SUMMER MISSIONS AT IAA

The volunteers who have visited IAA write such beautiful and wonderful words about their visits with our children, but as I was reading through them I thought of all the blessings they bring to us: inter-cultural learning; building relationships; receiving affirmation; training in scripture; modeling service; providing unconditional love and attention; encouragement.  I could go on and on.  Thank You!

INTO ABBA'S ARMS

Indiana, West Virginia, Georgia & Pensylvania

Mission Team - June

Back row: Carey Bailey, Meredith Lydick, April Lingle

Front row: Philip Koech (driver), Bill, Tarin

Our June team spent a very busy two weeks in Kenya this year. We spent four and half days at IAA visiting with the staff and children while working on various maintenance projects around the site. As always, it was a blessing to spend time with the children. One of the highlights of our stay was a Bible lesson and craft project led by Meredith Lydick and Carey Bailey. The girls taught the children a scripture lesson followed by a mosaic project illustrating how God can make something beautiful from things (and people) that are broken. The girls also enjoyed a regular story time in the evening with the children. Our ministry projects took us to areas outside Kinangop as well. With the help of April Lingle, our IAA intern, we assembled and distributed new mother kits in a nearby IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp. While at the camp, we had the opportunity to minister to and read Scripture with some of the women in the camp. It was a blessing to visit with them in their homes and hear them speak of the Lord’s goodness despite their dire circumstances. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of the trip was working with One Hope Ministries, whose vision is to place the gospel in the hands of every child on earth by 2030. Using teaching programs created by One Hope, our team went into the public schools of Kinangop presenting the gospel to students and teachers a total of 19 times in 8 different area schools. We were overwhelmed to see the power of God’s word at work as we witnessed many children accept Christ during those two days.From there our team moved west and then south as we delivered food and supplies to widows, churches, and a children’s home in Ahero who were all suffering from a food shortage brought on by the recent drought. I am amazed at how quickly our time in Kenya passes No carry out, we are blessed anew as God continues to find new and exciting ways for us to minister to our brothers and sisters in Kenya.

Tarin Paradise

“I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for Your name is good. I will praise You in the presence of the saints.” Psalm 52:9

Woodsedge Church Missions Team-July

       The Woodlands, TX                          

Kim Neeley
Caitlin Chalfant
Kent Anderson
Andrea Shannon
Allie Dorsey
Ashley Markgraf
Hannah Novelli
Austin Rumpel
Corrie Sharpe
Allison Shrimpton
Paul Lassalle
Gretchen Schneider

                                  

Elissa Adams and Kathleen Wilson

Sugar Land, TX Mission Volunteers - July & August

"I was so blessed to be able to visit IAA again this summer! I had been counting down to my return since the day I left last year, and it was such a great feeling to be welcomed back to IAA with open arms. As soon as I was reunited with everyone, it felt like I had never left. I was overwhelmed with joy to finally be a part of that wonderful family again! I was especially excited to be reunited with 4 year old Martha, who I grew very close to last year. The first time I was there, she had been very clingy and in need of extra love and attention. I am so excited to report that although we still had a close connection, she was much less needy and more independent than she had been a year ago. I couldn’t have been happier to see how much she had grown and matured!  This year I was able to stay at IAA for the first half of August, when all of the children were home from school. I was so excited to be able to get to know some of the boarding school students that had not been home the last time I was there. It was so much fun to be there during the vacation month because we were able to do special activities such as take the kids swimming, go hiking with the older boys, and have a sleepover party with the older girls!  The Lord has blessed IAA in such an incredible way, and has blessed me with the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by His wonderful work in Kenya. The children and staff at IAA are a huge part of who I am today, and I am so grateful to have been able to spend the last two summers with them. Although I’m not quite sure of when God will lead me back there, I am very much looking forward to another reunion with all of the people I love and miss so much!" Elissa Adams

"Being back at IAA this summer was a true blessing. After I left last summer, I knew I would be back some day, but I never imagined God would be guiding me back there just a short year after my first visit. I felt overjoyed as I was reunited with all the wonderful kids at IAA.  I quickly learned that some of the toddlers I grew very close to last year were more independent and didn't need quite the same love and attention they needed last summer. At first this was hard to take in, but it was truly a blessing for me to see that the kids were happy, content, and able to be more independent and self-fulfilling.  Milka, the little girl my family sponsors, grew a lot closer to me this year! I really enjoyed spending a great deal of time with her. She has multiple moods ranging from being a complete diva to being the sweetest, most loving little girl in the world. There wasn't a day that went by that she wasn't making me laugh.  I also had the opportunity to grow closer to some of the older girls and boys during their month off from school. Theresia taught me a lot about myself and made me realize the importance of providing the older children with just as much love and attention as the toddlers. Spending time with these beautiful children of God was absolutely incredible and indescribable in ways.  As I reflect on my time at IAA, I am continually amazed at how much love and support is in this organization. I commend Jane for her hard work and dedication to such a successful orphanage. I do not know when I will be back to visit IAA next, as I am preparing myself for the working world, but I have no doubt the Lord will lead me back into his wonderful home for these children one day. I have so many wonderful memories from my six weeks at IAA that I will forever cherish." 
Kathleen Wilson

Kelly Klein, Kristin Klein and Amanda Cook

Summer Volunteers - August

"I will always remember September 15, 2010, as the day I got the green light to go to IAA. I had viewed hundreds of pictures, watched hours of videos and heard stories upon stories about IAA and its beautiful children from my sister and others. I had waited and anticipated this trip for almost a year and never could have prepared myself for what was to come. I had heard stories about growing attached to one child and having such a strong love for them, but I never could have imagined experiencing that for myself.

The moments I spent at IAA this summer were filled with more joy than I knew was possible. Carina captured my heart on the first day and throughout my experience, she continued to make my heart soar. Listening to the sound of her laugh, holding her hand, making noises with her, seeing her face light up, playing our monkey and telephone games - everything about those moments just felt right; nothing else seemed to matter but loving her in that moment. Running around with her on my back, her hugs and kisses, tickling her, dancing with her, and seeing her giant smile could make my heart warm in an instant. Every moment I spent with her I felt peace in my heart. I felt that in loving Carina, I got a new glimpse of God’s love for us – a perfect love. It is almost impossible to imagine that God loves me even more than how much I love Carina. I know this story hasn’t ended yet... this is only the beginning." Kelly Klein

"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

Frederick Buechner

River Cities Community Church Mission Team – August 2011

Huntington, WV

Top row: Dave Calvert; Tom McGahan; Mary Jane Amos; Jean Howison; Sandy Carroll; Jan Boyd.
Bottom row: Beth Calvert; Garland Bowen; Brenda McGahan; Steve Graves; Kristina Hamilton;  Kevin Hamilton.

One year ago the Lord confirmed that it was time to take a group from River Cities Community Church to IAA. Twelve of us linked with others from our congregation and community purposed to:

     1.   Provide five days of Vacation Bible School.

     2.   Provide learning materials for the IAA   

           preschool.

     3.   Provide curriculum for the Sunday chapel services    

The Lord worked through His people who generously gave and the goals were met.

VBS would officially begin at 10 AM and last until 2 PM. The Kinangop kids were so excited they began coming at 8:30 AM and left when they had to. The theme of the week was “How to Roll with Jesus”. Using songs, skits, teaching times, games, and activities they learned how to enjoy the basic Christian disciplines of prayer, time in Scripture, being with other believers, fighting temptation and obeying the Lord with the Holy Spirit’s leadership. Over 250 participated.

Our free time was spent enjoying the IAA family life. As one of our couples spent time talking with some of the older youth, they perceived the need to have some Bible study time with the IAA older fellows. Three evenings included our men having a discussion from a Biblical perspective answering questions the IAA guys had.
For more about the VBS visit Beth's Blog at:
Beth's Blog Post 

Engineers Without Borders
Engineering Team- August

Syracuse University Enginerring Students

Syracuse, NY

Chuck Brooks (professional mentor), Lesen Haracz, Isaac Allen, Scott Ranthes,

and Erin Zeqja with IAA children on the kitchen project site.

 Janet Brooks was present, but taking the photo 

The Syracuse University Engineers Without Borders team had a fantastic time during our stay at Into Abba's Arms. We were greeted with such warmth and friendliness by everyone at IAA. The children, staff, and community members were all so welcoming. We enjoyed every aspect of our trip, whether we were working with the construction team, playing basketball or soccer with the children, or spending time learning about their schooling and interests after dinner. The children were eager as to spend time learning about our lives as we were to learn about theirs. They were a truly inquisitive, intelligent and amazing group. We are incredibly blessed to have gotten to know them and we cannot wait to go back!

Scott Ranthes

New Happenings at IAA

Many exciting things have been taking place at IAA lately! Our annual King's Feast was celebrated around Easter. 

The King's Feast: The King's Feast is celebrated annually at IAA around Easter. We first and foremost celebrate our risen King and Savior, but we also remember our dear and precious friend King Lane. He was a wonderful friend to IAA, Jane, and the orphans. A lifelong resident of Houston, and a member of Houston's First Baptist, King made several mission trips with us to Kenya. He was very troubled that the children never got meat to eat, so he always bought meat for the children. In honor of him, we invite other orphans to celebrate and feast on an abundance of meat. 

Watch this video to experience the event with us: 

Approximately 180 people attended the celebration this year. Most were children from two other children's homes: 67 children came from Mike Eden's Home, 33 children came from Flying Kites Home, and then we had our own 32 children. For the event, we slaughtered two sheep and two goats, baked 12 cakes, and cooked lots of ugali, greens, stew, carrots, and peas. Each Children's Home presented songs, plays, and marching presentations. At the end, everyone came together to sing and dance praises to God. I was told by many of the attending children that it was the best day they ever had. 

 "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise'?" Matthew 21:16 

Easter Sunday: Everyone was in their Sunday best. The service was full of energy with lots of dancing and singing praises and testimonies of God's provisions in their lives. Christine gave a wonderful message of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection and taught the children a new song. Jesus is alive, Jesus is alive, Forever He's alive AMEN! The toddlers sang, "Jumping up and down, jumping up and down, jumping up and down. Shout Hosanna!" 

 
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!" Mark 16:6 

 Watch our Sunday service praise and worship:

Abstinence Program: This was the best program we've had at IAA thus far. A team came to present to our older children (ages ten and up), as well as some children from the community. Approximately 67 children attended the program. They learned deep lessons on how to abstain from sex, the diseases that can result from it, and they also discussed the consequences of bad choices. We will have an abstinence program every year at IAA now.

Egg Business: We have officially gone into the egg business! We have more than enough eggs for IAA, so we have been supplying most of the local shops with eggs to sell. While I was there, we were requested to provide 500 eggs for a youth conference being held at a church down the road. Lydia has now become the "egg lady" for the community. I told her I would make her a t-shirt that has a big egg on it with a quote. Any ideas?   

Sheilah: We are so proud of Sheilah. She has become a true leader in her school and community. She was asked to join a group called, "The Children's Assembly." This group has members all over Kenya and they attend seminars to have discussions and represent the children of Kenya. She was also chosen to be the girls leader at her school. Any problems, comments, or things that a girl would want to report to the leaders at her school are to be brought to her. She is a very Godly and mature young lady for her age.

Volunteers:

It was a blessing to have Mandy Willey with me on this trip to IAA. We started ministry together way back in 1997. I want to thank Mandy for her help with the videos and pictures. Regarding her visit, Mandy says, "Being at IAA with all these precious kids was a blessing, wonderful time, great opportunity, joy, --- just take your pick of adjectives, it was FUN! Being a part of the family for a couple of weeks was quite an experience. That would be the one thing I want everyone to understand, this is a family, not an orphange... a family home. When we came home with two new siblings, EVERYONE was so excited. Their attitudes are loving and welcoming. That was evident in the faces of Carina and Michael in less than 24 hours. They had come home and seemed to know it. This is a special place where God is present and very much at work. I want to say thanks to everyone there who made my stay so great. I can't wait to go again. Come join us!"

Terrace Lake Community Church, Indiana Team: 

Shelia: "It was very exciting to finally visit IAA and see the amazing work that God has done and continues to do. We hope to make a return trip next year. Surely there is nothing more satisfying than to see God's servants providing children with love, food, a home and education; children who are growing up in the nurture of God. They hold the promise of the future. We must never fail to care for them."

Trish: "Some months ago I saw a show called Secret Millionaire.  It is a reality series about rich people who are given an opportunity to sow money into the lives of strangers. This first episode I saw was about a lady from San Antonio -ironically since I am also from San Antonio, who gave to 3 different charities. One charity was a food pantry, one a music school for underprivileged students, the last a young girl, who was diagnosed with an illness who was chosen for a bedroom makeover. The secret millionaire gave the bulk of her money to the music school and for the longest time I could not figure out why she didn't chose the food pantry, which had the greater need, and served the most people. I didn't realize why until my stay at Into Abba's Arms in April. I chose Into Abba's Arms last year as the recipient for my 2011 Kenya project: Nguo Za Watoto ( meaning Clothe The Children). I gathered 29 friends and family members who together raised funds and new clothing for the 29 residents at IAA. I saw firsthand the labor of love, sacrifice and family Jane is raising in Kinagop. I saw Jane do what this Secret Millionaire did- and that is to sow into the lives of children, and their futures. Even though I personally delivered the clothes and left empty handed- I walked away with more than I took with me. I saw different tribes of children come together for worship, meals, housework, play- even a conference on Abstinence in which the majority of the lesson was not just stay away from sex, but started with the question: Who does God say you are? and ran the gamut on what God expects from all of us, and even what to do if you feel like you have already failed. I walked away knowing that like those talented musical students who have a bright future ahead because somebody believed in them and sowed into their lives, so do these students all the way on the other side of the world in Kenya because somebody also believes in them and sowed a seed into their lives as well."

Chris Ford: Chris and his wife Becky have been a blessing to IAA for many years.  They spent 9 months at IAA, so they are like a part of the family. Chris revisited IAA and spent some quality time counseling our boys during the Abstinence Program and he spent quality time with Nelson who they sponsor regularly. "I really enjoyed my return to IAA. It was food to my soul to see that the relationships we established with the children were still very strong. In some ways it felt like I never left because they opened up to me so easily. This was especially true with Nelson. In fact, during the time I spent with him he shared painful memories about his life, before he came to IAA. He spoke in detail about events he only spoke briefly of in the past. After our conversation, I was able to pray for him and with tears rolling down his face, I witnessed the Father bring restoration to his wounded heart (Isaiah 61:1). I believe, in all humility, that this was major victory in Nelson’s heart and that he will never be the same as a result of it.  I feel honored to be a part of his life and in the lives of the other children at IAA."

April Lingle: April is our long term volunteer from the Mission's Society, and she is such a blessing. She has really established deep relationships with the children. They love having her there too!

Our Growing Family

     I can't express the amount of love the children at IAA have for each other. The first two weeks I was there, I was constantly asked, "When can we get another child?" or, "When will you go get another sister or brother?" This was asked by not just one, but many of the children ages 10 and older. The children love when more siblings are added to their family, and when we do bring another child home, everyone is excited. Everyone wants to hold them, play with them and help them feel welcomed. I imagine it is like this in Heaven as each new sister or brother is brought HOME, into Abba's arms. 

Meet our two new family members:

Carina: Before coming home to IAA, Carina lived in the Nairobi Children's home her entire life. Her Mother gave birth to her while in jail, and when she was later released, she disappeared and never came back. Carina is now three years old and has the cutest personality. When you ask her what her name is, she says, "Carina Esther." I've nicknamed her "Katrina." The first time we met, she never stopped talking. One day, I heard her talking away to our neighbor, Papa Njau, who had stopped by to greet us. I asked Christine what Carina was saying, and Christine said she was asking him if he had a big house too. I thought it was so cute she was so proud of her new big house. 

Numbi Michael: Like Carina, Michael was happy to be leaving the Nairobi Children's Home where he's lived all his life. All we know so far is that he was abandoned as a baby and taken to the emergency facility. He is four years old and is very shy and withdrawn. When we first met, he didn't say much, but he looked around curiously as we drove through Nairobi. I assume this was his first time out of the home. When we got him home to IAA to clean him up, Posy noticed he had scabies, an infected boil on his back, and many scars and bruises on his little body. I can't imagine what he's been through. Posy doctored him up and he looked so happy receiving attention. After two days, we noticed he started to feel at home as he began to play and talk to the other children. Christine now reports that he has adjusted well and is very happy.

Here is a video of Carina and Michael coming home to IAA, where they were welcomed with good showers, new clothes, and lots of love and attention from everyone in their new family:

     On Easter Sunday, we introduced Carina and Michael to the church and Christine announced, "If you see these children wandering in the community, please bring them back." I thought that was so funny. We then announced we would pray for both Carina and Michael, and the two children immediately bowed their heads and closed their eyes... it was so cute!

"And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:16

Sponsorship: 

Carina and Michael are precious gifts from God. Will you consider sponsoring one of them for $40.00 per month? If interested, please email Jane at: IntoAbbasArms@aol.com.

Meet our two new staff members:

Samuel: We've known Samuel since we opened the home because he lives across the road from us with his family. We are so blessed he accepted our job offer. He will be doing carpentry work, handy work around the site, working in the garden and with the livestock, and other various jobs.

Miriam: Miriam is a very sweet and quiet lady. She will be on our fill in staff, so whenever anyone takes their month leave, she will do their job. We are very blessed to have her.

From our family to yours, God bless!

Jambo from IAA! March Update.

We are so blessed to have such wonderful volunteers who come to help and serve at IAA. Here are some of the volunteers we have been blessed to have the past few months. We want to say thank you again to each and every one of you!

VOLUNTEERS:

Aaron Charbonnet and Josh Callender: Aaron and Josh volunteered at IAA from January to March and are from The Woodlands in Texas. Their biggest project was to scrap and paint our red container. They also helped the children with their homework every evening and were able to assist with teaching in our Chapel several Sunday Mornings. We were blessed that God called them to IAA. 

Here is an excerpt from one of Aaron's blogs: 

     “Every Sunday I get the privilege of hearing multiple kids come up and thank God for the blessings in their life. Without fail, the first thing they thank God for is that he ALLOWED them to see this day. These kids, no older then 12, have realized what most people in the world will never realize: that each time we wake up it is because the grace of God has allowed us to do so. We haven't earned it, and we don't deserve it. Yet, we so often think we have earned it or do deserve it. It is in this country's suffering that they have found their dependence on God. It is in their suffering and lack of worldly possessions that they found that Jesus is truly all they need. It is in their lacking that they found true joy, hope, peace and love that are only found in Christ.”

April Lingle: April is our US volunteer from The Missions Society and she has been with us since last October. She is such a blessing in helping Mum Jane (our Housemom) with the babies. She helps with the laundry and cooking for the babies and also cooks for visitors at IAA. April has been so willing, loving, and competent during her stay - she is loved by all. April has been sick with pneumonia, so please pray for her healing. 

Gordon: Gordon is IAA’s project manager, and he was at IAA from January to February. He spent many days overseeing projects and repairs needed at the site. He also had a team from Massachusetts that came to visit for a couple of weeks in February. This team consisted of Kathy Gideon, Kathie Greco, Pat Greco, and Phil Pryjma. They all have experience in transitioning children from residential schools into the community. To help prepare IAA for the future, the team with April and Gordon visited four other orphanages in Kenya to make observations and comparisons. Additionally, the team, with Rene and Steve, prepared gift bags for new  mothers at the local IDP camp. Gordon also had the blessing of getting to take Kennedy to his new High School since Kennedy, Frances, and Grace all passed their exams and headed off to their new boarding high schools this past January.

Rene Tyo: During her stay, Rene helped the children with their homework, played math games with them to reinforce their skills, worked on reorganizing the library, and did the Sunday Bible lesson for Children’s Chapel.  Sunday afternoons at IAA she spent time making cookies with the girls, making volcanoes with the boys, or watching them fly airplanes. Back in West Virginia, Rene continues to develop a supplemental educational plan for the children at IAA.

Steve Tyo: Steve is a huge help when visiting IAA because he brings practical, technical skills as well as experience with generators, appliances, electrical, plumbing, and automotive maintenance and repair. Steve loves sharing what he knows with the children. He taught them how a generator works from a model he built and he also helped the older girls learn to ride bicycles.

If you want to know more about Rene and Steve's time at IAA, check out the blog they kept at: www.mysecondtimeinkenya.blogspot.com.

Wimberley First Baptist Vacation Bible School Children: We want to thank these children for helping provide this new playground for the children at IAA. We are so excited to have our new playground for the children and they already love playing on it.

Wimberley First Baptist Team's Pastor's Conference: Wiatt Warren (Associate Pastor) reported their experience with their Pastor's Conference held at IAA:  "There is so much jealousy and mistrust amongst the pastors – several told me it was much more effective being hosted and promoted by IAA. There is no way to measure the impact this conference has and will have on these pastors and their flocks. There were several requests to extend our time with them. I told them. They were persistent in asking if and when we would return. The first day we had 24 pastors to attend. We approximately doubled the second day and the third day we had over 70 in attendance. Praise God!"

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

New Kitchen/Dining Hall: The drawings and planning for the new kitchen and dining hall are almost finished. We will be breaking ground to begin the building soon. The engineering students from Syracuse University are preparing to travel to Kenya for the beginning stages of the building process in August of this year. Although they have raised the majority of the cost for the building, IAA will be responsible for contributing to a portion of the construction as well as purchasing the appliances and equipment for the building.

Approximately $10,000.00 is needed.

Backpacks: Our children are in need of new backpacks for school. Jane can purchase them in Kenya. If you would like to help us buy a child a backpack, you can donate on our website at: Donate here! Or you can send a check to our address:

Into Abba's Arms PO Box 130846

Spring, TX 77393

Each backpack costs $15.00.

T-Shirts: We are now selling t-shirts to help raise funds for IAA. You can order them online at: Order here! 

T-shirts are $18.00 for adults and $12.00 for children, plus an additional $3.00 charge for shipping.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

We always want to ask you to pray for our children. Please pray for their health, safety, schooling, and spiritual relationship with Christ. Please continue to pray they will grow up to be faithful followers of Christ.

Donna (IAA US Volunteer): Donna is back in Texas for a couple of months furlough. She will be having knee surgery, so please pray for her.

Christine (IAA Kenya Administrator): Christine has surgery scheduled in mid-May to remove some fibroids. Please remember to pray for her.

Jane: Jane is headed to Kenya on April 8th and will be celebrating the annual King's Feast at IAA.

Summer Mission Trips: The mission trips for June and July of this summer are scheduled for: June 1-13 and July 24-August 6. Please be praying for these teams.


Thank you for your continual support!