More links. REALLY, there ARE photos on here! you gotta scroll down and check archives

Here is a great link for a fabulous radio show about "NO MORE MR CHRISTIAN NICE GUY"
https://www.homeword.com/dangers-being-christian-nice-rb-a-1553-t-4_40.html
God calls us to be GOOD not NICE. Seems the world is all about "nice" and anything they don't like they call "not nice" but good people have to stand for what is RIGHT and take the criticism from the world. Let God judge our actions because He is the only one that judges rightly.

http://www.lifesaversystems.com/unique.html
I seriously want to take a few of these to Kenya and ship over some Jerry Cans. No American can really understand the need for safe water unless you GO THERE and see how everyone suffers from Diarrhea robbing their strength and nutrients because the water is NASTY. Here we can drink out of any public water faucet and no one gets sick! Here they argue about unsafe trace elements ---THERE is human waste (POOP!) contaminating the waters there! Sickness just goes around and around and around:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/well/resources/Publications/Country%20Notes/CN6.2%20Kenya.htm
Oh if you are reading and you are not below the poverty line--would you please consider donating so others can drink freely as you do?? Please help my team: Frank, Joseph, Henry and Catherine. Please help Bishop Titus and his family. Please help the preschool children of Cornerstone and the Pastors. Please help the Trinity Global Development sponsored orphans! I pray God put it on your heart over and over and that He give you the grace to follow through on your excellent intentions, in Jesus name!

Refresh VIDEO LINK

Just in case.....have you seen THIS video? oh I watched it afresh and I gotta say.....You can make a difference! You can take people from sad to glad by helping them in their desperate circumstances!!! When we see the people in the flooding here in the USA, we see them lose everything they have. Well, Americans can rebuild. Our Kenyan orphan children???? They NEVER had any of that to begin with---they are going through life in desperate circumstances and it is a flood of poverty. There is no neighbor there to help them---they need someone from across the ocean to come lend them a hand. Through TGD, we have had so many donors bring so much joy to children like Cynthia and Gladys, pictured in this video. It has been my personal joy to get to fellowship with my friends in Kenya, worship the Lord with them, dance before Him and praise God among the nations. Come with me to Kenya so they can see your beautiful face and you can see what joy you are bringing to people--the treasure of God's eternal Kingdom is people and you have purchased an eternal treasure....watch and see....
http://www.youtube.com/user/stephanietexasrivers?feature=mhee#p/a/u/0/Qfjyk5IuoSQ

Check out how Trinity Global Development celebrated World Orphan Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFBEAY6tn_Y

Here is a great short video (2 minutes!) with our children, students, staff, and some guardians celebrating a day of togetherness for the sake of the children.
Paul, Daisy, Elizabeth, Everline, Grace, Brenda, Emmanuel, Benjamin, Ben, Noel, and others all spent the day in various activities finishing up at the grocery store. The children had never been inside the grocery store and enjoyed the fountain and the carts and all the stuff everywhere. They rode in the carts and bought items for themselves through the guidance of the staff. They are so well dressed, who would know they are orphans??? Next they will be getting coats. Our Trinity Global Development Director, Frank Adungosi, is purchasing coats for the children to stay warm during to cooler months and current rainy season. Thank You Frank! Thank You Donors! Thank You Jesus!

God has provided a well to a thirsty community.

Nothing is more basic to life than air and water. God has provided for the needs of about 200 people to give them access to clean water. How generous is the Lord through the hearts of His Children! We rejoice with this giver who feels the joy of the Lord in sharing from their blessings!!

Well, well well!

Letter from Joseph in Kenya....

Today all our students spent the day at Catherine's home splitting firewood, fetching water and doing other chores. That's the solidarity within the TGD family. As from tomorrow, it will be in turns; We are splitting them into two groups. One in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Spending the night at the funeral is on voluntary basis, at least for today, tomorrow and Thursday. Friday will see the whole team spend the night at the funeral for the evening service and night vigil. Burial is of course on Saturday ( as usual, infront of the house next to the late Mr. Lihanda. Cemeteries are considered 'sites for the rejects' here in the rural. You've been in Kenya and I guess you know this.)


Catherine looks strong and composed. I thought it's because of the sizable presence of mourners who seem to give her and her siblings a feeling of , but just remembered that Catherine has always been strong. The sting of losing a mother is such a painful one, especially at such a tender age when Catherine is hardly 22 yet the eldest of the three. We pray that the hollowness, that ugly lonely spirit, will not rear its head once the morners have gone back to their homes leaving the family to face the future alone, without any parental love.



Away from the funeral. Yesterday we visited Truphosa in her school. She is at Lunza Secondary School, a high school with a population of approximately 500 students. I hadn't taken keen interest in Truphosa's academic progress ealier won. Yesterday's case was an eye-opener. To begin with, Truphosa actually received a calling letter from Butere Girls High School (where Jane is studying). Since she didn't have a sponsor by then, we had little to do about her, let alone enquiring about her academic nitty-gritty. Plus the confusion that was sorrounding her grade (remember the conflicting information about whether she was in Grade 6, 7 or 8?) So the truth is, on realizing that she couldn't raise the enormous Butere Girls' High School fees, her guardian resorted to taking her to Lunza Secondary School, which is a day school. She commutes from Imanga to Lunza (cant tell how many miles those are, but it's a long journey). In that condition, she managed to be position 15 out of 106. The most interesting bit is that she isn't alone. There is this student in the same class with Truphosa who scored very high marks - Jane had 333 and this particular girl scored 349 marks, all out of 500 - in her Kenya Certificate for Primary Education. She was also supposed to join Butere Girls High School but fate landed her in Lunza Seondary, a mixed high school of boys and girls, all because of the state of her family (well, she's never known who her father is and her mother has been remarried FIVE TIMES!) Ok. There she was, in the same class with Truphosa. She beat Truphosa by one position. She was position 14. The most encouraging thing is that fees in such a school is very affordable. They pay approximately US$150 for the whole year in fees alone. Other expenses like uniform and school shoes are to be bought separately. Tht's where our Truphosa goes to school. Oh! Her class teacher, Mr. Songa. A very sober, level-headed and rational man. He explained to us in details about life in Lunza Secondary School.

I have my computer up!!

No more living off my phone--hallelujah! It's been difficult, but I am SO thankful for the Iphone, which has made moving to another state more of a blessed experience. I can type something into the MAP application using my "current location" and it will give me directions to nearly anything. I can access my EMAIL and facebook. I can get texts and calls from friends. I have music and sermons by the pastors at Austin Stone, by John Piper, by puritan John Owens and weekly scripture memorization from FIGHTER VERSE (although I have not memorized this week's---I mostly know it: Set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your heart on things above and not on earthly things for your life is hidden with Christ.----------------see? that was close. Col 3:1-3) and that has helped me because earthly things could dominate my thoughts. Or physical pain. My hands and wrists are killing me. My knee is not too fond of how many times I am going up and down these stairs.
But yay! I even have my bank address stuff turned over to my new home and today we fedexed the papers and faxed them. They will go by the fax since they have a tracking number for the official documents and our buyers---with TEN CHILDREN will get to move in since all their stuff comes TODAY!  That will be one happy family! God bless them!

Made the move

Ok, so we are really not in Texas anymore. I still have no computer set up - so I am texting on steves iPad. Tap tap tap with my pointer finger.
Penelope pooped on the rug again. I try to tell myself that God wants to mold my character yet I have a very hard time with poop in the house. At least the weather is nice and she can go out many times a day. We have a giant yard-- like an acre of lush grass , but no fence and dogs all around! They have the "invisible fence" system here but Penelope is rude. I cant trust her to stay in boundaries! This little dog has very poor character-- but she is so cute. She is just openly greedy or manipulative. We can't tell her that she is not fooling anyone. She does obey, though--- mostly. Not with the poop.

Anyway, my house in Texas sells tomorrow and I am so happy for the new owners getting such an awesome house!! I have a pretty cool new house here. All the interior doors are wood! they used flat paint on the walls though and I am not a fan. I like semi-gloss. I don't want to paint after painting all of the Texas house, but....my bedroom walls are slate and my bedroom rug is light blue and caramel. Paint is cheaper to change!

A big thank you to the Godwins and Pilands for getting me out of a bind with extra stuff in the house. Muchas gracious! Asante sana! Thank you so much!

Today I went to the Barrington village municipal building to set up trash removal. One woman dismissed me with a wave-- that's LAKE Barrington! End of conversation. Thankfully, another woman saw my bewilderment and told me I needed to go elsewhere. She gave me an address which I put into my IPhone. I drove there and it said "village of North Barrington." an ominous sign, but I sheepishly inquired. Nope. Still needed LAKE Barrington....just down the road. Um...ok. So I drove there nearly missing it.
Well....this had to be it. What? No? The nice lady tells me I am in the Cuba township.
Hmmm. Cuba? Is that in our country? Do you have the number?
I called.
Oh...I am in the unincorporated part. This one asks me, "Who do your neighbors sue for trash?"
I am new. My neighbors have not come near me (wisely.) so then she gives me the number to Waste Management. I call them to see if they service my street. No. "is there anything else I can help you with today?" ( I could give her a list if she means it.) "No, thank you." My stomach starts to hurt a bit .... because I am so kind although it's not true Holy Spirit fruit. Rather, I am faking it to spare others from the effects of my weakness and sin. So I called Steve. It was difficult to believe I did all that work and accomplished zero. Death to flesh perhaps. Steve emailed the seller who gave us the info. Grout. That's who picks up our trash. Tomorrow I contact grout. I want to be ready to overcome anything..... Tomorrow.

Mtakatifu, Mtakatifu, Mtakatifu ni Bwana mwenye Nguvu on Desiring God

Mtakatifu, Mtakatifu, Mtakatifu ni Bwana mwenye Nguvu on Desiring God

Joseph Omuto Visits Evangeline's church and has visitor to our computer classes!

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of fellowshiping at Emukhalari Church. It was a Holy Communion service. This is is always the case when it comes to all Easter celebrations, at least according to the presiding pastor, Henry Juma. This time round, Evangeline was present. She actually goes to church with he guardian. The advantage she has is that the church is in their compound therefore accessibilty is no issue to them. The same applies to the school, which is just a stone-throw away. More of these(including the photos) in the next newsletter.




On Monday I visited a family friend whose son is a friend of mine too. The young man is called Adams and he has completed his second year in African Nazarene University in Nairobi pursuing a bachelors degree in Computer Science. (He actually met and encouraged our students last year when we were still a one-machine-all-students class at Shibuli). I spent a good part of the day with him, discussing his progress and latest developments in the university. The bottom line was he squeezes his program and pay our students another visit on Wednesday (today).



He honoured his promise and to cut the long story short, he's been with the students at Center the whole day. We've just parted ways about an hour ago. As I dashed to Shibuli with Frank, he remained in class with our students. That was around 11:00AM. We came back at three in the afternoon and they were still at it. He took them through Java lessons, showed them the program he came up with using Java and how he did it, the codes, the interface and more. He took them through a quick C# review, tested their knowledge and competence in a few elements in C# and gave them an assignment. He promised to come back on Friday to share more stuff with them. What can I say. The students had a great day and this, they confessed.



What impressed me the most was the passion Adams has to share his knowledge with our students, despite having a break of only one week before he resumes his classes back in Nairobi. He is commencing his third year next week on Tuesday and he traveled from Nairobi on Sunday. He is such an encouragement to the students.



The students are eagerly looking forward to meeting their little brothers and sisters in their respective homes this Saturday as we partake of our monthly distribution. They are set for the day. Apart from the Saturday visit, they have planned to be visiting the young ones at least once a month and spend the whole day with at least an orphan or two. They want to know how their 'siblings' spend the day away from school, where they sleep, how they use their supplies and how they socialize or relate with their peers and other family members.

Orphan Administration

I couldn't be more pleased with the way the Orphan Program has progressed. The happy pictures I get each month and the testimonials. I have posted some here and I have sent some out to the TGD family through newsletters. What a great blessing to be part of changing the lives of these young ones. Who can they depend upon? Even their relatives are struggling in poverty.

Frank and Joseph have really kept a watchful eye on these children. It satisfies my heart when they come back to me with reports of special needs. There was the occasion that they suggested blankets for Ben and Noel. They both live with a handicapped grandmother and they slept on rags. They had very old blankets which were dirty and in shreds. Upon observing this, Frank suggested we use some of their money for blankets. How delighted I was to see little Noel wrapped in a blanket like a papoose with a big smile on her face and her eyes bright! I love that she is so young she probably takes this new interest in her life for granted. Children under five years old don't know to reflect much upon their situation. They just accept that this is the way the world works. Contrast that with Abednego who was clearly ashamed of his orphan status. He didn't even want it spoken and looked down and scraped the dirt with a stick. He knew that other children had both parents and here he was in his uncle's home as an orphan. It breaks your heart when you see that pain. Oh but things have changed for him. He's an honored member of the household now who brings in supplies! He brings blessing to his home! What a change of status! I sit and ponder this sometimes in wonderment. I can't know what it is like to be an orphan. My parents are both still alive. And I grew up with both of them. I didn't know about going without anything. I had more than I needed and even often got those things I asked for at Christmas time! There were never any grave illnesses, never any broken down cars, never any fights about money and never any lack. So when I try to think of how a poor child looks at the world, I have to really work at it. It has helped knowing people who really struggled in poverty as children. There is a desperation in children because their survival instinct is always kicking in and what can they do? A child is so limited in control. They have no authority, no resources, and they need guidance and nourishment. God help our little children in Kenya and the suffering young ones around the world. They only know what they are told. They only know what they see. They have to come to a certain level of development to look beyond their circumstance--and many die before they reach that age.

So I am thankful for Frank and Joseph. Who have taken their jobs very seriously. Frank has remained involved even through his own devastating loss in March (Not even two months ago!)  Their dedication is glory to the Lord. Their service brings Him honor. Their work puts praise unto God into the mouth of babes. I am so thankful.

Here is an indicator of Frank's watchful eye, diligence, and determination to find a way to benefit these children the most. I wonder if all of us would take such trouble to make sure someone prospered. I thank him for monitoring the situations and not just "doing duty"but going beyond and loving. Here is an email I received today.

We call her Sharon 2 because there is the 1st Sharon who got the cow. Sharon 2 has AIDS (she is in the blue dress) and went without a sponsor for a long time. God had mercy on her and sent a sponsor with a heart for the broken. I wasn't even sure we should sponsor her since she is so sick and yet her sponsor was sure. God is so good. He is so good.

We visited Sharon 2 and realized that the monthly supplies going to her may not be effectively serving her. This is due to the fact that the home has nine children and several adults all of whom share in whatever Sharon gets. I talked with Florence and Sharon at length and considering what I saw, I propose a slight change on how we serve her as follows.

 

• I will talk with the school administration so that we can pay the school and have Sharon take her lunch at school.
• We will also be buying a box of pasteurized milk that she will be drinking a packet daily. This will be at the TGD offices which is just across her school and she can be passing by the office each day after school. We can also arrange for her to get a fruit a day for a month.
• We will also buy porridge flour that is mixed with several healthy ingredients.
• The remaining amount will be used to buy personal effects and food stuff that will go to the home but in small quantities and probably in bits for the sake of regulation.

I discovered that using our current method, by day three almost everything we have supplied has been exhausted and the girl struggles for the remaining days of the month. I talked to the care giver dealing with her case who assured me that she is improving and really only needs good nutrition.

Today in Chicago

I posted a photo to facebook. It was snow on the building roofs. That's just wrong. And as I walked to my hair appt, the little pansies freshly planted were surrounded by ice. There were signs out on the sidewalk saying "Caution: Falling Ice"
What?? I looked up and the building had so many stories. I could not imagine ice falling down on my head from up there. It seems like it could kill you. I walked out closer to the road!
I crossed the bridge over the river and the icy wind gust hit my face. It was only about 39 degrees and it seemed to me like it was so much colder. I was so thankful for my down coat. I was wondering about the poor homeless people. I had my little snow boots on because they are waterproof and cushioned. How privileged I am to live like this! My cheeks were feeling the burn of the cold but I could put my scarf over my face and I also had a nice roomy hood with a furry edge. The cold couldn't really hurt me!
I had only gone probably six blocks and I was thinking....oh man...so much more left to GO. My toe was rubbing in my shoe. I told my toes to tough it out. Get used to it! we need to do more of this! The nice thing is that being on the streets makes you walk so much faster. You are always coming to the road and you want to make that WALK signal, so you rush up to the corner and cross. Then it is there again up on the next one.
I would never take a walk that fast unless my dogs were pulling. But here, it is normal. I walk fast but people are passing me right up. Carrying a purse is hard because you can't swing your arms to make your legs go faster. I need a backpack.
It's so funny and dark here in the day. The big buildings obscure the light but at night all the street lights make everything lit up. Sort of backwards. But it is different. There is so much to see. So many details. The buildings have different architecture and styles and messages and names. There are shop windows and you can look into the cafes. Taxis are everywhere and trying to run you over. Buses stopping, trains overhead, dogs, beggars, and the occasional woman in spiked heels. The nice thing is most people are dressed in black (MY FAVE) and wear comfortable shoes--oh yeah! but everyone is thin. There are not too many overweight people and not too many short people.
(if you are short and overweight, i need you here.)
In Texas, there are LOADS of short people (Kenya, too.) I remember moving to Texas and looking around thinking, "Whoa, I can see over some people." In Arkansas, you had to be with children to get that. Well, I'm back to the land of tall people. So many tall women. Sarah fits right in with her white skin and dark hair. Not so many blonds around here. They stand out--and look pretty. Sarah is also tall and skinny. She's 5'7" and so many of the women here are that.  It's an interesting change. They all look so pretty in their boots and trench coats. Sarah loved all the boots here. So much variety. Well, it is so cold here, they have to wear boots for MONTHS! They probably have 10 different ones! Like we have sandals and flip flops (oh which are much cheaper.)
The people don't look at you too much and don't greet you as you walk by. That's nice, since there are so many. I can't help looking at them because we look at each other in the south and say hi. I have managed to be careful not to be too smiley. Sometimes I find a smile pasted on my face as I'm walking (yes, i'll be thinking of Jesus or something happy.) and then I'll realize I've got that look on. I reduce it to just kindness. It cracks me up that I might be too friendly.
I learned that in the south! I learned it from Jesus! I am not just naturally friendly at all! before I was a Christian, I don't think i was very friendly EVER. and I didn't have many friends, either. One at a time was enough for me. Now I've met so many wonderful, beautiful people---how can I limit myself?! I love so many people because they are so delightful! and I am so thankful that I actually have managed, by God's grace, to have some friends who love me. OH God is GOOD!
and God was good to send me to Shaun Blythe at Aniko Salon on Wabash in Chicago. 75 for highlights and 60 for a hair cut--not bad at ALL for downtown prices!! woo! and She was a BELIEVER. Oh how nice is that?!  and I was just going along, being my Jesus self, you know, and somewhere along that she just got excited and asked me ....questions about church/mild questions to find out where I was standing, you know, and she was so happy and just smiled with relief because she's in a sea of non-Christians and she's a real believer of Jesus. so she was so happy to talk and told me all manner of things about herself (super fun) and she has a church that meets outside in the summer to minister to the rejected people --not trying to get the rich suburb folks but trying to reach people in need. Oh we had a great time. Plus I was my neurotic self about my hair and being fat and obsessively NON-confident and she was just so cute as ever and we had a nice time. I'm definitely sticking with her. How awesome to find a winner on the first try! woo!
and then, since I had a hideous migraine last night, I went back to the chair massage girl and got 20 minutes of a nice light soothing massage and good conversation. Thank you, God, for Cassie who is 27 and has a little 2 year old girl--awwww. I swear it felt like three minutes! she said it was actually 25 since we talked. ahhhh. what a TREAT! 
so I walked my 1.7 miles home and took the puppies out to walk. Both went #1 and we headed back up to our 10th floor. I ate half a cheese Totino's froz pizza (cooked, of course!) and a glass of milk and came here to tell you about my day.
God bless you friends if you bothered to read it. I am so thankful for the people in my life. Just filled with love and joy about how good God has been to me to send me such fine people.
Makes me warm inside.

Well, well! A new well!

What is God up to?? Blessings!

One of Gods servants is giving a well anonymously!!

But Jesus sees everything and oh people ard going to give Him Glory!!

Short report from Joseph on Everlyne

It's a mixture of joy and sorrow for TGD. Joy for the new kid on the block aka Fredrick and sorrow for the Owaga family. Just as you heard from Frank, the Owaga family story is a distressing account. Each of William's children has a challenge to tackle. The first born (Mr. Otieno) has a problem with the leg, the last born (Mr. Omondi) has a big tumour on the forehead, kidney problem and lung infection. Christine Akinyi Owaga, Everlyne's aunt, has a celebral palsy case which earned her a separation from the husband. All are jobless. A family of orphans. Yet God has remembered them, by having Everlyne sponsored through TGD.
I had another tough week and that saw me slag in my communication. I had serious tooth problem that saw my left upper jaw swollen badly. By Tuesday morning my left eye had sunk inside the wollen flesh. I had to see a dentist that morning, had my tooth removed and am now recuperationg. I could only move from my house to the funeral. That's the farthest I could go after my encounter with the dentist. Am ok now and everything is back to normal.

Everlyne's future

The remaining four children of the late Mr. Owaga sat and discussed the future of the orphans and when Joseph and I visited them today, they had agreed on who was to be the guardian of the orphans.


The home actually has a total of four orphans all of whom were under the care of the late. The eldest is in grade seven while the youngest is in grade two. Mr. Owaga's daughter will be the guardian of all the orphans. Her name is Christine Akinyi Owaga. She was staying with her father and taking care of him after her husband sent her away due to the fact that she gave birth to a child with mental disorder (he suffers from cerebral palsy).

In short the home is a sorry state of affairs but I am glad that the Lord is using TGD to reach to His children in this home. All the orphans perform exceptionally well at school and I am confident that they will be very successful in life.

The body of the late will leave the morgue on Friday and go to his home church for prayers (He was a church elder in the local Anglican church) after which it will spend the night at his home and finally be laid to rest the following day on Saturday 16th April.

TGD Kenya computer student, Don, passing out a treat to Dianah: sponsored by Eleanor Prince.

These awesome cute little guys looking so prosperous and healthy after a few months sponsorship! Don't they look spiffy! They are adorable! Thank you to Brian and Juanita Piland and Megan Wise for helping these little guys out!

We are so thankful to Laura Stubbins who sponsored little Everlyne. What joy came to her grandfather! There aren't words to describe what the gift meant to the man, but he thanked the TGD Kenya staff profusely and with such gratitude and joy! He passed away soon after--but thanks to sponsorship, this little girl will be taken in by an aunt.

Newly sponsored Elizabeth was in such serious poverty. Thank you to Matt and Brenda Metzner for changing Elizabeth's situation.

These are some, but not all, of the families your gifts have blessed. It really changes things for them. Most families in Kenya are making a dollar a day, so a sponsorship of their home brings $50!! They get the food and relief from the burden of educating an orphan they've taken in. You cannot imagine--but you KNOW that God is moving and blessing through you to do things you cannot imagine! THANK YOU for changing the world here!

GREAT SADNESS. William Owanga

Frank wrote me:

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of one of our new guardians, Mr. William Owaga the guardian to Everlyne Adhiambo. Coincidentally we paid the old man a visit on Saturday and had a long chat with him only for him to complain of chest pains the following day in the evening and succumb to death at around 9pm Sunday night.
I was informed of his death this morning and Joseph and I went to the home and saw his lifeless body on the same bed we talked with him a few days back. I am glad that the old man was born again and discussed and confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour over his life.
The family was still gathering in preparation to taking the body to the morgue. I expect the burial to take place this coming Saturday and I believe by then we will know the fate of the two girls who were under his care.
 JOSEPH WROTE ME ON SATURDAY: (Frank)
suggested we pay Evelyn a visit. Evelyn's home is a neighborhood away from where I stay, so we strolled to the place. As usual, the old man's daughter was there to usher us in and took as to the now familiar room, the old man's bedroom. He immediately identified us from our voices. He sat up in haste as we we were brought stools to sit next to him. I wish you understood Luhya and Swahili. Those are the languages Mr. William Owaga used through out our discussion, as he expressed his gratitude every after three or five minutes.

What surprised us was the vibrancy in the old man, who is Evelyn's guardian, during that discussion. He actually dominated the discussion, telling us his life history, the laghter and tears he experienced, how he settled in Kakamega 63 years ago (in 1948), his life as a youth and later as a married man, before salvation and after he gave His life to Christ. Well, we didnt ask him to get into the trouble of taking us through his life record, yet here he was, freely and comfortably (I can add, joyfully) telling us all about himself and his family. To make it more interesting, he even know the positions his two grandchildren got in the end of term exam they had last week. He talked so well about the supplies that changed the mood in that home, the Saturday supplies we gave to Evelyn. He almost jumped up (literally) with joy when Frank reminded him that the supplies will be monthly. It's like he had forgotten that it's gonna be a continuous program.
Now, that can't explain even a tenth of the experience we had with him. That's why I said that what we see (and write about) is just a tip of the ice-berg of the the breakthroughs families and individuals are experiencing here as a result of what God is doing through TGD. I wish you could feel it, because we felt and saw the joy and ambiance that radiated from this home today. As we stood to leave, Mr. William Owaga was so grateful of our visit that he said "Thank You" in four languages.

doggie diaries

Today I drove the puppies an hour north so they could poop in the parking lot of a target (I had my special bags!)  I drove the new Jeep that Steve traded for the Viper (even trade, just paid tax, title, license.) I am not thrilled with that thing. Steve got the lift kit, I guess, and we are towering above the road. He bought a rubber mat in the back so puppies could stand and grip it. But when you lay the seats down, there is a gaping hole where the hinge is---ouch. Little puppy paws slip down into that.

I almost wasn't up to it but needed ground beef for tacos. yes, i drove an hour outside of downtown --because if I had to walk the seven blocks to the closest grocery store--it was raining and puppies can't poop in the rain very well---even in Austin!

and sure enough, we got out there to that big wide parking lot and they were all tails UP! happy puppies! no whirring cars zipping by. It was worth it to me. It was so cold (about 41?) that we weren't good for too long. But they were ready to get back in the car. Sarah sat with them while I went into target. I looked for a 25 foot leash so we could let them have the sensation of running around---but they only had five foot ones. There is a petsmart around here somewhere and a pet store of some type just a block or so away.
we'll see. I could pay someone 16 to come walk them for 25 minutes--but it is the DOGS who I am most concerned about--not me.

we did see this square of sorts---like a green oasis amongst the checkerboard streets --- little sidewalks and trees instead of a building on that block there. A woman with her small dog was walking through. It was right in front of some big majestic library where all these people were standing outside on the sidewalk and across from them were a line of cars like parents picking up elementary students at a school---but these were adults and young adults....so I could not grasp what was happening. All I could see is that GREEN---and only about 10 blocks north and maybe four or five blocks east. oh if my puppies could WALK to that then I could let them poop there in less traffic----but i think they might pop their eyes out of the sockets on the way. They lunge forward (nothing new) but with a frantic look about them (new). Penelope's little legs quake. It moves me with compassion.

but when they won't go potty, I'm moved to self-pity and whining. "Penelopeeeeeeee.....go wee-weeeeeeee, pleeeeeeeeease. NOW! GO WEE WEE!" She turns and looks me right in the eye. Just to see if I am serious. and I am, so she looks away and at the dirt and at the cars.

oh....I may drive an hour north tomorrow, but first I'll try to find a parking space near that green patch nearby.

Dog prayers

With the world situation and people suffering and the USA government looking at a shut-down, it is strange that my prayers are "Please, Jesus, get Penelope to pee! Please have her poop!" and likewise for Oliver---who is a little more accomodating.
But each of us lives in our own small world that we see from our own two eyes. In my world, there are two dogs locked up in a high-rise building in downtown Chicago. At least four times I day, I hope for the best in order to keep the corporate apartment from becoming a doggie-toilet. I intercede for my dogs daily (and several of you as well and my husband, children, extended family and more) praying that they will be calm enough to release their bladders. Penelope can hold for 24 hours. It's amazing and frightening. and she has had two small overflows onto the carpet. Very small considering she can hold about four cups worth and only went about 1/4 cup onto the carpet both times. We got her downstairs and outside to the clanging banging roadside where we ask her to go on the sidewalk or on the little patches of dirt by the light poles or bushes. Some businesses have their little bushes fenced in. Oh how I'd love to take a bunch of pictures of all I am describing. a video would be so informative and you could see what I deal with.
and so while I'd like to be thinking of all the other details I must continually attend to her in my new home and during this transition---I am hounded with thoughts of....."Would the dogs go now?"
Today it was raining! Add another insult to the process. All these other thing I blow off saying, "Through Jesus, I can do anything!" and yet.....I can't seem to just lean into this one. I'm suffering ---over DOGS. and i love these dogs. They are precious animals and I know them well. They rely on me and I care for them. They are quite confused about my requests out there in that noisy potty spot. What? Here? A truck is coming! That train is crazy-loud! I'm SCARED!
Please, if you are reading this. It is Thursday morning and I pray my Penelope and Oliver will potty outside today at lunch time and after I feed them their dinner. Pray for grace. Pray for Dog Blessings. I am relying on Jesus and I am discouraged---send hope and perseverence my way by the Holy Spirit. God bless you.

week one

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Chris and Tracy Leon will be sponsoring our 25th orphan! Hallelujah! What a Savior is Jesus! It is so exciting!

I am so thankful to orphan sponsors and general donors. I am so blessed to see so many hearts that get excited about what US dollars can do in an impoverished area. It is not just that children need shoes ( i read in an article today) but that the REASON they don't have shoes needs to be addressed. Their parents don't have an education. Their parents don't have jobs. So let's employ some working adults, let us train young people and let us educate those who are the least in society.

Good morning Chicago

I rolled out of bed this morning, ready to make Steve some coffee and oatmeal. I knew I had to feed the dogs but not before I was ready to take them out to walk. I'm still stiff and sore. My fourth toenail split on our first night here--it is a vertical split from the edge of the nail to the nail base and it is all the way through to the bed of the nail. did I say Ouch? I was wondering how I would walk yesterday, but a bandaid helps protect the nail and make it lay down (instead of the crack lying open.) I can wear my running shoes and then I discovered that a new pair of boots I bought on sale when I was here looking at houses is perfect. there is a lot of room in the toe box-so much that the top of the shoe part does not even touch the top of y toes at all. Hooray! so I was able to go take care of registering cars for parking and then go out to eat (only a block away) and then go to CVS--one block in the other direction. And I could walk the dogs.

probably this isn't interesting.

My house is up on the market in Pflugerville.
http://www.realtyaustin.com/idx/homes/texas/pflugerville/78660/1008-vanderbilt-cir/3066764.html

We priced so low but Pflugerville has a lot of homes at a great price. Most don't have as much cool stuff as mine did, so I'm hoping hardwood floors and heated pool really catch the eye of some mom who wants to bless her family with a great home. and prayers! I've prayed and prayed in and over the house. We have scriptures written in the foundation and in the innermost parts of the home which we wrote during the building process. Many times the Steve, the children and I went out to the building site and prayed over every step and for the future. Now someone can receive all those blessings!

The owner of our future home wants to stay in the home an extra couple of weeks (groan.) We expected to move in on May 1st. Now it may be mid-may. I still have to settle in so I can work towards Laura's wedding. I need to mail out some save-the-dates for Laura. We haven't gotten the invitations yet and the wedding is in July. (July 16 in Austin.) I can't wait to share my joy! I am so happy and full of hope and faith and love for Laura and Garson. What a blessing. I praise God.

So much going on in Kenya. I talked with Titus ---wait.....I actually talked with ANITA but I emailed and texted Titus.  No, no....I DID talk to Titus--ha ha! I talked to him while I was driving.

Anita was telling me of a child that goes to the school where Rose teaches. He is about 11 or 12. He has five siblings. His mother abandoned them for a new man and now the young boy is the head of the home. He does what he can but they have been suffering. Rose took Titus to their home and immediately Titus could see they needed to do something for these children. Some people came to help them plant some vegetables so they could eat. When it was time to harvest, the mother snuck back with her husband and they harvested in the night and stole the food away. The children were left destitute as before. Even one little girl of about four has been sexually abused repeatedly by a neighbor and has visible venereal disease. The injustice is so painful and makes me angry. Can hell burn hot enough? People don't want others to go to hell--and you think we should not PAY for all the evil we do to one another!?!? Jesus has laid all that sin upon Himself that we could go free---even that mother and her husband could go free. Even that diseased pedophile could go free --but they refuse to accept the grace of God and turn from sin---so the little girl suffers and knows no different than to have large men abuse her painfully and for pain to be her constant companion and who knows how this will affect her heart and mind as she grows. We are molded by our environments to some degree---and for her there is no love and nurture---there is abuse and pain and sickness. I grieve!

I do what I CAN do---and I do not know this family ---but I join Rose and Titus in wanting to change the course of their lives. Titus does what he can all the time. He does more than you can imagine. His life is a constant service to hurting people and nasty jealous complaining people and joyful loving servant hearted people. He is a pastor to thousands. I don't envy his job one bit, but I commit to him and his service to God within his community. He could come live here, folks. He could come with his family and two of his children might not have died. But he serves that broken community where poverty tries to destroy everyone and so much evil is hidden. God is at work there, shining a light and bringing hope and He hears the cry of the children and rescues them.

and I think it is easy for us to forget how much evil is in our own hearts. We live in a materialistic world of comfort where our irritations are slow internet service and cars that cut us off on the highway. Our fingernail (or TOENAIL) breaks, our A/C wears out, we get a flat tire, or our boss is irritated and it wasn't even our fault. Those are our problems.
but when you look deeper, there is still divorce, adultery, lying (oh God help me -how Christians lie and pervert the truth!) and jealousy, envy, greed, sloth, wastefulness (guilty!), anger (guilty!) and there is perversion as people watch movies where they look upon the nakedness of others and just sit there as if God is not grieved????? Oh, if you were watching those people naked right in front of you---you would realize how evil your actions! but our commercials are filled with naked ladies rubbing soap on their hip--the only thing missing is nipples and pubic hair---how much of that do you watch?

we will see all that has been done on judgment day and it can't come a moment too soon. Let men call upon the Lord and be saved. Let us turn from our sin and unto the Holy One and Worship Him in beauty! why do we think we need all this delicious food and a massage and movies and concerts and pleasure and sensuality? (Not that we should not enjoy this life. Come on. You are looking for excuses when you criticize me as if I mean that life should not be good. We bless God for all this goodness but we must turn away from our sin----let the Holy Spirit convict us.)

I wish I could rescue souls from hell. Yes, even the mother of those abandoned children and even the pedophile --who for some reason thinks he needs to dominate this small child to get his needs met unnaturally. God forgive him his perversion and cruelty and save him that he might turn and repent and be cleansed. Let us not judge him but let us rescue her! let us rescue him, too! let us rescue each other! it is so easy to see how wrong the pedophile is---but let us turn from our sins, too! OH GOD, send me someone who cares enough for me to call me out for sin and rebuke and love me and forgive me---there is a better way by the Holy Spirit. Let us walk by the Spirit and we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

We are in Chicago!

Friends, thank u for emails n calls! I love u!! I am going to try and update u through my blog so I dont bore too many.
It was quite an ordeal to get here. Puppies did great and pooped each day outside during pitstops. They were happy and spastic in hotels-- but I drugged them and they slept well. Training pays off!! Obedient children are a reward. They are not too thrilled living downtown in the loop, especially when a train goes by overhead! They are snoozing on my bed here with me now. Sarah thinks downtown looks old and rusty but she likes the area where we purchased a home. I have to get a P.O. Box set up so we get bills and TGD donations. You are all so faithful. I see Gods Grace in you. I give Him GLORY and cheer Him for His lovingkindness to the poor and in moving our hearts to care-- and making us ENJOY giving! We have His nature within.
I think living downtown is crazy. I have often traveled and enjoyed downtown hotels-- but these people live here. It is sensory overload right now but God will adjust me. And i can go to the aquarium and marvel at His creations or the planetarium to hear His glory proclaimed by the stars.
Steve had his first day at Navteq. I cant wait to hear! I know he will come home excited and brimming with fresh ideas and plans and dreams. He will fulfill Gods purposes like Moses or Joseph. Everything new and different. And he might collapse from exhaustion if God does not refresh him. We have worked and worked to prepare the house for sale, travel, and set up.
Doug came over and walked me n sarah to grocery store then pizza delivered and played a game together. Good family time.

2 new orphans sponsored!

I am so thankful that we have Everline and Elizabeth sponsored! Praise God! and we have support for some of our already sponsored children who need half donors. TWENTY FOUR CHILDREN SPONSORED! That's just a miracle and it is a blessing. I cannot imagine the impact this will have on these orphaned children who felt alone in the world. At the bottom of their social world, they were chosen and loved. It makes the heart soar! The beauty in the world eclipses the pain because some people are not discouraged to the point of apathy. God renews hope in this life. All Glory to Jesus that He does not leave us in despair.

Please donate to Frank and Cynthia Adungosi in their loss

Please give a financial gift to our beloved friends in the Lord who had two days with their son before he passed away and was buried on the third.
http://www.tgdonline.com/

Please donate online through paypal on the Trinity Global Development site and send me and email at sarivers@sbcglobal.net to clarify the amount for Frank and Cynthia.

Please pray for their strength and blessing and their health as Cynthia recovers from birth and cares for her energetic toddler son in her grief. Please pray that Frank can lead his family in Jesus as they go through this difficult loss.

Ephraim Favour Adungosi Feb 24-Feb26 2011

This beautiful young man was born to Cynthia and Frank Adungosi and he was loved in his short life. Who is to say what impact such a short life can have? and yet God was pleased to bring him into the world. We grieve that he could not stay longer and learn of his family with his natural earthly mind. His mother mourns with empty arms, the father cannot make the pain go away. Their good living, their good health, their quick action, their nourishing food, could not keep him here. I am so grieved and sad! I have loved this baby before I met him. I have prayed for him in the womb. I have delighted with his parents over his soon coming. I have prayed blessings for his health, safety and long life in Jesus. Now the unbelievable has happened. and I cannot even go to their side. They will have to bury their newborn son and with what money? They will pay the hospital bill for the birth and emergency visit--with what funds? Life is Kenya is harsh and relentless. The people struggle under so great a burden. Here this moment was one of celebration....and now we say goodbye to the beautiful little soul I never got to connect with personally. All their hopes and dreams for him have to rest in Jesus and their only comfort is his better life. But we wanted him here. They wanted him to grow with his brother Ethan. They wanted him to get an education, learn and live for Jesus, take a wife, have a child of his own, bless others with his generosity and wisdom and compassion.
It has that shock of the impossible. I know babies die all over the world. but this is not some baby, this is little Ephraim. These are my friends. This is my family. I grieve and cry out to the Lord to comfort them. To comfort His people. To hear their cry and have mercy on them. To send them some relief. My God is an awesome God and He will encourage them. He will stand with them forever. He is their glory and the lifter of their head. He is their redeemer and He has forgiven their sins and brought them into eternal life. They will share their joy with Ephraim on another day. But today we mourn with them as they do the hard work of burial preparations. Remember Frank and Cynthia. Remember them in their time of need.

Jane -- We give glory to God for what He has done for this young girl!

God has given Jane the ability to excel in school, but her parents are no more. Her guardians have sacrificed to send her to school and they were willing to suffer to give her this reward she has earned, but they did not have enough. It is about $1000 to send Jane to Butere Girls School, a nationally ranked girls school--a great achievement, a great privilege. But Jane would not have been going except for those who have loved a girl who can do nothing for them. For the joy of giving to the poor and helpless, donors in the USA have heard the heart of God and sponsored Jane through the year. Her sponsorship is $50 a month, or $600 a year. As a girl starting high school, her costs would take up at least half of that money. But to go to the private school would cost significantly more. Her school of choice, an excellent school, costs about $1000 a year for education and boarding. But God didn't leave Jane, he sent another to give her what she needed to make her dreams come true! Let's remember Jane and pray she makes the most of this opportunity she's been given. It's a hard road for a woman in Kenya, but God is with her and we are behind her all the way. God bless those who have given generously for this girl.

Ahhhh, Fred is upright! Oh please help this little guy!

SEE FREDS PROFILE BELOW

Fred needs a sponsor. Is God calling you to partner with us for this little man?

Little Fred is sideways....

Poor little Frank didn't upload properly, but I want to show you one of our new children needing support.

I had to do some tricks to get this photo to stand upright. I am having technical difficulties, but please, open your heart to little Fred!

Fredrick Maina lost his mother in 2005 and his father followed suit in 2006. Both parents died of AIDS

related complications. Elizabeth Nanzala, who is Fredrick’s aunt, took custody of the young boy. Fredrick’s

dad was Elizabeth’s brother. His paternal grandmum, though alive, is blind and can’t take care of Fredrick.

Elizabeth takes care of about five grandchildren excluding her own children. She sells basic foodstuff and a

few snacks for a living, while Mr. Donald (her better half) is jobless.

Jane-Oh the goodness of God!

I was in church today and we were singing something to Jesus. I saw a vision in my minds eye. I was in Kenya but a man came up to me, so grateful. He was Asian, which is not accurate for Kenya, but that's how it looked. He came with smiling eyes and joy and energy and holding both my hands in a handshake and shaking up and down and sort of bowing so happily straight into my face. I knew in that moment that he had such inexpressible gratitude, the kind that makes you want to do anything for another person because they have saved your life. I threw back my head in a wide loud laugh and let go to raise both my hands to heaven rejoicing in the Father. I twirled like a child, laughing with my hands up to the Father for the joy He had brought to this family! and it was as if sparkles of love and joy were all around as this man and i basked in the joy and happiness of the Lord. So expansive! So beautiful! So energizing! So real!  Tears were steaming down my face and I stood there in the dark with the worship music loudly playing and the people all standing around me and I just gloried in the Lord. Just gloried in Him! His goodness! His mercy! His beauty! (then I started thinking...oh my goodness, is my mascara running? Do I have a tissue? Do I have germs on my hands from handshaking or can I rub my eyes? ha ha--just thought I'd give you the full picture.)
I composed myself feeling a bit detached but sort of washed clean and peaceful. The message was on the Kingdom of God. How God wants us to display the Kingdom of God. Jesus has come and He said, Repent and Believe! and now He calls us to go out and show what it means to let the Lord rule in your life and show how it affects the way you treat others and the way you act in the world. I knew God had told me, The Kingdom of God has come! and I knew it has come to these orphans! Thanks to the donors who are giving to these children, they taste and see that the Lord is good. The actions that accompany the donors profession of faith show these children that God is moving on hearts of others far away to accomplish something for them that might not have been possible. Jane may have perished in the day school. Her intellect and drive pushed down with discouragement and despair and lack--but yesterday she couldn't believe what blessing had come her way--she was walking as in a dream. She had not eaten for two days from worry and desire--hoping, praying, "Will someone hear and help?" and someone said yes (six people actually responded quickly.)  HER ENTIRE LIFE CHANGES RIGHT THERE. It is like a miracle. Truly. and God is glorified. One who has been left alone has been cared for with love and ABUNDANCE. Hallelujah!

Note from Joseph: JANE'S SITUATION

Your decision to have her profile in a newsletter is God-send, very timely and a very noble act. This girl, amidst the marginalization of a girl-child in Kenya, went against the wind and performed very well, especially being in a rural school and an orphan for that matter. She qualified for a school that was just the other day got shortlisted for promotion of status from being a provincial school to a national school.
Getting a chance in Butere Girls High school is a pipe dream to many in Western Province, yet our little sister legitimately qualified for an intake. It is the school she chose as she sat for her end of year exam three months ago. I want to assure you that without God's intervention through you, this young girl was going to lose this chance to I dont know who. The guardian (God bless Pastor Kombo and his wife Damaris) was looking at the prospects of taking Jane to a local day school and it wasn't adding up. When we talked in the office, he almost broke in tears (a man, and a Pastor for that matter, almost shedding tears) when he narrated how his own son was at home because of fees and now here was Jane facing an imminent lose of place in a coveted provincial high school, just because of lack of fees?
The last statements he made were that he'll buy the necessary items Jane needed in school and leave the rest to God. Today morning he called, telling us that he has bought a good number of items, spoken to the school administration about his case and given upto next Wednesday to take Jane to school, at least with first term's fee. Then here you are writing to request for her photos to post in a newsletter you want to send to your friends. I call that God in action. Jane's story has taught me (and the entire team) a lot. I have a lot to write about what I have learned while addressing this particular case.

TOP STUDENT JANE WILL ATTEND PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOL!

It is a wonderful story. Jane, on the far right (then Lillian, Abednego, and Vivian,) took the Kenyan National Exam and scored so high she was offered a place in a prestigious school. Her guardian could not afford to pay and even his own son was sent home from school for non-payment of school fees. But he is a pastor and a kind man and knew that Jane's sponsorship would pay for her to go to school--if only he could come up with the costly start-up fees. He did what he could and purchased some items and asked the school to delay. He prayed and cried. He knew the TGD team was checking with me and I was considering the sponsors situation (already sponsoring four children!) but he just couldn't make the whole amount. Jane was posted for the Feb Newsletter and immediately we had five responses--one hopeful gift and four full offers. AMAZING! Praise the Lord, Jane will be going to school. It is a wonderful day in her household. Realize that for that home it means they will no longer get the food and supplies that Jane received because all the money will go directly to her education. It shows that they weren't trying to make anything for themselves, but only hoped this young girl would have a real chance in a harsh world. Thank you so much to my many donors who responded. We have a winner donor who gets the joy of fully assisting Jane in her school entry and amazing sponsors backing her up through the year.

The joys of learning...

Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.

Randy Stonehill - Hymn (Music Video)

My hearts cry is shown here in this video. To my beloved family in Kenya. I know you are hurting! I love you! I am with you! Nothing is to be feared with Jesus--endure this world for His Glory! We shall be with Him forever and ever.

Last Days Ministries : Training Your Children For Christ

This brochure was a major tool in raising my children. Parents: What really matters?

What are you training your children to value?

All I can do is post this but even if you read it, the work is in the day to day loving of your children and pointing them to the Lord.

Last Days Ministries : Training Your Children For Christ

Going around paying school fees

Cynthia with the HeadTeacher and her teacher, Little Benjamin of Ituti gets a ride to school with Frank!

Is anything more beautiful?

I think of this song we danced to many years ago....

How Beautiful

and the words were How beautiful is the Body of Christ.

We danced in our white worship Israeli folk dresses which had very full skirts nearly ankle length.

They made beautiful circles flowing around us when we twirled and worshipped our Lord Jesus.

All of the sisters in white, smiling, twirling, a twinkle in our eye, just holding back a laugh of celebration.

It was the Year of Jubilee!

and the pictures here are the expression of that joy. How BEAUTIFUL is the Body of Christ!

Here we are with our youngest brothers and sisters in the Lord. We are only separated by time and space, but we are one in Spirit. More hands and feet (TGD Team) of the Lord provide a tangible expression of the Father's Love to these helpless young children who have done nothing to determine their circumstances. Is it their fault they were born there and is it our merit that we were born here? And yet it has made all the difference. They live in poverty and everywhere around them they can see hopelessness and despair. Everywhere around them they hear of the dying and the sick. And now, someone has come to tell them----"There is someone who is helping you today!" And now, someone has come bearing gifts. And now, they look around and wonder, "How can this be?" and let them praise their God in heaven who has chosen them in His mercy.

I pray the work continue to expand that others feel the joy and the hope that is possible with so little from us but so profound for them. They will never forget this joy. 

Where does Frida go to school?

I see this and I think, "Where does Frida go to school? What kind of school is this?" At least there is wood, I suppose. There are schools in her area. Maybe she needs to go to a better school?

And Benjamin.....same thing. Is he in a mud hut school? Such a sweet cute little boy.

Whoa! Where are you??

United States 31

Netherlands 14
Russia 10
Kenya 8
Germany 7
Sweden 2
Ukraine 2
China 1
Colombia 1
France 1

Here is the page views from my Stats page---how fun is this? Someone in Russia is checking my webpage and someone in Columbia! I bet it is Shelby in China, or maybe someone Jinling or Julie knows? and who is in the Netherlands? I know who is in Germany--and I love you guys! Congrats on the beautiful girl! and France? Who is in France? Welcome all! Thank you for perusing here. All donations are completely appreciated---or as Steve's late father would say, "We're accepting Christmas presents even now." ha ha!

Paul and many others rejoicing today!

PHOTO ALBUM WITH NEW DELIVERIES!!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/stephanietexasrivers/January2011Delivery#

Cut and paste the webpage address above to see many more photos of our precious children!

Wow! a Cow!

Thanks to David and Cyntreva, Sharon's sponsors, who donated a COW!! PRAISE GOD!

Letter from Joseph O. who works for TGD Kenya

This email from Joseph really made me happy. They are doing such an amazing job. Together, we are all doing a great job! We could not do so much for those children without the TGD Team. God is honored.

Stephanie,
The Lord is doing a new thing in Kenya through you and your family. I have had a passion for the children ever since I was a teen, and I now see why. The kind of synchrony the Lord has put between you and the TGD team is creating the whole difference. I was sponsored through my entire high school education by someone never had a chance to meet, through a program known as Save the Children Fund. You might have had about it because it's a global organization, but I just knew it just as that - Save the Children. My sponsor was a Mr. A.O. Finland or something like that. Am telling you all these because all of a sudden I've found myself not only working with orphans in their homes but also at school, like it was today. Seeing these children, as orphans as they are, having an assurance of good life and education, reminds me of my days in school (am not an orphan though for both of my parents are alive).
Facial expressions and lifestyle in general in has changed in the life of these orphans. Smiles, laughter and ululations and celebrations mark every entry in an orphan's home by the TGD crew. You'll see for yourselves when you come over.
That's why each passing day sees me serve with renewed passion in my programming (and now the orphan program) endeavor.
As you change the world, we flank you.
God bless you and your family as you change the world through this noble course.
Regards,
Joseph O.

Still need a sponsor for Silas and Trophosa

Two new girls---FULLY SPONSORED!

Zanaibu

Sharon 2

Lately

Working for TGD has been such a joy this last month. With the orphans getting supplies, I can't express the joy of it. The team members are just loving it, too. What joy to see the faces of these children! My Kenyan team is PUMPED! and I think it is truly fun to just go buy all these great things, important things, and be part of the shopping and giving.

They've made videos and I've favorited some on myYouTube account.

Steve tells me of someone who is interested in doing more for the orphans. I am so excited! I pray I can represent them well.
and I have the great joy of sharing a teaching on Love Languages with a group of moms. and I pray I represent TGD well there, too. I suppose I am most interested in representing Jesus and the eternal value of loving others, however, and TGD promotion takes a back seat.

I am just not a marketing girl. Oh I was so discouraged this summer. Donations went WAY down right when we were in crazy need. It was a humbling time, a low time, a time of waiting and worrying and trying not to worry and worrying a little more and trying not to cry. I was looking in faith at Jesus and I was trusting Him, knowing that time would pass and it would be a memory---SURE ENOUGH! Time has passed and all worked out eventually. We have recovered from the costs and looking back over the year, people were VERY generous. God was really moving on hearts and people were responding and joining Him in this work. What a blessing!

At Christmas, my hands burned with pain. I went to the doctor and he said Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I have had to cut back so much typing! I have not been able to write! and when you are in pain....well....you can't think. But I have been able to cry out to the Lord. Not good prayer but good dependence.

I'm in Houston now, planning my daughter's wedding in July. It's a great joy. What a difference between her life and those in Kenya. Oh I thank the donors for making those children feel like the bride of Christ. Hallelujah!

Prayer that they would return to the Lord

Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people and I will be their God if they will return to me with all of their heart.

Before picture

I love these girls. Here is a before picture. Scroll down and see Shaline smiling, smiling. Thanks to sponsors making a difference in their lives. These girls are full orphans. Mary has extended family who don't want to take care of her. The Aunt took the infant child and abandoned Mary. God cares for them just as God cares for us. He hears the cry of the wounded, the lonely, the broken-hearted. He heals, strengthens and redeems. Then He sets us up to give to the world so His Kingdom grows on earth--Hallelujah! God will use these girls mightily to care for others in the future. They shall no longer be called outcast, but Overcoming!