December 17, 2014 – Harvesters

Pokot Outreach Ministry Update

Greetings from all of us in Kenya!

CHURCH PLANTING & EVANGELISM

We need prayers in East Pokot especially filling up where pastor Job Rutto left. His absence is a big hole to fill. Pray that God will bring us a preacher for Chepturu and many other new places. The preachers from the west have offered to make frequent visits to help them. Miriam, Job’s wife, and the kids are doing fine apart from loneliness for her and being all alone in parenting.

The churches are doing well where we have boreholes and a good settlement, while we are facing challenges with people relocating where there is no reliable source of water.

We continue to push with preaching of the gospel to areas like Lotongot, Akitiamet, and Amaler in the northern part between the East and West.

The 23 churches so far established in Uganda are going great. This area remains relatively peaceful hence giving us a good base to present the gospel. We have seven men undergoing trainings to be pastors from the area.

WATER DRILLING

Moving stories of miscarriages, Typhoid sickness, bee stings, stresses in looking for water, and carrying it after finding are tales we hear told by the
people whenever we are establishing borehole committees. As we go from village to village hearing these testimonies, we see a lot of joy and hope in God’s provision for water. Borehole water completely eliminates waterborne diseases and we have seen a lot of healthiness after a borehole has been installed.

As village settles it is so encouraging to see how they embrace the gospel and many other places are so happy and joyful to have clean water, Cheponyoryo in Chemarel could not hide her joy when she said that she never thought she would see water in the desert of Chemarel.

We thank God for gifts and sacrifice made by people for the water that now goes hand in hand with the gospel and church planting.

ORPHANAGE

Kodich orphanage excelled again in the national music festival. They topped in western Kenya and became second in Kenya overall. They also did well in the Kenya national examination and a good number of them are now in high schools. We prayerfully hope that more will pass the national exam in November.

Kauriong has not been a good performer of either the academics or the social activities. We have had to change the headmaster and now have a new pastor. We are seeing good signs now, and the school kids have a choir that sings in the church. The Pastor has started discipleship steps for the kids and also devotion time for the orphanage community. He and Luke have cultivated a good relationship with the teachers, which has really harmonized everybody.

MEDICAL SERVICES

We continue to touch lives through the services we give through medicine. Some of you may have had the opportunity to come over on one of the medical trips. The facts about a medical trip is that people see and perceive love from the person giving the service, then God’s love in the willingness of the individual to come over and give the service. Every time a medical team comes there is restoration of health in such a way that it really touches the people.

In November we shall start mobile clinic to villages. We had temporarily stopped because of transportation shortage. We are hoping and praying for God’s intervention for need for another vehicle.

FGM

Rebecca Chebet has very successfully headed our fight against circumcision of girls. For those of you that don’t know the pain that Pokot girls go through, it is very brutal. A Pokot girl must be circumcised at the age of 12-15. The crusade is on and local leaders have complemented us for facing it head on. I have personally confronted leaders and have been complemented in meetings for bold speaking against this practice.

On U.S. side we thank Jen Todd of Kensington Community Church in Michigan for standing with us and raising the funds we need in fighting this inhumane practice against girls and women.

December is coming and we will have a youth conference that we shall have about 2,500 young people coming to hear the word of God.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• For Reuben in South Sudan, for the peace of that country

• Loice’s pregnancy and child birth to be safe

• For the work in Uganda to be rooted in the word even as it spreads like wildfire

• For safety for our Pastors as they face the spiritual battle so they will be safe yet bold.

• Pray for our children so that they can be wise in making choices

A Heart for Orphans – Giving Hope for Life

God has given us a special burden for hurting children in the world, many of whom may never have the chance to hear the gospel. Our story began in our early twenties when Joye and I both lost our spouses – Joye’s husband in a plane accident and my wife to leukemia. After our personal losses and pain, God brought us together in a divine way that could only come from Him! Our hearts were tender to God’s calling. What if someone would have never shared the gospel with our spouses? What if they would have never grown up in a Christian home with godly parents? Could we close our eyes and hearts knowing that there were millions of hurting kids living on the streets?

For months we prayed and asked God for wisdom, all while having a burning desire to provide a safe haven for as many children as we could. God led us to a missionary couple in Vladivostok, Russia. We took our first trip there in December 2003. The needs were overwhelming and our plan of action became very clear. Equipping Christian couples in Russia to care for abandoned children became our mission and Hope for Life Homes was born.

Russia’s orphanages are full of children waiting for a home. Alcoholism and a high divorce rate have put many children in orphanages, living on the streets, or wandering from one place to the next. They are “social orphans” — a child that has one or more living parents that can’t or won’t care for them because of drugs, alcohol, poverty, or incarceration. Statistics only give them a 10% chance of ever becoming a functional member of society. In some cases, the street life is easier than living in a government orphanage. God has allowed us to open three homes, creating Christian families. Our national team consists of three full time house parents, a full time administrator, and orphanage worker, as well as a working relationship with ten local churches.

Placing a child in a Christian home has been a proven method of evangelism in Russia. Our house parents have built relationships with local government officials, which is crucial in placing the children in homes. They often come from hospitals where they have been “in transition” before going to an orphanage. They come to our homes in fear that they could be returned to the orphanage or rejected. Little by little, God opens their hearts as they experience a love from their new family like they have never experienced before. Each home has the support and encouragement of a local church. It has been the backbone of the ministry in Russia.

Tanya was abandoned by her mother and left alone for weeks at a time with her younger brother. She walked to the next village in hopes of finding her grandmother. Her grandmother rejected her and she began to live on the streets. She was put in the hospital for several weeks before coming to the Hope for Life Home. Although it has not come easy for her, Tanya accepted Jesus as her Savior and has grown into a beautiful young lady with a heart that glows with God’s grace!

Our hearts were still heavy for the many children in government orphanages that we could not help. This led to us partnerships with local churches, which are able to minister inside the orphanages. Summer camps, Christmas programs, one-on-one visits, and hiking trips are some of the ways we are building relationships, which are crucial in helping the orphans maintain stability. Many orphans have come to Christ during the ten-day summer camps. The most encouraging part is to see these orphans lead others to Christ and evangelize their orphanage!

Max is 12 years old and has lived in an orphanage for many years. Three years ago he came to Christ at camp and has lead four other orphans to Jesus! He faithfully reads the Bible each night to one of his friends. This has also opened the door to share the Gospel with the orphanage directors. In one case, the director has been so touched that she has allowed the children to go to church each Sunday! It is our prayer that as the children graduate from the orphanages, their mentors from the local churches will be able to guide them and help them find God’s call for their lives. Many of the orphans long to go to church and cry out for it, but in most cases they are not allowed. Please pray for churches as they “take church” to the orphans and that God will continue to keep the doors open for evangelism and discipleship.

Much has been accomplished and the door is wide open for us to continue to equip our national team in Russia. For the orphan living in an orphanage, camp vouchers, Christmas gifts, Bibles, and a birthday gift are all means for us to encourage and share the Gospel with these precious kids. For our houseparents and those caring for orphans on a daily basis, a home or addition to a home, clothes, food, and daily needs have been instrumental in helping them bring orphans into their homes and care. Please pray for the orphans, houseparents and national workers. They are in a position to do what we can’t, but are in need of our prayers & support.

The HFL Home in Spassk is in great need of an addition. There are currently 13 people living in a 900 square foot home. An addition will not only benefit the family, but the village as well. Each week they hold Bible studies and host poor and deprived children from the village. They regularly help a single mother of three young girls who spend time at the home. All of them have come to Christ and are growing in their faith. The addition will cost $25,000. We are praying that we will be able to break ground in the spring.

If you would like to know more about the ministry in Russia or have the Ballards share at your church, you may contact them directly at jeffballard85@gmail.com or by calling them at (843) 368-9580.

Girls in Kauriong Move Back In!

This may be hard to believe, but the fire in the Kauriong dormitory was actually a blessing. It caused the leadership to take a hard look at the safety and security of the two dorms for the girls. The dorm window openings were covered with a strong mesh wire and screen making it difficult for the girls to get out of the building except for the doorway. Fortunately, the fire occurred during the day and that was not a problem. The funds raised to complete the roof repairs were sufficient to install all new window frames that swing open and have glass panes to keep the cold weather out.

The other great blessing that you can see in the picture is that we were able to build two walls with gates connecting the two dorms. This provides the girls extra security at night. The staff is excited about the new additions and praise the Lord with joy and thanksgiving! Thank you for responding so unselfishly to meet the need for the dormitory repairs! To Him be the praise, glory, and honor.

Destined for Leadership – Meet Eliazar

Eliazar is the youngest of seven children and was born to parents who were both suffering from AIDS. When Eliazar was only two months old, his father passed away due to AIDS, leaving his mother to care for all seven children by herself. Because she was also very sick with AIDS, almost to the point of death, she was unable to work and not able to provide for the children’s basic needs. Because of their poor living conditions, Eliazar and two of his siblings were placed into different children’s homes around Jinja. The rest were scattered throughout several cities living with different relatives or friends who were willing to take them in and care for them.

In 2008, Eliazar reached the age of 18 and he was asked to move out of Canaan Children’s Home. He had no job or place to live. Pastor Samuel Mwesigwa and his wife Mercy, of Kerith Ministries in Uganda, heard about Eliazar’s situation and agreed to let the teen live with them in Pallisa. Pastor Sam and Mercy were able to find a sponsor to help pay for Eliazar’s school fees so that he could finish his remaining secondary school classes. Then they were able to find another sponsor who has helped pay for all of his university classes. Eliazar is currently in his third year at a university in Kampala and is studying to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Eliazar has proved to be a good steward of money, time, and resources. He is a hard worker and very dependable. He is also an up-and-coming Bible teacher and enjoys teaching the youth group at River of God Church in Pallisa whenever he is home on school breaks or holidays. In addition to this, Eliazar also serves in the music ministry at church as a pianist,. He has taught countless others how to play the piano as well.

Because Eliazar is a spiritual leader, trustworthy, and has a passion and heart for helping the needy, he has recently been voted onto the board of Kerith Ministries and is considered to be one of the future leaders of the ministry. After he graduates with his Bachelor’s Degree in 2015, Eliazar will move back to Pallisa to take up the position of Project Manager for Kerith Ministries.

Good Samaritan Ministry Update

Greetings in the Lord! It is our privilege to greet you at this time.

Many Christian ministries concentrate on the kids; of course they are the future. But, what about Senior Citizens? The ones who have been working hard and faithfully for decades and brought up their children, sacrificing their personal needs? The ones who feel lonely and neglected in the evening of their lives? Our senior citizens outreach ministry seeks to meet their needs.

revised Meet Mrs. Anita Naku (2nd from left in the photo), in her early seventies, and a prayer warrior in our senior citizens ministry. Her husband, the Rev. Naku, was pastoring a church. Ten years back, Rev. Naku had to undergo bypass heart surgery and he died on the operating table. Mrs. Naku was headmistress of a school and was left with two young sons studying in college. She resolved to fulfill her late husband’s vision and also wanted to see her sons through college. Her sons pursued their college studies and graduated. Mrs. Naku had to face several obstacles in trying to fulfill her husband’s vision. After retirement, she developed very high blood pressure and suffered three attacks of paralysis. We all prayed fervently for her early recovery. Praise God, she has recovered and attended our senior citizens meeting last week.

In her testimony she said, “Thanks to your prayers I have recovered from paralysis. My blood pressure is under control with medicines and diet. I will continue my service to the Lord.” We have over 30 persons in our ministry who gather for a worship service, a message brought by our Pastor, the Rev. Ashish John. And then we all pray for each other with real burden and zeal. After service we enjoy a good non-veg dinner and sharing problems – real and imaginary. The very chance to meet persons sailing in the same boat, talk and listen to one another, worship, pray, and dine together brings much joy, fellowship, peace and healing. In Ujjain, like many other places in India, we don’t have Senior Citizens Homes, assisted living, or total care centers.

Well you know about our school for the poor children in the cobra village. School starts with Christian chorus, a passage from the Bible, and Christian prayer. Evangelism is combined with the formal curriculum. Everything is provided free of cost by God through your sacrificial giving – free education, text books, stationery, uniform, sweater, free transportation up and down for those coming from distant villages, and nutritious food. With the first new block (for two class rooms), we now have 200 students on roll. There is a long waiting list. So, in faith we are looking unto the Lord for construction of a second block. This will enable us to take in 100 more students. The light of the blessed Gospel shines in remote dark corners, as our students share in their homes and villages. Come and be a partner in this glorious task with your prayers and sacrificial giving. Every little drop counts and the Lord multiplies for the extension of His kingdom. We need your prayers and financial support as we toil in the frontlines.
May the Lord abundantly bless you and yours, now and always.

We wish you a blessed Thanksgiving.

Future Kings and Queens

We love children here at Harvesters! Across East Africa and Asia, we care for more than 1,500 children in a variety of settings with the ultimate goal of demonstrating the love of Christ to these children, their families, and communities. Our response to the physical and spiritual needs of orphans and underprivileged children varies from large homes in Kenya to group homes of 6 to 10 children in Russia to low caste schools in India. The needs are great, but so are the opportunities… and the potential.

A pastor friend let me listen to a song last year entitled “Kings & Queens” about how children who we often view as “the least of these” will be crowned kings and queens and “clothed in majesty” someday. What a great picture for all of us of what heaven will be. Why wait until heaven? We have an opportunity now to clothe these children in the majesty of Christ’s love, not just because they are the least of these that Jesus referred to in Matthew 25, but because they are kings and queens with dreams and potential to impact the world around them.

In this issue of our newsletter there are a number of reports and articles about how and why ministering to children is such a big part of what we do.

As you read please keep in mind that these future doctors, pilots, journalists, architects, pastors, and teachers are not children to be pitied and they don’t need our sympathy. They need hope that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ and an opportunity to reach their full potential.

Uganda

In Pallisa, Uganda, approximately one third of all children are orphans. Another 10% are considered “vulnerable children”, meaning that many basic needs of the child are unable to be met. Currently, Kerith Ministries provides services to 220 children each week. Seventy-six of those children receive help with school fees and would otherwise be unable to attend school. Pastor Sam and his wife, Mercy, provide housing, food, clothing, and education to twenty children living at the children’s home.

Abedi’s father died when he was two. His mother moved from house to house providing labor in exchange for food. They only had three meals per week. Abedi attended a Bible club conducted by Kerith. He is now living in Kerith Children’s Home and is healthy and happy. He wants to become a doctor.

Congo

Pastor Habimana has taken a multi-pronged approach to responding to the needs of children in his community. Eastern DRC has been plagued by decades of rebel fighting, government mismanagement, and natural disasters. This has resulted in there being many orphans and children living in extreme poverty. The ministry tries to place children in the homes of church members or at a small orphanage managed by the ministry. There is also a school providing education for 2,000 children, many on scholarship that would not be able to go to school otherwise.

Several of the orphans assisted by the ministry have graduated from high school and college and have returned to teach at Christian schools or work in ministry.

Bizi, one of children helped by Habimana says that “at five years old, my mother passed away when delivering my sister, Angelique. Three years later our father died. We went to live with our grandmother who also died. We were taken in by Pastor Habimana. We are living a good life and are happy to be considered his children. We now attend school. We thank God for having a parent like him.”

Myanmar

Pastor Ben in Myanmar has a different perspective. He was orphaned at age two. God gave him a heart to care for orphans and poor children. The ministry began a small orphanage with ten children, which has grown to 30 children. The ministry now works with four local families that care for 125 children. While they provide food, shelter and education for these children, Pastor Ben says that the most important thing they provide is the security and hope found in a relationship with Christ.

Harvesters Continues to Grow!

Andrea Burris recently joined our staff as Director of Communications. She spent 25 years as Director of Corporate Communications for a multi-family management company. Andrea felt God’s call for something more. He placed Harvesters directly in her path and she now uses her skills in story-telling and communications to share what God is doing around the world.

Andrea is active in numerous ministries at Metrolina Church. She is passionate about music and worship, and serves on the Worship Team. She lives in Harrisburg, North Carolina, with her husband, Andy, and their daughters, Ava and Arden.