| May 2009 TPM Newsletter Updates and Testimonies | Hope returns after years of agony
There was great havoc in the city when his father and grandfather were slain in ethnic clashes. His nurse picked him up and fled but as she hurried to leave, the five year old fell and became crippled.
He was later consigned to a remote village where he grew feeling isolated and worthless. Yet, God had a good plan for this man, Mephibosheth.
The plan began to unfold when He stirred the heart of King David prompting him to ask whether there was any one left from Saul's family. "If so, I'd like to show him some kindness in honor of Jonathan."
When he heard that a lame man living is some village was the only one left, he immediately sent for him.
Mephibosheth was brought to King David and he consoled him saying, "Don't be frightened. I would like to do something special for you in memory of your father Jonathan...I am returning to you all the properties of your grandfather Saul. Furthermore, from now on you'll take all your meals at my table."
The lame man was baffled and humbled to imagine that such a thing could happen to 'a dead dog' like him.
But the Anointed One of God, who has such a heart for the hurting and those considered outcasts, brought a Turning Point in the lame man's life.
His doors are still wide open to those the society has isolated today; that they may enter His rest and experience Him.
This is the area of Ministry that God has invited us (Turning Point Ministries) to participate in, a call to reassure the starving, homeless, widowed, wounded single moms and the orphans of His love, through Word, Deed, and Sign.
"When you put up a dinner next time, don't just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks.
"You'll be, and experience, a blessing. "They won't be able to return the favor but the favor will be returned-oh, how it will be returned!-at the resurrection of the Just." (Christ in Luke 14:12-14) | | Inspired to follow Christ
"I was inspired to follow Christ by His true followers when I observed them practice what they teach. With time, I strongly desired to teach and walk like them.
"When I shared my observations and desire with my mum Laura [Dickerson], she encouraged me and gave me a chance to do a devotion at the Eternity Missions Bible College where I often accompany her as she goes to teach.
"I did not quite enjoy standing before keen adults the first time, but was encouraged when they said they were blessed.
"Little by little, I have gained confidence and developed passion for the work of God.
If this is how He desires to work through me, I am ready." Carolyne, Dickerson's foster daughter aged 17. Community Work
"Having worked in the pediatric ward of Kenyatta National Hospital(Kenya's biggest), I understand the bond that mothers have with their children. It gave me a lot of pleasure to see children go home with happy mothers, after getting well.
With time, I developed a desire to work in the community with mothers for healthy living.
Many live in unsanitary conditions that make them take their children to the hospital frequently and later struggle to pay bills. "Many too live in ignorance of the saving grace of God. "As a nurse with TPM, I really enjoy my work since I am now able to meet them in the community and share much on family and health matters, as well as the word of God."
Margaret Mumoki, TPM's Nurse and Laura's assistant in the TPM ministry to women. Challenging but Cool
"Life in Kenya is a little challenging especially if you are living away from the people and the things you love in your home country. It has been for three and half years! "Although there are many differences between America and Kenya, I can say that Kenya is my home away from home.
I have learned many things in this country, like to be happy with what I have; like getting three meals a day-some people are happy if they just manage to get one or two meals a day. "Other than that, I have had a great time playing soccer with my friends. Over all, being a missionary kid has changed my life forever." Zack Dickerson, age 13 | | | | Dawn after Night of terror
Rose Night is a 31 years old single mother of three, with no vocational training but talented in hair dressing. The gift has been her source of income since being battered and divorced by a cruel husband seven years ago.
"This was the most devastating moment in my life. I felt like someone heartless had rolled up my life and damped it in the middle of a valley strewn with dry bones. The feeling kept hurting me until the day I received Christ and joined Pastor Margaret's church at Soweto. It was like a lucky dawn after a night of terror"
Rev. Margaret is one of the pastors TPM supports in Kenya. Her church is in Soweto slums adjacent to Nairobi's Kayole estate.
Though a hard worker, she is still unable to make ends meet. Rose believes her diligence could be more rewarding if she owned a salon.
"With my own salon and more hard work, I will be able to pay house rent on time, dress and feed my children properly as I grow to realize my vision and encourage others to put their trust in God."
After a considerable relationship with Rose, TPM feels led to help this lady start her business. A single mother, disciplined Christian, and proven hard worker, Rose becomes the fifth woman to qualify for TPM'S rebuilding and equipping program for single moms and widows in Kenya.
Below is a list of what she needs to start her business.
Hair dryer $109
Blow dryer $58
Chemicals $39
Hair oils & shampoos $32
Treatments & neutralizers $19
Showercaps/earpads/drapers $19
Rollers & combs $13
Towels $19
Large water can & basins $13
Water heater/coil $7
Water sink $19
Trolleys $13
Mirrors & pins $26
Six plastic chairs $58
Shelves & Carpenter $39
Office paint & signboard $13
Business license fee $67
Office rent & deposit $308
TOTAL $871
Be a blessing to Rose as the Lord may lead you. Send donations with 'Rose' in the 'For' line of a check to:
SERV Ministries International
Turning Point Project, Rose Night
500 Arnold Mill Way
Norcross, GA 30188
100% of your donation goes to the actual recipients of TPM!
| Conferences
TPM partners with churches in both rural and urban Kenya to reach God's people through conferences.
Don Dickerson recently gave a five day bible exposition on the book of Nehemiah during a life-transforming conference held at the Eternity Gospel Church and Ministries at Karen in Nairobi Kenya.
"It was the first conference to attend since giving my life to Christ early this year. The teaching on the book of Nehemiah was particularly very interesting to me because of the illustrations and the humor the teacher used to help us understand. I left the conference a "new Nehemiah", ready to participate in what God is doing in my family and the community. I was reminded that I have what it takes to participate in rebuilding the broken walls in my generation" Daniel Chege, East Land, Nairobi.
Laura Dickerson had a chance to rest through the Nehemiah seminar after ministering during a women's conference in the countryside of Kenya for three days alongside Rev. Margaret from Soweto. They also preached in crusades for two days and visited the sick in the evenings at their homes.
"I was pleased to see the Mzungu (white) preacher dressed just like a local woman and speak on things we are going through on this side of Kenya and share familiar experiences with us. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to attend the meeting." Sophia Wangare, Nyeri town.
"Rev. Margaret has moved me. That despite all she is going through, she chose to join Laura in this very involving mission...ignoring her afflictions to come here for Christ. It has challenged me." Rev. Paul Wanjohi, conference host and the pastor of New Life Church in Nyeri.
Shortly after the conference, Rev. Margaret lost her beloved son, Luke, to typhoid fever. Luke led her mother, sister and one of his two brothers to Christ. He has been a great source of encouragement to his mother, a woman who has suffered so much in the hands of his unbelieving father. But it probably had to take Luke's death for the father to turn from evil and give his life to Jesus. He received Christ a few days after his son's burial on 2nd May this year. One can almost hear the Master telling Luke,"Well done, good and faithful servant."
A Team of East Africa Missionaries from Uganda and Tanzania is praying with Margaret's husband for his deliverance, a process that continues even after his receiving Christ. The Team, led by missionary Elizabeth, comes to Kenya occasionally for rest and replenishment at the Dickerson residence in Karen. We thank God for answering our prayers for Rev. Margaret's husband. | | | | | Food Evangelism
About 1000 families have so far benefited from SERV and USAID Food Distribution Initiative for the starving families in Kenya.
Besides being a fight against hunger, the program is an evangelism effort from SERV to touch lives for Christ.
Lodwar is among the most severe hunger-stricken areas in Kenya but local as well as international well wishers have come to the rescue of the Turkana people and the neighboring tribes, such as the Pokots.
SERV is also reaching the Turkana community through House of Hope Orphanage, which now shelters 15 orphans and seven Turkana workers. Inviting the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind and other easily forgotten people to Christ's great supper remains the main business of Turning Point Ministries as well as other projects of SERV International Ministries here in Kenya.
Thank you for your continued support.
"..Go out at once into the city streets and lanes and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame...compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled." Luke14:21-23
| Don and Laura Dickerson SERV Missionaries to Kenya | | | | |
