Slums of Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya
Home of the World's Largest and Poorest Slums

One billion people in the world live in impoverished nations without safe drinking water. The markets in their slums sell sour milk, tainted chicken and spoiled meat. They are dying of starvation. They wear worn-out shoes and ragged clothes, and travel extraordinary distances for food, water and employment. Only one percent of them ever go to college, and most can’t even sign their own names.

Many have AIDS or malaria, and the number of orphans is ever increasing. They endure civil war, evil dictators, an active human slave trade and refugee camps. Their daily suffering is more than many in American society can even comprehend.

Statistics can make us feel like we know what’s going on, but they can’t describe the pain of holding a starving child in your arms. Numbers can’t tell us what it’s like to be twelve years old and watch both of your parents die of AIDS, knowing it’s now up to you to care for your siblings. Statistics say one billion people in the world live on less than a dollar a day; yet this means little to the father who has to gather firewood for twelve hours a day to earn his one dollar. All he knows is that he can barely handle his own suffering any longer.

In the slums of Nairobi there is no clean water, no electricity, and open sewers ran through the muddy streets. A widow with six children is eating small packets of spoiled condiments that had been thrown out by hotel restaurants. She and her little ones, precious to God, yet forgotten by the world, go to sleep hungry every night, without beds, in a one-room shack made of tin and cardboard.

Pastor David Wilkerson

World Challenge

Many of the children at GCC come from these slums.

They have story's like the ones above,

they are apart of the statistics.

You will get to hear many of them,

but be encourage, because the children of GCC have hope,

Thanks to God and you for all you do!!

Funds are Due!!!

YOUR FUNDS ARE DUE ON
JUNE 15TH
THAT IS NEXT FRIDAY!!

We need them all in so Jennifer can
buy our supplies and
pay for our rooms and transportation!!

AS OF LAST COUNT WE ARE SHORT $8000!!

David and Jennifer Hatley

23 years ago David and Jennifer felt the call of God to go to Kenya. They sold all they had and packed up their two very young children and headed to Kenya. Once there, they were told they could not enter the country. David said "you don't understand, God told us to come!" For hours this went on till finally the officials said, "Fine. Go!!" Knowing only one person in Kenya they went out. Now 23 years latter they have been God's hands in starting 4 children's homes, 7 schools for children who can afford to go to school and countless churches. It is their ministry we will be going to Kenya to support. Working in the children's home they helped start. They know each child by name. They spend time with each child in all 4 homes loving on them and encouraging them. Over the years David and Jennifer raised their three children (Penny came after they arrived in Kenya) and have adopted 3 Kenyan girls.

My favorit story of David and Jennifer was the last trip I was on to Kenya. We were asked to attend a wedding. At the wedding many of the kids came along. I was in the row of chairs in front of David and Jennifer. When I looked back behind me I found both David and Jennifer had ribbon all over them. The kids had gotten bord and gathered the ribbons arond them and began putting them on David and Jennifer. They were such great sports!!

David and Jennifer will not be in Kenya while we are there. They will be here in Washington preparing for their daughters wedding. But on July 29th, after we return from Kenya, you will get to meet David and Jennifer, along with their three adopted children. We will have a pot luck lunch. It will be a great time to ask any questions about CMIA and get to know two amazing people who followed God's call and have changed the lives of thousand!!

Are you ready to be with the kids of GCC?

They are full of energy,

full of life,

and full of laughter....

AND THEY ARE READY FOR YOU!!

There are so many you will never remember all their names,

but you will remember many of them.

Your life will be changed after 2 weeks with them.

I have been asked many times

"Are the orphans of Kenya different then the children of America?"

Then answer....

NO!!!

Then need love just like any other child,

they love attention like American kids do,

They have hopes and dreams,

they have crushes,

They care about how they look,

They LOVE candy and

They want to know they are important too.

I am so Blessed

Mark 10:13-16
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

I was thinking last night as I tried to fall asleep how Blessed I am

to have the people we have on our Team.

Each person brings Gifts,

Each person brings Joy,

Each person brings laughter,

Each person brings Hope!!

I look forward to serving in Kenya along side

Each and Every one of you!!

I am also looking forward to the friendship that will form

from these two weeks together.

Friendships formed on the mission field are life long,

I am still in contact with people I first went to Kenya with 6 years ago!!

THE BEST PART IS WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN GOD'S KINGDOM

SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN

WHO'S LIVES WE WILL TOUCH IN KENYA!!

Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

One Month from Today....

In just on month we will be on a plane to London and then

on to Kenya!!!

Here is a recap of our meeting yesterday...

I need all medical release forms back by July 1st.

If you don't have your visa photos done you need to get them soon.

YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR SHOTS DONE ASAP....

We went over packing.

Make sure you partner up with your roommate so you don't duplicate

what you take. This will save a lot of room.

Each person can bring 30 pounds of their own stuff.

You will need one outfit for painting.

we will each take 3 70 pound bags!!

Each person gets ONE carry on, this includes purses.

We went over each project and what is still needed...

They are all coming together really nicely!!

No bright toe nail or finger nail polish.

Your spending money should be in $100 dollar bills...

I spoke with Greg to clarify this and they need to be the newer bills with the big heads on them now....

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE REST OF YOUR FUNDS IN BY JUNE 15TH!!

The next time we will be together will be on July 1st

to pack all our bags.

Remember you need to bring your personal bag to this meeting

fully packed with all you are taking.

I am so excited about the group God has put together!!

I just know it is going to be an amazing trip!!

34 More Days

It is June 1st...

we can now say we leave for Africa

NEXT MONTH!!

4 1/2 more weeks or just 34 more days!!!

ARE YOU EXCITED!!!

I know the kids are excited.

The house Mum in Makindu

(in Kenya it is Mum)

told me last time I as there that the girls

ask each week,

"is it this week they come?"

Dont forget our Last meeting this Sunday....

It will be a long one so please be on time...

Mike and Kari's house at 1pm...

Proverbs 3:3, 5-6, 13
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,