Today nearly 70 volunteers from the local church came to make 3,000 bricks for Rhoda’s house!!! 

What an amazing experience! It’s been an unforgettable, emotional day for us all. The kids jumped right in there to help! The women were cooking for all the volunteers who were packing clay into bricks. It was a lot of slippery, muddy, back bending work in the hot sun but everyone had a smile on their face and plenty of laughter going around (most of it at us 😂). Rhoda hugged and kissed us and I could just feel her joy. This is a day we won’t soon forget!

We are so thankful for Reverend Benson and Kilaatu Baptist for organizing the volunteers! We are so grateful for everyone who came! This is what community is all about!

This is what THE CHURCH OF JESUS is all about!

Do you wish your purchases could ALSO be used to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the world?? 

Wanna be a part of helping bring CLEAN WATER to an entire region in Kenya? And change lives forever?? All while SHOPPING??

We are opening a temporary site (work is still in progress on the main site) where the vision is just that!!! CMK is a partner with Cedar + Stone Storehouse! 

At Cedar+Stone Storehouse, we are building a Marketplace for Missions and PROFIT ON EVERY PURCHASE goes 100% towards the CMK Well Project for Clean Water!! 

Here’s an easy way you can contribute to getting CLEAN WATER to an area in desperate need!! 

Simply SHOP our SITE! 

T-shirts! Mugs! Bags! Home decor!

There’s a little bit of everything and it all shares PURPOSE and our PASSION for Missions!

https://cedarandstonestore.wixsite.com/tempsite

 IT’S THAT EASY!

 We have a vision to support global missions through a Marketplace for Missions! This is ONLY THE BEGINNING!  

Click Here to PURCHASE FOR A PURPOSE! 

https://cedarandstonestore.wixsite.com/tempsite

There are some moments that stand so clearly in your mind you know without a doubt God is illuminating them....

There are some moments that stand so clearly in your mind you know without a doubt God is illuminating them....
Even while the moment is unfolding, it seems the people around you become outlined in light and you see them in a sharp clarity of focus. That’s how it felt on the side of the mountain yesterday, seated in a circle with the family we brought fresh produce to. 

We had climbed down a mountain footpath in our van packed with vegetables, being guided by our friends and pastors Reverend Benson and Amos. Benson introduced us to the matron of the family and told us a little of her story. Rhoda raised seven children and her husband passed away several years ago. Three of her grown children are mentally handicapped and still rely on her for all of their care. Rhoda stood, kindly smiling, gently nodding her head. Her eyes were wet and she tried to surreptitiously wipe them. Her daughter in law spoke to us of the many prayers they have prayed for Rhoda’s three disabled sons, knowing God has a wonderful purpose for their lives. 

They have prayed for years for a house to be built for them to live in. Our hearts were burdened for this family that has so little yet cares so much for one another. We sensed God’s presence there with us, His heart guiding us—here—to this moment. 

We wanted to help this family and we invited you to come alongside us to build a much needed home, a much needed refuge for them. And in ONE DAY you GAVE a home for Rhoda! One dear woman in the states gave the entire amount! And several more people have given to this family’s needs as well! Rhoda could no longer hide her tears as we prayed for her and her sons and her family and gave them provisions. These are children God dearly, dearly loves and their prayers are heard in heaven and move His heart mightily. It is one of the greatest privileges on earth to be used in some small way as God’s answers to prayers His children pray! Rhoda and her sons will no longer be sleeping in the dirt thanks to your compassionate help!

Rhoda’s tears turned to praise after we left and her loud cries were heard all around as she told others God has remembered her. 

After three months in Kenya and over one month in national Lockdown, we let our kids share some of their experiences.

Being able to go into villages and homes and bring them much needed food to alleviate their hunger has been just one of the blessings of remaining here during Covid-19.

We had to make a choice back in March on whether or not we would remain in Kenya even though the airport may be closed indefinitely and even though we were facing a lot of unknowns. We prayed and felt peace that God wanted us to stay. We are seeing so many reasons now that have confirmed to us why He kept us here. Words fail to describe the feeling of bringing someone their first meal in weeks, of praying for the sick during a time when so many are full of fear. Our kids jumped right in every time and have personally distributed the food. They have brought smiles and laughter and joy. It’s been beautiful and absolutely God breathed. We are so thankful for all who have given to place food in stomachs that have gone without and who have faced bleak uncertainty. Your giving is LIFE giving! God uses it ALL! We put together a little video of one of the village food distributions we did to show you how much you are impacting entire communities!

Dear Friend, prayers are rising!

And God is MOVING!  He is always moved by our prayers.  He ALWAYS has a Plan.  

THE PLAN
God's plan from Genesis to Revelation has never changed.  Covid-19 can't change it.  The world can't change it.  God's own enemy can't change it.

God's plan, like His character, is always full of love and mercy.  His plan is always to RESTORE.  His plan is to REDEEM.  His plan is to RESCUE.

Dear Friend, you can REST in the fact that all God's plans are good towards you.

Can we encourage you a little bit today?  You are an encouragement to us always and we have been praying for you by name.  

You know what's encouraging?  Jesus Himself is praying for you!!  And He's praying for you by name!  His prayers are continually for you!  So, friend, keep your eyes on Jesus because His eyes are on you.  He doesn't sleep, He doesn't take a break from being our Savior.  He's our Savior Forever.  His power to redeem and heal and save is FOREVER.

Victor loves his new Bible given by Sole to Soul, a campaign started by the children's church of Wellspring Church

Joel met with Mully at Mully Children's Family and connected him with our friend John Duot Duong. John started an orphanage in South Sudan that we support monthly. It was incredible to be in the same room as these two heroes of the faith!

THE SECRET
God never asks us to accept what is happening around us, He only asks us to learn how to be content in Him in the midst of our circumstances.  A child is content when they are being held safely in their parent's loving arms.  There may be chaos all around, and still a baby will rest in the arms of the one who loves them.  

Paul said in Philippians 4 that he learned the secret to being content in every situation. "I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." 

Paul wrote this under house arrest.  But he doesn't spend time lamenting his circumstances or railing at God for keeping him there.  Instead, he pens the most quoted verses of all time.  He spent his time in isolation writing letters of encouragement and discipleship to his church families.  He tells his brothers and sisters in Christ this convicting admonition:  

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:4-7

The secret to peace (which is much like contentment), is to rejoice in the One who strengthens you.

Christ is near!  His strength is available to you today!  His peace will guard your heart and mind!

THE PRACTICE
How do we put this into practice in our lives?  How do we rejoice when all is falling apart around us?  How do we maintain a thankful heart?

Paul gives the answer in the verses that directly follow:

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:8-9

We turn not only our eyes to Jesus, but our thoughts as well!  When we look for Him, we will find Him.

And the world as we know it may have suddenly came to a crashing stop, but we can still "keep putting into practice" all Paul shared.  Our Christianity hasn't been placed on hold.  If Paul's encouragement from a prison cell to the early church could be read over and over again for centuries, what can God do with our obedience to Him during this time?

THE GOOD
If you need some GOOD things to rejoice about, we want to share with you what God has been doing here in Kenya!  Right now the country is on lock down and has been since March.  Groups of people are not allowed to meet or congregate and all schools and churches are closed.  However, we continue to look for ways God can help us reach out in love to the people here and He is providing avenues for us to help FEED THE NEEDY during this time!

Because of lockdown, many in rural communities are without jobs and we were able to feed 100 needy families in the village of Ndituni.  We distributed 1,500 pounds of dry goods.  We also distributed food to two more villages, giving thousands of pounds of vegetables and essentials, going home to home and praying for the sick.

SHOES FOR SMILES AND SOUL TO SOLE!

We have been visiting several schools here in the rural areas of Machakos county before the lockdown went into effect.  Often, we would see children going to school without shoes.  Joel had a dream one night and in it we were driving down a mountain road and giving shoes to the children from a large bag.  The next day, some of our very good friends told us they wanted to start collecting funds for shoes for the children and called the campaign Shoes for Smiles.  We were so excited!  We went out that day and purchased shoes to pass out and we drove down the road in our Miracle Van, looking for children walking home from school without shoes.  Our kids loved getting to do this!  

A campaign was started by many of you in the states and we were able to visit schools and pass out nearly 200 pairs of shoes!  The first school we visited, I didn't have the right size shoe for one little girl and she started to cry.  I glanced down and saw that Story had the right size.  When I asked if Story would give her shoes to the girl, she didn't even hesitate.  Boston carried her on his back the rest of the trip and my heart was so impacted!

We are praising God for our family in Christ that continues to raise funds for shoes, Bibles, and now FOOD to feed the hungry!  Soul to Sole, a campaign started by our children's pastor, sent us money to purchase 100 quality children's bibles and 100 pairs of school shoes.   Our good friend and Kenyan Pastor, Peter, collected them for us.   When the lockdown forced people out of work, Shoes for Smiles quickly sent money that was intended for shoes to be used for food for families in need.  

We were able to pass out Bibles to 100 children during our recent Food Distribution.  This was the first Bible these children have ever owned! Their smiles were so big and they were so excited!

THE WELL PROJECT

The well project continues to move slowly yet steadily forward.  We have met with numerous government officials and have written countless letters and drafted several plans.  Everywhere we go, we see the need for clean water and how it can affect every facet of life.  We passionately continue to advocate for this basic human need!  We are thankful for the friends we have made here who have worked tirelessly with us.  Recently, we made a very good contact with the Chief Officer of Machakos as well as the Deputy Governor and the project is moving forward and finally gaining ground.  We were told that many of the government officials thought we would leave and give up and they are surprised that we haven't.  It's gained their attention and now we are hopeful it has gained their support.  The government has the drilling equipment, but lacks funds for fuel, transport, and materials.  We have committed by faith to provide those things.  We're in this to the end!  God told us He would do this, and we have put our trust in Him.  Please continue to pray for the well project to begin drilling as soon as the government lifts the quarantine restrictions.

This stone marks the spot (much like Mizpah in the Bible) where the Geologist found water in Ndituni.  Right in the village center!  

NETWORKING MISSIONS

God has blown us away with His plans and purposes!  We've seen His HAND at work in miraculous ways!  One of those ways is through connections He has made for us.  He has been very strategic!  Joel met many national missionaries while he was on outreach throughout East Africa this past summer and one of those is the director of Together Orphan Ministries.  John Duot Duong stayed for 10 days with our family and we arranged for a meeting with him and the Founder of Mully Children's Family, Dr. Charles Mulli.  We continue to support the orphans of Together Orphan Ministries monthly.  We were able to send 500 bibles to them through our friend and director of the Gideons in Northern Kenya, David Otiende.  It was the first time the Gideons have been able to send Bibles to South Sudan.  God is TRULY orchestrating so many plans and purposes and we are BLESSED to see Him at work here in Kenya, South Sudan, and Tanzania.

Our friend Nickson from Tanzania came to stay with us for a week and when he went back to Tanzania he found out that our mutual friend and recent convert to Christianity was in a motorcycle accident.  Ollie is a Maasai tribesman who accepted Christ this summer when Joel and Connor were on outreach in Tanzania. Ollie’s tibula and fibula were broken in the accident and never healed.  Infection set in.  With the help of River City Church in Laplace, we were able to send money to get him transported to a hospital and have surgery on his leg.  Ollie will walk again and he and his family are so grateful! 

Joel with Ollie (on the right) this summer in Tanzania

Thank you for continuing to trust in the plans of God and to be a part of His purposes on this earth!  

Jesus is returning.  He's coming back for His inheritance and that inheritance is US:  His believers!  Let's continue spurring one another on in faith, in love, and in good works.  (Hebrews 10:24)

We Thank God for You!!

Love and Blessings in Christ,

Joel and Joye and Family

We are here! Living at the end of a little red dirt road near the rural village of Kithimani, Kenya. Our altitude is almost a mile high. We are living on a plateau, so the view from the road is mountains. The road leading up to the house is lined with wildflowers and acacia, sisal and succulents. There’s been a lot of rain in the past few days and the house sounds like a little tin ship beneath a waterfall. It’s been quite possibly the longest yet most fulfilling 12 days of our lives. From sunup to well after sundown, there is work to be done.

After nearly 40 hours of traveling, we arrived in Kithimani. Our girls all had travelers sickness and Soul ran a fever for a few days, but besides that, everyone has been adjusting well. From the moment we arrived, our kids have embraced learning Kiswahili. They’ve literally embraced everyone they’ve met! They just overflow with love and joy. I have an even greater understanding of Jesus’ words and commands to be like children. The Kingdom of Heaven truly belongs to little children! I’ve been so amazed by their attitudes. They’ve had to pump water for baths, for filtering drinking water, for cleaning dishes. They’ve battled mosquitoes and bugs we don’t know the name of yet. They’ve navigated the stressful driving conditions with more grace than I have! And my mom is here with us for the first month as well! God told her years ago that she would one day go to Africa for missions. She has been the epitome of grace, kindness, and strength!

We have met several amazing Kenyans that have been a blessing to our family already. This country is so warm and welcoming. They have made us feel at home. We are blessed to call them forever friends. Peter, Mary, Julius, Felix, Zaddock, and many more—they have all helped us get our family settled here and we are so grateful for them. We are so thankful to Felista and Angels Center of Hope that we have a house to live in here in a peaceful place.

God has led our every step! I’m in tears typing that. Every obstacle we’ve faced (and there have been many), God has provided a rescue! He’s been our Way-Maker, Miracle-Worker, Promise-Keeper (our girls have been singing that song throughout the house lately—at the top of their lungs). When we needed a van, He provided it. When we needed the right visas to stay here, He provided them. When we needed paperwork that often takes months to get, He got it for us. When that same paperwork was lost in a taxi in Nairobi, God miraculously connected the taxi driver back up with us and he brought us the papers! When we ran out of water in our rain tanks after only a week, God brought a water truck in the night right to our front gate! He is the God who MAKES A WAY. Nothing is too difficult for Him! He never runs out of provision, He never runs out of goodness, He never runs out of faithfulness! God is so good.

We visited our friend Mary’s house down the mountain and the little kids laughed and ran after us. We saw the river the kids bathe in and the road they walk to school sometimes in pouring rain. Our kids gave the school children who visited our house stickers and crayons and they put the stickers all over their faces. They had never seen crayons before, either! We only wish we had brought more to give them. We are wrecked for normal living. Our hearts are stretched, we pray God continues to grow our love and our faith.

We post detailed stories and testimonies, as well as live videos and updates, on our facebook page Commission Mankind. Please follow along there! It’s easier to post live videos, because we don’t have wifi. I use my phone hotspot to log into websites. We PRAISE GOD for YOU!! We wouldn’t be here without our family in Christ in the States making this possible. So, THANK YOU! Your love and support truly strengthens our hearts!