Pray for Kehl

JACKTON AND MILLY'S BABY

NEWS FLASH:  We spoke with Jackton Monday night -- Milly and baby are at home, they were both asleep when we called.  Baby is nursing well and gaining weight he lost after surgery.  Meanwhile, school uniform business is taking off.  People from 8 schools are coming in for uniforms; school started today.  Staff is busy sewing.  Jackton will return to Rafiki Orphanage this week to do additional measurements for every kid they have.  He is doing all this on very little sleep.  Please keep asking God to bless them.  

  A little more than a week ago Milly went to the hospital feeling badly.  The doctors decided it was important to go ahead with the birth, so labor was induced.  When Kehl was born, his head was enlarged (congenital hydroencephalus), and the doctors determined that a shunt was needed to drain the water from his head.  He suffered cardiac arrest and was bleeding, so a transfusion was ordered and they waited for the surgery until he was stable.  He was moved to the hospital at Kijabe, where many Americans we know have had their babies.  Milly has been pleased that the doctors talk to her and tell her everything.  Surgery was performed yesterday and reports are good.  The shunt is working, and they think Milly and Kehl may come home within a week.  Thanks to all who prayed; we trust God whatever happens.  We will be so pleased if Kehl can grow up healthy as a playmate to the Mbuvi's new baby Jeremy.  

Notes from Mbuvi on 30 December -- 

  "We had chapel today and the kids are happy.  I told them you (nb. Charles Coulston) said you love them and the girls mostly giggled.  It has been a great family time here."

  "Tomorrow they will go for the Ngong hike and they are undecided whether to go and hike and come back or to spend the night!"

  "Church was wonderful and we had 6 newcomers.  It was nice because it was the last Sunday of the month, and they shared in the fellowship meal.  During our morning class we read Acts 21.  Bernard, one of the young men who came, was very polite and cheerful, and we were told that his house was burned.  This is because a neighbor has always wanted the plot where he lives since he is an adopted child.  He lost all he had and even had his hand cut.  During church we decided to give a portion of the collection for his needs.  Keep him in prayers."

  "John Wambu and I talked and we decided to write a letter to the Provincial Commissioner, the District Commissioner and the District Officer and copy it to the Police Commander telling them that the invaders have abandoned the building project and that we intend the fence the property again and take possession of the whole property again.  We will also explain to them the use we plan to make of the whole 20 acres in our skills training program.  We hope they are not part of the problem and will approve and be helpful."

  "Joel and some of the students are visiting Milly and baby Kehl today." 

  "We are yet to move into our house.  It takes a long time to complete and we don't have all the funds, but we will move in and finish later.  Mauryn has already packed!  Jeremy nurses well and is growing quick.  Jonathan is all over but likes his brother."

  "John Wambu told me the amount for Susan's surgery is 80,000 shillings (n.b., $1,200) at Gertrude's Children's Hospital." 

  "We love you much. Please pass our greetings."

                Mbuvi

When You Give A Party

The Gospel of Luke records Jesus counseling us to give parties, but to be careful about who is on our guest list.  Our daughter and son-by-marriage give a New Year's Eve party every year, in California on New York time!  That's so families can have the hoopla at 9 pm Pacific Time. and still get their kids home and in bed by 10 pm.  They invite people of all kinds -- from church, from work, from the neighborhood -- and they especially think of three types of people -- 1) lower income, 2) people without family nearby, and 3) dear friends.  

We are grateful to all those who support Made in the Streets.  They make it possible for us to "give a party" to lots of street kids.  We give parties in Eastleigh to kids, girls with babies and youth who are sleeping on the streets.  We give parties at Kamulu to former street kids who live with us and who are in literacy studies or skills training or preparing to leave us for life outside.  We give parties to Sunday school kids and to the community at Kamulu.  

Francis Mbuvi reports that the Team and kids at Kamulu (plus all the ones livingat the Eastleigh Center) spent Christmas day talking and listening to music and having a great lunch together -- with roast goat and stewed goat and rice and beans and corn and chapati and other good things, including dessert provided by the Conways.  Here are Mna and Brian, two of the children of our young moms living at Eastleigh, at the Christmas lunch.

Oh, yes, I was going to mention Jesus' guest list.  Essentially it is "whoever is not able to pay you back."  These kids can never repay you -- you have done it Jesus' way.  Thanks! 

Holiday Highlights at MITS

This picture shows part of the crowd who came for the Christmas program at Made in the Streets - Kamulu.  For the first time we made a serious effort to go out into the community and invite people to come in and experience the holidays with us.  Our motivation was that we have had people spreading bad rumors about the ministry around Kamulu, and we were advised by a law enforcement officer to "get into the community and let them know who you are."  To our happy surprise they came -- 150 adults and 80 kids.  Francis Mbuvi reports that Jackton shared about the work of Made in the Streets with street kids while Francis himself did a sermon from the Gospel of Luke about Jesus coming into the world to be our Savior and made a call to them to respond.  Several of our current and former students from the streets performed, with the RTGz and Christ Warrior groups singing, with several students doing acrobatics and with Ken Wambugu juggling (Mbuvi says they were awed by his ability!)   We are grateful to Josh Horton of Thousand Oaks, California, for his training in juggling earlier this year.   

All in all, it was a great experience.  It let community people experience our kids and our Team, to see where the church meets and to hear what we do and who we are.  By God's grace, that will help in our relationship to the community and lessen the impact of those who would damage the ministry with their words.  

Growing Faith at Kamulu

Here are two pictures of baptisms at Kamulu Church of Christ on December 21 -- Frederick Kamau and Selina Njoki.  They are young people home for the holidays from boarding school.  They are the children of a lady from the community who was baptized a few weeks ago.  She is a part of a women's Bible study group led by Maureen Mbuvi that asked Darlene to teach them about baptism and Jesus.  Now she has taught the kids.  Reaching the community at Kamulu with love and the message and growing the church are important to Made in the Streets.  

Soon we are going to face the need to have a full-time evangelist or shepherd for the congregation.  For now Francis Mbuvi preaches as well as administering Made in the Streets, and he takes care of many of the Bible studies led by the church.  Made in the Streets is becoming a bigger work for him, and so is the church.  So please pray for a person to step forth for leadership in preaching and teaching and visiting and helping others.  

Street Kids Get it Right and are Baptized

It has been an exciting two months for Made in the Streets.  It started with a street kid in our literacy program asking a question about baptism because of studying about John the Baptist in Matthew 3.  That led to a careful reading of each passage in the New Testament about baptism and answering whatever questions the kids asked.  

Then four of the older boys in our program asked to be baptized.  A group of women asked for the same study of baptism the kids in the school had, and several of them were baptized.  Then a large group of kids were baptized on our trip to the Indian Ocean.  And then more.  Finally one of our Street Moms in the Eastleigh program was also baptized.  And last Sunday the final two of 36 were baptized -- Mary Wangui and Lucy Wambui Njoki.  Before Lucy's baptism, Francis Mbuvi said a few words.  He told about how Lucy had come to talk about baptism but said she knew she must make things right before receiving forgiveness.  She had a conflict with another girl and had said and done some wrong things.  But now she had made it right, reconciled with the other girl, and she was ready.  

These girls have been wonderful in the Kamulu program.  Next year they will be 16 and will begin their skills training.  We have two more years to encourage and teach and help them develop into great servants of Christ.  

Here Mary is coming up out of the water.  In the other pic Lucy is ready and has confessed her faith in Jesus Christ. 

Student of the Year at MITS

STUDENT OF THE YEAR - TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR  2008



Friday was a happy day - we are always happy when we can honor someone.  We went through a process of choosing students of the year and a Team member of the year.  We asked students and Team members to write nominations -- not just a vote -- but to write what they appreciate about someone, how they work, the benefit MITS and the students get from this person, and so on.  We received some beautiful tributes!  

The end result was the choice of Ken Wabungu as male student of the year and Jackline Njoki as female student of the year.  

Presentations of a certificate and a "bahasha" (means envelope, and it has cash in it) were made, and Dr. Coulston praised them and shook their hands.  They were obviously pleased.  The bahasha was turned over to the Administrator to be saved for when they leave Made in the Streets.  

  Chosen as Team member of the year for 2008 was Philip Kariuki, who is the supervisor of our literacy education program.  Many wonderful praises were written about him.  He was very surprised to hear his name called.  He was given a certificate, a new pocket version Bible, a bahasha and a poster for his classroom entitled "Footprints".  

 We are very proud of our Team and our Students.  Praise God for people who work well together, who desire to succeed, who honor God and are good friends.

Trouble at 20 Acres revisited

Our court hearing was this morning, and Francis Mbuvi attended with our attorney (advocate for all us British-speaking people).  But the advocate for the other side did not show up.  This was the last opportunity to make a case, so the judge heard our advocate out and then stated that a ruling will be given on 16 December.  Our advocate told Francis that it will only be the ruling; there will be no more opportunity to present evidence.  So that is good news for us.   The picture is of the Member of Parliament and his people on the day they invaded the land.

The people continue to build; the trusses are ready to go on the roof.  They are using government funds from the Constituency Development Fund to do the building, so they are not personally at any loss whatever happens.  

Thank you for praying and for your concern and care.  We are well and going on with serving street children.  We have some great kids in our program now, and every day is a joy with them.  The last few days they have been coming up to Darlene and me one by one to ask, "What day are you leaving?" and to add, "I'll miss you."  And we will miss them too, but it will be good to be in the USA to report on the ministry, see family and gather things needed for the ministry.  

We opened the school uniform shop yesterday, or at least Jackton did.  Today there were several people at the shop finishing up details -- Philip and two of the girls were painting signs, Jackton and two students were checking on prices and setting out uniforms and accessories, and a few people were coming around to see what was happening.  A few customers have come in as well.

On Friday Jackton has an appointment with Rafiki Children's Home; they want to consider giving him a contract to supply uniforms -- that would be a great opportunity for us.  

The Team is planning the holiday season -- they have several great activities set up for the students, so they don't have to go to school while everyone else in the country is on holiday!

Have a happy holiday preparation time!

Marriage at Made in the Streets

Saturday, 29 November 2008, was a joy-filled day at Made in the Streets.  Laurent and Eliza were married, Francis Mbuvi was best man. Mary Wanjiku, a former street girl who is now married, has a son named Wesley and runs her own business while being almost blind, served as Maid of Honor.  Charles Coulston delighted in being the one to lead the ceremony.

   Two other former street girls were bridesmaids. Eliza's mom and several uncles came, with other family. Laurent's mom and sister were there, as well as several former street kids -- Samuel Kamau, who is now a boxer (lightweight; we gave him three mouthpieces that we brought from the USA; we found out last year that the boxers here share mouthpieces) among others.  

  After saying yes to their vows, each of them spoke to the other of love and commitment;

it was a happy moment.  

  Darlene Coulston baked 9 sheet cakes and decorated a wedding cake that she made - a new skill for her.  A cake was given to Eliza's family and to Laurent's mom to take home.  

  Many people brought gifts, and most of them were "bahasha" - that means envelope and it has cash inside!  The Coulstons gave them a one-night honeymoon at the Naivasha Country Club -- sits on a lake with hippo and lots of lovebirds, all meals included - a place to relax and enjoy one another.  

And to top off the day -- at 6:00 AM, Francis took Maureen to the hospital, then left her there to return for the wedding.  Soon after he left, she gave birth to Jeremy, their second son.  So MITS is growing our own as well as finding homeless kids on the streets.  It is so good to know that because of this work, more kids like Jeremy will not have to live on the streets, but will have a mom and a dad who love and cherish them.  Thanks for helping make this a reality!

Visitors at Made in the Streets

We have always loved having visitors from churches in the USA spend time with us.  We know that some people are troubled by short-term missions for various reasons, but the many people who come and work with us for 10 days or 2 weeks or a month have been of enormous benefit.  

Our ministry is so complex that we can use almost any skill a visitor has, so we make good use of what people know and do all the time at their own work.  We have made good use of farmers, Bible teachers, educators, preachers, engineers, woodworkers, businesspeople, accountants, tailors/sewing skills, hairdressers, photographers, law enforcement officers, mechanics, event organizers, graphic artists, cake decorators, computer-oriented folk...there are more, but you get the idea.   

And sometimes what is most important is not the skill, but that it is combined with encouragement to our Team and to the kids.  And we find that visitors appreciate our Team and find them capable and energetic and loving and God-devoted, and that makes the Coulstons and Conways happy.  Because we have poured our hearts and energies into this Team, and we are thrilled to see what they have become.  

Maurice Colby of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, wrote me an email this week praising Ben Mwami, our farm manager.  He found Ben devoted to the farm, wanting to feed as many kids as possible, ready to accept new ways of doing things...how great!  

Time fails me to tell what wonderful things people have said about Francis and Jackton and Moses and Philip and others.  

Visitors get to do some wonderful things and have permanent

memories of the difference they can make in the lives of street kids.  This picture is a group from Thousand Oaks, California, who spent a week at camp with 9 street boys who came out to Kamulu the following week.  And all of them are with us now, most doing great in their studies, several baptized already, and none have had any thoughts about running.

We have a project going on now.  We are asking our Team and our students to make nominations for the Team member of the year and the Student of the year.  I've gotten several wonderful letters about different people.  It makes me rejoice greatly in our students as well as the Team.  Nominations cease on Dec 1, and we announce the awards on the 5th or the 7th.  So please pray that we can give honor where honor is due.  

If any of our visitors from 2008 would like to email me a nomination, I'd love to receive it.  And I'll let people know that you honor them.

peace and joy, charles

Becoming Followers of Jesus

We continue to rejoice at the response that our young people in Made in the Streets, as well as community people, are making to being taught clearly about salvation, the work of Christ and baptism.  

Last Sunday, two more of our students were baptized -- Willys Odhiambo from the Kamulu program and Catherine Ndunge from the moms with babies Eastleigh program.  In this picture Francis Mbuvi is baptizing Willys, who was very happy.  He came to Charles Coulston recently to say that he has a girl friend whom he wants to marry some day, but that he is only 17 and know he will not marry for several years -- and he wants to do the right thing, so he has decided to be baptized, knowing God will bless him and keep him doing the right thing!  

Catherine was afraid of the water.  When we went to the Coast, she was reluctant to do down to the ocean!  So baptism was a fearful event also, but she was willing.  

These young people are so precious, as well as the community women who have been attending the Kamulu Church of Christ who have been baptized.  This makes 36 people in the past two months.  

This week we have prepared a small flyer to take out to the community telling about the congregation and what our spiritual life offers to people.  Please pray that we can distribute these to people who have need of the Lord and whom God is calling to himself.

Help Needed for Growth

Made in the Streets has planned for the future to build facilities for early childhood education.  This week we received word from a local law enforcement officer that a group was planning to invade the land we have set aside for this development -- and where we only have corn and a few fruit trees planted now.  So we have broken ground to build a "First Steps" building and a housing unit for moms and babies so that we can start a learning program for children of street girls and children of our own Team members and also for the local community as there is space.  

This will stop the group from invading, as it will protect two corners of the property with buildings.

We will need about $30,000 to build both structures, so as the Lord as blessed you, please feel free to bless our kids!  And thank you in advance for your help.  Send checks to Made in the Streets, 409 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027.  

Of Lions and Joy

Let joy roll down like waters...the most interesting things happen around Made in the Streets.  You know that we have property at an area called Mountain View -- it's about 45 minutes from Kamulu on the way to the Mombasa Highway -- we have 40 acres and dream of some day having a Christian camp for the churches in Kenya.  Since we first bought property there, we have had lions and a leopard on the property.  

Well, the lions moved recently over a rocky area just off our property.  Then the wildebeest started coming back into the area after making their migration from Tanzania.  So the lions chased wildebeest into our fence and tore it down.  It looked like the wildebeest got away too. 

And speaking of LIONS -- we are studying the books Wild at Heart and Captivating with our Team and kids.  We have developed mottos for them to yell -- "I am beauty; I am worthy" for the girls and "I'm a lion. I'm wild at heart" for the boys.  The young men are to think of themselves as being the image of the warrior God who protects his people.  The young women are to think of themselves are the image of the captivating God of beauty who draws his people to himself.  Part of being God's image is drawing near to God and be

ing what He wants in the world.  And these young people are drawing near!!!!

WE BAPTIZED 12 PEOPLE SUNDAY -- 16 November 2008 -- Among the 12 are 8 of our kids.  The other four are from the community -- Irene Muthoni, Grace Muthoni

 (Irene's daughter), Rispah Kwamboka and Frankjohns Bukhala (Frank is the 12 year old son of one 

of our church members).  Our 8 kids who were baptized are Anthony Githinji, Susan Wambui, Kevin Mweti, Eunice Wambui, David Mutimbi, Joseph Nderitu, Charles Kimani and Douglas Maninge.  

Our joy rolls down and flows up and overflows...we are so happy with the response of our young people to the Lord.  One of our young men who talked to me recently about being in love with one of our girls (but knowing he shouldn't get married for a few years and wanting to do the right thing) reported to me yesterday that he and the young girl are planning to be baptized in a week or two.  Pray for them -- for self-discipline, for ability to wait, for growing relationship.

Yesterday John Wambu took Maurice Colby (who is visiting us from Cedar Rapids, Iowa) to Mountain View, and Maurice reports it was a safari.  They saw Thompson gazelle and a herd of giraffe and other animals.  Our visitors are at Eastleigh today -- at the girls with babies program and on the streets.  Tomorrow they will do a first aid workshop with our team, and they continue to do Bible studies with the students.

So...joy continues to roll down on us.  peace and joy to you as well, charles

Multiply our Joy

Another great day for Made in the Streets.  When we started our session after breakfast, we asked Joseph to come forward and get his baptismal certificate.  If you look closely, you can see he is holding a booklet written by Steve Eckstein, a good friend of MITS who recently gave us some of his "I am a Christian" booklets with certificates in them.  This makes number 9 we have presented in the past 3 weeks.   Darlene and I taught our lesson this morning to the Team and kids, as we have each day.  Today we talked about the beauty God made in women and how He made them worthy.  And we talked about the warrior God who made men for battle and for rescuing and protecting women.  Then we talked about where a man or a woman goes to "get your question answered."  The question is "am I beautiful?"  "am I worthy?"  "do I have what it takes?" So we talked about not finding your answer in a man or a woman or in this world/culture but in God, in Christ.  Afterwards Francis Mbuvi gave the kids an invitation to commitment to Christ and to baptism.  17 raised their hands, saying they wanted to be baptized.  Francis decided that the 4 young ones in the group, who have only been with us a few months, should wait and study some with Team members.

We left for the beach, arriving at the marine park at 10:00 -- beautiful waves,

sand and an ocean that seems to go forever.  And we lined up the 13 kids in the ocean and took a picture. The young people are Nicholas Muiruri, Mary Waithera, James Mwangi, Joseph Mburu, Mary Muthoni, Brenda Adhiambo, Scholastica Adhiambo, Ken Owino, Fatuma Amina, Patrick Saulo, 

Mercy Kisya, Paul Zakayo and Titus (Pius) Musyoki.  

Francis asked them all together about their faith, 

and they responded.  Then they walked up to him one by one, and he buried them in the water.  They came up spluttering, smiling, laughing and satisfied!  You can see the happiness in Mary Waithera's face.

Joy at the Kenya Coast

FLASHMAIL -- at Made in the Streets we are a happy bunch.  Darlene and I looked out at the kids and the Team this morning, watching them juggling, talking in small groups, kicking a soccer ball, drinking a cup of tea, holding babies and playing with them -- and Darlene said, "we are more than a school; we're a family.  The kids ate mandazi and drank tea for breakfast, and one of the boys came by to offer some of his to Darlene and me. 

Then we went to the beach.  We are staying at Uzima Church of Christ in Malindi - in the building, in tents, in classrooms -- Jackton and Milly got one of those since she is pregnant.  We drove both buses through town to the Marine Park.  Everyone got out, and once again we are awed by the ocean, the wind and waves and bright sand.  

We walked down to the water, and Joseph Kamau and I waded out a little ways, while all the others gathered around us.  I told all the kids and team that we need to do two things -- one is to forever call him Joseph -- he says this is his new name from God.  He wants to put his other name behind him with the past, in which he did some really bad things which we will not discuss. The other is to encourage Joseph in faith, in obedience, in keeping his attention on Jesus. I ask him about his faith, and he answers with a very serious look.   Then he is baptized in the ocean - in the name of the Father, the Son, the Spirit.  He asked me over a week ago to do this for him.  He wanted a special memory to go with his joy at a new life.  

Donations to Made in the Streets

We are very grateful to all of you who help the street ministry with funds, with your times of prayer, and your encouragement to us.  It appears that an economic recession is in the future of many, but we pray that God is blessing you with great joy and hope and that you will be able to continue being a blessing to our kids and Team.  

If you have plans for any special donations, if there is a special project you want to help us with, if you are planning a year-end or holiday donation, NOW is a great time to give to Made in the Streets.  We are happy that the economy is such that we have the best exchange rate for dollars into shillings in years.  In May we received 59 shillings per dollar, and this week it is 77 per dollar, a sizable jump in what we can do with the money we receive.  We have no idea how long this will last; exchange rates are volatile and depend on many circumstances, but particularly with the flow of dollars into the economy here.  Think how much further your money will go!  Think of it as a challenge grant!

So...if you desire to give special help with 

   The trip to the coast (we'll need to spend about $2,500). Jackton has planned a lot of spiritual emphasis with Bible studies, group responsibilities and closeness, and so on, not to mention the fun of being in the ocean.

   Repairs on the 20 acres building (we had a freak storm that tore the roof off our building, which will cost about $3,000)

   Holiday trips, parties, events, visits to relatives (we could spend up to $2,000 if we have it)

   Additional skills training at outside schools for students (we have 10 preparing to leave us this year, and we may need up to $1,500 for training for them all)

  

University education for Team members -- Philip Kariuki, pictured here, is our education supervisor, and we would love to send him for a degree in education -- he is bright and committed and a pleasure to be around (cost is approximately $3,000 for the first year) 

   We continue to send Joel Njue to USIU for the business degree (we will need $1,600 in January)

    Irene Akinyi is attending Daystar U. in counseling 

psychology (we will need $1,700 in January) 

   New Staff -- we need to add a trainer for catering and one for hair-dressing.  We also are in need of a mechanic who can care for our vehicles and train students.  We need to spend a total of about $250 monthly on each of these.  The total for one year for one of them would be $3,000.  

Thanks again for all you do.  Please send donations to Made in the Streets, 409 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027

Conversion: Faith, Repentance and Baptism

What a wonderful day!  We are glowing at Made in the Streets.  October 12 four of our boys were baptized into Jesus - Francis Cugia, George Mwenda, Francis Wahome and Titus Kioko.  Many of these kids already believed in God when they were on the streets, but they didn't know and understand Jesus.  And they had very little knowledge of God's Word or of what God wants in our lives.  And one of the great things about conversion for them is that we have seen them come through repentance.  

All of the guys who come to live at Kamulu have turned away from a life dominated by glue-sniffing.  And many of them have been thieves -- picking pockets, grabbing food or purses and running, breaking into shops at night, taking things away from younger or weaker boys and girls, and so on.  And they easily slip into a life of lying -- to relatives, to strangers, to police -- about almost everything.  Many of them have been sexually active, even as young as 9 or 10 years old, and many have raped girls on the streets. When they come to Kamulu, most of that changes very quickly, and they seem truly glad to change.  For some the lying and violence takes a little longer to change, but we see real changes that are just short of miraculous in almost all the kids' lives.  

Then Sunday, October 26, four more boys came for baptism - Frederick Otieno, Duncan Kamau, John Mwangi and Edward Muhea.  They have all been studying and thinking and talking to one another, and we are so pleased with them.  I know that those of you who sponsor these boys are happy also; thank you for the prayers and support and love you show for them.

All of them can tell you all about the passages in the New Testament about baptism! 

20 Acres Update

Greetings!  So many good things happen among us at Made in the Streets, and we have only a few bumps along the way.  And the bumps always turn out to be good for us, for our kids and for the ministry.  Jesus wants this street ministry done, and He leads the way.  

As to the 20 acre bump, we have a hearing in high court on November 11 -- mostly to issue a judgment as to whose property this is.  We have all our documents -- allocation letter from the Drumvale Cooperative, Lease Title from the Department of Lands, a confirming letter from Drumvale that we are the only ones issued rights to the land, receipts for taxes paid... 

The people who have invaded the land continue to build - they have now filled in the foundation area with stones and today they delivered ballast.  They still have to bring in cement and sand for the concrete for the foundation. It is likely they will get the walls up before the court date.  That is a little worrisome for us, but the lawyer has told us of numerous cases in Nairobi where people have built on other people's land, then had even large apartment buildings torn down by bulldozers after a court case -- he says not to worry.  So, we are trying to do what a lawyer told me a long time ago in Redwood City about a court case regarding a home, "Let me do the worrying."  

We trust God, and the promise is that the best will be done for us, however human, earthly and material affairs work out.  After all, this is His land, and he holds the stars in His hand.  

Marriage and MITS

Aah..marriage is a wonderful thing.  And there is marriage in the air at Made in the Streets.  When I was 20 and ready to get married, I only knew one way to do it.  Two decide to get married, he asks her dad, then they tell everyone, arrange for the church and the preacher, get a license at the County Court Clerk, have a wedding, and rent an apartment.  In Kenya I have found there are other ways.  You can get a license from the government and have it signed by someone authorized by the government to perform your wedding.  Or you can schedule a wedding at a church, and it's legal and acceptable whether you have the license or not.  Or you can even have a community wedding, which means that you announce to and get the permissions of all the important people in your life and you are then married.  There is no inheritance guarantee with this last one, but it is acceptable in society.  

At MITS, we have a joyful event about to occur.  No, it's not one of our 5 Team members who have fallen in love and are looking forward to marrying one of these days (I won't mention who those people are here, other than to say that two of our women and two of our men are looking forward to marrying, so they will have to move out of the dorms into their own homes).  Our joy comes because two of our former students from the streets will have their wedding on November 15 at MITS-Kamulu.  They actually opted for the community wedding three years ago and have a son who will be 2 in November.  But they did not go through the complete process of the traditional wedding, which involves a face-to-face meeting of any parents the young people have who then announce their agreement in favor of the marriage.  In this case there is one family background that is almost impossible to deal with.  As a consequence, they have not felt truly and fully married.  

Today (Saturday, 25 October) they came to visit at Kamulu and made the decision to not only have a church wedding but to seek to get a license signed and registered also.  So we got out the wedding dresses that friends in the USA have sent over, as well as the wedding rings that have been donated, and Eliza tried them on and chose one.  And Laurent says she is beautiful.  He also said he has always heard that "a good wife is a blessing from God," and he knows that he is a blessed person.  

We met Laurent near the very beginning of Made in the Streets; he was 13 years old and had been living on the streets in an alleyway for three years.  He loved learning; Darlene's Mother, Dorothy Wright, taught him to read during her visits in Kenya.  Our Team introduced him to a head-teacher at a local primary school after he had been with us about a year and a half. He was admitted to the 7th grade in spite of never being to school because he had learned English so well. He took the 8th grade exam the following year, and the Team enrolled him in a local cooking school.  When he finished in 2003, by God's grace he obtained an attachment (apprenticeship) at the University of Nairobi cafeteria, where he continues to work.  Once he cooked a meal at the University and served the President of Kenya, and this year he cooked at a meal attended by the President and the new Prime Minister.  He is well liked by his superiors and fellow chefs, and of course we are very proud of him.  

Laurent continues to support his mother, using about 1/4 of his total earnings for her monthly support.  He contributes part of his salary to a pension fund, so there isn't a great deal left for them to live on, but they have an apartment and recently managed to get a DVD player to go with the TV.  And there are many stories of his generous spirit with others, especially toward kids on the street.  

So...on November 15 Laurent Mogambi and Elizabeth Wangare will be able to feel complete in their marriage.  This is only one of the reasons why we think doing street ministry is exactly where we ought to be.  

20 Acres Update

We are making progress in our effort to stop those who invaded the 20 acres.  The local police commander has stopped the construction until the case is settled.  Our attorney has visited the farm and has all the documents and pictures; he believes we have a strong case and says this judge will take a strict view on protection of land.  The local authority that surrendered this land to us has written a letter stating that MITS is the only party that the land was surrendered to.  And today representatives from two television stations (KTN and KBC) came to take pictures, view the land and interview staff and students who were present at the invasion.  They think it will be in the news Monday.  

Meanwhile, life goes on.  For the past two weeks Darlene Coulston has been teaching the Bible classes at MITS.  The class was in the Gospels and ready for the work of John the Baptist.  The students were interested, so Darlene has carefully studied every New Testament passage on baptism.  Then today 4 young men were baptized -- Francis Cugia, Francis Wahome, Titus Kioko and George Mwenda.  After the baptisms, Charles Kimani said he will be baptized tomorrow.  Then in the afternoon Frederick Otieno told Charles that he will be baptized next Sunday.  So...Good News at MITS!  

Land Problem Update at MITS

Thanks to all who have written comments and emails in regard to our land problem at Made in the Streets. Francis Mbuvi, our administrator, sought an injunction in high court on Friday to stop anyone from entering the premises at the 20 acres or interfering with MITS life. However, the judge wanted to leave early since it was Friday, so the case was not heard. Francis and the lawyer were allowed to enter all of the MITS documents and the plea, so that the case will be heard on Monday. We will wait until then to pursue other avenues. The people who invaded the land have begun digging a foundation. We are trusting God to be at work to protect our work for the street kids, to soften and change hearts and to make the right way for us.

Life at MITS goes on...Charles and Darlene are almost finished with the house and hopefully will move out of the girls' center by October 10. This week has seen the installation of window glass, painting, spackling, electrical wiring and installation of lights, drainage system and a few other odds and ends. Five of the young men at MITS are painting -- they are doing great work and have such a good attitude. It is nice to give the kids opportunity to earn some money. When they work at MITS or for one of us, we give them half the money now and save the other half for when they leave us, so they will each have some funds to start a new life.

Two girls had a fight today, and one's nose was hurt. We hope to slowly help the kids get anger and physical conflict out of their lives, but it is not an immediate process. That's one of the reasons we are sending Irene Akinyi to Daystar University to study counseling. We want our team to be able to guide the kids in better and better ways. Irene told me yesterday that because of her introductory course, she has already made some changes in the way she deals with the kids. That's good news!

Window glass was installed in the new girls' kitchen today, and repairs were made on their water system. Next week John Wambu plans to go to Eastleigh to make some repairs needed before the Eastleigh Center is approved by the Children's Office in this year's inspection. We have to redo the floor of the main hall and provide more ventilation in the girls' dorm; also we have to put higher barriers on the sides of the toddler beds.

Joel Njue reports that our efforts on behalf of older guys -- 18 and older -- on the streets are paying off. He found a government official working the National Identity Card office who has taken an interest in the young men. Joel and the Eastleigh Team are working to get National Identity Cards for 80 young men, and 21 will be served this coming week. They will present their documents and receive waiting cards; Joel will be informed in a few weeks that the cards are ready, and he will be able to pick them for the young men.

Darlene has begun teaching the Bible classes at the Learning Center, since Irene Mbithe started her maternity leave on Wednesday (Kenyans get 3 months off work for maternity leave). Darlene reports that the kids in all 3 levels are using English in class, with very little need for translation. She is pleased with the obvious progress and with their enthusiasm. She says that every student speaks up, asks questions and answers questions. The class is currently studying the Gospels, and this week has been taken up with the work of John and the baptism of Jesus.

I talked with several of the young people who are taking exams in November and December, and they feel confident they are ready. Several will take the 8th grade government exam (in English, Swahili, Social Students and Religion, Science and Mathematics), and others will take the Level 3 Auto Mechanics exam. One student will take the Level 3 exam in Tailoring.

Thank you for praying for us and for supporting us. Let the hungry and homeless children of the world be blessed.

Trouble at the 20 Acres

It is good that the Team of Made in the Streets has reason to keep on keepin' on. And we do -- we know the kids who sleep on the streets have worth and can succeed and have faith and be quality people. We know the work of MITS is a work that Jesus wants to do -- his heart is with the poor, with children in trouble. And we know it is possible for kids to come off the streets into a new life, for we have seen the change and the power and the joy.

The past two days have seen trouble at MITS at the 20 acres. The 20 acres is where we are building our Skills Training Center. We are already teaching woodworking and tailoring there, and we are almost finished with the John Connor Brown Training Facility where we will train young people in cooking and hairdressing. We have a well to serve the Center and to irrigate land for farming, so we can develop an agriculture training center as well. This part of our ministry has an exciting future.

Yesterday (Tuesday, September 30, 2008) a group of men came to the 20 acres led by an MP (Member of the Kenya Parliament). They chased away our teachers and students at the Center, and they attacked several of them with spades, a mattock, a panga and stones. Our farm manager, Ben Mwami, was slashed on the shoulder. Victor Otieno, who directs our student shops and assists with farming, was cut on the finger. A student, Fatuma, was slightly injured. Jackton had stones thrown at him but was not hurt. The men tore down our sign, tore our fence posts out, and took down the whole fence around the property, then took the posts home for firewood. Ben, Victor and Fatuma saw a doctor at the local clinic in Kamulu.

The MP and the men and women (included was the Assistant Chief of the area, but the Chief chose not to be involved) claimed they were reclaiming public land which would be used to build a secondary school. If they have a piece of land, and they propose a school, they can receive CDF money (Constituency Development Funds), which are distributed by the Members of Parliament. So they chose to take our land in order to develop their plans. One interesting note is that they did not involve the police, nor the department of lands, nor any other government officials except the local assistant chief. The police were surprised when they discovered the event had occurred and they had not been informed about it.

Francis Mbuvi, our Administrator, has visited a lawyer to seek an injunction to protect the land until the issue is settled. We have been in prayer together, and we have decided that we will not be angry, we will not be discouraged and we will not be bitter. But we will also not give up, and we are determined to do the best we can for the children God has given us. All those who were at the Center went to the police post today to present testimony and evidence. Immediately afterwards the crime scene investigators arrived at Kamulu and took pictures of the demolished fence and looked over the property.

We hope that tomorrow we will receive the court injunction, and we will wait to see what action the police will take. Our team has said the police were friendly and listened carefully to testimony.

Following is a picture that was taken by Jackton after the "victory" of the group, when they had settled down to a meeting to plan their new school.


We do not yet know the outcome, so we ask our friends to pray, as always, that God's will is done, that the needs of street kids are served, and that our Team will be filled with courage. We want to have the property that will be best for our kids, and we want what is lawful and right to be done. Thanks for caring.

Street Mothers Learn to Work

A STREET MOTHER LEARNS A SKILL

One of the young mothers -- Millicent Adhiambo -- got the chance to learn hairdressing at the Narcisse Salon for a month. The owner is Nargis Manji, who has been a great friend to Made in the Streets. Five of the young women who have been through MITS - Caroline Wanjiru, Catherine Ndetwa, Riziki Asha, Jane Wangare and Pauline Zainabu - are working for Nargis now. She has sent two of them to the Revlon Beauty Institute for advanced training.  Nargis took it upon herself to train Millicent, who is pictured with Nargis here.   It was something she enjoyed. Next week we will send Francis Cugia for training.

In this picture she is being taught how to mix hair chemicals as Nargis observes.

Millicent applies the chemicals she has mixed.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

We had a good time in church today. In the morning class we looked at Acts 10 and it was interesting to hear peope comment about the issue of unclean food. In fact Evans and Anthony still believe that eating pigs' meat is unclean. The class was full and I enjoyed sharing some insights about the text.

In church we were led by Joel and the ladies in worship which was nice. He has taken the idea of reading scripture very well and involving some of our students. Jackton did the Lord's table and I did preach from the book of Acts 4:32-35 encouraging people to be united as a church, in evengelism and sharing with others the material blessings that God has given us.

In the afternoon the students gave reports about how they did not complain the previous week which was the practise for the week. It is amazing to hear them talk about the times they would have complained but didn't. Sarah Aono and Mary Wangui said one day they got very little food and were about to tell Eunice to add but remembered the practise and instead said thanks and sat. Many others had similar things to share.

I interviewed Rebeca (who has certificate in social work) and she agreed to work with us. This means this month we will include her in our payroll. We are still getting applications for a mechanic and caterer -hope we get a nice one.

Have a great day. Mbuvi.

Visiting the Aboretum

Greetings. This week on Monday, the single mothers who come for the Monday program had the chance to go on a trip to one of Nairobi's small recreation areas called Arboretum. Mauryn told me that only those who had been frequent in attendance and participation in class were to go. There was excitement on the women's faces and they looked forward to it. On the way, I could hear some of the mothers comment about down town and how now it looked good. "Hata maji zinawagika" (even water is pouring), they said, talking about a fountain that the city has put up.



At the Aboretum, they had lots of games and bonding activities different from their daily routines. They also had some time to walk around and look at the trees and flowers there. They really did have a wonderful time. On our way back, they could not help asking when the next trip will be!!!

How blessed it is to brighten people's lives by deeds of love and kindness. Our thanks to all of you who help make this possible.

Mbuvi

Life's Little Joy Moments

I haven't seen it, but I'm sure someone has written a book about "life's little joys". What I like is those little moments that come just because of what you are doing. Moments that are part of life itself, not only thoughts you have. I had one of those moments tonight. Anastacia is one of the girls we found at Grogan's Base in downtown Nairobi. There were several girls hanging around there, begging from passersby, getting and giving favors with boys, one of them with a mother and 3 more with an aunt who also lived on the streets and sold illegal liquor. She has been one of our smarter kids, and with Katera Bolander's influence, she has gotten fascinated with journalism. She interviewed a ranger when we went camping. She interviewed Red Cross workers at one of the internal displacement camps near Nairobi. And she has interviewed other students and teachers here and helped edit a newspaper for us.

Recently I set her up as a blogger (www.tashanjoki.blogspot.com/) so she could write every week and have her writing in public where she would be encouraged to improve and think about many things to write. And tonight I helped her write her first email. One of those moments to remember, to think of how far she has come. From the streets to the internet. And she felt great joy and a sense of accomplishment. Then we looked at her blog together and the comments she has received from readers in Texas.

Do something with a young person. You can live for a while on little moments like that.

peace and joy, charles

Goals Set for 2008

1. We will strive to offer an even greater experience of GOD to our students in class, their dorms and everyday activities so more change can be effected in their lives.

2. Develop the program with young mothers and their children--house them in the Eastleigh Center and take them for skills training. Define this plan thoroughly for the Board and for direction of the Team.

3. Take willing street boys, girls and mothers to skills training whom we are not taking into our boarding program. We had success with 2 girls, 2 boys and 1 mom in 2007. We think more can be achieved this year. Define this program thoroughly for the Board and for direction of the Team.

4. Complete skills training building two (the Connor Brown Memorial Building) at the twenty acres and occupy it.

5. Increase our presence in the streets, Evangelism, organizing tournaments, trips, talent searches and build the 3 pm Sunday street youth worship time in Eastleigh.

6. Improve our teaching programs by keeping time, speaking English at learning center and counseling students. Book external exams for our students, both those in skills training and fast track.

7. Exit those who are 18, help them secure identity cards, attachments, jobs and find a new church to attend-- a total of 12 students this year.

8. Network with other organizations offering similar services as ours. This will help us improve and help a bigger number, including those with HIV and AIDS whom we come in contact with.

9. Follow-up on children who have been reconciled with their families to find out how they are doing as well as students who have left, for the same.

10. Lay irrigation lines at a section of the 20 acres, improve our productivity on the existing zones as well as taking better care of our animals.

11. Get internet connection at our virtual library and computer shop when cost is appropriate.

12. Create business and job experience opportunities for students; e.g, mechanics, sewing and woodwork.

13. Get electricity at the 20 acres.

14. Encourage both team members and students in church life and community outreach

15. Receive visitors to teach street children, students and the team. This has proven to be very encouraging and motivating in the past. In 2008 we expect Singing Oaks (Denton, TX) Church, Central (Cedar Rapids, IA) Church and Conejo Valley (Thousand Oaks, CA) Church and South MacArthur (Irving, TX) Church to bring groups.

16. Empower team members, students and other volunteers from the community to serve and to train others.

17. Add new students to replace those who will graduate and leave. 25 new students were added to Kamulu in 2007. We may add as many in 2008.

18. Hire new team members – to train in cooking and hairdressing, to operate the salon and tea house, and to work on the farm. One or more of these will double as a girls' or boys' dorm supervisor. Also add another person for the Eastleigh Center, either for supervision of street mothers or for child care.

19. Raise development funds through a series of fundraisers for internet access, a new bus, a boys' dorm at the 20 acres, a girls' dorm and new kitchen, staff training, a dining pavilion at the 20 acres, and a church building.

20. Submit a future development plan to the Board of Directors.

21. Plan to complete in 2008 buying the bus, finishing the girls' dorm and kitchen, building the 2nd skills training building at the 20 acres, gaining internet access at Kamulu and beginning staff training by sending two Team members to University. Save building of the church building, building of the boys' dorm at the 20 acres, the dining pavilion at the 20 acres, and additional staff training for 2009.

Ministry Overview

Street Ministry Three Team members live at the Eastleigh Center and daily minister at street bases and at the Center. They find new streed kids to take to the Kamulu boarding program, they do First Aid at the bulding and on the streets, they teach Bible and make friends at the bases, they help older youth get national identity cards, and they go with street kids to visit family members. Currently a focus of their work is to find young girls with babies to take into the Eastleigh Center. They are also working on a plan with the administrator to find a way to care for older girls with babies. On Sunday they lead worship at 4:00 PM at the Center. Each Monday several Team members spend the day in Eastleigh visiting bases, hosting a large group of girls at the Center, and working with street kids (and our students) on legal documents and family relationships. Larry and Hollye Conway also spend Monday through Wednesday in Eastleigh, Larry at bases and Hollye helping with mothers and girls.

Education/Skills — basic literacy for all incoming students in English, Math, Computers and Bible. Rotation lasting two months in business or skills training after students are 16. Internships in businesses to teach them how to do the skills needed, how to run the business, record-keeping and so on when they are 17. Vocational counseling and encouragement to go out and find a job. External training schools to teach skills not taught by us at almost or over 18. Attachments (apprenticeships) in businesses to further develop skills and ready students for the job market.

Shops - continuing and developing businesses in which students may function and learn skills and grow in confidence. Currently include Tea House, WoodWorking, Hair Salon, Computer Shop, Sewing Factory and Water Sales.

Farm — almost 4 acres under dripline irrigation. Another 7 acres plowed and planted near boys' center. 20 acres has about 5 acres cultivated. 18 goats. Two chicken houses with 100 layers each. One cow and her calf.

Development — Ongoing construction of 2nd skills training building (Connor Brown Memorial Building), beginning planning for church building, first training building is now on 20 acres, water well is installed on 20 acres. Renovation of girls' center begun to allow housing 8 more girls.
Student Life — dormitory living for 50 teenagers, spiritual life development in the church, assisting in teaching Sunday school, daily chapel, evening programs (LifExciting Class, Public Speaking Class, Wednesday Evening Devo, Counseling Class, Cell meetings for sharing). Regular chores for each student, regular work on the farm. Playground open to public.

Local Church — leadership primarily MITS people. In December 2007 average of 120 in worship period, 52 in Sunday school.
Hosting short-term mission teams to benefit MITS and the local church. 2008 will host groups from Central Church in Cedar Rapids IA, Singing Oaks Church in Denton TX, Conejo Valley Church in Thousand Oaks CA and South MacArthur Church in Irving, TX.

Spiritual Life at Made in the Streets...

There are two aspects to spiritual growth in our students and Team. We find many of the students who are very happy to "learn about God" and who enjoy all the faith activities. One aspect of the growth is personal. The kids are encouraged to know God and to pray. Many of them want to have Bibles in the dorm so they can read regularly. Many of the faith activities at MITS are designed to encourage this personal growth.

So the second aspect is the faith activities. We ask the students to be part of the church and encourage them to be in a Sunday Bible class as well. Many of the older boys come to the adult class, and the younger teens go to the over 12 class taught by Joel Njue. All of the students attend a Sunday afternoon class that is a Bible study with "practice principles" which they give talks about in class. Several of the students are helpers in Sunday school. Many students have gone on Vacation Bible School trips, teaching children in other congregations on weekend or holiday trips. We have chapel each weekday morning, and students are encouraged to present inspirational stories, lead prayer and select songs to share.

The students then take the opportunity to practice their faith. Some of the young people share and serve in the assembly - songs, Lord's Supper, collection, prayers. And they often ask visitors to read the Bible with them. Not all the kids respond wholeheartedly to the spiritual life, but a surprising number of them do. Almost every student decides to be baptized into Christ. Our dream is that they will all be part of an active church life when they leave us. That dream isn't fulfilled with every student, but it is with enough to make it all worthwhile.

Proud of our Youth Group

Darlene and I have worked with teenagers and college all our careers, from Roswell and Portales, New Mexico, to Redwood City, California, to KCITI in Nairobi and finally in street ministry here in Nairobi. And we have never had a better youth group to share life with. These young people have slept on the streets, some for as long as 5 years, and they are cooperative, courteous and competent. They are studying English and Math and Bible for the first time in their lives, they are learning skills so they can get jobs later, they cook their own breakfast and dinner, they work on the farm each weekday, they live peaceably together in dorms (for the most part), and they make us proud when we go out somewhere in Nairobi.

Here the kids stand in line waiting for their food when we went to see Prince Caspian at the Village Market, an upscale shopping center in Nairobi. Darlene has read the Narnia Chronicles to the kids, and Philip Kariuki re-stated it in Swahili. They read it dramatically and the kids loved it. Five of the Team members, all of whom read Prince Caspian in the past month, went with us. The kids were so well-behaved; I'm sure the staff at the theater would never have believed they had been street kids.

Here they are putting mustard on their hot dogs. Kimani had never seen mayonnaise before; I don't think he used any. Each kid got a soda and popcorn along with the hot dog. They took their food into the theater and quietly and happily talked softly as they ate. Darlene and I gave our food to various people, who were happy to get it. They were so polite, but they did react with laughter to Reepicheep and with happy surprise at Aslan's first roar. And they carried their trash out and put it in the bin outside the theater.

Joseph Nderitu, one of our new students who came off the streets in March, smiles happily as he waits for Prince Caspian.

Two young ladies in California, Sabrina and Lauren, gave us the money we used to take the kids to the theater. Sabrina saved her allowance and plastic bottles. Lauren played her violin with the case open at soccer games and gave her allowance as well over a period of months. We are grateful for other young people who bring happiness to our kids in Nairobi.

Administrator's Report: 26 June 2008

Greetings. Here is a report from Ann Mwangi about some things happening in Eastleigh with the young mothers. Be blessed.

MOTHERS' PROGRAMME:

a) There has been improvement in the feeding of the children especially for Kelvin, Bryan and Purity after they visited the clinic on Tuesday and they had good kilos (Kilogrammes). As for Mutua he has declined (reduced in weight) because he had been exposed to cold and at times he is not changed immediately he wets his clothes. It has been hard to convince the mum (Catherine Ndunge) to keep him warm. As a result Mutua had a chest infection, and he has so far been treated. Catherine the mum also is left (lagging) behind in education while others are catching up very fast. At times it's difficult for them to understand but their interest of wanting to learn is great.


b) We have been having morning devotions. The experience of it for the mums is something new. As it started Kennedy and Anthony told them the purpose of it is have a fellowship together and share different things they have learned about the word of God. Each student and team member has his or her day to share. As for the mums they are revising and doing much homework on what to share at the same time asking for Jane's help during the day or my help too. At one time we had to teach them how to pray from the guideline of the word of God. Everyone of them is expectant of their day to share. At one time it was Catherine's day to share; the whole day she was memorizing on what to share then she remembered she had watched a movie on the gospel of John. She narrated like five stories and it's just only she forgot the rest, for she was ready to tell it all. As she was talking to us she was almost acting she was so much in to it.

This makes us feel that they are interested in knowing learning the word of God.

GIRLS IN SKILLS TRAINING

Greetings. Halima and Patricia are among a group of students who have been attending a local skills training
school where they have been undertaking hairdressing and beauty courses. When Halima started she was a little afraid because she was not confident with her English but she has grown and adjusted well and now loves schooling. They are both working hard and hope to get good grades when they finish. The course takes 6 months. We thank you for helping them acquire this skill.

From Francis Mbuvi.

Charles & Darlene Coulston

Charles and Darlene Coulston were married in 1964; their daughter Brenda is married, and they have twin daughters aged 5 and another girl who is 3. Charles has taught at Eastern New Mexico University (2 years) and in an extension program for Pepperdine University (2 years). He preached 21 years in Redwood City, California, and his duties included youth ministry, directing summer camps, directing recreation programs and coaching basketball. He served as Administrator for Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, for 4 years, as the school grew from a startup computer, electronics and Bible college to 1200+ students. Since 1996 he has raised funds and worked closely with Kenyans in developing Made in the Streets, a ministry serving teenagers who are sleeping on the streets in the Eastleigh and Mathare Valley slums.

Darlene has opened two cradle roll programs in churches; she taught Bible classes for primarily non-Christian mothers of small children for 16 years. During the 80's she operated a small photocopying business. She taught secondary school (English and Latin) for one year and taught Bible courses at Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute for 4 years, primarily Acts. At Made in the Streets she serves as curricula director for the English and Bible programs and she acts as an advisor to the Team members.

Their personal interests are reading fantasy literature, talking about street kids and grandchildren, drinking gourmet coffee together in as many interesting places as they can visit, sitting in front of a softly burning fireplace, listening to rain patter on the roof and encouraging growth of the church -- not necessarily in that order.

Charles and Darlene are very grateful to people and congregations who have richly blessed them over the years -- their homes churches in Temple and Duncan, OK, Minter Lane Church in Abilene, Redwood Church in Redwood City, CA, Simi Church in Simi Valley, CA, Golf Course Road Church in Midland, TX, and Otter Creek Church in Brentwood, TN, among others. The people are too many to name -- from Oklahoma and Abilene and Redwood City and Fort Worth and Dallas and Brentwood and Tucson and Nairobi, among others. When God begins to bless people, he does a thorough job.