SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (Y) - 1 - Heart to Heart Orphan Children Center - HHOCC

We welcome you to follow us in two new postages of our Blog:HHOCC and UHLC. We are sharing God’s blessings upon our work in Kenya, reporting Several Activities that happened in the past weeks and introducing some people to you. Feel free to contact us: cwwinterle@yahoo.com.br
Pastor Carlos Walter and Lídia Winterle
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HHOCC had visitors from St. John Lutheran Church, Orange, California, USA at its meeting on 9th August:

Rev. Chris Singer, Mr. Jeffrey W. Lyall (Chairman), and Dr. Susan Njemanze, representing St. John and “Graceworks – Hope Network for Children International”. We shared common concerns about the needy people in Kenya and the HHOCC projects.

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HHOCC OPEN MEETING

Heart to Heart Orphan Children Center - HHOCC held its first Open Meeting on 18th September.

After the devotion led by Rev. Carlos, we heard the report of Babra Institutes of Education Ltd, the manager of Laiser Hill Academy. They are sponsoring five HHOCC children in their boarding school and are willing to sponsor more next year.

Deac Mary, one of the founders of HHOCC, introduced a DVD prepared by Deac. Kathleen and Nuru Media Ministry about HHOCC beginning, goals, and projects. The video was shown to all participants. – Deac. Mary presented also reports about “The Orphans & Vulnerable Children Care Project and School Fees Program”, “Micro-Finances Project” and about the “Marginalized Groups and the Maasai Girls”. - Six Maasai Girls were rescued from early marriage and are now in Boarding School with the assistance of HHOCC. They need more sponsors and 10 other girls are in the waiting list to receive support. - 120 children are in the School Fees Program and more than 200 in the waiting list.

Sally, from Kibera, gave the report about “People Living with HIV/AIDS – PLWHA”. They organize Post Test Clubs (PTC) to give orientation and support to each other. – She read the report about “Addictions Recovery” on behalf of Julia, who is in the USA. This program is run in Mombasa

Esther, from Ongata Rongai, reported the work she is doing there with the help of Sally.

Mosa Lisaliza, from Kawangware, gave the report about the “Children Feeding Program”: 35 to 40 children come to have lunch 5 times a week during school time, and more than 50 during school break time; the children of the program bring their younger siblings and they share the same plate. – 15 orphans are already in the baptism and confirmation classes, and two have been baptized and confirmed. Many children are bringing their parents/or guardians to the church.

Douglas Masheti, from Kawangware, presented a report about the “Homeless Boys Program”. The program is run by the Kawangware Lutheran Church with the support of Fikisha. - 40 to 50 boys receive a plate of food twice a week and orientation for their lives. Five boys are already out of the streets and studying in Boarding School. Others are being prepared for going to Boarding School. - HHOCC is helping the program as well and built the Shower Block for the boys. –

Eric Mosigisi, from UHLC, presented a report on behalf of Valmah Obare about the “Volunteer Work”. They organize the HHOCC files and follow up with the teachers to update the performances of the children at school. They also visit the children in the Boarding Schools and at their homes.

Edward Mureithi, Treasurer of the Kawangware Lutheran Church, gave his input to HHOCC programs.

The participants of HHOCC Open Meeting outside UHLC meeting hall. – You are welcome to support HHOCC. Please, write to us. – A website will be ready soon with all details of the programs and how to help.

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HHOCC SUNDAY

St. Michael’s Day (29th September) is a special day for the children in Kenya. We celebrated it on Sunday, 26th September, as the HEART TO HEART SUNDAY.

Children from the Feeding Program in Kawangware and others came to the UHLC Service. They sung and said memorize Bible verses.

They received a lunch after the services and all the children received candies.

A report of HHOCC activities was presented with a Slides Show, as follow:

Heart to Heart Orphan Children Center is Community based and acts as one of the social support arms of the church in the ELCK Central Diocese offering education and healthcare support for the orphaned and vulnerable children especially HIV & AIDS orphans with the primary goal of holistic care in education and decent desired development.

(In the picture: HHOCC Board)
We have a laid down program of activities that is designed to address the Christian faith of the children we are working with:
1./ Feeding program
2./ Orphans and Vulnerable children scholarship program
3./ Street Youth ( homeless boys) Outreach support for rehabilitation
4./ HIV & AIDS Support Groups- Post Test clubs and microfinance program
5./ Addiction recovery
6./ Rescue of vulnerable girl child in the marginalized communities

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1./ FEEDING PROGRAM:

This is a lunch time fellowship program feeding about 40 children who come for lunch at our congregation in Kawangware from Monday through Friday. In the feeding program we reach them with the word of God.

Our team of volunteers follows up with those in the schools where Bible study programs are conducted.

Most of the children that are sponsored by the program attend the Sunday school and often bring their parents or guardians to the services as well. Two of them have been baptized and confirmed.

Fifteen more are attending baptism and confirmation classes and will be baptized and confirmed in December.

Presently there are 40 children on the program, however there is a great demand to extend it and start new ones at other locations.
COST OF THE PROGRAM: 1,000 KES/child/month

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2./ ORPHANS AND VULNARABLE CHILDREN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

If a child does not attend school he misses not only the education but is exposed to all kinds of dangers and may end up as a street-child. That is why our high priority is to provide schooling for as many children as possible.

We do not give cash to the families but pay the school fees (directly to the schools), buy the uniforms, textbooks, and other learning material for orphans aged 5 – 25 years.

There are several former street children among them, who had the chance to return to school with our assistance.

Occasionally we distribute basic groceries to some of the families
Number of children in the program: 120
Number of children on the waiting list: 300

You can open up the possibility for an orphan to go to school and escape the dangerous life of a street child
Grade 1 – 8. KES 1,800 / month / child
Form 1 - 4. KES 3,600 / month / child
College KES 8,000 / month / student

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3./ STREET YOUTH/HOMELESS BOYS OUTREACH:

We partner with Kawangware Evangelical Lutheran Church to reach the homeless boys in the slum of Kawangware under the Fikisha initiative.

So far we have been able to construct a shower block for the boys.

During the daytime, 40 to 50 boys can comfortably come to the church compound and wash themselves and their clothes at the shower place.

Besides we also have quarterly program of collecting and distributing clothes for them.

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4./ HIV & AIDS SUPPORT GROUPS – POST TEST CLUBS AND MICROFINANCE PROGRAM

We have several programs working with People living with HIV and AIDS. We have what we call Post Test Clubs (PTCs).

These are people who tested HIV positive. We have about five such groups in Nairobi and one in Nakuru.

Among the activities is to support them psychosocially by encouraging group meetings, group counseling and individual counseling, training on micro finance loaning scheme, handcraft making among other activities.

We believe that these acts of mercy complement the spread.
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5./ ADDICTION RECOVERY
It has been discovered that one of the contributing factors to orphan and vulnerable children stems from drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. The aim of this coastal program is (i) to combat drug addiction by establishing Anonymous Groups, and providing counseling and treatment for the addicts; (ii) organize a prevention program with the involvement of the local community.

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6./ RESCUE OF VULNARABLE GIRL CHILD IN THE MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

The Maa speaking communities of Maasai and the Samburu have been among some of the marginalized communities in Kenya. Among them are mostly the pastoralist communities such as the Pokot, Borana, Rendile, Burji, Somalis to mention but a few.

These communities have also maintained cultural practices and traditions which are very good and are admired by many visitors. However some of the cultural practices are not so favorable to the girl child and thus many are forced into early marriages and other vices like female genital mutilation (FGM) at the very tender age of about ten to thirteen years.

Because of the patriarchal nature of the communities the girls are left with no choice but to either follow orders or be banished. The Church through Heart to Heart responded to this need and reached out.

After several discussions and based on an agreement with the local chief, at the moment we have been able to support six girls who had already been sold off for marriage and are now in boarding primary school. These are just a few of the girls who were rescued but we have many that need such help.

For us the need is real and therefore need your partnership; and any regular or one-time support towards any of the above purposes will be highly appreciated. (End of the Report)
September 2010

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POLE SANA

POLE SANA, our sympathies, to Deac. Kathleen Lutz, member of HHOCC Board and a strong HH supporter. She lost her mother on beginning of September, a day before she went back to the USA to visit her mother that was very sick. “Blessed are the death who died in the LORD from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them” (Rev. 14:13).

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (Y) - 2 - Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral

SERVICES AND BAPTISMS

Five baptisms were celebrated on 22nd August 2010: Ashlee Njeri, born on 16th April 2010, to Henry and to Irene Davor.

Faith Atieno Otieno, born on 18th October 2007 and Fidel Otieno Wasega, born on 26th February 2010, to Peter Otieno Wasega and Dorine Amisi Otieno.

Jedric Zedpeter Onsoti, born on 26th May 2010, to Jared Onsoti Rangeria and to Dyphna Nyanbuko Bisera. He has a brother: Cedric Sure Onsoti

Trizah Kwamboka Moenga, born on 21st April 2010, to Job Moenga Mogeni and Damaris Nyatichi Machabe

Florence Nightingale Ombogo confirmed her faith publically on 11th July. She is married to Pauli.

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Rev. Isaiah Obare went back to the USA to continue his studies at Concordia Theological Seminary - CTS, Fort Wayne, IN. His wife Caroline Awino and their two children Rehema and Ralph remain in Kenya.

Rev. John Halakhe, ELCK General Secretary, got also a scholarship to study in CTS - Fort Wayne. His wife Jane Dalo Galgallo and their son Daniel Halakhe Halkano remain in Kenya as well.

A special Farewell and Godspeed service was held for both Rev. Obare and Rev. Halakhe on 29th August. Mr. John Michoro, ELCK Treasurer, spoke on behalf of the UHLC and the ELCK.

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ANGAZA Choir launched their DVD on 19th September.

They sang during both services (English and Swahili).

The DVD is available at the church office. It’s a good record of Christian music and a good gift to be given to friends. Do you have your copy?
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LUCCEA

Lutheran Communion in Central and Eastern Africa - LUCCEA –held a Seminar on Poverty and Gender and the Involvement of the Church, and held also a General Assembly from 1 to 7 September in Nairobi. Mr Muloko Kongolo is the Administrative Secretary of LUCCEA. (The other sub-regions are: LCSA- Southern Africa, and LUCWA – Western Africa). LUCCEA has a membership of over 13,000,000 Lutherans from Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, the Sudan, Madagascar, Eritrea, Uganda and Ethiopia. Some of the participants came to the UHLC Service on 5th September and they introduced themselves:

From the EECMY – Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus - Ethiopia
Rev. Dr. Wakseyoum Idosa Negeri, President of the EECMY and also President of LUCCEA…

…Mr. Tessma Hirbaye Webilo - Development and Social Services Commission …

…Mr. Teshome Amenu W/Semiat – Dean of Theology at Mekane Yesu Seminary…

… Mrs. Tadelech Loha – Women’s Ministry Coordinator, and…

…Mr. Danile Lallissa Gemechis – Youth Coordinator.

From the LCMU – Uganda:
Mr. Noah Isanga – President

From the LCS – the Sudan:
Rev. Matta Butrus Kumi – General Secretary

From de LCR – Rwanda:
Bishop George Wilson Kaliisa – Presiding Bishop, and …

…Rev. David Ntidendeza – Youth Coordinator

From the ELCCo – Democratic Republic of Congo
Bishop René Mwamba Sumaili – Presiding Bishop

From the ELCT – Tanzania:
Rev. Anza A. Lema – Youth Coordinator

From the ELCE – Eritrea:
Rev. Yosief Araya – President, and…

...Mrs. Dr. Senait Bahta – Women’s Work Chairperson

From the ELCK – Kenya:
Mrs. Pamela Oyieyo – LWF Council Member

From the LWF – Lutheran Word Federation:
Rev. Dr. Musa Panti Filibus – LWF DMD Director

From the LUCCWA – West Africa :
Mr. Jean Claude Hamadjam – Administrative Secretary

Meeting Recorder:
Ev. Sylvester Opiyo (ELCK)

After the service, the group poses for a photo with other visitors.

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NURU CHILDREN CAMP

Nuru Media Ministry – (The Lutheran Hour – Kenya) – held a Children Camp at Kawanguare Lutheran Church from 2 to 4 September.

Around 200 children came together: From the congregation, from the HHOCC Feeding program, from the neighborhood. The teachers taught them about the Gospel and entertained them as well.

Some mamas prepared the food:

Beans with rice.

The children were divided in five teams and they had competitions among them.

The children love to see the pictures in the camera!

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A SPECIAL VISIT

My brother Oscar Winterle and his wife Regina visited us from 26th August to 15th September. It was so good to have them with us!

We visited Spring of Life Lutheran Church in Kibera. The church’s facilities and part of the church were burn down during the post-election violence in Kenya in January 2008. The church still needs to be remodeled, but some things have already been done:

The altar, the internal walls and the floor were painted and a new cross was put on the altar wall.

But the Medical Clinic has not been rebuilt yet…

… and the roof of the church is still waiting for a better remodeling.

Oscar and Regina loved the children in Kibera and…

… in Kawangware.

They also introduced themselves at UHLC services…

… were they attended the services twice.

They also visited several wildlife parks in Kenya and went back home excited with these very different experiences in their lives.

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DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?

Catherine Wangari and her two boys Mark and Eugene. Catherine is the Eats Africa Volunteer Coordinator and “the right hand” of the LCMS World Mission office in Karen, Nairobi. Mark is studying in Concordia, MO, USA and was in vacation at home

Malachi Akoroda, visitor from Nigeria.

Ghebrejesus Ghebrelul and Mrs. Smret Zere, from Etritrea, now members at UHLC again (They were living in Nairobi some years ago).

Aries Mosaso, Choco A. Peña and Geralyn Piliin, visitors from the Philippines.

Rosmary and Helen, visitors from Sweden.

Gunnar Lundstrom, visitor from Sweden. His father, Rev. Martin Lundstrom, former missionary in Kenya, bought the property at Uhuru Highway in l963, where the Cathedral and the Luther Plaza were built.

Eliki Bosonga Louis, visitor from Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ray and Flora Tacquard from Trinity Lutheran Church in Klein, Texas. They came to work with the ELCK to find locations in the Maasai area for future eye clinics. Theirteams have been coming twice a year to do this for two years now.

Maureen (right), visitor from Namibia. She was welcomed by the Namibian students studying at Nairobi University, members of UHLC. In the picture, one of them: Helvi(left).

Peter Rimmele, from Germany, working now in Rwanda, was brought by his friends, Christian and Marlene Roschmann, members at UHLC.

Bishop Dr. Peter L. Mwamasika, from Dodoma Diocese, ELC Tanzania.

Anders Lilleheim and his wife is Linda , from Norway, Director of Scripture Mission in Karen, Nairobi.

Tracy Beedy, from Lilongwe, Malawi.

Aichi Kitaly, from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

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We are happy to share these Several Activities with you. Pray for God’s work in Kenya and around the world and pray for us as well. Pastor Carlos Walter and Lídia Winterle.