Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The First Day
Just turned 4am. No sleep yet. Faithful Margaret drives us to the airport with Barb and Hoyet.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Monday, July 19, 2010
AMCC Blog
Hey guys! Maggs and I are back in Kenya and some really exciting things are happening! BUT, AMCC now has their own website with a new blog on it. To go to the new blog, click here www.amcckenya.org
This is appropriate because "nicknkenya" just doesn't work out now that I'm married!! Love you guys! and hope to have you check out the new blog and everything that's happnin here in Kenya!
Nick
This is appropriate because "nicknkenya" just doesn't work out now that I'm married!! Love you guys! and hope to have you check out the new blog and everything that's happnin here in Kenya!
Nick
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
E-mail from Mark
Hello and greetings friend of AMCC!
I pray that this email finds you well and warm in this cold time of year. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who as John recently reminded me, is the one who is Lord of heaven, earth, and even under the earth!
I had the privilege of speaking with John last night on skype and wanted to pass on to you the joy that I had during that conversation. As John said, "We much many things for which he give God the praise!"
Last week, on the 23rd, everyone at AMCC went to a Christmas party held by a soap and cooking oil company that is headquartered in Thika, Kenya. There the children sang songs, John led some prayers, and everyone ate "very much Asian food". The children had a wonderful time, and I am especially glad for this opportunity for each of them to sense that they are special, and are worth having a party for. A bit of the Father's heart for them was shown in this, and I'm just stoked about that.
During their time at the party a student ministry from the University of Nairobi visited AMCC's building to deliver Christmas gifts. Upon finding them gone, they called John, who told them where to leave their gifts. They came back to flour, sugar, rice, and even popcorn kenrels! This started a flood of gifts for AMCC! Their equivalent Senator (called a Minister of Parliament there) had his "a very big Christmas cake" delivered to them. Their local government officials also brought maize, beans, and rice- enough to feed them through the month of January!
With all of these gifts, AMCC's costs for January will include only rent, gas for a lamp, salaries, firewood, and cooking oil! As John said, "God is doing great things!"
I am personally incredibly encouraged by all of this. It is profound how God has been providing for AMCC, and I'm especially elated to see Him moving through Kenyans! It is a testimony to me of His faithfulness, and also that AMCC is doing good work!
Speaking of good work, the 8th grade exam results were announced today. It's the equivalent of ACT's, except for 8th graders. We are looking forward to the 5 students at AMCC continuing on into high school (half of the 8th grade class at their local school won't score high enough to be allowed into 9th grade anywhere). There are also nine 9th graders at AMCC who just finished with high enough grades to go to 10th grade. We are really proud of them.
Last time I wrote about the large debt that AMCC was in. Thanks be to God, different individuals donated $800 and this helped AMCC get out from their most pressing creditors. John told me that he can now turn his cell phone on again, and I'm thankful that he is sleeping a bit easier. They are still in debt, to the tune of about $500. If anyone feels led to donate to AMCC, follow the instructions at the end of this email, or visit our web site www.amcckenya.org .
The other major cost coming up for AMCC are the mandatory school fees for High School in Kenya. High school in Kenya is not free, and this prevents all of the kids at AMCC from continuing their education- if they were not at AMCC. Last year money was raised to pay one year's worth of school fees for the students. I am asking that you would please PRAY and ask our Father to provide for each of these children to go to school this next year, which begins in January. Continuing in school is a vital key for these children to escape the cycle of poverty that they've been in.
I'm sure this affects me some, but I just watched "It's a Wonderful Life" for the first time, and maybe that's a good thing. If anyone feels led to give any money toward AMCC (you can still give to get the tax refund for 2009, if you're looking for it!), follow the instructions at the end of this email.
Though it is late, merry Christmas to all of you. I guess what I really mean, is that I hope that you all know how much God loves you, and that you experience a bit more of His Kingdom each day. May His love ever grow in you.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, and to release the opporessed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor"
Greetings to you from John, Nancy, James (the staff at AMCC), and all of the children there!
With much love,
Mark Dawson.
P.S. Instructions on how to give money to AMCC:
There are two ways: Online, or mailing a check. Both are secure! To be sure to receive a tax-refund, mail the check.
Online:
1. Go to www.amcckenya.org
2. Click on the "Donate" tab on the home page.
3. Follow the instructions!
Mail a check:
1. Make out a check to: Grace World Outreach. Put "AMCC- General Use" in the memo line.
2. Mail the check to:
Grace World Outreach
2502 W Elm St.
Enid, OK 73703
May our Father bless you and keep you, and make his face to shine upon. John sends deepest thanks and love to everyone who has prayed, given to, or read about AMCC. Amen to that!
I pray that this email finds you well and warm in this cold time of year. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who as John recently reminded me, is the one who is Lord of heaven, earth, and even under the earth!
I had the privilege of speaking with John last night on skype and wanted to pass on to you the joy that I had during that conversation. As John said, "We much many things for which he give God the praise!"
Last week, on the 23rd, everyone at AMCC went to a Christmas party held by a soap and cooking oil company that is headquartered in Thika, Kenya. There the children sang songs, John led some prayers, and everyone ate "very much Asian food". The children had a wonderful time, and I am especially glad for this opportunity for each of them to sense that they are special, and are worth having a party for. A bit of the Father's heart for them was shown in this, and I'm just stoked about that.
During their time at the party a student ministry from the University of Nairobi visited AMCC's building to deliver Christmas gifts. Upon finding them gone, they called John, who told them where to leave their gifts. They came back to flour, sugar, rice, and even popcorn kenrels! This started a flood of gifts for AMCC! Their equivalent Senator (called a Minister of Parliament there) had his "a very big Christmas cake" delivered to them. Their local government officials also brought maize, beans, and rice- enough to feed them through the month of January!
With all of these gifts, AMCC's costs for January will include only rent, gas for a lamp, salaries, firewood, and cooking oil! As John said, "God is doing great things!"
I am personally incredibly encouraged by all of this. It is profound how God has been providing for AMCC, and I'm especially elated to see Him moving through Kenyans! It is a testimony to me of His faithfulness, and also that AMCC is doing good work!
Speaking of good work, the 8th grade exam results were announced today. It's the equivalent of ACT's, except for 8th graders. We are looking forward to the 5 students at AMCC continuing on into high school (half of the 8th grade class at their local school won't score high enough to be allowed into 9th grade anywhere). There are also nine 9th graders at AMCC who just finished with high enough grades to go to 10th grade. We are really proud of them.
Last time I wrote about the large debt that AMCC was in. Thanks be to God, different individuals donated $800 and this helped AMCC get out from their most pressing creditors. John told me that he can now turn his cell phone on again, and I'm thankful that he is sleeping a bit easier. They are still in debt, to the tune of about $500. If anyone feels led to donate to AMCC, follow the instructions at the end of this email, or visit our web site www.amcckenya.org .
The other major cost coming up for AMCC are the mandatory school fees for High School in Kenya. High school in Kenya is not free, and this prevents all of the kids at AMCC from continuing their education- if they were not at AMCC. Last year money was raised to pay one year's worth of school fees for the students. I am asking that you would please PRAY and ask our Father to provide for each of these children to go to school this next year, which begins in January. Continuing in school is a vital key for these children to escape the cycle of poverty that they've been in.
I'm sure this affects me some, but I just watched "It's a Wonderful Life" for the first time, and maybe that's a good thing. If anyone feels led to give any money toward AMCC (you can still give to get the tax refund for 2009, if you're looking for it!), follow the instructions at the end of this email.
Though it is late, merry Christmas to all of you. I guess what I really mean, is that I hope that you all know how much God loves you, and that you experience a bit more of His Kingdom each day. May His love ever grow in you.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, and to release the opporessed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor"
Greetings to you from John, Nancy, James (the staff at AMCC), and all of the children there!
With much love,
Mark Dawson.
P.S. Instructions on how to give money to AMCC:
There are two ways: Online, or mailing a check. Both are secure! To be sure to receive a tax-refund, mail the check.
Online:
1. Go to www.amcckenya.org
2. Click on the "Donate" tab on the home page.
3. Follow the instructions!
Mail a check:
1. Make out a check to: Grace World Outreach. Put "AMCC- General Use" in the memo line.
2. Mail the check to:
Grace World Outreach
2502 W Elm St.
Enid, OK 73703
May our Father bless you and keep you, and make his face to shine upon. John sends deepest thanks and love to everyone who has prayed, given to, or read about AMCC. Amen to that!
Monday, October 12, 2009
I'm engaged! and life is gettin busy! It's quite a time for the Lord to mold me as I try to juggle helping Maggs plan the wedding, take on more responsibility with running a family dealership, fixing up the old and busted apartment before the wedding, and raising the now *$50,000* for AMCC. Life is a little hectic but the Lord has a plan and a way.
Speaking of the 50 grand, be looking on facebook for a group called "20". It should be up and running by the end of October.
And as far as News about AMCC, here's an update that Mark recently sent out over e-mail:
"The latest great news is as follows:
John had a GREAT time at the Lahash conference that he and his wife, Nancy, went to in Uganda 2 weeks ago. Here's what John said about the conference:
The conference was good. We learnt many things about leadership.
1. Day One- Fasting and praying. Baba Dan was teaching Bible storiesfor the kids to learn.
2. Mission Statements- How one goes about it and how do we accomplish them
3. Conflict management- seek to know the source of the conflict, judgeit fairly. Get to the person who says that they have been wronged. Getto know what they say. Also about forgiveness.
4. How to take good pictures.
5. Facebook.
6. Learned from Lahash partners. Tenderfeet taught.
7. Everyone exchanged ideas. How to have a strategic plan.People should not be overworked and they should be given reasonable pay.
Nancy (wife) and John were happy to be 2gether. It was like a "honeymoon" for them. Even though she got sick on the Thursday of the conference they were not discouraged by that. By the time they came back they felt like renewed people. They were able to pray and for God to hear their hearts. Come to think of it, when John said "hear their hearts" he might have meant "heal their hearts". I don't know which, but either way it's a wonderful thing! Praise the Lord! Lahash said that they desire to partner with AMCC. John believes that they became partners while there. We should pray so that they might be able to start sponsoring AMCC in January. That's what John said that Dan Holcomb, the head of Lahash, told him at the conference. Dan is a JBU grad and is a friend of mine from Camp Eagle.
I'm thrilled beyond words to think that AMCC might partner with this organization. I don't really know what it will look like, but I'm looking forward to talking to Dan and hearing what his ideas about it are. Edwin, Lahash's EastAfrican co-ordinator (A Kenyan who grew up with Dan) is going to visit AMCC sometime in the next month! Woohoo!!
Also, AMCC has officially hired a 3rd employee- James Mwika! John and Teacher Nancy talked about James while I was still in Kenya as avery trustworthy man and say that he's been working very well. Here are notes that I took from my conversation with John on Tuesday
"He is working well, Nancy is happy about it. He is very much committed to the work. The children have liked him very much because he is a very happy person. He has developed a love for them. He is jumping and dancing for the Lord and the children are happy about that.
" John and Teacher Nancy have "really talked" about the conference. He gave her his notes and the notebook, and she was very happy about it. She is very happy!
John and Teacher Nancy are going to Counsel Geoffrey this evening and are going to pray more with him. He ran away again, and in fact got all the way back to his dad's house (near Naivasha, that's like someone getting to Alamosa from Denver). John said that they are putting up a counseling program whereby they will be sitting down with the children individually every 14 days. Also they can pray with them. They have also started a November program for pastors from different churches to come to minister to AMCC on the different weekends.- Anglican – either Mr. Mutuangu or John’s dad- Bethel church- feed bag and send pastor (Mukulala)- Household of Faith- Jesus’ Embassy Prayers needed so that these things will continue as it starts in November. When they start they will send a timetable so we can know who is coming and when.
John is still becoming numb sometimes, but generally he is well. The pain has "ceased"! He thinks he had overworked himself, and that the problem will continue ceasing as he continues to rest."
Speaking of the 50 grand, be looking on facebook for a group called "20". It should be up and running by the end of October.
And as far as News about AMCC, here's an update that Mark recently sent out over e-mail:
"The latest great news is as follows:
John had a GREAT time at the Lahash conference that he and his wife, Nancy, went to in Uganda 2 weeks ago. Here's what John said about the conference:
The conference was good. We learnt many things about leadership.
1. Day One- Fasting and praying. Baba Dan was teaching Bible storiesfor the kids to learn.
2. Mission Statements- How one goes about it and how do we accomplish them
3. Conflict management- seek to know the source of the conflict, judgeit fairly. Get to the person who says that they have been wronged. Getto know what they say. Also about forgiveness.
4. How to take good pictures.
5. Facebook.
6. Learned from Lahash partners. Tenderfeet taught.
7. Everyone exchanged ideas. How to have a strategic plan.People should not be overworked and they should be given reasonable pay.
Nancy (wife) and John were happy to be 2gether. It was like a "honeymoon" for them. Even though she got sick on the Thursday of the conference they were not discouraged by that. By the time they came back they felt like renewed people. They were able to pray and for God to hear their hearts. Come to think of it, when John said "hear their hearts" he might have meant "heal their hearts". I don't know which, but either way it's a wonderful thing! Praise the Lord! Lahash said that they desire to partner with AMCC. John believes that they became partners while there. We should pray so that they might be able to start sponsoring AMCC in January. That's what John said that Dan Holcomb, the head of Lahash, told him at the conference. Dan is a JBU grad and is a friend of mine from Camp Eagle.
I'm thrilled beyond words to think that AMCC might partner with this organization. I don't really know what it will look like, but I'm looking forward to talking to Dan and hearing what his ideas about it are. Edwin, Lahash's EastAfrican co-ordinator (A Kenyan who grew up with Dan) is going to visit AMCC sometime in the next month! Woohoo!!
Also, AMCC has officially hired a 3rd employee- James Mwika! John and Teacher Nancy talked about James while I was still in Kenya as avery trustworthy man and say that he's been working very well. Here are notes that I took from my conversation with John on Tuesday
"He is working well, Nancy is happy about it. He is very much committed to the work. The children have liked him very much because he is a very happy person. He has developed a love for them. He is jumping and dancing for the Lord and the children are happy about that.
" John and Teacher Nancy have "really talked" about the conference. He gave her his notes and the notebook, and she was very happy about it. She is very happy!
John and Teacher Nancy are going to Counsel Geoffrey this evening and are going to pray more with him. He ran away again, and in fact got all the way back to his dad's house (near Naivasha, that's like someone getting to Alamosa from Denver). John said that they are putting up a counseling program whereby they will be sitting down with the children individually every 14 days. Also they can pray with them. They have also started a November program for pastors from different churches to come to minister to AMCC on the different weekends.- Anglican – either Mr. Mutuangu or John’s dad- Bethel church- feed bag and send pastor (Mukulala)- Household of Faith- Jesus’ Embassy Prayers needed so that these things will continue as it starts in November. When they start they will send a timetable so we can know who is coming and when.
John is still becoming numb sometimes, but generally he is well. The pain has "ceased"! He thinks he had overworked himself, and that the problem will continue ceasing as he continues to rest."
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