IcFEM Mission

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-25T01:35:00.000-08:00

We are still here, but I have been a bit lax on adding anything on this blog. The main reason is that the Mission website is now carrying up to date news. www.icfem-mission.org

Our DEC results were very good. We are now searcing for the right Secondary schools for our children and parents are strugging to find fees, which have doubled since 2011 in some cases.

Lugulu Girls' High School (where I used to teach) and Friends' School Kamusinga have now been elevated to National Schools, which makes it much harder to get places for our own children there.

Village Discipleship Schools

2011-12-05T05:06:00.001-08:00

The very wonderful Village Discipleship Schools programme ended with a Conference during the first week of December.

You can see praise and worship inside the Hall before the speakers started on one day of the Conference.
On the final day, the Graduation was held outside in blazing sunshine. You can see people listening to a message from the Vicar of Christ Church, Beckenham, UK via a mobile phone - such is modern technology!
Graduates marched to the ground, each Local Transformation Unit in its own distinctive way. Mentors watched as their students excelled themselves. Five months of hard work were celebrated on this day!

God held the rain until the whole function was over!

Praise God for all who took part, who prayed and who funded this amazing interdenominational training. Pray now for each of these disciples to make more disciples.

Back in Kimilili.

2011-11-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

Ann is back in Kimilili!!

Many thanks to all who made my visit to UK so special!

Very many thanks to Toby Geear for a wonderful effort to raise money to Sponsor a Village. Photos and news will follow.

Thank God for Sally Khasavuli Walumbe, Founder Member.

2011-10-10T00:15:00.000-07:00

We thank God for the life, witness, fellowship and friendship of our dear Founder Member, Sally Khasavuli Walumbe.
Her courage and faithfulness to the Lord she served in her long battle with cancer has been an example to us all.

God bless and keep her husband, Hudson, and all her children.

Hannah - champion Everyclicker! 4p in 5 mins!

2011-09-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hannah has raised 4p in a very short time by using Everyclick.com.
Why not join her and raise more money for IcFEM - it won't cost you anything!

The name to enter is ICFEM - MISSION (EUROPE).

Thanks, Hannah!!!

John has already beaten her....and you????

Greetings from England!!

2011-08-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ann is currently in England!!

She is deeeeelighted that so much news is now put straight onto the Website by our very good team at HQ in Kimilili.

Please look at the Website to see short videos and other news. If you are coming straight to this blog address, the Website is www.icfem-mission.org

God bless you all.

Bromley High School volunteers.

2011-07-20T03:44:00.000-07:00

The Bromley High School (Kent, UK) group of Sixth Formers with two staff members have just left after spending two weeks as volunteers with IcFEM. Their activities included spring protection and building houses for two needy old ladies in Kimaeti and East Bukusu Local Transformation Units.
The photos show the handing over of the house at Kimaeti LTU.
The old couples were also given new clothes, and other gifts, including a new bed, mattress, blanket and some food.
They were a pleasure to have and we say "Welcome again, Bromley High!!"

The Karen Burn Disabled Group at Kamakuywa LTU

2011-06-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

Karen Burn's time as a volunteer included helping to set up a group for disabled ladies to make handicrafts, knitting and crochet.
Elizabeth came to Prayer and Fasting to display some of the things they had made. Thank you Karen for this big encouragement to these ladies.
If anyone reading this would like to buy any of these items, please contact office@icfem.org

A "new" vehicle for community work.

2011-06-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

I woke up one morning to see a new vehicle parked in our home compound! It had been purchased in Nairobi and driven here over night.
This is a wonderful gift from St Martin's Church, Guernsey. A team will be coming in July to use it.
Later that day, the Director drove it to HQ, where staff rejoiced, sat inside it and prayed for it, dedicating it to the Lord's service.

Spring before protection.

2011-06-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

These photos show the spring before protection.
I was trying to post these photos and ones of the handing over of the protected spring on Friday. However, the Internet went down!! Thankfully I didn't lose everything and was able to post a few photos when the Internet came back this week. These "before" photos give you some idea of the problems that community has been having with a decent water supply. We thank God for the kind friends who helped to buy the materials for the community members to work on the spring protection.

Handing over of protected spring on Friday 27th May

2011-05-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here are`some photos of the spring and tree planting! Kibingei LTU.

Unusually, I am seen planting a tree - not behind the camera this time.

The community is VERY delighted with this good water supply.

A big farewell for the Smalls.

2011-05-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

Steve and Sarah Small have been with us for seven months. We are very sad to see them go. We are looking forward to their input when they get back to UK.
THANK YOU, Steve and Sarah, for a wonderful job...
Steve has been working on the Mission Website www.icfem-mission.org and the Support a Village website. Sarah has been invaluable in so many ways... Together they are a remarkable team. We thank God for them.
The photos were taken at their farewll party, except the last one - which was at Director's house for their final meal with us.

DEC Water Tank

2011-05-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Some years ago, we received a generous gift to enable us to start an underground water tank to harvest rainwater from the Dreamland Education Centre buildings.

We are very thankful to all who have helped towards the completion of this project.

In the photos, you can see the tank at two stages of construction. The last photos were taken this week.
The photos of the buiding show that some guttering is there, but a bit more is needed.
When this tank is finished, it will be a big blessing and the water problems will be much reduced.

A visit to DMCC

2011-05-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

On a recent visit to DMCC, I saw Mama Susan. She was walking around, but wanted me to take her photo in the three-bed ladies ward. Of course the other ladies wanted their photos taken as well, so here they all are, including a Mama who had given birth to twins at home a day or two earlier.
Mama Susan has now been discharged and we thank God for her recovery.

April end-month prayer

2011-05-12T04:03:00.000-07:00

This month, Prayer and Fasting was at HQ. A crowd of all ages turned up. You can see some who were not fasting!
It was a very blessed time.

If you would like to receive the monthly prayer newsletter and pray with us, please e-mail office@icfem.org

Eye Camp at DMCC. May 4th to 7th

2011-05-09T03:19:00.000-07:00

Here is one photo from the very successful eye camp at DMCC.

The total patients assessed over these 3 days was 139, the total operations were 83 (79 cateracts and 4 excisions) the total people operated on was 68 (some were bilateral hence total ops 83)

Praise God! Thanks for your prayers and support!

Many thanks to all the IcFEM community assessment team and the staff at DMCC, working with Sabatia Eye Hospital team.

DMCC Dental Unit

2011-04-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

The Dental Unit at Dreamland Medical Care Centre was commissioned on Saturday April 23rd 2011. We thank God for this.

Dr Catherine Kodhe, from Kisumu, treated patients.

In the Dental Waiting Room, patients received a Dental talk given by Sister Margaret Soita, using some special charts and pictures, as well as demonstrations of tooth care.

Future plans include a mobile Dental Clinic in the Local Transformation Units, in conjunction with the current medical outreaches.

Holiday Club - Talent Show and Prizegiving.

2011-04-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Children of all ages entered the Talent Competition. The winners stood on a rostrum and had champions medals put round their necks! Some prizes were awarded by visitors.

Holiday Club includes some academic sessions.

2011-04-14T05:55:00.001-07:00

Form One and two students making notes on exam techniques.
Form Threes and Fours were still in school.

Holiday Club has started - Champions change the world!.

2011-04-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the April Holiday Club. About 65 children have come today - sadly many who would like to, can't come because their schools keep them for "Holiday Coaching". In one family, even a very small child has this problem.
The photos were taken just after the end of the day's sessions, which the children seem to have enjoyed a lot.
The theme is "Champions change the world" and you can see the decorations in the Hall!

Village Discipleship Programme.

2011-04-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

The VDP has started well!
38 facilitators have had a 3-day training at HQ.
The initial programme seeks to disciple 10 people in each of 52 villages over a period of 5 months.
The facilitators included senior Church men and women who were willing to share the simple facilites at IcFEM HQ. One Senior leader forgot his blanket and you can see how he covered himself with a second mattress!
These leaders are committed!!
Meals were provided.
There were many small group discussions concerning the Course material and curriculum.

Smile of the day. - from Kenya.

2011-04-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

I have a small group of children who come to play on my balcony after Church on Sundays. The group is normally restricted to staff children, but sometimes friends come.
Yesterday I caught one boy (friend) stealing some toy cars.
Later, when asked how he should be punished, a five year old said "Send him to The Hague".

REAP - improved clay cooking stove.

2011-03-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

The training (see previous post) included making clay cooking stoves. These will remain at HQ to dry out. Participants will return after a month to finish them.
The photos show various stages in the production.

Much activity for Family and Health Line Representatives from LTUs

2011-03-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

Very happy at what they have made this week.
Fireless cookers, simple body oil, local handwashing to be put outside pit latrine (this is using a small bottle for the demonstration) with soap hanging on the string.
The trainers were from REAP (Rural Extension with Africa's Poor).
The training was for LTU Representatives, who are now expected to go back and teach Village Fellowship members.

Opening of LTU Office at Ang'urai on 19th March.

2011-03-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

Between 11th and 19th, rains started. It was very wet at Ang'urai, but thankfully not muddy!
The meeting was held in a local Primary School. The children behaved very well. They sang and danced and sat quietly through all the speeches and preaching. As at Kwanza, the LTU officials were prayed for. Many people came.
Including children, the total was almost 1000 people. It is a more densely populated area than Kwanza - very close to the Uganda Border.
From the school, we moved to the local Market to open the Office. Then we were made very welcome for lunch at the home of a local Councillor.

Opening of Kwanza LTU Office on March 11th 2011

2011-03-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

There were about 800 people at this opening - with entertainment, preaching and speeches. The leaders were prayed for and the Unit will run for six months before the official launching.
The Local Transformation Unit has been given five acres of land, which you can see in two of the photos. The main function was held under the trees to give shade. The leaders and visitors then moved to the Office building to open it and sign the Visitors Book. Lunch then followed!
The weather was dry - no rain!

New baby for Leonard and Gentrix

2011-03-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

Baby Bezalel was only a few hours old when he was taken home from hospital! He is doing well.

Much activity!!

2011-03-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Two new Local Unit Offices have been opened this month - Kwanza (which is beyond Kitale) and Ang'urai (Teso - very close to the Uganda border). I have photos of both and will try to post them soon.

A training for Christian women in Development is on at the moment - very interesting. Again, photos to follow.

More baby news - a son (Bezalel. Ex 31:2-5) to Leonard and Gentrix. Photo to follow!

Harambee Foundation Partnership

2011-03-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Roel and Marianne Meijers of Harambee Foundation, Holland, left this morning after a very busy and profitable few weeks here.

The ground has been broken for the new IcFEM Hafoland Primary School. Other projects have been completed and they are making plans for their 10th anniversary celebrations in Holland (18th June) and here in Kenya in October.

They have also had many visitors.

IcFEM thanks them so much for their tireless input into Education - buildings, Quality of Education and now local Polytechnics.

More teachers from UK have now arrived.

2011-03-08T04:29:00.000-08:00

The March group is much smaller than the February one. They are out in their schools now. The photos show them at the Monday morning briefing, before leaving for their partner schools. Some of the partner Heads are in the photo. Ruth Nabie is addressing them

Teacher Exchange Programme

2011-03-02T03:20:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of the first and last days taken at the general meetings in the IcFEM Conference Hall. Some of the UK ladies were given Kenyan dresses by their partner schools at their farewell meetings in their schools!

Global Schools Partnership

2011-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Yes, the teachers from UK have been here for their half term week. (A group of 29 people.) There are amazing stories but all I have are photos of meetings here at IcFEM HQ. They leave on Sunday, so I hope to show one or two photos next week.

New facilities at HQ at last!!

2011-01-27T04:04:00.000-08:00

The new has been opened and the old is being demolished!!

For those who are not familiar with the "old", they are holes in the ground (pit latrines). There were three cubicles, one with a wooden seat for visitors and a few others.

2010 More staff babies

2011-01-27T03:48:00.000-08:00

Sarah and Patrick brought their new baby, John, to St James ACK Church, Kimilili, for Thanksgiving on their first wedding anniversary - 19th November 2010. They came with some of the children who took part in their wedding.
Rachel and Patrick are thanking God for the safe arrival of their second daughter, Gift.

Staff Retreat

2011-01-21T06:36:00.000-08:00

We have just finished a three day staff retreat at HQ.
It was so good, I forgot to take any photos!!
Minimum work has been done this week, so we trust we are all ready for very many visitors, starting on Monday.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-19T04:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I have been away visiting my family, so this blog has been sadly neglected.

Watch this space for more news soon!

Holiday Club.

2010-11-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

Holiday Club has started today.

It continues till Thursday with an outing on Friday if we can get new tyres for the school bus in time. The bus had a bad tyre burst when on a school outing recently and therefore needs two new tyres!

New babies!

2010-11-30T07:13:00.001-08:00

Ruth Nabie with Mary and Hadassah (Star)
Mary Omondi with her daughter.
Nancy and Alex with their son, Jaden Blessing.
Auntie Ann with Jaden (3 days old)

IcFEM Christmas Cards.

2010-11-29T07:09:00.000-08:00

Please help us to sell our Christmas cards.
Drawn by Dreamland Education Centre children.

This is the link: http://www.icfemcharitycards.bigcartel.com/products

Unusual cards and VERY well produced.

All profits come to IcFEM Kimilili.

Thank you.

October news.

2010-10-26T23:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't done well this month, have I? I don't need to give the reasons - you can guess them.

For those who know our staff well, Mary and Anthony had a daughter, Hadassah, not long ago. Nancy and Alex had a son yesterday. Both first babies. I have no pictures....

Now we wait for the others.

2010 AGM photos.

2010-09-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

The Mission Hall was packed for the AGM. The Director, Solomon Nabie, is seen giving his report, with the Chairman, Rev John Ayieko, sitting next to him.

Jacob gets his new chair

2010-09-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Physio, Becky, gave Jacob's family exercises to do with him before he got the chair.

When he got his new chair, he was able to wave.

The whole group was very happy and praising God for Jacob's new freedom.

Some photos from East Bukusu.

2010-09-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here is Celestine in her new chair!

Mobility for East Bukusu people!

2010-09-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks!! I have been struggling to post news....

I have failed to post this report with some wonderful photos, so will try to do the photos separately. It was an amazing day!

Report by Becky Nightingale.

On Friday last week the Bethesda Pool programme with the DMCC team visited East Bukusu to hand over two specially adapted wheelchairs. The wheelchairs were left over from the Wheels for the World distribution earlier this year. They were adapted and designed by two visiting Dutch students from The Hague University. The patients were originally assessed on the DMCC medical outreach programme.

The first was for a lady, Cellestine, who badly broke her legs in a motorcycle accident many years ago. She was unable to walk and the only way she could work on her farm was lying on her front. She was given a specially made hand bike which she could use on the farm and roads around her house, she and her family were very grateful for her new found freedom.

The second chair was made for Jacob who, following a neurological event, had been unable to sit up for 10 years. He had not left his compound in over 10 years. He was given spiritual care, medical care and the family were given an exercises programme to do with him. On Friday the wheelchair was given to him and for first time in 10 years he was able to sit unaided. Not surprisingly he and his family were delighted. They said they took him to church on Sunday and that they will join an IcFEM fellowship.

We praise God for the work done in East Bukusu and are very grateful for our links with both Wheels for World and The Hague University, without whom this would not have been possible.

Christmas Cards!!

2010-09-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Don't buy your cards without checking with us. We have very nice unusual cards and are arranging their sale in UK. Watch this space!

Very good AGM

2010-09-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

The AGM went very well!

Too much rain and MUD. Lots of power blackouts and Internet down. Hopefully there will be some photos of the AGM next week.

Mission AGM planned for 4th September

2010-09-02T01:59:00.000-07:00

The 11th AGM is planned for September 4th. We are very busy working on the Kenya Annual Report. Meanwhile, go to the Mission website www.icfem-mission.org and look at the UK Newsletters if you do not get them.

We've hit £100 on EVERYCLICK!!

2010-08-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who is using Everyclick to search on the Internet
and to buy on e-bay!!

We have now reached £100

If you are not already using Everyclick, please sign up to support IcFEM (Europe) on www.everyclick.com. It costs you nothing!!

Two sponsored girls at HQ

2010-08-11T06:08:00.000-07:00

Mercy (in blue) and Brigit brought their reports to HQ.

DEC children go to the National Music Festival

2010-08-11T06:03:00.001-07:00

The DEC Choir practiced much before the day. They gained 80% - the winners had 89%. This was a wonderful attempt.
Here you can see them practicing at HQ, in the Hall.

Prayer and Fasting July 2010 photos

2010-08-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

We needed the tent because it poured during the meeting. The meetings at night were in the Hall.

Prayer and Fasting at the end of July

2010-08-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Every three months, members of Local Transformation Units come to HQ in Kimilili. The other end-month prayer meetings take place in the community.
This month over 200 people came - too many for our Hall. We had to hire a tent!
I am trying to add photos, but "it has refused" so I'll try again another day!!

Photos of Bethesda Pool training day

2010-08-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

The photos show Becky Nightingale teaching the group and some practical on a "patient".

Disability training day

2010-08-05T03:07:00.001-07:00

Bethesda Pool coordinators from each Local Transformation Unit were the first to benefit from a new training package developed by IcFEM, receiving training over two days at the beginning of July 2010.

The 17 regional coordinators were joined by two staff from the Dreamland Medical Care Centre for the course at IcFEM Headquarters in Kimilili which was led by a combined team of the Bethesda Pool department coordinators (Leonard Wanjala & Paul Stephens) and clinicians from the Health department (Mellan Mukhongo & Becky Nightingale).

The correct identification and appropriate treatment of disabilities is poorly managed across Western Kenya with many people left with lifelong conditions as a result. The purpose of the event was to help local leaders to better identify those with disabilities in their areas, and to make clear the correct care required for various conditions. The aims are to improve the quality of life for those with non-preventable disabilities, and to ensure that preventable conditions are picked up and treated – even in the most rural areas.

Each unit coordinator was equipped with a training manual written by the facilitators, which gives information about the common disabilities and conditions found across the rural communities. This material was explained over the two days, with additional opportunity provided for practical demonstrations of helpful exercises and the equipment available to treat some of the conditions.

The team are fundraising at present to allow the training to be rolled out at village level across the 17 Local Transformation Units over the coming months.

NB Photos of this will be added separately!!

Sports training for Local Transformation Unit reps.

2010-07-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

The day at HQ today was very well attended and included Biblical teaching, practical exercises and footwork skills. The latter part was watched by interested Nursery School children, who even tried for themselves!

Senior Management take 70% salary cut.

2010-07-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Finances have been low for the last few months - see June 6th blog post. Today, at a special staff meeting, HQ staff agreed to salary reductions until the situation improves.

This does not affect DEC, DMCC or security staff.

Please pray for us.

Dreamland Education Centre successes.

2010-07-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Dreamland was awarded certificates and trophies at the recent District Education Day.
You can see teachers with certificates (the children concerned are now in Secondary School) and the trophies.

The group photo shows teachers displaying the certificates awarded at the Kimilili District Education Day. Our school got an award for being the second best Private Primary School in the District. Our Kiswahili performance was position one amongst the 42 primary schools in the District. Other subjects were either 2^nd or 3^rd.position.

The 1^st position is also awarded a trophy in addition to the Certificate.

New mast!

2010-07-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the new and stronger mast being erected beside the old one.
You can see how the old one was not vertical! Both are about 40 metres tall.The latter has now been taken down.

BACK ON LINE!!

2010-07-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

We thank God that we are now back on line (today!). Seven weeks off has posed many problems.

Soon, I'll post a photo of the new mast and some more news.

Still no new mast!!

2010-06-23T07:05:00.001-07:00

The new mast is being prepared, we are told, but is not yet here. Be patient with us as we try to cope with communications!!

Sadly the new Internet is down!!

2010-06-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

The new internet mast is very high and relies on a line of sight to Bungoma. Recent storms have caused enough misalignment to make the HQ Internet be disconnected.

If you are trying to e-mail us, we may not be getting it! I am using the phone to post this, but I do not think I am able to upload photos.

We have been off for nearly two weeks now! It is, of course, cutting off our Cyber Cafe completely.

We are told a new and stronger mast will need to be installed. When? We appreciate your prayers.

What news would YOU like?

2010-06-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

The aim of this blog is to give some up-to-date news of events and activities in the IcFEM LTUs and in the Mission in general.

What news would you like to see here? News can be much more up-to-date than on the Website. Please note that we can't update the Website ourselves from Kimilili.

There is a lot of wonderful activity here despite our lack of enough funding. Most of all, we covet your prayers.

Facebook

2010-05-31T05:18:00.000-07:00

To all Facebook members reading this - have you joined the Facebook group "We support IcFEM"?

Looking forward to seeing YOU there!!

Also, don't forget the Mission website. www.icfem-mission.org

Driver, preacher, doctor!

2010-05-31T05:15:00.000-07:00

Leonard (left) speaking at the meeting.
"From Mission driver to preacher and Doctor!!"

End month Prayer and Fasting in Kenya

2010-05-31T05:09:00.000-07:00

This month's meetings were small due to many funerals.
The Kiminini meeting was very powerful. Leonard gave a wonderful testimony together with sharing from the Word of God before the prayers.

Another photo will be in the next post!

Follow up to April 8th post.

2010-05-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

For those who have asked me - Rosemary and Daniel DID get their visas to go to UK.
Sadly the BOAT (Bicton Overseas Agricultural Trust) Course had to be postponed to next year. All overseas participants were affected by the Icelandic ash cloud and the course dates couldn't be changed.

Ann is safely home from USA.

2010-05-20T03:24:00.000-07:00

I thank God for very safe travels and for a wonderful welcome wherever I went. As well as the Lipson family gathering, I met a number of friends and former students from Lugulu - staying with some of them. It was a joy to spend time with other Kenya friends and to meet their friends as well as good time and fellowship with two of my own school friends.

I travelled from East (New York State) to West (Washington State), with visits to Lancaster PA, Washington DC, Columbus OH and Colorado Springs, with a plane change in Dallas TX.

I was able to share about IcFEM with a number of small groups and individuals.

I thank God for taking care of me on this "trip of a lifetime".

I hope to post some photos soon.

Ann

Fertiliser from the Government.

2010-05-10T15:46:00.001-07:00

The poorest of the poor farmers have been given fertiliser, distributed through the Local Transformation Units.

The fertiliser filled the conference hall and Prayer and Fasting had to be held in hired tents!

Praise God for this wondeful gift which has helped almost 100 needy farmers in each LTU.

Photos of teachers in UK

2010-05-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

A long wait in Nairobi, return to Kimilili, to UK at last.....

Some photos in and out of school!

Teachers are safely in England!

2010-05-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

The group of teachers from Kimilili arrived safely in England and are already in school (apart from holidays!). The exchange programme is mainly funded by the British Council.

Cows.

2010-04-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

A number of Mission staff have milk cows, not only for their family needs, but also to bring in some income to care for their family.
At a time like this, when the Mission is struggling to pay staff allowances, it is very hard to lose a milk cow. This has happened to both Macdon and Leonard in the last few days. Please pray for them as they adjust to loss of income as well as losing a "family friend".
Also pray for God's protection for the rest of the staff animals as well as the staff and their families.

Volcanic ash cloud affects our teachers!

2010-04-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

A group of teachers from Kimilili were booked to travel to UK on the Global Partnership teacher exchange on Friday. The volcanic ash cloud over UK means they are having to wait in Nairobi. What a disappointment after all the preparation.
Please pray for God's solution to this unexpected problem.

Ann is away from home!

2010-04-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

News for those who know me is that I am now in USA, until May 11th.

Any IcFEM friends who would like to talk to me, please e-mail me c/o IcFEM (Europe).

I am getting exciting news from Kimilili and will either post myself or ask someone else to do it for me. Please pray for me and the rest of the Kimilili team.

In particular, please pray for visas for Daniel and Rosemary who are expecting to attend a Course in Devon, at Bicton College. They are due to travel on 16th April, with the group of teachers, most of whom already have their visas.

Dreamland Medical Outreach Clinics "Hospital on Wheels"

2010-03-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

We have just completed our first 3 DMCC Medical Outreach Clinics. The ambulance has been such a blessing,taking the team from DMCC and housing Alex and the Pharmacy. We saw over 130 patients this month. At Kiminini we were welcomed by the Local Unit team who worked keenly with the DMCC team to see 73 patients treated, eyes screened,children immunised and reading glasses, mosquito nets and waterguard dispensed along with quality medicines. The good news of Jesus was shared and pastoral care provided. Everyone seemed delighted with the new initiative and we look forward to our return on 20th April. Praise God for such an exciting new beginning.

Harambee Foundation, Holland.

2010-03-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

The Directors of HFH have just left after a very good visit to IcFEM (and a few of their other friends in East Africa). They were also visited here by their Committee and other friends.

They have done wonderful things for so many schools in our rural community.

This time they saw the completion of five school building projects and these were handed over to the schools and the local community.
Classrooms etc in four Primary schools: Luuya, Lunyu, Makunga and Mukuyuni
A Lab in one Secondary School: Mukuyuni.

I am sorry I don't have any photos, but hope to get some in the future.

Thank you, Roel and Marianne and all your team. may God bless you richly!

New LTU at Cheptais.

2010-03-20T02:20:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of the Cheptais launch. The school Hall was PACKED, as you can see. People were outside as well. Many came. Children entertained with colourful activities.
Estimates of the attendance ranged from "over 2000" to "just under 3000"

The LTU has built its own Office, which you can see being opened after the Launching Service. The Director is seen signing the visitors book inside the Office.

Wheels Team arrives.

2010-03-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today the team from Wheels for the World arrived safely in Kimilili from UK. The wheelchairs arrived safely some time ago - no last minute problems this time, thank God. Distribution starts on Monday.

Cheptais Local Transformation Unit launched.

2010-03-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

About 3000 people attended the launch of Cheptais LTU on 17th March.

It was an amazing meeting. I hope to post some photos soon.
Cheptais is in Mt Elgon District, very close to the Uganda border.

Big change for Joseph!

2010-03-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

Do you remember Joseph, who designed one of the IcFEM Christmas Cards last year? He is a sponsored child at Dreamland Education Centre. He was in Standard 5 when he drew the picture on the card. He is now 11 years old - the middle child and the only boy in a family of five children.

Joseph's father has just come to tell me that the publication of his card has encouraged him so much that all his school work is improving.

We thank God for this.

(Our Primary system has eight years so that the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education is done in Standard Eight. Joseph therefore has three more years in Primary school.)

Visit to our Founder Member, Sally Khasavuli Walumbe

2010-03-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

Ruth Nabie, (in black) Elizabeth Malenje (in red) and Ann Lipson went to Kabarak High school to visit Sally (in green). You can see us inside and outside Hudson and Sally's school apartment. Michal (wearing white top) was also there, helping to care for Sally on her days off duty (she is a nurse in Eldoret). Hudson and Sally are Founder Members of IcFEM. Hudson has recently retired from teaching Biology at Kabarak HS and Sally is teaching Home Science. Please pray for her.

Misikhu Local Transformation Unit - Balls and prayers.

2010-03-01T04:50:00.000-08:00

End month prayer and fasting was held in the 15 Local Units last weekend. I joined the Misikhu group. The prayer meeting was very good.
Because of the state of the road and the poor light (it was threatening to rain) I left the group still praying at 5pm. Most had been there at least 7 hours.
In one of the very few breaks, I photographed two LTU leaders, with Sr Margaret Soita, DMCC Administrator, showing a wonderful gift of footballs.

Global Partnership Programme

2010-02-22T06:26:00.000-08:00

We have just said a sad "Goodbye" to a group of 21 Primary Heads or their representatives who have spent a week in local Primary Schools here in the Kimilili area.

You can see them boarding the bus to take them away from Kimilili and also waiting for it to arrive.

On Friday there was an evaluation meeting where teachers from UK and Kenya shared their experiences and gave the way forward for the partnership in their respective schools.

I was able to attend a meeting at St James Academy where the children entertained their visitor. The school uses the Church for such gatherings.

On Sunday, a number of the teachers attended the English Service at St James Church, where the Academy boarders led the singing and also read the lessons and took part in the prayers.

Outlook Express is also up again!!

2010-02-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

Today my Outlook Express has been revived. Those of you who wrote to me last November (or before) are now getting their mail read - slowly by slowly!!

Up again!!

2010-02-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

The Internet is back now - thanks to those who prayed.

I hope to post some photos soon.

Problems with Internet again!!

2010-02-16T04:20:00.000-08:00

SORRY if you are expecting an e-mail from IcFEM! Our new system has been down since Friday or Saturday and I am back on dial up again. Downloading photos will have to wait until the new system is up again.

Please pray for theses problems to end - too many power outages as well!!

The team of over 20 teachers on the Global Exchange programme are safely here and having very different experiences!!

Ann

Field Health Services ready to start!

2010-02-08T01:32:00.000-08:00

The Ambulance, which is an equipped Field Clinic, and the land Rover are ready to start serving the Local Transformation Units this month.

A champion for Christ - Elijah Malenje

2010-02-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth speaks, supported by two friends and her daughter, Marion.

The crowd was between one and two thousand people.

The coffin was carried to the grave by brethren. Solomon is second left.

The grave is in front of the house.

We praise God for the life of His faithful servant.

January 2nd 2010

Our own Internet connection at last!!!

2010-02-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

The 40 metre mast has been installed. I hope you can see the man at the top!! From up there a signal can be received from Bungoma, where the fibre optic cable passes.

Our plan is to link all the Local Transformation Units and some local schools on to the Internet.

Lots happening here!!

2010-01-22T02:40:00.000-08:00

There is so much happening here, but our new Internet connection is not yet up and running!! TIA (This is Africa!!)

WATCH THIS SPACE......

Still waiting!!

2010-01-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We are waiting for a better internet connection so that I can post photos more easily and cheaply. Lots of news, so watch this space!!

Elijah Malenje

2009-12-29T12:10:00.001-08:00

Elijah has been a wonderful friend and brother in Christ during all my years in Kenya. He was our IcFEM Mission Patron and Board member for many years.
On Sunday, Elijah went to Heaven. He had been battling with cancer for some years, but never lost his smile.
The funeral is on Saturday 2nd January at their home in Kakamega and we are expecting MANY people.
Testimonies will be posted later. Please pray for his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter Marian and many friends and colleagues as we mourn, although we rejoice that he is now free from pain and with the Lord he served so faithfully.

Coffee at Kimabole

2009-12-22T01:56:00.000-08:00

Coffee Farmers at Kimabole meet to report on the progress of their coffee sales. The Word of God is shared by the Mission Chaplain, Paul Ng'ang'a as farmers listen intently.
Other photos show coffee being taken from the store before being loaded into the lorry.

Wedding of Mike and Catherine in Eldoret.

2009-12-20T03:34:00.000-08:00

Catherine's family were my neighbours at Lugulu for many years. Her father was Head of Chemistry. I have known Cathy since she was a baby. She is now studying in USA and brought her American fiance here for their wedding. He has been able to meet many of her large extended family, including one sister and six brothers.
Cathy's older brother, David Scott Omutimba, and his wife, Harriet, were the best couple. David has been an IcFEM Board member for two terms.
The bride was escorted to the marriage by her parents, Rev Johnston and Mrs Florah Ashene.
The cake was an unusual combination of brown and white and absolutely delicious!!

Sarah Akello's wedding

2009-12-20T03:26:00.000-08:00

Sarah is in charge of the Ministry to the Elderly.
Her wedding was on 19th in Mumias. I was unable to go because I had another wedding in Eldoret. I called at her home as she and her maids were waiting for her fiance to arrive for the pre-wedding at St James in Kimilili.
This is the time when her home Church prays for her and sends her to her wedding and new home.

Miconazole Mat Award

2009-12-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

We praise God that the Mission has been awarded a Second place on our first entry for this award - out of 63 entrants.

Miconazole Mat Award, partnering with MEDS and Johnson and Johnson to support HIV/AIDS patients in the community.

This award is worth 75000/- and is most likely to be used to get home-based care kits from MEDS for our Home-Based Care programme.

We thank God for this wonderful recognition of the Mission's Health Care work.

Alex and Nancy 12th December 2009

2009-12-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

Our Orthopaedic Technologist, Alex, and out Mission Accountant, Nancy, tied the knot in a colourful ceremony in Friends' School Kamusinga Hall on Saturday.

I went to Nancy's home to fetch her. Trevor Sankey drove Alex and other vehicles went for her family members.
One photo shows her leaving home, with her best maid.
Another photo shows her putting the signed marriage certificate in Alex's pocket after they became Mr and Mrs!

Harvest thanksgiving at Sikhendu LTU

2009-12-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Macdon (Head of Evangelism) encourages the members as they line up for prayer, each carrying a token handful of maize.
After the prayer, the Chief speaks powerfully to all present. We thank God for this encouragement.

e-mail is a bit of a problem!

2009-12-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

At the moment, Internet connection and e-mail is a bit difficult. We are using dial-up, so forgive me if I don't reply to yours, especially those sent to depdirector. I can't open some of them!!

Pray with us as we trust God for a good connection before Christmas!!

End of November Prayer and Fasting at HQ

2009-11-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

I didn't take my camera, but hopefully can get some photos from Robert tomorrow!

This was a packed out prayer meeting. We need a tent!!

Friday night the Hall was FULL and people were sitting outside on the verandah. On Saturday there were so many outside the Hall that I guess there may have been about 250 there. On Sat night, the Hall was still very full and people had to sit outside. The number was 150.

Testimonies from the Community were very exciting.

The age range was also great - from Primary school children (a few) to wazee. Almost all the local Transformation Units were represented.

The news about COFFEE from Chesakaki is particularly exciting and will come in a separate post.

With growth we were also facing many challenges. Thank you to all who pray with us.

If you are reading this and do not get the UK Newsletter, but would like it and/or the monthly prayer letter, please let us know. office@icfem.org