Grace newsletter is a publication of Grace School in Limuru Kenya about events that have affected the children and the surrounding community within the stated period. The publication used to be done quarterly (after three months) but we changed it from this year to after four months to conform with the three academic terms of the school calendar. We shall continue to keep the publication informative, comprehensive and succinct because we value your continued prayers and support.

The events for the four months of 2006 can be described as unique and unprecedented in the history of Grace School. There was a shortage of classroom as the year began, drought in Kenya that significantly affected our operations, new faces of both children and teachers, Teachers and Parents meeting, Teachers’ retreat, visit to the school by Dr. Ruth Cook, our share of grief for the death of family members of both children and teachers and finally Rev. Samuel Wambugu the administrator of Grace School taking over as the Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church of Limuru.

 

DROUGHT AND FAMINE

Kenya was faced by a countrywide drought that was due to extended months and even years in some parts of the country without rain. This resulted in the country famine with very little food and very expensive. Drinking and cooking water was a problem for the children and we used to hire donkey carts to fetch water for us from as far as five miles. We graciously coped with the hardship of this period because of your prayers, support and meticulous stewardship of our meager financial resources. The rain has finally come and we expect the situation to gradually improve.

 

NEW FACES & INTRODUCTION TO A COMPUTER AT GRACE SCHOOL

God continues to give favour to Grace School in the eyes of the community. Many children want to join the school. We are however limited to the number we can admit due to financial restrictions. We now have children population of ninety. We also have new teachers Jennifer and Esther. Esther is showing the computer hardware to the children. The Computer has become a major interest to the children for they had not seen one before. More computers would be very helpful to the children.

 

The teachers and the parents had a meeting on Saturday February 25th. The agendas of the meeting were to develop a rapport between Teachers and Parents, Children cleanliness and Children homework. All the three agendas were accomplished and the team spirit between the teachers and parents was enhanced. The few children that used to come to school dirty have improved and able parents are helping their children with homework. We are aware that most children have only one pair of uniform and likely with no home clothes. The one pair has to be washed when the child is going to bed and dried over wood fire. This makes the uniform have smoky patches and the child smells of smoke next day. Critical needs like these ones are being addressed when the school gets undesignated gift.

A section of the parents that attended the meeting.

The teachers went for a retreat on Saturday 10^th March. The aim of the retreat was for the group/Team development, visiting parents’ suggestions and concerns and seeking a solution. The meeting planned for the years events and finally they enjoyed boating, horse and camel riding. It was a refreshing moment for the teachers.

FUN TIME

PLANNING TIME

Dr. Cook is the wife of Rev. Cecil Cook the senior Chaplain at Fort Sanders Hospital. Samuel developed a very cordial relationship with them when he was doing a one-year C.P.E residency in the year 99/2000 at UT Hospital. In January 2006 Dr. Cook came to Kenya for three months teaching at Nazarene University in Nairobi. Samuel touched based with her and she visited Grace on 23^rd and 24^th of February 2006. Dr. Cook has a comparative knowledge of schools like Grace for she visited many during her very brief stay. The Cook’s are very supportive to the ministry of Grace School. If you would like to know about Grace School as seen by the eyes of a n American Professional, you can write to Dr. Ruth Cook using e-mail mcook@milligan.edu

Dr. Cook visiting with Ann who is HIV+ and who has two children at Grace School.

Two of our teachers and three children lost significant family members. We always take this moment to show our support and concern because it is biblical, culturally valued and enhances emotional healing.

Our sincere gratitude goes to one particular family for magnanimous action in assisting Mary to undergo a Goiter operation. Mary always narrates this as one of the miracles that have ever happened to her.

BEFORE SURGERY		AFTER SURGERY

Many Churches responded to our written as well as our telephone calls for help as the operations of Grace School were hit by prevailing famine. The Lord knows you all by name and he will meet you at your point of need according to His glorious riches through Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

The pastor of C.P.C Limuru has transferred to a new parish. Rev. Samuel Wambugu who was his assistance has taken over from him effective 1st April. This is a noble assignment for Samuel, but he will be highly time constrained.

C.P.C is a small Presbyterian congregation with forty committed members. These include unemployed youths, old people and a group of HIV positive. There is a support group for HIV Positive in the church. Samuel goes into the church with the aim of nurturing the church in Discipleship, improving Pastoral Care especially to the HIV+ Members, Preaching the word and encouraging stewardship.

Samuel and Monica need your prayers as their ministry diversifies.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR PERIOD ENDING APRIL, 2006:

Thank you for the many gifts we have received from you. The churches that supported our ministry in the past have continued to do it again this year. We know this is because you believe in what we do. Our thanks also go to many individuals who occasionally or regularly support us. Allow me to single out the Kenyan Community in Boston, because although the are financially struggling in a foreign land, they always endeavor to support the ministry of Grace School. Some of you have expressed concern that your support is a very insignificant; YES it is in the eyes of man, but not in the hands of a wonder working God. He has accomplished great things through your love inspired peanut giving. 

		US $
Balance B/F from 4th quarter of 2005		(1511.50)
ADD:
Fees		3508.60
International Support		6240.00
Local Support		480.00
RESUTING INCOME		10,228.60
Net income		8,717.10
LESS:
Staff Support		4,914.30
Feeding Program		3,338.10
Other Expenses		1,482.90
RESULTING EXPENSES		9,735.30
DEFICIT		(1,018.20)

 

THE LORD BLESS YOU ALL:

FROM SAMUEL, MONICA, STAFF, CHILDREN AND THE PARENTS OF GRACE SCHOOL.

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