Shalom Christian Missions
Shalom Christian Missions

April 2015 Newsletter

A Mission That Changed My Life!

Last year's mission team had an amazing time at New Beginnings Children's Center in a very remote part of Kenya. While the trip touched the lives of those living in this remote part of the world, the experience also stretched and grew those who traveled, to gain a view of God's world outside of their little place. Here is what one missionary has to say about his experience. Be blessed by what Kyle would like to share!

Why should I go?
(How will God use this experience to change my life as well as the lives of those I touch?)
An SCM mission trip takes you back to the basics of your Faith in Christ Jesus through disciplined prayer and genuine service towards others without expecting anything in return. It also grants you the courage to trust God and his power of provision beyond material necessities. While on the trip one is exposed to such faith and expectation of God's provision shown by the natives that it reaches deep within the hearts of all those who are around which inspires one to Trust Him more.

How has this trip impacted my life?
(Did my experience end when the trip came to an end?)
The day we were flying back home marked one month exactly before I started my freshman year of college, but God didn't want me to go. I knew that this was for my good and because I was exposed to a high level of dependency for God while in Kenya, I was able and inspired to make a difficult decision.  So right then and there on the flight home I had to make a choice. I had to either trust His judgement call or just do what I thought was best. So after much silence I knew what I needed to do. I decided to trust this plan, but it wasn't easy because fear of the unknown tried entering my heart at every moment possible.


What has changed since I have returned to my world?
(Has this trip given me a wider view of what God is calling me to do with my life?)
I'm home and a few months pass by and I'm still unsure of my next step until God opened the door for me to serve in an over night event held at my church for our kids' ministry. That night God had revealed to me His plan and every day after that night I began to see Him put the pieces together; revealing to me a clearer picture of what he desired and had for me to do. So as a result of this incredible Trust and Courage I have received I've been led back to serving regularly in my church's 5th & 6th grade ministry building relationships with the students. I was led into Lancaster City to partner with Big Brother & Big Sister and become a BIG Brother to a inner city child. And now I serve on the Board of SCM, serving as a member to contribute in the work that takes place so the mission of SCM can be carried out in a way that reveals Christ Jesus to others.

I've been blessed with a passion to serve my world as a result of this trip and was blessed with a wonderful opportunity to learn that God is truly for us and not against us. He works for our good so that we would be ready for every work he has prepared for us, lacking nothing. So to end I'll just say this. You never know what God can do for you through a trip with SCM until you Go. So if you're able, join a trip and a team. Receive courage from our All Powerful God and he will make you BRAVE just as he did for me. He will never leave you and will lead and guide your every step as long as you trust him above all other things. Expect nothing less from the King above all other Kings."

"Trust in The Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and He will show you which path to take." - Proverbs 3:5-6


We hope that through Kyle's testimony God has touched you to see that a short-term mission trip with SCM to New Beginnings Children's Center in remote Kenya can be more than a short-term experience. It can radically change your life and bring you closer to following the Lord. Not to mention the difference Kyle made in the lives of those he touched. The children are looking forward to and praying for the day they see him again in July.

With only 2 weeks left to join our July team, don't delay and miss out on this life changing experience, APPLY TODAY!

Calendar of Events

Contact us to have someone share about the miracle that God is doing on a hill in remote Africa. A missionary would be happy to share. How great it is for young and old alike to hear about miracles on the mission field in Africa.
Schedule for 2015 TODAY!
Contact us at info@shalomchristianmissions.org or (717) 586-6945.

2015, A Year of Giving!

April:  This month we will accept donations of small toys and gifts for the children of New Beginnings. The young children like almost any small toys, the older children enjoy devotion books, Bibles, dictionaries, journals, headbands, jewelry, watches, etc.
Many of these small items can be found at the dollar stores.

We are still accepting socks, underwear and boys' shorts and shirts to give to the children of New Beginnings.

SPONSORS!
Now is the time to plan for Christmas in July.  If you would like to, please send a gift in a gallon size ziplock bag with your child's name and account number written in marker on the front.  The July mission team will take these gifts to the children's center and present them as part of our Christmas in July celebration. If you have any questions, please contact our office. May 15th is the deadline. 

Please send all donations to our headquarters at:
Shalom Christian Missions
1255 Mill Creek Rd
York, PA  17404  U.S.A.

Expedition 2015

There is still time to join the Team for 2015!
Kenya is Ebola free!!

What will I do on a mission trip? That is often the question. The answer...what is God calling YOU to do? From construction to VBS, to medical care, to sharing the Gospel. Our teams have done it ALL. What is God calling you to do? Not sure...take a step of faith and see what God shows up to do. It will be more than you ever dreamed or imagined. Our missionaries stay in missionary housing of brick construction, on the secure grounds of our children's center in a very remote area of Kenya. Spend time immersed in the culture and lives of those who call New Beginnings HOME. Show the Love of Jesus with the community. Change their lives AND change your life...FOREVER!

Upcoming Trips

Summer 2015: 

July 6 - July 20, 2015 (2 weeks) $1500 + airfare
July 20 - August 5, 2015 (2 weeks) $1500 + airfare (this trip is filled first)
July 6 - Aug 10, 2015 (1 month) $1900 + airfare

Summer trips include a Safari to the world famous Masai Mara game reserve.

Winter 2016: 

January 10 - 24, 2016 (2 weeks) $1500 + airfare 
January 10 - February 10, 2016 (1 month) $1900 + airfare 

Winter trips include a Safari to Nakuru National Game Park.

Visit our Missions Page for more information about each trip and to download an application.
All dates are tentative until airfare is booked.

NOW is the best time to apply and start planning!
Airfare is always best in December & January.

Internship Opportunities

Would you like to spend more time living in Kenya and experiencing the culture?
Consider an internship (1-6 months) or long-term mission opportunity.  These trips are tailored to the individual applying, so please contact us for more information and get ready to GO!

Missionary News

Last month was amazing for our missionaries. It was a very dry month with prayers going up daily for much needed rains. The team and everyone struggled because each time the wind blew, dust was stirred and blew everywhere. It was almost a day of celebration when the dry spell was finally broken by the much welcomed rains. Except that right before the storm hit extremely high winds blew through the entire valley blowing away the top soil in an extreme dust storm. The wind also ripped back the roof to some of our primary classrooms, like a sardine can. We thank God that no one was injured and for the blessing of water to quench the dry, parched land.

Lynnea finished her first semester of teaching for this year and was blessed to see that her students went from the lowest scores in the mid-terms to the highest scores on the finals. She was so proud of the efforts that were put forth by her students. The other teachers are now requesting that she show them how she encouraged this change in her students. We praise God for what He is doing in the lives of these children and the missionaries.

Cody continues to work with accountability in the kitchen and construction. He has also started some cell groups with the youth for prayer and Bible studies. He has been leading the Chapel services and nightly prayers/worship time.

Christa continues to tutor the children with their studies. She is also helping a great deal with the medical area to make sure the children are taking needed medications at the proper times.

John has returned to the USA for a time but will likely be headed back in the near future. Your prayers and support are appreciated.


Our missionaries are invited to have tea with the local chief, Chief Gordon.

Keep them in prayer as they serve the Lord at New Beginnings Children's Center.
If God is leading you to support them financially they would be truly blessed.

You may send your support through SCM's paypal link. Choose 'General Fund' and include the missionary account number in the 'Add special instructions to recipient' area on the Paypal page, or mail a check to our headquarters.

Cody & Lynnea #KE 1495
Christa #KE 1497
John #KE 1499

Help us keep them in the field!

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Acts 20:24

School News

The first semester for 2015 has come to a close. With nearly 350 students in the primary school and nearly 100 students in the secondary school, there is never a dull moment. This past semester had an extra curriculum focus on sports. Our students joined with other schools in the area for a game day where they competed in football (soccer) and netball (volleyball). It was a fun special day for the students. Then back to work.

At the end of the month a wind storm passed through just before the rain and ripped the roof off some of the primary schools temporary classrooms. Praise God that no one was hurt and that these are the classrooms we are working to replace in the near future. The roof was quickly repaired and class resumed later in the week.

Lynnea had an extremely proud teacher moment when she found that through hard work, not giving up, and creative teaching strategies, she brought her students up from the lowest scores on the mid terms to the highest on the finals. PRAISE GOD! Her students were thrilled to get the prize they earned when each received a gumball from the jar in which gumballs were placed each day the class earned some for their behavior and performance.  Lynnea also earned the respect of some of her co-teachers as many now want her to show them how to encourage their students too. I know that God must be very pleased with the effort that Lynnea has put into teaching her students. Praise God!!  

Consider becoming a 'New Beginnings Defender of Education'

We continue praying for more people to become involved in helping with the costs of education for the children. This is an extreme need right now! We need to increase our teachers' salaries to above the poverty level. With the incoming president last year, prices of everything have been on the increase within the nation. This is not helping those who live far below the poverty level in this rural area. We also need to purchase more books and other supplies for our students. We cannot do this based on the tuition we are charging since our goal is to continue to keep our schools affordable for the people who live in great poverty within this community. Please join us in praying for people to join us in this effort.

Donor Defender If you choose to donate $20-$50 each month to our education fund, you can provide an increase for 1-2 teachers.

Patron Defender If you give $51-$99 each month to our education fund, you provide for 3-4 teachers to receive a raise and more supplies such as books to be purchased for a classroom.

Champion Defender If you can donate $100 or more each month to our education fund, you provide a raise for 5 teachers plus additional supplies. Please consider helping us in this very critical way.

Every person who becomes a 'New Beginnings Defender of Education' will have their name placed on a plaque that will be on display at New Beginnings Christian School. Our current goal is to have $1000 in donations for our education fund each month to supply our teachers with a fair wage above the poverty level in Kenya and to buy the needed classrooms supplies for the school. This is vital for the education of the children in this remote part of the world.

If you are a teacher or just care about seeing children in a very remote, poor area of the world have a chance at a better life, consider becoming involved as a 'Defender of Education'...'for the love of a child'!

Building News

Work continues on the boys' dorm, secondary latrine, and the first permanent primary classroom.
The boys' dorm is close to completion and it was a true blessing when our boys in vocational training to become electricians came home for a few days' break and helped install the wiring in the boys' dorm. What great hands on experience for them to see that what they are learning will be put to good use one day. As soon as the windows are installed, the boys should be able to move into their new home.

The new latrine for the secondary school is almost completed. All that awaits are the doors.
The first primary classroom has the first layer of cement placed for the floor. Soon the walls will begin to go up.

The 6th mission house will soon be built so that this summer's team will have enough space. These houses are also used by our long-term missionaries, interns, and some of our staff at New Beginnings. We praise God for all the progress that has been made to move forward on the hill.

Your donations to build for their future are so greatly appreciated and are a true blessing.  


Riala works on the interior walls.

 

Building Phase II:             

Phase II Projects Cost  Donated  Still Needed
Rebuild (3) Primary Classrooms and finish Secondary Classrooms  $21,000 $21,000 COMPLETED
Finish floors, windows, and desks for Form 3 (Grade 11)
and laboratory for Secondary School 
$2,000 $2,000 COMPLETED
Permanent Boys' Dorm (Emergency) $10,000 $1,000 $9,000
  $33,000 $24,000 $9,000


     
Although construction has begun for our permanent boys' dorm, we are still in need of the funds for this project. Funding for the primary classrooms had to be allocated to build the boys' dorm after the metal dorm was ripped apart during a storm in November of 2014.

Construction of permanent primary classrooms has begun.

Future Building Plans:

Phase III
Permanent Dining Hall/Kitchen & Guard Building (Estimated at $20,000)
Rebuild Primary Classrooms-phase 2 of rebuild (8 classrooms and office)
Staff housing
Final Classroom for Secondary/Office/Library/Laboratory building
Medical Clinic/Pharmacy/Store
Staff Housing
More Girls' Housing
More Boys' Housing
Second Phase of Missionary Housing

Consider giving for their future!

Child of the Month!

Meet Linet!


Linet is the grand child of one of our land donors. She is in grade 4 and is a good student. Linet lives with her parents who are poor pheasant farmers in the area. She has a recurring eye infection that causes some problems with her sight. She needs proper medical care. Please pray for God to heal her eyes and pray for Linet to find a sponsor.  

To sponsor Linet or another child, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Nyasoti News

The rains have come to Nyasoti. PRAISE THE LORD! Although they brought high winds that blew away the topsoil, the rains that followed were a welcome relief. The community is quickly replowing and planting their fields in hopes of a good harvest in the fall.  
Chief Gordon, the chief of the area, gave a generous donation of maize (corn) for the children of New Beginnings. The center was very grateful.

Children In Need!

Meet Austine!


Austine is 13 years old. His parents donated land to New Beginnings but live in poverty.
Austine is in need of a sponsor!

By sponsoring Austine or another child for $38 a month, you will provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care and an education.

To sponsor Austine or another child, please visit our Sponsorship page.
100% of all sponsor donations go to help the children.

Meet Brian!

Brian is 8 years old. He was born out of wedlock. His mother has abandoned him and he lives with his grandmother. She struggles to care for him and his sister. Brian needs help!

By sponsoring Brian or another child for $38 a month, you will provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care and an education.

To sponsor Brian or another child, please visit our Sponsorship page.
100% of all sponsor donations go to help the children.

Meet Brenda!

Brenda is 12 years old. She was born after the result of a rape. Her mother never married and is in poor health. Can you help Brenda?

By sponsoring Brenda or another child for $38 a month, you will provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care and an education.

To sponsor Brenda or another child, please visit our Sponsorship page
100% of all sponsor donations go to help the children.

Shalom Christian Missions is a 501(c)3 non- profit organization,
dedicated to serving children in need throughout the world.
All donations are tax deductible.

Special Thanks to:

A & R Rental Center - York, PA
Bon-Ton Dept Stores - York, PA
Freedom Wireless - York, PA
H & R Block - USA
Test Products Inc. - Exton, PA
This Little Light of Mine - York, PA
Veleska Jewelry - Lancaster, PA
Ann Downing Ministries - Hendersonville, TN
Christ American Baptist Church Youth - Spring Grove, PA
Christ American Baptist Church - Spring Grove, PA  
Eagle Christian Ministries - York, PA
Elisha's Home and Ministries - Montrose, PA
First Baptist Church - Smithville, TX
First Evangelical Lutheran Church Youth - Chambersburg, PA
First Evangelical Lutheran Church - Chambersburg, PA
First United Church of Christ - Schuykill Haven, PA
Harvest Chapel - Abbottstown, PA  
Helping Hands Ministry - McAllen, TX
Hope For Women - Tempe, AZ
The Worship Center - Lancaster, PA

May God bless you as you pray and give to help the children!
Donations may be made through paypal or you may send your donation to:

Shalom Christian Missions
1255 Mill Creek Rd
York, PA 17404
(717) 586-6945