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Go and Do Likewise Newsletter
The inevitable is not
August, 2011
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Greetings!
It has been a few weeks/months since I last update you an the efforts in the village. Part of that is the fact the work is directed and completed by the local village residents and their own passion and decisions are driving the timing and the agenda. The important events of growth are not my visits and first hand viewing, rather the work continues and so many stories just get by. The learning curve for each and every effort has been long and difficult, but the amazing truth is, THEY ARE LEARNING TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND MANAGE THEIR TRANSITION INTO A NEW TIME. Yes, I raised my cyber voice but I want so for you to get the idea of the positive affect that is taking place. Yes, along with this is a renewed level of support for a time. In this edition I hope to give you reason to join us at greater levels, join us as a regular supporter or encourage others to do so. The affect of the model of community building is being noticed and GAD Kenya is asked more and more to counsel other entities in the area. The walk is discipleship and the goal is to glorify God. Today is the day for you to say yes, please; just say yes to this request; help!
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| The work goes on, day after day, 24/7
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 In the beginning . . . . . but there has been no rest and the leadership continues to push the envelope of tradition and culture. More and more GAD Kenya has been approached as others see the success, consequently more requests for counseling and guidance come. The day to day had to be moved from the home compound of Pastor Kiefa as it was becoming too much distraction for the family and the children who live in the compound. The building shown now holds the office of GAD- Kenya as well as a meeting room for women to discuss their own strategy for future. This is the carry over of the Micro franchise effort we began
The furniture was all built by village residents and with this furniture the office, meeting room for the women's business effort and the tailor training and production are ready to go. A brand new environment to work in. This facility houses the GAD Kenya office, which we hope will be staffed soon. Also there is a room dedicated to the women meeting as they plan their future; this room also provides a center for the Micro franchise effort which is now self managed and overseen by a third party who is well respected in the greater community area. The building also provides the training area for tailoring and a housing portion which will compliment the Teacher's ability to create revenue during his spare time, so the training for the women is basically free to them and once they begin to produce the finished product they will receive the income. The presence of Amos and his wife also serves as a deterrent to any unwanted visitors as the building is occupied at night as well as day time.
 | | Training women for the economy |
Amos, who is an accomplished tailor, teaches and works in the same space. He currently is available to make any clothes requested. Material can be ordered and product brought back by travel groups. If you are going to buy clothing souvenirs, buy local. Just another step being taken in the journey to a self sustaining economy for the village people. It is their idea and their goal; the end is in their hands. This may seem like a small thing, so let me tell you about Ester
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| Child bride and Child grandmother, yet there is hope
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 | | Ester milks a cow she should not have |
Sometimes you just must make exception! Ester is just such a case. Ester was a child bride, sold for dowry at a very young age. Ester's husband died young and so left her, still a child, to care for his 4 children. The oldest, Lydia, is also a mother at a very young age. She though has no husband. Lydia lives here with her mother, her three siblings and her child. The rules for having a cow were excepted for Ester. It is and was a literal case of life or death. Today the health of the children is improved because of the milk the cow provides. Today Ester still has daily milk to sell at market. Today Ester has a chance. As you can see, also today Ester has a Calf.
 | | Explaining the exception |
Sitting at Ester's house Kiefa explains the process to make exception. In the background is ester's home. It is two room, one where they sleep and one where they sit, their living/family room if you will. The building in the picture above; the one behind the cow, is the kitchen. The rule excepted for giving ester the cow was that she had not prepared a safe place to keep the cow at night, so, the cow stays in the living room. Today the calf also resides there and the family share the space. There is a difference, they are not living in the cows shed, the cow is living in their house. Ester has done a good job of caring for the cow and she assisted in the birth of her grandchild and the calf in the same room. People had told her to take her daughter to the Dr when she was ready to deliver and Ester said why, I have no money to pay and I can do it, so, do it she did. Just another reason why we do not make the decisions for the community, they are knowledgeable about the individuals and willing to do what it takes. Some may have tried to sell the cow for short term gain, but Ester is carrying out her agreement. . . . .and then, this young grandmother will give the calf away, for she knows that she is blessed and soon will be her time to bless another . . . why can't we seem to embrace that concept at such a deep level; Ester will be giving away half of her worldly possession, she knows the gift was from God, not GAD Kenya, this is discipleship. The lives and culture are being changed, slowly for sure, that is the only way God works. Because of the faith and dependence on God by the leadership such as Kiefa, through their counsel and daily involvement and the Spirit working through them; the Lord is accomplishing more than they can think or imagine. It is real and it is life in the village. |
| The future is people not programs
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 | | they will make the change |
You have seen this picture before. The visual is not new but the reality has changed, already. My purpose for this rather quick trip was the students. Due to the change in school terms the Secondary students were not home before we had to leave during our April visit; so it had been over a year since I had seen many of the students sponsored through the GADL/GAD Kenya project. What I found was nothing short of amazing. The first indication was the aura of confidence, we have seen this in steps, at this visit, except for a few newer students I saw a new confidence, a vigor, if you will for the future. Our first meeting on Friday night set the tone and it did not falter. Instead of getting up and thanking me and bidding me welcome, they did this, but, the focus of their remarks were to each other. the older students talking to the younger, telling them of the necessity to study hard and prepare well for this was thier time to build a foundation. Many topics were brought up as the older students spoke, from study, to difficulties, to need for communications and even including the need to stay away from the temptations of their youth, choosing the right friends and staying away form sexual activity. It was frank and in your face and very respectful and loving. I just sat there, I am sure with my mouth open, and tried to take in what I was a witness to. This was nothing short of taking responsibility for your future and pasing on the mistakes you made so others might be better prepared.
 | | A frank discussion with an unbelievable ending |
Although this was a short visit I still had time to speak with the students, some in small groups and some, one on one. It was just such an opportunity that brought me up to date on how far these young adults had progressed. Eric sat with me and as we talked of his grades and one very disappointing academic skill area he confessed he was having great difficulty understanding it and part of the reason was he had no primary training to support this new level of "MATH". Later Kiefa and i spoke long about how we might assist and attempt to provide some sort of tutoring or assistance to students caught in just such a dilemma. We spoke at length and had no real solution but agreed to continue to seek one. So it was at a later group session that Eric stood up and publicly stated his issue, his failure and his need for help; this is unheard of for a boy to ask for help, let alone in in mixed company, but he did. I was so proud of him and knew he had demonstrated a new humility to the group. But the best was yet to come; that afternoon I noticed Eric and James Ombogo, who by the way is one of the top performers yet still needs a sponsor, sitting on a bench looking at some papers. I greeted them and asked about their discussion, it seems that James had heard Eric's need, brought with him at this later meeting, just the items needed; papers and charts and formulas, and began to tutor Eric in his math skills. Big cry baby Bud has tears in his eyes, but I was so impacted by their willingness to come together and act in community to help one another. This my friends is absolutely counter cultural and non traditional. Yet, this is how they see them selves today; Praise God. |
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phone:714-231-4863
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