contact us >>> Chris Shay, World Missions Director Kristin Caddy, World Missions Asst. Director Ceamona Taube, Sponsorship & Mission Support Coordinator Phone: 847-294-2108 Mailing Address: 10 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 Email: Missions@usc.salvationarmy.org Website: www.centralmissions.org Facebook: SA World Missions Twitter: SASponsorship
A Quarterly Newsletter of the USA Central Territory World Missions Bureau
World Missions
Perspectives
Come and See What the Lord Has Done by Belen Hood Just after Mother's Day, nine ladies and myself traveled to the Kenya West Territory. We were invited to the Kenya West Women’s Conference, held at the Kakunga Salvation Army. The theme for this weekend was “Come and See”, and oh the beauty we saw in Kenya! The land itself is breathtaking, but the people of Kenya are so beautiful. Our hosts, Commissioner Florence Malabi and Colonel Grace Mnyampi, are two beautiful women of God who welcomed us and made us feel right at home in Kenya. As we entered the conference in Kakunga, the soldiers were lined up at the entry way to greet us with cheers, clapping and waving us in. What a humbling feeling to be welcomed with such warmth. That weekend was filled with encouragement, songs and praises to the Lord, and over 1,500 women were in attendance. We also had an open air meeting before our Sunday service. Hundreds of women came out for this event, and I must say, God is alive in Kenya! On Sunday, Colonel Dawn Heatwole preached from John 4, and we were reminded of the woman at the well and her words, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.” How
amazing to know that Jesus sees us in America, in Kenya, and to the ends of the earth. After the sermon Commissioner Florence gave the alter call and the field filled with women coming forward, praying on their knees. What a lovely sight of our God working in the lives of women. We had an opportunity to visit the Territorial Headquarters in Kakamega. We found that they also use this space for their training college to train future Salvation Army officers. The Kenyans have property purchased for their future training college, but still lack the funds for having it built. Commissioner Malabi said that they have many students who have been called to officership, but without the place to house them they are limited to the amount of students they can accept. We pray that God would open doors for this college to be built, and that He would guide the future of The Salvation Army in Kenya. As the new week started off, we were blessed as we headed out to the Madivini Corps. We were able to paint the corps officer’s home. This home had not seen a coat of paint so the job was big, but we were up for the challenge. Commissioner Florence, who is so loved by the officers and soldiers, worked along side us as we painted at the Midivini and the Luyeshe officer's quarters. God showed His goodness once again-we had enough paint to paint the sanctuary as well! The corps people and officers at Luyeshe were so excited and knew
3rd Quarter 2012 Volume 5, Issue 4
that the coming Sunday there would be great joy to the congregation. In the middle of the week we visited the Joyland School for disabled children. The principal reminded us that each one of us is challenged, the difference is to what degree. He told us “You will leave this place with more joy!”, and we did. The children were a delight, they performed skits and sang for us. We were so blessed! We were able to see first hand that the schools in Kenya need our support. God has blessed the United States with so much (1Corinthians 9:10) and surely He wants us to spread the harvest to His people. The following day we visited Kibos Primary School for visually impaired. The motto: Disability is not Inability. We visited the classroom and were able to see kindergarteners learning Braille. After visiting all the classrooms, the children gathered together and performed through song and musical instruments. Some of these instruments were homemade, so it was so impressive to see the sounds and talents the children have. During my trip to Kenya, I was convicted about sponsorship. I specifically wanted to give to a school that could use help with children's' education. I am reminded of God's Word in Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you.” I prayed about it and now sponsor The Kuywa Special School. God has blessed me by allowing this trip to Kenya, and I want to be a blessing to those in Kenya!