Indian Ocean

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Mimi na Wewe

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Geofrey Graduates

Geofrey has been the tailoring skills teacher at Bugembe Prison since the program began. Praise God he has been released after serving his sentence. Please pray that he would find godly friends so that he isn’t tempted back into the same life he had before coming to prison.

Here’s a brief note I received from Carpenter John, the chaplain at that prison.

Praise God sister Leslie, let me hope everything is going well with you, am glad to share with that Kirunda Geofrey one of the Bugembe Prison inmates was released on 5th/Feb/2013 after serving his sentence for two years, So pray for him as he is now just wondering of what to do though he is having tailoring skills. And if there happen to be any opportunity of helping him to have a start it will be very good, i had some good time with him in our Wednesday bible study time.

much love in Jesus' name

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Grace Abundance Church, Watamu

Johnny’s mother has three children. The first one is named April. The second one is named May. What is the third child’s name?

We started the business teaching with some creative thinking and critical thinking exercises to prepare the students for what would follow. The various exercises and brain teasers made us laugh and have fun, but they also worked…the students began seeing their world with a different perspective. I suppose we are all somehow limited with what we contribute based on what we know and based on our own experiences. This approach really seemed to prepare the students to understand the material that followed:

Can you start a business with any two of these five items?
These pastors can.

• ·         Asset-based Development
• ·         The Business Concept
• ·         Competitive Advantage
• ·         Strategic Framework

The Asset-based Development session was another eye-opener for students in that they began to see their simple possessions, when combined with their knowledge and skills, can indeed make some form of business opportunity that they could begin immediately. Realistic or not, they again began to see their world as a bit bigger and brighter.

Those whose knowledge was expanded commented that they even see God from a new perspective now too. They see art and science in Scripture and they see how they were created to be like him. They see that they are not limited, poor, and dependent but instead equipped, empowered, and creative. A few surprise guests appeared because they “heard about the teaching and how helpful it’s been” and didn’t want to miss. One man said he has a church and didn’t think the business principles would work in his church but after listening he sees how critical the principles actually are to the church. Yea God!

Both Pastors Owino and Tsofa sacrificed much time and energy and I’m so thankful to them or coordinating our time together.

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Bible School in a Briefcase Graduation, Watamu

The graduation ceremony of the fifth class of Bible School in a Briefcase students took place this Saturday in Watamu, Kenya. Twenty-two men and women received their certificates after 200 hours of teaching and learning. In all, 151 pastors have graduated from this program and are now better equipped to fill the role of pastor that so many already held.

Students and their families march down main street
as part of their graduation celebration.
It's tradition!

A packed house!

The Class of 2013, Watamu

Evangelist  and Pasator Jason Beard, Karen "Omega" Johnson, Rev. Kelly Johnson
Leslie Mosher, Kathy Johnson

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Bible School in a Briefcase, Watamu

Corrugated iron sheets covered Pastor Tsofa’s church (a former Bible School graduate) where 22 pastors gathered for the final session of Bible School in a Briefcase. As the sun beat down on those sheets, we became increasingly thankful that this particular church had no wall on one side. Kathy finished her teaching from the morning as Kelly parked the car having delivered Karen and me from the Malindi airport.

A celebratory lunch made up of rice and fruit (is avocado a fruit?) awaited the students. No goat this year, a decision made in light of necessary adjustments to the typical class schedule. Awards to those with perfect attendance, graduation ceremony rehearsal, and we moved on to the dessert for the day…communion.

Having attended a plethora of church services in East Africa, I have such a huge appreciation for the work Kelly and Kathy do through Biblical Life Ministries. Rural pastors often receive their post by assignment from the community because they have the highest level of education. Sometimes they’re appointed simply because they love someone called Jesus. But these pastors lack basic yet fundamental theological knowledge. Often their understanding of who God is comes mixed with tribal and traditional beliefs such as witchcraft or animism.

Many pastors do, though, have a genuine longing to rightly know God and to bring others to that right understanding too. Bible School in a Briefcase makes that possible. 22 pastors having this teaching in the area of Watamu means that this whole community can be changed for Christ. That’s a huge impact. I am so thankful for the way God connected our ministries and to have a small part in influencing people for Jesus.

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Jacaranda Babies’ School

The rain poured down the day before, leaving the trails amidst the Marururi slums almost unnavigable. Brenda and I slipped and slided down these roads (mostly on our feet) to visit a few possible relocation sites for the growing babies’ school. Jacaranda Creations is a ministry that empowers women to work, and during its formation Brenda acknowledged a fundamental problem. When you see toddlers roaming the slums dirty and hungry and without anyone to care for them…you have to do SOMEthing. And thus, Jacaranda Kids and the babies’ school were born.

We peeked in at the young ones learning just like the big kids but in their tiny classroom. Three adults barely fit into that small room, but we wouldn’t stay for long. We did, however, enjoy our devotion time with these children…their little eyes closed and their hands together in prayer. My goodness, what would these little lives be like left untouched by the love and faith of this one woman. Yes, faith. Brenda sees the needs of the people and acts. She doesn’t wait for a plan or a prompting…she just moves in to fix the problem. “We can’t leave this child on the street for even one more day,” she thinks.

I thank God for people with such huge compassionate hearts. But we also need to pray for them and support them. Brenda moves in faith and that means she needs us to help. That means she needs us to be obedient to the prompting when the Holy Spirit tells us to move. Our response is the only way Brenda and people like her can sustain the kind of care these children need.

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Chaos or Cultivation

The sound of treadle sewing machines can be heard throughout the various slums where Jacaranda Creations’ women work diligently to stitch beautiful new products for you. Preparation is the best way to describe what I see happening here, particularly in the leadership team. God is readying these beautiful women to step into something he’s been preparing for some time now. You can tell this is what’s happening because of the growing pains. But if you look carefully, you may notice that what seems like chaos is really cultivation (have you read The Shack?).

Everyone is learning new skills, new business practices, and new work habits as they strive to step away from their small organization paradigm and revision themselves as a medium size organization. The product line is expanding, sales and marketing practices are developing, and operational efficiencies are enforced. All this growth is occurring amidst frequent power shortages, upcoming election unrest, and fluctuating resources.

Even with all this cultivation, I can’t help but come away with this feeling that I was in the midst of something spiritual…something beautiful. I look back over my shoulder as I walk away for the last time and feel like there’s so much more I could do, would do…just so that I don’t have to leave.

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Kalagala Falls

Forty-five minutes on the back of his dirt bike, one way, he warned me that it might not be easy. I had to be a tough girl though. He was right. Not much cushion on those seats. Oouwie. The goat we hit on the way home wasn’t too happy either, though the bike just kept right on going. I was envisioning the flesh scrape off my body, given my knowingly inappropriate attire for this ride, though Alex maintained perfect control. Post trip sunburn is another story. It was cloudy all day, how could I possibly be fried?

This afternoon trip was something we’d wanted to enjoy for some time given the flooding of Bujagali Falls and we finally found the time. There’s just something about the sound of rushing water that is so mesmerizing and stress relieving. We talked about the huge business opportunity at this easily accessible falls and dreamed of the way the place would look when we were finished spending someone else’s money.

I’m so thankful for Alex and all that he does to help Surprised by Hope and for me.

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Kamuli Tailorinig Program

A gallon-size Ziploc bag stuffed (and I mean STUFFED) full of tissue cozies was presented when I met with the ladies from the Kamuli tailoring program sponsored by the Beaverdam Womens Group. I admit that I gulped at first…did I even bring enough money to pay for this much work? Upon in section I see that Rose did an amazing job, very high quality, with her tissue cozies. A true star performer. It’s rare to find someone so motivated and so attentive to details. Rewarding her with fair pay is absolutely the point of the program.

Two husbands purchased machines for their wives, women who completed the tailoring program, and so they didn’t come to the follow up meeting. One of the students commented, though, that the teacher was a bit strict. At first I liked hearing that she had high standards, but then I learned that many women didn’t return for lessons because she was too harsh. In a culture where women are meek and quiet that harshness can indeed be a deterrent. Further, Rose reported that they’d not covered the making of all kinds of garments but instead only a few. Time prohibited that additional teaching.

But a few others felt they hadn’t learned all that was needed to be successful. Truly, a formal tailoring program lasts one year and our budget ran for six months. The teacher could have paced herself differently but it’s clear that the students need more learning. Rose recommended finding women in the community who demonstrate successful skills and paying them on a per garment basis. I love her resourcefulness, what a great idea to sew back into the community of ladies and develop a community of tailors who work together to encourage and teach one another.

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Kamuli Pastor's Breakfast

Eleven pastors from a variety of denominations around the Kamuli community gathered for this last minute pastor’s breakfast. Angela and Rose worked their magic and prepared a beautifully presented breakfast for these faithful men. Augustine mentioned that they’d never gathered together before and that he thought the idea of mutual support and encouragement was much needed and ought to be repeated regularly.

We used the time for dialogue about successes and failures in 2012 and goals and plans for 2013. We talked about how those goals aligned with their established vision and mission – some were well aligned, others scratched their heads a bit. A few other business-related topics continued and then the meeting turned to a collaborative problem solving dialogue. These men need one another and realized they could actually work together rather than in competition if they were willing to be vulnerable with one another.

Once the discussion time came to a close, I showed the film called NOOMA Rhythm | 011.Given our discussion about whether their actions aligned with their vision (and thus God’s plan for the church), the film was a perfect fit. Discussion that followed was filled with signals of comprehending the metaphor found in the film. Pastors were challenged to examine not whether or not they were playing the right song, but instead whether they were in tune with the song. Given the integral role music and dance play in the African culture, the film was very well received. Based on what the Holy Spirit revealed to each of us, we joined hands and prayed for one another. A sweet harmony.

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A Night in Kamuli

“Where are you going?” asked a dozen voices as I stepped off the taxi in the Kamuli taxi park. Luckily, I knew exactly where I was going and was quite able to walk the short distance. I poked my head through the curtain blocking the door at Calvary Chapel Kamuli and a chorus of friends greeted me, though I was interrupting Wednesday night Bible study. While I see these friends every other month or so, I was incredibly sad to have missed Augustine’s wedding to Angela due to that rotten fever (now known to be typhoid). This being the first time I met Angela, I loved her immediately. As my time with them progressed, she revealed so many talents and kindnesses and I grew to love her even more. Augustine is a very special man and I am so thankful that he found someone close to his equal.

Following prayers, we traversed the small town to find the home of Augustine and Angela. As soon as I stepped through the doorway where all the two-room apartments poured out into an alley, the children began calling after me. One little girl of about three years came running to me with her arms open wide (I love these moments, though wished I had a sponsored dolly for her). Jen and her younger brother followed me everywhere, even to the shower room. She helped herself inside Augustine and Angela’s home and plunked down beside me…and just sat. Yep, my new best friend.

[Written at it occurred] Light from my computer screen teases the mosquitoes hovering just outside my net. I wonder, does it create a sense of resolve to get through that net do or die? What about the rat I hear scurrying around on the floor? Will he tuck himself under the net edge to get at this giant dish? Does he wonder what the bright screen brings or does the tapping of these computer keys keep him away? There’s so much leftover dinner food in the corner, you’d think he could occupy himself quietly while I sleep. My hopes are in vein, he prefers to nibble on the mat upon which I lay my head. Eventually Jack Bauer (from a television series I have on my computer) became my weapon. If nothing else, the noise from the show kept me from hearing the rat.

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Life in Africa Tailoring Teaching

Charlie's wife, Esther,
displays the result of her homework.

Sitting on the edge of what will be the veranda, the teacher guides those who arrive early in checking the waist seams on their skirts. Others display their homework proudly in readiness for her gentle critique. The little ones stand by waiting to serve as models for the various garments measured and made by hand.

Once the whole group arrives, 11 women including school-age girls who will return to class soon, the giant orange tarpaulin is spread in the late day shade behind a half-finished building. Each student gets out her work and begins while she waits patiently for the teacher to offer direction. Measuring, cutting, pinning…busily they work. Tailoring, mind you, is not the same as simply learning to sew. These women are learning to make garments that fit a specific customer. My wish is that they also learn to make products using patterns so that they can develop the marketplace as well.

One tiny skirt used in practice caught my eye. The pattern on the fabric reminded me of a 1950s kitchen curtain. Little Sheffar, my daring neighbor toddler and youngest sister to Faridah, sports that skirt just right for her tummy but too long for her legs.

Each time I visit I take a few minutes for a short teaching either on business principles or on biblical principles. Not all these women are Christians nor are all the Christian women actively Christian. I don’t hide that the message is one of Christ-centeredness but I also try to be kind to those with other religious beliefs with the prayer that as they’re introduced to Jesus they will give their lives to him.

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Sewing Machines for Life in Africa

The road between Nakasero and the taxi park hosts a building across from the red veranda – meaning, when exiting the building with sewing machines you can see the red veranda – a building with a small MTN booth blocking the stairs, the one where you can see bicycles way down at the bottom. This is how I find the sewing machine lady named Ritah. I’ve discovered only one way to somehow find the same location multiple times, a location not frequently visited, and that is to remember every detail about the surrounding area. The problem is that, alone, any one of these descriptors point to dozens of buildings in Kampala. The trick is to remember them all together – it’s like a puzzle.

Down, down, down into the tri-depth of sub-Kampala there’s a small sewing machine reseller who has been faithfully providing machines for Surprised by Hope. Yes, I can find machines all over Kampala but Ritah has become a friend. Last purchase, Ritah was off having a baby so when my white face peeked in the doorway this time she almost jumped up and down. Her adorable baby boy had been up on street level with his nanny but was ushered to my lap almost immediately.

Two Japanese machines and their stands were selected and prepared while we waited for Charlie – who, following my description of the location – was challenged to find us. Charlie would be responsible for transporting these monsters to his home where the students are learning to sew. He’ll store them in his door-less home each afternoon following the teaching. The real challenge will be finding a level place to set up the machines given that his house is on the side of a steep hill. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

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A Sanctuary Christmas

 

A peek in the window of the small home for children netted while screams of welcome and hands reaching through the bars trying to hug me. Silvia unlocked the door and I stepped inside to the gushing hugs of Chris, Huntington, Faith, Chakira, and all the rest. I was so happy to find that all the children we healthy and happy.



I brought a simple Christmas coloring page with me and delivered an age-appropriate lesson while the children colored. I’ve never heard them to quiet and intent as when they’re coloring. Each proudly presented his or her finished page for my praises and approval.

After coloring, Chris (the eldest and most inquisitive of the bunch) demanded we play Chutes and Ladders – a game gifted to the children several months back. They’d never quite captured the rules of the chutes and the ladders so playing a full round with me to guide them seemed to help. Now Chris knows how to teach the others to play.

 I am always surprised at how much the two littlest children have grown. Raymond and LoHear are getting so big. Check out some pix of LoHear when she first came to the Sanctuary. What a difference. While she’s usually so quiet and observant, and sometimes even afraid of me, she was quite happy to find her way to my lap and watch the game. Just before I was headed out the door she began chatting, the first time I’d heard her make a peep. Thank you, Jesus for healthy, happy children and their loving caretakers.

 

LoHear

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Blanket for Baby

The shiny lock secured the doors of the bright blue building closed. Though its keeper was nowhere to be seen, her swollen belly gave any regular observer a hint. Robert and Monica are expecting their sixth child and guessing by the age distribution, she’s quite a surprise. Monica was at home “resting,” which meant washing dishes and preparing for the next meal. The girls were home from school on holiday and quite able to help, but it was easy to see that Monica was ready.

My crafty mother made a beautiful baby blanket using fabrics leftover from the dollies and dresses for just such an occasion. The blanket spread easily across Monica’s belly as she expressed her gratitude and commented that of all she’d prepared for the baby’s arrival she did not have a proper blanket. I love when God uses me to connect the gifts you provide with the needs of friends in Africa.

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Bugembe Bibles

More than 15 boxes of Bibles were donated and shipped by my friends in South Carolina. But there are only so many extras to go around. The Bugembe Prison men were always thankful to receive their gift and sometimes the eyeglasses that helped them see the small Bible-like print. But this time, my friend wished for Bibles in the local language for her birthday and so very many of her friends responded.

I had the privilege of being present when these spines were cracked and to hear the expressions of appreciation flowing from the men. Carpenter John, the prison chaplain, delivered the message about putting on the full armor of God, and it became obvious that some of the men could hardly read. Not only that, most of them were uncertain about how the book/chapter/verse system between the two bound covers worked. Goodness the things we take for granted.

A simple teaching about how the Bible is organized, who the major authors are, how the books are organized, and the like is definitely in order. Carpenter John was concerned about doing such a teaching given the turnover in the prison, but I encouraged him to proceed so that we might teach even one how to be closer to God through the Word. If you have any tools or suggested simple curriculum to help with an introduction to this big Book, we are eager.

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