Melody and I will continue the work of Go Near Ministry on a full time basis. We pray that all orphans and widows would know the love of Jesus. Our part is to lead others to life changing relationships caring for orphans and widows worldwide.
You can visit our web site for a general overview at www.go-near.org We pray that God would use YOU to continue the life change stories as we all go near orphans.
A BRIEF RECAP OF MY RECENT TRIP TO KENYA – JUNE 2008
Rodney Davidson, an FBC member from Little Rock who has an interest in leading teen trips to Kenya, joined me as a friend of Go Near Ministry. We spent our time (almost three weeks) serving our partner ministries, all led by Kenyans. We delivered humanitarian aid, conducted interviews and assessments for future ministry partnerships. You will find writings and photos on our blog at http://taylorafrica.blogspot.com/
UZIMATELE (Life Abundant) Family Home - Nairobi slums
We moved in with Pastor George and Jackie Otieno. Living with their eleven children—all precious orphans—for a few days caused us to fall in love with them. As we walked through the slums delivering bread and milk, our hearts broke for the poorest of the poor. We were given the honor of speaking at Tumaini (Hope) Church/School in the slums. Our meetings with widows and orphans to hear their stories gave us a rare opportunity to really understand the vital ministry to which God has called Pastor George. After getting acquainted with his advisory board, my respect increased for George as I could see the community support God has raised up for this life-changing ministry. Go Near Ministry is commited to support this vital work. Would your family like to make a friend with a boy or girl in Kenya? Contact us for details about a very relational, interactive sponsorship program.
LIVING TESTIMONY CHILDREN'S OUTREACH (LTCO)- Kisumu KENYA
Kisumu has the highest AIDS population in Kenya; that fact alone also gives Kisumu the distinction of ranking #1 in the world to have the highest population of teen-led homes. But our friend, John Okall, is doing something about it and we were privileged to spend several days with John and his leadership team. What an impressive group of Kisumu leaders have committed to working together for the good of the children! John reaches out to help in keeping the orphaned children in their home (allowing them to be raised in their village). One of John's leadership team members, Widow Margaret, has raised many orphaned children over the years. With a heart of compassion and commitment to trust Jesus to provide for the needs of her large family, she is changing her world. As I spent time with her four boys, I was moved by the needs of Dennis, a 10 year old boy. Suffering from an advanced case of AIDS, Dennis made only one request, "If I pass my exams, I would like to have a bicycle." His request brings home the fact that above all, Dennis is a 10 year old boy. Go Near Ministry will partner with LITCO to bring kinship care to Kisumu.
OKUNDI VILLAGE - Kisumu KENYA
Located outside of the large city, this remote village is occupied by women, children, and a few elderly men. Many fathers and sons have died of AIDS or Malaria. Doing all they could to survive, the villagers pooled their meager resources to plant a crop of maize. They placed total dependence on this crop to survive another year, but the crop failed to produce due to lack of rain. Today, they are devastated and quickly losing hope.—God led us to this village through a friend from Nairobi who was raised in this small village. A successful businessman, Benson Okundi, is doing all he can to help his people. But one man is not enough to save a village. Before we left these struggling widows and orphans, we bought grain to help sustain them. More importantly, we also promised to partner with Benson and other Nairobi businessmen to help support the Okundi Village orphans and widows.
With your support we can continue to lead others to go near these precious orphans and widows.
Blessed to be a blessing,
Lewis and Melody Taylor
Leading others to life changing relationships caring for orphans and widows worldwide (James 1:27)
Monday, June 30, 2008
GO NEAR FUTURE
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
WHAT IF...
I woke up before the rooster began to crow today, as I have for many days now. Falling in bed exhausted at midnight, I awake startled by fresh enthusiasm at 4.30 am. The "what ifs" make my heart pump! What if God would move now to meet needs of Dennis? What if my M.D. friends could help Dennis, a 10yr old boy I visited with in Kisumu. Dennis would have hope and many would gain courage to press on.
What if a wind of hope blew through the desperate Okundi village causing all to sing and dance. A thriving garden harvested by the hands of all villagers and their neighbors, might result in such a celebration. All they need is water! Pray that my friends at Planting Faith ministry might help.
What if "kinship care" came to the Okundi village? Those caring for orphans would receive assistance. Widow Leu would have help with her starving grandchildren Benta, Evance and Sinthia. And many other hungry children would pay attention in school and have courage to trust a good God.
What if God wants to use us to be a part of bringing hope and life to this village.
June 16
DENNIS
Something about the young boy touched my heart when we first met. A handsome boy with pain in his eyes. The house was full of family and friends all laughing, enjoying the meal prepared for us, the guests. The boy was introduced as Dennis. His eyes were sad, movements tentative. He was not feeling well today. Again, I ignored the world I was in and responded as if I were in the States. "Sorry you're not feeling well. Is it a stomach ache? A cough? You'll be ok soon," I foolishly assured.
A week later, I returned to the same home to learn more about the lives of this family. With my video camera in hand, I interviewed the grandmother and discovered she has raised many children, not all related to her. Currently she is a "grandmother" to four boys in their 20's except the youngest at 10 yrs. Each story included more than one relative dying of illnesses. The loss of life was so common there were few expressions when sharing about them. Then we came to the youngest, Dennis. When I asked the grandmother to share about Dennis, she became quiet. Slowly she struggled to tell me of her brother-in-law's death of AIDS. Her sister had not been tested before she had Dennis. Soon after Dennis' birth, she died. Dennis was left with his aunt Margaret...and with AIDS. His case is advanced. His cough will not go away soon, nor will his stomach ache diminish. I stuffed my emotions and asked Dennis a few peppy quesions about sports and school. Then I asked if there was anything he would like to tell me. He paused, looked tentatively at his aunt, then shyly asked, "after my exams I would like to have a bicycle."
The room was quiet, very quiet.
June 16
WIDOWS UP CLOSE
Returned to Kisumu for two more days. Compelled to get a closer look at the lives of widows and orphans. As I arrived at the Okundi Village, I was welcomed by a house gathering. Customs are to greet the guest, pray and serve food. After a brief visit over chai and bread, I met with two widows. They agreed to let me film our talk and film a visit to the house where they dwell. They offered brief responses to my general questions.
The story they each told was in their eyes, deep, dark, sad eyes that have shed many tears. Each has lost family to sudden illness. These ladies are the most desperate in the small village as they have no kin to help care for them and remaining grandchildren. One widow lives alone, I gave her a thousand shillings. Widow Leah cares for three grandchildren. Their eyes reveal shock, fear, anger. Their bodies are thin, very thin. I gave her four thousand shillings. My heart pounded as I left each small hut. I wish I could do more. I MUST do more.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
More from: June 13
IMPRESSIONS IN MY MIND
After a busy four days in Kisumu, Rodney and I returned to Nairobi. Usually talkative, we spoke few words as we traveled. The needs are great in Kimumu, especially in the Okundi Village. Impressions of pleading widows, glassy eyed children and weary older men flooded my mind and heart. The small church in the village is bearing the burden to teach, educate and feed all in the village. Most men are dead and gone. As the remaining adults lose hope what will happen to the children? We must return and go near to them.
RICH CULTURE IN KISUMU
Spent the day with new friends in Kisumu. We were welcomed into the home of a wonderful lady who had breakfast ready to serve. Three men joined Rodney and I for fellowship. What a thrill to enjoy the rich culture of our new friends. Fresh mango juice, boiled eggs, chipatis (better than torilla shells), sausage and hot tea (chai) with milk and sugar were served with lots of laughter.
Monday, June 16, 2008
June 13th and 14th
June 14
DIVINE COMPULSIONS
Planned to be in Nairobi for a few days of rest and time with missionary friends. Rodney boarded for home last night at midnight. I woke this morning with one thing on my mind...KISUMU. Something is calling me back. I must know more...about the people we visited, about the places we did not visit. The door is wide open for us to go near orphans and widows in Kisumu. I am compelled to return NOW. I trust this strong desire is another "divine compulsion".
After a busy four days in Kisumu, Rodney and I returned to Nairobi. Usually talkative, we spoke few words as we traveled. The needs are great in Kimumu, especially in the Okundi Village.
Impressions of pleading widows, glassy eyed children and weary older men flooded my mind and heart. The small church in the village is bearing the burden to teach, educate and feed all in the village. Most men are dead and gone. As the remaining adults lose hope what will happen to the children?
Have you ever faced impossible odds, been outnumbered, stepped into a conflict and realized you are way over your head? Kisumu leads the world in teen led homes, leads Kenya in AIDS population and is overflowing with orphaned children. BUT GOD cares about orphans and widows and He calls the Church to care for them. Jonathon was badly outnumbered by the Phillistine army. His response in I Sam.14 was to take one armor bearer and one weapon to face the enemy. When his armor bearer asked what the plan of attack was, Jonathon responded," perhaps the Lord will give us a victory today, for by many or by few, the Lord is able to accomplish His will. ' One small battle was won as Jonathan and his armor bearer soundly defeated 20 men. One man's bold step of faith triggered an amazing response. What followed was God's spirit moving in the form of an earthquake. The small band of Israelites defeated the enormous Philistine army. This passage gives me courage to take bold faith steps on behalf of those he has led me to.
We must go near these helpless orphans and widows in Okundi village.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June 11th
We became friends with Benson Okundi and his wife Helen in Nairobi. We hope to join them in support of their home village. In the photo are members of Okundi family.
WE ARE FAMILY
As we drove into the village of our friends Benson and Hellen Okundi, many children quietly waited under a large shade tree. Widows sat quietly as we walked into the small stone house. This was very unusual as the typical response to a white man's arrival is for children to swarm shouting, "Mazungu, mazungu (swahili for white man)!" These people had been waiting for many hours, invited to come by our host, Benson Okundi's family. Benson led us into his parent’s home, built by Benson just 5 years ago. His parents greeted us warmly in their native tongue, speaking no english. As we entered the house, a few ladies began singing a welcome song, in their native tongue. We circled around the small room and gave thanks, a ritual among all African believers. Then we sat and introduced ourselves.
Lewis greets the village widows:
After meeting parents and relatives of Benson's, we walked around the village to see the mud huts, the school and the church....and the river where all drink, wash clothes and bathe. The river was red with mud. It's the only water they have.
First visitor from America
We then returned to Mr. Okundi's home and were served fresh tilapia from Lake Victoria, millet ugali, baked chicken, greens and rice...all eaten by the same utensil, our fingers. While we ate inside, the large gathering of children were served lunch outside...donated by Benson. We were then asked to speak to these precious widows and orphans. Their hopes were high. Rodney and I were the first visitors from America. Some had never seen a muzungu (white man) Just seeing us made a few children cry. I shared from Eph 1, that we all have one Father who has adopted us into His family. That makes us all brothers and sisters. Before I closed, I assured them we came to help. We gave $500 to the village chief to use where needs are greatest (bags of millet for all). We then agreed to collaborate with Benson to meet future needs.
Then the village elder, Benson's father, announced that we are now part of his family...and Eph 1 was given new meaning!
HELP IS COMING TO KISUMU
Today we visit a village that is almost wiped out by AIDS. All young men have died, leaving many widows and orphans. A few older men and women remain. No gov't agency nor a single NGO (non-government org.) have come to this small village YET. After touring the public primary/elementary school, we were so impressed with the principal. In spite of buildings in the worst condition you can imagine, he remains after many years, teaching with passion. His prize student many years ago was my friend Benson Okundi. What a delight to hear Benson praise his teacher who instilled a passion for math. Today Benson is a successful CPA with Price Waterhouse. Benson and his wife Hellen are giving back to their village near Kisumu. They were the only ones helping...until God led us to go near. Today they need sponsors for mamas and children to get food and school uniforms. The school needs new desks and solar power to light the dark rooms. Will you join us to help this small village?
KISUMU
KISUMU...a very special place. After praying for over 6months for the people here, I finally have placed my feet on the soil of Kisumu. The air is friendly and pace more relaxed than the metropolis of Nairobi.
Bordering Lake Vitoria (third largest lake in the world) home of the "Lake People"and active port delivers fresh Tilapia by the truck load. Just a few kilometers north is Kitale, "bread basket" of Kenya where most fruits and vegetables are grown. In spite of the natural resources here, the death rate is staggering. The killer is AIDS. Pray that God would open eyes to change destructive tribal customs in Kisumu.
OBAMA...WELCOME OBAMA
Arriving in Kisumu we stopped for petro. Attendants at the station extended welcome handshakes with a unique welcome, "Obama, welcome Obama!" Our Kenyan escort explained that Americans are welcomed in Kenya as a reflection of Kenya's hero, OBAMA.
Many leaders in Kisumu, birthplace of Obama's father, home of Obama's grandmother, validate that Obama's success in America gives hope to the poorest of the poor. Photos are widely circulated of 10yr old Obama working a roadside booth helping his grandmother sell vegetables. "If Obama can overcome this poverty, I can too." Pray that God would use this enthusiasm to open hearts to depend on Him for strength to overcome spiritual poverty in Kisumu.
JUne 8
GOING NEAR ORPHANS IN KISUMU
Our friends Benson and Hellen Okundi are passionate about empowering people in poverty. They both come from very poor villages. Hellen worked hard on the family farm. Tribal customs passed down for many generations limited Hellen to hard labor while her brothers were given an education. She endured harsh treatment and was severely devalued as a woman. Hellen overcame with the help of her faith and great determination. Benson had two pair of pants and one pair of shoes until he was 10 years old. Today they are white collar Kenyans who choose to give back. Hellen visits her homeland often to empower women with life skills. Benson provides for his parents and desires to help orphans in his homeland, Kisumu. He has invited Go Near Ministry to join him. We will visit his village and stay overnight with his family this week. Pray that God would allow YOU to Go Near orphans in Kisumu...the place where AIDS victims are highest in Kenya and teen led homes are highest in the world.
Monday, June 9, 2008
UZIMATELE poems
Written by two girls who are living in the Uzimatele Home. Pastor George and Jackie his wife, have taken them into their family to raise with others who have no family to care for them. Here is what they wrote for your to read.
thank you my dear visitors
you brought me up well
your cared for me
your work is so good
you bathed me daily
you give me food daily
i never missed a school day
your work is so good
what about school fees
you paid the money well
i never missed a school day
your work is so good
how smart i look
wearing smart, clean clothes
my shoes well polished
your work is so good
thank you
LOVYNE (12)
i hate to see a slim mother
i hate to see a slim father
who is not dieting or cutting on weight
but is a result of what they could have avoided
i hate to see a child without a mother
i hate to see a child without a father
whose parents did not die from a fatal road accident
but is a result of what they could have avoided
i hate to see a grandmother with a baby on her back
i hate to see her washing napkins and school uniforms
yet she is not Sarah of the bible
but is a result of what her children could have avoided
AIDS we cannot run from it
we cannot hide from it
it is right here with us
not to stay as one may say
for you and i
can do somehting
and if we don't
history will judge us
we have to stop this moral erosions
that have so much effected on this generations
we have to change our habits
faithfulness and justice will save us from this monster
AIDS
asante sana
EMPOWERING WIDOWS
Eight widows remain in the Tunamai church located in the Gituamba slums of Nairobi KENYA. Many others have died of AIDS. With little food, open sewage trenches, sheet metal proped to make a one room tent home these ladies had little to hope for. Until Pastor George came. He moved his family to live nearby and started the Tunamai Church in the slums. Today eight widows have been loved well and led to a new relationship with Jesus Christ. Their circmstances remain desperate, BUT GOD has given them hope. Pastor George is starting a new training program to help these ladies learn to make clothes to sell.
IF WE DON'T GO WHO WILL...THE MUSLIMS
Tunamai Church is committed to give a pre-school education to young children living in the Gituama slums in Nairobi, Kenya. Their building is made of rusty sheet metal over dirt floors. They have no school desks, black board or text books. Teachers Ann and Paul teach from large posters attached to the walls. Their challenge is intensified by a new neighbor moving into the slums. The Muslim church building is made of stone brightly painted with tile floors and glass windows. The Muslims placed this attractive building next door, just 25 yards away. Which building would you choose to attend church and school?
LIFE ABUNDANCE (Uzima Tele)
George and Jackie just took in another boy. Elija makes the family a size 13 (not shoe size, 11 children + 2 parents). Elija doesn't know how blessed he is to have both mother and father in his new home. Few men are found caring for orphans in Kenya. George is a big man, 6'5, with a big smile who has big dreams for his children at UZIMATELE. They will complete education, receive vocational training and have the support of a loving mother AND father....for life.
A CURE FOR AIDS
Pastor George started a church in the slums of Nairobi. He has buried many AIDS victims. He tells me those who die first are those who lose hope. Judy was left with one son, widowed at 33yrs old. Barely surviving, she lives in the slums of Tunamai and attends the church started by Pasor George at Uzimatele. She is determined to make something of her life...for Jesus sake. Amazingly industrious, she started a recyling project...in the slums. Teenagers gather plastics and sell them in the city. Judy dreams of completing training for social work. With conviction, she shares with confidence that her people can overcome the AIDS pandemic...with education. She will devote her life to teaching prevention to teens first...if only she can afford the training. One widow's success will give hope to others suffering from AIDS.
DICKSON WITH BUCKNER INTERNATIONAL CHANGES LIVES
Habaraki is 10yr old girl at the Buckner day school in the Nairobi slums of Krakocho. She is a beautiful girl in pig tails running and playing with friends at her school. Her parents were Muslim. They died of AIDS a few years ago. Her grandparents were Muslim, living in the slums.
God used our friend Dickson, a Kenyan who works for Buckner International to share the gospel...in deed. When he came to offer schooling and hot meals, her grandparents were overwhelmed with gratitude. Today, her grandparents are Christ followers. You and I can help Dickson rescue children...like Habaraki who remain in the slums. Just $15/mo. for each child will insure that the 250 children in the Buckner day school are fed and educated.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Update from Kenya
On my way now to meet Pastor Karithi, Karura Chapel (our church in Kenya) to hear his vision for orphan care ministry.
Lewis
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
POWER OF GOING
Met a young missionary from CA today. He is a 5yr old Christ follower who is on his third 2 month trip to Africa. The light in his eyes, excitement in his voice fueled the fire in mine and Rodney's hearts. He shared about the power of "going". A recent college grad who is enrolled in med school for the fall, our friend traveled to Kenya to serve Africa Inland Mission projects. He journeyed to a small village in northern Kenya to do whatever they needed. What he told us next demonstrates the power of going.
"I came with no real expertise, no medical training," BUT GOD is using him in a big way. Hearing the needs for a community medical center our friend offered to help. Soon he found himself re-designing the building floor plans, making suggestions and offering to raise funds in the states. Then the village chief informed him that gov't assistance was available to pay for 50% of the project budget. He believes God will raise the rest. Our friend is changing the world by simply going in faith.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Learning to embrace Divine Delays
We had borrowed a car from a friend to use while it's owner is overseas. It has been great to use, but often wouldn't start. Well, Sunday when Lewis dropped off Rodney at the airport, the car died for the last time. If Lewis had left as planned, I would have been challenged to know what to do. Lewis determined the problem and it will have to be towed. I am just glad this didn't happen while he was away...
The coolest thing is when Lewis called Monday morning with energy in his voice. "God is amazing" he tells me. "The lap top ordered for the trip arrived and Nick is available this morning to get it running before I leave today." He could now do interview, business and blog in Kenya. I got off the phone and told John it was a miracle to be delayed in order to get the laptop and have Nick available to get it going within hours before departure. Several minutes later, John said, " mom, I know lots of people don't believe God does miracles, but we see Him do miracles a lot." WOW... I love it when God shows Himself in undeniable ways...
Trusting Him,
Melody
Monday, June 2, 2008
DIVINE DELAYS
I missed my flight on Sunday. Forgot to get my passport out of bank safe deposit box on Saturday. Rodney left without me trusting God is in control (trusting God for MY memory is a real act of faith).
Casually checked mail Monday morning and was surprised to find the mini-laptop (2# w/9” screen) ordered for this trip. HP recently gave me the bad news that it was backordered till June 9th. Now I can blog from Kenya. With my Kenya cell phone I can get a wireless laptop connection from anywhere in Kenya. So I give thanks for cool technology (feel like I’m in a James Bond movie) and divine delays.
Getting thru security at LR airport was comical. I have attachments strapped all over my body. Backpack, doc kit attached, waist pack, video camera strapped over shoulder. Checked bags (four packed over 50# limit all for orphan homes) have no room for personal belongings. Rodney and I agreed to stuff one backpack each for our 2 week stay.
Getting thru security started with removing liquids. I filled up two plastic bags with sanitizers, bug sprays, bug wipes, bug cream, shampoo, contact solution…and sunscreen. Next I filled tubs on scanner belt with laptop, shoes, wallet, phone and two bags of liquids. Rushing to gather stuff on other side of scanner…I left my phone.
Fortunately my flight is delayed two hours…enough time to remember my phone.
Another divine delay!
Lewis and Rodney Davidson leave for Kenya Sunday and Monday June 1st and 2nd
…. We hope to post their writings and photos from the field. Please pray for their safety and their meetings with orphan ministry leaders in Kenya.
