Category Archives: Lord’s Servants Academy

Update about Kenyan and Ugandan Child Missions under Covid19 Threat.

Nearly every corner of the world changed dramatically in early 2020 with the rapid spread of Covid19.  Most countries have responded with travel restrictions, shut downs, and quarantines.  East Africa did as well.  The regions around the children missions funded by MSM are a world of centralized (roadside and trading center) commerce, public transportation, no freezers or refrigeration, often barter commerce, large schools, few government support/welfare programs, and very very few hospitals and medical facilities.

Where many of us enjoy personal vehicles, ability to work at home, on-line schooling, Amazon delivery, government assistance (stimulus checks, unemployment, SBA loans, etc.) and food pick-up options.  People in rural areas of Africa are experiencing food shortages and high prices and lack of work and commerce.

Here are specific updates on the children that are MSM sponsored, funded, educated, and cared for at Child Redeemed Mission Home, Promise Primary School, Rock View Primary School, Lord’s Servants Home, and Bridgeway Hope Academy.  Following government rules:

  • The schools have been closed beginning in the end of March which includes PP, RVPS, BHA and all High Schools the kids attend.
  • Teachers salaries have been reduced but supported as much as possible.
  • The churches at LSH and CRM have suspended worship.
  • The children at LSH have all been able to be placed in homes of extended families.
  • All but 12 of high risk children at CRM have been placed in homes of extended families.
  • Shut down and shut in rules will remain in effect until at least May 5 when updates are expected.  Schools have tentative plans to reopen in June.

This situation is a serious cause for struggling in an already day to day existence for most people.  I have simplified things quite a bit and our prayers are needed.  I do find it interesting to think that we are all in the same STORM.  However, we are not all in the same boat.  May God have mercy on those of us affected most harshly.

On the positive side, several projects that were funded and begun in February have able to be completed or nearly so.  Updates on these to follow.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Here are a group of the 12 from CRM and a song they made up during quarantine to praise Jesus.

 

Trip 24 – LSH Home Kenya

Greg and I returned recently from visiting the Lord’s Servants Home (LSH) in Kitale, Kenya.  It has been some time since our last visit.  Our goals on this trip were to assess the effectiveness of the management, condition of the home, school, and children, and to fortify communications and objectives for the education and future of the Children that MSM has sponsored over the years.  We found everyone doing well and preparing to start Term III of this school year.  I specifically enjoyed meeting with the older kids who have finished High School and was encouraged with their progress….many of them are in college courses like Kenny in Nursing School and some working jobs, including Brenda who is now a teacher at the school.  Others are in the planning stages of taking steps toward their future education and profession.

The Lord’s Ministries (TLM) is the Kenyan ministry that operates the LSH and school.  Since our last visit, TLM has changed staff, assumed responsibility for operation funding, and has refocused on ministry objectives.  This was all evident and positive.

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Ken and wife, Judith, Directors of LSH and school

The partnership status with TLM involves that MSM provide for school fees and school supplies while TLM provide all other support and funding such as salaries, food, medical, and utilities.  This trip was an unannounced visit and we verified that TLM has been acting in good faith to support the children in a healthy manner, operating the home and school as well as possible, and using the infrastructure in a responsible way.  MSM will continue with this partnership arrangement which focuses on…..

  • Assisting through funding the kids education in an accountable way.
  • Trips to assist with the repair of the buildings and assets used to care for the children.
  • Encourage and bless them in a Gospel way.

We supported these objectives on this trip by paying school fees, shopping for school supplies the older kids need, buying new mattresses and bedding, and making plans for an infrastructure and spiritual support trip in 2019.

Thank you for your support of MSM on behalf of these children.  It has made a difference in their lives.  Enjoy some current photos.

 

 

Trip 17, Update 5, LSH Kenya

3 different waves of 11 of us arrived well in Kenya almost 2 weeks ago.  I haven’t been able to post much but I’ll catch up on the great things that have been going on.

Today we completed a major project….playground for the Lord’s Servants Academy.  We brought some metal bending equipment with us and after a week of welding, concrete, and assembly, we opened the playground to an eager crowd.  The approval rating was high.  This is the only playground for miles…and the best I have seen.  It is for the LSA kids but is open to all kids in the community after school.

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Trip 16, Update 4, Eyeglasses and Projects

Today was Reading Glass ministry day.  The team organized a way to fit 242 people with the proper strength reading glasses.  It is such an easy way to make a big impact on people….restoring their ability to read for just $1 and some time.  Most of these glasses were donated by the kind people at RestoringVision.org

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Julia Adhiambo.  Age 41.  I can now read books and my Bible much better.

 

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Emanual Emusolo.  Age 56.  I am a teacher.  These glasses will help me a great deal in teaching and studying.  I have a hard time reading in dim light.  I like to read my Bible and this will be a big help.

 

Eldon, Tony, Ed and their helpers completed a project to run water to the LSA school for drinking and hand washing.  A drinking fountain was made.  Tables and cabinets for the school as well.

And some cool chairs by Eldon and Phyllis Yoder.

New Lord’s Servants Academy #2….Finished!

After breaking ground in August and only 3 months of work, the building is finished and ready for a January opening of the school year and new 6th grade class.

The first use of this building however, in mid January, prior to school opening, will be as community medical clinic as part of a 3 day outreach to love the Lyavo, Kenya community with screenings, general treatments, and medicine.  This is a primary project of our team of 8 people leaving the US in early January.

Thank you for your prayers and help and join us in praising God.  In broad terms, a miracle is…God acting.  This community would never be able to raise up a school.  God acted and we got to be part of it.  I love it!

LSA kids playing in the foreground of the new building.

LSA kids playing in the foreground of the new building.