With over half the board of TOUCH being missionaries we would like to recap the latest mission trip to Kenya that Vickie Maynard and Connie Parra from the board along with past board member Percell Maynard and Sharon Baker all of whom are members at Community Baptist Church in Alta Loma took part in. Arriving in Kenya after 42 plus hours of travel was exciting and we were full of anticipation in how God would use us on this trip. He was adding to our agenda by the minute. As we traveled from Nairobi’s airport to Eldoret and arrived at the farm of Mr. Limo, our host while there. We were met with a very wonderful and warm welcome that lasted for hours. Over 25 people were there to greet us Kenyan style in a whole ceremony planned for our benefit. It was quite amazing, and quite late when we were finally able to lie down and get some sleep.
The next day and everyday after that we were on the go with one project after another as the Lord directed our steps. We helped prepare for and then witnessed the graduation of 14 men from the KAA (Kenya Anti-Alcohol) program that Percell and Vickie help fund through C.O.D.E. These men are now alcohol free and on fire for God. Their testimonies were emotional and inspiring as their families surrounded them in love and forgiveness. One fellow dropped to his knees asking for his father’s forgiveness of which he was granted as they embraced for all to see. Tears flowed from everyone present. It was a beautiful and blessed event to be able to witness.
We also spoke to several groups of women. One group was comprised of widows (due to the HIV/AIDS virus) who are ostracized and shunned by society in Kenya. They are struggling to raise their children and trying to deal with the loss of their husbands without much support from anyone. A pastor there had a vision on how they might work together to earn money to support their families and asked for our help in explaining it to them. We were able to work with them in groups and show them just how they would be able to accomplish this new way of life by uniting together and helping each other. In addition we went into town and purchased some of the things they needed to launch their different projects and to aid them in getting started in their new business ventures designed to turn their lives around and make them viable members of the community. They are now working together and have hope for their future and the future of their children.
The Lord’s blessings abounded as He led us to three schools. At each one we were able to give a large box of supplies including much needed books, games, sporting equipment and other toys and candy. The children and staff were blessed to have these things and more importantly to feel the love of Jesus that they were shown as we shared time and played games with them. At one school we conducted eye tests, took their pictures and recorded every child’s name and eye test results. These children are orphans, also due to the HIV/AIDS virus and some of them also have this dreaded disease. The information we collected will be used to help get them support, medical help, school uniforms and shoes.
On top of all that the Lord accomplished through us each day, we were blessed to be able to take part in a bible study every night in the home of Mr. Limo that included singing and prayer with many others also living and working there. The whole experience was one of perfect harmony with God who was with us every step of the way, protecting us and using us as we gave of ourselves completely to Him. Your prayers were felt every day and we thank you all from deep in our hearts.Blessings, Connie Parra
TOUCH Ministries/Vice President
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