We have had a large number of people asking for help with their higher education. We will award two $250 scholarships to be paid directly by wire transfer to the high school or college of choice. These are only awarded to people in extreme financial need, based on merit, location and their original answers on the scholarship application. DEADINE March 5, 2015. Eligible countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Haiti
Please email us with your current student status, official school document of your grades, we will then share this application with you via email! God bless your efforts!!
Scholarship Application
March 5, 2015 deadline
What is your primary goal in life?
equired
how will you use your education
Describe a moment in your life, where you realized, you could have an impact in the world.
can be at any age in your life
Describe each member of your family, explaining the impact they have had to make you who you are today.
ed
please describe at least 3 people, up to 7 total
If you complete your education, how will you use your knowledge to impact the future generations in your community?
pay it forward or give it back
Who has influenced your life in the biggest way? How? Why?
this can be anyone, past, present, famous or everyday life
Consistently, I am in awe of how things are coming together in God’s timing and order. He continues to make His fame known in Kibera and in my own heart. When I begin to get anxious, His provision comes through in many ways…usually not in the way my own mind would expect. In October, I had decided to totally empty the account in order to continue construction of the new school, a huge leap of faith. $10.050 was sent, with $8,800 going toward construction. Less than a week later, I was already beginning to panic when no funds had come in to replace those sent. When will I learn in a permanent, sustaining way the true goodness and faithfulness of our God?
“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments.Deut.7:9
24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. 1 Thess.5:24
God has done great and mighty things! What a great Christmas present to the children. This school will be built and God will get ALL praise and glory for it!
We thank God for each and every one of you that has responded in great ways, you have done so much to just pour out your love, some of you in a sacrificial ways to see this school continue being built.
Without your help, where would we be? After my panic, our friends from Georgia made another hugely generous donation($10,000)! We received an unexpected gift from Schwab Charitable to help with the monthly budget. Our sweet summertime teacher, Katie Ruth, her mom Sue and friends had a wonderful fundraiser to contribute more than $6,000 towards the school and student sponsorships. Just yesterday, a good friend surprised us with another super generous gift! So, why I am I telling you this? Because God is good! He loves these children so much!! He wants to glorify Himself in Kibera! He wants to glorify His deeds in North Carolina, Georgia, California and Illinois!! And the entire world!!!
Thanks so much for praying for us! God is answering your prayers!!!
According to our fundraising thermometer, there is only about $25,000 left to be raised in order to complete the school building. YIPEE!!
If you had asked me this time last year, where the school would be in it’s state of completion, I probably would have said maybe 1/3 complete…but with God. (I recently was heckled by an atheistic, saying I should not be giving credit to God for anything because it was people doing this…but without faith, you just cannot understand how God is truly at work in our lives- it is ALL His doing)
The children have completed the Kenyan syllabus and are preparing for exams. Pray for them to remember the things they have learned and to have peace during this busy time. After this, they will celebrate together on Christmas Day at school. Remember, they are family to each other and are so thankful for food they will receive, plus some extra goodies for each of them. They will sing, dance, have fruits, juice and some candy to celebrate our Savior’s birth.
Pray for Monica and the teachers, they work so hard, especially around exam time.
Here is a short video showing some of the windows in the lower level.
Consider helping us with a year end gift. We thank you!
http://bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.png00bringDesignerhttp://bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngbringDesigner2014-12-17 20:47:592014-12-17 20:47:59Christmas and Construction Chronicles
This song was one of my favorites during my youth.Psalm 20:7 I liked it because it was an upbeat, joyous song about our Lord, reminding us that even if others put their trust in the machines of war, our ultimate trust was to be in God. It is well to sing songs, but another matter to put trust in God for something you KNOW YOU CANNOT DO! But, He is my hope, my song, my strong tower, the lifter of my head, my everything in this world. I cannot look to any individual to provide enough money to meet the needs of orphans in a third world country. It is God that touches hearts, it is God that orchestrates connections, it is God that goes ahead and is in fact there in His omniscience, tenderly taking care of them much better than I ever could. So, we are declaring, we trust in you God! I have learned that I can’t trust how I feel anymore. This has been a very confusing, difficult year to walk through filled with exciting highs and devastating lows, but God does not change and I can count on God’s word and His faithfulness and that is enough. I will remember the name of the Lord MY GOD and we can continue saying that He is the One that has provided.
School Needs Text Books
In the last month, so much has happened! We were notified in September that changes had been made to the Kenyan School Syllabus, requiring the immediate purchase of brand new text books in each grade level. As you know, that is very expensive, but someone sent in funds at the perfect time, enabling us to purchase books. Thank you Jesus!!
Teacher Training & Shoes
Monica recently attended teacher training in Nukuru. She will be holding training sessions for the teachers at Miracle Victory Children Centre to pass along her newly acquired knowledge. At another training session, teachers were asked to list some of the major needs at their own schools. Monica decided to list the need for shoes as a high priority. What a blessing, when she later learned that the children would each receive a pair of Tom’s! Tom’s usually requires biannual follow up after a child has been given a pair of shoes. If that turns out to be the case, each child will receive a new pair of shoes every 6 months! How cool is THAT!! I was super excited about this because more than 2 years ago we had sought out Tom’s, filled out applications and attended meetings in Nairobi to investigate being a Tom’s partner. After expending lots of energy, we learned that we would be responsible for distributing 1000+ shoes biannually to children and be responsible for the shipping container and any taxes due. It was overwhelming to even think about the time, energy and expenses we might be faced with in this type of commitment, so we just put those ideas away on a shelf. But God, He had better provision for the children. He made arrangements for Monica to attend training, write down our needs and then later learn that Tom’s shoes would be delivered to our children!! So much better than my plans and the ensuing stress and responsibility. Thank you God for your goodness to the children!
School Demolition Slated
A little over a week ago, we learned from Paul Obia, our Kenyan Contractor, that our current school will be demolished because of it’s location. All shanties that are close to the railway will be demolished to make way for permanent structures. While this is a great step, it means we will not have a place to continue school coursework. We are trusting God and believing that money will come in to pay for the new school to be completed. God is able to do amazing things and we know He wants good for these children. He will touch people to give and there will be more than enough to continue feeding the children, providing teacher’s salaries, medicine and any other need that comes. The teachers have asked for a raise- I believe God will provide that as well!
I got an email from Paul last night, telling me that he was going to keep the men working, with the promise to pay them at the end of the week. normally he pays a daily salary. He is taking a huge leap of faith in doing this. These men and women rely on their salaries to feed their families. It is not like our first world realities. They shop daily for food because most do not own a refrigerator or have running water. Let’s step out in faith together and be a part of seeing these children continue school. With their new text books now in hand, help us make sure that they will not have to disrupt their education because of lack. Let’s complete the new school in time for them to move out of the old school and move in to the BRAND NEW SCHOOL!
Be a part of celebrating God’s provision, faithfulness and goodness!
PLEASE DONATE NOW, it is easy with our giving tab!
Let me introduce you to Katie Ruth. She came to visit our school through Transparency Travel and she has a really big heart.We thank God for her and for His perfect timing. There are times when you have walked in a dry, lonely space…such as we have recently experienced with the sudden death of a lead teacher, our wise Janet..then God sends new hope and vision. Katie has been traveling to different countries the past year, using her gift and love of teaching to work with children in schools. She, with the help of supportive friends and relatives, helped the children make their very own books! She also has an idea for sponsorship of the children, that we hope to implement as soon as possible. Here is a blog that Katie wrote after spending time at our school . http://katietravelingteacher.blogspot.com/2014/07/bringing-miracles-inc.html
Katie Ruth will be sharing with churches and other groups in the Chicago area. Just let us know if you would like for her to come and share with your group!
UPDATE ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION:
Tommy and Janis Burch made a very generous donation to bring construction to a point of safety and protection, thus preventing the potential for damage. We thank God for their huge role in seeing the school built!! The children are overjoyed!! The teachers are excited too!! Without their love and support, this project could not continue.
We are stepping out in faith and sending $9,000 to continue construction of the school. All glory to God for this! We are trusting that God will continue helping us complete this project AND continue providing for the entire school budget. Thanks to the support of many loving people and my church, Lakeview Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Monroe and Hopewell Baptist Church, we were able to continue. God will bless all of you for your sacrificial love.
THERE IS ONLY A $50,000 need left 🙂 It is a LOT still…I know…but GOD IS ABLE!!!
https://i0.wp.com/bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katiemonica-Edited.jpg?fit=732%2C477477732Cindy Baucomhttp://bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngCindy Baucom2014-08-02 16:56:002014-10-23 12:20:09Katie, the Traveling Teacher, Came to Visit!
This is a video we would like to share with you about the ministry in Kibera, Kenya. We meet the needs of the impoverished children who need the basic necessities of life including food, shelter and an education.
https://i0.wp.com/bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/902606_853981164619069_1907094044_o.jpg?fit=1040%2C7807801040bringDesignerhttp://bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngbringDesigner2014-04-29 17:51:422014-10-24 12:30:39Bringing Miracles, Inc. Serving the Children in Kibera, Kenya
Phase 2 began last week on Miracle Victory Children’s Centre. But we only got to this point, as seen in the pictures below. We went as far as the $10,000 was able to stretch. It is our hope to complete this school in the slum of Kibera, enabling 150 children to get an education and be instructed in the Word of God so they will know who they are in Christ and understand that God has plans and purposes for them! I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
His word is true in Kenya, it is true in Haiti, it is true in the US as well!! With God we do have a future filled with hope. Without God we have no hope!
It is true, that we can know this scripture and learn it by heart. We can make beautiful art, to remind us everyday…but unless we experience some tangible evidence that the God of the universe loves us, cares for us and wants good for us- it is really hard to “get it”. Bringing Miracles has been committed to feeding these precious ones physically and spiritually for 7 years and needs your help to make this school happen. They are being taught now, in ramshackle buildings of tin and wood, some with dirt floors…but this new building would be a big step hygienically, structurally and in so many other ways. We are almost half way there! Would you please consider donating now? http://bringingmiracles.com/giving/
I just heard some statistics today that might motivate you and increase your happiness 🙂
Once all our physical needs are met, it is difficult to increase your level of happiness. It only happens when we do something bigger than ourselves. Won’t you decide to help a child in Kenya, who may not even have parents, who can never pay you back for your kindness, who is ecstatic at the chance to get an education?? I could tell their stories (very graphic- do you want that??) and try and lay a guilt trip on you for being born in the US or Sweden or some other wealthy nation?? Why not choose to do something for another human and stick your tongue out into the ugly face of selfishness and self serving garbage??
DO SOMETHING NOW, be a DOOR of CHANGE, be a beacon of encouragement, WALK THE TALK!! Even if you personally don’t have money, you can spread the word, do a kickstarter or other fundraiser, you might KNOW someone who could help. PLEASE SHARE THIS NEED!!
I can’t promise you blessings, but according to research, your HAPPINESS will increase BEYOND NORMAL!
http://bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.png00Cindy Baucomhttp://bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngCindy Baucom2014-04-08 19:46:442014-04-08 19:47:17News from Kenya & Haiti
People are craning their necks to see what is happening in Kibera. They pass by here every day and cannot believe what they see! They say, “You mean that lady Monica, this is her school? She is from Kibera, how can it be? It MUST be GOD! It has to be GOD!! This is too hard for a woman from here to build this, NO WAY!” God is being glorified here! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is getting credit for THIS!! No human is able to do this.
It’s a Terrible Place
Tommy Emory, from Jesup, Georgia, member at Calvary Baptist Church went to Kenya to help start our new school. Tommy told me that nothing I had told him prepared him for the reality of Kibera. It changes you, it gets in your soul, the people are melded in your heart, you see God and hear God better than you ever have before. I asked him to write a little something about his trip, this is his note:
Cindy,
While I was at Monica’s I sent my wife an e-mail that she said touched her heart in a special way. It best describes my days there. I would like to to share it with you along with some pictures of the building site:
The footing on the school was started today. Paul had a lot of men working on it. I took some pictures of Monica shoveling.
The property was nothing like I imagined. When I looked at the area, I thought from the world’s view this would be a terrible place to build a school, but the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said from the Kingdom’s view it is the best place to build.
I went to a fellowship meeting with Emory,Monica, some of her friends, and three pastors in this area. I was really aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Cindy, This school will give hope to those who desperately need to know that God loves them. The second photo was taken the day that we prayed giving thanks to God for His goodness.
Love,
Tommy
And this is my response:
Dear Tommy,
Thanks so much for sending this post! It is interesting that while I was in Kibera, the same thing happened when I first saw the land in person. I knew that the world would think it was crazy and we needed more land, but God showed me that we are ministering to children in Kibera and that is EXACTLY where we were supposed to be!!
God is good and His plans are so much better than ours.
I hope you are feeling rested. Let me know how it goes when you get to share with your church!
God bless!!
Love,
Cindy
School Build Phases
We just began construction on the new school! Phase 1 is coming to a completion. Please pray with us
and consider making a critically needed donation to begin Phase 2. PLEASE DONATE
Here is a break down of each phase and the cost:
The first phase of the foundation, ground floor walling, assembly area flooring, and ground floor
columns should be complete. ( $25,000.00- this is paid in full!!)
The phase 2 will include:
Form work for floor beams on second floor
Steel work for second floor
Floor slab
Electrical conduit for lighting
Plumbing rough-in on second floor
Interior stone work
Complete pouring columns and bearing beam on outside wall perimeter
estimate for second phase: ( $32,000.00)
Phase 3 will be the roof:
Third phase estimate ( $16,000.00)
The 4th Final Phase will include
The final wall plastering
Painting
Installation of doors
Grill work over wall openings
Septic Tank
Finish plumbing and electrical
Gutters
Fourth phase estimate ($25,000.00)
Please join to help us with meeting the needs of the extremely poor. Our Lord Jesus Christ began His
ministry by proclaiming good news to the poor! We need your help to make it happen!
Leap of Faith
Tommy Burch and Emory Wilson took a huge leap of faith as they made the decision to purchase flights and go into the heart of one of the largest slums in Africa. They had never been to Kenya and had never met Monica or any of the children at Miracle & Victory Children’s Centre. They knew they wanted to do something big for God and had a call on their lives to serve and to go and preach the gospel. As Christians, they also know that God goes ahead of you, if He sends you somewhere- He is going to be there- in fact He is already there! We serve a mighty, omnipotent, omniscient God and He is able to make the impossible happen. It is interesting to walk this faith walk. It is usually NOT how I think it will happen. I work really hard at one of the largest hospitals in the US. I work really hard at keeping up with the non profit, trying to do fundraisers, establishing a beautiful website- thanks to Connie Brown, entering non profit contests to try and raise funds, applying for grants- so far unsuccessfully. I have enough to keep me busy with the non profit full time, but I don’t have that luxury. Most of the funds come, not because of my hard work and efforts but because God touches someone and they want to give. So, should I just give up working SO hard? I really want to…it is a difficult burden to bear…oh, the children are well worth the efforts, they are made in the image of Our Creator and they need to have the gospel preached and lived out loud, so they can taste and see that God is good.
starting a good foundation
God is definitely good!
Me…not so good. I fail every day because I am just a human. I fail because I don’t always have the right things to say. I fail because I have offended the very people that could possibly help. I fail because I forget things all the time. I really hope that people don’t look at me when they are deciding to give to the vulnerable. God, can I just hide in You? Can they just see beyond my failings and forgetfulness and see the joy they can give a child. They will never be repaid. They may never meet these children and receive words of praise from them or hugs from a contented, full and satisfied child.
There are people that have the ability to make a huge difference, but will they? This is a challenge to those of you who never get beyond the thought that I can do something. Go beyond just thinking about it…DO SOMETHING!!!
We need your help!
Luke 12:32-34
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
https://i0.wp.com/bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8179.jpg?fit=5184%2C345634565184Cindy Baucomhttp://bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngCindy Baucom2014-01-30 00:12:202014-03-13 18:01:31Can I Just Hide?
Monica turns the shovel to signify a new beginning for the school!
Miracle & Victory Children’s Centre
We build this new school to the glory of God, for the children in Kibera, Kenya.We ask the Lord to guide and direct them as the building goes up and as each part comes together, that God will dwell in every centimeter of this school, that many will come to salvation through the testimony of God’s faithfulness, that the children, teachers and anyone who passes will be stirred to want to know God. You are so good Lord God and we thank you!!
Our prayers are being answered and the long held hope is beginning to visualize- hallelujah! Tommy Burch and Emory Wilson fly out to Kenya January 18th. Some of you may remember Tommy from our August fundraiser. He and his wife Janis, from Jesup, Georgia had asked for prayer at the end of the worship service. They wanted to do something significant for God and wanted us to pray with them to understand exactly what God would have them do for Him. From that point, Tommy and Janis would need to fill in how the decision was finally made to go to Kenya and build the school. We believe that it is all a God connection! From the time we visited the ladies from Calvary Baptist Church last fall, God has had a plan!
Tommy and Emory will stay with Monica and her family for 2 weeks, working alongside our Kenyan contractor Paul Obiya. Please pray for everyone and for the building process. We are trusting God to strengthen, give wisdom, cultural fluidity, excellent planning, safety & provision. We know God is able to do above and beyond whatever we might ask or think on our own. The children and teachers are completely thrilled and can’t wait for the new school. Pray for them too! Here is the architectural drawing of how the school is designed, it follows the lay of the land that we purchased last year. We have also started fundraising, our 2 man team cannot do this alone! They are working with about $25,000 that was donated by the generosity of an anonymous donor in the Georgia area. We hope to raise the necessary $75,000 to complete the structure. There are also more needs for each classroom, chairs, desks, blackboards, paper, pencils, textbooks, etc
I have been there and seen the needs of these children. The heartache is real, the stories of incredible strength and hope in the midst of horrendous obstacles is humbling and very powerful. Jesus has plans for each child, really each person involved in the school. They have all seen their share of heartache and loss, but Jesus, through His shed blood, has bought redemption for those that receive His mercy, love and grace. They are getting a taste of His goodness and love.
https://i0.wp.com/bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_6809.jpg?fit=5184%2C345634565184Cindy Baucomhttp://bringingmiracles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngCindy Baucom2014-01-20 02:53:292014-03-12 19:44:31Building the New School!
Two $250 Scholarships for Education
/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article /by bringDesignerWe have had a large number of people asking for help with their higher education. We will award two $250 scholarships to be paid directly by wire transfer to the high school or college of choice. These are only awarded to people in extreme financial need, based on merit, location and their original answers on the scholarship application. DEADINE March 5, 2015. Eligible countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Haiti
Please email us with your current student status, official school document of your grades, we will then share this application with you via email! God bless your efforts!!
Scholarship Application
March 5, 2015 deadline
What is your primary goal in life?
equired
how will you use your education
Describe a moment in your life, where you realized, you could have an impact in the world.
can be at any age in your life
Describe each member of your family, explaining the impact they have had to make you who you are today.
ed
please describe at least 3 people, up to 7 total
If you complete your education, how will you use your knowledge to impact the future generations in your community?
pay it forward or give it back
Who has influenced your life in the biggest way? How? Why?
this can be anyone, past, present, famous or everyday life
Share this:
Christmas and Construction Chronicles
/0 Comments/in News /by bringDesignerConsistently, I am in awe of how things are coming together in God’s timing and order. He continues to make His fame known in Kibera and in my own heart. When I begin to get anxious, His provision comes through in many ways…usually not in the way my own mind would expect. In October, I had decided to totally empty the account in order to continue construction of the new school, a huge leap of faith. $10.050 was sent, with $8,800 going toward construction. Less than a week later, I was already beginning to panic when no funds had come in to replace those sent. When will I learn in a permanent, sustaining way the true goodness and faithfulness of our God?
“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments.Deut.7:9
24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. 1 Thess.5:24
God has done great and mighty things! What a great Christmas present to the children. This school will be built and God will get ALL praise and glory for it!
We thank God for each and every one of you that has responded in great ways, you have done so much to just pour out your love, some of you in a sacrificial ways to see this school continue being built.
Without your help, where would we be? After my panic, our friends from Georgia made another hugely generous donation($10,000)! We received an unexpected gift from Schwab Charitable to help with the monthly budget. Our sweet summertime teacher, Katie Ruth, her mom Sue and friends had a wonderful fundraiser to contribute more than $6,000 towards the school and student sponsorships. Just yesterday, a good friend surprised us with another super generous gift! So, why I am I telling you this? Because God is good! He loves these children so much!! He wants to glorify Himself in Kibera! He wants to glorify His deeds in North Carolina, Georgia, California and Illinois!! And the entire world!!!
Thanks so much for praying for us! God is answering your prayers!!!
According to our fundraising thermometer, there is only about $25,000 left to be raised in order to complete the school building. YIPEE!!
If you had asked me this time last year, where the school would be in it’s state of completion, I probably would have said maybe 1/3 complete…but with God. (I recently was heckled by an atheistic, saying I should not be giving credit to God for anything because it was people doing this…but without faith, you just cannot understand how God is truly at work in our lives- it is ALL His doing)
The children have completed the Kenyan syllabus and are preparing for exams. Pray for them to remember the things they have learned and to have peace during this busy time. After this, they will celebrate together on Christmas Day at school. Remember, they are family to each other and are so thankful for food they will receive, plus some extra goodies for each of them. They will sing, dance, have fruits, juice and some candy to celebrate our Savior’s birth.
Pray for Monica and the teachers, they work so hard, especially around exam time.
Here is a short video showing some of the windows in the lower level.
Consider helping us with a year end gift. We thank you!
Share this:
Some Trust in Chariots…
/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Cindy BaucomTrusting God for the Children
This song was one of my favorites during my youth.Psalm 20:7 I liked it because it was an upbeat, joyous song about our Lord, reminding us that even if others put their trust in the machines of war, our ultimate trust was to be in God. It is well to sing songs, but another matter to put trust in God for something you KNOW YOU CANNOT DO! But, He is my hope, my song, my strong tower, the lifter of my head, my everything in this world. I cannot look to any individual to provide enough money to meet the needs of orphans in a third world country. It is God that touches hearts, it is God that orchestrates connections, it is God that goes ahead and is in fact there in His omniscience, tenderly taking care of them much better than I ever could. So, we are declaring, we trust in you God! I have learned that I can’t trust how I feel anymore. This has been a very confusing, difficult year to walk through filled with exciting highs and devastating lows, but God does not change and I can count on God’s word and His faithfulness and that is enough. I will remember the name of the Lord MY GOD and we can continue saying that He is the One that has provided.
School Needs Text Books
In the last month, so much has happened! We were notified in September that changes had been made to the Kenyan School Syllabus, requiring the immediate purchase of brand new text books in each grade level. As you know, that is very expensive, but someone sent in funds at the perfect time, enabling us to purchase books. Thank you Jesus!!
Teacher Training & Shoes
Monica recently attended teacher training in Nukuru. She will be holding training sessions for the teachers at Miracle Victory Children Centre to pass along her newly acquired knowledge. At another training session, teachers were asked to list some of the major needs at their own schools. Monica decided to list the need for shoes as a high priority. What a blessing, when she later learned that the children would each receive a pair of Tom’s! Tom’s usually requires biannual follow up after a child has been given a pair of shoes. If that turns out to be the case, each child will receive a new pair of shoes every 6 months! How cool is THAT!! I was super excited about this because more than 2 years ago we had sought out Tom’s, filled out applications and attended meetings in Nairobi to investigate being a Tom’s partner. After expending lots of energy, we learned that we would be responsible for distributing 1000+ shoes biannually to children and be responsible for the shipping container and any taxes due. It was overwhelming to even think about the time, energy and expenses we might be faced with in this type of commitment, so we just put those ideas away on a shelf. But God, He had better provision for the children. He made arrangements for Monica to attend training, write down our needs and then later learn that Tom’s shoes would be delivered to our children!! So much better than my plans and the ensuing stress and responsibility. Thank you God for your goodness to the children!
School Demolition Slated
A little over a week ago, we learned from Paul Obia, our Kenyan Contractor, that our current school will be demolished because of it’s location. All shanties that are close to the railway will be demolished to make way for permanent structures. While this is a great step, it means we will not have a place to continue school coursework. We are trusting God and believing that money will come in to pay for the new school to be completed. God is able to do amazing things and we know He wants good for these children. He will touch people to give and there will be more than enough to continue feeding the children, providing teacher’s salaries, medicine and any other need that comes. The teachers have asked for a raise- I believe God will provide that as well!
I got an email from Paul last night, telling me that he was going to keep the men working, with the promise to pay them at the end of the week. normally he pays a daily salary. He is taking a huge leap of faith in doing this. These men and women rely on their salaries to feed their families. It is not like our first world realities. They shop daily for food because most do not own a refrigerator or have running water. Let’s step out in faith together and be a part of seeing these children continue school. With their new text books now in hand, help us make sure that they will not have to disrupt their education because of lack. Let’s complete the new school in time for them to move out of the old school and move in to the BRAND NEW SCHOOL!
Be a part of celebrating God’s provision, faithfulness and goodness!
PLEASE DONATE NOW, it is easy with our giving tab!
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!
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/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, News /by Cindy BaucomLet me introduce you to Katie Ruth. She came to visit our school through Transparency Travel and she has a really big heart.We thank God for her and for His perfect timing. There are times when you have walked in a dry, lonely space…such as we have recently experienced with the sudden death of a lead teacher, our wise Janet..then God sends new hope and vision. Katie has been traveling to different countries the past year, using her gift and love of teaching to work with children in schools. She, with the help of supportive friends and relatives, helped the children make their very own books! She also has an idea for sponsorship of the children, that we hope to implement as soon as possible. Here is a blog that Katie wrote after spending time at our school . http://katietravelingteacher.blogspot.com/2014/07/bringing-miracles-inc.html
Katie Ruth will be sharing with churches and other groups in the Chicago area. Just let us know if you would like for her to come and share with your group!
UPDATE ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION:
Tommy and Janis Burch made a very generous donation to bring construction to a point of safety and protection, thus preventing the potential for damage. We thank God for their huge role in seeing the school built!! The children are overjoyed!! The teachers are excited too!! Without their love and support, this project could not continue.
We are stepping out in faith and sending $9,000 to continue construction of the school. All glory to God for this! We are trusting that God will continue helping us complete this project AND continue providing for the entire school budget. Thanks to the support of many loving people and my church, Lakeview Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Monroe and Hopewell Baptist Church, we were able to continue. God will bless all of you for your sacrificial love.
THERE IS ONLY A $50,000 need left 🙂 It is a LOT still…I know…but GOD IS ABLE!!!
Katie Ruth outside at MVCC teaching the children
Children lining up for food
We wash our hands before lunch!
Satisfying and finger licking good!
Lunch time!!
So proud of their books!!
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Bringing Miracles, Inc. Serving the Children in Kibera, Kenya
/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, News /by bringDesignerBringing Miracles Video
This is a video we would like to share with you about the ministry in Kibera, Kenya. We meet the needs of the impoverished children who need the basic necessities of life including food, shelter and an education.
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News from Kenya & Haiti
/0 Comments/in News /by Cindy BaucomPhase 2 began last week on Miracle Victory Children’s Centre. But we only got to this point, as seen in the pictures below. We went as far as the $10,000 was able to stretch. It is our hope to complete this school in the slum of Kibera, enabling 150 children to get an education and be instructed in the Word of God so they will know who they are in Christ and understand that God has plans and purposes for them! I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
His word is true in Kenya, it is true in Haiti, it is true in the US as well!! With God we do have a future filled with hope. Without God we have no hope!
It is true, that we can know this scripture and learn it by heart. We can make beautiful art, to remind us everyday…but unless we experience some tangible evidence that the God of the universe loves us, cares for us and wants good for us- it is really hard to “get it”. Bringing Miracles has been committed to feeding these precious ones physically and spiritually for 7 years and needs your help to make this school happen. They are being taught now, in ramshackle buildings of tin and wood, some with dirt floors…but this new building would be a big step hygienically, structurally and in so many other ways. We are almost half way there! Would you please consider donating now? http://bringingmiracles.com/giving/
I just heard some statistics today that might motivate you and increase your happiness 🙂
Once all our physical needs are met, it is difficult to increase your level of happiness. It only happens when we do something bigger than ourselves. Won’t you decide to help a child in Kenya, who may not even have parents, who can never pay you back for your kindness, who is ecstatic at the chance to get an education?? I could tell their stories (very graphic- do you want that??) and try and lay a guilt trip on you for being born in the US or Sweden or some other wealthy nation?? Why not choose to do something for another human and stick your tongue out into the ugly face of selfishness and self serving garbage??
DO SOMETHING NOW, be a DOOR of CHANGE, be a beacon of encouragement, WALK THE TALK!! Even if you personally don’t have money, you can spread the word, do a kickstarter or other fundraiser, you might KNOW someone who could help. PLEASE SHARE THIS NEED!!
I can’t promise you blessings, but according to research, your HAPPINESS will increase BEYOND NORMAL!
The children did some prayer walking.
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Haiti Medical Mission
/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Cindy BaucomTwo yo
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School Build Bringing Hope to Kibera
/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, News /by Cindy BaucomGod gets the Glory
People are craning their necks to see what is happening in Kibera. They pass by here every day and cannot believe what they see! They say, “You mean that lady Monica, this is her school? She is from Kibera, how can it be? It MUST be GOD! It has to be GOD!! This is too hard for a woman from here to build this, NO WAY!” God is being glorified here! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is getting credit for THIS!! No human is able to do this.
It’s a Terrible Place
Tommy Emory, from Jesup, Georgia, member at Calvary Baptist Church went to Kenya to help start our new school. Tommy told me that nothing I had told him prepared him for the reality of Kibera. It changes you, it gets in your soul, the people are melded in your heart, you see God and hear God better than you ever have before. I asked him to write a little something about his trip, this is his note:
Cindy,
Dear Tommy,
We just began construction on the new school! Phase 1 is coming to a completion. Please pray with us
and consider making a critically needed donation to begin Phase 2. PLEASE DONATE
Here is a break down of each phase and the cost:
The first phase of the foundation, ground floor walling, assembly area flooring, and ground floor
columns should be complete. ( $25,000.00- this is paid in full!!)
The phase 2 will include:
Form work for floor beams on second floor
Steel work for second floor
Floor slab
Electrical conduit for lighting
Plumbing rough-in on second floor
Interior stone work
Complete pouring columns and bearing beam on outside wall perimeter
estimate for second phase: ( $32,000.00)
Phase 3 will be the roof:
Third phase estimate ( $16,000.00)
The 4th Final Phase will include
The final wall plastering
Painting
Installation of doors
Grill work over wall openings
Septic Tank
Finish plumbing and electrical
Gutters
Fourth phase estimate ($25,000.00)
Please join to help us with meeting the needs of the extremely poor. Our Lord Jesus Christ began His
ministry by proclaiming good news to the poor! We need your help to make it happen!
Monica Turns Ground
Breaking Ground
School Bathrooms
Walls in the School
Walls are built
Please pray for us! Please share the needs! Please invite us to come speak to your church! THANK YOU!!!
We are a 501 c 3 non profit organization and have a transparent policy to release our accounting records.
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Can I Just Hide?
/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Cindy BaucomLeap of Faith
Tommy Burch and Emory Wilson took a huge leap of faith as they made the decision to purchase flights and go into the heart of one of the largest slums in Africa. They had never been to Kenya and had never met Monica or any of the children at Miracle & Victory Children’s Centre. They knew they wanted to do something big for God and had a call on their lives to serve and to go and preach the gospel. As Christians, they also know that God goes ahead of you, if He sends you somewhere- He is going to be there- in fact He is already there! We serve a mighty, omnipotent, omniscient God and He is able to make the impossible happen. It is interesting to walk this faith walk. It is usually NOT how I think it will happen. I work really hard at one of the largest hospitals in the US. I work really hard at keeping up with the non profit, trying to do fundraisers, establishing a beautiful website- thanks to Connie Brown, entering non profit contests to try and raise funds, applying for grants- so far unsuccessfully. I have enough to keep me busy with the non profit full time, but I don’t have that luxury. Most of the funds come, not because of my hard work and efforts but because God touches someone and they want to give. So, should I just give up working SO hard? I really want to…it is a difficult burden to bear…oh, the children are well worth the efforts, they are made in the image of Our Creator and they need to have the gospel preached and lived out loud, so they can taste and see that God is good.
starting a good foundation
God is definitely good!
Me…not so good. I fail every day because I am just a human. I fail because I don’t always have the right things to say. I fail because I have offended the very people that could possibly help. I fail because I forget things all the time. I really hope that people don’t look at me when they are deciding to give to the vulnerable. God, can I just hide in You? Can they just see beyond my failings and forgetfulness and see the joy they can give a child. They will never be repaid. They may never meet these children and receive words of praise from them or hugs from a contented, full and satisfied child.
There are people that have the ability to make a huge difference, but will they? This is a challenge to those of you who never get beyond the thought that I can do something. Go beyond just thinking about it…DO SOMETHING!!!
We need your help!
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Building the New School!
/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Cindy BaucomUPDATE: School dedication
Monica turns the shovel to signify a new beginning for the school!
Miracle & Victory Children’s Centre
We build this new school to the glory of God, for the children in Kibera, Kenya.We ask the Lord to guide and direct them as the building goes up and as each part comes together, that God will dwell in every centimeter of this school, that many will come to salvation through the testimony of God’s faithfulness, that the children, teachers and anyone who passes will be stirred to want to know God. You are so good Lord God and we thank you!!
Tommy and Emory will stay with Monica and her family for 2 weeks, working alongside our Kenyan contractor Paul Obiya. Please pray for everyone and for the building process. We are trusting God to strengthen, give wisdom, cultural fluidity, excellent planning, safety & provision. We know God is able to do above and beyond whatever we might ask or think on our own. The children and teachers are completely thrilled and can’t wait for the new school. Pray for them too! Here is the architectural drawing of how the school is designed, it follows the lay of the land that we purchased last year. We have also started fundraising, our 2 man team cannot do this alone! They are working with about $25,000 that was donated by the generosity of an anonymous donor in the Georgia area. We hope to raise the necessary $75,000 to complete the structure. There are also more needs for each classroom, chairs, desks, blackboards, paper, pencils, textbooks, etc
Please check out our fundraiser site :https://www.fundraise.com/bringing-miracles-inc/school-build-in-kibera-slum Or you can engage with us directly and save the fees involved. Thank you so much!
I have been there and seen the needs of these children. The heartache is real, the stories of incredible strength and hope in the midst of horrendous obstacles is humbling and very powerful. Jesus has plans for each child, really each person involved in the school. They have all seen their share of heartache and loss, but Jesus, through His shed blood, has bought redemption for those that receive His mercy, love and grace. They are getting a taste of His goodness and love.
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