 game to memorize scriptureChildren's church services
Mike regularly teaches Sunday school to scores of children and youth in Christco Church in Kimilili, but also frequently does so in rural areas where there may not even be a building! He utilizes puppets, games and many other dynamic teaching methods to teach children the Bible and how to live a life pleasing to God every day. Most of the teaching is done in Swahili to ensure good understanding, although some of the older children are also learning English. We hope to be able to send much-needed bibles and other teaching resources which would be of great benefit to the children there as they continue to learn about God.
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 hiking to Mt Elgon for ministrySharing the vision
Mike is always eager to travel to other areas to share his vision for children's ministry - even if that means riding on the back of a motorcycle taxi or hanging on to a truck to get there! This photo shows him and his team hiking the path to a village on Mt. Elgon. Often, after talking with a pastor, there is great interest in having him return to the area to speak in the church or hold a special children's meeting, and then help develop a new children's ministry in that location. He has taught many seminars around Western Kenya, including one in Uganda, and recently even ministered in Tanzania.
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 training children's ministers in a rural churchTraining children's ministers
Mike believes not only in teaching our comprehensive training seminar to new children's ministers, but also in helping them obtain good resources and develop dynamic ministries and outreach programs. Upon completing the training course in children's ministry, participants are awarded a certificate. Mike understands how difficult it is to minister without finances, yet also knows from experience that God can work through a committed and faithful servant to reach and change the lives of hundreds of children in spite of such difficulties!
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 Mike doing clown ministry in a public schoolMinistering in schools
God has given Mike special favor to minister in many schools, even public schools, in that part of Kenya. This photo shows him and his assistant ministering using a bible skit as they share the Gospel with 1500 children in a rural public school. The situation may be difficult and resources inadequate, but the children are excited to have Mike visit, and many lives have been changed because of this ministry. Mike has been able to teach bible classes in many different schools, and recently in 2011 and 2012 Mike has been able to minister more and more in special children's rallies where children from a dozen or more schools come together for the day. Teaching about Jesus and ministering all day to crowds of 1600 kids or more has become almost second nature to Mike now! Also, every December he helps organize a special week long bible camp for some 600 students from dozens of different churches around the region! In late 2012 he began a new project of training student leaders for group bible studies in many of the local boarding schools - and this is quickly growing into a ministry that is helping disciple literally hundreds of young people.
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 Ministering to disabled with puppetsMinistering to disabled
Every month or so, a mobile clinic for disabled and handicapped children passes through the area. Mike spends the day ministering to the special children that attend the clinic from the surrounding villages. Their lives are often harsh and sad as they suffer without even the simplest of aids or treatment. As the visiting doctors do their best to help physically, Mike tells them about Jesus' wonderful love, and often gives them a gift of a Bible booklet or small soft toy to take home with them - the very FIRST toy many of these children have ever had!
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 removing jiggersSpecial events
Mike also plans many special events for children including children's rallies with clowns and games; annual camps for youth; baptismal services; home bible clubs, and other outreach events. During 2008 he also was part of a team that ministered to children and youth who had suffered violent attacks from an uprising on nearby Mt. Elgon. In August 2012 (as in every even-numbered year) he planned a special program to minister to young boys who participate in traditional circumcision ceremonies to mark their entrance into manhood. These traditions are both unsanitary and ungodly, so it is a very important and challenging opportunity to try to steer these young boys toward Christ and away from pagan traditions.He also continues to develop local children's ministry teams with members from different church organizations and so the one who gets all the glory is JESUS! In 2013 he started a new outreach of treating "jiggers" (digging out tiny sand fleas that burrow under the skin). This humble task relieves much pain and discomfort and also gives him a great opportunity to share the Gospel!
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More photos
See more pictures of Mike and his fast-growing ministry in our special photo album via this link Mike's photos
and read his report of ministry in 2013 here.
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