Capturing the Vision

Current construction progress at Malava - R.O.C.K's future home

 Hi friends,

It’s been so amazing being a part of the present of R.O.C.K., the ministry I have come to know and love so much.  I’ve captured mom’s heart for the kids, meeting their needs emotionally, spiritually, and educationally.  They are her life, and she desires nothing more but to fully invest in them that they may grow to know the Lord and live for him daily in their lives.  She really is their mom, and an awesome one at that.

Through the Lord’s work in the ministry, I have seen dramatic growth in the kids, and progress within the ministry, though obstacles are always there.  The day-to-day challenges that mom faces are quite exhausting, yet the fire in her spirit drives her daily.  It’s apparent that the Lord renews her strength daily, keeping her healthy and strong, ready to face these obstacles. 

As much as things are great where they are, it needs to continue moving forward.  Two weekends ago I got to recapture mom’s heart for the future of R.O.C.K.   We took the hour and a half trip from Kisumu up to Malava, the future home of R.O.C.K. Ministries just near the Kakamega Forest.  Standing there with mom, we got to soak in her dream of expanding the ministry from helping not only 40 kids, but over 200 children in need. 

Words cannot describe the beauty of this place, but all I can say is that it’s overwhelming to soak in God’s creation.  You breathe fresh clean air, feel the cool breeze, and hear only birds chirping and the far-off distant voices from the locals.  The contrast of the vibrant green fauna compared to the red Kenyan soil is pure magnificence.  The Lord’s fingerprints completely cover the place, perfectly molded for R.O.C.K.  I could just visualize hundreds of children running all over the 9 acres, laughing, playing soccer, pulling mangoes and papayas from the trees and eating until their bellies are completely stuffed, and knowing this place as home.  It’s absolutely beautiful.

However, the project has a long way to go.   Currently, only 2 of the 21 needed houses for the kids are built.  In order for the kiddos under R.O.C.K’s roof in Kisumu to even move up to Malava, a third house needs to be built.  Insufficient funds and an increase in cost of supplies by over $2,000 have hindered the building process.  An approximate $32,000 will build one house where ten children and two house parents will live.  A multi-purpose hall is currently in process of being completed, which is just as crucial as the housing.   It will serve as both a classroom for the school as well as a hall for gatherings and church services.   It is currently in process, however once again funds are not available to finish it.

I honestly sit there and wonder how I can help in all this.  I think to myself, “If only I had a million dollars, I would just give it all to R.O.C.K Ministiries and build the rest of Malava”, but realizing that I am not thinking realistically nor is that God’s plan.  I sense mom’s frustration, as this project has been going for over 6 years, and it seems as things are moving in baby steps.  Mom questions the how, where, and when, but continues to persistently walk in faith, trusting the Lord for his timing and provision.  But it doesn’t make it any easier.  I sit there and pray about it, asking God the same questions, and also wondering his role for me in this process.  I'm committing myself to prayer in where the Lord may actively involve me in helping Elaine make this all happen. 

I think about Noah, and that he worked for almost 100 years building that ark because God told him to, not having a clue about what will become of it.  He had never experienced such a flood before, nor could comprehend what the Lord would do with it.  But he was faithful, never grew weary or discouraged, and decided to stop.  And through him, God’s plan was accomplished.  The same will happen with Malava, because Elaine is living in faith and commitment like Noah.   She isn't sitting there, writing to supporters asking for money because the funds aren't there.  She believes that there is a purpose for everything, and God will provide the funds at the appropriate time.   Sometimes she really challenges me in my faith, because I wonder if I would be the same way?

Anyway, if you have any specific questions regarding Malava, or if you would like to help, just let me know.  But praying is always a HUGE help, so be free to to so. :)

God bless you all! 

 The multipurpose hall about half done - this will be a meeting place for church as well as the main classroom

 Beginnings of Elaine's mud hut.  Yes...she will live in a mud hut for some time before she will construct her own house.  She's putting the kids' needs first.

The papaya's are HUUUUUGE!  These trees were planted when we went up to Malava last February.  Ready to be eaten! :)