August 2024 

Hello from Kakamega Kenya,

Nelson and I scooted out of the house early this morning to church. Thankfully we live only a mile from the church and one of the schools.  Driving down the bumpy road that leads to our church, we are met with waving kids with smiles on their faces. Some of their smiles are missing a few teeth. So precious. This morning, Nelson had a great message on Priesthood for the first service and my message was on Where are you? Genesis 3:9. Church was full this morning. I just love seeing my church family. They are so special to us. The two other churches are under our ministry, Pastor Abraham and Pastor Wilson are also busy growing their churches. I love their dedication to their own church families. Pastor Abraham is fundraising for putting the church floor in.  Pastor Wilson has been with us around 5-6 months now. He is concentrating on building relationships.

The schools have closed for break and will start with a new term later this month. We love those little faces so much and really are persevering to help them have a good education. Sometimes the challenges just to keep the schools open is overwhelming because there are so many challenges. Cassandra has been a huge blessing to our students. They absolutely love her and her passion to help them learn. Several parents are not working a steady job which makes it difficult to pay their school fees.  Just like other private schools round the world, if school fees are not completed the student will not be able to graduate. The third term of school is a shorter term. Before we know it we will have a field trip to Kisumu to see the airport that we fly out of,  and Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world. We are hoping to have both schools go at the same time this year. I think it will be fun to have both schools spend time together. They both know about each other, but have never actually spent time together. Shortly after the field trip is graduation. It is so fun to see the PP2 (Kindergarten) and 3rd grade students put their graduation gowns on and receive their certificates.  

Cassandra and I have been working to start a library in our schools. We are starting with the Khayega school first. It is our desire to make books available for each of our students to read. So far, we have around 75 books to start. Each week, Cassandra arrives in school with printouts for students to help improve their reading skills. Every week, I listen to the students gain confidence in their reading. Cassandra patiently listens to them read aloud and sees the look on their faces as they see that they are reading a story. Love those smiling faces. Last week 2 parents came into our school. They were so pleased with the progress of their children. They shared about how before they came to our school, they could not read. (Imagine third grade students not able to read.) Now they are doing great. Emmanuel comes home from school and picks up anything that he can find to read. With all the struggles to keep the schools open, it is reassuring to hear stories of good come back.

We are happy to report there has been some progress on our mission home. Last week a large hole was dug by hand by some of our youth from our church and a septic tank was constructed. This has been so encouraging to see progress. This step is not completed but a lot of progress has been made. Once the tank is completed we will build an outside toilet on top of the tank. Then the inside bathrooms need to be finished. The next step is the electric. We have accomplished a lot inside concerning the electric but now we need to concentrate on finishing the inside and then bring the electric from an electric pole at our neighbors home to our home. Nelson and I have a team coming at the end of September and really would like to be in the house by then. We will work on the rest once we are in.  

I do not often speak about our hospital. On any given month we see around 200 patients and treat them for blood pressure, heart issues, accidents, pneumonia, asthma, COPD as well as malaria, Typhoid and other tropical diseases. Dr Moses patiently listens to the patient describe what they are feeling. Last week while I was there, an unconscious man came in, he was carried by friends on the back of a motorbike. The more difficult cases are transferred to a bigger hospital in Kakamega.

We have been praying about the future of our ministry. It has grown so much over just the past few years. Our church is on land that we have purchased, but both schools, the hospital and churches are on rented land. It has become our prayer that we are able to purchase land to build all 3 parts of the ministry in Shibuli: Hospital, school and church. Then purchase more land in the area where our main church is and build a school there. Paying rent is not practical especially with the changes the landlord can make from one month to another. Please pray for wisdom and open doors for this.

We continue to pray for you daily. Please know how much you mean to us. Your love and prayers help us everyday. Thank you so much. We are also so thankful for your financial support. Honestly without you, we would not be able to accomplish anything. Your monthly commitment as well as those who give for specific things always comes at the right time when we need it the most.

Blessings in abundance to you,
Nelson and Michelle

Giving can be made through:

• PayPal
• Or mail a check to:

Theresa VanderArk  (Path4Life treasurer)

℅ Path4Life 

305 Talon Drive

Coopersville, MI 49404