Shalom Christian Missions
Shalom Christian Missions

April 2016 Newsletter

God is Doing Amazing Things!!

Our God is a God of miracles and He does amazing things! We give all glory to Him for the building that is able to continue. A new girls' dorm has been added to our secondary school section. This was done so that we will be able to move our secondary boys into the secondary section of New Beginnings. It is important for us to have a clear separation between our children's center and the secondary school because of age stipulations for the children's center.

We were able to add a much needed new gate at the entrance to New Beginnings (the old one was literally falling off the hinges) and a small gate down by the mission houses. Our secondary offices were recently completed along with a chemistry lab and computer lab for our secondary students.

We are still on hold waiting to build 2 more classrooms, waiting for the government papers and approval. We are also preparing to build a new kitchen that will serve both the children's center and the secondary school. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow for making this possible.

Shalom Christian Missions is looking to reach into the community to offer help and not just to the orphans. We at SCM are really excited to take this next step in helping this impoverished community. When we began to ask God how we could really reach the community and help them come to know and understand His love for them, He began to show us that when we start to meet their basic needs, they will then be ready to understanding HIM and will want to know HIM more. WOW!!

Since January, we began to feed all of our Early Childhood Education students (Baby, Nursery, and Pre-unit classes) breakfast. It has become obvious that this is making a difference with their learning.


All pre-school children are now fed breakfast at New Beginnings.

But this is just the beginning. We hope to extend education sponsorships to poverty stricken children who attend our schools (not just orphans but those who live in extreme poverty and need an opportunity to learn and grow). Our goal is to offer this for both our primary students and our secondary students. An education sponsor will provide for tuition, exam fees, activity fees, uniforms and breakfast and lunch for that student. This will start to make a tremendous improvement to the surrounding community of New Beginnings.

BUT we cannot do any of this without YOU!!

We will take a step of faith in getting the word out about the opportunity to help in the education of a child who is living in poverty, but we cannot provide what a child needs for a good education, without you committing to helping one of these children.

We also still have a great need for orphans who need a home with New Beginnings, but we cannot take them in without sponsors to provide for their needs. God has given us fertile soil, He has given us those who will work the ground, but we still need those who will continue to provide the foundation to keep it all going and growing. If we continue to do our part can you continue to do your part? We need your prayers and financial donations to see this happen.

Providing for a primary student's education (Baby class through grade 8) each month is $25. Providing for a secondary students education (grade 9-12) will be $40 each month (if they live off campus) or $80 each month (if they live on campus). Sponsoring an orphan that will receive all their needs met by New Beginnings will remain at $80 (some children might need more than one sponsor to reach this amount). You will receive pictures and letters each year from the child(ren) you sponsor in any category.

What an exciting time to be serving the risen Lord in a very dark part of the world. We are stepping out in faith that what God starts HE will see to completion. We know that HE wants to see this dark area come to the light and salvation of Jesus and HIS love for them. Please, will you consider a step of faith and join with us to see this happen. Commit to giving to advance HIS Kingdom however God is calling you.

Thanks so much for your prayers and donations!

Calendar of Events

April 15, 2016: Benefit Dinner for SCM in Crestline, OH--Please join us if you live in this area. We look forward to seeing you there.

April 22-23, 2015: R.A.W. Women's Retreat in Gettysburg, PA -- Come out to the retreat and visit our table.

May 14-15, 2016: Mission Packing weekend for the 2016 Summer team, in York, PA--Join us and help make sure each child has a gift for their celebration in July.
We are also taking donations for gifts for the children.

July Summer Mission Team - Please pray for our team that will serve the children in July

November 11, 2016: Benefit Dinner for SCM in York, PA - Four Points Sheraton. Please plan to join us there.

Would your small group, church, Sunday School, VBS, or organization be interested in hearing about the challenges of serving orphans in a remote part of Africa? Perhaps becoming a prayer partner with us?

Please email or call us to schedule a date.

Year of Giving

We will be accepting donations of the following items throughout the year (donations can be brought or mailed to our headquarters):

April
We will collect small gifts to make a special gift bag for each child  for our July mission team's Christmas in July celebration.  The kids love to receive small notebooks/journals, stickers, soccer balls (deflated for travel!), travel size games like Checkers, card games like Uno, small Bibles, jump ropes, M&M candies, gum, inexpensive watches, flashlights with batteries, bracelets, or any other small item that a child or teenager might enjoy.  Feel free to contact us for a more comprehensive list of gift ideas!

We will also collect monetary donations to purchase each child a casual uniform and sleepwear at $15 per child. To make a one-time donation online for a casual uniform, choose Casual/Sleep Outfit from the drop down list at our One-Time donation page!

May
Donations of sweatshirts, jackets, etc will be collected

June
Sneakers (new or gently used) and flipflops (new)

July, August
School supplies--pencils, pens, notebook paper, rulers, etc

September, October, November
Donations to Christmas Shoes to purchase each child a new uniform, socks, and shoes for 2017

Christmas in July Gifts

 We are accepting Christmas in July gifts for the children you sponsor. Please have your gift in a GALLON SIZE ZIPLOC BAG with your child's name and case number written on the outside. Enclose any small gifts you would like to give to them. You might want to remember a small amount of candy, they love that. Also, a picture and letter are cherished. Please have all gifts to our office no later than May 10th. We will be packing later in May.

This year we will NOT take a bundle of clothing for each child but instead we are asking you to consider donating to give each child a sports/casual uniform and sleep clothing that we will purchase for them. These are very practical and most schools require them for the children.

We are seeing a great need to have all items the same at New Beginnings to decrease theft and this is one way you can help us do this. Each uniform will have the school's name and child's number on them. A complete casual uniform and sleep clothing set will cost $15 per child. We are also hoping to obtain sports shoes (sneakers) and flip flops for each child. Shoes and flip flops can be donated (sneakers can be new or slightly used).

Please remember to have your Christmas in July gifts to our office by May 10th.
Thanks so much for giving to the Lord in this special way!

Expedition 2016 & 2017

"What will I do on a mission trip?"
That is often the question people ask.
The answer:  What is God calling YOU to do?
From construction work to Bible school, to medical care, gifts for the impoverished, 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 beautiful, remote area of Kenya.
Spend time immersed in the culture and lives of those who call New Beginnings Children's Center HOME.

Show the love of Jesus to the community.
Change their lives AND change your life...FOREVER!
Youth groups, families, singles, are all welcome.

Summer 2016 Trip
July 16-July 31, 2016:  Now training (There is still time to join but don't delay!)

2017 Winter Applications being accepted!
January 23 - Feb 7, 2017 (2 weeks) $1500 + airfare (Airfare during the winter months is generally less.)
January 23 - February 23, 2017 $1900 + airfare
(Winter trips include a Safari to Nakuru National Game Park OR a game drive at a local park with some of the New Beginnings children)

2017 Summer Applications being accepted!
July 15-31, 2017 (2 weeks) $1500 + airline ticket
July 30-Aug 14, 2017 (2 weeks) $1500 + airline ticket
July 15-Aug 14, 2017 (1 month) $1900 + airline ticket
(All of the July/Aug trips include an overnight safari to the world famous Masaii Mara Game park.)

Travel as a group OR travel alone and make new friends who will travel with you.
Make plans to bring your whole group!
Discounts for leaders and we do all the training/planning.
Set up the dates now while there is plenty of space open.
All Dates are tentative until airfare is booked.
This is a unique opportunity to experience life in a very remote part of the world. Don't pass it up!
Applications being accepted for 2017!!
Check out our missions page or call 717-586-6945 for more information.

Want to stay longer?

1-3 month internship ($1000 for first month and $500 for each month thereafter) and long-term mission opportunities available! Read more about these opportunities at our missions page or contact our office for details!

Missionary News

Our July mission team is planning and preparing for their time to serve at New Beginnings this summer. There is still space for a few more people to join the team, but don't delay. The team is excited to have the opportunity to serve the children and will also focus on reaching the lost in the community surrounding New Beginnings.

Lots of painting is on tap AND work to establish a well-stocked/maintained medical infirmary for the children of New Beginnings.

Things are quieter on the hill these days since our long-term missionaries are currently back in the states for a short spring break. Soon they will return with interns who look forward to serving for several months. Please keep all who are planning to journey to New Beginnings in prayer as they plan and travel. Pray for God's guidance and protection.

New Beginnings School News

The primary and secondary schools have completed their first semester for 2016. They will take a short break before classes resume. It has been an exciting first term for both schools and we are so very proud of what God is doing through the schools to advance the children in this remote area. Please continue to pray for both schools.

New Beginnings Christian Primary School

The Primary School had their closing day last week but will return for some extra classes this week. Learning never stops for long at New Beginnings. Even while they are on break many of the students are rehearsing for the up and coming music festivals that are part of the extracurricular program for next semester. Besides working on perfecting their traditional dances and songs, our director has been working with a new choir to sing a beautiful new number for the competition. I have heard them practicing and it is excellent. Watch for this to be posted on facebook in the near future.  

 

New Beginnings Christian Secondary School

New Beginnings Secondary School students are working hard. We continue to strive to get some of the best teachers possible for each area of learning. Our goal is that this school will become the best in this area in order for these children to get the education they need to go on to one of the better universities in Kenya when they leave.

Our grade 12 students took their final exams alongside another area school. (A little competition to get them to stretch to reach their goals.) Of the five sponsored students in grade 12, three were in the top positions. Congratulations to Brighton, Geoffrey, and Stephen for a job well done. God has great plans for your future. Keep stretching.

Onward and upward!! Continue to pray for our students and staff.

Building News

There are many building projects on the table right now and we need your prayers to be able to secure the finances for each of them. It seems that one is just as important as the other.

Our secondary offices, computer lab, and science lab are almost complete. We will need glass in the windows and tables and chairs for the rooms. Cost is approx $600. Almost there, Praise God!

The secondary boys' dorm only needs glass in the windows to be completed. Recently we finished one room for the girls but have come to realize that we need to move our secondary boys away from our primary boys' sleeping quarters. (According to Kenya law we cannot have those over 17 years of age living on the grounds of the children's center.) We have the girls moved but need to make another room for the boys. The cost to finish this room is approx $300. We need this ASAP!

We were ready to start on the addition of two brick classrooms but we are still delayed by the government asking for a project plan and then blueprint plans for the classrooms. We are working on the project plan and that should soon be complete. Then the blue prints. All this at additional costs and delays. Please help us pray this through.

We have started to dig for the foundation for our new kitchen. This will also be subject to approval by the government. The new kitchen will meet all government codes for health, etc. It will make it easier for everyone to access and will also place it where it is much more visible and make theft much harder. Our kitchen seems to be one area that is our highest theft loss. We hope to completely replace our sheet metal kitchen with a brick kitchen but only if the funds become available.

A new main gate was needed to secure New Beginnings. Our old, hand made wooden gate was literally falling off the hinges.


Our New Main Gate!

Then there is our night security living quarters. These guys work so hard each night to make sure things are secure and that the children are where they need to be. Their living quarters at New Beginnings are right next to our primary school playground. We need desperately to move their house to one of the far corners of the compound so that they can sleep during the day without being interrupted.

So much to do and the need is so great on each one. Can you give just a little to make a difference for them? If we each give a little God will multiply it to do a lot.

Building Phase II:                     
Finish Secondary Classrooms for Form 3, & Boys Dorm:  Completed
Primary Classrooms (3) at $7,000 each Waiting for government approval   
Secondary School Improvements:    Completed         
Permanent Boys Dorm:  Completed                
First primary classroom:  Completed.
Construction of 2 primary classrooms is beginning in 2016: Delayed due to government paper work.
Praise God to all who gave to complete this phase!!


We are excited to say that we are now collecting donations for Phase III of our building!

Phase III Projects Cost  Donated  Still Needed
Primary Classrooms (2) at $10,000 each $20,000 $0 $20,000
Permanent Kitchen Building $10,000 $0 $10,000
Secondary School Offices $3,000 $500 $2,500
Boys' Dorm for Secondary School $2,500 $0 $2,500
Medical Clinic Renovations in big house $2,500 $0 $2,500
Office Renovations in big house $2,000 $0 $2,000
Girls' dorm and bath house for secondary $2,500 $2,500 COMPLETED
Water Harvesting needs (tanks, gutters, etc) $2,500 $0 $2,500
  $45,000 Needed $3,000 Donated $42,000 Still needed

Future projects

Phase IV:
Dining Hall/all purpose room
Finish Primary Classrooms (6 classrooms and office),
Permanent Guard house
Secondary Boys' Dormitory

Phase V:  
Smaller Housing to accommodate children in family settings
Medical Clinic/Pharmacy/Store
Staff housing

Can you help us Build for their Future?  To donate online visit our One-Time Gift page (choose Building Fund!)  Online donations are processed through Paypal.

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10

Please join us in praying for all these projects!

Child of the Month

Meet Corozyn!



Corozyn is 9 years old. She is in grade 3 and one of our top students. Since her father's death in 2011, Corozyn's mother found it hard to provide. Corozyn lived with her grandmother before coming to New Beginnings. Her grandmother was unable to provide the basics for her and attending school was out of reach.

Corozyn dreams of one day becoming a teacher and looks at attending school to be a great privilege. Her favorite subject is English and she speaks it very well. She likes the color green.

Corozyn is praying that she will find a sponsor, since she lost her sponsor.
Please join us in praying for Corozyn to find a sponsor.

Click here to see Corozyne's sponsor page or here to sponsor another child in need!

New Beginnings News

The rains have come to Nyasoti once again. The planting seasons have been a little off the last few years and the staff of New Beginnings is working hard to get our vegetable gardens planted.

A few new people have been added to the ever growing staff of New Beginnings. David has come on board as our head cook. David is married with 7 children. He holds a degree in hotel management and catering and is proving to be a great blessing in our kitchen. Please keep David in your prayers.

Another new face to New Beginnings is Linet, who has joined our staff as a house parent. She will take the position of one of our house parents for the primary students, while Listrer, (a former primary house parent), has moved into the position of House Matron for the secondary girls' dorm. Please pray for Linet and Listrer as they step into these positions.

What a blessing to see how God is bringing those who have a heart for these children to serve Him at New Beginnings. Please continue to pray for our staff and for others that God is calling to become part of the staff at New Beginnings, as we move forward.

We have a new little girl who has come to call New Beginnings Home. Her name is Charlet. She is 3 years old and is the daughter to one of our sponsored secondary students who was raped about 4 years ago (the man was caught and is now serving life in prison). Charlet had been living with her grandmother while her mother was at New Beginnings, but since the grandmother is now in her 90's, she was struggling to care for Charlet.

Instead of her mother being pulled out of school during grade 11, we have decided to accept Charlet to come to New Beginnings. Charlet will attend our Baby class in our ECD (Early Childhood Development) section of our primary school. Charlet is in need of a sponsor. If God is calling you to help Charlet, contact us.


Charlet with her mom. Help us keep Charlet at NB!

Children in Need

Meet Peter!

Peter is 12 years old. His mother is deceased and his father is elderly and is unable to support and care for Peter. Peter needs a partial sponsor at $40 per month. Is God calling you to become a partial sponsor for Peter for $40 per month?

You can sponsor Peter or another child by sending $40 for partial sponsor or $80 for a full sponsorship per month. To become a partial sponsor or full sponsor to a child, check out our Sponsor a Child page.

A child is praying...are you the answer?
100% of all sponsor donations go to help the children

Meet Norah!



Norah is 13 years old. Her parents have donated land to New Beginnings but live in poverty. Norah needs an education sponsor to help her grow and learn at New Beginnings. For $40 per month you can insure that Norah will receive an education. Can you help Norah?

To become an education sponsor to a child, check out our website.
Norah needs a $40 per month education sponsor.
You can sponsor Norah or another child by visiting our Sponsor a Child page.

A child is praying...are you the answer?
100% of all sponsor donations go to help the children.

Meet Jim!



Jim is 12 years old. Since Jim's father's death his mother has been unable to provide for Jim. Is God calling you to help Jim?

Jim needs a partial sponsor at $40 per month.
You can sponsor Jim or another child by sending $40 for partial sponsor or $80 for a full sponsorship per month.

A child is praying...are you the answer?
100% of all sponsor donations go to help the children.

If you would like to sponsor a child, you can do so through our Sponsor a Child page.
You can BE THE DIFFERENCE in the life of a child!

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
Freedom Wireless - York, PA
H & R Block - USA
Test Products Inc. - Exton, 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
Crestline UMC - Crestline, OH          
Eagle Christian Ministries - York, PA
Elisha's Home and Ministries - Montrose, PA
First Baptist Church - Smithville, TX
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