Can You Grieve Someone While They’re Still Alive?

Have you ever grieved for someone sitting across from you? I have. I remember looking at one of our students recently and thinking, “Where are you? Where have you buried that easy smile and gentle spirit?”

There is no other word for it but grief when a student is lost in the haze of substance use. This student is still alive, thank God, and this grief is not the same as the grief a parent feels should their child pass away. It’s not the kind of grief that brings people around with a show of condolences and support. It is a silent grief that no one talks about. It is buried in shame and despair. Nothing prepares you for the experience and certainly nothing prepares you for the deep sense of loss that enters your daily life. And so you grieve as you ask yourself "How did I fail this child?"  He started in our school as a little boy. His sponsor has given me attention, gifts and encouragement. His teachers have shown him love on a daily basis. He even prayed and asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins several years ago.  I could blame his mother who abandoned him or his father who is a drunk. By really where does blame get you.

While I was grieving such things as the loss of spending meaningful time with this student and what appeared to be the end of all the hopes I had for him, I also began to wonder if I wasn’t subconsciously preparing myself for an unthinkable outcome. I knew this student might be in mortal danger with his addiction. How could I possibly face that outcome?

It is so hard for us to minister to young people for years only to see them make bad choices in their high school years. I realized early that all I could do was pray for this young man and others like him in our ministry. I remind myself daily that the Lord God Almighty hears the prayers of His children. He commands us to pray, and He promises to listen when we do. “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears” (Psalm 18:6).

The most important lesson I learned and would like to share with others in a similar situation was to never, never, never give up. If your family member/friend/coworker is still there, you can find him or her again. There are many roads to recovery but they all start with a real relationship with God. The power of prayer does not flow from us; it is not special words we say or the special way we say them or even how often we say them. The power of prayer is not based on a certain direction we face or a certain position of our bodies. The power of prayer does not come from the use of artifacts or icons or candles or beads. The power of prayer comes from the omnipotent One who hears our prayers and answers them. Prayer places us in contact with Almighty God, and we should expect almighty results, whether or not He chooses to grant our petitions or deny our requests. Whatever the answer to our prayers, the God to whom we pray is the source of the power of prayer, and He can and will answer us, according to His perfect will and timing.

Please pray with us as our church ministers to this particular young man and others who have been affected by addiction.

Hope Foundation - Love and Kindness are NEVER wasted!

Presenting New Pre-Primary Class Good News Academy is happy to welcome our new 4 year olds to school. It is always exciting to see these little ones come to school on their first day.  Our teachers are so patient with them as they learn their schedules and get just a little bit homesick for Mom.  Because of your love and kindness, we get to not only educate these children but we get to share Jesus with them for the very first time.  Thanks  so much - you are the BEST! Exciting News We had a report that angels were singing in Heaven!  What I am trying to say is that 2 people have already accepted Christ as their Savior in 2020.  We set a goal of seeing 150 people become believers in Jesus so we are on our way.  Please keep our teachers and pastors in prayer as they continually witness to folks that need forgiveness which comes only through the GOSPEL. Life Change Church in Des Moines, Iowa is praying with us about providing a church building for one of our rural pastors.  We are so thankful for Pastor Steve Christiansen and Craig who flew to Kenya to visit me and see the ministry.  We are looking forward to partnering with your church this year to see a young church start off right. We have started planning our Pastor Training Sessions for 2020.  I always enjoy meeting and teaching these pastors from all over the coast of Kenya. Pressing Needs I need to let you all know of a pressing need.  The well at our high school collapsed so we are having to bring in water each day for the 300 + students who come to school each day especially the 150+ female students who live in the dormitory on campus.  This is our second well at the school to collapse. We are being told that we need to put in a borehole instead of a well due to the type of soil in our area.  This was an expense that was not in the budget for 2020.  It is estimated to cost $4500 to construct the borehole plus an additional $500 for piping, tanks, etc.  We have a need to raise $5000.  If you would like to help with this project click below, fill out the form and hit submit. https://hopefoundationofkenya.givingfuel.com/projects If you would rather give by check, make out your check to The Hope Foundation of Kenya and mail it to: The Hope Foundation of Kenya P.O. Box 8154 West Chester, OH 45069 Make sure to write High School Borehole in the memo line. Thank you for your consideration and prayers. Faithfully Yours, Bobby and Lisa Bechtel

Year in Review 2019

Can you believe that we have been doing missions work for 19 years?  2020 is our 20th year of serving Kenyans and it is a milestone in our lives. I wanted to share with you all that God did in 2019. Here are the results: 1. 157 people gave their lives to Christ and 36 were baptized. 2. 70 new students were added to our Christian school ministry. 3. 42 families joined as monthly sponsors for our feeding/education program. 4. Two Pastor's training conferences were held emphasizing Ethics. 5. Two Youth Encounter Camps held with sixteen teenagers saved. 6. One new church was constructed in a village called Colorado. 7. One man was ordained into the ministry. 8. Begun construction of a new kitchen at Good News Academy, Majaoni. 9. Provided Biblical Learning Materials to Pastors such as Bibles. 10. Two adult literacy programs are proceeding with teaching reading. 11. 3 Training scholarship to Crossroads Baptist Bible Institute was awarded. 12.  Construction of a kitchen/dining hall at high school is planned for 2020. 13. An Christian community center is now open outside Kisumu, Kenya. 14. Phillip, one of our staff members, surrendered to full-time preaching ministry and we hope to enroll him in Bible College in 2020. 15.  We had two tremendous teams who came from the states to minister.My favorite 2019 memories: - Seeing 13 people come to know Christ when an American team shared their testimonies during a medical clinic in Majaoni. - Hearing a sponsor in Indiana tell me that she needed to come to Kenya because her sponsored child was getting baptized then being in Kenya with her in June to witness the baptism.   Thank you for your prayers. In many ways, this has been the hardest year of our 19 years in ministry.  We lost some financial support which is always a strain on our family and to a ministry that seems to grow every year.  We need around $500 monthly to make up that loss. Then we lost over 40 child sponsorships only to have God give each child a new sponsor one by one.  Please continue to pray for Lisa as she is still battling with her chronic pain. Doctors have recently been helping with a vitamin supplement. We know that without you, our partners, praying we could not go on trying to accomplish wonderful things for God. Just a final reminder - God is ALWAYS faithful! Have a wonderful 2020. Bobby, Lisa, Ethan, Conner, and Dylan Bechtel

Pastor Training Needed

Dear friends and supporters of The Hope Foundation of Kenya (HFK),

"Thank you for the training today. I now understand how much more I need to know about the Bible to teach it well."  This statement was made to me after our last rural pastor training session. 

Many Kenyan pastors were saved when an evangelist came through their small village then they felt called by God to tell others.  They got a Bible and started to read it and preach it and people started coming to hear it.  But they have no real Bible doctrine education.  This is why Pastor Allan and I started the rural pastor training seminars for these men.  HFK pays for the rural pastors to come to our high school campus three times a year to receive training.  We teach on many different topics for Biblical ethics, Church Finance, and Doctrine.  It is one of the highlights of my year to see these men learning about God and then having the privilege to visit them in their villages to see their small but growing congregations. 

Allan and I were able to visit a new church building that was provided by an American donor. It was wonderful to talk to the pastor and his deacons and see the excitement that this permanent building has brought to this tiny speck in the middle of nowhere.  The pastor told me, "I believe that God really does know that we are here and wants people to know about Jesus."  The church in Kenya is alive and well and I will add growing. We have around 60 pastors who have joined our HFK Fellowship. Great news - the Bible study specially designed to reach those from an Islamic background has seen three receive Christ in the last few months.

You can help a pastor get a full Bible Institute education by becoming a sponsor today. You can donate $400 and it will provide a 3 year scholarship to one of our pastors to join Crossroads Baptist Bible Institute in Vipingo or another great school in his area. 

Summer of Service

June/July 2019

Have you ever had so many things happen that you are unsure what to share? That is how I feel right now. Here are some of the highlights from June/July:

(1) Salvation of 24 people
(2) Baptism of 21 people
(3) Pastor's Training of 30 men
(4) Youth Rally that drew an attention of over 800 teens
(5) Visits by two American teams
(6) Surrender of two young men to full-time Christian service
(7) Awarding of 2 Bible School Scholarships
(8) Preaching at three of the churches we helped to start - one is now running 1400, the second 1000 and the third 400.
(9) Servicing the Majaoni community with a one-day medical camp
(10) Traveling to Kisumu, Kenya to be an encouragement to two church planters and their families
(11) Having my sons ministering to needy children right before my eyes
(12) Watching my wife cry over the lives of women who have accepted Christ.

I could go on and on because it was a summer of adventure and amazement. Adventure because for the first time in a long time our whole family got to be in Kenya together. Amazement because we serve a BIG God who does BIG things.

One of the highlights of every year is to be able to provide buildings for faithful pastors and see them meeting on a permanent site.  Pastors sign up for the program every year and we have a long waiting list.  Each pastors must have a congregation of at least 50 adults and own their own land to even qualify for the program.  If you would like to help us build a church in the 2019-2020 planting season, please submit your donation to the address below.  It takes around $10,000 to buy a building which may seem like a lot but with each one giving something, God provides at least one building every year.

 I was talking to two teenage boys who are now seniors in our high school.  These two particular boys have been with us since they were in kindergarten.  We have in some sense grown up together.  As we were talking about plans for the up-coming August youth camp, out of nowhere, one of the boys asked, "Do you know how much you are loved and appreciated?" It took my breath away and I didn't know how to respond.  He went on to tell me that the whole school knew that Lisa and I had sacrificed over the years to see them get a good education but then he concluded with "but we love you most for bringing Jesus to us."  It was exactly what I needed to hear in 2019.

So I want to ask you as a sponsoring church or individual..."Do you know how much you are loved and appreciated?"  We love you and appreciate all the sacrifices you make but most of all we love you for allowing us to bring Jesus to the people of Kenya.

Sincerely,

Bobby and Lisa Bechtel

A Big START in 2019

January 2019

Our quest to save souls and break the cycle of poverty continues! 2019 started with many graduations and celebrations (see pictures below).  It is always amazing when the grateful parents of our sponsored children come together to see their children graduate from eighth grade and even better high school.                                               

                        

For many of these families this marks the first time that a family member has finished school.  It is a tremendous occasion filled with shouts, music, speeches, dancing, cake and smiles.  We wish that all of you could experience a Kenyan graduation one day!

We must remember that Kenyan children face overwhelming obstacles to stay in school:

• lack of financial resources
• pressure to marry early
• alcoholism or abuse in many communities
• gang culture
• lack of confidence to believe in themselves
• belief that education is not worth investing in

As a result, MANY rural students never graduate from high school.

 

Our sponsors say wonderful things...

"I have seen the lives that have been changed through these centers. I have become friends with, hugged, sang in worship, prayed, cried, and rejoiced with students and staff that have shown an undeniable gratitude that their lives will also NEVER be the same." Kristen

"As for the schools and churches, they are resounding proof of what God can do when we let Him." John 

            
"Thanks for letting us be a part of these children's lives from such a distance. What a privilege!" Bernadette

 But you know what makes us the happiness? It is when one of these little ones gives their lives to Christ.  PLEASE pray as Bobby spends time in March with the aim of seeing people to understand their need for Christ and salvation.  Specifically pray from March 12 to 21 when he will be preaching, teaching and leading in evangelism.  We hope to give you the results in our next letter.

                                                 
We are so happy to report that all of our churches are doing great and Bobby is hoping to attend several baptismal services while in Kenya.  Pastor Abraham and Pastor Allan have been reporting great responses in their communities to the Gospel message. Please keep Pastor Simon in your prayers as his church is located in an area that is being targeted by terrorist type activity. Pray for the safety of his whole congregation.

We wanted to thank a donor who gave $5000 to build a new church building. We will be announcing where that church is going in our next newsletter. Bobby will be meeting with the pastor and making plans while in Kenya. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.

As always, we thank you for your help. Please pass along to your friends that we need sponsors for several children. They just need to go to https://www.hopefoundationofkenya.org/child-sponsorship.html and pick a child. Remember when they sponsor they are not only giving an education to a child they are giving us a chance to give the Gospel to the whole family.

God bless,

Bobby and Lisa Bechtel
The Hope Foundation of Kenya

Hope...Dream...Do "Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality." L.J. Suenens Two paths do not necessary lead to the same place. In this world, parents often choose the path for the child. Many think that any path will do or maybe the traditional path is best or maybe it is time for a change.  Let me explain by telling you a story: There were once two little girls who were born in an African village only one day apart. The first family named their daughter, Faiza and the second family named their daughter Linet. Each family chose their daughter's path at five years old.  Faiza was engaged to be married at five. Linet's family applied for a school scholarship and she went into kindergarten. The aim of both parents were for their daughters to have a good life. Faiza was taught how to sweep the house, how to collect water from the river, and how to cook for the family. Linet learned how to read a book, write a letter and do sums and subtractions. Faiza was well trained to become a mother and wife. Linet was taught to dream, to consider, to do. Faiza was taught that life was hard and you had to hold onto everything you had. Linet dreamed of becoming a doctor while Faiza was already working on the farm. At 13 years old, there were a community ceremony for Faiza, Linet and other girls. The girls were told that this ceremony would make them a woman. Faiza was now set to get married. She was told not to cry. Linet was now ready for middle school and looking forward to exams. Four years passed, Faiza was working at the farm while pregnant with her fourth child. Her family lived in a mud house built by her husband and were excited that they could get free water from a local Christian school.  Linet was now in high school learning all about biology, chemistry and physics. She was living in the school dorm and being challenged to do well and follow her dream not only to be a doctor but to be the first one in her family to graduate high school. This story is based on my experience of seeing many girls living in the village.  What is the main difference in the lives of Faiza and Linet? One was told that life was hard and this is the best that you can expect to get. The other was taught to think, dream, hope, and most importantly to do. At The Hope Foundation, our goal is to demolish physical, emotional and spiritual strongholds. We know first-hand that a life can be transformed in a wonderful way by meeting the basic needs. But meeting physical needs is not enough to truly transform an eternal soul that is why the Gospel message of God's love is an intergral part of everything we do. Pray that we see fruit for our labor. You can help. Pray and make a monthly donation to The Hope Foundation. Give a tax deductible gift on our main screen by clicking on DONATE. Make a difference in the life of a child, it's the best investment you can make.

Too Much to Tell It All...

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Newsletters keep people engaged with our ministry in Kenya but sometimes there is way too much to share.  God has been working in such great ways. Below are a few of the highlights from the last three months:


** Gifts, Gifts and more Gifts...
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In January, Lisa and I took sponsors' gifts for the children at Good News Academy in Majaoni, Kenya.  It is always great to see the faces as we hand out the presents. Some smile,
while other children become really shy. We hope that everyone received the picture of their sponsored child with their gifts. I wish you could all be there with us.
Click Here to Learn How to Send Gifts (http://www.hopefoundationofkenya.org/sponsors.html)


** Giving Out the Gospel
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It was exciting to see the new high school students move into our dorms.  It was even more exciting when Pastor David was able to lead 15 of our freshman to Christ.  Praising God for their decision to follow Christ.


** School Pictures
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Lisa was able to take new school pictures of all the students.  All the new photos are in the database. It is amazing for us to see how our Kenyan children are growing in Spirit and in body. Login and see these amazing photos.


** Kenyan Church News
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Our pastors' fellowship has grown to 52 pastors. We are so happy to train them for the ministry.  Also we build a new church in the village of Colorado, Kenya. Salvations in the first quarter were 36. Baptism scheduled for July.

2017 Year in Review

** 2017 Year In Review
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Dear Prayer Partners,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  It’s hard to believe that 2017 is coming to a close already.  It has been a great year and we are praising God for His blessings.

Overall results were as follows:
1. 122 people saved and 83 people baptized through the ministries of our five churches.
2. 70 new students added to our two Christian schools.
3. 62 families joined as monthly sponsors for children in Kenya resulting in 68 new students being sponsored.
4. A Pastors’ Conference was held with 50+ pastors attending.  The conference had an emphasis in teaching Church Leadership: The Role of the Pastor.
5. Two Youth Encounter Camps were held. An additional youth sports day was held at the high school with participants from five local schools. Praise God 7 youth gave their lives to Christ.
6. The last classroom block at Valerye McMillan High School is being completed through donation from a private donor, Dayton, OH.
7. Third floor of Park Chapel House (Female dormitory) at Valerye McMillan High School was completed through donations from Park Chapel.
8. Second floor of the male dormitory at Valerye McMillan High School is in progress through donations from Indiana based church.
9. Graduation of 30 students from the middle school at Good News Academy with many eligible for high school admission in January, 2018. Elementary Graduation ceremony in January 2018.
10. Graduation of 35 students from Valerye McMillan High School. Graduation ceremony was in November 2017.
11. Donations were given for two permanent church buildings.  We are in the process of considering congregations in need of help.
12. Two adult literacy programs are going strong and teaching people how to read and write in Swahili and in English.
13. Pastor Training Scholarship given through Hope Foundation to a student at Crossroads Bible Institute (Vipingo).


My best memory from 2017 is two-fold:
1. To see my boys serving with Lisa and I in Kenya during the summer; and
2. Baptizing over 30 people after one service.


Three main goals for 2018 are:
* To see a minimum of 100 people come to know Christ in 2018.
* Expand Spiritual Mentorship strategies by using area pastors to come and speak to the teachers and staff of Hope Foundation schools and projects.
* Plan and hold two pastors’ training conferences for rural pastors.


Goals Lisa would like to see accomplished:
* Expand her ministry through Days for Girls (health instruction program).
* To add 70 new students to our programs by finding new sponsors.
* Developing a mentorship program designed for girls in high school.


Thank you for your prayers and support. Without you and God working with us, we could accomplish nothing. God is so good.

Have a wonderful Christmas Season!
Bobby, Lisa, Ethan, Conner and Dylan Bechtel

Belief, Commitment, Salvation

The apostle, Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit stood up in front of the Jewish rulers and said,

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Lisa and I do missionary work for one reason: Jesus is the only way to God and people need to know about Him.  It is true that we begin feeding children because they were starving but it was the love of God that lead us there.  In 2005, Lisa and took the money out of our pocket to feed 25 children and God blessed those little ones.  A lot of changes have taken place.  With God's help we built a kindergarten for those 25 then an elementary school then a middle school then a high school.  Today those 25 children are getting ready to start their junior year in high school.  Praise the Lord.

But you now what is really amazing.  By giving our heart to those 25 children God has allowed us to help over 1,000 children ... that's right ... over 1,000 children to get the food, medicine and education they need to help stop the cycle of poverty in their villages.

But do you want to know what is truly amazing ... these children are getting saved. They are learning slowly to believe in Jesus' name. They are committing their lives to Christ. They are proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Here are the ones who accept Christ this year from our school:

Salama, Mary, Sandra, Mesalim, Linet, Katana, Moses, Emmanuel, Ali, John, Fadhili, Brian, Lucas

I had the great privilege of being a part of their baptism as they publicly told their village that they believe in Jesus because there is no salvation in any other name but not just them their parents and brothers and sisters have also accepted Christ. There were 33 baptized this day!!

Names. Names. The Name...Jesus

Does God really except me to read all of these names for devotions?  These chronological lists are just boring. I love to read David's psalms or a lesson from the Apostle Paul but just a list of names. Why?

In Kenya, names are important.  Many people's names include their name, their father's name and their grandfather's name.  For example a boy might be named "Mickey Stephen Kalama".  Why?  It shows the history of this child.  When someone hears their name, they immediately know which family and the tribe from which that child comes.  They know the heritage of the child. If his father and grandfather were good men or bad.  That heritage can even determine the ultimate destiny of how a person views the child.

In the Bible names were important so they were written down as chronologies.  In the beginning of 1 Chronicles, the names show an unbroken chain of God's children from Adam to David. It reminds us of the covenant God made to Abraham. Generation after generation God was faithful to His promise.

As I was reading these names, I suddenly realized that God knew each one of these people. He knew their hopes and dreams. He knew their sorrows and weaknesses. He knew them by name. Each one of these people were important to Him. So important that He eventually sent His Son, Jesus.

That is the name that we need to remember...JESUS.  Through Jesus we know that our name can be written down in the book of life.

One of our goals at The Hope Foundation is to make sure that everyone child in our care knows that they are important to God...so important that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for them. His name determines their ultimate destiny.

Please pray with us that our students not only hear the Gospel message but that they will respond to the name of Jesus and accept the forgiveness that only comes through his sacrificial death for us.

We Can Do It! Together.

We can do it!!! We need sponsors for 25 of our adorable 4 year olds. These are children from a rural village in Kenya that come from very needy families.

By sponsoring these children, you give them food, medical care, education, and the love of God. It is just $35 a month to sponsor an elementary child or $45 a month for a high school student. It will greatly change their life.

Sponsorship means going from poverty to employment, starvation to health, uneducated
to educated, lost to found, hopeless to having HOPE.

Go to www.hopefoundationofkenya.org and click on "Child Sponsorship". Scroll down to see available children to sponsor or Email us at info@hopefoundationofkenya.org and let us know who you would like to help have a chance at a better life.

We can do it! Together.

Yes, It is Worth It!

"Is it really worth all the time, money and effort?" This is a question that I sometimes ask myself.  Usually God gives me a clear answer "YES". God's answer comes in many different ways.  This is how he answered my question this week.

A friend asked one of our teachers the following questions and God answered my question with their responses:
Question: "How does this school change the lives of the children that attend?"

Answer: "Being that the school is based on a strong spiritual background where every teacher tends to behave and act in the Biblical way many pupils have been helped. I can think of three ways. (1) They are learning so they will get good results at KCPE [National Exam] level. (2) Some have and more will accept Jesus Christ as their Savior hence the Kingdom of God is theirs. (3) These students will act as good Christian role models to the Kenyan society and bring honestly and integrity into their future careers.

Question: "What are your hopes for the children in the future?"

Answer: "I hope that they will continue believing in Jesus Christ and pass the Good News to their families and communities. I hope that they will become independent successful people in their our country of Kenya while always striving to be ambassadors of Christ who will help bring moral change wherever they will go."

As I read heard these answers, I thought of the words of Paul in Acts 20 when he was leaving Ephesus bound for Jerusalem and eventually Rome.  In verse 35, he said, "I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'."

My hope is that I will always teach the Kenyan people that I influence to put God in the center of their lives. With God in his proper place, the rest works itself out.  So "is it worth all the time, money and effort?"  I can honestly say "Yes" because if one little child gets saved then that is enough.

From April 2017

Have you ever had “one of those weeks”?  After months of drought in Kenya, I got an email on May 8^th saying this: “We have had rain in the past week but yesterday it was so heavy the whole day the floods swept one of the bridges along Kilifi Highway. It also brought down sections of the perimeter wall at both the New Life and Good News schools. Also two cows drowned at the farm.” Wow!  We asked God for rain and we got a flood.

As I prayed over these things, I thought many of us are so focused on life’s valleys (problems) that we tend to miss the joys of this journey we are on. We all have hidden hurts, closed closets, and covered calamities. The book of Psalms is very helpful for our growth in faith.

I believe that Psalm 23 can best be understood in the view of a journey where an individual is wandering full of weary, confused by pathways, moved by mountains of mystery, venturing through life’s valleys, entangled in enemy web of destruction. Faced with fear, yet, looking to feast of food prepared on a table before them. Now I know that David was speaking of the valley of death but I want to broaden that valley to be the valley of tears, trials and heartache. “How do we get through the valley?”    

    

First I have to accept the reality of the valley.  Whenever you accept that there is a problem you then can begin to resolve the issue at hand. With our spiritual intellect, we know that God has promised “I’ll never leave you or forsake you.” So when we walk through sand, it won’t bury us; Walk through fire, it won’t burn us; Walk through water; it won’t drown us. No matter if its fear or failure; trials or tribulations; troubles or turmoil; stress or strain, we need to admit and accept that we are in one of life’s valleys.

Second, I must praise the Lord in the valley. We need to become more grounded in our faith. Don’t allow frustration to hinder you from walking on through the valley. David made it known he would not fear. Why? “For you are with me!” What a great promise from God. We should be confidence in God and say,” I will walk with confidence through the valley. Notice verse 4: it doesn’t say: “I will walk in the valley” but “I will walk through the valley” David had a destination in sight. There was a set goal to be reached.

A great American preacher J.D. Jakes said this in a sermon:

In the valley: He creates a clear pathway to walk.           
In the valley: He’s my guiding light in darkness.
In the valley: He’s my bright and morning star. 
In the valley: He’s my Rock in a weary land.

In the valley: He’s my shelter in the time of a storm.      
In the valley: He directs and orders my footsteps.

Let me praise God in this valley. We have seen 19 precious people saved and 36 get baptized in the past two months. God has provided donations to cover the cost of the last classroom at our high school, the third floor of the girls’ dormitory and the second floor of the boys’ dormitory. We have 3 groups coming to visit Kenya with us in the summer months. And if that is not enough, we have seen personal spiritual growth in the lives of our sons and ourselves.

From Dec 2016

We want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It is impossible to believe that 2016 is almost over.  In many ways, I am looking forward to starting 2017 with all of its unseen adventure and possibilities.

As I review 2016, I wanted to share some of our successes:

·         131 salvations; 83 baptisms

·         102 families joined as monthly sponsors of students at our Kenyan Christian schools

·         25 pastors were trained in our seminars – Teaching Biblical Truth and Making Disciples

·         2 youth “Encounter” camps were held with six saved.

·         1 Pastor Training Scholarship given to student at Crossroads Baptist Bible Institute, Kenya

·         1 church building constructed for Voice of Hope Baptist Church, Bomani, Kenya

·         1 new church in Colorado, Kenya

·         60 new students added to our Kenyan Christian schools

·         60 of our students graduated from 8^th grade (Good News and New Life Academies)

·         35 of our students graduated from our Valerye McMillan High School

·         1 Administration Building constructed at high school

·         Funds raised to build 3^rd floor of female dormitory at high school

·         Funds raised to build 2 new classrooms at high school

·         Funds raised to build 1^st floor of male dormitory at high school

We are praising God for all the was accomplished in 2016.  Thank you for your monthly support that enables us to continue serving God alongside Kenyans to reach their country for Christ.

Here are some of our goals for 2017:

·         To see a minimum of 100 people come to know Christ

·         Construction of one new church ($10,000)

·         Have a minimum of 25 pastors training in our seminars

·         Sponsor one student for pastoral training in our Bible Institute ($400)

·         Expand our spiritual mentoring program within our staff and employees

·         Hold 2 youth “Encounter” camps

·         Construction of the male dormitory and 3^rd floor of female dormitory (high school)

·         Add 60 new children to our Christian educational program

Please keep us in your prayers as we seek God’s wisdom in reaching these goals and setting others for His kingdom. Could you set a goal to help us build a church or send a student to Bible school? We hope that as you pray that God would enlarge your vision for reaching the world especially Kenya with the Gospel.

Merry Christmas

From July 2016

A few weeks ago, I get a phone call from Lisa. She says, “I hope I make it to the gas station before I run out of gas. Which one is the closest to our house?” People use that phrase “I hope” a lot. “I hope I get married.” “I hope your mom beats cancer.” “I hope that I can come over this week.” “I hope I get the job.” Some hopes come true; others don’t.

Before starting our ministry in Kenya, I often wondered what life would be like without hope. I mean I grew up in a country where every little boy or girl really believes that they could be President someday. In Kenya there are many who live without hope and I believe we need hope to live. Hope for a better future is what drives us to survive…to keep moving…to seek healing…to face a new day.

The human race has tried to find contention in false hopes like money, a bigger house, education, friends, sexual relationships, and fame. But the truth is that none of these things will last and are unable to bring meaning, purpose and joy into a life. 2 Peter 3 verse 11 tells us that “…everything will be destroyed in this way [fire]…” In light of this thought, Peter asks “…what kind of people ought you to be?” Then he gives the answer “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of the God and speed its coming.”

In Kenya, we are trying to give hope and show the love of God daily.  In the last two months, we have had several community outreaches.  The last one was great. We were able to give over 200 families a food bundle that would last them for up to three weeks. It was great to see the joy on people’s faces as they received their gift of good but also the great gift of hearing the Gospel.  Why do we give away water free? Why do we have a school? Why do we offer medical clinics? Why do we present goats to school children? Why do we visit the local witchdoctor? Why do we hold pastors’ conference? Why? So that some may find the wisdom of God.

Proverbs 24:14: ¹⁴ So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.

Wisdom brings hope. Christ died and defeated the power of death. Christ arose because the grave could not hold him. What Jesus began he will conclude. Jesus is coming again and we need to let people know so that they will not miss it.

Since we know that our hopes and dreams are safe with God, let’s help to promote a world where purity and righteousness lives, where the love of God reigns, where we strive for peace and justice for all. In doing so, we can live in contentment and joy as we work together to see people come to salvation.

No Return Without Investment

How is your retirement account?  Do you regularly put something into it? How are you investing? Do you understand compound interest? We usually think of investments in the terms of money or finances, but it is just as important that we learn to invest our time and talents, as well as, our treasure. Why? Because...

There is no return without investment. 

Galatians 6:8,9 says, "For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

The level of our investment in spiritual things determines the level of return that we receive now and in all eternity.To invest wisely we need to understand clearly how and in what to invest.

We are all used to saying "I work hard for my money and I am willing to give my offering to the church and even to help give to missions but the rest of the money is mine to spend." The same goes for our time and talent. We spend our time doing what we want to do and we normally spend our talents in a way that brings some type of satisfaction to our lives.

As Christians we need to look at every interaction of our day differently than unbelievers. Every activity of our day is a God-given opportunity for investment. We need to invest our time, talent and treasure not just spend it. We must all learn to ask God: "Is this a good investment or it is the best investment of my time, talent and treasure for your kingdom?" A book I have been reading defines a good investment as one that invites us to receive an instant return while the best investment usually yields results we won't see until sometime in the future.

In the beginning The Hope Foundation was established to help twenty five children get some food. Lisa and I invested our money, time and talent and hoped that we could make a difference in the lives of these twenty five children. God took that little investment and multiplied it and multiplied it. Now we serve over 1000 children not only with food but with education and medical needs. But most of all our goal has always been to share the Gospel of Jesus with them and see them become a part of God's family. We want them to experience a richer life as they learn to not just strive for money but to invest their lives in God's work. We want them to invest wisely so that they can reap the multiplicity of God's returns. We couldn't do this without hundreds of people who have chosen to invest in the lives of Kenyan children and families monthly. Thanks to our sponsors!

You should never underestimate your power to invest in the moments of your life. I would advise that you take time to invest in something bigger than yourself. 

Edward Abbey wrote, "Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul." James said something similar in chapter 2 verse 26: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.."

My prayer for you is that you won't be one who simply wastes or squanders what  you have been given for a quick result. Investment demonstrates that we can be trusted with so much more than we have been given. 

Would you intentionally invest your assets, your time and your talent in The Hope Foundation? It is not just a good investment. It is the best investment. Why? Because what you offer to the least of these in Kenya is extremely valuable because it will produce a rich long-term return to you in every area of your life. 

We are seeking people who would not only sponsor a child but be willing to send $10 - $30 per month to help with the overall running of the foundation and its gospel and humanitarian projects. If you already sponsor a child, remember the total $30 you send for your sponsored child is put toward your child. Lisa and I run the foundation by faith that God will provide for its needs and God always uses people to invest in His kingdom work. 

Will you be one of them?

God's Gift Card for You

March is a big birthday month in our house. We not only have Lisa and Dylan's birthdays to celebrate but my Dad, brother, Lisa's sister and our nephew all have birthdays in March. 

In the U.S. there are literally thousands of gifts that you can get someone for their birthday.  There are so many choices that sometimes it can be overwhelming to get the right gift. Some ingenious person came up with something called the gift card. You go to a store and give the cashier an amount of money $10, $25, $50 and they hand you a little plastic card that you give to your friend as their gift. That $50 is on the card as a credit and your friend can take it back to the store and get $50 worth of merchandise just by presenting the card to the cashier.  The strange thing is the card is really only worth $50 if your friend uses it. If they put it in their wallet and never  use it then it is useless gift for them.

In 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6, Paul writes “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.:  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” And in Philippians 2:13 Paul reminds us: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” 

Because God is at work within us, we can accomplish His purposes. We try to instill in our Kenyan leaders that we minister differently because we’ve been gifted differently. The same God is at work in us, but He customizes His work through us for His ultimate glory and the strength of the church.

Let me illustrate. At dinner, suppose someone dropped a plate full of food on the ground. This is how people with different gifts may respond.

- Gift of prophecy…"That’s what happens when you’re not careful.”
- Gift of service…"Oh, let me help you clean it up.”
- Gift of teaching…The reason that it fell was because it was too heavy on one side.”
- Gift of exhortation… "Next time, maybe you should let someone else help you carry it.”
- Gift of giving… “Here, you can have my plate.”
- Gift of mercy…“Don’t feel too bad. It could have happened to anyone.”
- Gift of administration… “Job, would you get the broom? Pascal, please help pick this up."

We’ve all been gifted differently and so we act differently and we serve differently.

While it’s important to identify your gifts, it’s not enough. Gifts are given to be used. Verses 12-30 describe how the church is like the human body, with each part playing a critical role in the functioning of the body. You’ve been given gifts and a key role to play in this world. If you’re hoarding your gifts and not using them, the entire world is handicapped. 

Mwanajuma has grown up in our school and has now entered her first year of high school.  As a child she would lead the children's choir and sing solos. Now that she is older she has joined the women of Injili Baptist Church as part of the usher ministry. She said to Lisa, "I just love my church and want to serve God here." She is just one example of the servant hearts of our Kenyan people. We want them to serve because they love to serve not because it is their duty.  

The gifts of the Spirit are tools not to admire, but to be used. They are not medals to be won, or trophies to be displayed, or treasures to be guarded. Use them! Do you need to allow the Spirit to fan your gift into full flame? Are you burning bright for Him, or are you just flickering or smoldering?

You’re needed in this world! God has gifted you and now He wants to use you. Don’t allow yourself to think you don’t matter. Nobody is a nobody in the body of Christ. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.

The Holy Spirit has given you a GIFT CARD with a special gift but it only does someone good when you decide to use it.

A Holy Hug

Have you ever thought "What I could use right now more than anything else is a good hug"? We have all had days where we have felt this way. Maybe it was after the death of a loved one or when a friend just didn't understand our feelings. We feel lonely and frustrated. We want to feel loved and need someone to really listen to us. Honestly, we just need to truly know that someone cares.

In John 14, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as "another Comforter".  The Holy Spirit is to be our guide and our comforter. And I can say that there have been moments when I have felt the Holy Spirit comfort me just like He was placing his arms around me in a hug. I love the words of Jesus in verse 18: "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." This gives me great comfort.

But I need to be honest. Sometimes I need a real hug from a human person. In Kenya, we deal with a lot of people. Just the children in our Christian schools number close to one thousand then there are their parents, grandparents, extended families. If you total the school and church ministries you get close to three thousand people. What is amazing is how many of them need a touch from us? Really all of them need a touch, an encouraging word, a smile, a hug. The problem has always been that Lisa and I just can't do it alone. We can't do it all. We need help!

This is where sponsors step in and up.  You see, sponsorship shouldn't just be about money. Yes, the money is desperately needed, but we want sponsorship to be about a growing relationship.  This is why the Hope Foundation works hard to provide ways for our sponsors to get to know their Kenyan child. You can send gifts in our suitcases. You can send money so small presents and school supplies can be purchased in country for them. You can write to them and they can write back monthly. I think that the letters are so important because it is like a little hug from you to them. I call these small notes and letters "Holy Hugs". As a sponsor you might think, my letter can't mean that much but in reality they do.

On our last visit to Good News Academy, we had children come and ask us when their sponsor might write them. They are looking for someone to show them that they truly care. Our children are so appreciative of your giving but they also want to thank you. They are struggling and need your prayers, but they also want to pray for you. They have friends and families but they want to know you too. They want to see your face in pictures. They want to know what it is like in America. They need you to tell them about God and what He is doing in your life. Letters mean a lot. Letters lead to love. I think this is why God gave us the Bible especially the New Testament. God knew that His Word would lead us to understand His love.

I encourage you to build a relationship with your child in Kenya through the Hope Foundation. Write a letter. It will lead to love. To show you how important it is to build a relationship, I wanted to share a video with you of one of our American sponsors surprising her Kenyan daughter with a visit on the week of her graduation from eighth grade this year. They have been writing back and forth for several years now and have built a relationship of love.

It is all about love and giving someone a "Holy Hug". We are planning a sponsors trip for next summer (2017). If you want details, please email Lisa: lisa@hopefoundationofkenya.org.

Faith Demonstrated - Go Out and Buy a Field

What would you do if in a war you were asked to buy a piece of land in the middle of the battle zone?

I have been reading through the book of Jeremiah and he has done some crazy things. He had to wear a ruined girdle and another time put on a oxen's yoke. Now in chapter 32 he is being held as a captive in the courtyard of the palace while the Babylonian army besieges the city of Jerusalem.

Let's set the scene. The Babylonian army has Jerusalem surrounded. The Jewish king and his court along with all the inhabitants are shaking in their boots.  Jeremiah has been going around telling everyone that Jerusalem would fall. Now as Jerusalem is falling Jeremiah buys a piece of land from his cousin,  Why?

Because Jeremiah knew God. His purchase of the land demonstrated his faith in God. In spite of the hopeless situation in which he found himself, He bought this field as an investment of hope in the future of Israel.  God assures Jeremiah in verse 15: "Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land." Sometimes we have to step out and demonstrate our faith in God for the future.

We are happy to report that we are finishing the female dormitory at the high school.  It has been a long road but next week our female freshman students will move into their new home. It will help these young women to excel in their studies. Everyone is excited and we are so thankful to all who gave to make this building a reality.

But we don't want to forget the young men. We needed to go out and buy a field. As a step of faith, the foundation now owns a separate piece of land near the high school for the future.  We are hoping to one day build a male dormitory plus four classrooms on that property.  We ask you to pray for us as we seriously consider how we can expand for the future of the students that we serve.

With God's help and faithfulness we will be able to meet the needs of all of our students.