April 2015 ~ Vol. 15 Ed. 2 Celebration & Transition In early January, Pastor Joshua Ngao made the trek to Kenya continuing the good works of Fishers of Men Ministries (FOM). So much was accomplished in a short time. It was indeed a time of excitement, celebration and remembrance as the children at Kimondo Victory Academy enjoyed the receipt of Christmas gifts and letters from their sponsors. Some of the children may have felt a bit unsettled. Pastor Joshua was onhand to help transition the high school students to their new homes. The high school students are given health exams and assisted with moving into their new dormitories. In 2015, there are 78 young adults in three different high schools. Annual proficiency exams are given to all students at the end of eighth grade after students finished their studies. This year there are 16 students transitioning from Kimondo Victory Academy to high school. This is the fourth year all students from the Academy have passed the exams. Even more amazing, this year one of our students received special recognition. Edna Chepkirong Siror achieved the third highest test scores in the region (over 200 schools). In addition, there were 3 other students who scored in the top 20 highest scores. This is truly a testament to our teachers and staff at the Academy and the work they do with the children. A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world. - Ellen G. White Current Census Sponsored News Flash Download the Fishers of Men App Today Take Fishers of Men with you! The Fishers of Men App for Android or ios is now available! This new resource will help you stay connected to what the Lord is doing through Fishers of Men, anytime and anywhere. (Please know that we are working to make it better and coming soon you will be able to do more on this app.) Get immediate push notifications from posts in your groups; use to review the child sponsorship page, make donations, RSVP for events, and much more. This is a great tool to stay informed, share the ministry and good works of Fishers of Men with those around you and explain how they can help. Search: Fishers of Men on your Android or iphone device. Install the new app today! High School Students 77 Children 185 Staff 12 Pastors 5 Waiting to be Sponsored High School Students 1 Children 26 Staff 8 Pastors 4
Another Extraordinary Milestone Perhaps the most significant transition would be the hard work and determination of the very first students from the Academy. That very first group of 17 students, who started their education when the Kimondo Victory Academy opened their doors in January 2003, are starting their senior year of high school. Picture the joy and excitement of these students achievement. Everyone in the ministry should be applauded, especially, the hard work and commitment of the students and our teaching staff. To the sponsors and contributors for all of these students who made the dream of education a reality, THANK YOU, for your commitment, prayers and encouragement of these young people. Your support has truly been a blessing. The 2015 High School Students - Ready to Begin Their School Year Abundant Blessings One of the biggest obstacles for people in Eastern Kenya is the lack of water or access to water. For more than two years there has been no measureable rainfall throughout the region and drought was very evident. This past summer, the FOM village of Kilawa had to dig their well deeper, in search of water. During late November and early December rains began to fall slowly and steadily. The entire area received abundant blessings with much needed moisture. The rains changed everything and signs of plant life began to emerge. Villages partnering with Fishers of Men Ministries were able to cultivate the ground to make way for planting. After the ground was prepared, planting began. They were able to plant enough life sustaining crops to ease significant burdens. In time, the FOM fellowships will be blessed with harvesting the bounty sufficient to help feed everyone in these communities. B l e s s i n g s He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45 2
Gift of Sight Brings Hope & Smiles When Dr. Scott Palmer joined Fishers of Men Ministries for the August 2014 mission trip, he felt called to help. After completing 423 eye exams over four days, which included all students and staff at Kimondo Victory Academy, a several FOM pastors and local villagers, Dr. Palmer returned to his office and began the process of ordering and creating 24 pairs of glasses for his new patients. The most significant challenge was the one for little Dorcas Nafula ~ a young child from village who just happened to be at the Academy with her mother to watch the arrival of the mission team. Dr. Palmer knew immediately upon seeing this child, he needed to examine this little girl whom God placed in his path. Dorcas exam resulted in Dr. Palmer writing the largest prescription of his career. (She probably had been looking at her world through a kaleidoscope.) With no correction, Dorcas brain would eventually give-up all attempts to learn to see; rendering her officially blind. With the help of suppliers, his staff and his own time; the task of preparing glasses began. Dr. Palmer contacted Walman Optical, a local ophthalmic lab and together they tackled the challenge to help Dorcas. Rarely do they create glasses with such an extreme corrective prescription. The lab technicians began to develop the lenses and Dr. Palmer ordered a special child s frame. Walman s Optical so generously donated the lenses to essentially turn on the lights for Dorcas. When Pastor Joshua delivered the glasses to Dorcas in January, she probably got her first clear look at the world around her. Dorcas smile radiated the blessings of the gift of clear vision. Imagine seeing clearly for the very first time at age of four. Thank you so much, Dr. Palmer & Walman Optical for sharing this blessing with Dorcas, it has already made a difference in her life! I can see! Gift of Sponsorship Although some may feel called to sponsor a child, perhaps they are not in a financial position to be able to make a full commitment. Surprisingly, there are as many ways to make monthly sponsorship contributions as there are children in-need. Remarkably with the use of Egiving, unique sponsorship options are possible and simplified. Whether your larger family wants to share the monthly sponsorship two-, three- or four - ways or your Bible study group feels led to share this gift. Maybe a youth group or student fellowship can raise all of the necessary funds to make a one time donation or your neighbors want to work together to make a difference. E-giving can be setup to draft set amounts for multiple accounts. For more information or ideas how to make child sponsorship shareable with others, contact the F.O.M. office. With his new glasses, Pastor Phillip Mala is able to read his own Bible for the first time in a very long time. 3
It Takes a Partnership to Raise a Village An on-going partnership with Fishers of Men Ministries has brought blessings. Through separate ministries, House of Freedom and now Point of Grace Church (Grace) from Waukee, Iowa, Pastor Brett Black has worked to bring hope to the village of Kilawa. Over the last seven years, he has worked closely with FOM to make a difference in this small village in Eastern Kenya. Over the years, Pastor Black and his associates, worked together to raise money to dig a well that brought fresh water within easy access. Helping reduce innumerable burdens for all villagers. With continued prayers and support, a house of worship was established and land was purchased adjacent to the village. Growing crops will help Kilawa to work toward being self-sustaining. As a result of the continued support, many blessings have been realized helping this small Kenyan village to grow and prosper. Thus adding new members to the small congregation, so much so, the Kilawa congregation out-grow their church building. With the on-going support and partnership, the village leadership, ministry and worship team were able to build a larger worship center. During January 2015 s visit Pastor Joshua commissioned the newly completed larger church. These blessings created significant changes in the village; allowing the Fishers of Men community of Kilawa to share God s love with others in need. Working together many hearts have brought to God and helping those same individuals continue to grow their faith. Whether it is prayers, financial support or encouraging sponsorship, Pastor Black has been a huge advocate for Fishers of Men Ministries. Thank you, Pastor Black & Point of Grace congregation for your continued support! If your church or organization is interested in learning more about partnership opportunities, please contact Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 4
Tale of Two Schools and a Robot Students from Davenport West High School Mr. Greg Smith, an instructor at Davenporter of Fishers of Men want to do things children less fortunate. The idea was to robotics and how the students could reach proven to be beneficial for all the students involved. Kimondo Victory Academy s First Robotics Team port West High School and long time supdifferent and connect his students with encourage learning about more than just out to other students. This lesson has Students from Davenport West s Robotics Club put together a kit and instructions for building a robot for other students their same grade level. Mr. Smith wanted to offer the extracurricular club an opportunity to build their leadership and training skills. In January, the robotics assembly kit was delivered to the Kimondo Victory Academy class by Pastor Joshua. The Academy students were very enthusiastic and eager to begin working on this new challenge. Utilizing the instructions provided with the kit and ancillary communications back with the Davenport West students, the Academy students were successful in their first robot build. The joy of accomplishment and sharing in tasks helped students on both sides of the globe enjoy this project. The collaboration of students in Davenport and Kimondo offered an unique educational experience and left all students asking for more. Medical Clinic Near Mombasa Mark Thompson and Thompson Family RV of Davenport, continues to support Fishers of Men Ministries with charitable funds from RV business trade sources. A $5,000 check was presented to help aid in the construction of the FOM Medical Clinic near Mombasa. In 2012, Mark and his family hosted Mwalimu Karisa, a Davenport-West foreign exchange student from Kenya. After being introduced FOM Ministries and having a better understanding of the needs in Mwalimu s village, Mark Thompson and Thompson Family RV began to generously support efforts to improve quality of life in Kenya. To learn more about this story, read the full article in the Quad City Times at: http://qctimes.com/news/local/ davenport-business-brings-help-hope-to-kenyan-village 5
Leadership Conference In January while in Kenya, Pastor Joshua held a leadership retreat with the Fishers of Men Ministries pastors and their wives, worship leaders and teams, ushers and any other individuals who had a part in one of the FOM church ministries. Ninety people (40 ~ Eastern Kenya & 50 ~ Western Kenya fellowships) spent the day in prayer and support of the efforts of the ministry. They spent the entire day getting to know one another, talking about ministry objectives and expectations and breaking bread. This was a time of worship & praise and growth & planning. By all accounts the conference was a resounding success. Fifty-two people committed to furthering the reach of the ministry, focusing on successful church planting & evangelism, and continue to make disciples for Jesus Christ. In the coming months, these individuals will work together to build stronger churches and fellowships, open new avenues for FOM to reach out in Christ s love, and promote the kingdom of God. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16 Double Your Impact with Employer Matching Funds In today s ever changing landscape of corporate responsibility, many employers are offering to partner with their employees by matching funds or providing grants for charitable organizations. These types of programs are administered in a number of different ways and often times the employers do not go out of their way to remind employees of this often unused benefit. For those who are blessed to work for a socially minded company, please don t forget about the benefits of these types of programs to our ministry. When an employer offers matching charitable funds dollar-for-dollar, a percentage of giving, or grant monies these extra donations can add up to BIG blessings for those we serve. Significant differences can be made when we work together. Fishers of Men Ministries now has a volunteer who can help you navigate the paperwork or assist you when making a grant request. If your employer offers a charitable funding program and you need assistance, please contact our office. By utilizing these matching funding sources, your contributions to Fishers of Men Ministries can double the impact of your giving. 6
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 The Lord Will Provide When one is concerned about how to care for the basic needs of their family, it is hard to focus their attention elsewhere. Perhaps one of the largest challenges facing the ministry in Kenya is retaining pastors and helping them to build and encourage their flocks, without distractions. With help from generous supporters, as a way of supporting the FOM Pastors and their families, a new program involving micro-loans for small business development has recently been introduced. The goal is to help each of the pastors to become self-sufficient and focused on growing their fellowships and churches. The model required the creation of a business plan outlining how they would use $500-$2,500 to start and grow a small business. After proper planning and approval, a 12-month interest free loan would be secured. Each pastor was asked to determine what they could do and then develop a plan to create a successful business and help provide income for their family. The new program was fully embraced by the pastors, helping to remove obstacles that prevented or slowed the growth of their church. Not only would this new business help them directly but it would also provide a service or goods that would benefit their communities. The business plan phase and loan disbursements are complete. Business development has began. Some of the micro businesses that have been started include eggs and/or chicken production, milk production, and rental properties. For example, with the loan monies an egg incubator is procured where 336 eggs can be processed, with 84 chicks hatching each week. Under this plan, half of the chicks would be sold for $1 each and the remaining chicks would be finished out for butcher. Once fully developed the business will be a supplier of fresh chickens to local restaurants, hotels and markets. Together the generous donors, determined pastors, hard work & ingenuity will work together to provide a way of life to sustain the pastor and his family all while continuing to grow the local church and fellowship. With the Lord s help and blessing, this new program will enable Fishers of Men Ministries to become a stronger and more vibrant ministry serving Kenya. Contact Us Give us a call or visit our website for more information. Fishers of Men Ministries P.O. Box 2152 1411 Brady Street Davenport, IA 52809 Office: (563) 823-5819 Visit us on the web at www.fomministries.org How Will You Make A Difference? 7
January 2015 Vol. 15 Ed 1 Sponsorship Transforms Lives Sponsorship changes lives and gives hope to those in need. You will be providing your child with food, healthcare, clothing, housing, education and a Christian environment of learning and love. Basic Ministry Needs Funding applied locally toward on-going Ministry administrative expenses. Provide skills and volunteer time for website design and maintenance. Offering skills, expertise, and volunteer in critical areas such as ministry communications or grant writing. Clean, Fresh Water A safe, permanent, readily available water source can be provided to communities and fellowships in Kenya who are in-need and have already or are willing to partnering with the Ministry. Consider funding an entire project or simply contribute and share in one of these life giving projects. Structures & Equipment New churches for established fellowships, new communities, and expanding congregations. Vital equipment for Medical Clinics. Continued care and upkeep of existing properties and projects in Kenya. Immediate urgent needs. How will you make a difference? Donate on-line or call Pastor Joshua Ngao at (563) 823-5819 for more information how you can become an active part of Christ s Love in Action. www.fomministries.org April 2015