Kevin Mwingizi is our oldest boy. He’s 16 years old and in Standard 7 (7th grade). His favorite color is green and he likes to eat chapatti (Kenyan staple flat bread like a thick tortilla or like Indian nan) and drink soda. His favorite subjects in school are mathematics, Christian religious education (CRE is a standard of all schools in Kenya), and Engligh. After school he likes to play sports, especially football (soccer). When Kevin grows up he wants to be a teacher. When asked who Jesus is to him, he responds “He is my savior”. His favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Kevin thinks it is most important for people in the US to know that he knows Jesus Christ.
Janet Akoth is 15 years old and in Standard 6. Her favorite color is red and she likes to eat “bananas, chapatti, and the cake of Kenya (ugali) and vegetable”. Her favorite subjects in school are math, science and English. After school, Janet likes to play football (soccer) and jumping rope game (sort of like an extreme version of Chinese jump rope). Janet wants to be a “preacher” when she grows up. When asked who Jesus is to her, she responds “Jesus is my savior. He died on the cross and he took my sin, so I am the child of God”. Janet’s favorite verse is also 1 Corinthians 15:58 because “ I like that verse because when I read it, it tells me that we should be praying for each other because if we pray God can answer us.” When asked what was most important for people in the USA to know about her and life here she said “That they would pray to God for me”
Moreen Juma is 15 years old and is in Standard 5. Moreen’s favorite color is red and her favorite food is fish and ugali (cornmeal and water mixture cooked to the consistency of stiff mashed potatoes). Her favorite subject in school is Social Studies and after school she likes to play football. When she grows up she wants to be a teacher. When asked who Jesus is to her she responds “He is my friend.” Her favorite Bible verse is John 11:35 because it tells how Jesus wept. She wants people in the US to pray for her.
Effy Awour is a bubbly 14 year old with a constant smile which brightens her standard 6 class. Her favorite color is green and her favorite food is chapatti and meat. She enjoys math and science in school and football after school. When she grows up she wants to be a lawyer (bubbliest lawyer ever!). She is happy to tell you that Jesus is her personal savior. Her favorite Bible verse is Deuteronomy 30:15 because God has kept more room for those who are served. When asked what is most important for people in the US to know about her she reports “God is faithful in my life and he is doing well in my life and I am well here in Kenya. Pray for my life.”
Everlyne Atieno is a loving 14 year old in Standard 4. Her favorite color is yellow and her favorite foods are chapatti and meat. In school she enjoys math and science and after school she enjoys playing football. When she grows up she wants to be a teacher (which was obvious as she went around helping translate these questions to those who don’t speak as much English and patiently helped them fill in each question). When asked who Jesus is to her she responds “He is my father” which means much more knowing that her own father has passed away. Her favorite Bible verse is John 14:15 “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” She asked that the people in the US to stand with her in prayer.
Safia Hussein is an outgoing 13 year old in standard 7. Her favorite color is yellow and her favorite foods are chapatti and sausage. In school she likes math and after school you can often find her fighting the boys for the football during a game. When she grows up she wants to be a nurse so that she can “treat the sick ones”. When asked who Jesus is to her she responds “He is my personal savior because he died on the cross because of my sin”. Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16. When asked what special message she wanted people in the US to know she said “It is important because it is very good to know my life and me too to know them.”
Stephen Naro is a friendly 13 year old who is in Standard 7. His favorite color is blue and his favorite foods are ugali and chicken. In school, Stephen enjoys science class (what is it with boys liking to know how to blow stuff up?) and after school Stephen will be found on the football pitch because when he is older he hopes to be a professional footballer. Jesus is his savior who saved him from his sin. James 4:8 is his favorite Bible verse “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purity your hearts, you double minded.” He likes that verse because “it talks about how we can be close to God”. What he wants people most to know in the US is this “Tell them I love Jesus so much. The life in Kenya is so good to me.”
Joseph Owuor is a quiet 13 year old in Standard 5. His favorite color is blue and his favorite foods are chips (French fries) and cakes. In school, he enjoys science and after school he transforms into a focused footballer. When Joseph grows up he want to be a pastor because Jesus is his savior. His favorite verse is Philippians 4:16 “Even in Thessolonica you sent me help for my needs once again.” He wants you to know him him and his life.
Kevin Mgodi is a goofy (seriously, this is the most normal picture I have of the kid)12 year old boy in Standard 5. His favorite color is green and his favorite foods are rice and chicken. In school he enjoys science and after school he is an aggressive football player. Jesus is his savior. His favorite Bible verse is John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” He wants people in the US to know him, especially to pray for him.
Purity Asira is a shy and sweet 11 year old in Standard 3. Her favorite color is red and her favorite foods are soda and chips (yup. Normal kid.). Her favorite subject in school is math and after school she likes to play the jump rope game. When she grows up she wants to be a doctor. When asked who Jesus is to her she responds “my creator”. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” She wants people in the US to know how her life is going.
Ivonne Awino nearly always has a smile from ear to ear. She is a 10 year old in standard 3. Her favorite color is yellow and her favorite foods are chips and chicken. In school her favorite subject is English (she loves to try out new phrases she has learned on us) and after school she likes to play football. When she grows up she wants to be a doctor. When asked who Jesus is to her she responds “He is my friend.” Ivon likes the story of Jonah. She wants people in the US to know about her life and pray for her.
Hi Denise, I have gotten to know your mom through the internet, and she keeps me posted. This is a wonderful testimony from some of your ‘kids’. I have enjoyed all of your updates.
Love in Christ,
><> Cindy
interesting