Just coming from the field..
More later.......

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My sheep is actually a goat

2011-04-20T03:24:00.001-04:00

During my last visit to Kenya one of the Partners for Care staff's mother gave me an appreciation gift. I wrote about the gift in the February 15 blog post. Well I thought the gift was a sheep - turns out David the sheep (named for my last born son) is actually a goat! David has been moved from the Partners for Care house to the country home of Kathi's House of Restoration. Yesterday Sam sent me a photo of David.

David

They tell me David likes it in the beautiful area of the Rift Valley but is lonely....the team suggest I buy a female goat for David. I plan to see David when I go to Kenya June 12. The team traveling with me will be doing a medical what if? outreach in Mahi Mahui. And, they will meet David the goat...
Preparing to serve the Kenyan PFC team,
Connie
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Meet the Kenya Partners for Care Team

2011-04-10T20:02:00.000-04:00

Go to www.partnersforcare.org and click on Kenyan Team. See the people you read about in the updates and read their stories.

Enjoy,

Connie
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It is never too late for a 2nd Chance

2011-03-27T17:33:00.005-04:00

Her name is Virginia. She lives in a slum in Kenya - Marurui slum. The Partners for Care team met her when they were hanging bednets in their Stop Malaria outreach. She caught their attention as she could not speak a word of English which in Kenya usually means someone as never been to school. Virginia is a mother, a widow and is infected with HIV/AIDS. The disease the Partners For Care staff are fighting. Virginia told the team she had never been to school, never been in a classroom, never even held a pencil. She desired to learn...but didn't know where to begin. The team invited her to visit the Partners for Care what if? Life Changing Center...a short walk from her small home in the slum. Virginia enrolled in our 2nd Chance Program. A program that helps people prepare to complete their elementary or high school education. Someone sponsored Virginia and paid the $12.00 monthly tuition fee for her to learn English. Now everyday after she cares for her children and does her house chores Virginia runs to center for her lessons. She can now write her name and is learning to read.

Virginia

Virginia and her tutor Sam, Head of the 2nd Change Program

Virginia reminds of it is never too late for a 2nd chance.

Grateful for the team on the ground who are transforming their Nation...one Virginia at a time,

Connie
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Newest and smallest member of Partners for Care

2011-03-23T11:22:00.002-04:00

The newest and smallest member of the Partners for Care staff is adorable! Dr. Vincent and his wife are the blessed parents of Ethan.

As Dr. Vincent was in the field when his wife went into early labor the Partners for Care did their part. George drove her to the hospital along with Justus. All the staff helped to make sure baby arrived safely and Mom was well cared for. They say in Africa it takes a village to raise a child...this time it took a team to deliver one.

Ethan

Glad for a miracle of a healthy baby,
Connie

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And, He will bring the right people to the ministry

2011-03-04T05:17:00.012-05:00

I remember when someone told me that if we would be faithful in serving Him, and if we would wait, He would bring the right people to the ministry.
So, we waited...and He has brought a true servant to the ministry of Partners for Care. When we were doing medical camps in August with PLO Lumumba Foundation we met a young doctor. This doctor was different than most doctors we had worked with before. He was so PASSIONATE about serving the people. He wouldn't stop seeing patients until everyone who had come to be treated was seen. This young doctor is Dr. Vincent Mutugi. And, to our surprise when I was there this last trip he asked if he could join our ministry. He said, he didn't care about money - he just wanted to serve the poor people.

I credit the Partner for Care staff in Kenya as to the reason he wanted to join our ministry. He said he sees Partners for Care staff in Kenya as servants working to transform their village and their Nation. Dr. Vincent wants to be a part of transforming his Nation he wants to serve the poor.

I think the best way to share his heart with you is to share what he wrote me after being with us for two weeks. He said "I have visited the Mararui slum many times these last two weeks and my heart has been left soaked in pity. I can't sit down and plan anymore. I have to get on my feet and get to Samaria. God give me strength."


His Samaria

Assessing a patient

Dr. Vincent will be the team doctor keeping the Partners for Care staff healthy and the doctor for the Nick and Charles' precious children. He also wants to set up a health clinic in Mararui that will serve the people from the slum. He will be the doctor on our medical missions organizing medications, drugs and supplies and work with the US doctors and nurses who come to participate in our medical missions.

Helping children

We welcome Dr. Vincent to the Partners for Care team! Pray with me for God to give him strength as he serves the sick, and the poor,

Connie
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Partners for Care featured in World Magazine

2011-03-01T05:02:00.001-05:00

When Linda Grosskopf, Partners for Care board member, returned from her trip to Marsabit she sent photos and a story about the people she met in this remote part of Kenya to World Magazine. She hoped the magazine would put in one of their editions a picture or two. To Linda surprise the magazine editor called her and said they wanted to write a story about the people in Marsabit. I have attached a PDF of the article. World Magazine gave us permission to make copies of the article. We have included some additional photos and more information about the work of Partners for Care. We are grateful to Linda who shared her story and to Robert Morris who took the photos in the article.

Hoping to return to Marsabit soon,
Connie.

An unusual gift

2011-02-15T12:11:00.004-05:00

When I first started the work in Kenya a wise person told me to visit the homes of each of the team members and meet their families - especially their Moms. While I had met Sam's Mom I had not been to his birthplace. Sam's was the last of the core team's birthplace to visit. These visits have taken me south, north and west. This weekend Sam's prayers were answered as our mission took us to Meru - his home. We were blessed as the entire team went to see his Mom.

The PFC team with Sam's mom at his home

Sam's Mom is humble and a true servant of the Lord. She told me she gave her two boys (Sam and his brother Moses) to the Lord when they were little and has prayed daily for them. After greetings, introductions and of course photos Sam said "my Mom has a gift for you". They took me outside and presented me with a sheep. Sammy was excited as this adds to our rapidly growing "farm". It is a great honor to receive such a gift.

A photo with Sam's Mom, David the sheep and Sammy

A photo with Sam and his mom

I felt blessed and appreciated by Sam, his Mom and their family. Seeing Sam's Mom and receiving such a gift made me more determined do try to do no harm to Sam or any of the other Partners for Care staff members. All the staff are someone's child - a child they have prayed for, had hopes for and sacrificed more than we could ever know for. I pray and pledge to do my best to support these young people in ways that honor and respect their Moms.

Proud owner of a sheep who I named David after my last born,

Connie
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Kaaga Boys School - 71 say yes to Jesus

2011-02-14T13:44:00.003-05:00

This weekend the Partners for Care team did what they do so well - spread the message of what if? their HIV/AIDS prevention message and bring people to Christ. With the 71 boys saying yes to Jesus this small team has now brought 1,902 to Christ.

This mission was at the Kaaga Boys School in Meru, Kenya. This school is the second oldest school in Kenya. Pastor Martin who traveled with us to do the preaching graduated from this school.

The Temples of Worship

The Partners for Care staff performed and the boys kept hollering "sing one more". We organized the boys into small groups so they could ask the difficult questions and learn from each other. The boys didn't want the small group time to end.

Franco conducting a group session with the students

As we had a lawyer, 2 doctors, a mass media person, and musicians on the team, they met with the senior boys so they could ask career questions - when over they followed the team to ask more questions. Sam gave his personal testimony which really impacted the boys. When he finished ALL the boys wanted to sign the commitment cars - to commit to wait until marriage, know their status and be faithful to one partner.

Sam talking to the students

Students signing commitment cards

Pastor Martin preached and told them why he had made a decision to be pure and told them why God calls them to be pure. When he made the call for Christ 71 boys said yes to Jesus. The school has a mentoring boys for the new believers so these young men will be discipled.

Pastor Martin praying for the new converts

The new converts

Grateful for the PFC team who is working to transform lives to transform a Nation,
Connie
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A great birthday

2011-02-11T15:23:00.001-05:00

I wasn't going to tell anyone today was my birthday...but my daughter Mindy had the idea to tell everyone I know in the US and in Kenya! I have received birthday greeting from many of you. Thank you for messages, e-cards and prayers. Not only was I encouraged by all the birthday wishes, but tonight the first night of the team's weekend challenge at a boys high school 42 young men accepted Christ. That was a great birthday present!

Blessings, Connie
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Partners for Care conducts malaria reduction outreach

2011-02-10T09:05:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the Partners for Care team conducted a malaria reduction outreach. My role was "consultant" so I was an observer. What I observed:

1. Ground prepared
The team had selected the area they wanted to help - Marurui slum which is what the PFC team considers their Jerusalem. They met with the Area Chief to keep him informed of the plan. They identified three women who are considered leaders in this slum to lead the teams. Two of these women are part of a women's support group who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, while the other was their leader.

The team praying for the battle ahead

Women lead the way

2. Need identified
The team found there were 500 "homes" in this slum. There are 30 orphans and 830 children under the age of 5. This information they obtained from the Area Chief. They also visited the 24-hour clinic in Marurui. They found 5 out of every 15 children under five who come to the clinic have malaria.

3. Developed plan
They would deliver and hang 250 nets working in groups of three. They had organized for 7 volunteers from the University of Nairobi to join them. They would teach on malaria prevention, early detection and appropriate treatment. They would write the child's name on the nets which has shown to ensure better compliance with net use.

Volunteer from University happy to serve

4. Implemented the plan
All the volunteers were trained by PFC staff on how and what to teach about malaria. They were shown how to hang the nets and how to record and track by name, age, HIV/AIDS status and pregnancy. The team prayed together and left the what if? Changing Center with 20 nets per team, in groups of 3.

Teaching prevention

5. Results
By 1:00 pm the team had hung 49 nets. The response from the people was very touching. The pictures tell it best and can be seen on www.partnersforcare.blogspot.com. One mother told them I have lived for 7 years in this slum and you are the first to ever visit me. One 10 month baby had never slept under a net even though in the back of their house is a swamp bringing many mosquitoes. The baby had been bitten many times. The team came back together, debriefed and planned to start again today at 10:00am. They will continue their work over the next several days until they have hung 250 nets.

Hanging the nets

Putting babies under nets

6. Follow-up
The team will visit the homes where they have hung nets in about a month to check compliance with net use. They will also visit the 24 hour clinic again to see if there has been a reduction in the number of children with malaria from this slum.

Last night 49 children slept under a net preventing them from getting bit by a mosquito that could have been carrying malaria.

Family "smiles again"

This and other work happens because of the financial support of many of you for the PFC team to do the work on the ground - to help them save lives for the kingdom. It doesn't cost a lot to keep this team working - they have the passion and they are equipped.

Just a hand..

We just need to keep putting the tools in their hands to do the work - nets, computers for teaching those in the slum to better themselves, music equipment they use to both draw the people to hear the message of HIV prevention and to teach the youth to play an instrument, soccer balls, jerseys and soccer shoes to engage the youth in sports instead of idleness.

Examples of costs:

Soccer ball $12.00
Soccer shoes $20.00
Mosquito net $1.50
Rent at the what if? Life Changing Center $250.00 month
A PFC staff member $200 a month

Thankful for your support for the team on the ground and to HEART for the bednets,

Connie

PS Update - 169 nets have now been hung in Marurui slum
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Kathi's House of Restoration

2011-02-05T15:45:00.001-05:00

Today the PFC staff have come to Maai Mahui to help Pastor John and his wife, Mary, complete Kathi's house of Restoration. It is very exciting to be here to watch all the team helping.

Please allow me this opportunity to explain what Partners for Care is doing. Pastor John as most of you probably know has resigned from Glory Outreach Assembly. That is his choice and he has his own personal reasons for that decision which we should all respect. He still loves the children at BTD and will assist whenever requested to help with the children. Some have been asking me why PFC purchased a house across the street from BTD. As Pastor John has been hired to manage Kathi's House of Restoration this allows him and Mary to be close to the children at BTD. It takes a village to raise a child as the African saying goes. Pastor John and Mary are in the village of the children at BTD. It is good Pastor John's four children will also be neighbors to the children at BTD as they have grown together for so many years. They will be attending their same school. Moving to this location provides the least disruption for Pastor John's family. Also, Pastor John's church is in Maai Mahui. And, the HIV/AIDS infected and affected are so many here in this town. World Visio0n calls the highway that runs through here the AIDS highway as so many trucks pass through here and the truck drivers have infected the women.

Please join Pastor John and Mary in prayer and support as they reach back to continue to love the children God entrusted to them for the last 3 1/2 years and as they reach forward to help many more orphans God will bring to them.

Praying for a smooth transition for Pastor John, his wife Mary, their children and all the children at BTD,

Connie
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Using God's resources to do God's work

2011-02-02T08:15:00.001-05:00

If we believe all our money and resources belong to God and we believe He is the father to the fatherless, then how do you think He wants us to use our money? As I have been involved in serving in developing Nations for many years now I have some observations.

I have observed we sometimes will spend a lot of money on doing missions and not bring about a lot of change "on the ground" but we don't spend a little amount of money when it could bring a big change "on the ground". Sometimes teams will cost $50,000 to come to Kenya but starting and supporting a girls volleyball team or a boys soccer team in a slum costs very little yet can literally change the lives of these young people.

I always wonder why so many of the world's children die from malaria when a $5.00 net can prevent malaria. I also believe if we can go to the moon, we could figure out how to put a net over every baby in the world. Covering every baby in the world with a net isn't easy to do...but how hard was it to go to the moon?

I am constantly making decisions how to use the resources God allows us to have from our donors. Feed children? Start poultry projects? Buy medicine? I take very seriously these decisions and make them with God's guidance and the guidance of the Kenyan Partners for Care staff. I am glad we in the US work as volunteers as I could not take money from the ministry. God has given me food (in fact too much food!), shelter, clothes and everything I need and much of what I thought I wanted.

This morning I was humbled when George gave me a little piece of paper with a request. He said "it is urgent". The paper read:

1 volleyball net - 3,500 KSH ($50.00)
2 volleyballs - 5,000 KSH ($75.00)

So little money but these purchases could impact 20 girls from a slum. The what if? girls volleyball team does more than play the game. They are connected to the what if? Life Changing Center where they can enroll in the Second Change Program to get their primary or secondary education, learn computers or music. They are also witnessed to and taught how to prevent HIV/AIDS by living pure for Christ. I once read "educate a girl child in africa and you change the village".

For me I can't think of anything I have or would buy that could equal the joy of seeing the lives of these girls transformed. I think God would be pleased with using His resources to transform these girls and to not just tell them of the love of Christ but to show them.

I do believe teams should come - without teams coming we wouldn't have the support of so many of our partners in the US - Bridgette, Linda, Elaine, Amy, Mindy, Pat and Craig, and too many others to list. But can we do both - invest a lot and a little?

Learning more and more everyday and grateful for God's teachings,

Connie
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Changes on the ground!

2011-01-28T16:23:00.002-05:00

Changing lives, transforming a village. I came on this trip with great anticipation about what I would find. The Partners for Care team had done an excellent job of keeping me informed of their work but the reports could not adequately tell the real story. That is why sometimes you must go to the ground to see for yourself. The changes are everywhere. All the equipping, empowering, encouraging and teaching has brought great rewards. Sammy leads in a way that would make John Maxwell proud. Sam has passion, energy, commitment and drive that challenges others to join in the work. George has many youth from the slums in this village calling him "coach". He told me today people were asking "what about the girls tram" as he had started two boys what if? football teams. So George is starting a what if? girls football team and a what if? girls volleyball team. It is fun to be walking in the village and see boys in what if? shirts heading for practice.

The 56 boys on the two what if? football teams are from many different primary and secondary schools. The PFC staff are planning on creating what if? schools in as many of these schools as they can. Each boy took back a what each if? bracelet for their principles. Remember the what if? Intiative is all about giving the message of living pure for Christ and stopping HIV/AIDS.

The what if? Life Changing Center is so busy! Today when I was there all the computers in the IT classroom were full with one computer hosting two students. Students are taking music lessons from David and Franko. And, we have a new program called Second Chance. It is for those who want to study and receive their secondary degree (high school).

And, we have 100 baby chickens and 8 big chickens that lay eggs and 40 rabbits at our house. Sammy is demonstrating substanability with these projects. And, our backyard is a small farm now...the team is figuring out ways to feed themselves!

Farming project

Poultry and rabbits project

It is an understatement to say how proud I am of the PFC staff! They are working long hours, holding planning meeting and are all engaged in the work. it is a joy to watch.

Thank you al for supporting the team,

Connie

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PFC Announces new ministry

2011-01-08T17:13:00.000-05:00

We are very excited to announce a new program - Kathi's House of Restoration. Named for David Gruber's wife this House will serve children orphaned by HIV/AIDS by helping keep them in a family setting. We have studied other programs for example Life for Children Ministry in Kenya run by Michael Agwanda and visited a program like this in South Africa. With proper safeguards children can safely be cared for in home settings with extended family members.

You can see a video of the property we are looking to purchase in Mai Mahui on our website www.partnersforcare.org. The program will be overseen by the Partners for Care Kenya team and by a Kenya pastor. In working with Kenya government officials and the children officers we have learned there is a strong desire in Kenya to have their children stay in home settings. We will work closely with experts in Kenya as we move forward with Kathi's House of Restoration.

I travel to kenya Jan. 24 and we hope to purchase the property at that time. We welcome anyone who wants to be involved in this new ministry of Partners for Care.

Praying for all those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS,

Connie
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Trips to Kenya to reach the unreached

2010-12-11T17:14:00.001-05:00

We are planning our trips for next year. You may want to consider joining us or you may know others who have a passion to go where others don't go. This next year our trips will be in partnership with the PLO Lumumba Foundation and will be to the far Northeast, Northwest and Southern most part of Kenya. Our focus will be:

1. Medical camps
2. Sports
3. Evangelism
4. Civic education (to assist Dr. Lumumba in his fight against corruption)
5. Promotion of health as an asset
6. what if? Campaign fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS

We will equip and support the kenya team of musicians, preachers and doctors as they reach 9 unreached tribes. Trip dates include:

February - Marsabit
June - Turkana
August - Mombasa
October - village outreach not determined yet

As you consider if you are called to go with us you might want to read what Pat, a nurse who went to Marsabit with us in August said about her trip:

"The model of coming along side ministries and supporting them is so effective. Those that are in the trenches day in and day out need various forms of support, encouragement and counsel. Each of the ministries we worked with were strong spiritually as reflected by their fruit. Partners for Care is not just about doing good things for struggling people. PFC is about seeing God transform lives through us, His hands and feet. The ministry believes not just in the concrete ways we can serve, but also the very big God we serve who still does miracles today!"

Come with us and meet the people and ministries PFC equips to serve God in the slums and in the deserts of Kenya. See the miracles for yourself.

Blessings,

Connie
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Partners for Care - just where we need to be

2010-12-09T09:47:00.004-05:00

I have returned from Kenya. I want to use this update to share with you

the status of the Partners for Care organization in Kenya.

It has been said every man has a turning point...I believe every
organization also has a turning point and PFC Kenya ends this year having
made a turning point. Our mission is to equip, engage, encourage and
empower young Christian leaders in the fight to save lives for the
kingdom. It hasn't always been easy to do this. We have struggled with
many attacks from the enemy but God has been faithful.

We are working with the highest moral authority of the Nation - Dr. PLO
Lumumba who is championing the move to eradicate all corruption from
Kenya. It is an honor and a blessing to work with him and the people who
run his foundation. One man in particular, Vincent Omondi, doesn't speak
of serving his people - he serves them! Through medical camps and his own
personal work in the slums of Kenya, he shows the hurting, the lost and
homeless Christ's love and brings them to Christ. We are blessed to serve
with him.

The PFC staff in Kenya are leading the way - we in the US are supporting
their efforts. They work in the slums, using music, sports and medical
outreaches to transform lives - to win souls for Christ. Sammy Wanjau
leads the team with good direction and dedication. He is well respected by
the PFC staff and pastors and community leaders. Sam Wachira leads the
what if? Life Changing Centre, working closely with Sammy as they create a
sustainable business that helps the small village and slum of Mururi.
Just yesterday a TV station interviewed the team to learn of their work.
The news show about Kenya Partners for Care will air 6 times on TV next
week.

We used to struggle when working with some Kenyan doctors at our medical
camps because of their lack of passion for their people - no more! We now
work with Helping Hands led by Dr. Martin Okello who serves the poor with
passion, kindness and respect. We will hold medical camps together all
over Kenya next year.

Pastor David Karanja of the Christ Harvesters International Ministry
(based in Marietta, Ga.) has agreed to preach the gospel where ever we go
for medical camps. We could not have asked for a better man of God to
spread the gospel! Our opportunities in Kenya continue to expand. We are
now working through PCEA churches to spread the message of HIV/AIDS.

And for me personally I have been blessed by those who have gone - seen
the work and now call this "our ministry". What a blessing to have
passionate
people engaged to help equip the Kenyan team to do God's work.

This next year will be the best year for Partners for Care in Kenya. Thank
you for reading these updates, for sending encouraging messages and
especially for the prayers and financial support. It takes many people to
help the children, the hurting, the homeless and lost. I look forward with
great anticipation to what God has planned for these young leaders in
Kenya as they work everyday to save lives for the kingdom.

Blessings,

Connie

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Dearest Connie,

Thank you for the continuing updates of your ministries in Kenya. I am so
proud of you and what you have wrought in that little corner of the world.
I look back at some of your first attempts to satisfy God's calling on
your life by organizing teams to provide medical clinics in the slums of
Nairobi.

I remember sitting at the dinner table at H.E.A.R.T. in the outskirts of
Nairobi and the feeling of despair of you and the team members when your
attempts were thwarted by the arrogance of a Kenyan doctor hired by you to
provide the medical services. I understood his usurpation of the team's
effort for his own self aggrandizement, of his barely concealed contempt
for your female leadership, and our discussions of how that model compared
to my own somewhat limited knowledge of fielding medical teams. You asked
for my input from a few of my experiences of leading medical teams to
various parts of the world to address the matter at hand. I shared what I
could, but the model I followed was more of servant leadership. My main
advice was for you to take charge, quit beating yourself up over the past
decisions, put the doctor in his place and pray for direction from God. I
imagined that the following day would be confrontational with perhaps a
parting of the ways with the hired Kenyan medical staff.

You speak in the current e-mail update of recognizing a turning point in a
person's or organization's life. What I saw the next day was the
beginning of a metamorphosis of Connie Cheren. Instead of the
confrontation that I had imagined, (and probably would have precipitated
myself had I been leading) you exhibited an act of servant leadership that
will always be with me. Rather than calling the team out and explaining
how it was to be henceforth, you and your little US team held a foot
washing service for the Kenyan team! That act of humility and servant
attitude was something that none of them (nor had I) ever witnessed in
such a situation. God used you in a way I would never have dreamt, but
the result was that Kingdom work was done from that point.

I understand the trials and tribulations you have faced over the past
years in the pursuit of providing for those you serve. I have seen the
efforts temporarily sidetracked by relying on those whose heart and
service was not for those needing food, shelter and medicines, but using
your good efforts to attempt to take credit for your work to advance their
own ill-advised cause. You have held the faith during these times,
forgiven the instigators of these travesties, moved on and continued the
fight for the right. You have recruited where possible from those that
you went to serve; you have empowered those with the vision and calling
among the poorest of the poor, and have pledged your own health, service
and treasure to that Kingdom calling.

I have traveled the world with some of the best and brightest Followers of
Christ. I have served with Wes and Joy Griffin of I L I in training
leaders worldwide; I have led local medical and construction teams to
several continents; and from my Board seat on The Mission Society, I see
the cutting edge of Mission work worldwide and those missionaries who are
leading those efforts. My hat is off to you and those who have been
inspired by you - the leaders you have supported in P F C - The Kenyan
nationals who share your dream and survive on your support - and the US
supporters that you have opened a door for to share in the Great
Commission. I know where the real talent and drive emanates, and that is
with an Atlanta nurse who could not resist His call for her service!

Long ago I listened to a college professor who shared a Life Lesson with
me that I shall never forget. He said, "In this world, there are only two
types of people - winners and losers. The winners give, and the losers
take."

Connie, you are a winner.

Blessings,

Jim Davis

When God shows you a need He wants you to act...not plan

2010-12-06T08:40:00.001-05:00

Last Wednesday God showed me a need. And, He expected me to act with compassion. Instead, I went home to plan what to do. But, if I am honest with myself God told me what to do...right then not later. Nick and Charles had told me for two days they had a new client. Charles - a young man of 29. Charles was bedridden from the disease of AIDS but he had something else wrong with him. Nick would describe he was bleeding from his leg..I asked medical assessment questions but couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. Nick said people in Mathare slum were "afraid" of Charles because of the "bleeding" and were running away from him.

On Wednesday I was able to go to Mathare to see this young man. We were blessed to be taking with us Michael Agwanda from Life for Children Ministry and his wife Lola who is a doctor. We found Charles bedridden, in pain and unable to move. He had a large growth on his left knee. Searching for any information about his health condition we found a folded up piece of paper. It was a referral for follow-up for the cancer tumor on his left knee. He was to have radiation and chemotherapy. The referral was written in August. Obviously, Charles could not afford that kind of treatment. So, now he lay dying. Laying in a shack in a slum, on fifty sheets barely able to open his eyes. We prayed for him and went to plan what to do. We knew he would need a chest x-ray to see if the cancer had spread. Then we would know if treatment was still an option or if he needed palliative care. He had developed a bedsore on his hip. The CT volunteers were visiting him changing the dressing on the bedsore and offering what support they could.

I wanted to get him clean sheets, pain medicine that relieve his pain and arrange with someone to stay with him while he made his passage to heaven. I am a nurse. I know what the dying need. But, I didn't act...and on Friday we received word that God relieved the suffering of this young man and called him home.

I made a pledge that the next time God allows me the opportunity to meet the needs of a dying person I will act with haste...and not plan. All Nick and Charles and their volunteers need is the medicines, the clean sheets, the food...they do the work. We can help them. I could have helped them this time but didn't. Next time I will...

Connie
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Playing barefoot

2010-12-04T15:42:00.000-05:00

The Kenya Partners for Care staff use many different ways to reach the youth with the message of living for Christ and HIV prevention. Their latest efforts is soccer. The staff have started two what if? soccer teams in Muruiri slum - under 16 and over 16. These boys practice everyday - without a soccer field, without shoes or uniforms. The community comes out to watch them practice. As I stood watching them play in a grassy field barefoot I imagined them in uniforms and soccer shoes. George works with them teaching them about how to live as good examples to others in this small village/slum area. Just another way Partners for Care is helping transform the next generation - one boy at a time.

Connie
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Many people served - the devil is shamed

2010-11-23T22:49:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe but in 7 days time we went 12 hours north to Marsabit and 12 hours west to Cherengany - all on the "roads" of Kenya. I use the word roads even though at times there were no roads.
The medical camps in Cherengany met so many challenges that at times we could only laugh at the disappointments. But, the leaders from the PLO Foundation who we partner with to do medical camps said it best "the devil was shamed". None of the challenges stopped us from serving the people. The day before we left for the camps everything seemed "to fall apart". Drugs weren't ready, bed nets weren't available, transportation was a problem. I put out a specific prayer requests for people to pray for God to intervene if He felt us worthy. Early Friday morning we secured both the drugs and the bednets.
We arrived in Cherengany very late Friday night only to have the bus breakdown as we were delivering people to their hotels. The staff from Lumumba Foundation stayed up all night solving that problem. Somehow though we managed to get everyone to their camp site - we did four locations. People were already waiting to see a doctor. At the end of the day:
1536 were seen by doctors and received medications
700 children received polio immunization as we launched the Kenya polio program
900 mosquito nets were distributed
306 were tested for HIV/AIDS with 12 referred for follow-up
Many received community health and family planning
Tom from our team analyzed the water situation and developed a plan for them for safe drinking water
352 bibles were donated for the people
All were prayed for

Tom praying with the sick

The Nandi women singing to the guests at one of the sites

Transportation back to Nairobi was well let's say interesting as we didn't have the bus we traveled there anymore....but we all arrived safely.
The best part of all it was meeting a team of Kenyan doctors who are passionate for their people. The doctor who headed one of the sites told me when I called to see if he was ready to be picked up..."We can't stop now, we have 20 people waiting in line to be seen". He is a real servant to the people.
The final report written by the Lumumba Foundation is titled, What if there was passion for servant leadership?
Tonight we meet with the Lumumba team to debrief, analyze this camp and plan for the next one - Marsabit in February. I am looking for passionate people who want to come with me to serve along with the Lumumba team in Marsabit. Doing medical camps in Marsabit is as Ryan used to say...a task that is daunting and seems sometimes impossible but with God all things are possible.
Blessed to serve with those who care for the people here in Kenya,
Connie
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Little Elizabeth laid to rest

2010-11-19T09:20:00.001-05:00

Early yesterday morning George took Nick to the morgue at Kenyetta Hospital where Nick dressed Little Elizabeth in her burial clothes, placed her in the small coffin he had made for her and placed on top of one of vans for the trip to bury her. The van was full as George drove Nick, Charles and 8 CT members to Elizabeth's home village. A small car with 5 more people followed behind.

When I sent the message that Little Elizabeth had died, Robert (a team member from the August trip) wrote:

In Kenya, you never know when you hug a child, when that beautiful creature may ascend to Heaven. You never know if it will be in a year, a month, next week or even tomorrow. You never know, when you look into their eyes whether the next time you visit Kenya, they will be looking and smiling at you or Jesus. You never know who that treasure will be holding our her arms to for a hug. You never know, only He does.

Nick has accepted Elizabeth's death telling me that he read in Isaiah 55 where it says God calls home some early to protect them from the pain and suffering they would endure here on earth. He also told me he never saw anyone fight for their life as Elizabeth did. He said she would ask Nick to pray for her. Nick brought me her hospital reports - she died from kidney failure.

When CT sent out the announcement they closed by saying:

"When we lose someone we love, our bitterest tears are called forth by the memories of hours when we loved not enough". I can tell you Nick will not cry bitter tears as he loved Elizabeth and cared for her with the love of Jesus.

On the list of help Nick needed this week was "white dress for burial". When I received that request I was traveling back from Marsabit on Wednesday late afternoon - they were to leave the next day to bury her. The Water Team and I stopped at a small village and went into a grocery store. Upstairs we saw a beautiful white dress with pink satin flowers and pink velvet sash. There was only one and it was Elizabeth's size. The team remembered she would need shoes. They had one little pair of white shoes perfect size and a pair of white tights with pink ribbons. Amazing...all perfect for Elizabeth. When we gave to Nick late that night he said Elizabeth would look like the angel she was.

Thank you for your prayers for Nick and all those who loved Elizabeth and will miss her. She was the story teller at the children's home always telling the other children when they returned from school the events that had happened while they were away. We are helping Nick organize a memorial for Elizabeth that all the children can attend.

Grateful for those who read these updates and care,

Connie
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The Water Team

2010-11-17T06:25:00.006-05:00

The team that is traveling with me this trip all have an interest in water - both access to water and clean water. Tom is with FirstWater, Inc.. He partnered with us in August cost-sharing for a water filter that we took to Marsabit. Belinda is the Director of the Joe Beasley Foundation. Mr. Beasley has faithfully followed the work of Partners for Care for several years. We have wanted to work together and have come together on this water project. Deb has been to Kenya many times and is here to help us connect with other programs and to "see" the Partners for Care programs.

This team has done what some would call crazy. We flew in Sunday night and within four hours we were on our way to Marsabit. Only those who have gone to Marsabit know what it is like. We travel 10-12 hours north from Nairobi - six hours which is off-road through the desert. Off-roading looks fun on the TV commercials but soon gets very tiresome.

But, they endured and we arrived in Masabit at noon on Monday. We were anxious to go see the Gabra tribe. (For more on the Gabra tribe read the blog on www.partnersforcare.org for the August mission trip).

Our vehicle stuck in sand in Marsabit

The children's feet that we treated in August for jiggers were still healed and Jane who we taught how to treat the jiggers had helped more children with the supplies we left her. We saw and held the baby that was born the day we did the medical camp. She is 3 months old and looked good. The next day we went to see the Rendile tribe. We arrived in time to see 65 little children sitting on the floor in a one room small building reciting their lessons. Their teacher is paid $10.00 a month. They were precious all reciting their lessons as one of the little three year olds led them using his stick baton to point out the phonetic sounds on the chalk board.

We had brought supplies to treat the jiggers but the children needed more than treated for jiggers. They seemed sicker than when we were there in August. We triaged the children assessing what medicines they needed. We were not there to do a medical camp so we did not have medicines. 26 children had fungus infections on their heads, two with ear infections so bad you didn't need an otoscope to diagnose and 3 possible cases of malaria.

Without medicine we couldn't help. We drove to the closest place where the Rendile have medical care - 5 miles away. There were two nurses working there and we asked one to come with us with the medicine needed to treat the children. It was a blessing to see the children get treated.

The Water Team came to assess the water situation for these tribes. Everywhere they saw women and children either going to fetch water, waiting in line for water or returning from fetching water - walking with the familiar yellow jugs on their backs. We were able to meet with the Kenya government officials - water management, enviorment impact and the Public Health Officer for Marsabit. All of them were very helpful sharing what has happened to both secure water and clean what and what is planned. We learned there is 80% illiteracy in Marsabit with a population of 200,000. The top three illnesses are upper respiratory, malaria and diarrhea. The diarrhea is related to the poor quality of water. We saw most of the water sources in Marsabit. We also saw a program in progress for harvesting the mist to use as water.

We asked what they believe are the things to do to help improve the water situation. Their answer:

1. harvest water with rain guards and tanks all public buildings - schools, churches, etc

2. trucks with water tanks to distribute water

3. education of the people on safe water

We saw the progress on the PFC Hope Farm. This farm is growing food to feed the many orphans in this area. The ground has been tilled and some plantings are in. We have purchased a water tank that will help with watering the plants.

There was a lot accomplished in two days. The team worked from early morning until late at night...with no complaining. We are now on our way back to Nairobi.

Deb with a child in Marsabit

A child drinking water directly off a water tap

At Dr. Lumumba's office

Left for this team - medical camps with PLO Lumumba's Foundation and work with Nick and Charles and other programs the team members need to connect with.

Praying to help the people of Marsabit,

Connie
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Comments:

Dear Connie:

Thank you so much for including the Foundation. Although we don't have money at this moment just to have a presence in the person of Belinda is a blessing. As always your report is very touching. May God continue to bless Partners for Care as you serve G
od's people. Give me a call when you can. Give Belinda and other team members my love.

Joe Beasley

2nd annual Run for Rebecca a success

2010-11-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

The weather was perfect for a run. All the volunteers showed up early to set-up and register the runners. Thousand Hills Coffee was there with coffee - such a blessing early in the morning! David Gruber had made a new video showing the work of Partners for Care. Seven board members came to help as well as seven Jr. Partners for Care representatives. Alpharetta police blocked off the road and city works employees set out the cones. Months of preparations and many hours of volunteer time paid off. Runners really seemed to appreciate the "African" prizes. We were especially pleased to have representatives there from the Christian Runners group. We will meet with them in December to plan next year's run. Thanks to all who helped this year we had 20 sponsors! Some repeats from last year Star Travel, InComm and new ones Parson's, Miller Realty etc. We took notes on ways we could improve next year's race. All the funds raised this year will help with the mission in Kenya of saving lives for the kingdom. Grateful for a successful run, Connie
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Little Elizabeth

2010-11-14T07:07:00.001-05:00

Our plane has taken an emergency landing in Rome to remove a passenger who has had a stroke. I turned on my phone to receive the following message from Nick:

ELIZA IS DEAD

I feel so overwhelmingly sad for Nick. I wish this plane would get there so I can be with him. This is now the 78th person Nick and Charles have helped who has died from AIDS - the 23rd child. Little Elizabeth was so special, so little and so frail with a disease she was born with.

I will let you know more as I arrive and see Nick.

Pray for God to comfort Nick and all those who knew and loved Little Elizabeth,

Connie
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2010-11-09T11:06:00.000-05:00

Partners for Care is very pleased to announce the newly formed Jr. Partners for Care. Led by Laura Espisto there are 8 high school students representing 8 high schools. They are passionate about their faith and their call to serve God. Read about them in their profiles. We are very blessed to work with such dedicated young people. Come meet them at the Run for Rebecca this Saturday. They will all be there! Connie

Little Elizabeth needs prayers

2010-11-08T10:41:00.001-05:00

She is three years old...born with AIDS. She Nick's niece - one of the 34 orphans Nick cares for. She has just been hospitalized with vomiting and diarrhea. Nick texted me and asked for prayers for her. Pray God will heal her.

Praying for Little Elizabeth,

Connie

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-----Original Message-----
From: Connie Cheren <ccheren@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2010 10:00:45
To: Connie Cheren<ccheren@aol.com>
Subject:

Ashamed

2010-11-08T08:40:00.001-05:00

Most of you know Nick. Some of you have been to Kenya and met him and walked with him through Mathare Slum as he showed you the work of Community Transformers. Others know Nick through the reading of the updates I send you.

I believe God uses Nick to speak to me in ways that break my heart. It isn't that Nick knows that or even that he tries to do that but it does happen. This morning I called Nick. He had not communicated recently and I wanted to check on him and the children he cares for. I told him the good news that Jane Lumumba (Dr. Lumumba's daughter who is interning for us this year) has agreed to help Nick develop a plan to secure funding. While Nick's ministry, Community Transformers, is long on passion and care for the homeless, hurting and those infected with HIV/AIDS, it is short on business plans, budgets, and even a brochure showing their work. Nick responded by saying how welcome she is and how glad he is for the help. Then he said, "I am always so ashamed to have to ask for food for the children".

Nick is ashamed because he can't as a young man with only volunteers as staff care for 34 orphaned children? I am the one ashamed as I sit in the comfort of my home with plenty of food. Ashamed of the ways I have spent money in the past. Ashamed I haven't been able to help him and the children more.

Pray for Jane as she helps Nick. Pray for someone to come along side Nick and CT to as Jane said "help them to prepare themselves in a manner that allows them to ask for funding for their work".

Thanking God for sending Nick to remind me what it is important to God,

Connie
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Want to go to Kenya?

2010-09-09T12:23:00.000-04:00

I will be going to Kenya Nov. 14 - Dec. 3. This trip will include:

1. A trip to Marsabit to check on the water filter, take the shoe design and tools for the people to make shoes to prevent jiggers and to follow-up on the Hope Farm (a farming project to grow food to feed the many orphans in this area).

2. To hold a medical camp with the Lumumba Foundation. This one will be in the Western part of Kenya. We will also do a what if? campaign there and evangelism outreach.

3. To attend the Dec. 3 celebration of the pastor training school Beth Casey and Sally Gresham have opened.

If you want to go you can go for part or all of the trip. The airfares are about the lowest they are all year.

Let me know...

Connie
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Partners for Care partners with International Shoemaking Design (see PFC on their website www.saintbrave.com)

2010-09-08T17:18:00.000-04:00

Sandra Bolton was touched when she read about the children in Marsabit needing shoes to prevent the jiggers from infesting in their feet. She was moved to do something about it. She searched the internet and found International Shoemaking Design and contacted them telling them about Marsabit. To her surprise someone from the company called her.

That was just three weeks ago. In this short time, the designers at International Shoemaking design have designed a special shoe for the children that can be made in Marsabit. They are donating the tools necessary to make the shoes. Pastor Hirbo will have the youth of the church make the shoes as a mission outreach to the unreached tribes.

International Shoemaking Design has a website for their non-profit part of their business www.saintbrave.com. Go to their website and see the story of Marsabit.

Thank you Sandra for not just be moved by what you learned about the children but doing something about it.

I will carry the tools, pattern, etc. with me when I travel to Marsabit in November. And, thank you International Shoemaking Design for caring to help the children in Marsabit.

Praying for the children in Marsabit,

Connie
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Returning from Kenya

2010-08-29T18:02:00.003-04:00

Today I am returning from Kenya...to my family and friends. I have missed my family and friends and feel blessed to have people I love to return to. This trip to work in the ministry of Partners for Care was very encouraging in many ways. Here are some of the ways:
1. The team from Michigan lead by Linda and joined by TJ from Atlanta was what every ministry hopes for. They came, dared to go to the unreached, served so humbly and most have expressed a desire to help the ministry. I am excited to work with them as they see where and how God wants them to help.
2. The work of the PFC team in Kenya has been recognized by people and organizations in Kenya that are leading the Nation in changes that will spread the gospel and help the hurting. We have been asked to work with the PLO Lumumba Foundation and this trip we did a medical camp with them. Dr. PLO Lumumba is one of the most respected Christian leaders in Kenya. He has just assumed the position as Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission in Kenya. Many are hopeful he will stop corruption which will help the poor and the sick. We are privileged to work with him. We are planning the next medical camp and will do one in each region of Kenya with them. They have asked us to organize the medical part of the mission, the HIV awareness and testing and spreading of the gospel. Everything we love doing!

The PFC team with some people from the Lumumba foundation

The PFC team at Dr. Lumumba's home in Kisumu

3. Kenya has enacted a new constitution. With a grand celebration attended by many East African presidents and a quarter million Kenyans the Nation became as they call it a Second Republic. Not since the country obtained its freedom in 1963 has there been such a celebration or such a time of hope. The constitution changes many things including that all children should be educated. It creates 8 regions and the plan is to develop each region starting with their assets so children can go school, people will have healthcare and there will be employment opportunities. It is a good time in the history of Kenya. Having seen the results of the post-election violence when I traveled the Nation on a peace bus, it was good to see the determination for kenya to become a great Nation for all its people.
Thank you for reading the updates, your encouraging emails and mostly for your prayers,

Connie
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They came to serve

2010-08-28T13:40:00.004-04:00

We were blessed this week to have a team come to serve with us. They are sent from a South African organization - Global Challenge Expeditions . As young people they travel the world trusting God will show them where they are to serve. They select ministries in different countries and stay with them serving in any capacity they are asked. Once they were asked just to pray for a ministry that was struggling and they prayed for three weeks.

There were five on the team - Madeleen, Maggie, Werner, Cornelius and Gerrie. Cornelius is actually from Zambia before he moved to South Africa. On the first night they sat with us and simply said "we came to serve - tell us how we can serve you and others in your ministry".

They have served all week. They planted a very large garden with the children at CT children's home moving them closer to becoming food secure; they enlarged our garden at the PFC house; they made learning material for the children's home in our area and visited the children there; they sorted, counted and organized all of our medical supplies for our next medical camp; they helped with marketing ideas for our what if? center and cyber; and did a prayer walk through our village. The last thing they did was buy and take sandals to all the children at the CT children's home.

Cornelius working on the PFC garden

The team working on the PFC garden

The South African team

The team was humble and served with passion. They rose early to begin work and worked until late at night. As Jesus instructed - they did everything with all their hearts. They exemplified the meaning of "team". It was truly a joy to be with them. We will not forget their love for Jesus, their prayers, their laughter, their South African accent (especially as Madeleen read the Word to us always having just the right passages that we needed to hear), their kindness to all they met, and their loving encouragement of our young ministry.

Thank you God for sending us these young people who served so well,

Connie
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Medical mission with Dr. PLO Lumumba

2010-08-23T14:11:00.000-04:00

This last weekend Partners for Care was blessed to serve with Dr. PLO Lumumba and his wife in a medical mission outreach in Bonda (his home area). The team sang throughout the day mobilizing and then sang at Dr. Lumumba's event honoring his aunt who was killed in the US Embassy bombing in 1998. Dr. Lumumba has been our what if? spokesperson since the beginning of the program. He was recently appointed the Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission. He is a great Christian leader and many here in Kenya, in the US and throughout Africa pray he can stop the corruption that steals from the poor and prevents Kenya from becoming a developed nation. Our team served well - Nick, Njenga and Mike traveled with us from CT to help with HIV testing. We helped organize and deliver medical camps to over a thousand people.

Blessed to work with Christian leaders who remember the poor,

Connie
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Little Jimmy

2010-08-15T01:29:00.002-04:00

Jimmy is six, but looks three. He clings to you when you hold him. He is listless, weak and sad. Yet when all the children at a new children's home we have started working with were asked to sing, he took his place and sang the words.

Jimmy with Dr. Craig

Jimmy was rescued five months ago and brought to this children's home that is near our house. Yesterday, George took Dr. Craig, TJ and I with some of the PFC staff to visit the children in this home. Jimmy is a double orphan having lost both his parents. He had been abused before he was brought to the children's home. He had a fever and seemed very sick. Dr. Craig and I carried him to the nearby VCT for HIV/AIDS testing. Dr. Craig watched the counselor as she explained how testing is done. We prayed Jimmy was not infected. After a few minutes the counselor told us he was negative. We then carried him to a local doctor. The doctor couldn't believe he was six. He tested him for malaria. Jimmy was positive for malaria. The doctor gave him malaria medicine, vitamins and tylenol for his fever. We took him to a small restaurant and fed him as he hadn't eaten since early morning.

Jimmy probably has had malaria for a long time. Untreated malaria is the leading cause of death for children in Africa. This is why. They don't get diagnosed and then treated. Dr. Craig and the team probably saved the live of this little boy. And it wasn't hard...it just took going and finding him. I am reminded of Mother Teresa's words..."If you can't feed a 100 children...feed one. We can't save a 100 children,,,but we saved one.

The team has left now. We will miss them. They served so many...including us. They were kind, loving and compassionate. They worked late into the night and early in the mornings preparing the medicine, supplies, etc. For the next team. May God bless all of them as they travel home.

Grateful for this team of servants,

Connie
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The Rendille tribe - the sickest, the poorest - very much the least of these

2010-08-13T11:20:00.001-04:00

Both the Americans and the Kenyans thought that the people we treated the last day of our medical mission in Marsabit were the sickest and the poorest people they had ever met. We traveled about an hour on the bus to hold our last medical camp. As the bus approached a small group of houses (manyattas) made from sticks and dung, children started running towards the bus. We got off the bus and the children put up their arms to be carried. We carried those we could and held the hands with the others as we walked to the area where we would set-up the medical camp.

We were given two small buildings to use so registration, prayer/sharing the gospel, community health and family planning would be outside. HIV testing and medical would be held inside. There waiting, were all the people we would be able to treat that day. We gathered for prayers for the people and for strength for the day and opened camp.

The doctors and nurses were saddened at how sick the children were - they had bacteria, fungus and virus infection. Most of the children had all three! And, the children were infected with jiggers! Badly infected. TJ, Linda and Robert set-up a jigger treatment station treating as many as they could.

Mare cutting the toe nails of a child infected with jiggers

T.J. and Linda treating the children infected with jiggers

I normally don't treat as I leave that more to the Kenyan doctors, nurses and American doctors, nurses we bring. But, I thought we should do something for the children we couldn't treat because of time. So we gathered them and Pastor Hirbo and Mare gave them deworming medicine. I was assisting. I realized there were at least 15 children with serious scalp fungus. So we set-up a station just for the children infected with fungus. As I held each one and showed Mom how to apply the medicine I saw they also had eye infections, ear infections and of course running noses. We treated as many as we could with as much medicine as we had.

Connie with a sick child

Connie deworming a child

We gave out nets to the pregnant women and the children under five. In the book "When Helping Hurts" it says don't start with a needs assessment but first start with an asset assessment. Then give the resources to build on the assets. I was reminded of that when the children told Rob "we have a soccer field, but we don't have a ball". Rob had the ball - he then played soccer with the children all the time we did the medical camp! Praise God for Rob's endurance...

I also wanted to tell you Pastor Hirbo and I sat with the chief asking about the life of these Rendille people. They walk 6 hours for water and 6 hours back! Twelve hours a day to get water.

Charles testing the area chief for HIV/Aids

The good news for the day was 60 people gave their life to Christ that day. Pastor Hirbo had asked for a sleeping bag so he can travel to these people and stay with them for days at a time to disciple them. We brought him two sleeping bags and a tent for his ministry outreach to the unreached.

At the end of three days in Marsabit 773 people were treated, 323 tested for HIV/AIDS, 1,403 people signed commitment cards, 250 nets distributed and many people heard the gospel.

We left at 4:30 am Wednesday morning for the long road home to Nairobi. We were blessed to serve God's people and to help the humble servants Pastor Hirbo, Mare and the other pastors and people who serve as they reach out to the unreached people groups,

Connie

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Seeing the fruits of our labor

2010-08-12T09:44:00.002-04:00

The team was blessed to see the fruits of their labor on the face of a small boy. On Sunday we worshiped at Pastor's Hirbo's church. The only thing that I can tell you about that experience is that you haven't seen worship until you see the Boran people worship. Some of you may have read the book about the different styles of worship. Well, the Boran only have one style - jumping and shouting to the Lord. Even our worship team who are wonderful worshipers were moved by the experience. Sammy (lead of the Temples of Worship) told the congregation that when they come to the Marsabit church they just want to sit and watch.
In the afternoon we held the what if? event in the park. Many came and many tested for HIV/AIDS. And, the other part of our mission team - the sports ministry took place with hundreds of kids. Rob (son of Dr. Craig and Pat who are on our team), TJ and several of the Kenyan team have been playing football (soccer) every where we go. All Rob has to do is take one of the soccer balls he had bought for the mission off the bus and hundreds of kids follow him to the field! And, he played for hours!!
But, while we were enjoying the day our hearts and thoughts were with the little boy from the day before with the jiggers who was so sad...and all the children we had met with jiggers. I had decided I would ride with Pastor Hirbo on his motorbike to see how Jane was doing with treating the children's jiggers. At dinner that night I asked if anyone wanted to go with me. So many wanted to go we decided to take the bus. We would leave at 5:30 am as we had a whole day of medical missions ahead of us.
When we arrived at the camp many of the children were already awake. We found Jane who called the children. Pastor Hirbo knew right away when he saw the two children we had treated on Saturday walking! Then we saw their faces - big smiles!

A before and after picture of a child who was treated for jiggers

The jiggers were dead. The children said the pain and the itching was gone and they could sleep at night. Their toes still need treatment with the vaseline which will help restore the skin and prevent more jiggers. We left money for Jane to buy water. We checked on the newborn baby and mom - both were fine.
We left encouraged to go to a school to set-up the day's medical camp,
Connie
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Joy and sorrow in an IDP camp

2010-08-10T09:59:00.008-04:00

Think of primitive camping you might have done once in your life. Living in an Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp is like primitive camping that never ends. This is where the Gabra tribe is living - in an IDP camp about a 30 minute drive from Marsabit. They live in very harsh conditions - hot, dirty and with no nearby water source. There are 250 men, women and children who lived in this IDP camp for five years.

The IDP camp

They were pushed away from their land due to tribal clashes in 2005. This is one of the people groups Pastor Hirbo is trying to reach. The only transport he and his church members have to get there to serve these people is by Pastor Hirbo's motorbike or by walking in the dust for hours. This is the place where Pastor Hirbo told us the people were infected with jiggers.

On Saturday I and David (my son) went early with Pastor Hirbo on a taxi-motorbike and Pastor's motorbike to set-up in this IDP. our first medical camp. (Not complaining but Pastor's motorbike has no shocks and could use some other basic repairs such as brakes. The rest of the team would come on the bus after picking up the Kenyan doctor and nurses. Pastor Hirbo, David and I set up medical camp using the signs Amy from our previous team made for us. Registration would be under a tree, prayer in one of the tents of the people, community health under a tree, family planning and VCT outside and the doctors and nurses would be in the "school" made of sticks with a dirt floor. The team soon arrived on the bus. After praying together for God to use us to serve these people we opened the medical camp. At first the people were leary of these white people in blue medical scrubs. But, one by one they came. They registered and the two pastors from Pastor Simon's ministry who had joined our team prayed for them and shared the gospel with them. They heard how to prevent the illnesses they were suffering from and they tested for HIV/AIDS. Then they saw the doctor - some saw our doctor and some the Kenyan doctor. It was very sad to see the children with Jiggers! The end of their toes were infected by the jiggers. The jiggers kept them awake at night and it was painful for them to walk. We were determined to help these children.

We had learned from searching the internet that the feet and hands that were infected should be soaked for two weeks in a mixture of dettol and water. We had also heard vaseline would smother this parasite and they would die. We found an angel living among these people - Jane. Jane is 21, beautiful and the teacher in the school we were using for the medical camp. She was teaching 28 children who sat crowded in their little school in the dirt - where the jiggers lived! Jane volunteered to take the responsibility of treating the children for the jiggers. We treated two children showing Jane how to wear gloves to protect herself, how to mix the solution and apply the vaseline.

Jane treating a child for jiggers

Linda prayed for the children - for the jiggers to die and for the little toes and fingers to heal. The children were so sad. No smiles like we are used to from the Kenyan children.
For me I think I was the most humbled I have ever been as I washed the feet of the first little boy. He sat on a yellow plastic old, dirty oil jug and let me take his swollen feet and wash off the layers of dirt. His feet were hard and calloused. I couldn't tell what was jiggers and what was dirt. I put his feet and hands in the basin of dettol and water. We had used our water bottles for water as there was no water in the IDP camp. I dried his feet and put Vaseline all over the ends of his toes. I cringed as he placed his feet back in his broken, open toed sandals. I prayed the Vaseline would stop more jiggers from invading his feet.

Jesus said there would be joy in the morning - and there was joy in this camp. A woman came to tell us that a woman had just given birth! We were led to her tent. We ducked down to go through the small opening in the tent. There sitting on a piece of cardboard in the dirt was a woman holding a newborn baby! She handed me the baby all wrapped in a small blanket. She had cleaned the baby but the small infant still had blood on her little hands. One of our team members, Linda, is trained in obstetrics.

Linda with the new born baby

The new born baby

She came to the tent to speak with the mom. The mom delivered the baby alone cutting the cord with a razor blade. Other team members came to see the baby and pray for this new life to know Jesus. The mom is a Muslim but she allowed us to pray for her and the baby.
At the end of the day we had treated 201 people and gave 125 nets to protect the children and pregnant women from malaria . We packed up preparing to leave. Many teams members had come to know the people. The people came to the bus as the Temples of Worship sang Remember Me. The women then sang and danced for us. A joyful ending to the day.

Dr. Craig attending to a patient

Pat treating a child

Rob taking blood pressures

TJ helping with the drugs

Praying for a miracle for the children infected by the jiggers and for the newborn born in a tent in an IDP camp in Marsabit,
Connie
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Comments:

A cup of water... or jar of vaseline... in His name. wow.
way to go, Connie.

Prayed for you.
Blessings,
Alan

The journey to Marsabit begins

2010-08-04T17:33:00.000-04:00

Why Marsabit? Why go? Our prayer is that our team can equip the pastors in Marsabit to help their people with the enormous, crippling problem of jiggers. If you want to understand what the pastors in Marsabit struggle with go to goggle and search for jiggers. Look at the pictures, see the feet of the children infected so much with jiggers they can't walk. Our pastor contact in Marsabit tell us they know of 400 people infected with jiggers. I spoke with him on Sunday as he was leaving an IDP camp (where people are still living in tents after 2 1/2 years from the post-election violence) and ALL the people are infected with jiggers. I once read that HIV/AIDS was the greatest opportunity to spread the gospel. The dying need to be saved, the world watches the Christians to see how we help the orphans and widows caused from HIV/AIDS and following God's plan eliminates the disease. I believe jiggers give us the same opportunity. If I was a child infected with jiggers and I heard there were people who loved me as Christ loved them I would wonder where are they? We go only to bring the resources to the pastors on the ground to enable them to help their people. They need basins - lots of them and we will buy them in Marsabit for them. They need detrol or hydrogen peroxide as the feet need to be soaked for two weeks to kill the jiggers. We will give them what they need. And, the people need shoes. We will explore how shoes can be made in Marsabit for the children and adults. The shoes will help prevent the people from becoming infected with jiggers again. I read in When Helping Hurts that we have dominion over the animals - I think this includes the jiggers. We have a special gift for the people of Marsabit. When we were there last time we saw the dirty water people drink. And, we understood why much of the world's health problems are caused by dirty water. We are bringing a state-of-the art water filter! We have a partnership with FirstWater. We will explain later how the funds are being raised for this water filter. It would not be on this plane without the grace of many - the TSA who allowed me to bring it through security after checking it for bomb residue. The flight attendant who put it in the first class closet and Delta who let me bring it as carry on luggage! It weights 75 pounds! We are looking at leaving it with Christian doctors at the Marsabit hospital. We will send an update about how the water filter will be used in Marsabit. Traveling with me on this team is a doctor, nurse, their son and a photographer from Michigan. We will be joined in Kenya by another nurse from Michigan who traveled earlier and a young man from Atlanta. The Michigan group found us through the blog and has been following our work. They asked to join us on this long journey to Marsabit to serve the children God loves,

Connie
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PFC travels to Uganda to do a what if? event

2010-07-21T16:36:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow the Partners for Care team will travel to Kapala, Uganda where they will do a what if? event with Pastor David Karanja, International Christ Harvester Church. Uganda has 1.1 million orphans from the HIV/AIDS pandemic that at one time was devastating the nation. While the infected rate dropped from a peak of 29% in the urban areas it has been on the increase in recent years. As you know there were recent bombings in Kapala killing 70 people.

The PFC staff would appreciate your prayers as they cross the border to their neighboring country to spread the message of salvation and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Praying for the safety of the team in Kenya,

Connie
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Help spread the word about buying bed nets for Marsabit

2010-07-20T08:32:00.001-04:00

In two weeks we travel to Marsabit. A very desperate part of Kenya. We are taking a medical team and will be conducting four medical camps for several unreached people groups. We also want to distribute as many bed nets as we can. This is an area where people survive on relief food due to the drought. A friend, Robyn, has developed an easy way for people to help the children in Marsabit by purchasing a bed net for $2.00. These bed nets come from our partner in Kenya HEART and are made by women who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The purchase of bed nets from them helps prevent a child from dying from malaria and supports these women. Robyn has developed a bed net campaign and a paypal account with a "widget" for easy donations. See the following link:

www.partnersforcare.blogspot.com

If you could post on your Facebook and any other social networking accounts you have I will be grateful and so will the children in Marsabit.

Thanks for partnering with us and helping equip the US and Kenya teams to saves lives in Marsabit.

Many blessings, Connie
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Bed net campaign against Malaria!

2010-07-13T18:48:00.005-04:00

Bed net delivered by Partners for Care

Malaria is particularly devastating in Africa, where it is a leading killer of children. In fact, there are 10 new cases of malaria every second. Every 30 seconds, a child in Africa dies from a malaria infection. In addition to the burden on local healthcare systems, malaria illness and death costs Africa approximately $12 billion per year in lost productivity.

Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases in Africa. And it’s hard to hear the statistics knowing that malaria is preventable and has been irradiated or brought under control on other continents. The solution is simple, gaining access to the solution is what is so difficult for those people who live in the bush or far from the larger cities in Africa. What is the solution you might ask? It’s as simple as spraying insecticides indoors or by sleeping under long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets. And simply put the best solution is the bed net because they are long lasting, inexpensive, and can last up to 5 years!

Bed nets are so simple and we are convinced not just by the statistics but our own experiences that bed nets do save lives. We have found a supplier who is willing to sell them to us for $2.00 each, normally they are $10 each! Hands down it’s the best price we have ever seen and at this price we want to buy as many as we can!

We need your help we want to buy at least 1500 nets for our August trip to Kenya. We have done some research and $2.00 in this day and age will get you:

2 double cheeseburgers from McDonalds or Burger King
a pack of 24 sugar cookies from your local dollar store
4 bags of 50 cent chips
1 bottle of beer
hair clips
2 newspapers
2 liter coke
loaf bread
2 cups of coffee at a restaurant
2 packs of gum

Would you be willing to skip one of these items for one day or a week? Knowing that you could possibly save a life or protect someone for 5 years? Could you make your coffee at home? Another benefit of buying a bed net is that it is tax deductible. Are you looking for a way to make a difference, be part of something bigger than you? Partner with us buy a bed net, buy 10 bed nets….you can make a big difference When you contribute would you let us know what you are skipping? It would be fun to keep a list and we are grateful for your sacrifice! What are you willing to skip?

-Robyn

7th Update - Prayers answered!

2010-06-23T00:22:00.003-04:00

Many of you responded you were praying in my response to my request yesterday for prayers for Nick. Many reminded me God would care for the children. And He did. The team here Dr. Jim, Lyn, their two children Stephanie and Jake, Amy, David my son and Rebecca along with Nick and Charles made a plan to address the needs of the children. These needs included protection from malaria, clean water, lights, sanitation, food and transportation to school. One by one all these needs were met yesterday. Getting things accomplished isn't easy in a developing nation. It takes more than money. But, everything seemed to go smoothly yesterday as we planned, organized, shopped and went to the children's home. By evening, a van that had been loaned to transport the children was repaired, lanterns taken to the home for lights,, bed nets on the beds for all the children and aunties, temporary septic tank covered with plans to cover the larger holding tank, and 400 pounds of food purchased! The children's rooms were so sweet as they have settled in. We had made name tags with ribbons for their beds and the children had hung them on their beds. And, the children had neatly made their beds before leaving for school. The children are now safe and for now have food. Praise God. And, Nick is smiling again as his children are taken care of.

At the store where we purchased food for the kids

Loading up the food

Transporting food

The bed nets hung on the beds

Thank you for your faithfulness to read the updates and pray for children 10,000 miles away,

Connie
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Prayer request

2010-06-21T15:12:00.000-04:00

I am sending prayer requests tonight for Nick and for the children we have moved from the slum. Our hearts are heavy as Nick struggles with so many issues - transportation back to Mathare for school, no lights, mosquitoes biting the children and needing to haul water to the site. Dr. Jim and Lyn and other team members went there today and came back overwhelmed with some of the needs of the children. Dr. Jim has starting examining them and he is taking several of them to the hospital for further testing. I know some of this always happens even when we move in the US - lights, phone and electricity not hooked up as quickly as we wanted them to be. But, in a developing nation and when you are caring for 34 orphans it is a 100 times more difficult. I know all over the world there are hurting children who are living in the dark and dying from malaria. But, we know these 34 children. We have held them and loved them. For me I feel ashamed that I am here in comfort while they are in the situation they are in. And, I wonder why I didn't plan better - at least flashlights and mosquito nets should have been on our shopping list. As little children they should be able to count on us to take care of them. I am anxious for the night to pass so we can hang nets, buy flashlights and help with the transportation issue. Thanks for your prayers, Connie
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6th update - The children have been moved from Mathare Slum

2010-06-21T06:42:00.000-04:00

On Saturday the children said goodbye to Mathare slum. We went early in the morning and took 18 of the children with us in our van and hired a matatu for the rest of the children. Taking these children from those three crowed, chaotic, dark rooms where their backyard was a slum, garbage and a polluted river was a joy hard to explain. It was like God had picked these children to be lifted from the slums to a new beginning. I could hear Pastor Karanja saying "God is doing a new thing". The children sang songs on the ride to their new home - obviously happy to be leaving Mathare slums. Part of the team had gone to the new home to prepare the rest of the beds and to cook for the children. Curtains were hung - bright red with matching pillowcases. Their new rooms with windows were a sharp contrast to the previous rooms in the slum without windows! John made a enormous pot of soup for the children in their new kitchen. They played and waited as more beds were put together. Then at the appointed time they all went to their OWN beds. We were blessed to watch these special children chosen and loved by God as they saw they each had a blanket, a towel and their own bed. Nick and Charles have done a wonderful job under extraordinary conditions. As young men building a children's home in a developing nation hasn't been easy. But, raising 34 children isn't easy either. Thank you to all who have prayed for Nick and Charles and the children and donated money to lift these children up to new beginnings. Jesus said, love the little children and you have. There is still much to do to help Nick and Charle become sustainable so they don't have to worry how to feed the children. This week we plan to put in a garden. And, Dr. Jim will examine and treat the children and aunties. We will complete the children's home ie. kitchen, place for the children to eat, security fence, etc. as we raise more funds to help them. But, for now they are in their new home. Praise God!

From Kenya,

Connie
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5th update - " My mom doesn't have a net"

2010-06-16T07:10:00.007-04:00

"My mom doesn't have a net" this sweet little girl told me. She had managed to capture my attention and my heart in the midst of the chaos. And, it seemed this little girl's mom wasn't the only one in the village of Watamu without a net to protect their children from malaria. I have held medical camps before but never in conjunction with the distribution of bed nets. Distributing bed nets brought thousands of people to the medical camp. To say the "ground was mobilized" for this medical camp doesn't really describe the response. The first day we arrived what we thought was early to find at least two hundred people in line waiting for us. There were 500 people registered by 10:00. The second day we arrived there were already over a thousand people waiting from 6:00 am. Sadly, we couldn't possible see everyone. Dr. Jim from our team joined the local health practitioners seeing as many as they could. Ryan, Amy, Kristen, Stephanie, David, Logan, Rebecca and Nick ran the pharmacy ensuring the doctors and nurses had medicine, helped distribute bed nets and cheered for the final games of volleyball and football. Nick and Charles worked with the local VCT counselors to test people for HIV and Njenga (from CT) interpreted the medical symptoms of the people for Dr. Jim.

Charles testing people for HIV

Dr. Jim with his daughter and Njenga examine a child

Only with a team of 8 security men were we able to distribute the bed nets. Justus shared the word of God and prayed for those who came as we organized the "flow" of people into groups of 10. He asked the people to pray for those who had brought bed nets and medicine to their village. The groups were moved through community health teaching as the local educators taught them how to prevent the diseases they were sick from - water borne diseases, poor nutrition, etc. Then the groups moved to family planning. George, as our outreach mission coordinator assisted by Franco and David, had spent two months and gone to the ground three times to organize the local committee. USAid joined us and had people there to help. Best we tried we could not serve everyone. The two days ended with the final football playoff. There had been 15 teams playing for the last 6 weeks. As the winning team lapped the field to the cheers of thousands it seemed like we were at the World Cup. Everyone came to the stage for the prizes and for the reason for the outreach.

The winners receiving their prizes

The Temples of Worship took the stage and Sammy told them of the need to stop HIV and create an HIV free generation. They sang their song what if? When Franko sang "we can stop our children from the street" the crowd cheered. Pastor Peter told the crowd about Jesus and when he made the call for Christ hundreds raised their hands. New believers were given bibles but everyone it seemed wanted a bible. Bed nets and bibles - both saving their lives but one saves them for eternally. We had worked with the pastor fellowship in Watamu. We pray that they can use this event to continue their reach for souls for Christ in Watamu and to bring those that accepted Christ the last night of the event into a relationship with Him. At the end of the two days:
1030 were treated and given medications
1450 bed nets were distributed
500 were tested for HIV/Aids
600 were taught community health
600 heard about family planning thousands heard about the Great Physician - the ultimate healer
And many accepted Christ
Even in the chaos of so many people with so many needs the whole team stood still and prayed for a little baby that was brought to Dr. Jim. The baby had been abandoned and a old woman brought her to the medical camp. The baby tested positive for HIV. She was sick with a large, infected lesion on her head. Dr. Jim removed the "pus" from the sore and gave the baby an injection and oral medication. The next day Dr. Jim stayed behind to find the child to check on her. While the rest of the team did as planned and went to see the beauty of Mombasa Dr. Jim and his wife Lyn and I walked the small village of Watamu with Justus and Franko. Dr. Jim and Lyn were tired, hot and weary from their 36 hour trip just days earlier but they wanted to do as Jesus would do - serve the people. We found the child who was doing better. She will be taken to Gede hospital for further testing and what could be a life time of medications to treat her disease of HIV. This child reminds us of why we do what we do. To stop babies from being born infected with HIV - stop their mamas from dying and leaving them orphans. We preach the gospel because we know He is the answer - the only answer. With Him all things are possible even stopping HIV/Aids.
Thank you to all of you who supported this mission. Next we move to Marsabit in August where it is more difficult to get to, the ground is harder and the people more desperate. Pray for the team who is preparing their hearts to go.
Praying this the Mombasa mission will impact the lives of the people of Watamu and spread the gospel to so many that need it.
Connie
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4the update - we are all safe

2010-06-15T04:16:00.001-04:00

I will send an update later about our Mombasa mission but just wanted to let everyone know we are safe. You may be hearing on the news "five Christians were killed in Nairobi". On Saturday there was a demonstration in Nairobi concerning the proposed Kenyan constitution to be voted on in August. Five people were killed when violence broke out. We were in Mombasa and not even in Nairobi. We will not be going near any demonstrations. Please pray for those who lost their lives and their families and pray this nation can peacefully vote on the constitution.

God is keeping us safe, we give Him all the glory,

Connie
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"I get my own blanket" - 3rd update

2010-06-11T06:16:00.001-04:00

The new children's home is almost complete, and yesterday we were able to deliver the new items purchased for the children. Blankets, towels, and a host of other supplies for the children made their way to the new home. But this stuff didn't come easy! First, all the money we used was donated by many of you and by members of this team. Our "move one" campaign raised funds to help. Due to "overruns" though in the building of the children's home we didn't have as much money as we needed....so we bargained hard to make the money stretch. We went to a shopping area where Americans don't go - River Road. It is where things are made so as they say in Kenya we got the "best price". John who plans, shops for and prepares all of our meals went with us. Imagine - one Kenyan and 8 white people! We bargained so well John declared us Kenyans. At times John longed to back in the kitchen! We were shopping for 34 children! At the end of hours of walking, bargaining and buying we had:

Pink sheets for the girls
Blue sheets for the boys
Green sheets for the aunties
2 outdoor cookers
2 bigger than large pots
Towels for every person
Spoons
Bowls
5 large thermos for chai
Wash basins
And, a nice blanket for every child
Pillows are being made

We were left to buy mattresses. Funds were low at that point so we priced three thicknesses of mattresses. We have enough for the foram pads for each child. Over time, we can replace them with better mattresses.

We met the children at the new children's home. To say they were excited to see their new home, new beds and all the new things is an understatement. Amy was showing them they have windows and she told them they will each have their own beds. One of the little girls said, "I get my own blanket?". These children have slept three to a bed and shared a blanket. God has blessed them not just with a bed and their own blanket but with Nick, Charles and their aunties who love them and with people in the US who gave to change the live of a child.

As the home is not quite complete we will move them permently when we return from Mombasa.

Blessed to partner with those who made a difference for these children,

Connie
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The way it works - 2nd update

2010-06-09T17:46:00.001-04:00

This is the way it works. You learn 473 children under the age of five die EVERYDAY in Kenya. As a mom, a nurse, a Christian you want to help. You recruit your family to the cause. You recruit your friends to help. You decide the way to help is to equip, empower and engage young indigenous Christian leaders in the fight to save their children. Then you need money to do the work. You need money to pay the young Christian Kenyan leaders so they can support their parents and other family members back home in the villages. You need money to do the mission outreach like the one we are doing this weekend. You put together an American team and ask them to come join the Kenyan team to do the mission. They raise funds to come to Kenya and for the mission work and you pray they raise enough to support the mission. You are so grateful for the hundreds of people who support them with the funds to come and the funds to do the work. I hope everyone knows that whatever they gave large or small is making a difference. This weekend at the Mombasa mission we will see hundreds of people who are sick and give them medicine to make them well. Young men and women who have been playing in our soccer tournament for this last month will play the finals. Not the World Cup but to them it is as important - the winning team will receive soccer shoes and uniforms. Some of these kids play without shoes so to receive soccer shoes is a "big deal". Yesterday there over a 1000 people watching the quarter-finals! We have 1000 bed nets that we will distribute to children 5 and under and pregnant women. Sleeping under a bed net can prevent a child from dying from malaria. Hopefully, we will prevent one of the 473 children from dying. The Temples of Worship will sing all weekend from the stage and do a what if? event. Counselors will test people for HIV/Aids and people will sign commitment cards pledging to do their part to create an HIV-free generation. They will ask people to give their lives to Christ. None of this could be happening if this American team Ryan, Kristen, Amy, Rebecca, my son David, Logan, Nick, Stephanie, Jim, Lyn and Jake had not come and if so many people had not supported them. So that's how it works. Many people - American and Kenyan working together to save the children.

Blessed to be a part of the Mombasa mission team and grateful for all the $supporters,

Connie
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1st update - something is different

2010-06-07T10:05:00.000-04:00

I have returned to Kenya. Returned to a country, a continent and to people I have grown to love. But this time it is different. I have felt for awhile now that I needed to be under spiritual cover. When you go to the unreached people groups, the enemy isn't happy. The last six months have brought many attacks to Partners for Care. To help us as an organization, Pastor David Karanja said he would send me. So last Sunday Pastor karanja, Christ Harvesters International Church, Marietta, Georgia, commisioned me in front of the congregation to serve under his spiritual authority. I am now sent by Christ Harvester's Church and have the prayer support of the Kenyans who worship at this church. I am also blessed to have the prayer support of Cumberland Community Church in Smyrna, Georgia. I met Pastor Allen and Pastor Rob and 15 of their members when we partnered with them for a what if? event last November when they came to Kenya. I really feel welcome in their church and am learning from Pastor Allen's sermons. One of their church members, Amy, is on this trip with me for three weeks. We are blessed to have her join us! So, things are different. I feel more protected from spiritual attacks. They will come but we will continue to focus on the mission - finding and equipping young Christian leaders as they lead people to Christ. These young Kenyan Partners for Care staff are saving lives for the kingdom.

Blessed to be sent,

Connie
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Oops

2010-05-28T09:40:00.002-04:00

Thanks to my son David reading the last update I realize I forgot to tell you what Stephen said...he asked "will you feed me, I am hungry". Thanks David for helping your mom out!
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Stephen - he wants to be a Pastor when he grows up.