News
Dear Friends …
The results of recent events here in Kenya — unease (admittedly, coming close to fear on an occasion or two) we ourselves have felt in regard to the safety of the children of CMIA Grace Children's Centres as well as our own three young daughters; distress we’ve witnessed on the faces of Kenyan friends and partners in ministry; apprehension on the part of the ordinary citizen wondering “what next?”, and “am I still going to be able to provide for my family if my company closes and I lose my job?”; and the shock and grief of those caught up in the violence more directly, losing their homes, their possessions, their loved ones — bring back to memory similar times of unrest in the country in 1990 and 1992, and — more specifically — an event one sunny morning in 1990 that impacted our family on a very personal level:
Immediately upon the release of the news that the gun shot and burned remains of an enormously popular Kenyan politician had been discovered in a forest in the western part of the county, sudden and widespread violence broke out in the slums ringing Nairobi, and around the country. Within minutes, our (then) ten year-old son, Cameron was at risk when, without warning, his primary school (bordering the Nairobi slum of Kawangware), became completely cut off from the main part of the city as rioters and looters began to move out from that area and up the main road towards the city, engaging in running battles with administrative police.
David and I -– working in our home office just a few kilometres away — had barely comprehended the shocking news of what was obviously a political assassination when we received reports of that Kawangware had erupted and gangs of rioters were breaking out of the slum’s borders into the adjacent residential and business areas. Realizing the proximity of Cameron’s school to Kawangware, we jumped into our vehicle and headed towards Kawangware and the school, only to be turned back by military police — ordering us to return home to be safe — about a kilometre from the school gate. We had received the news that our child could be in danger too late. After trying and failing to talk our way through the roadblock, we reluctantly turned back for home.
Telephone calls to the school throughout that fearful morning and afternoon yielded mostly busy signals, but for one hurried report from a staff member that the children were under tables in the school library, well away from windows and doors in order to be protected from any stray or ricocheting bullets that might veer from of the volleys of gunfire being exchanged between rioting gangs and police in front of the school compound — and “please, try not to worry… (click)”. You can imagine the anxious hours that followed for David and me! Our only son, trapped in a dangerous and volatile situation. We, his parents, totally powerless in our own strengths, bolstering ourselves with faith scriptures, claiming a hedge of protection around that small Nairobi school and all inside, placing our son’s life entirely in God’s hands...
To bring you quickly to the “victory” part of the story, later that day— just after 5.00 p.m.— after rioters had been driven back into Kawangware, an administrative service unit vehicle pulled up to our front gate, opened its door, and out from among a group of children huddled together inside stepped Cameron, eyes as big as saucers, but in whole and perfect condition! We spent lots of time over the nights and days that followed thanking God for keeping Cameron, his schoolmates and teachers safe that day.
Had we questioned our call to Kenya, this would be the juncture at which we’d tell you we began to rethink our situation after that day, considered looking to wrap up affairs, checked on the prices of air tickets back to the States… However, not one of us thought this an option at the time, and from that time to now David and I have never questioned the purposes of God in calling us to dedicate our lives to His Service in Kenya. Though there are physical battles going on around the country and in the political arena, we recognize that we are also in a spiritual battle for souls. Satan would like nothing better than for the Christian missionary community to become fearful enough to contemplate pulling out. Our Kenyan counterparts would be further shaken by our departures. The horrors and destruction of the last few weeks, while giving us deep, deep sadness, have also given us occasion to reflect on just what our response as missionaries should be in this time of crisis… and we see spiritual victory on the horizon!
As a church and a Christian organization we have weathered the storm and are intact. A Langata COTR congregation member — by profession a high ranking police officer on active duty in many of the hot spots during these troubled times — pulled us aside last Sunday to let us know what a “miracle” he and others consider the Kenya Churches On The Rock. He had witnessed both Christian individuals and the Kenyan church caught up in the physical struggle and division over the weeks… Continue to pray Christian Ministries In Africa and the Churches on the Rock will remain all that the Lord has called them to be… loving and accepting of any and all who desire to follow Jesus Christ, driven by biblical principles.
We are very grateful that the very dangerous situation we were dealing with, in regard to the Nakuru Grace Children’s Centre Home For Boys and the residents there, is past. All fifty-four boys are safe and the younger ones, relocated for reasons of safety, have returned to the church/home compound. With the reopening of most area schools in the last week, all have begun the 2008 school year at various pre-primary, primary and secondary campuses in the area. Ismail Waita, who completed the GCC Langata programme and transitioned to Nakuru just prior to national elections — now a very brave man, according to Pastor Anthony Wanyoike! — has joined Langa Langa Provincial Secondary School with fellow GCC’ers Johana, Nguva and Vincent. In the last weeks, from our ministry compound in Nakuru — also from our churches in Kibera and Kawangware — we have extended food aid to a further 2,500 internally displaced people. The last food distribution in Nakuru took place last Saturday, with all our Nakuru GCC boys participating in the giving exercise — actually, this was scheduled for Saturday at the insistence of the boys’ themselves as, undertaken on a weekday, they would be away at school!
As the eastern, northeastern and northern provinces of Kenya have been relatively unaffected by Kenya’s recent conflicts, CMIA’S RTS programme continues to move forward. In Garissa town, Rock Pre- Primary School opened the second week of January as scheduled, and within a short time had reached its intake quota of ninety, 3 to 7 year olds from the various communities in the area. On Thursday last, we received a call from Pastor Joseph and Felistus Mwasya, pastoring the Garissa church and managing the school on a daily basis, asking if we would consider lifting the ninety student quota in order that children of several displaced families might be enrolled. These families, fleeing their troubled home areas, had landed in Garissa without a possession in the world and in need of something positive for their young children as they considered what to do next. Of course, our response was YES!
A young woman named Jacqueline arrived at the CMIA Langata headquarters last Wednesday, with a year old baby in tow. She had fled Njoro after her CD and cassette duplicating and recording shop was destroyed and the ancestral home she shared with two older brothers came under attack. Separated from her the brothers in the confusion, she has now learned that as she fled south towards Nairobi, they chose a westward route to the Ugandan border. One is now in and IDP camp in Tororo, Uganda, the other has not been located. When we asked Jacqueline why she had come to Nairobi, and why specifically to the CMIA/COTR compound, she replied that she had been a longtime member of the Njoro Church On The Rock and that, as she fled the area — enroute staying several weeks in an IDP camp in Naivasha before securing passage on to the city — all she could think was “if I just can get to my church headquarters, I can find help there”. Jacqueline had never been to the CMIA/COTR headquarters, but, after asking around, was told how to reach there. CMIA immediately moved to assist Jacqueline with funds for food and changes of clothing for herself and her little daughter, and for temporary housing, asking her to seek God over this week as to what her next step should be. At this time, Jacqueline feels she will never return to Njoro because of “all that my eyes saw there”, and even though in future — and after the healing of hearts begins — she may once again desire to return to Njoro to start again, we have agreed to meet with her again on Friday to discuss the start up of a small music business at a location here in Nairobi. In confirming Jacqueline’s circumstance with our pastor in Njoro, we’ve also learned that her music business was successful and included the sale of her own gospel recordings. She was able to make a living then, and — with start-up assistance — will once again be able to provide for herself and her child through this small enterprise.
In similar manner, we are working with Samuel Amolo in Kibera. Samuel lost a tailoring shop of four machines, tools and fabrics in the much publicized burning and looting and killing spree that erupted in this Nairobi slum on 30th December, shortly after presidential election results were announced. Samuel had been living at the Kibera Church On The Rock until CMIA helped him get back into housing several weeks ago. The ministry will now purchase a new sewing machine for Samuel, so that he can once again use his tailoring skills to support himself and his family. We count it a privilege to sow financially into the rehabilitation of individuals who have lost so much – and we are very thankful that, as a result of designated relief funds sown CMIA by many of you, we find ourselves able to take part in seeing the lives — and livelihoods— of those the Lord brings our way re-established. Thank you so much
For those who have asked:
Pastor Ramadhan and Stanislus, and the girls at the GCC Home in Makindu, are well and — aside from experiencing (as is the rest of the country) a shortage of commodities and the sky rocketing prices of those commodities that are available — are unaffected by Kenya’s recent struggles. Grace Children’s Centre Extension Home for Girls secondary candidates Mercy, Nancy and Anna all found Form One places at Makindu Secondary School. Though we have not obtained education sponsors for the three, we have in faith accepted the places offered and enrolled the girls, and will believe God to supply the necessary fees and school- related requirements they will have over the year.
The Reuben Church On The Rock School as well as the post-school tailoring programme, the two sharing a compound in the Reuben/Mukuru slum of Nairobi, were miraculously untouched in recent fighting — thank you for your prayers, as this is an area where rioting and looting seemed almost inevitable — though there have been quickly suppressed pockets of unrest in the area. The new school year convened mid-January, with all staff returning, and the classrooms filled to overflowing with tailoring students, and children in pre-primary and Standard One to Seven classes. To those of you who give specifically to COTR School teachers’ salaries, Pastor Bernard and Ruth Ndetei (local church pastors and COTR School administrators), the teachers’ themselves, and David and I wish to convey our sincere appreciation..
We continue to rest on great portions of Psalm 37. For Jacqueline. For Samuel. For the displaced and disheartened in Kibera. In Nakuru. In Naivasha. In Kawangware. In Kisumu, Eldoret and Garissa, and for the countless others attacked and pushed from their towns, farms, homes, jobs and all that was familiar … “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” (NIV) This is our victory cry for Kenya.
Mediations to end Kenya’s political crises are ongoing, with speculation that some sort of power sharing agreement between the ruling party (PNU) and the opposition (ODM) might soon be arrived at Though the international media has moved on to other stories, we still very much require your prayers for peace, and for a final and workable political agreement.
In His Service In Africa… David and Jennifer
PRESSING ON … A Report from the East African Field –
“But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord. He is their strength in the time of trouble.” (Proverbs 37:39)
After twenty three years of living and ministering in a relatively peaceful African nation, we find ourselves in a situation where the country we love — and which we and our children all consider home — is seemingly coming down around our ears.
Since flawed national elections last 27th December, the nation of Kenya has been in crisis. Neighbors have turned upon neighbors and friends upon friends in the cruelest of ways, striking out with pangas (machetes), and with fire.
In the midst of crisis, the one constant we remain certain of is Jesus Christ, our light and salvation; He will see us through. He alone has the power to restore this nation.
With many church congregations and organizations splitting, or in danger of splitting down tribal lines, and at a time when it is difficult to find even the smallest “positive” amidst the hatred and violence, we witness the men and women of our churches — those we’ve worked with, trained and mentored — displaying immense character, leadership and compassion for the men, women and children — this regardless of tribe or political affiliation — whom have lost loved ones and literally all worldly possessions in the current strife.
The presence of the Lord was tremendously felt when, several Sunday mornings ago, we asked the individual tribes represented in our Langata Nairobi church congregation to, one by one, intercede for the nation in their mother tongues. As they cried out to God in languages others of us couldn’t understand in the natural, we became united with them in that cry. It was one of the most powerful times of prayer either of us had ever experienced.
These are times of testing for Kenyan Christians. Either they believe and adhere to the teachings of Jesus Christ, or they don’t and become caught up in current circumstances like so many others, acting upon deep resentments harbored over decades. The eyes of the world are on Kenya, and many are keenly watching the reactions and responses of its Christians and the church.
We have some real life heroes at Africa Churches On The Rock — though none would ever think of themselves in that way:
After the first surges of killing, looting and burning in the Nairobi slums of Kibera and Kawangware, Pastor Jacob and Pastor Shem of the Kibera and Kawangware COTR’s sprang into action, helping CMIA to organize immediate food and clothing relief to those who had fled to their church compounds for safety. Within a few days we were able to, through the Kibera and Kawangware COTR’s, extend food relief to 750 more displaced people in Kibera and more than 500 in Kawangware. Pastors Jacob and Shem then identified twenty-five extremely affected families in those areas and, as a ministry, we have been able to expand our aid to these families by helping them with funding that will, first, get them back into housing, and then restart their lost small businesses as tailors, tinsmiths, and vendors of grains, produce and household goods.
In hard hit Nakuru town, the scene of looting, torching and murder over this past weekend, Pastor Anthony and Pastor David have not only made wise decisions concerning the boys of CMIA’s Grace Children’s Centre Home For Boys, but have served as faultless examples of truly godly men — so many of our boys had not had suitable men to look to as role models before coming to GCC — to the older boys there, in particular. While we felt it necessary to move thirty five of the younger boys to a place of greater safety, the senior boys refused to leave Anthony and David’s sides and have remained to labor with them in caring for those displaced families who have taken refuge at the Nakuru church/ boys’ home compound. Following the example given by the men in their lives. Building character. (Isaiah 43:4 NKJ)
Some might think being a missionary a glamorous job. Day to day life on the mission field is far from glamorous. A great deal of time is simply devoted to the challenges of everyday living as it is for anyone, anywhere. Sometime cross-cultural ministry can be frustrating. Sometimes dangerous. Lonely — being so far away from stateside parents, brothers, sisters and friends. Often very sad as we deal with the hurt, the dying, the disenfranchised. But just as God has a particular place of service and life’s purpose for every one of us, His promise is that He will never leave us and never forsake us once we enter that place of service to which He has called us. There is protection in that promise, which leads to satisfaction and joy no matter what the circumstances. We continue to gladly serve the Lord here in Kenya knowing we have this promise, because we are in His Will. And the victories, the “fruit” — as currently exemplified in Pastor Jacob, Pastor Shem, Pastor Anthony, Pastor David, and the GCC Nakuru senior boys — serves as tangible affirmation to us both that these years given to a place far far away from all that we had previously known have been well spent. We have no regrets, no second thoughts.
We are so very grateful for your continued intercession; for your physical support of the relief efforts we have been able to put in place; for your love and concern for us as a family, for those with whom we work and those for whom we care — and for the country of Kenya in general. Continue believing that this beautiful land will once again be restored to peace, and that its diverse people — at this time so bitterly divided — will soon begin the process of forgiveness and repentance, which will lead to healing followed by an authentic unity of purpose to build a new and stronger nation.
David and Jennifer Hatley
Founders/Directors
Christian Ministries In Africa
Nairobi
URGENT prayer request from David & Jennifer Hatley
FROM JENNIFER HATLEY
We’ve just received word here in Nairobi that fighting has broken out between rival groups in Jerusalem Estate, Nakuru, where CMIA’s Grace Children’s Centre Home For Boys is located. Pastor Anthony reports that a number of people have been injured and several have been brought into the ministry compound. He has treated several superficial wounds and, fearing the situation could become much worse, has summoned the Red Cross, and the police…
No gunfire near the home, as yet – at the moment stones are being thrown; panga (machetes) and bows and arrows being used; tires being set ablaze to block roads – though once police arrive there could well be. All our GCC boys are accounted for, and inside their dormitories, but for five secondary boys whose day schools have started up again. (Many Nakuru area schools have not started the new academic year due to the current problems in the country.) These are secure within their school compounds some distance away, and will not attempt to return home until it is safe to do so… David and I are very concerned for all the GCC boys’ (fifty five, ranging in age from 5 to17 yrs.).
For their physical safety, as well as how witnessing such cruel acts meted out by Kenyans on fellow Kenyans might affect their emotional states. However, sixteen year old Ismail who - only last Sunday - transitioned from Langata GCC to Nakuru to prepare to begin his first year secondary school in February came immediately to mind as we spoke to Anthony via cell phone. When we asked if Ismail was afraid — a resident of Langata GCC since he was three years old, he grew up in a very protected environment there — Pastor Anthony responded, “No, I’m looking at Ismail as we speak. He’s a man; he can deal with these things.” We’re so very sorry that the current state of affairs in Kenya is forcing any of our Nakuru GCC boys have to “deal with these things”, but can do nothing but place them all — as well as Pastor Anthony, Jane and their family, and Pastor David Waweru and his — in the Lord’s hands.
Please pray with us…
After a second consecutive summer of travel and family weddings—our second-born daughter Penny was married to Jim Willer on August 11th in Snohomish, Washington—we arrived home to Nairobi just in time for our three youngest—Wambui, Nyaguthii, and Rose Njeri—to settle in for a new school term, and just in time to welcome more groups of international visitors to CMIA: A third 2007 group from Betenbough Homes, whose charitable foundation has been a tremendous blessing to CMIA in 2006 and 2007, followed by a ministry team whose members—led by Pastor Greg and Jean of Central Christian Church in Snohomish— represented a number of Seattle area churches as well as popular local radio station. KMPS-Seattle personality Stephanie Rose (long time sponsor of Grace Children’s Centre’s Muiruri Njuguna) created quite a stir with her daily reports from Kenya, which led to Seattle listeners generously donating funds for a roof for CMIA’s Church on the Rock in Bahati, Kenya, in addition to financing the purchase of lovely cross necklaces, custom tailored dresses, new school shoes and special chocolate treats for each of the 25 residents of CMIA’s Grace Children’s Centre Home for Girls in Makindu, Kenya!
With the progress made in 2007, the Lord’s direction for CMIA—the vision he gave at the outset, nearly twenty three years ago—is another step closer to looking, in the natural, the way we’ve seen it with spiritual eyes. Still, there is much to be done! New financial partners are needed for education funding for the many children God has placed in our care through the Grace Children’s Centres and the CMIA/COTR schools. Partners for one time project funding, as well as individuals committed to monthly sponsorship for the general and/or special medical needs of an orphaned child are paramount if we are to fulfill God’s mandate of raising these children to productive adulthood. There are also pastors to train, churches to build, new bible training schools to implement, and—above all else—lost souls, at this very moment being drawn by the Holy Spirit, destined to come into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the ministries of CMIA.
Rejoice with us in all that the Lord has accomplished to date. Stand with us, in both faith and physical support, as we press on!
In His Service In Africa ... David & Jennifer
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CMIA’s “RTS” EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH:
New Ministry!
Garissa COTR Pre- Primary School
As part of the RTS evangelistic strategy in the Northeastern Province of Kenya, CMIA will—on 8th January, 2008— Primary School open Rock Pre-Primary School at the Church On The Rock compound Garissa town. This free-of-charge programme will be offered to 4, 5, and 6 year old boys and girls of all faiths. As we provide the local ethnic community the much valued and coveted commodity of education for its children, it is our prayer that the love of Christ for all people will shine through this practical ministry, and in such a way that barriers are broken, relationships forged and new avenues of communication opened. The Lord Is Able!
CMIA Food Relief
Demonstrations of charity and concern serve to strengthen CMIA’s influence in target communities along Kenya’s border with Somalia. In October, and as an extension of CMIA’s RTS outreach, a six man team from the USA, led by Pastor Greg Ishmael, traveled with David Hatley to Kenya’s Garissa District to disburse food aid to hungry ethnic Somali and Somali refugee families ...
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CMIA CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES:
Construction Update…
Langata Grace Children’s Centre
The Langata Grace Children’s Centre child residents are excited about their new home—and so are we! Though it appears we will miss our target move-in date of 15th December—as we must raise one last sum for new and replacement furnishings, as well as overhaul an outdated compound septic system (see urgent needs below)—we are so very grateful the Lord has been with us every step of the way through this our first major building project at the Langata CMIA compound.
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NAKURU GRADUATION:
CMIA/ Global Advance
Bible Training Programme
On October 27th, in a colourful ceremony at the Church On The Rock, Rift Valley headquarters compound in Nakuru, Kenya, a second graduating class of twenty men and women was honoured for completing the one year programme. Pastor Anthony Wanyoike, COTR Assistant General Overseer and programme principal, convened the occasion. A challenging address to the graduates was then given by Pastor Kirk Romberg of Grace Community Church in Bellevue, Washington, followed by the awarding of certificates by Pastor David and Jennifer Hatley.
In January 2008, a third session of this important 100-hour, leadership training programme—well received by Nakuru area by pastors and leaders across the denominations—will commence at the COTR compound.
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URGENT !
ONE TIME FUNDING NEEDED FOR CMIA PROJECTS:
Comprehensive septic system to support new GCC children’s home complex and surrounding five-acre CMIA ministry compound as it continues to develop ...USD $55, 000.00
Furnishings (two kitchens, two sitting rooms, two dining areas, and twenty bedrooms) for the new GCC complex ... USD $26, 000.00
Nearer My God To Thee...
David and Jennifer Hatley
Peter Mutuku was a teenager when he began attending Sunday school classes at Dandora Church on the Rock in 1985. Older than most of the children who attended, most days Peter sat quietly and unobtrusively to the back of the room. However, it was difficult for Peter to mask his eagerness to know absolutely everything there was to know about his newly accepted Saviour and newfound faith; to become involved in serving Him in some way.
In the natural, it appeared great opportunity might never avail itself to Peter. After all, he was just a poor village boy from neighbouring Mailisaba, a squatter’s settlement. Simple day-to-day living was difficult. Naturally, regular employment and formal education had been passing the squatters of Mailisaba and their children by for more than a generation; typical scrap and scrabble living had become the norm in Mailisaba as it had in the countless other squatter's villages and slums that began to ring Nairobi in the 1960's, when much of Kenya’s rural population began the migration to urban areas in search of employment and better life…
But God had a plan for Peter’s life, and a reward for his faithfulness! From Jennifer’s first Sunday School assistant (mainly translating and helping to select and place flannel figures on the board), to the first national trained as a Church On The Rock children’s teacher, to COTR deacon, to COTR elder, to David’s assistant pastor and — finally — to senior pastor of Dandora Church on the Rock, Peter gave his very best at each level, absorbing knowledge and leadership skills, growing in His Christian walk, wise at each juncture in his dealings with both children and adult congregation members.
Married to Pauline in 1993, Pastor Peter continued to grow as a bible teacher and preacher, his sense of humour coupled with great understanding of his own culture and people giving Peter unique style, and earning him the status of well-loved and respected shepherd to the Dandora congregation.
In 1997, Pastor Peter Mutuku was appointed an Assistant General Overseer to all the Churches on the Rock In Kenya…
Flash forward to the present: Two weeks ago Peter added “International Bible Teacher” to his growing list of accomplishments when he served as one of the team of teachers, along with David, for an Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo Frontline Shepherd’s Conference, which was attended by 270 Congolese pastors and church leaders. Not bad for a poor boy from Mailisaba Village in Kenya!
This trip was Peter’s first time outside Kenya’s borders, his first time to fly in an airplane. We are personally touched and blessed by Peter’s story, as we‘ve lived it with him. It also serves as a beautiful testimony: It is, above all else, our willingness to serve that the Lord desires, and our willingness to do this by seizing whatever opportunity is placed before us. His divine plan and “able-ness” to equip us for greater service — even those of us from the most humble of circumstances — pick up where our own talent.
If 2007 (thus far) has taught us any lessons worthy of passing on to others, it has been to continue to draw closer to God, to trust Him above all things, to “lean not to our own understanding” … for it is the Lord Himself who opens doors, who provides all we need. In Him we have promise, peace, power — and perfect timing. His plans for us are often not on our (man’s) “preferred” timetable, but they are always best!
Our plans were to have a church planted in Garissa town — a strategic step in CMIA’s RTS programme — by mid April this year, and we have proceeded with pre-planning with that in mind. However, recent meetings with CMIA/COTR Kenyan leaders have caused us to rethink this and schedule the church plant for sometime in May. We believe we are hearing the Lord on this. If not, we’re certain His better plan will be revealed soon! We are so excited about the RTS – and the role God is directing CMIA to take in reaching our unsaved neighbouring nation. We certainly don’t want to rush ahead of the Lord, nor do we want to drag our feet and miss His perfect timing…
Our plans certainly did not, until recently, include coming to the USA for an August wedding! That remark probably has at least a few of you rechecking the date at the head of this writing, thinking perhaps one of 2006’s old updates from the Hatley Family has somehow been re-posted. However, let us assure you, you are reading a fresh update and — incredibly — our family will yet again be traveling to the USA for yet another August wedding of yet another Hatley daughter! Our nineteen year old Penny, who started out her stateside experience in the Seattle area just last August, shortly after her older sister’s Texas wedding, recently became engaged to Jim, whom she met in 2004 when he visited Kenya as part of a ministry team from Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, Washington. Though we’ve now learned that — even way back then — Jim saw God in this brief encounter, and Penny (at only sixteen) apparently did as well, we as parents were basically clueless until we witnessed the two of them meet again in Seattle last summer. Definitely God’s plan… and so much better than anything David or I could cook up on our own!
February, March and April are months of the year that we’ve begun to label “conference season ” as David, along with several of our Kenyan national church leaders, are very busy each year at this time with a number of Global Advance Frontline Shepherd’s Conferences, three-days of intensive training sessions set in selected East and Central African venues, and drawing Christian pastors and leaders from all around the area. This season conferences have been held in Taveta and Kibwezi, Kenya; Uvira Democratic Republic of Congo; and Zanzibar Island, Tanzania. Still to come are conferences in Githunguri and Garissa, Kenya (the latter helping to laying some important groundwork for the later CMIA/COTR church plant there) and Karatu, Tanzania. As raising pastors and Christian leaders has long been a priority of CMIA, it has been an honour to work hand and hand with Global Advance (based in Rockwall, Texas, and led by Dr. David Shibley) in this way since 1990.
CMIA finds itself 205 churches strong this March 2007, with new churches springing up here and there by the month, or so it seems. As a result of the belief that we share with Global Advance - that national leadership is key to reaching nations for Christ - CMIA and our church–planting arm, Africa Churches on the Rock, have equipped and sent many over the years. The planting of CMIA/COTR churches is in its second generation, and even third in some instances, raising leadership and sending that leadership to evangelize and establish local church bodies. CMIA’s national Church On The Rock leadership is one of our most satisfying achievements.
Bujumbura, Burundi: Church On The Rock
Enroute to Uvira, Congo with CMIA/COTR General Overseer Pastor Hassan Khalibwa, and Pastor Peter Mutuku (mentioned earlier in this update), David stopped off for Sunday morning service at Bujumbura Church On the Rock, where the country’s current president and his wife are members. The men from Kenya were honoured to later in the day have dinner with the first family at Statehouse, after which David also brought the message at the evening worship service held there – a weekly event held by the president, who even heads his own personal worship choir! Unabashed Christians who openly voice the belief that integrity in leadership and healing of the centuries- old tribal hatred is paramount to reuniting Burundi (a victim of conflict off and on for the last five decades), prompt us to reflect on other nations here on the continent of Africa. Those nations whose futures from this point would so dramatically change for the better were their heads-of-state the outspoken, Christian examples these are. Please keep President and Mrs. Nkurunziza, along with their young son, held high before the Lord, as heading an African nation must surely have its challenges. Leading that nation in a new and fresh direction — while at the same time maintaining a close, personal relationship with the Lord, and applying that faith’s principles in making daily decisions for an entire county and its diverse people — would most certainly compound those challenges.
CMIA and The Hatley Family have a full plate in the months coming:
- Even though we are still in the midst of conference season, 2007’s “team” season has also begun. From now thru mid- July, ministry groups from The Rock at Church Ranch in Denver, Overlake Christian Church and Canyon Hills Community Church (Bothell, WA), Lubbock, Texas Church On The Rock and Betenbough Foundation — more than 80 individuals — will be blessing the CMIA ministry here in Kenya.
- We will, God enabling, be making great headway in the construction of a purpose-built, Grace Children’s Centre complex and clinic, for which all architectural/ building plans have been approved, the final signatures and permits secured. Ground breaking is set for no later than the end of this month.
- Fund raising is presently underway and, once our goal is met (we speak this in faith!) we will be seeking Nairobi City approval for another building plan, that of a 500 seat, Langata Church On The Rock sanctuary and church offices.
- The ever-expanding ministries of the Africa Churches On The Rock, bible training institutes, pre-primary schools, COTR Academy and the Makindu, Nakuru and Langata children’s homes — complete with the growing responsibilities and oversight required of us as heads of these expanding ministries — continue on.
- In July our family will travel to Washington State, and in August celebrate Jim and Penny’s marriage with family and friends.
In January this year, as we looked back at recently completed 2006, our thoughts went something like this: “Surely 2007 won’t be nearly as busy and exciting a season of ministry as 2006!” and, “What in the near future could possibly top the event of Georgianna and Scott’s wedding for family experiences?”…. It didn’t take very long to realize that we were wrong in assuming 2007 would be any less busy, any less productive, any less exciting than its predecessor — and we have another family wedding to look forward to as well! Consequently, both the CMIA ministry and our family need just as much prayer cover – more if possible! – through 2007 as we did throughout 2006! We thank you, our partners in ministry, for keeping us before the Lord up to now, and on… until yet another year of serving Him is completed. Many, many blessings on you and yours…
In His Service In Africa,
David and Jennifer Hatley
Nairobi
Jennifer Hatley
Dear Friends, Family and Partners in Ministry…
First of all, please accept sincerest wishes and prayers for a bright and blessed 2007! After Christmas week celebrations with our Kenyan friends and co-labourers in Nairobi, Makindu and Nakuru; our annual Christmas Eve party and feast with our extended family of children at the Grace Children’s Centre’s Main Home and HIV/AIDS Extension Home in Langata; followed by a quiet and very restful Christmas Day with our own younger children and our daughter-in-law, Laura Kavai —with us in Kenya for a brief visit, the first in almost two years— David and I feel prepared for the challenges the new year has in store for Christian Ministries In Africa!
To recap the latter portion of 2006 (If you’ll recall from our October update, we were looking forward to a full calendar of special ministry events and outreach going right up through the first week of December…):
CMIA's Global Advance/Africa Churches On The Rock Pastors and Wives Conference; the outreach of Pastor Josh McQueen, leading a youth team from Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, Washington; and the varied ministries of a team of nurses, teachers, children’s ministers and craftsmen from Central Christian Church in Snohomish, Washington, not only unfolded as planned, but were productive, rewarding, fun (!) and — in several instances— life-changing for our visitors from abroad. These times of ministry were also deeply encouraging and affirming —pure demonstration of Christ’s love and concern for all mankind— to the many Kenyan pastors, women, and children on the receiving end of the ministry each team member and conference speaker brought.
CMIA’s “RTS” strategy meeting also took place as scheduled here in Nairobi the first week of December. Participants were the selected ethnic men and women from the far north of Kenya invited to meet with CMIA/COTR leaders in Nairobi; CMIA board members Pastor Jeff McKinley and Pastor Greg Ishmael, along with friends of the ministry Pastor Joel Madson and Mr. Bob Treggett; Africa Churches On The Rock general overseer, Pastor Hassan Khalibwa; and COTR overseers Pastors Shem Kihoro, Bernard Ndetei, Peter Mutuku, Anthony Wanyoike and Ramadhan Nyamai. This summit proved to be more beneficial in helping CMIA map the next phase of the RTS outreach than David or I had imagined possible. After two days of consultation with our guests from the north, gleaning from the wisdom they have gained living right in the middle of the areas we hope to penetrate, CMIA feels confident about the next phase of the RTS outreach, which will include an additional church plant, drilling a bore hole, provision of formal and Christian education to children, and the purchase of property on which to establish a “safe haven” compound for newly saved individuals who may be rejected by their community and family. Several times over the course of the two days of meeting, throughout which the Holy Spirit was evident and in which a true spirit of shared vision and goals rested on the entire proceeding, it was proclaimed several times, and by several participants, that the proceedings were “historic” and “like something out of the Book of Acts”.
If you would like a more in depth report of CMIA’s RTS summit, and more detail of the strategy mapped out during it, feel free to contact our USA coordinator, Pastor Greg Ishmael, or CMIA board president, Pastor Jeff McKinley (Contact information for each is on this website.) And — please— join us in believing for the funding necessary to implement the strategy, which we feel has been mapped and directed by God Himself.
Our burden for the unsaved in Kenya’s neighbouring countries to the north is not new. Our hearts have been to move in this direction for several years now, and it is with an almost audible “sigh of relief” that we further a plan that will move us forward into ministry that has potential to reach many of this target group with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
By way of family news, our daughter Penelope –who relocated to the Seattle area after completing secondary school in Nairobi last June– recently, become engaged to marry a very nice young man she met here in Kenya in 2004 when he came out as a member of an Overlake Christian Church (Redmond, WA) missions outreach team. The two plan a Summer 2007 wedding. David and I are very happy with this news, though still a little stunned that the Nairobi portion of our family (David and I, Wambui, Nyaguthii and Rose Njeri) will be traveling the USA again so soon — and for the occasion of another daughter’s/sister's wedding day! We will keep you informed of plans as they develop.
Warmest regards from our family to yours!
In His Service in Africa …
Jennifer Hatley, and for David
A letter from the Hatley Family...
Jennifer Hatley
Hello, everyone!
It was so good to arrive home to Kenya the end of September! The saying is indeed true: There’s no place like home! Our two months stateside were wonderful, never the less, and we accomplished a great deal personally.
The highlight of the trip for our family was eldest daughter Georgianna’s
Ft. Worth , Texas wedding to Scott Noel on 19th August at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church . It was truly a family affair with the Hatley Family all involved in planning and implementing. Aunt Pat Hatley stitched bridesmaids dresses for eight, while mum (that’s me!) helped with everything from putting together centerpieces for the reception venue tables to making bride and bridesmaid bouquets of beautiful pale pink roses. (Not exactly the Martha Stewart type, I had never done anything like this before!) On the day, Georgi’s sisters — Penelope, Rose Njeri, Wambui and Nyaguthii — served as maid of honour and junior bridesmaids, respectively, while Cameron, our son, stood with Scott as a groomsman. Cameron’s wife of four years, Laura Kavai, graciously served as hostess, giving out programmes and manning the guestbook and gift tables. David had double duty— first walking his daughter down the aisle before officiating the wedding ceremony — and held up very well considering it was an emotional day for us all. Georgianna and Scott are happily married a little more than two months now, and living in Ft. Worth where Scott is a software project manager for a Ft.Worth- based company. Georgi continues as resident company choreographer for a children’s fine arts programme in Ft Worth, and as an ESOL instructor at Brookhaven College in
The wedding, though a highlight and the primary reason for our being stateside, was only one of many adventures, however! Sending the younger Hatley girls ahead by air with my sister, Amy, and cousin Aidan -in Ft. Worth from Washington State for the wedding - the day following the wedding and reception, David, Penelope and I set off only a few short hours later on a cross country drive from Ft. Worth to Seattle. The purpose, you might ask? Penny, who finished secondary school here in Nairobi in June, had decided several months prior that the Seattle area would be a good place to begin her stateside experience, as she has friends, supporting churches, as well as family members, in the area. And, as Penny inherited her big sister’s car when she married, that car needed to be in Seattle !
As eighteen year-old Penny had to that point spent very little time stateside, we decided this necessary road trip would be far more enjoyable if it also served as a final holiday together for the three of us (at least for awhile!), and an educational exercise of sorts. After many, many years David and I thrilled once again to the beauty of God’s creation in that part of the world: The Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, The Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges… and, of course, all of these were a first time experience for Penny. Once we arrived safely in Seattle, we were able to spend two weeks in the area, visiting with friends — among them Pastor Greg and Jean Ishmael, CMIA stateside coordinators, and longtime friends Pastor Rick and Tracey Kingham — taking part in church services/missions fellowships at several supporting churches (Overlake Christian Church, Central Christian Church of Snohomish, Timberlake Christian Church, Canyon Hills Christian Church and Grace Community Church… ), in addition to seeing that Penny settled in well.
Enroute back to Texas in September — by air this time and once again with Rose (now 13), Wambui and Nyaguthii (10 yrs) — we stopped over in Denver to visit with friends and new CMIA advisory board members, Randy and Sharon Weaver, and Pastor Al and Judy Keech, leaders of long time supporting church, The Rock at Church Ranch. We also had a day to explore: Our Kenyan daughters (along with the Weavers) continued a hike at Loveland Pass (The Continental Divide), climbing to nearly 13,000 feet, while David and I dropped out at about 11,000 feet, admiring the incredible scenery from seats on a outcrop of rocks as we waited for the more adventurous climbers to return.
In Texas, both prior to the wedding and in our final two weeks back there before returning to Kenya, our schedule of personal activities wasn’t so chockablock that we couldn’t spend a little time with area friends and visit supporting churches: It was a blessing to be able to attend and/or minister in services at University Park Church in Ft. Worth; Covenant Church in Carrollton; Life Christian Fellowship in Dallas; Southwest Harvest Church in Duncanville; Church on the Rock in Lubbock; and LakeShore Church in Rockwall. In Lubbock , we were hosted by Pastor Jackie and Linda White of Lubbock COTR, along with new CMIA board members, Jason and April Roark.
Our coming to the states also allowed us to fulfill a requirement with regard to our adopted girls’ US naturalization process. Rose Njeri, like her sisters, now has an all important US Immigration stamp in her passport, showing that she has traveled to and from the states with her parents and sisters. The naturalization process should now move along smoothly, and at the same pace, for all three of our Kenyan daughters.
Back in Kenya, though our house seemed strangely empty with Penny gone, causing mum, dad and the little girls to feel sad for a day or two (only by the Grace of God have David and I been able to handle not only saying goodbye to each of our children when the time has come for each to "fly" on his/her own, but leaving them half a world away), we found that the ministry had fared well in our absence. Actually, more smoothly than at any other time we have been away over the years. We once again thanked the Lord for the wonderful team of national men and women he has joined with us to administrate CMIA in Kenya .
Just a few short weeks after our return, we are beginning to see as well some of the “fruit” of ministry time spent in the USA: A very important meeting with a stateside foundation in Lubbock has resulted in an extremely generous grant that, along with several other donations that have come in recent months, bring us 2/3 of the way to the amount needed for the construction of a new, purpose- built Grace Children’s Centre complex and clinic at our five acre, ministry headquarters site here in Nairobi — and this gives us more than enough to start! We are presently making final decisions on architects/contractors; will then apply for necessary permits and — with the continued favour of the Lord — hope to break ground shortly after the first of the year.
Continue to pray for us concerning this building project: Bureaucratic wheels tend to grind to a halt over holiday seasons in Kenya . We have recently observed two national political holidays as well as the Islamic and Hindu celebrations of Id Mubarak and Diwali. We now have a five or six week window where business will be conducted “as usual” before we slow, once again, for Jamhuri (Kenyan Independence Day), and then basically close down shop altogether through the Christmas season, New Year, and on until the second week of January. Pray that CMIA succeeds in getting the building application and permit process completed during this five or six weeks, in order that construction begin without delay after the first of the year. Also, please pray that the balance of funds needed will come so, once started, we can complete the project!
More in the way of an update of CMIA ministry: Many of you have expressed interest in being kept abreast of CMIA’s RTS Evangelistic Outreach as it moves forward: In just a few short weeks, CMIA will bring twenty men, from regions north, to a four day meeting in Nairobi . All of these men have been dramatically saved, and have tremendous burdens for their unsaved friends, family members, and fellow countrymen. During those days, David and I, along with our local CMIA/COTR leadership, will believe God to show us those among this group who will partner with CMIA to further the RTS vision of evangelism, church planting and leadership training (the latter in partnership with Global Advance Frontline Shepherd’s conferences and DVD Bible Institutes). This meeting will be critical in helping to map RTS strategy for 2007.
Finally, we want to thank each of you who sowed to make our recent stateside family time one to be remembered: Of your finances, by giving to airfares, and towards living expenses... Of your time, by including us in fellowships, having us for meals, taking us out for meals, allowing us in your pulpits, making airport runs, loading and off loading our heavy and cumbersome luggage... Of your space, by opening up your homes to our rather large and lively bunch. (Thanks particularly to Pastor Parkey and Rhonda Cobern and Bobby and Allison Amador & Family,in Ft. Worth !)... Of your transportation, by lending us your personal vehicles to drive in Texas , in Seattle , in Colorado …
We had a terrific time stateside and find ourselves home in Kenya refreshed and ready to tackle what is going to be a very, very busy remainder of 2006! Added to the plans for the new GCC complex construction, and the RTS Nairobi meeting, we have a pastor/wives conference on the calendar in November, three ministry teams from the States scheduled to be with us in November, as well CMIA’s advisory board members coming out in November for our annual meeting! This in addition to a Nakuru COTR Bible Institute graduation and ordination ceremony for the thirty men and women who have completed one hundred hours of training; clearing and receiving a Christmas shipment of gifts - a wonderful annual blessing to our Grace Children’s Centres residents from Metro Morningstar Church in Sterling, Virginia; and all the special programmes and festivities the end of the academic school year, and Christmas, bring to the ministry. Working out the logistics is a challenge, to say the least… Good Times!
We love and appreciate each and every one of you for the many and varied ways you have been important to our family and to CMIA these (nearly) twenty two years. May God’s abundant blessing and provision continue to be yours!
In His Service In Africa ,
Jennifer Hatley, and for David and Family
NEW CHURCH ON THE ROCK BIBLE TRAINING INSTITUTE
Thirty Kenyan men and women are enrolled in the initial nine month session of the first branch school of Nairobi ’s COTR Bible Training Institute (begun in 2004). The new Kiswahili version of Global Advance's 100 hour, DVD training program enables us to move out from the urban area of Nairobi and into more rural locations where solid training is rarely available, and much coveted by those men and women called of God to shepherd church congregations.
Assistant General Overseer for Rift Valley Province , Pastor Anthony Wanyoike, who himself completed the English version of the programme in Nairobi in 2005, is doing a superb job of heading the new Nakuru Institute. David recently encouraged the class in morning sessions, and in fellowship with the students afterwards — some pastoring; some serving as elders; some called, but not yet serving, and representing fifteen different church denominations — each sincerely thanked David and me, the Kenya Churches on the Rock, and of course Dr. David Shibley and Global Advance for making this important training available to them.
One older gentleman, with tears in his eyes, testified that he’d feared he would never get to go to a Bible training school, even though he had served the Lord faithfully for his entire adult life--much of that time as a church elder. He never stopped asking the Lord to make a way for him to receive formal training. A small glimmer of hope had never dimmed; and, at 60 years old, his dream had finally come true.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the youngest student in Nakuru — at 20 years old — is our own Simon Wafula, former child-resident at CMIA’s Grace Children’s Centre Extension Home For Boys and now an assistant to Pastor Anthony and Pastor David Waweru at the GCC Home. We’re so very proud of the fine young man that Simon has become. His desire to serve the Lord as a pastor is a true call of God, and is apparent upon meeting and speaking with Simon. David and I had no idea — but of course God knew— when we received Simon to GCC years ago, just a short time after his single mother was hit and killed by a car, that Simon would not only grow to be a fine, Christian young man, but desire with all his heart to serve Him in the church.
Now that Global Advance has provided us this excellent Kiswahili version of teaching by TL Osborne, Dr. David Shibley, Jack Hayford, and others, CMIA plans to open additional branches of the Nairobi Institute, with Makindu, Kenya and Sotik, Kenya high on the list of priorities.
Christian Ministries in Africa not only partners with Global Advance in Bible training institutes in Nairobi and Nakuru, Kinshasa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but David both plans and serves as a member of the speaking team for several Global Advance Frontline Shepherds Conferences in East and Central Africa each year. Serving in this capacity the first months of 2006, David was part of the Global Advance team to see 1700 pastors from many different denominational backgrounds trained in Mwingi , Kenya and Babati , Tanzania . David was also able to travel to DRC for a Kinshasa Global Advance Bible Training Institute session...the Kinshasa Institute hosted and coordinated by the Congolese Eglise Sur Le Rocher (Congo Churches On The Rock).
As you may recall, the leader of Eglise Sur Le Rocher, our long time friend and partner in ministry Pastor Michael Mongane, was murdered in 2005. David was not only happy for the opportunity to be part of the GA Institute sessions, but to witness how the Congo churches have grown and carried on in Michael’s absence — with Michael’s widow, Germaine, now capably leading the ministry in Congo. In an evening crusade at the Eglise Sur Le Rocher main church compound, David was privileged to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and see 32 souls come into the Kingdom. The legacy of our brother Michael lives on as the lost continue to find Jesus through the ministry birthed by Pastor Michael in Congo .
VISITING MINISTRY TEAMS AND HATLEY FAMILY NEWS ...
CMIA hosts a number of ministry teams in 2006: A May team from Overlake Christian Church (Redmond, WA) focused on Kenya Church On The Rock Youth and Singles through two excellent conferences held at the Nakuru and Nairobi CMIA ministry compounds; A recently concluded Canyon Hills Christian Church (Bothell, WA) outreach team ministered to the residents at CMIA’s Grace Children’s Centre Extension Home For Girls in Makindu, evangelized house to house in both Makindu and Kibwezi, and prayed with the sick in the local district hospital. And we will soon welcome both a COTR - Lubbock (Texas) team of twenty, bringing ministry to children and a Kenya COTR Pastors/Wives conference, in addition to a team of eight from Grace Community Church (Bellevue, WA), who will provide special ministry to the residents at GCC Extension Home for Boys in Nakuru as well as paint the home’s dormitory, dining hall and kitchen blocks.
In the midst of facilitating these groups who so greatly bless the CMIA ministry each year, our own family prepares for a trip to the USA (beginning late July), our first short furlough since July 2000. The purpose of this trip is threefold:
1) We will be on hand for eldest daughter Georgianna’s wedding to Scott Noel on 19th August in Ft. Worth , Texas .
2) We will settle eighteen year old Penelope – who recently completed secondary school here in Nairobi – with friends in Seattle , where she will work as she considers what in the way of advanced education and training she wishes to pursue.
3) David and I will fulfill a requirement that adopted daughter Rose (12 yrs old) accompany us to the USA at least once prior to our seeking her US naturalization.
The upcoming wedding and all the excitement surrounding the happy occasion (through it, we will be reunited with relatives and friends we haven’t seen for some time now), combined with Penny’s “ transition” to stateside living (born and raised in Kenya, she has only visited the USA a handful of times), not to mention this being a very first international trip for Rose (she’s excited, and sisters Wambui and Nyaguthii are coaching her on just what she will be seeing and experiencing on this first foray into the larger world!), the time in the USA is looking to be an important - and emotional - one for each of us.. We ask that you remember us in prayer. Also, please pray for the CMIA work we leave behind — all who labour in it and all to whom it ministers. We are extremely proud of the national leaders that the Lord has raised up through virtually every arm of CMIA — the Churches On The Rock, the Grace Children’s Centre Homes, The COTR Academy and Pre-Primary Schools — and have every reason to believe they will steer the ministry well during the time David and I are away with our family.
On account of the activities and events we will be part of in the States, our weeks there will be extremely full. Our next update will likely not come until late September/early October as a result. David and I look forward to seeing many of you in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and in the Seattle area (the two places family happenings dictate we concentrate our time). Friends in other locations we hope to touch base with by telephone….
Many, many abundant blessings upon each of you, and — for what must be the millionth time! — we so appreciate the support in prayer and finance you provide the ministry, and our family. Conveying our thanks to you, even a million times, seems hardly adequate. We look forward to seeing many more of you here on the field, as the Lord makes a way, in the years to come. It will be our pleasure — and hopefully serve far more than mere words of thanks — to show you firsthand the ministry you have supported and helped build.
In His Service In Africa …
Jennifer Hatley, and for David and Family
Christian Ministries In Africa : Our Main Headquarters Compound In Nairobi , Kenya … A Small History of Where We Came From, Where We Are Today, and Where We — With Your Continued Support — Hope To Go
Those who have been familiar with the CMIA ministry for awhile are aware of the process of purchasing a main ministry/headquarters compound in Nairobi– acre by acre as funds were raised - initially undertaken by the CMIA in 1997. If you have followed our updates over the years, you know that in 2004 the final payment on the final acre of the five acre property was made, officially giving title to all five acres of prime property to CMIA. What a day of rejoicing that was!
Simultaneously to raising funds for the property itself, CMIA also sought and received funding to drill a private, freshwater borehole on the site. After six months, and going 330 metres (almost 1100 feet!) deep, we struck an underground lake, tapping into a permanent water source for the ministry’s five acres. We have also over the years been able to raise funds to furnish all but a small portion of the perimeter of the property with a solid security wall. (The need for a wall may seem a little strange to those of you reading, but walls and hedges are a common practice – and security necessity – in developing countries.)
At the time of being put up for sale, existing buildings on the property consisted of two old stucco cottages, a large dance hall (complete with platform for the band) – on foundation with bamboo walls - and a timber (also on foundation) bar complex.
For a time – and prior to the acre with the bar/dance hall being purchased by CMIA - one of the two stucco cottages served not only as the Langata Church on the Rock sanctuary, but, during the week, as the COTR Pre-Primary School classrooms to the 90+ children enrolled each term. The second cottage became home to Grace Children’s Centre orphanage home – at that time only about nine children - in 1997.
Upon purchase of the dance hall/bar acre, the two cottages were joined to form one long cottage for the growing numbers at the GCC home, and a semi-permanent building was constructed for the pre- primary school. The former dance hall became the Langata Church On The Rock sanctuary, and the bar – a separate building of several rooms – became the CMIA/COTR ministry reception and office block.
In 2001, when the need to create a separate space where quality care could be given to orphaned children infected with HIV/AIDS, former storage rooms in the office block were renovated to serve as the Grace Children’s Centre HIV/AIDS Extension Ward.
In 2003, when CMIA sought to establish a Christian primary academy for GCC residents and surrounding area children, we began raising funds for construction of classroom blocks – one, two room block each year - as space for the growing student body and increasing year levels required. In this, our fourth academic year at Church On The Rock Academy, we have, with a generous gift from well wishers in the USA, been able to construct not one, but two additional school blocks, which will give us classroom space right up through Std 8, the final year of primary school in Kenya. In addition, a local group of expatriate English and South African mums have raised funds and constructed a beautiful playground at the site on the five acres – very peaceful and among a grove of trees - where we dream of placing a purpose built Grace Children’s Centre Main and Extension Ward complex one day. Again, a series of blessings to CMIA that are cause for rejoicing!
It has been an incredible ride – at times kind of wild and sort of scary! - for David and me these twenty one years in Kenya, though we have never ceased to be amazed at the hand of God; the way he has orchestrated every step of the way, from the planting of the very first church in the sprawling, poverty ridden, section of Dandora, Nairobi in 1985 to the CMIA ministry in its present form: Kenya’s 175 + local churches, seven pre-primary schools, four children’s homes, the primary academy – and the works in neighboring countries of Rwanda,Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, all reached by CMIA over the years through the planting of local Churches On The Rock and church leadership/bible training….
CMIA’s five acre compound in Langata, Nairobi has been established in order to unite all CMIA/COTR ministries, serving them as both headquarters, and model. In July, we will once again bring in the pastors (along with their wives) of all the Churches On The Rock in Africa for three days of encouragement and teaching.
Once again, we want to thank those of you who, over the years, have stayed with us; prayed with us, and sown generously of your time, your resources and your funds to see the CMIA ministry – the schools, the churches, the children’s homes – developed thus far. We are extremely grateful for those of you that see the necessity and importance of taking the next steps in developing the Langata headquarters compound in particular…
A glance at the 2006 CMIA project needs list will show you that, though the Lord has been awesome, we haven’t finished yet! Our prayer is that you will stay the course, and that others will join you - perhaps individuals with whom you share; or individuals who might visit us here as part of a short term ministry team; or simply hear about CMIA through their local church We pray that our faithfulness through the years – definitely “in the little” those first few, but with much greater responsibility and resources the last few! - will continue to serve as affirmation that sowing to CMIA is an opportunity to sow to fertile soil. To the tangible. To something that will continue - beyond your lifetimes, our lifetimes - to serve as a ray of light to the helpless and downtrodden, and see the lost ushered into the Kingdom of God .
Thank you for partnering with CMIA in the journey thus far. We’re excited about the creative ways the Lord will use us, you, and others to provide for present opportunities - and for the challenges future opportunities will bring!
In His Service In Africa … Jennifer Hatley, and for David and Family
Jennifer Hatley
Churches On The Rock - church planting and leadership raising arm of CMIA:
On Sunday, 5th March, David and I attended 6th Anniversary celebration services at Kinoo Church on the Rock, located along the Nakuru road just outside Nairobi . We well remember when this church began in 2000 with just three couples, and were honoured to minister to its present 150 members on this special day. Pastor Kennedy and Elizabeth Chege have built a wonderful community church in Kinoo, one that can definitely serve as model to the other Churches on the Rock in Kenya .
At Kinoo on Sunday we not only celebrated the anniversary of the church birth, but also commissioned Pastor Ken as a new regional overseer for the Kenya Churches on the Rock. Pastor Ken joins nineteen other Kenya COTR pastors who serve as regional overseers in various parts of the country. Kenya Churches on the Rock - the first church established in Dandora.Nairobi twenty-one years ago - is, by comparison, a fairly new church denomination on the continent, but we thank the Lord for the wonderful growth it has experienced, which affirms that people worldwide seek the presence and power of God in their lives, in order to find their purpose on this planet and achieve their destiny within that purpose.
While Churches on the Rock have been established in six additional African nations as well, we are presently 170+ local congregations strong in Kenya alone. Please continue to hold the twenty COTR district overseers, the three COTR assistant general overseers and Pastor Hassan Khalibwa, Kenya Churches on the Rock General Overseer, to the Lord as they work hand in hand with David to see the gospel of Jesus Christ reach the lost and dying of Kenya and the surrounding nations.
Reuben Church On The Rock School - Mukuru slum, Nairobi:
Imagine yourself a child waking up hungry because your mother was unable to provide a meal for you before bedtime the evening before, and knowing before you even rise that there will be no tea or bread on offer to start the day. Imagine dressing and heading off on foot to school anyway, because you know you should, but arriving there so hungry that it is difficult to sit in class, much less concentrate on what your teacher is saying. Imagine by mid-morning feeling a gnawing hunger so great that the urge to slip away - to search through rubbish, to beg, to perhaps even steal - in order to find something - anything - to fill your empty belly far overrides the drive to gain knowledge...
Such was the dilemma daily facing young pre-school and primary school children at Reuben Church on the Rock School just a few short months ago. Less than halfway through the school day, a number had simply wandered off the compound, as many of those remaining grew more lethargic by the hour.
But God is good! Thanks to financial donations designated to this purpose, the 238 young students at Reuben COTR School - in the sprawling Nairobi slum, Mukuru – have, since January, received a generous mug of breakfast porridge each school morning. In a visit with the students and staff at Reuben a few days ago, I observed a distinct improvement in the children’s appearances, awareness and enthusiasm for learning. COTR Pastor Bernard Ndetei and wife Ruth, who administrate the school and oversee the porridge programme on a day-to-day basis, are extremely grateful to those well wishers who have made this provision of daily nourishment to the hungry children at COTR School possible. They - and the children! - send their sincere thanks, as do David and I.
The hunger of Mukuru slum children is just one on a list of many critical situations we face here almost ever day at CMIA – often David and I feel overwhelmed with the scope and breadth of them. How can we do it all? Then we recall in the gospels where Jesus Himself asked a young man one day, “who is your neighbour?”. The young man didn’t really have a good answer, but we can see from the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus delivers shortly thereafter that our neighbour is “one that is brought near to us in their time of need”. Over the last twenty-one years, many, many needs of our “neighbours” here in Kenya have been brought extremely near. As we pray through, we often feel the liberty to share their stories with you, our partners in prayer and physical support. David and I, just a couple of ordinary people really, can’t accomplish very much on our own, but joined together with a family - all of us working together, pooling resources and talents - we gain the strength to effect and impact the lives of many in crisis. We thank you, our CMIA family, for working together with us in building a mission that is able to reach out and offer help and hope to those the Lord brings near to us in their time of need!