TURKANA PEOPLE DYING OF HUNGER - MAY WE TOGETHER DO SOMETHING?

Connie,

In 1999/2000 I went to Turkana, for the first time ever, on a mission
to do a documentary filming of the worst ever drought in the region
that threatened to wipe out both man and beast from the Turkana desert
plains.

They were then fairly strangers to me. Eight years down the line,
they are close confidants, brothers and sisters still eking out a
living in the same harsh conditions, but many now followers of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

There is a repeat of the threatening circumstances of 1999 not only in
Lodwar, but covering virtually the whole of Kenya. For the Turkana,
being in desert conditions, their situation is even more pronounced as
it is an extreme multiplication of what others are going through. The
situation is worsened by the fact that being so far and isolated from
the rest of Kenya, those in the comfort zones will cry loudest from
the adversity they are not used to, leaving the Turkana to die
silently and unaccounted for in the desert. In effect, the relief
food normally given out to the Turkana may now not be as forthcoming
as the whole country is encompassed in the threat of a dire famine,
which has already resulted in several casualties, chief among them
children.

Connie, I know many churches are fully engaged in normal meetings and
conferences and workshops to work out new liturgies, new evangelism
approaches and even fund-raising strategies. I feel Christians cannot
be so far away from their calling if they can concentrate on these
kind of callings when the suffering laity is dying unattended out
there.

I was funded by a German democratic foundation in 2000 to do a
documentary on the adverse drought in Turkana for their own German
consumption. I feel there is a necessity to urgently do something
like that again to bring out the stark reality of what is happening.
ALready, as I saw and recorded in 1999, the worst scenarios are
appearing of very emaciated women virtually crawling to the main roads
to die there, if nobody comes in with the life-giving product, food.

I may not be able to go back to Lodwar or Marsabit if these people die
and we could have done something about it. I do not know how far and
how much we can do, but we can feed one person and save him from
starving to death. By so doing, somebody else will follow in our
example and whole villages may be saved from this menacing evil of
unnecessary death.

To me and you, to Joy Griffin and the ILI fraternity that has made
inroads to these lovely Turkana people, to Steve Taylor, Culpepper,
with whom we crisscrossed the desert, to eminent persons like Bill
Johnson we have brothers and sisters in the Turkana desert on the
verge of perishing, yet we have the means. Could we have done
something about it?

I am seeking your help to carry out that documentation of the
situation on the ground in both Turkana and Marsabit with a view to
pointing to properly thought-out interventions. I believe our
Christianity is on the test and the Lord who has empowered us to act
on His behalf is watching from His throne. Who will act for Him when
it matters most?

Yes, we can argue like the international community that Kenya does not
deserve this help because of corruption in government. Will God take
that justification in the face of the many threatened by painful death
through starvation? I believe not and am blowing this trumpet so that
we can act now and ask the ethical questions later.

I wish I could write more, but I feel even the seconds that I am
writing this are valuable, maybe there is a life that could be saved
by acting faster than I am typing this.

Forgive me, Connie for the tone of my short note. I hope you will
read the humane urgency that I want to impart for that is my only
motive for sounding this desperate plea.

May God bless you and all who respond.

Laban G. Gitau

Obama swearing in

On Monday I travelled to Washington to meet Hon. Mwangi Mukami, former Youth President of Kenya. Mwangi works with us in Kenya and is especially important in our What If? campaign. A new York Times reporter met us at the airport and followed us for 24 hours recording Mwangi's response to being at Obama's swearing in. Mwangi has met Obama both in Kenya and here in the US.
You can a view a 3 minute video at www.nytimes.com <http://www.nytimes.com/> Go to the video section and look for the story called: "Hope Crosses the Alantic" about Mwangi Mukami coming to attend the inauguration. 
The event on the video with Dr. Lumumba speaking is the event I told you earlier where the Temples of Worship played.
Mwangi will be here in Atlanta with me for about a week beginning Feb 1 for meetings, etc. He will go to Pastor Karanja's church Feb 1.
Blessed to witness this event with 2 million other Americans and a few Kenyans, Connie 

 
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Temples of Worship

This morning the Temples of Worship - the worship team funded by Partners for Care sang at the prestigious Martin Luther King celebration hosted by Hon. Mwangi Mukami, former Youth President of Kenyan and President of the Martin Luther King African Foundation. The event was held at the former site of the US Embassy where now sits a memorial to those who lost their lives in the 1998 bombing of the Embassy. It was attended by foreign ambassadors and many high level Kenyan goverment officials.

The Temples of Worship sang to a crowd of over 10,000

On Sunday the Temples of Worship are to play to a crowd of over 10,000 at a church in Karen. Invited for Sunday's event is the US Ambassador.

The Temples of Worship thanks Susan Spence for sending funds for them to buy suits for Sunday's performance so they will look very professional.

The Temples of Worship

I will be joining Hon. Mwangi Mukami and a Kenyan delegation in Washington DC on Monday for the week of meetings and other events. Mwangi will be with me in Atlanta later in the week for meetings. Mwangi has been very helpful in connecting us with people who are helping Partners for Care in Kenya. I was recently appointed by him as Policy Director for the Martin Luther King African Foundation.

Connie

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Fw: End of Year Gifts

David Gruber co-founder sent this very nice message to his friends. I am blessed to have him as a partner in Partners for Care, Connie

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---

From:
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:56:05 -0500
To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;><Invalid address>
Subject: End of Year Gifts

Friends,

In case any are interested in making an end of year charitible contribution, and have not done so, please let me know. I would be happy to meet with you tomorrow (Dec 31) in order to be sure the donation is processed for a 2008 tax year deduction.

 

Connie just returned from a very successful trip, through which more than 10,000 were presented the Gospel and learned about HIV/AIDS prevention and how living according to God's principles, HIV could be eradicated in Kenya and beyond. During the stops on this "what if?" tour, more than 300 accepted Christ, and hundreds were tested to learn their HIV status. You can read more on the blog site, http://partnersforcare.blogspot.com. The theme of these events was "what if there were no HIV pandemic?" - what could God accomplish in lifting the people of Kenya out of poverty and broken families and lives which have resulted from this disease. We are supporting our Kenyan friends in trying to accomplish something so impossible, that it is doomed to failure unless God is in the middle of it - to create an HIV-free generation in Kenya. Pray how you might be a part of that, whether by praying, giving, or going on a trip - or go for the Trifecta, and do all three.

 

Connie and I are grateful for the support provided in the past, and pray for a healthy and prosperous New Year for each of you.

 

God Bless,

 

David

 

What If? Concert tour a success

The last of the What If? Concerts were held in villages near Mombasa. The team returned to Nairobi on Christmas Eve day travelling through the night. The team was tired but not too tired to arrange to meet and interview Dr. Lumumba for the TV story to hear his words about the What If? Concert tour and the next steps. He launched the tour in Lumuru at the first What If? Concert so we wanted to end with him. He was so inspiring and encouraging. He has become our spokesperson for this What If? campaign. He said it is time we win the war against HIV/Aids, declare victory and have the NGOs pack and go home. He said we need missionary zeal to fight this disease that is destroying people and the economies of developing nations. He said this is a marathon not a relay. He wants us to do a big What If? Concert in Nairobi using all the media and the chuches. I will meet with him when I return.
During this tour over 10,000 were reached with the message of living pure for Christ. And 323 people said yes to Jesus! All were given bibles and taken by a local pastor for followup. Thousands signed the committment cards committing to do their part to create a HIV-free generation - to wait until marriage, be faithful to one partner and to test and know their status. The team from their experience of doing 8 What If? Concerts have developed a four hour What If? presentation. The Temples of Worship open with some worship songs, Pastor Omondi then asks the audience What If? there was no HiV/AIDS. What would the world look like? What would Kenya look like? Then more worship songs. Then Pastor Omondi preaches a powerful message of Living Pure for God. He asks the audience to sign committment cards that say Yes We Can create a HiV-free generation - committing to test and know their status, wait until marriage and stay faithful to one partner. Then as the cross is raised and the Temples of Worship sing Remember Me he asked those not born again to accept Christ as their personal savior. Those who step forward are taken to a private area and given bibles from local pastors who record their names and contact information. This approach not only focuses on awarerness but calls for people to accept Jesus and live pure for Him.
The next steps will be going to as many venues as they can with these presentations - high schools, colleges, universities, large church youth groups, etc.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We travelled all over Kenya sleeping in small hotels, eating local food, and sometimes not sleeping much but the team did well. The team also had many spiritual challenges but we prayed through them.
Fighting AIDS in Kenya, Connie

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What If? Concert Tour

If someone doesn't believe the difference sin and salvation can make in an individual's life and even in an entire community they should come visit the two villages near Mombasa where we have held the What If? Concerts. The first village MTV was so oppressive with sin and darkness you could see it everywhere and even feel it as you walked through the village, as you went into the shops. Everywhere and I really mean everywhere you see old white American men with young (as young as 16) Kenya women. Prostitution is very common here. Pastor Jack, our host GOA church told us there is widespread drug use and child trafficking. He said the village sleeps at 5 am and wakes up late in the afternoon.

Pastor Omondi leading people to Christ

When Pastor Omondi preached and made the call for those to accept Christ he could feel the resistance of the crowd, feel the hardness. A few stepped forward. In the morning after a powerful message from Pastor Omondi a dozen people came forward which was a big victory for Jesus.
We prayed for the people of this village the next morning as a team before we moved two hours further up coast.

A picture of the people present during the concert

Now we are in Watamu - an entirely different village. The people are gentle, respectful and welcoming. We worked with about a dozen pastors here on the ground. After meeting with them and showing them Dr. Lumumba's speech they have formed a pastor's group to address the HIV/AIDS issue. They will keep in communication with us. I have referred them to Rick Warren's web site on how churches can get involved in the HIV/AIDS issue. And when Pastor Omondi made the call the first night 73 stepped forward to accept Christ. The second night 85 gave their lives to Christ. All names were recorded by the church leadership and each was given a salvation bible.
We were blessed once again to visit Justus' and David's home, meet their pastors and walk their village. They have become the village heros. People from the church where Justus slept for three years cried when they saw Justus on the stage singing. They have many family members in this village. Franko another Temples of Worship member also has many family members in and around this village. The Temples of Worship performed their very best for their hometown crowd. David sang to the crowd "Smile Again". With the cross on the stage they sang "Remember Me" with Justus singing to the people where he wrote the song.

The Temples of Worship singing Remember Me

It was all most impossible to leave. The crowd stayed around the bus as we tried to load and leave. The pastors and the people just want the team to return and stay longer.
We have much of the What If? Concert Tours recorded as Elly is still with us and recording for a TV story. Blessed to see so many say yes to Jesus, Connie


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What If? Concert Tour Update

The What If? Concert tours focusing on calling the youth to create a HIV-generation were inspired from Louie Giglio's Passion conferences. Having been blessed to volunteer for Passion for two years and watching the Passion Conference DVDs over and over I wondered What If? The youth of Kenya came together shouting praises to God and believing Yes We Can wipe out HIV-Aids in our generation. The Partners for Care Kenyan team of course doesn't have the resources Passion has been blessed with. And the audiences attending walk from their villages or live in a slum and could never afford to pay to attend the concert - some of them barely survive because of a lack of food. We have as they say "gone interior" to the village people. But, the team does have some of the things Passion has. It has passion. Passion to wipe out AIDS. Almost every member of the team has an infected family member, has lost close family members who have died from AIDS and some are caring for the orphans left behing. Even in the Partners for Care house where many of them live we have with us Brian. Brian is one team members' nephew, who at age six has AIDS. The team has Temples of Worship, a gifted group of artists who want to see AIDS eliminated from their Nation. We don't have Louie, Beth Moore, John Piper or any of the other wonderful speakers from Passion, but we have Dr. PLO Lumumba, one of the most elegant orators in Kenya who has agreed to be a spokes person for the What If? campaign. And we have good, strong, passionate pastors like Bishop David Thagana and Pastor Omondi to preach the purity mesage that will wipe out AIDS. And, the former Youth President of Kenya Mwangi Mukami is working with us speaking at some of the venues. Most Kenyans know both Dr. Lumumba and Mwangi Mukama and respect what they say. It is God's favor that we have the blessing to work with these men of God.
The What If? Concert in Siaya was all we had prayed for and more. The on the ground work the Partners for Care staff had done was deep and wide. They worked through families, friends and Muma Churches Fellowship an organization of 22 churches in the surrounding villages. The pastors from this organization had posted the posters, distributed handbills and announced the event from the pulpit. They came and met with us before the event. We asked them how they wanted us to conduct the day. We asked permission for Pastor Omondi to preach. They said very much so and one of their pastors interpreted. A very known artist, Sara, from the area performed. Also a local theater group performed a HIV/AIDS awareness drama skit which was very much accepted by the people.
The day was amazing starting in the morning at the hotel. The hotel staff had seen our hats and our t-shirts What If? and knew we were there for HIV-AIDS awareness. One hotel staff came to Sam our communication director and said please test me now. I want to know my status. I am tired of living without knowing.
We moved to the village market area where the concert would be held. We knew we were deep in the interior where poverty and lack of opportunties is great - signs were everywhere. No cars - everyone walked, poor unpaved roads, children in torn and ragged clothes. The people from the villages come to this marketplace on Tuesdays and Fridays in the afternoon.. When we arrived there was a "stage". Not what you typically see even in Kenya. It was constructed from boards.....well you would just have to see it to understand. But, that stage performed very well!
After we sat up we walked around this market. It consisted of small wooden structures with small stores, two table restaurants, shops etc. In a large grassy area were wooden structures. One by one women carried in produce - potatoes, onions, clothes, fresh fish, fruits and soon there was a full "shopping" center with hundreds of people shopping. The What If? Concert was opened by the chairmen of the Muma Churches Organization. He introduced Pastor Omondi who explained the purpose of the What If? Concerts - to create a HIV-free generation. He introduced the Temples of Worship who sang and danced. One of the Temples of Worship - George comes from this area. His whole family including his parents were there to hear George worshipping on the stage in the open market village.
The local leaders estimated the crowd at over 2,000. The cross was raised to the platform as Pastor Omondi asked those that did not know Christ to come forward. Over 100 people stepped forward to receive Christ.

People giving their lives to Christ

The local pastors were there to receive them into their churches. Each new believer was given a salvation bible. There were so many people who wanted to sign committment cards we couldn't pass them out faster enough.

One of the women from this region signing a commitment card

At the conclusion of the event as darkness came we met for tea with the pastors to ask them to evaluate the event and how we could do better next time. Everyone of them said just "stay longer" and "come back". They took committment cards for their churches to distribute to members who could not attend the concert. And the best of all they committed to not just encourage a pregnant woman to test to see if she is possitive but to take the woman by the hand for testing. They committed to stop babies being born in their village with HIV/AIDS.
Tomorrow is Mathare. We hear the Bishop from our host church announced the event Sunday from the pulpit. We have heard he will attend.
We feel your prayers as we feel these What If? Concerts have had God's favor.
Praying for the concert tomorrow in the slums in Kenya, Conie

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Devastation of AIDS

Today God took us to see first hand how HIV/AIDS has had a devestating impact on families. He showed us this in two families of people we love.
We left Eldoret heading for the next concert in Siaya district. Siaya is in Kisumu - Nyanza region which is the second largest region in Kenya after the Rift valley region. The HIV/Aids rate here is 15.3% - the highest in Kenya.
I didn't tell you yet that we have a TV, radio reporter with us called Elly. We met him during the last Eldoret sports mission. He is a young Christian man who works for Sayare, a Christian TV, radio station which partners with GOD TV. He loves the worship team and is marketing their CD now from their station. He also likes the work of Partners for Care. He joined us on the bus and he will be producing a feature story for TV on the What If? Concert tour. He was with us yesterday recording by video as we met and saw first hand AIDS in Kisumu.
Pastor Omondi had earlier asked me if we could stop to deliver Christmas gifts to a widow group he helped form and had been helping in his rural home Ugunja town in Siaya district Nyanza province which is highly infected with HIV. We bought bar soaps, kangas (wraps), sanitary pads in Eldoret before we left for the visit.
Our tour started well though the group members looked tired from their previous performance, they were excited to get to Siaya.
The journey wasn't that easy as anticipated by many. We travaced through hills, valleys, poor unpaved dusty roads. In about four hours we arrived in Ugunja where we met this wonderful group of women called Widows 'Moyie'. meaning "widows who have accepted their status and are ready to move on with life"
It was fun to watch Pastor Omondi's excitement at the anticipation of delivering the small gifts we brought them. There are 20 members in total, and 14 of them were present..The widows had gathered and waited for us in a small hotel in the rural area in the outskirts of Ugunja town.

Pastor Omondi (front) with the widows present during that visit

When we arrived and greeted the widows, Pastor Omondi introduced them. He introduced the organizer of the group and said, "this is Eunice my sister". Eunice is also a widow and has four children of her own to take care of. It was then that I realized that is why he had helped with this group - Eunice his sister is infected. Pastor Omondi had co-ordinated with her to start the group. The purpose of the group is to find ways in which the widows in the area can become self reliant and earn a living and boldly carry the message of HIV prevention to the community.
Most of these widows are deserted and stigmatised because of their status. Many of them are infected with HIV. They need someone to show love just as we did. It was difficult to understand how many tribulalions they were going through. The question that kept running through my head was, "What If? there was someone to stand with them when they needed help the most? What made me cry is that these women have no one to turn to when in real need. Worst is that they have either children or grandchildren to provide for regardless of their health status.
"That is what touched my heart and I felt the need to do this" says Pastor Omondi.
As a group, they practice small scale farming, work in people's farms, sewing children's clothes with a machine which Pastor Omondi bought for them. They were all dressed so beautifully and most appeared healthy in spite of their povery, the hardships in their life and the diseases they suffered from: AIDS, TB, malaria. We gave them their gifts and they loved them but mostly, they loved meeting the Partners for Care staff. We gave them bracelets written "Remember Me" as we told them we would remember them as they remembered us. The Temples of Worship sang Remember Me for them before we left. We promised to visit them again.
Next we went to Nick's family 'boma' (small piece of land with houses for family members) or what is left of it. Nick the first born in his father's family was born in Thika a town a few hours drive from Nairobi the capital. The family moved to Mathare the second largest slum in Nairobi after Kibera slums but his family is from the village of Ligega in Nyanza.
His grandmother has lost 10 of her 12 children - many to AIDS. Nick stood and introduced all of us to his grandmother. He told us how death stole his whole family. He told us at one time he used to come home for Christmas to a large family. Now it is just his grandmother and the children left behind. So many children - orphaned. Nick had ealier this year taken six of the children to community Transformers rescue center in Mathare so he could raise them. He told how he had to choose some of the children because he couldn't take them all. The last orphan from the deaths in this family is little 2-year old Elizabeth who has AIDS. Her daddy died four months ago. She now lives in the rescue center.
Nick's grandmother humbly served us tea and bread and roasted corn cooked outside over an open fire. We brought her food - Nick had said that was best gift we could give her.

Nick's family with the Partners for Care team

Charles is the the co-director with Nick of Community Transformers. He too grow up in Mathare. Nick and Charles did not know their families lived in walking distance from each other until after they began to work together helping people infected with HIV/AIDs. We were able to walk to see Charles' father. We called Charles on the phone so he could speak with his dad. His dad has been sick for several months. He had refused to test for HIV the last time Charles was here. I assessed him the best I could with my limited nursing skills. His left leg is swollen and painful with an open sore. I suspected he has cellulitis. The best was for him to go to the clinic. We arranged for transport on a motor bike and for someone to take him. The team left funds for him to be transported and assessed at the clinic. He agreed to test.
Faced with this challange of how to help not only their families but other families Nick and Charles have started Community Transformers here in their village. They have identified volunteer leaders and trained them on how to run Community Transformers. It was very humbling to see these young leaders in this village devastated by AIDS trying to transform their village.. Just like Community Transformers in Mathare they have organized volunteers to visit those infected with HIV/AIDS. They are seeing 15 clients. And just like Community Transformers they have an afternoon program for children to tutor them in their studies. They have reached into the schools teaching a program called "Choosing to Wait". At the conclusion of this program cross necklaces are given to those young people who choose to wait. We saw a young girl with her necklace - she has chosen to wait. Does she knows how important her decision is? The change begins with her. She is begining the transformation that will occur in this village as other young men and women choose to live pure for God. They can create an HIV-generation.
We left in the dark travelling on to our hotel in Siaya.
Nick and Charles have taken their anger at the disease of HIV/AIDS, their compassion for those infected and affected and moved to action - to do something to change this next generation. I envision a time once again when Nick can go home for Christmas to many people celebrating the birth of Christ.
Please continue to pray for us as we complete the What If? concerts. Pray we stay strong both physically and spiritually as we focus on the mission.
Fighting the disease of HIV/AIDS, Connie

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What If? Concert Tour Launched

With a packed church in Lumuru Dr. Patrick Lumunba lauched the What If? Concert Tour. What If? Dr. Lumunba asked the audience there was no Aids? What if this next generation in Kenya, in the world made a decision to live holy for Christ and create a HIV/AIDS generation? The people listened in silence as Dr. Lumumba passionately described the impact in the world of HIV/Aids. The sickness,, the deaths, the orphans.

Dr. Lumumba launching the concerts, in Limuru

What If? He asked if there was no Aids. Every village could have clean water, every school a computer, roads could be built connecting the unreached tribes in the distant parts of Kenya. What If? Hon. Mwangi Mukami, former youth President of Kenya, spoke and called the youth to follow God's principles and say no to HIV/AIds. He said it was not too late to change their behavior, repent and declare their intent to live holy lives.

A picture of a section of the audience present during the Limuru concert

The Temples of Worship sang and the people shouted to sing more. Hundreds of people made the decison to sign a committment card saying "Yes We Can" create a HIV-free enviornment. They pledged to do their part - test and know their status, wait until marriage, be faithful to one partner. Pastor Mungai of our host church asked his sister to come forward and she told us she was infected but God was good and she was on ARVs and felt strong. The pastor shared how she was the person in his life that encouraged him the most. She works with infected women in Lumuru encouraging them. The team worshiped through the night and as morning came a wooden cross was placed at the front as a reminder that He died for all people and He offered redemption for those who accepted Him as their savior. Lights were dimmed and candles were lit illuminating only the cross. The Temples of Worship sang Remember Me as David and Justice knelt at the cross when they sang "we come to you". When they finsihed Pastor Omondi took the microphone and in a quiet voice said "halleluiah". He closed the concert asking who wanted to receive Christ. Twenty people said yes to Jesus. They will be disciplined by the host church.
Thank you to those who have been praying for these concerts. We ask your continued prayers. We travelled all day when a bus full of sleeping people arriving in Eldoret by 5:00 pm. We arrived in time for the award ceremony of A-Step's four month Peace Tournament. The second concert will be Sunday at 1:00 pm. I will share more about the A-Step Peace Tournaments in the next update.
Blessings, God can create a HIV-free generation. Connie

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Maggie's School

Sometimes you get news that just makes you smile. Praise God. We just reveived such news! 160 Turkana children are now attending school at Maggie's School! I know Maggie knows this and is smiling, too. It wasn't easy to get this school open. There is a reason why this is unreeached people group. Far, far away in the desert there is now a school. 160 children wake in the morning and for the first time go to school to learn. There are three teachers and a cook. The cook is important as she will prepare lunch (outside over fire) for the children because food is very scarce in this area. We are grateful to Bishop David Thagano GOA who sent GOA missionary Peter Wagura to the school last week to help complete what needed to be done to open the school. He along with two GOA pastors and Andrew, Partners for Care social worker gathered supplies for the school and headed out in a vehicle through the desert to the school. After completing over only one hour of the four hour drive the vehicle broke down stranding them in the desert. Fortunately another vehicle came along and took Peter back to town where he secured assistance for the broken vehicle. Somehow they all made it to the school with the supplies! After sending us news the 160 children were now enrolled and teachers were in place Peter took the long 24 hour bus ride back to Nairobi. He has pictures which we are all eager to see. I will send them to you as soon as I receive them. Next the toliets will be built for the children thanks the Christian school Maggie went to who has adopted this Turkana School and raised the funds for the toliets. My sister is planning to visit Maggie's School with many of her friends in July. I will be blessed to be with her as she witnesses first hand how she has honored Maggie in this wonderful way that will literally transform a generation of Turkana children.
Blessed to witness the building of Maggie's School in the Turkana desert, Connie
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Temples of Worship Tour

Everyday in Kenya 473 children under the age of five die. Most (90%) die from preventable diseases - malaria, HIV/AIDS, malnutition. And 180,000 children are infected and living with HIV/AIDS. The Temples of Worship want to do something to change these statistics. They want to use what God has gifted them with - their music. Starting December 12, 2008 they are embarking on a five city, eight venues tour - What If? Supported by other Partners for Care staff - Sam, Moses, Njokie, our newest staff member Pastor Maurice Omondi and our Partners Nick and Charles these concerts will call the next generation to be HIV-free. They will ask the question What If? there was no AIDS, no orphaned children, no street children, no babies born infected with HIV/AIDS. What If? every child slelpt under a bed-net? Drank clean water? Had enough to eat? Honorable Mwangi Makami, former Youth President of Kenya and Dr. PLO Lumunba will speak calling the youth to avoid getting infected themselves. Testing will be offered at each site in cooperation with the National AiDS and STD Minisitry (NASCOP). and other AiDS organizations. And because the concerts are also a call for the youth to accept Christ and follow His principles Bishop David will preach and ask the youth who are not believers to accept Christ.
See attached posters being used in Limuru, Eldoret, Siaya (near Kisumu). Nairobi (Mathare) and three venues in Mombasa.
This is a large undertaking as they want to reach many youth with the message of saving children, being HIV-free and living for Christ. The team would appreciate your prayer support. Pray that those who come to hear the music will hear the call to wipe out HIV/AIDS - to do their part - test and know their status and keep HIV-free by following God's principles. Pray for each team member as they continue to plan these concerts, mobilize the communities, practice their music and prepare themselves spiritually to win souls for the kingdom. Pray for the team as they travel together on a bus for 10 days throughout the Kenya - for travel mercies and safety.
Everyone in Kenya has the feeling "yes they can" and it is with this spirit the Partners for Care staff are planning these What If? concerts. I will travel to kenya December 9 to travel with them on this tour.
Bless you for your support of what God is doing in Kenya,
Connie .



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-----Original Message-----

From: Connie Cheren <ccheren@aol.com>



Date: Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:39:18

To: Connie Cheren<ccheren@aol.com>

Subject: what if

Connie

I wanted to let you know that the updates from this last trip came from Dan Kellenberger as I lost my Blackberry while in Kenya this time. Some of you have told me his email went to scam. Remember you can see all the updates and pictures on www.partnersforcare.blogspot.com. Thank you for all your prayers and support. I missed reading many of your encouraging emails when I was without my Blackberry! I now have a new Blackberry but have lost recent phone numbers. I hope not to ever lose my Blackberry again! Blessings, Connie
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Requests

The Partners for Care team are all eager to learn and grow in many ways. Many have started reading books and enjoy reading books about great leaders, Christian leadership and other good books. If you have some books you could send them I will be happy to carry them when I go next time. Also any good CDs, videos and even old tapes (one of them still uses a cassette tape player) They share them with each other when they finish reading them. Also there can never be enough bibles taken. I If you have extra bibles not being used I will take them to Kenya. wish we could give every pastor in Kenya the John Maxwell Leadership Bible. If you want to purchase one for a pastor for Christmas let me know. It is an awesome bible and every leader should have one. We ask John Maxwell's company if the made one in swahilli and they do not. I wish they did. Christian DVDs are also needed. I watch them show DVDs at night and translate them. David Gruber sent End of the Spear and they loved it. They love anything from Louie Giglio. Especially the Passion DVDs. I need more of those - they love the Nashville one. If anyone has a video camera they would like to sell please let me know. The team wants to be able to video tape performances so they can evaluate themselves for improvement. Partners for Care works to enable, equip, and encourage Kenyans to help each other. Good Christian material helps.
Thanks for any help you can give, Connie

Temples of Worship CD Release

Temples of Worship releases their new CD
The GOA/Partners for Care worship team - Temples of Worship has released its new CD. All of the songs were written by the team members and some are in swahilli and some in English. The album includes Justus' song Remember Me When You Come. I have bought 200 copies home with me. They would be great Christmas presents for anyone who knows the team and for your Kenyan friends. They are $15.00 each and all the proceeds go to support the ministry work of the team. Just email or call me and I can get them to you. The producer told us it believes it is the best album he has ever produced. He is releasing it to the radio stations in Kenya this week. If you can help the team sell the CDs let me know or if you have any ideas on how we can market it.
Thank you for your help!
Connie

Last update from Kenya

God is blessing the team in Kenya
It was a great blessing to be in Kenya these last few weeks. No matter your political position it was fun to watch the Kenyans celebrate as a son of a Kenyan was elected President of the United States. There were many goats and bulls slaughtered in celebration the next day. We had been to the village right next to where Obama's grandmother lives when when went to see George's family. It is a very poor area of Kenya with no electricity or paved roads. It is also the hardest hit by HIV with a 15.3% infected rate. Many, many deaths from malaria. As most of you probably know President Kibabi declared Thursday of that week a National Holiday to celebrate. Everywhere Kenyans were saying "yes we can". He and American has inspired the people of Kenya to aspire to greatness. Dr. Patrick Lumumba who people call the most eloquent speaker in Kenya said at our press conference - Kenya has been great in theory for a long time let us make Kenya great in practice.
The Partners for Care worship team - Temples of Worship Reach-A-Million initiative has used sports as a way to reach people with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. To date they have reached over 100,000 with almost 1500 people accepting Christ . They have now decided they want to try to use music, worship, etc. to reach the youth. I had shown them several of Louie's Passion DVDs and they want to do something similar in Kenya. We have organized for a five city tour in December playing at 8 sites. The concert theme is "What If? David Gruber got donated "What If?" hats from the artist Nicole who wrote the song "What If?" Kathy his wife had bought David one of the hats at a women's Christian conference. He wore it to Beat the Drum and we have pictures of the children wearing the hat. The concerts will be dedicated to the 463 children who die everyday in Kenya from mostly preventable diseases - malaria, HIV/AIDS and sadly malnutrition. God has blessed this initiative as the Bishop will speak as well as the former youth President of Kenya who is very well known and Dr. Patrick Lumumba will speak. We have good relations now with the the Christian TV and Citizen TV who will cover the events. They will hold the concerts in Lumuru, Eldoret, Kissmu, Nairobi (Mathare) and Mombasa (three locations). The venue in Mathare will be Redeemed Gospel Church right in Mathare which is one of the larger churches in Kenya seating 5,000. Pastor Karanja preached here when he came. The Temples of Worship team are from all parts of Kenya - so they wanted to go to their homes to spread the message of hope and health through prevention and the message of salvation. The new Director of Youth for the National Aids Control Council who I met with this time will attend some of the concerts and do public tests of some of the worship team and speakers in encouraging the youth to test. We will also have the major organizations on site providing testing. Two of the events will be all night with the others four hours. The team has been given an incredible gift from someone Deb Zinn knows of 8,400 salvation bibles. The team has set of a goal of converting 8,400 people and giving each one a salvation bible. This goal will take time but it is a worthy goal. The theme What If? will ask the youth What If? they could be a HIV-free generation, what if they could eliminate the diseases that costs millions of dollars to treat and take so many lives of children and adults leaving 2.1 million orphans in Kenya. And of course the attendees will be asked What If? they believed - Yes We Can? Please pray for these events and for the people God is calling to know Him and to worship Him. This is a major undertaking and most of the Partners for Care staff are involved to make it happen.
The enemy was certainly was challenging the team this trip. To impact on someone the enemy knows to attack their family. This trip several of the team had a family illness or death. George found out his father, second mom and last born is infected with HIV. Njokie's sister had a depression episode and was hospitalized. Franko's aunt died. Justus' mother went back to drinking leaving his 14 year old sister head of household (I hate the disease of alcoholism). Through all this team supports each other sharing what resources they have sending funds back to their families.
We have added a pastor to Partners for Care. Pastor Ombundi from the Nairobi church has joined the team. And we need a pastor. He not only pastors the team but is helping in Mathare with Community Transformers and will help to reopen the project in Kiambiu slum. He will supervise Paul (nurse) and Moses (social worker). He will help Moses with setting up the Partners for Care public health training that will be given to all the GOA churches and at every GOA training. This has been a goal of Partners for Care and it is good to have someone who will help with this project. He is also responsible for connecting the What If? concerts with the GOA local churches and ensuring all those who answer the call to be saved are connected to a church to help discipline them.
The team worked hard these last few weeks. We have implemented planning, meetings, follow-up, evaluations, quality improvement, and personal development. They are eager to learn and could see how much more they can accomplish when goals are set, daily work plans made, meetings are held for accountability and encouragement and they are all using yellow pads now with lists of things to do! I came home with none of my yellow pads and will take many for them when I go back. They do less now spontaneously and challenge each other with "what are your plans for tomorrow?' They have implemented many systems from list of equipment to take when they go to perform to tracking systems for the sell of their new CD. I watched as they conducted a strategy meeting on how to market their CD. They now ask the questions what needs to be done?, who is going to do it? and when will it be done? They are growing as leaders both leading themselves and others. It is a privilege to see them take the leadership role.
Please pray for them as they grow. The more they do for the kingdom the more the enemy will attack.
Thank you all for your support and prayers while I was in Kenya this trip.
Connie
 

10th update

Team participates in press conference
Last night we participated in a press conference with our friend Hon. Mwangi Mukami. He called a press conference to discuss what it really means to Kenyans that the son of a Kenyan has been elected President of the United States. Using the foundation of the words of Martin Luther King Mwangi called the youth to do what God called them to do. Work hard, study and live with honor and integrety. Many well known people were there. There were TV and newspaper reporters and we are setting up follow up meetings with some of them to discuss how they can help create an HIV-free generation. The team enjoyed seeing themselves on the TV. Mwangi announced his involvement with Partners for Care. We are blessed to have such a leader working with us.
Blessings, Connie

9th Update

Issac goes to school
Today we took Issac to school at Merciful Redemeer. It was not the same boy we met just two weeks ago. Then he was drinking and spending his days gambling. After he got saved he told us he just wanted to go to school. He had never gone to school. He cannot even spell or recognise his name. He came from Eldoret on a mutatu on Friday. He has been with us since then. He worshiped with us on Sunday. Pastor Omondi of the Nairobi GOA church is his spiritual father having helped bring him to the Lord. Issac saw him on Sunday
And he went with us to take him to Merciful Redemer. There is a nice relationship between the two. Both of Issac's parents have died so Pastor Omondi plays an important role in Issac's life.

George, Pastor Omondi and Isaac at Merciful Redeemer

Thanking God for the miracle of transformation, Connie

7th update

Story of conversion of Oscar
Today the Bishop shared the story of Oscar. In the disco Isaac came to the Bishop to talk. With alcohol on his breath he got close to the Bishops face. Moses took a photo.

The Bishop leading Oscar to Christ

In the darkness of the disco Oscar saw the flash of light and grabbed the Bishop and asked "has God come?". The Bishop told him God was there. Oscar said then I want to get saved. With beer bottle in hand the Bishop took him outside to pray for him. The Bishop invited him to meet him at the GOA church the next day. Oscar showed up. He is a talented young man who God can use to lead worship in the church.
Witnessing the winning of so many souls for the kingdom, Connie

8th update

Partners for Care ministers to its own
Soon after I arrived George one of our worship leaders came to speak with me. He said his sister had just informed him that his father was infected with HIV. George was concerned about his Dads second wife and a small child from that marriage. While Georges Dad is a believer he has two wives.

George with his family

The team with George's family

A common practice in his village. As Georges family was two hours from our last mission stop we made the decision to go visit and help George and his family. The team was excited as we boarded our bus at 5:30 am to leave Bugoma for Georges family. We travelled down very rural roads until George said to stop. We were at his familys burma. What we would call a small farm. There were 4 small mud houses - one for the first wive, one for the second wive and each wive has a kitchen although the cooking is done outside over open flame.
The welcome was so special. Many came from all the village to see George. Introductions took 2 hours. We could see how the people in the village love George. George waisted no time in assessing the health status of his family. It is not easy to determine a persons status because of fear, stigma, and denial. George found his father, the second wive and sadly the small last born infected. George told me he with sadness in his heart that he thought AiDS was far from his life, far from his family and now he knows it is so close.
The family prepared a feast for us. Some of the best food I have eaten in kenya. All preoared over open fire outside. Amazing.
Under the tree the worship team set up their equipment and led worship. A local preacher preached a powerful message and two accepted Christ and many knelt to be prayed for. A revival right at Georges
Later we brought the family together to give them bednets and teach about malaria, water borne illnesses, and HIV prevention.
It was time to leave for the long drive back to Nairobi. We were leaving George so he could help his family. It was hard to leave. Even in this short visit we had developed a closeness to Georges family.
Praying for George and his family, Connie
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6th update

More from Eldoret
I shared with you about the A-Step program that did the on the ground organizing of the tournament. I would like to share some of the story of their leader and founder - Tim. Ti m was once a street boy in Nairobi. His mother was hurt in a matatu accident and Tim got seperated from her for several years. He struggled to eat and to go to school. As with many Kenyan boys sports saved his life. He played for mathare association and was good. Winning best player in a tournament he was given a cash award. Mature people in his life told him to use the money to buy a piece of land. By then he had been reunited with his mother. He bought a piece of land in Eldoret where he eventually moved with his mother. He has struggled over the years as work was hard to find. He was desperate one day and he looked up to see a church. He decided to attend on Sunday. There he heard the pastor say he takes vision, faith and work to accomplish your dreams and aspirations. He left the church committed to make a diference for God. Today he is a very influence leader of thousands of youth in Eldoret through A-Step. They struggle with funding but are committed to work and they have faith God will substain them.
Tim shared with us that his mother is infected - he believes from blood contamination during the accident. He told me she was very sick. I asked if he wanted me to visit her. Late that night the local pastor drove us in the rain to a very humble home to see his mom. Tim had built two homes on the piece of land he bought with his money from winning best player. He lives in one house with his wife and two small children and his mother lives in the other house. His mother was very ill barely able to sit up. The pastors prayed for her. I assessed her the best I could as I checked her breathing and the pressure sore she had on her back. I advised Tim she needed to go to the hospital as I suspected she had pnemonia. As we sat with her Tim told me he comes home  every night to his sick mom  and that is what motivates him  to fight the disease that is killing his mother. The next day Tim took his mother to the hospital. She is now being treated for the pnemonia.
Tim is an an amazing servant of God.
Grateful to know a humble servant of God, Connie