Ministry and Projects

Current Project Needs

We have several projects that we are currently making preparations to begin. If you would like to read more about these projects you can scroll down past this update, or click here: https://dunningsinkenya.com/2020/08/17/current-project-needs/

Covid-19 Relief Efforts

Over the last several months, we have continued to stand with our local partners in meeting the needs of communities that have been affected by this pandemic, through food, goods, and mask distributions. At this point, approx. 1,800 households from communities all over the country have received Covid-19 relief, and many of these have received relief 2-3 times.

Another major need that the pandemic has created is the need for on-going education for children, since Kenyan schools have been closed. In the coming months, we will be investing in providing materials and tutors for the children at our partner children’s homes. This will ensure that they are able to stay on track with their education and be ready when schools reopen.

St. Joyuna Academy Chicken Sustainability Project

The chicken project at St. Joyuna Academy (formerly Calvary Christian) was our first venture into income generating, sustainability initiatives back in 2011. The chicken project was highly successful, and provided consistent income and food supplements for the school and church for years. However, due to several factors related to the market, the project was temporarily shut down for a couple of years. We are excited to announce that through the combination of a gift/micro-loan the project is relaunching! There are currently 200 chicks brooding, with another round of 200 on their way. The chicks are ready for the market after 6 weeks of brooding. The cycle has been set up so that every 3 weeks a new flock will be ready to sell. This initiative, in combination with the water kiosk income generating project that was started in April (read more in our last update: https://dunningsinkenya.com/2020/06/12/june-update/), St. Joyuna has made great strides toward self-sustainability, while meeting the needs of the school, church, and greater community.

Hosanna Children’s Home Dairy Project Update

We are happy to report that the Dairy Project at Hosanna has continued to grow! In June, we shared that we had purchased a new heifer, Farasi. In late June, she safely gave birth to a female calf, Molo. With the addition of Molo, there are now 5 females in the project. Just two weeks later Sheriff Sr. (the first heifer we bought a few years ago) gave birth to another calf, this time a male. The male calf will be raised for 2-3 years and sold for profit.

Isaac, the director of Hosanna and overseer of this project, has made an incredible connection with a local Dairy Co-op that has agreed to purchase all of the milk produced (that isn’t consumed). This is a great development because it provides a guaranteed market! This project is such a blessing, as it provides milk for the children, much needed income, and educational opportunities for the children to gain agricultural skills.

Micro-Finance Loan Opportunities

Another group that Covid-19 has had a detrimental impact on is small business owners. Unfortunately, a few of the individuals that have started businesses through micro-loans in the last 1-2 years were unable to maintain their business during this climate. Fortunately, we have been able to stand with them during this time and are committed to seeing these businesses get back on their feet.

On the brighter side, we have had the opportunity to extend a few new loans during this season. These loans are creating opportunities for individuals to generate income that will sustain themselves and their ministries. We are excited to see these how these small businesses grow and develop.

Tana River Agriculture Projects

We are pleased to share that the flooding from earlier this year has subsided and the communities were able to return to their homes. Even though they had lost their previous crops, they immediately got back to work. Through our partner, Bocha, we are able to provide seeds to help get them back on track. As you can see, they wasted no time in bringing life to their communities through those seeds!

Prayer Requests

• For a solution to Covid-19 and for Kenyan (and US/World) leadership to have wisdom to know how to move forward.
• That we would love God and others as He loves us, and that we will be faithful in all the areas that we are being called.
• For continued direction and wisdom in our work.
• For our marriage to grow stronger every day.
• For Sophie and Ethan…that they will feel a meaningful connection to our ministry and that they both will grow to love and follow Jesus.
• For the Nation of Kenya, and the individuals, ministries, communities and churches that we have partnerships with.
• For our extended families as they live life without having us and the kids nearby.
• For good health, safety and protection.

Can we pray for you?  Please send us your requests at dunningsinkenya@gmail.com.

We love and appreciate you all!  Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean everything to us.  Thank you for partnering with us. 

Grace and Peace, 

Jamie, Jessica, Sophie and Ethan

We have several projects that are on the horizon, that we are excited about, but they require funding that we don’t have…..yet.  We believe and trust that the funding is going to come, and that each of these projects will be completed in the near future.  If any of these projects stand out to you and you are interested in making a contribution, we would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks for the consideration.

Project: Bandi Village Irrigation/Farm Project

• Need: Well, Tank Tower, and Irrigation Lines for the Bandi Community
• Cost: $10,000

3 years ago we began a partnership with local partner, Bocha Hussein, to start food production projects in villages in the Tana River Delta of eastern Kenya.  This area is prone to extreme drought, as well as periodic disastrous flooding, so the needs of the community are extreme. These projects provide water, sustainable food production, empowerment, and dignity for the women and men of these communities. They also provide wonderful opportunities for the love of Christ to be shared. At this point, we have food production projects in 4 different communities, but the word of these projects has spread throughout the region, so more and more requests have been made. The next community we plan to start one of these projects is Bandi, a community that we have worked with over the years through disaster relief and food aid.

Project: Tana River Community Toilet Project

• Need: Elevated Toilets for the Community
• Cost: $800 (for one elevated pit latrine)

One of the communities that we partnered with in Tana River County is in need of several, elevated pit latrines throughout the community.  This area is prone to flooding.  In the past, the issues that flooding brings have been exacerbated by the overflowing of latrines mixing with the standing water, leading to highly unsanitary conditions and sickness.  A few years ago, we provided an elevated latrine, and it did not overflow during recent floods.  The community elders have requested several more to be positioned throughout the village.  This is a need we would love to be able to provide for the convenience, sanitation, and dignity of the people, but also because we want to honor the request and the trust put in us by the Elders.  All of the work that  we do in this community encourages our partners (the team of local missionaries) that live in this community.  It is because of them (their work, commitment, and the sacrifices they we have made over the years) that we are even in a position to work, and be welcomed into, this community.

Nakuru CMD/Pistis Ed. Center Windows Project

• Need: Window Repair in Classrooms
• Cost: $650

The school building at Pistis Ed. Center is in major need of renovations.  The first area we hope to address is replacing several busted window panes throughout the building.  Nakuru is an incredibly dusty place (I have been told that Nakuru actually means ‘dusty” in Masai), so windy days make the learning environment less than ideal, as dust comes through the windows.  Also, it is impossible to keep the classrooms clean.  We want these students to have the best learning environment possible.

Project:  Smile Star’D Enterprise Building Extension

UPDATE: AS OF AUGUST 21, THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FUNDED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN SOON.

• Need: New Building for
• Cost: $13,000

Smile Star’d Enterprise is an amazing organization started by our partner, Alice Mwangi. The enterprise creates sustainable, reusable sanitary pad kids for young girls in order to help them stay in school. They also provide education on feminine hygiene in local schools. In order to meet this demand, local women are hired and trained as seamstresses. This has the added benefit of providing these women, and their families, with dependable and consistent work. The enterprise started 18 months ago with 4 seamstresses, but has quickly grown to employ 10 women. However, the current building they have is not large enough for all 10 women to work comfortably, so we want to help them build an additional structure.

Covid in Kenya Update

The pandemic in Kenya still feels young. The restrictions the government put in place very early were very effective in slowing the spread, however, we are still experiencing increases in cases every day. As the government begins to navigate opening back up, there is a fear that the virus will then spread rapidly. At this point, there is still a nightly curfew from 9pm-7pm, and no movement is allowed into or out of Nairobi and Mombasa counties, which are the hot-spots for Kenya. Other than that, most restaurants are still closed, there are passenger limits on public transport (though a recent outbreak has been attributed to public transport), and people are being encouraged to wear masks nationwide. President Kenyatta made an announcement on June 6, and extended all of these restrictions for another 30 days.

Ministry and Projects

Covid-19 Relief

We have continued to partner with leaders and pastors based in vulnerable communities around Nairobi to provide relief for those most affected by this pandemic.  At this point, we have been able to distribute approximately 1,000 relief kits through our partners.  If you would like to read a more detailed report on some of these distributions from last month, you can click the following links: https://dunningsinkenya.com/2020/05/04/covid-19-relief-interview/ and https://dunningsinkenya.com/2020/04/18/covid-19-response/.

Tana River Flooding and Covid-19 Relief Distributions

The communities we partner with in the region are suffering in ways unimaginable to most.  All of the communities that we partner with are currently living in displacement camps.  This type of flooding is normal for this region, but it is happening much more often and with greater intensity, recently 1-2 times a year.  Due to COVID, and its impact on the economy, the government is unable to respond to the needs of the people in any meaningful way.  Combining the devastation of a natural disaster with the impact of an international pandemic, in an already vulnerable region such as this, is overwhelming.  We are grateful for the faithfulness of our partner, Bocha, and his heart for the people of his community.  Together we have been able to conduct three relief distributions (the first two to 700 households, and the most recent to 1,300 households).  A long-term solution is needed for these people.  Ideally, they would be provided land that is above the floodline where they can settle permanently, while maintaining their current land for farming and agriculture.  This kind of solution doesn’t come easily, but it is our prayer.  

Hosanna Dairy Project

We are excited to introduce you to the newest member of the Hosanna Dairy Project!  We were able to purchase this beautiful heifer, Farasi, last week and in a few short months she will give birth to a calf.  She is the latest addition to the project that is providing steady income, as well as meeting the dairy needs of the 65 children at the home.  New sheds have also been built to accommodate the growing herd.  Isaac (pictured) is the director of Hosanna.  He and his family, do an amazing job providing for the children in their care, as well as managing the variety of agricultural and income-generating activities that help sustain the ministry.  

St. Joyuna Water Kiosk

In March, we were able to invest in a water kiosk income-generating project for the school and church (Calvary Worship Center Ruai) .  A borehole was drilled last year by Water for Nations, so there is access to plenty of water.  However, the surrounding community often faces water shortages. 

Eunice, the school director and pastor of the church, has a huge heart for her community.  In addition to pastoring the church, running the school, and providing a feeding program, she recognized the huge benefit that this source of water could be for the community.  The kiosk officially opened for sales in April, and already we are seeing tremendous benefits for the ministry and the community.  The water kiosk is providing water to the community at a fair price, while generating income for the work of the school and the church.  

Prayer Requests

We love and appreciate you all!  Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean everything to us.  Thank you for partnering with us.

Attached is an interview Jamie had with Doug Bartlett, Missions Director for the North Carolina Conference, on April 27, about the Covid-19 Relief Response in Kenya.

A few updates to the information given in the interview:

-660 kits have been distributed in Nairobi area (as of May 3, 2020)

-Kenya currently has 465 confirmed cases (as of May 3, 2020)

Partners and Friends,

We wanted to send you a quick update on how things are progressing here in Kenya.  We are doing well, trying to continue making the most of this season.  We have found a good rhythm of homeschool, family life, and work and ministry.

The situation in Kenya is much the same.  The new regulations are that face masks are required, and no one is allowed to travel into or out of Nairobi.  We are allowed to move within Nairobi, but no more than 3 people in our car (no family outings), and limited travel is being encouraged.  The cases are climbing slowly, and the government has put more regulations in place.  The people that are suffering the most are those from the most vulnerable communities, due to loss of employment, immobility, and increased cost for goods.  National Geographic recently published an article that accurately presented much of what we are seeing in Nairobi/Kenya through this crisis.  If you are interested, you can find that article here: Nat Geo Article: Covid/Kenya

In response to the growing needs here, we have been conducting Covid-19 Relief Kit distributions over the last couple of weeks.  These kits include food, handsoap, safety masks (made by our partner, Alice Wambui, and the ladies of Smile Star!), and information concerning how to be safe during this pandemic.  We have currently distributed to 300 families in Nairobi, and 700 families from the communities we partner with in Tana River County (food goods, not complete kits).

Of course, we have aimed to approach the distributions with wisdom, striving to keep everyone (our partners, the recipients, and ourselves) safe.  Our approach has been to deliver the goods to the pastors/leaders that we partner with within vulnerable communities around Nairobi.  We meet each leader one on one to deliver the goods to a safe and secure site (usually church or school), wearing a mask and keeping safe social distance.  Then each leader conducts the distribution one family at a time at this secure location.  The benefits of this approach is that it places our partners at the center of the outreach, being the ones to bring hope within their communities.  It also ensures safety for everyone involved.  The person-to-person approach limits the chance of virus spread, and decreases the risk of insecurity due to the gathering of large groups of (understandably) desperate people (more on this below).

The response to these distributions has been tremendous.  Here are a few responses that have been shared with us:

“I didn’t quite know how serious the situation on the ground (was) until we started doing the delivery.  Some families were actually going to go without a meal tonight, but thankfully they have received provision.” -Tobias

“The community is so grateful” and “happy that the Christians remember them during their time of need.” -Bocha 

“This is an answered prayer.  I was really fretting about how to help some of the families weather this storm.  We also got a lot of calls and text from parents being so grateful for these gifts.” -Moses

“I know the lifestyle of people on this plot.  We live close together.  And, this whole virus thing is waking people up to God.  One woman said, ‘Is this how God comes through for people?’  Another woman said, ‘SO… YOU can think of us?’  I’m the only Luhya (tribe), the others are all Kikuyu (tribe).  Walls are breaking down.” – Lydiah

“Everyone on my plot today can smell that the others are cooking their beans and are all happy together.” -Lydiah

There has recently been several instances of riots and stampedes at large distribution sites.  Because of this, the government has recently announced that food distributions are no longer allowed. (You can read about this here: Voa News: Distribution Stampede).  Fortunately, we confirmed today that the way we have been conducting them is still allowed.  Each location just needs to report to their local government representative and get approval.  We are very grateful for this.  Our plan is to continue doing these as long as the needs are present and we are able.

A special thanks to the People to People Covid-19 Relief fund, WMM Missionary Ron Wooten, and the many generous individuals, that have contributed to this work.

We wanted to share this update, because none of our work would be possible without your support and prayers.  Thank you for letting us serve as an extension of you.  We know this is a difficult time for most.  We pray that each of you, and your families, are safe and finding moments of joy and peace.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jamie, Jessica, Sophie and Ethan

Partners and Friends,

Greetings from Kenya.  We pray that you have experienced a great beginning to 2020.  We have had a busy, but life-giving, start to the year.  We have a lot of exciting news to share with you concerning our work and ministry and our family as well.  We are grateful for each of you, for your partnership, support, and encouragement.

                                                            Projects Updates                                                                (The following projects are made possible by generous contributions and the support of our partners.  If you are interested in supporting these, and similar projects, a contribution can be made here: Dunning Ministry Account (choose ministry account option at the bottom).

St. Joyuna Academy, Ruai-Water Kiosk Income Generating Project

We have been partnering with St Joyuna Academy and Calvary Worship Center Ruai since 2009.  Recently, a new borehole and water tank tower were provided to the school by Water for Nations.  This has been a huge benefit for the school and church, because they now have access to plenty of water, in an area that often faces water shortages.

We are currently in the process of constructing a Water Kiosk income-generation project, so that this water can be provided to the community at an affordable discounted rate.  The income generated from the project will provide additional resources for the school, and serve as a source of sustainability, while also being an incredible blessing to the entire community.  The community will know that this church, in addition to being a place that feeds and educates many children from the community, is also a place where they can receive fresh water at a fair, affordable price year-round.  We are very proud of the work and ministry of Eunice, and are so grateful for the opportunity that we have had to partner with her over the years.

Heavy Flooding in Tana River Delta

You may remember that in September we conducted a relief distribution for many communities in Tana River Delta due to the extreme drought.  In Nov/Dec, the rains finally came, but the amount was substantial, leading to extreme flooding in this region.  Many of the same communities that were suffering from drought in September had to relocate to displacement camps because their communities were under water.  The drought/flooding cycle is common for this region, but there has been an increase in the regularity of such events.  These recent floods led to increased food insecurity, as well as a rise in the potential for contracting malaria.

In December, we were able to provide 374 households with mosquito nets, as well as food.  In early February, we were able to provide 1,100 households with additional food.  Each of these distributions was a blessing for the affected communities, however, they were only a small drop when compared to the overall need.  We are still looking into ways that we can respond more substantially, efficiently and quickly in the face of such events.

Tana River Community Agriculture Projects

Sadly, the flooding negatively affected the farm projects in the communities that we partner with.  Most of the crops were lost, just a few weeks before they would have been ready for harvest.  However, I was encouraged to see that as soon as the waters receded and they were able to return home, they immediately replanted.  They were discouraged, but maintain an incredible sense of optimism and determination.  I am humbled and challenged by their resilience.

New Washrooms for Greenlight Academy

Greenlight Academy is a school that we have recently formed a partnership with that is based out of a local church.  The school reaches around 150 children each day.  The washrooms on the compound were not sufficient to meet the needs of the population, so we were able to have new ones constructed.

Team from Thrive Church

In early February, we hosted a scouting team from Thrive Church.  Thrive has been standing with us for nearly 6 years, so it was an honor to host a small team from there.  We had an extremely busy week with them, visiting 11 sites/projects/communities in 7 days and driving/flying/walking hundreds of miles.  It was also an incredibly fruitful week.  We look forward to hosting a larger team from Thrive in 2021.

Global Development and Relief Summit

In January, I was invited to attend a Global Relief and Development Networking Summit in OKC.  Representatives from 10 different nations, representing 11 different development and relief missions organizations, came together to discuss the possibility of forming a partnership network.

It was an honor to be in the room with so many incredible people that are engaged in inspiring work for the Kingdom.

An added bonus, is that I was able to stop off in NC for two days to spend a bit of time with my family.  We go long stretches without seeing them, so we try to take advantage of any opportunity to see them, regardless of how short it may be.

Locust invasion in Kenya

Kenya is currently facing the worst locust invasion in over 70 years.  This invasion has truly been terrible, and could become much worse if it isn’t contained soon.  At this point, the countries in the Horn of Africa are being most affected, and in Kenya it is mainly in the Northeast of the nation.  None of the projects and communities we work with are in this region, but there is danger of the locusts spreading further east/south which could reach the Tana River region where we have done several community-based agriculture projects.  The infestation is posing a major risk to food security, in regions that already face chronic food shortage.  The most recent prediction I’ve seen stated that at the current rate the swarms could increase 500 times by June, and this would be truly devastating for the whole nation.

The locusts were being contained with pesticides, but I recently read that the chemicals have been depleted.  So, there is an urgent need for more.  We are just praying that it can be contained quickly, and that the needed resources would come from other nations and agencies.  We haven’t been affected, nor have any of the communities we work with, but our heart still breaks for those that are suffering.

(Image taken from : https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/jan/24/billions-of-locusts-swarm-through-kenya-in-pictures#img-12)

Prayer Requests

We love and appreciate you all!  Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean everything to us.  Thank you for partnering with us.

Christmas is just around the corner!  Last year we had another amazing Christmas with all of the People to People partner feeding programs around Kenya (You can see a recap of last year’s Christmas Project below).

This year we will be providing gifts to nearly 500 children, as well as a small monetary gift for around 40 staff members.  We will also have 6 celebratory meals at different locations.  A breakdown of the requested gifts for this year is below:

Hosanna Children’s Home: New school shoes for 62 children and a monetary gift for 10 staff members, as well as a special meal for everyone.

Huruma Children’s Home:  New school shoes for 50 children, monetary gifts for 8 staff members, as well as a special meal for everyone.

Outreach Children: New school shoes for 8 children, a monetary gift for their parents, and a special meal.

Nakuru CMD: New school shoes for 56 children and a monetary gift for 8 staff members, as well as a special meal for everyone.

Isiolo Feeding Program: A gift (undetermined) for 38 children, a monetary gift for 4 workers, as well as a special meal for everyone.

Calvary Christian School Ruai Feeding Program: New backpacks filled with food items for 220 children, and a monetary gift for 13 staff members.

Lokichoggio Feeding Program: A special celebratory meal for 150 children and community members.

People to People Sponsored Pastor’s Children:  A monetary gift for 60 children and their families. (PtoP typically provides funds for this).

As you can imagine, this is a costly endeavor.  The budget for the above gifts, food, and meals is $8,000.  If you are interested in partnering with us to help make this Christmas special for all of these children, we would greatly appreciate it!  You can click here to do so: Dunning Ministry Account (choose “Ministry” in the account menu).  Any amount will be greatly appreciated!

2018 Christmas Recap:

                                                            Projects Updates                                                                (The following projects are made possible by generous contributions and support of our partners.  If you are interested in supporting these, and similar projects, a contribution can be made here: Dunning Ministry Account (choose ministry option)

Tana River Delta Relief Distribution

According to the National Drought Management Authority, 2.5million people in Kenya are at risk of starvation due to drought and insufficient rains this year, which has led to poor food harvests.  There isn’t a sufficient amount of food, and the cost of what is available has risen by 10-40% in recent months.  The majority of these people live in arid and semi-arid lands.  The communities that we partner with in Tana River county are among those being affected.

Last week we were able to conduct a relief food distribution for 5 communities, numbering around 800 families and approximately 5,500 people.  We were able to procure a UN-approved, fortified food blend from a local company called Soy Afric.  The food blend is packed with vitamins, minerals, and meets all daily nutritional needs.  It is the type of food we want to be providing, however the distance from Nairobi to Tana River county is quite far, so transportation costs are high.  Fortunately, a friend from Convoy of Hope allowed us to rent their delivery truck and driver to make the delivery.  This was a huge blessing, and we were very excited to get this higher quality food option to these communities.

Each family received enough food to last between 1-2 weeks.  We celebrate this, but at the same time we were sobered because the awareness that the current needs are massive and these needs are only expected to increase. In early August it was estimated that 1.1million people were at risk of starvation, so that number has more than doubled in the last month.

Our desire is to be able to respond to such needs more efficiently and readily.  Of course, this requires more funding.  We would love a transportation option that is consistent and financially viable, and we would also prefer to have a stock of relief food waiting and ready for distribution.  These are both options that we are looking into.  For the time being, if you are interested in contributing towards our fund that made this distribution, and future distributions, possible, it would be greatly appreciated.  You can do so here: Dunning Ministry Account (choose ministry option).

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Tana River Community Agriculture and Irrigation Projects

One positive aspect of this trip is that I was able to check in on the 4 village agriculture projects we’ve partnered with.  This was very encouraging.  Even though these communities are still facing challenges like their neighbors, they are able to produce their own food, despite the drought and lack of rain!  The harvests are providing food and income for school fees and other needs.  Our partner, Bocha Hussein, is doing an amazing job overseeing these projects.

I will offer one specific highlight from these communities from the most recent project in Vumbwe village.  Their first harvest included kales, spinach, and tomatoes.  The proceeds from the harvest paid school fees for many children within the community, as well as provided food relief.  An unexpected benefit of this project is that it has provided a consistent watering source for a neighboring pastoralist community.  The Wata pastoralist were unable to find an adequate watering source for their herds, so they came to Vumbwe because they had heard of our agriculture project, and that our well is producing copious amounts of water.  Halima reached a compromise with them allowing them to bring their herds for watering each day.  We are currently constructing a watering trough away from the farm land for this community.  I was so proud of Halima’s (the lady overseeing this project) generosity in freely offering this water to a neighboring community.

Micro-Finance Loans

We recently had the opportunity to extend micro-loans to two Mothers of some of our People to People children.  Both women are starting small businesses selling fruit and vegetables in the local markets (with hopes of expanding to owning proper shops in the future), so that they can help meet the needs of their families.  We are proud to partner with them, and praying and believing that these small investments are going to give them the tools that they need to make a positive impact for their families.

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St. Joyuna Academy Ruai Washroom

St. Joyuna Christian School is a school that we have partnered with since 2009.  The school reaches around 200 children offering an education and two meals a day.  The washrooms on the compound were not sufficient to meet the needs of the population, so we are in the process of constructing new washrooms for the students

Rosslyn Cultural Field Studies

Each year Rosslyn Academy sends 16 groups of High School Students to sites all over Kenya to serve and to learn from communities and projects.  Jessica coordinates all of these trips and teams.  It is a massive undertaking, but she coordinates it brilliantly.  This year’s trips were all a great success.

In addition to Jessica coordinating all 16 sites, I host one of the teams.  Each year I take a group of 16 HS Sophomores to Emmanuel Preparatory School/Emmanuel Worship Center in Kanja, Kenya, for 5-days.  This year the students assisted in classrooms, participated in plastering and painting work projects, replaced broken window panes, learned about Embu culture, experienced the beauty of the surrounding area, and saw first-hand how tea is processed…from hand-picking leaves from the bush to the tea being roasted and packaged in the factory.  It was a great group of students, several of which I taught in 3^rd grade.  It is a unique experience to be able to witness how these kids have grown and experience them as teenagers.

New Role for Jessica at Rosslyn:

This year I was given the opportunity to go full time at Rosslyn Academy.  The official new title for this position is still a work in progress, but for now it is the Manager of International Communications and Alumni Relations.  It is very similar to a Director of Advancement position.  I am looking forward to taking on the challenges this new position holds.  I will be doing more work with marketing and branding, growing our Alumni engagement, while maintaining the responsibilities I previously held.  I am excited for the chance to pour my gifts and abilities into this role.  I will still be able to assist with our missions work on weekends and holidays, so nothing will change in that regard.

Note from Sophie:  I am now in 4th grade.  I have a very funny teacher who is named Mr. Hrvatic.  I have made two new friends named Lauren and Eva, which is nice because several of my good friends moved at the end of last school year.  This year I joined a drama club at my school, because I really enjoy acting.  We will perform a short play next week.  I am still taking piano lessons and I am learning chords!  I am also still doing gymnastics and playing intramural soccer.  Recently, I have discovered that I love building lego!  It is a fun challenge to make new creations.

Note from Ethan:  This year I have started 2nd grade.  My teacher’s name is Mrs. Kamau.  I am still playing soccer on Saturdays and taking drum lessons on Wednesdays.  Right now I really like to read and learn about animals.  A few weeks ago, my Dad and I went to the Nairobi Snake Park and I held a real snake!  It was an African Rock Python.  Rock Pythons are constrictors so they can’t hurt you.  I also saw a Puff Adder, which is the deadliest snake in Africa (not the most venomous, but the deadliest).  We also went on a game drive at Nairobi Game Park and lions were very close to us.  We also saw giraffes, birds, baboons, zebras, buffalo, impala and black rhino,

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Prayer Requests

We love and appreciate you all!  Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean everything to us.  Thank you for partnering with us.

People to People, Projects and Ministry

People to People Updates

Over the last few months we have been traveling to all of the People to People Ministries partner projects to get updates on the sponsorship children. We have nearly 200 children in the sponsorship program that are located in every corner of the country, so it is quite a large job to get updates on each child. But it is also a joy to connect with each child one on one and to spend some time with them. We see many of these children consistently throughout the year, but the update process allows us to connect with each one in a unique way. We finished our last updates on Friday, so now they are ready to bring to the States and send out to supporters.

Tana River Community Agriculture Projects

We are grateful that we have partnered with Bocha Hussein to start another Village Agriculture Project in Tana River County. This one is in a village called Vumbwe. We have provided a well, irrigation tank/tower, and irrigation lines so that the community can produce crops and sustain themselves. This is the fourth community that we have done this in, and they have made a huge impact. One example is in the community of Gardeni. The group of women that oversee the project informed me that in the last harvest, they decided to sell all of the crops and then divide the profit among each family in the community. Each family received around $50 that they were able to use as they needed. Most either purchased food or paid for their children’s school fees. It is an incredible testament of a community led program, headed by a group of empowered women, that is benefiting the entire community. The new project in Vumbwe is being led by a woman named Halima and she envisions a similar approach for their project. The other programs in Peponi and Odhole are also moving along.

We are also excited that we are upgrading all of the projects to solar water pumps. This will save each program money, since they no longer have to set aside funds for fuel, but we are also excited to lower the environmental impact of the projects.

Example of Irrgatiion system…

Micro-Business Seminars

During my visit to Tana River, Jamie also had the opportunity to teach a micro-business seminar to a group of leaders from several communities. My hope is that when I return, I will receive some business plans from them and we can consider investing in these micro-enterprises.

In April, Jamie also had the opportunity to give a talk on sustainable approaches to ministry with a organization that is run by a close friend of ours called InnerChange.  This particular program is an apprenticeship (Deep Coaching) that provides mentorship, spiritual direction, and training, to a of group young coaches in the Nairobi area to equip them to have a greater impact in their communities through sports programs.  We are looking forward to building on this when we return and continuing to develop this partnership and relationship.

Other Speaking Opportunities

In February, Jamie was invited to travel to Santiago, Chile, to present at the 6th Global Assembly on the Power of Micro-Economic Investments in missions and community development. It was an wonderful opportunity to connect with others from around the globe and to speak on a topic that he is very passionate about.  He was also able to take a day and do some hiking in the Chilean Andes at Cajon del Maipo.

In April, the church in Kenya celebrated their 40th year. Jamie was invited to speak on the history of People to People Ministries in Kenya. He also had the opportunity to speak to 150 leaders from around the country on what he believes is the call of the church: to practice, and be known for, the “Upside-Down” Kingdom values of Christ….love, compassion, radical generosity, servanthood, hospitality, self-sacrifice, peacemaking, humility, mercy, justice, and forgiveness.

Family Updates

End of Year Music Recitals/Concert

Since we are leaving a few weeks before the school year ends, so that we can maximize our time in the States this summer, Sophie and Ethan will miss their end-of-year music recitals. We planned a mini-recital for the two of them and invited many of our friends. We are so proud of how they are developing in their piano (Sophie) and drum (Ethan) skills.

Sophie had an Elementary Spring Music concert where she was chosen to play prelude music on the piano, sing a solo, and play in a specials chimes group.  We are so proud of the way she is developing her musical gifts!

Birthdays

In the last week we have celebrated Ethan and Sophie’s birthdays with their friends. Ethan’s actual birthday was April 26. He is now 7 years old. Sophie’s birthday is not until June 11 (she will be 9), but she really wanted to celebrate with her friends before we depart for the US. We will celebrate both again with family when we get to the US, but it meant a lot for them to have parties with their friends.

Graduate School is finished!

After two years of balancing work, graduate school and family, Jamie has completed his Master’s Degree in International Development from Eastern University! He isn’t able to attend the commencement ceremony in PA next week, so our friends came together and held a surprise graduation for Jamie and Rachael….our friend that also just completed a Masters in Theological Studies.  It was the perfect way to celebrate this huge accomplishment.

Prayer Requests

We love and appreciate you all!  Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean everything to us.  Thank you for partnering with us.