"Dear children, hide in this thicket, There may yet be some hope' By Amos Mirera
hrough the darkness comes this whisper from the widow to two daughters and five sons on one of the darkest nights in This threat leaves the Gal Gal family without shelter and further compounds the grief of the widow whose husband Hussein was murdered just two years before. Here in the thicket she comforts her children with whispers that Christ will protect them even as all hell breaks loose. Understandably, she is unable to assure her four little ones, who weep uncontrollably as her three adolescents fight back tears of their own. Each of the seven knows mama has only words of love and hope to give them; they can't blame her for the pain they are experiencing or lack of school fees, food, medication or safety. They know how selflessly she loves them. Yet how much can one ask of an illiterate widow already rejected by friends, relatives, and now, on this night, even by those she thought her neighbors? How much can the shoulders of a grieving woman withstand, whose very best casual labor yields two dollars a day? But because of the Father to the fatherless and the Defender of widows, this little faith of Kadija, like the sparse oil of the Shunammite widow, proves sufficient. They survive this night to obtain sanctuary at the Dickersons. After five months of rest and recovery, the Gal Gal family move to a transitional accommodation where the Dickersons pay their food and rent and most school fees until Kadija can accumulate enough clothing clients to achieve independence, the hall mark of Turning Point Ministries. Kadija continues to grow in the Lord; in her understanding of the word as well as God's ways. She gives here special thanks for the audio DVD recently donated by Bob Sweat of Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church of Augusta, Georgia. It answers a prayer for Kadija since it has the whole bible in Borana, the only language she can clearly understand. We also praise God for every one who donates clothes for her business. It is such a blessing! From her proceeds, she is now able to pay the bus fare to school for her children as well as new clothes and school uniforms. From her savings, a concept that is new to her, she now even has a bed! She is still learning about tithing 10%, saving 10% and using the remaining 80% to cover her living expenses. Her son Abraham enters high school next year with the requirement of 80,000ksh (1143 Glory to God. |
Friday, October 3, 2008
"Dear children, hide in this thicket, There may yet be some hope' By Amos Mirera
hrough the darkness comes this whisper from the widow to two daughters and five sons on one of the darkest nights in This threat leaves the Gal Gal family without shelter and further compounds the grief of the widow whose husband Hussein was murdered just two years before. Here in the thicket she comforts her children with whispers that Christ will protect them even as all hell breaks loose. Understandably, she is unable to assure her four little ones, who weep uncontrollably as her three adolescents fight back tears of their own. Each of the seven knows mama has only words of love and hope to give them; they can't blame her for the pain they are experiencing or lack of school fees, food, medication or safety. They know how selflessly she loves them. Yet how much can one ask of an illiterate widow already rejected by friends, relatives, and now, on this night, even by those she thought her neighbors? How much can the shoulders of a grieving woman withstand, whose very best casual labor yields two dollars a day? But because of the Father to the fatherless and the Defender of widows, this little faith of Kadija, like the sparse oil of the Shunammite widow, proves sufficient. They survive this night to obtain sanctuary at the Dickersons. After five months of rest and recovery, the Gal Gal family move to a transitional accommodation where the Dickersons pay their food and rent and most school fees until Kadija can accumulate enough clothing clients to achieve independence, the hall mark of Turning Point Ministries. Kadija continues to grow in the Lord; in her understanding of the word as well as God's ways. She gives here special thanks for the audio DVD recently donated by Bob Sweat of Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church of Augusta, Georgia. It answers a prayer for Kadija since it has the whole bible in Borana, the only language she can clearly understand. We also praise God for every one who donates clothes for her business. It is such a blessing! From her proceeds, she is now able to pay the bus fare to school for her children as well as new clothes and school uniforms. From her savings, a concept that is new to her, she now even has a bed! She is still learning about tithing 10%, saving 10% and using the remaining 80% to cover her living expenses. Her son Abraham enters high school next year with the requirement of 80,000ksh (1143 Glory to God. |
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A Voice Of Hope Through The Shadows Of Terror By Amos Mirera
his write-up aspires to encourage as well as thank you, estimable friend and supporter of the Dickerson missions for being part of a cause that has continued to give God's people every good reason to celebrate their purpose in Christ. When we see smiles of hope from those who previously preferred death to life, we see the plan of God and feel strengthened to move on, praising him for every victory He gives us on the way. Consider the story of Judy Wanjiru, one of the adults receiving help through the Dickersons ministry. After ten years of rejection and misery, God has turned her life into a testimony that epitomizes miraculous restoration. The cruel hand of death took her parents away when she was barely 15, leaving her with siblings who considered her a liability owing to poor state of health. After being diagnosed with a heart-related condition at the age of 11 and the loss of her parents, Judy's elder sister was her only sympathizer. But her champion would unfortunately succumb to pneumonia, further traumatizing a girl who was already grappling with the prospect of a future without her parents. With no one to help her, Judy decided to take a chance by leaving She consequently remained in a hospital bed for six months where as she recollects, no one came to visit. "I felt completely forsaken and had even begun to wonder whether God really existed. But there was a still voice of hope in every shadow of fear I encountered…declaring that my Redeemer lives and that He knew me just as much as He knew what I was going through and that He had a good plan for my life." Recalls Wanjiru. The voice, though like a drop of water in a scorching desert, kept Judy away from the thought of suicide. After discharge from hospital in 2002, she crawled around looking for Orphanages with such names as Home of Care, House of Mercy, Haven of Love, hoping to get help since she was almost an invalid. But from one so-called Christian home to another, Judy suffered rejection and abuse, until she had to seek help from a chief, who though not a practicing Christian, proved more humane than most of her Christian brethren. The chief sheltered her in a vehicle wreckage in his compound until a Good Samaritan linked her with the Dickersons in mid 2007. Looking tied and tattered, Judy took the first step into the place that would be instrumental in turning her life around. In this place, the Lord had some nutritious food for her, a place of rest, medicine, a word of encouragement and above all, a peaceful atmosphere. As restoration began, Judy began shedding layers of impediments, revealing a beautiful woman who has been preserved through grace to proclaim the name of the Lord at such a time as this. A few days after the Dickersons return from furlough last month, Judy had a midnight experience that broke the last strap of impediment. "This night, I felt an overwhelming presence of God and a voice telling me to trust him for healing. Soon I felt like something heavy was being lifted from my shoulders, an experience that was so refreshing. Since then, my life has not been the same again. I am completely healed." Since the miraculous healing, Judy has been doing jobs that she could previously not do and has not taken any medicine, unlike before, when she had to use them on daily basis. The change is also evident in the way she has been grooming herself in the wake of the new dawn. Before, she loved her old tattered clothes with the same passion she hated herself; all because of the society that first hated her. It had deceived her into believing that a life without pain was meant for others but not her. That she was born on a bad day to live a bad life. But the lord has given her a cause to smile and encourage others with her testimony… "The waves of death were all around me. A destroying flood swept over me…I cried to my God….He reached down from heaven. He took hold of me and lifted me out of deep waters."2nd Samuel 22. She is now seeking God's direction about the next step as she continues to stay with the missionaries. May the name of the Lord be glorified; He began this good work and will carry it on until it is complete. God bless you. |
Thursday, May 29, 2008
May 2008 Victory for Kadija
Victory!
One in our ministry family has just graduated to the next level! Kadija
and all 7 of her children are now physically healthy, no longer
malnourished and all taking vitamins, and all the children are now in
school. Praise God for His faithfulness! Kadija, a former Muslim from
northern Kenya, has grown quickly in the Lord, in His understanding of the
Word, and of His Ways.
She recently visited northern Kenya for her son's circumcision (the
grandfather must be present to tie the removed foreskin with a piece of
the boy's hair) – a three-day journey, by the way, with one full day
sitting in the back of a truck. We prayed for wisdom before she left.
(Kadija was not afraid but I was! I was afraid she might be so passionate
for Jesus that she would be harmed!) But the grace of the Lord was with
her. A fully-covered Muslim woman (only her eyes showing behind her black
garment) ran up to her saying she knew Kadija was now a Christian and that
she, too, wanted to give her life to Jesus. This woman bravely said she
didn't care what her husband did to her – she just wanted Jesus in her
heart.
What a victory! Here Kadija has become whole enough that now her light for
Christ is shining to her own people, the Borana. Praise be to God!
We found a safe apartment in Bul-Bul (between Karen and Ngong town with a
picturesque view of Ngong Hills) for about $140/month. This town was
completely free of violence during the December, January, and February
killings and destruction, so the family will live in peace and security.
For now, we are continuing to pay for rent, food, school fees, and bus
fare until her business of selling second-hand clothes becomes
established. We're also teaching her about tithing 10%, saving 10%, and
using the remainder for necessary expenses. Next week we'll consider
helping her open a bank account.
We've moved our Wednesday Women's Prayer group to Kadija's new home and
already three new women join us.
"House of Hope" in Lodwar
The Lord has SERV Ministries International with 33 acres, primary school,
and living quarters for Turkana orphans. Don or Laura will be traveling
frequently to check on the building progress and orphans, as well as
training staff. SERV Ministries is leading a team in August.
Bible Study and Teaching
On Friday mornings, we've started studying Experiencing God: Knowing and
Doing the Will of God. Now that we've been here 2.5 years, we understand
more of the culture to adapt this study to a Kenyan perspective. Everyone
has commented how this Bible study is impacting their life and they are
eager to learn more.
Laura continues teaching in churches on Sundays and in Women's conferences
organized by Kenyan pastors.
Peace and Restoration
We've been blessed with pastors, prophets, and intercessors from over East
Africa come to our home for rest and renewal of their spirits. We continue
to provide our home for such servants of God. We've had three
pastors/prophets from Uganda and three pastors from Tanzania stay six days
for prayers, reflection, and rest after a mission in Tanzania. They also
began preparing for a mission to DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). We've
also had a Kenyan pastor and intercessor stay for five days praying and
fasting.
Furlough
We are in the States June 2nd through August 12th, the longest time we've
spent in the States since living in Kenya! We're looking forward to
resting, spending time with family, and visiting churches and friends.
While we're gone, we're leaving our ministry in the very capable hands of
our ministry partners here in Kenya -- an administrator, community health
nurse, and a pastor. We'll be in constant contact with them through email
should problems arise.
If you'd like us to visit you or your church, email us at
don@dickersonmissions.com or laura@dickersonmissions.com.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Move to SERV - March 2008 Update
OFFICIAL TRANSITION to SERV Ministries International
Though we have officially transitioned from The Mission Society to SERV
Ministries International, our ministry will continue as planned.
The Dickerson family has been working with The Mission Society for four
years, two going through their excellent training and evaluation programs
and another two on the field. We thank them greatly for acting as a bridge
to our mission field, the advice to take time and learn the language and
to explore the culture before delving too deeply into ministry. May the
Lord continue to guide you in the right direction for His sake and the
sake of His people.
After several discussions with The Mission Society over the last 6 months
and with their blessings, we have officially transitioned as full-time or
career missionaries with SERV Ministries International. The scope of our
ministry has evolved over the last two years focusing to a greater extent
on mercy and compassion to the hopeless and to the very poor, something
that fits well with the vision of SERV Ministries.
SERV Ministries International has been working in the USA, Mexico, and the
Dominican Republic through food relief, orphanages, and building churches.
They¡¦ve been in Kenya since 2006 working with several indigenous churches
and para-church organizations providing food relief for the very poor.
On a ¡§chance meeting¡¨ in 2006, I (Laura) met Steve Kasha, Executive
Director, and Lee Johnson, Chair of Leadership Team, after a Sunday
service at Glory Outreach Assembly in Nairobi. Don eventually became
Co-Director of SERV Ministries Kenya along with a Kenyan, Shem Okello, who
works with The Baptist Mission of Kenya. We thus found ourselves working
more and more with SERV Ministries and it was a natural progression to
move with them full-time.
SERV Ministries International (www.servintl.org) has applied for a USAID
grant to ship approximately 4 million meals to Kenya. We just found out
the grant was approved! More details will follow in the coming weeks. In
2007, SERV Ministries distributed approximately one million meals to three
orphanages, two schools in Kibera slum, to many churches and schools
throughout Kenya, and to hurting individual pastors.
Also, SERV is planning ¡§House of Hope¡¨, the fulfillment of a vision of a
Turkana missionary for an orphanage in Lodwar (north-western Kenya). This
missionary grew up as an orphan, was schooled by World Vision, and now
wants to return that gift to other orphans. Twenty children have already
been identified in the community, some with physical and/or neurological
disabilities. The buildings will initially hold these twenty and then be
able to expand to perhaps fifty in the future.
We are also grateful that 100% of your donations will get to our family or
any of SERV Ministries¡¦ projects.
Please send your support of us or any of SERV¡¦s ministries to:
SERV Ministries International
500 Arnold Mill Way
Suite B
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
Attn: Brenda Sherer, Director of Communications
Latest in Politics
Now that the peace accord has been signed and leaders are moving into
their new positions, the country, for the most part, has gotten back to
normal. I¡¦ve noticed the ¡§sigh of relief¡¨ in our own home as well as on
the streets and in businesses. But I say ¡§for the most part¡¨ because
there are still people in camps who are afraid to go home and others
express optimism hesitantly, waiting for Parliament to follow up with
appropriate laws.
Light-hearted Satire
With so much stress in the past two months in Kenya, we thought you would
enjoy the following political satire involving the monkeys, dogs, cats,
and cows on our property. Anything you find humorous can be credited to
revisions by Donƒº. Should you be offended, Don says it¡¦s not his fault.
Otherwise, the responsibility for the article rests entirely on the
shoulders of one capable Amos Mirera, a journalist here in Kenya.
No Political Settlement After All
The rivalry between the Dickersons¡¦ dogs and a group of monkeys calling
themselves, ¡¥The Hope of Our Race¡¦, is far from over.
There were some rumors alleging a political settlement between the two
warring camps, but the monkeys have since dismissed the reports as mere
propaganda aimed at frustrating their cause for justice.
The Monkey group has now renewed their call for mass action across the
Dickersons¡¦ residence on coming Tuesday, hoping to evict the missionaries
from what they call, ¡¥the sweat of our forefathers¡¦. And, they claim,
any food grown on this residence in the meantime, it rightfully theirs.
The Monkey group has vowed continued mass actions until the humans vacate.
But barking to the press later, the Dogs declared the land out of bounds
for the Monkeys and threatened to use their ¡§bite to kill¡¨ order if the
monkey family makes good their threat. They say the real reason the Monkey
group has planned mass action is that the crops are almost ready.
And in an obvious reference to the residential cows and cats, the Dogs
swore dire consequences for those deemed to sympathize with outsiders.
The warning follows allegations that Mother Cow had used innuendos aimed
at invoking barnyard civil disobedience in the compound, which tended to
undermine the Head of Estate in the estimation of right thinking
residents. This same mother cow has been seen gladly accepting gifts of
banana peels from the Head of Estate, but then promptly trying to gore
him.
However, the cow later withdrew the supposedly seditious statements after
the Head of Estate threatened her with extinction, claiming he would
barbeque her for the Dickersons¡¦ 21st wedding anniversary in May, per
Executive Order OICU812. The message scared her enough that she could not
give milk the following three days.
She is now working with dogs in preparation of what is expected to be a
battle of titans this Tuesday. The cats have remained unusually quiet and
their loyalties at the time of this writing are unknown.
