So many blessings have occurred, recently in our ministry. Our building is nearing completion. Generous donors have contributed so we could get the windows and doors! We are so excited. That means when the Central Michigan University Student Group accompanied by Dr. Renee Babcock, visit and bring books for a library to be started, they can be safely placed in the building! Plus just recently people have contributed more, so it looks like we will be able to start having the local men we hire, start putting up a gate./fencing around our property to help keep it safer for our dear children. WOW! What blessings.
Then we received word that our Kenya Director/Founder Florence Oyosi's husband and son who were injured in the accidents, are both progressing well and should be able to return to normal health. Thank you Lord and Thanks to all who prayed for them.
We also ask prayers for the CMU group leaving the beginning of May for them to have safe travels and their visit to be blessed. Then we ask for prayers for our July group going from W. Wisconsin and MN to be safe as well with their travels and for their time with our children to be blessed as well. So many things to be thankful for this Easter. But we are especially thankful for what our Savior did for us all long ago on the Cross. So that whether we are African, American or whatever country we are born in, we can live forever because of Jesus' death and Resurrection. Again our sincere thanks for following our ministry and for all the prayerful support our readers give us! Mungu Awabarikie! God bless you all!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Kenya Orphan Medical Needs
As I write this, our Kenya Founder and Director, Florence Oyosi is dealing with her own biological son fighting medically after a serious vehicle accident in Nairobi. The first hospital in Nairobi he went to should have been a good one as is large and well-known. But alas, his condition seemed to deteriorate and his pain level kept increasing. So after much prayer, FLorence who had to travel the trip to Nairobi herself as her husband himself was injured by a vehicle accident as they were leaving to join their son, had to make many decisions. She was glad to hear the scans appeared to have been ok according to the medical people. He was alert, but in so much pain. He was casted for his fractured leg, but continued to bleed from extensive wounds all over his body,even after being stitched up, plus have the terrible pain. So she took him out of that first hospital, the spunky woman she is! She then took him to another hospital who quickly assessed him and realized he had glass fragments sewn up in his wounds! They corrected the situation and he has continued now to improve.
So you ask yourself, why in the world would I share such a yukky story? I will tell you. This is some of the supposedly "great care" people in large cities get for their loved ones in these developing countries. However, people that live in the out areas, as do our children and guardians, lack even that quality of care. Therefore, my heart aches. We have several of our children dealing with HIV. One of our children seems to be getting worse and we have been told she has "full blown AIDS'. Now the grandmother instincts step in for me. I think, we got to do something! If she was here in US, I am sure the very best doctors could help her. But she is not. She is in a little village, with a HIV clinic that is trying to do their best, with few medical equipment, tests, etc available. The Kenyan government won't allow her to be adopted unless a whole bunch of hoops are jumped thru, including the adoptees new parents having to live in Kenya with the child for 6 months! Not practical.
Last night as I tried to sleep and struggled with this, I kept praying about it. What do you want me to do God? Then I said, "you have to be very clear in telling me as I do not always understand what you are saying". So this morning I got up, prayed some more and then sent off an email to a medical provider in another state to see if she would have any ideas. As I have said over and over, this ministry is not easy. It is not for wimps many would say! Our trips are not easy, physically, mentally or spiritually. Yet everyone who has traveled them, has not regretted it. Thus, today, I ask you my blog reading friends, to storm the heavens with me! Ask God what He wants me to do about our two precious kids that apparently have worsening lab counts with their HIV. Show me clearly what you would have me do. Put the right people in our paths to help our children to live the lives you have wished for them Lord. And most of all, help us to always let them know how very special they are to you Lord! They are PRECIOUS!!!
So you ask yourself, why in the world would I share such a yukky story? I will tell you. This is some of the supposedly "great care" people in large cities get for their loved ones in these developing countries. However, people that live in the out areas, as do our children and guardians, lack even that quality of care. Therefore, my heart aches. We have several of our children dealing with HIV. One of our children seems to be getting worse and we have been told she has "full blown AIDS'. Now the grandmother instincts step in for me. I think, we got to do something! If she was here in US, I am sure the very best doctors could help her. But she is not. She is in a little village, with a HIV clinic that is trying to do their best, with few medical equipment, tests, etc available. The Kenyan government won't allow her to be adopted unless a whole bunch of hoops are jumped thru, including the adoptees new parents having to live in Kenya with the child for 6 months! Not practical.
Last night as I tried to sleep and struggled with this, I kept praying about it. What do you want me to do God? Then I said, "you have to be very clear in telling me as I do not always understand what you are saying". So this morning I got up, prayed some more and then sent off an email to a medical provider in another state to see if she would have any ideas. As I have said over and over, this ministry is not easy. It is not for wimps many would say! Our trips are not easy, physically, mentally or spiritually. Yet everyone who has traveled them, has not regretted it. Thus, today, I ask you my blog reading friends, to storm the heavens with me! Ask God what He wants me to do about our two precious kids that apparently have worsening lab counts with their HIV. Show me clearly what you would have me do. Put the right people in our paths to help our children to live the lives you have wished for them Lord. And most of all, help us to always let them know how very special they are to you Lord! They are PRECIOUS!!!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Kenya Orphan Project Book
As I have traveled this mission road that God called me on more then 7 years ago, I have been super amazed by God! When I first started visiting in Maseno Kenya I knew I had to do something. As His Arms Orphan Project (www.hisarmskenya.org) was developed, it has been God working thru us humble servants every step of the way. Believe me, I was never smart enough to do this on my own. Then HE kept putting the right people in my path to help this ministry to grow. Even our web designer, was a gift God sent our way. I never even knew I NEEDED A WEBSITE! But God knew I did.
So people guess what God is leading us to do now? I am being coaxed to write a book! Me, the one that HATED English!!! Of course, I did happen to marry an English/Journalism major. Now when this urge, encouraged by people out of the "blue" keeps surfacing, I decided to ask Florence Oyosi, our Kenya coordinator, if she would help me. And of course, she is extremely excited! She said, it will help us spread the word about the great needs, and of His Arms ministry.
Now, no turning back. Where do we go from now? Just hold on to your hat as they say, God will be showing us! Stay tuned for "the rest of the story" as the late Paul Harvey used to say!
So people guess what God is leading us to do now? I am being coaxed to write a book! Me, the one that HATED English!!! Of course, I did happen to marry an English/Journalism major. Now when this urge, encouraged by people out of the "blue" keeps surfacing, I decided to ask Florence Oyosi, our Kenya coordinator, if she would help me. And of course, she is extremely excited! She said, it will help us spread the word about the great needs, and of His Arms ministry.
Now, no turning back. Where do we go from now? Just hold on to your hat as they say, God will be showing us! Stay tuned for "the rest of the story" as the late Paul Harvey used to say!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Kenya Family Funeral
For those of you who follow us on our facebook page, you know that yesterday we learned of the death of one of our children's dad. This young man was a good Daddy to his little 3 yr old Reuben, even though he was so poor and so sickly. But that fight ended yesterday when the horrible disease of AIDS claimed his earthly life.
This morning I learned that it will be the "responsibility" of our His Arms Children's Project to cover the cost of the funeral. This poor man living in extreme poverty, also had an extended biological family that had basically disowned him and chose to ignore his little son as well. When we did gift this man with animals, apparently the "extended family" stole them from him. We of course, bought him a new animal, helped raise the funds to build a secure pen for the animal, and a door with a lock to protect him and his little boy. Last October when we visited, Stephen, this dear man, walked miles just to see us, hug us, and tell us how very much he appreciated all of our help and the respect we had given him. We could not believe he had made that long walk in his very diseased state. We surely reminded him with hugs how important he was to us and to the Lord.
Stephen lost that earthly battle over the week-end. But now we also are left to bury this young man. Already I received word that our families we support (now have 61 children in family units being supported by US sponsors! PRAISE THE LORD!) have now all donated some beans and maize from their humble belongings, so the funeral "feast" can happen for this young man. Florence will meet with our over seer Margeret who introduced us initially to this special family. They will plan his humble funeral. We may have to take some funds from our property funds we have been collecting, for our new building. But we will bury this sweet young man, with dignity. LORD continue to show us the way. Help us to continue to be HIS ARMS in reaching out to the hurting, the outcast, the orphans, the widows, and the oppressed as with those dealing with AIDS. Show us the way LORD. SHOW US YOUR WAY LORD!
This morning I learned that it will be the "responsibility" of our His Arms Children's Project to cover the cost of the funeral. This poor man living in extreme poverty, also had an extended biological family that had basically disowned him and chose to ignore his little son as well. When we did gift this man with animals, apparently the "extended family" stole them from him. We of course, bought him a new animal, helped raise the funds to build a secure pen for the animal, and a door with a lock to protect him and his little boy. Last October when we visited, Stephen, this dear man, walked miles just to see us, hug us, and tell us how very much he appreciated all of our help and the respect we had given him. We could not believe he had made that long walk in his very diseased state. We surely reminded him with hugs how important he was to us and to the Lord.
Stephen lost that earthly battle over the week-end. But now we also are left to bury this young man. Already I received word that our families we support (now have 61 children in family units being supported by US sponsors! PRAISE THE LORD!) have now all donated some beans and maize from their humble belongings, so the funeral "feast" can happen for this young man. Florence will meet with our over seer Margeret who introduced us initially to this special family. They will plan his humble funeral. We may have to take some funds from our property funds we have been collecting, for our new building. But we will bury this sweet young man, with dignity. LORD continue to show us the way. Help us to continue to be HIS ARMS in reaching out to the hurting, the outcast, the orphans, the widows, and the oppressed as with those dealing with AIDS. Show us the way LORD. SHOW US YOUR WAY LORD!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Poor Nutrition and Orphans
Recently someone was looking at some of my pictures from past mission trips to Kenya. They noted that our kids had no hair or very little if any. They asked why? Good question. You see the simple answer is the growing hair takes protein and good nutrition. Also maintaining hair takes money to purchase products to clean it with, and keep it looking healthy. Products take money to purchase. Bottom line, when you see pictures of African children like ours, with little or no hair that very well may mean that poverty also plays a part in this. Most of our children's guardians just shave the children's head. Thus no stigma for poor quality hair due to in adequate diet at times, or no money to purchase the expensive hair products. It also reduces the cases of a fungus that also can infect the children, and takes money to buy the medication to treat it which often can take a month of treatments.
So with all of that, we are proud of our girls and boys who have little bald heads, but huge smiles! Plus if they are energetic, then that really pleases us as that means they are getting enough protein to help them have that energy. Bottom line, if you were only given so much money to live on or earn in a month, you can see why hair products would be way down the list! Medicine, food, shelter, blankets, malaria nets, animals to help them become self-sustaining, seeds to raise food, and on the list goes. All of those items would surely be more important then some hair products! Enjoy the smiles and radiant faces of our precious little ones on His Arms Site. See www.hisarmskenya.org to find some of those smiles!
So with all of that, we are proud of our girls and boys who have little bald heads, but huge smiles! Plus if they are energetic, then that really pleases us as that means they are getting enough protein to help them have that energy. Bottom line, if you were only given so much money to live on or earn in a month, you can see why hair products would be way down the list! Medicine, food, shelter, blankets, malaria nets, animals to help them become self-sustaining, seeds to raise food, and on the list goes. All of those items would surely be more important then some hair products! Enjoy the smiles and radiant faces of our precious little ones on His Arms Site. See www.hisarmskenya.org to find some of those smiles!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Kenya Mission Grants
Today we received word that we are among 120 being considered for 30 grants possibly being given out to non-profits trying to make a difference in the world. Many people had told us, we needed to apply for grants to help our ministry with all the great things His Arms hopes to do to make life better for our friends in Kenya. However, we now know that takes a lot of effort! But we completed the first step, and now leave it in the Lord's hands. We request your prayers! We know many ministries are out there in the Global World doing great things to make life better for others. However, we also know some are more popular for whatever reason then others. The work we do in Ekwanda and Maseno area of Western Kenya might not look beautiful, might not be one that will give great publicity to some donors, but we can say in our hearts it is saving lifes, giving people with HIV hope and respect, giving children a chance to get a basic 8th grade education (OR MORE!) and keeping them out of sex traficking and prostitution! It is helping to give young girls and young women empowerment and self-respect where they hear they are of value to God and to us! And we do this without paying salaries and big bucks to politicians or church officials so that the program can keep going! People check out your ministries you are sponsoring. Many have hidden corruption they are working with, and your dollars may not be getting to where you think they are. We promise we will do everything in our power so the funds go to the most vulnerable! No CEO getting a half-million dollar salary. No, just volunteers working their hearts out trying so hard in USA and in Kenya to help people improve their situations and most of all, to know that they are so valued by our Lord and Savior. So please pray for us. Pray that God sends funds to help our ministry continue as we have hopes and dreams that it will. And thank you Lord for so many willing volunteers, sponsors and donors you have already blessed us with! Thank you! ASANTE SANA!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Kenya Orphans helped by YOU!
As the Christmas season approaches, and the end of another year is near, I am in awe of all that the Lord has done with His Arms Childrens Project that we are officially registered in Kenya as. I can not begin to count the blessings. First of all, our precious children we work with in Maseno-Ekwanda area of Western Kenya are all well, happy and energetic. When I picture our most recent visit this past October, and see the video in my mind of the gatherings, it makes me smile, then get teary. WOW, how energetic, happy, excited and lively they were. Do you know what that means? They are getting enough food, enough protein that they need to, to be healthy and they are living with so much hope! We could not run this ministry without so many volunteers and sponsors across the USA. We now have donors or supporters in 12 states! Can you believe that!!! Word is spreading of what God is doing.
Then we met with most of our high schoolers receiving scholarships of $300 to $500 a year to attend high school in the area. They were so appreciative, so respectful, so well mannered! You would love them each if you were to meet them. I felt like one proud Grandma hugging them and greeting them. I could not be any prouder of what they are accomplishing inspite of so many odds their short lives have had. But they are so hopeful, have dreams and aspirations. Wow, what more could we say! We continue to pray that the Lord continues to bless our ministry so they can finish high school, graduate, and maybe pursue college careers. AMAZING!
Plus we met many of the 92 children we sponsor so they can attend primary school and have hope some day that they can be educated and become more self-sustaining, and eventually leave the poverty. Such dreams. Many of them say that actually. They thank us for making their dream of attending elementary school come true! Can you imagine living and wondering if you can even afford to attend elementary school? Our kids in our program, have wondered that in the past. But thank the Lord for schools like Shelby Michigan's elementary school who helps pay these school fees. Or Amery Wisconsin's elementary school children and teachers who help pay school fees so their friends in Maseno, Kenya can go to elementary school! How blessed this ministry is.
This year also saw us purchase property of our own after becoming a non-profit officially in Kenya. It is located in Ekwanda, Kenya, again near Maseno. It is a beautiful spot, slightly on a hill. We already have been gifted with enough funds to begin to build a small building where our kids can meet for support. We have dreams of making this also a community library which is non-existent in schools or communities in that area. If you ask me how that is going to happen, I have to respond, "I do not know, God has not told me that yet." But HE will.
Then we already have people dreaming and beginning to plan for a mission trip in 2013 back to visit our kids, play with them, perhaps help with building and who knows what. We have a group from Central Michigan University that plans to visit the area, and work with our kids from the psychology department. Oh my, did I say yet how amazed I am at what GOD CAN DO!!!
So I thank and praise God for all He continues to do. I thank HIM that he is giving our USA coordinator Brenda Cronk healing so she can continue working with our ministry. And I thank HIM for everyone of you who sponsors, donates, fundraises, prays, or in anyway works with His Arms to make this ministry possible! May God bless each of you in 2013 for being such a blessing in 2012!
Nancy Rowe
Then we met with most of our high schoolers receiving scholarships of $300 to $500 a year to attend high school in the area. They were so appreciative, so respectful, so well mannered! You would love them each if you were to meet them. I felt like one proud Grandma hugging them and greeting them. I could not be any prouder of what they are accomplishing inspite of so many odds their short lives have had. But they are so hopeful, have dreams and aspirations. Wow, what more could we say! We continue to pray that the Lord continues to bless our ministry so they can finish high school, graduate, and maybe pursue college careers. AMAZING!
Plus we met many of the 92 children we sponsor so they can attend primary school and have hope some day that they can be educated and become more self-sustaining, and eventually leave the poverty. Such dreams. Many of them say that actually. They thank us for making their dream of attending elementary school come true! Can you imagine living and wondering if you can even afford to attend elementary school? Our kids in our program, have wondered that in the past. But thank the Lord for schools like Shelby Michigan's elementary school who helps pay these school fees. Or Amery Wisconsin's elementary school children and teachers who help pay school fees so their friends in Maseno, Kenya can go to elementary school! How blessed this ministry is.
This year also saw us purchase property of our own after becoming a non-profit officially in Kenya. It is located in Ekwanda, Kenya, again near Maseno. It is a beautiful spot, slightly on a hill. We already have been gifted with enough funds to begin to build a small building where our kids can meet for support. We have dreams of making this also a community library which is non-existent in schools or communities in that area. If you ask me how that is going to happen, I have to respond, "I do not know, God has not told me that yet." But HE will.
Then we already have people dreaming and beginning to plan for a mission trip in 2013 back to visit our kids, play with them, perhaps help with building and who knows what. We have a group from Central Michigan University that plans to visit the area, and work with our kids from the psychology department. Oh my, did I say yet how amazed I am at what GOD CAN DO!!!
So I thank and praise God for all He continues to do. I thank HIM that he is giving our USA coordinator Brenda Cronk healing so she can continue working with our ministry. And I thank HIM for everyone of you who sponsors, donates, fundraises, prays, or in anyway works with His Arms to make this ministry possible! May God bless each of you in 2013 for being such a blessing in 2012!
Nancy Rowe
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HisArms Kenya Orphan Mission
