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'Heaven on Earth'

May Newsletter

Greetings from Sylvia and Joshua in Kenya.
A month has passed by since I came back to Kenya to continue with the vision that God has given to Joshua and I to establish 'Heaven on Earth', a community for orphans, widows and the aged.
Jessica McDonell was with us for two weeks and returned home refreshed and renewed by the Spirit of God and the love of the Kenyan people here. It was such a blessing to have her with us for that short time. Jess is planning to return in September with other people who are interested in the vision we have here to restore people back to God and His wonderful blessings.
God is so faithful to us here and has enabled 10 people to do the second semester of Bible School here in Homa Bay. I have seen such transformation in the lives of some of the people who have been involved and committed to this training. Some of these people will become teachers and leaders at 'Heaven on Earth' and will join us in the vision.
We have started a nursery school at Buche Village where 'Heaven on Earth' is being established and 55 children have been enrolled. These children now have books and pencils, the teachers have set up a curriculum and uniforms are being made for them. The children are being fed nutritional porridge each day and have been wormed and will be medically checked shortly. We need now to build latrines and wash rooms for the school.
In December last year we purchased 1. 2/3 acres of land with two mud huts on it and we have been having church there now for a few weeks. The number of people attending is increasing as we encourage them to preach the gospel and bring friends and relatives to join us in this community of believers. Many have been baptised in water and the Holy Spirit and we will continue to teach them and guide them about what it means to be saved and part of a New Testament Church.
Over 50 trees have been planted for fruit and for building materials which will be watered and cared for during the coming dry season.
Our next step is to purchase another 1.1/2 acres of land next to our land with two buildings (I thought there were 4 buildings but discovered that there are two buildings) which can be used for the school, church and living accommodation for our voluntary workers.This land can be purchased at a very small cost of approximately $1,000 aust including legal expenses, (still being negotiated). If there is any surplus money it can be used to purchase additional adjoining land, yes, the land in the village is certainly not expensive compared to the land in the towns.
At this time we are using public transport to and from the village along roads that have huge potholes, these roads are soon to be restored and a road which will give us better access to the village is also to be cleared.
A new motor bike here costs around $1,200 aust, these are used as a means of transport by the locals, many carrying three or four people at a time, locally known as African Taxies or Boda Boda. Having our own motor bike for travelling to and from the village would be less expensive and more practical.

We are believing that God will raise up people who will raise funds for the purchase of this land and other expenses. All of us are working on a voluntary basis and we are believing that God will continue to send us volunteers to partner with us in this vision.
I will be returning to the village this week and live amongst the people. I want to join with the teachers to help in the school and to learn more of the Luo language.
We are also starting an adult education class shortly to help the village people to learn English and Swahili ( Kenya's national language).
Malaria is one of the biggest killers here and we have purchased mosquito nets for some of the families and will continue to look for ways of reducing and even eliminating this problem.
We are planting herbs and trees that will repel the mosquitoes and flies in the area and cleaning away contaminated water and rubbish. Building latrines (pit toilets) can also be an important part of the solution.
We are grateful to God and to those who faithfully pray for us and support us in this ministry here and pray that God will continue to bless you abundantly and give you the desires of your heart as you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Thank you so much.
Sylvia, Joshua and the team here at Heaven on Earth