Another Safe Kenyan Mission Trip

It has been less then a week, since our return home from Maseno/Ekwanda area of Western Kenya.  My mind is slowly getting back to "normal".  But just like other trips, maybe my normal, is forever changed. You see some of the things we see are very hard to process. There were good things that we witnessed, like the health of the majority of our precious 56 sponsored children, their siblings and families. It continues to amaze me, how simply $20 per month, can change these families lives. Then add some chickens, some free seeds, and hope abounds!  One garden (they call them shambas) looked especially healthy and thriving. That USA sponsors family had given their Christmas present gift from their daughters to purchase fertilizer for this family instead. WOW, what a visual difference in that garden.  We literally went "wow" as we passed it.

Then another one of our USA sponsors had contacted me several months ago and said that their family had decided to for go buying a new car, but instead decided to sponsor another child.  Well as we visited that family, we realized this decision had literally saved a family of 7 from starving to death. They were still struggling, but now had hope. All because someone in America with a good running car, decided they really did not need a new one, as much as some struggling family needed some help in Kenya. WOW, little did they know what a miracle that would mean.

So as my mind continues to work, I will share more stories.  May God help each one of us to make the right decisions each day like that family in Wisconsin was guided to, that saved the lives of a family of 7.  Help us to always discern the truth Lord.  Help us not be part of corruption ever that would prevent actual help getting thru to those in need.  And Lord help us to continue to be YOUR ARMS as we reach out to the hurting. Thanks for all your prayers!

Kenya Mission Trip notes

Well we are all back safely on USA soil, and all tired, but feeling like God truly went with us.  I will try to relay different stories, challenges, celebrations, etc as my brain continues to try to function! HA!  But overall, I am grateful that I feel healthy, just tired from the experience physically.  The first story I care to relate is one of a new challenge.  But before I go further, I will also tell you of a success story we witnessed first. You see we do see differences this ministry has made with God's help in huge differences!  Our children of His Arms were all happy and currently quite healthy!  PRAISE THE LORD!  That even meant our children who are HIV+ and the two we have that have "full blown AIDS" which just means they are dealing with not so good blood levels of HIV.  But we saw happy smiles, dancing kids, loving the games that wild Besan and Jeanne taught them, and laughter like you would not believe!  You see it takes protein and nutrition that gives our children their energy. Most of our healthy kids in USA have tons of energy!! But to see these kids with energy, makes one jump and down ourselves to witness such an improvement.  We have three young little pre-schoolers that even had a bit of a fight during one of our games.....ok, good...showed them to be energetic little 4 yr olds loving competition!!! With sparkles in their eyes!!! That was a GREAT thing!  I know...who would have thought that, huh???

But one of the new challenges we heard is of the lack of Orphan Feed that used to occur in the community around us. In the past they were heavily sponsored by USA donors thru a local church denomination. Now since the missionaries have retired and returned to USA we did witness many signs, hear stories, where corruption has entered in. Unfortunately the local ladies in that parish we visited, see hungry children, see sick children, but now little funds are getting to them to help these community kids.  And lest you think, they should do something about it themselves, they all live in poverty themselves, all have extra children they now have in their own homes they are guardians of, but just no funds to put on these huge feeds that used to feed 300-500 children their one protein meal a week.  Now about 50 come (some used to walk up to 5 K each way to get there and that takes energy itself) but often are only given a little to eat.  But the hardest part of hearing this story, is that several of the children we had played with, fed, etc in the past when mission trips in the past helped at the Orphan Feeds, have died since December when the missionaries returned home. You see Malaria is still the huge killer of children in sub-saharin Africa.  Malaria is a treatable disease.  Caught in early stages it merely takes an antibiotic to wipe it out.  But that means you have to get to the clinic, meaning a bus ride which cost up to 100 Kenya shillings and then buy the meds ($22 or so)   The average person working in that area still only earns 75 Kenya shillings a day...which is about $1 US dollar.  So if your food for your family is going to cost about 75 Kenya shillings a day.....you see where there is often no money left to support medical needs.

The good news. We are starting a fund you may donate to which will be called "Community Emergency Medical Fund" which will be handled by FLorence Oyosi our coordinator of His Arms. But this is not funds for our His Arms children. We already save part of your monthly support funds for our own medical fund to help our kids.  But when a community adult comes to Florence and refers some ill child to her, and it has been verified from one of these valued community caring individuals, we can offer a gift of some funds to obtain that emergency acute care.  So if the child is seen to be extremely ill and needing to get to a clinic, we may be able to offer some funds. Of course, it is our dream that in this small community of Ekwanda/rural Maseno, we will not hear of a child dying for the lack of $25 US for care for this treatable disease. 

If you can help, please donate to His Arms, Peace Lutheran, 2084 County Rd N, Baldwin WI 54002.  Consider telling others in your church or group of friends. We are going to suggest that perhaps you take away $25 off your budget for Christmas presents and instead donate to this fund.  Again, this is not for our His Arms children. They are getting adequate and great care. It is for those in the community around us, who have children ill.  Thanks so much for reading our blog. To think only $25 may have saved those kids we played with.....well it makes one ill!   But we can maybe stop further children from dying. Asante Sana!  Thanks for reading our blog!

As someone recently reminded me, we cannot do everything, but all of us can do something!
Nancy Rowe

Travelers/Missionaries are on their way home!

This is Renee.  The travelers/missionaries are on their way home from Kenya!  Thank you Lord for being with them while they were in Kenya to be the hands and feet of You!  Thank you for the love, encouragement, time, and hard work they freely gave to so many.  Thank you for all of the support and prayers of the travelers' families and friends before, during, and after their "trip."  I pray Lord that you would keep all the travelers safe on their way home and give them peaceful/restful travels.  I pray Lord that you would continue to pour out your blessings on the travelers after they get home.  Keep them in good health- body, mind, and spirit.  Thank you for watching over these precious warriors of Yours Lord. Amen.

Beginning efforts of the land purchase :)

All is going well. did the business stuff today, which went well. I lived thru the matatu ride (public van 14 passenger, with 24 of us in it!)  Just a litttle sweaty!!!  Tomorrow we end and wrap up, so excited to come home and tell you all our stories. But was glad to get the beginning efforts of the purchase behind us. Officials at the government building were so nice, and she said, "Wow you are getting that at a great prices".  That made me feel good as of course, did not get appraisals. But God is with us....so many cool things....also we saw some of the family that was starving, we gave them money to get food....and today, when we saw them could not believe the difference. The litttle ones smiled, and walked and wanted to even play just a little.....so heart warming to see. They have a ways to go....but so much hope.

Spoke to the girls at school

All your prayers are helping so much!  God is opening our eyes to suffering and pain, but then we are trying to think of more solutions with God's help.  Besan and Gigi speaking to the girls at school has been so eye opening.  They supposedly get sex education in school....but apparently not good enough.  Some of the questions they dealt with today made them think this precious little girl maybe was raped, wondered about pregnancy, etc.  Oh my, we surely did not know we would be lead where we are, but this time we already have had three long conversations with girls and/or women on the various issues.  We pray for these girls and women being raped, and being made to think they are less then perfect creations.  BRING ON THE Psalm 139 projects! WOW are they needed!

A family in desperate need!

This is Renee.  My eyes are filled with tears for the suffering that Nancy, Besan, Jeanne, and Pastor Joe witnessed as they visited one of the newer homes to the program.  There are 3 boys that all have started first grade at age 8, 10 and 12.  They are just so happy to be able to go to school.  The children still all look malnourished with popped bellies.  When they gave them toys, the children sat on a rock and did not have energy to play.  Food only comes out once a month, so they would still be more then 10 days before they would get more food.  The travelers/missionaries gave the family all the protein bars they had with them and purchased eggs for them.  The Dad has died.  The Mom is trying...she had to sell her 13 year old girl to someone who would care for her if she was their servant.  The mom never sees her anymore, but knows she is alive.  The house they live in is not much bigger then a coffin.  It has no beds and 6 are living in the home.  All of them have jiggers on their feet.  After many tears, we pray along with the travelers/missionaries that there will be $500 to build this family a house to live in.

Women issues in Kenya

Wow, a minute again to be on the site. All is well here as far as our health and well-being. We are having great caring people caring for us at the housing unit! Met with ladies today who will start a support group after we leave for women's issues. God is GOOD! They are helping figure out solutions...and when there is not solutions right now, they can encourage one another! It was very meaningful. One never knows what ministry will consist of....today it was talks & sharing of rapes, condoms, HIV, girls in school being mistreated because of being girls, etc..... thank you so much for your prayers.

This is Nancy

This is Nancy. We are so excited to be on the internet for a few minutes. What a time we are having. Very emotional as always, learning lots. Have seen blessings of what has been happening, but continue to see so many needs. So be prepared! We have so much to share again. I will try not to cry so much you cannot understand what I am saying. Just keep praying for us, for discernment in how we d

o things. Pray for Stephen, who may be dying any day of AIDs, one of our daddies of precious little Reuben. Now what for this little guy? Another of our kids with HIV of the new ones, but will not share here, as it is hard to hear. So will contact the sponsors when we get home. but so many good stories of success!!! Love you dear friends!

Orphan Feed

This is Renee.  Mom (Nancy Rowe) called Dad (Dan Rowe) this afternoon about 2pm our time,
10pm Kenya time.   Had a great orphan feed...tomorrow they have gifts for the His Arm's students (party time).   All is well with the travelers/missionaries.   They even had a little critter in their quarters at bedtime.   It was a gecko, who seemed to know nothing about Geico car insurance!  

TRAVELERS ARE ALL SAFELY IN KENYA!!!!!

This is Renee.  I just talked to Mom (Nancy Rowe), and all the travelers are safe in Kenya!!!!  She said their accommodations are very nice.  They have already experienced miracles of getting the luggage there CONSIDERABLY cheaper than expected!  Thank you Lord for your blessings and protection!  They are looking forward to having a party with the logos kids tomorrow.

Travelers on their way to Kenya today!

This is Renee.  This song so perfectly describes the heart of the travelers to Kenya today!  Listen to this and hear the words and pray for them daily please!  Thank you Lord for giving Nancy, Besan, Jeanne, and Pastor Joe the courage to move into action to stand beside the broken!  Bless them all with protection, health, and energy as they begin their travels.  Be with the family members at home and bless them with peace.  Amen.
 "God of Justice"

Pastor Joe arrives safely in Kenya!

Jambo to family and friends in the U. S. from Pastor Joe,

Today is Tuesday October 9. Arrived in Nairobi last Wed. evening after a 31 hour flight (that includes layovers). Flying

internationally makes a big difference I think in how one is treated (Have not yelled at anyone yet!).

It's hard to find a place with internet but finally I have so here I am:

Stayed over night in a nice hotel and on Thursday evening I flew to Kisumu. Pastor Dennis Meeker met me and

put me up at his new home right on Lake Victoria with a million dollar view. He showed me all around the area

including  his new school (grades 1-6) where I taught the 4th through 6 graders about baptism on Friday.

What a treat this was. But we found at least half the class of 40 kids have not been baptized. Pastor Dennis will

speak to each parent about this for permission if possible. We even found a Lutheran who was not baptised! What's

up with that?

By the way, I have a new name. The kids in the class voted 40 to 0 that my name should from now on should be Pastor

Joseph and not Pastor Joe! What do you think?

On Saturday Pastor Dennis drove me to my mission area in Maseno about 30kil away. I arrived about 2pm at Maseno University

guest house where I will be staying for the next 3 weeks. It's the first time I stayed hear and I must say the accomodations are

great - not what I'm used to. I have my own full size bed, a toilet and shower (although primitive) instead of a trickling water

spicket and a 30 foot open "drop hole" for one to do you know what. Everyone is real nice, friendly and respectful to me. Went to a student

chapel service on Sunday morning. The first hour of the service was great but I started getting "worship fatigue" after the 3rd hour. The

services here are LONG! If St. Pauls' services were 3 hours long Pastor Jim would have a congregation of 1.

I met up with my beloved friend and laison where all funds are sent from the U.S. later that day. Her name is Florence and she is one

of the finest, moral and ethical ladies I've ever known. Without Florence nothing would ever get done around here with regards to

my kids and their families receiving help. This is the lady I am now teamed up with including Nancy Rowe from the U.S.

On Monday we took a trip after hiring a driver to a town 30kil away. I went to see the family I personally adopted and check on how

they were doing. My little family of 5 including grandma were OK but had some problems. First of all they had stopped receiving funds

from me since last December. This was because of the retirement of the people I first worked with. The money was accounted for

but unfortunately they were not getting it for almost a year. I have corrected the situation and there will be no more fund problems.

Secondly and very unfortunately my little Sara who is the eldest and 17years old has vanished from high school. Grandma has not

heard a word from her since June of this year. I spoke with many neighbors and found out that either she was forcibly taken to another

Province to work as a housekeeper or worse she was forcibly married and is now far away. I promised grandma, who is obviously very

distressed and concerned with her grandaughter's disappearance that Pastor Joseph will do everything possible to locate and bring Sara

back home. How I will do this I don't know! But I have been making good contacts.

On Tuesday (today) I will be visiting two families who each has received a goat from my funds. I hear they are doing well but I must see for

myself (follow the money trail). They were both extremely poor so I'm anxious to see how they are doing. Then I'll see the families who have

received cows.

That's enough from me because I'm probably boring you by now. Plus it has just started to rain heavily and that means the electric will go out.

You never know for how long it will be off.

One more thing. Somehow (and not very often) I missed dinner tonight.  So I think I'll take a walk into the jungle tonight and wrestle

with a lion for the carcass of a wildebeast.

Blessings to you all and please keep praying, not for me, but for my kids.

Love to all,

Pastor Joseph (Joe)

Cover the team in prayers as the get ready to go to Kenya!

This is Renee making sure I am able to effectively blog to keep us all updated on any news from our beloved travelers heading to Kenya to be "His Arms."  Please help cover the team in prayer!

Kenya time, almost here!

We packed last week-end in MI with each of us, given our last minute assignments to fill in all the "cracks" and pray it is 50 pounds or less. Yes, we do each have an extra 3rd bag they will charge us for, EACH!.  But we are praying that it is not super excess fees in Kenya which it can be. However, for all of your that donated money and said "get what you need most".  Well guess what you helped purchase today?  3000 Children's chewable vitamins that just might keep our kids with HIV alive and boost their immune systems! You purchased Children's tylenol as now the clinic is less then adequate, you purchased 200 band-aids, plus 2 containers of anti-bacterial ointment, plus other over the counter meds for our kids!  What a help that was.  What a blessing!!! Asante Sana!  THANK YOU SO MUCH. 

Will check in one more time before we leave.  We have a send off prayer on Sunday from Peace Lutheran, Baldwin WI. Please include all of our travelers in your prayers.  Pastor Joe from CA, Besan From Grand Rapids MI, Jeanne from Muskegon, MI and Nancy from Baldwin WI.  May the Lord bless our work, keep us and our fellow workers safe in Kenya, and may He take good care of our families back here in the USA.