Silence! What does it mean to be silent? To be placed in a situation or surrounded by circumstances that require one to be silent, offering nothing but a look and a nod to indicate one is listening. Yet this is where I have been for the last week. Once again I made my way into the interior remote area of Kenya to excitedly embrace this small community of Lela where God has currently placed this Freedom House Ministry. 

My anticipation of seeing all the students, preparing them for their next 3 months of schooling, wondering how the Parent Committee had managed the fields and crops while I was away, thinking about the women who cooked every day, and perhaps, just visiting with friends was like a knot in my stomach.  I really wondered what this last 7 weeks would tell in my absence, in my silence? 

Immediately upon arrival, I saw certain things that caused concern and some of my excitement began to sink.  There were certain tasks, small jobs I had left to be done that were still unfinished, yet I said nothing.  Somehow, the Lord enabled me to keep my silence as amazing as that may seem to some that have known me for many years. So, I continued to probe into the various groups and different tasks with a hope that something much better would be seen.  And alas, the puzzle picture with all the different pieces began to come together.

YES, a harvest had been accomplished without my presence. This first yield was not what I had anticipated BUT the parents had completed their part in fulfilling the planting and harvesting for the children’s feeding project.  HURRAY!!!!   FIRST TEST – SUCCESSFUL!   Another concern, did the feeding project run smoothly, feeding nearly 3000 every month and had those I left in charge handled money correctly?  YES, SECOND TEST  -  SUCCESSFUL!  The final question, did the community of youth continue in their faith and help others to embrace the wonderful Saving knowledge of Jesus while I was away?   YES, THIRD TEST –SUCCESSFUL!  An evangelistic outreach led by co-leaders and mentored youth rejoiced when nearly 40 individuals gave their heart to the Lord door to door.  WOW!  Maybe, yes definitely, God is at work here, regardless of the turmoil this mission has faced in this small place, HE IS DOING A NEW THING!

So with this in mind, I am excited to say that the future for ROCK of HOPE MISSION in Lela looks very positive.  By Monday of next week, there will be a NEW COOK SHED built at the local primary school to enable the two local Food Project Coordinators to effectively lead other help and cook every day for the many who eat, school children, widows, workers and others.  THANK YOU SUPPORTERS…. Through your gracious giving, this dream is coming true. 

All 40 students will go back to school with their needs met. Some required New uniforms, New shoes, additional books and notebook paper to take notes or just an ink pen to write with, others needed school fees that looked impossible to pay, PAID but THANKS TO YOU, they were met.  AND, because of the generous gifts from many faithful monthly supporters, we were able to add another 15 students who needed help.  Freedom House Ministry now supports a total of 55 students and continues to help many others as we possibly can. 

But that is not all.  Within the next two weeks, we will begin PHASE TWO of this mission.  Ten youth and five single/widow women will be given enough money to begin a project with small livestock. This will teach them business skills, daily responsibilities in caring for the animals and accountability to this mission which supports them in this project.  The most important thing is this project will enhance their daily life by enabling them to profit from the reproduction and sale of their particular animals. Therefore, within 6 – 8 months there will be some money in their pockets (that they made) for daily life needs such as FOOD and CLOTHING and for SCHOOL FEES. 

There are additional projects in the making as well as in our heart as we continue to move forward here in Kenya.  There remains a constant need of friends like YOU to BELIEVE in what we do, PRAY for us and GIVE so we can continue to maintain this FAITH MINISTRY on the mission field.  God Bless you.  It is sooooo exciting for me to tell you WE ARE TRULY MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER in countless lives; many, many who would not have ever known about the saving grace and marvelous love of Jesus Christ.  Thank You! I appreciate your support.

Dr. Kathy Watson

While many teens are struggling to survive and find money to attend school, some teenagers and widows will have the opportunity to begin their own business by raising livestock to produce income.  A goat, a sheep, two rabbits or two chickens will provide a beginning plus some feed.  Freedom House Ministries will begin instructing several different ones in Lela, Kenya later this month on how to help supply a much needed income.  Our hope is to see each person supplied with an animal to raise. This would begin to help meet theirdaily personal needs but by theirvery own abilities.  It is a wonderful thrill, a kind act of mercy which makes the donor feel good inside when we have an opportunity to meet the needs of small children and others.  But there is a greater joygiven to be able to see the older ones become more self sufficient by a smallgift from us.  If you would like to donate a goat, a sheep, etc… please go to our secure pay pal site and be sure to designate ANIMALS FOR KENYA. Now is the time to begin. These animals will grow and produce during these next two – three months which will make money available by January 2011, Another SCHOOL YEAR! This is an EXCITING NEW STEP for Freedom House Ministries and we are living in expectation of the teaching and training bringingthat will bring a good harvest.  Thank You in advance for your love and support on a continual basis.   Hand in Hand together, a greater impact is being made daily.  Dr Kathy Watson

What a day this past  2010 Mother’s Day was!  An adventure on a Yellow Bus.  I had awakened that morning earlier than usual, expecting the travel ahead back to Eldoret so I had begun to prepare for the journey.  My director of the house had been away and I was anticipating her arrival early this am.  We needed to have time to set down together and go over the next week itinerary list before I left for a few days.  Little did I know what this morning would hold before I left. 

She didn’t arrive until 30 minutes before I left because the yellow busshe had come on had been stuck in the mud. She left the bus and found a motor bike (piki piki) to bring her on home…. We had a quick conversation in a hurry as I hurried to prepare to leave. 

What a blessing Joyce’s grand daughter Marci is… she has been staying with Joyce and is always fixing food.  she even has it ready before I leave or when it’s time to eat shealways prepares mine separate. Joyce has taught her well.  I so want her little one(Michelle) to walk correctly not just crawl or slide across the floor. Surely the Lord will help me find someone who will want to assist this child.

When Dan, my piki piki driver arrived, off we rode through much mud “mutope” slipping and sliding to get to Barro Bar….where I would catch a ride on the yellow Bus.  Thank goodness Dan has such long legs to keep us up-right as we slide through each muddy spot. I arrived on time but waited an additional hour because of the road conditions. The Yellow Bus couldn’t get through the roads.  Finally it arrived, “Oh My” it was packed to the outside step.  Where was I to stand, sit, hold on????? As I looked up, one of the conductors caught my eye and grinned. “Yes, I thought, here I come.” I squeezed up and held on for dear life, trying to balance myself on the middle step with the 3 conductors around me.  Not much talk but lots of looks as this frequent passenger who was a “mazungu”. In about ten minutes at another stop, I slowlyturned and made my way through the aisle holding my breath as I shifted from side to side. The extra 5 people that had just been added squeezed tightly around me as the bus rattled on its way, causing each of us standing to be jostled from one side of the aisle to another.  We couldn’t fall even if we wanted to because it was so packed so jammed that bodies held each other up.  Little ones were being lost at the waist line of the mass of adults standing.  At each stop within the next 30 minutes, more passengers crowded onto the already FULL BUS.  The conductor made a motion to me to pay him.  I shook my head and said, “No, No money until I sit down”. I will not pay you to stand for 4 hours.” Henodded to me as he understood and just grinned.  The people around me just smiled but it wasn’t long before the regular youngconductor who knows me and sits taking in all the business of the bus on the first seat, motioned to me.  He stood and gave me his seat in which I promptly pulled out my 300 shillings and paid.  It is almost incomprehendable how people travel here in Kenya. Americans could not nor would not understand or cope with such matters but here , it is common place. Folks don’t even question it, which they should. I try to smile and cope with every situation but on this bus, time after time…. they knew I would not give in until I sat down. It wasn’t long before another mother got on the bus bearing 2 small children at her waist. One was so frightened at the tangled mass of people around him and he begin to scream. I picked the child up and placed him on my lap.  At first he looked agast that a mazungu had him and he didn’t act very nice.  Then after a short time he settled back against me and went to sleep.  I noticed the child had several places on his small head which easily could be ringworm.  He also seemed very detached from his surroundings and he didn’t respond to any language I tried; English, Kiswahili or Luo.  I finally realized he must not be able to hear but after 4 hours snuggled up against me, he resisted terribly when it was time to get off the bus, It was almost like he was afraid to go with this lady whom I assumed must be a mother.  Iwatched as he got off and ran to a young man who gave loving hugs to him.  I  pray that the short time I held him and prayed for him  will impact his little life forever. He is in the hands of God and I probably will never see him again.  How many times do we hold a child, or come in contact with someone that unless we realize the significance of the moment, it passes and the moment God gave is gone? Help me to make more of every moment Lord….. not just on emotions but doing what YOU did, touching like you touched, helping others.  Help me Lord.

Yes, that was my Mother’s Day in Kenya, May 2010.  Perhaps not the way I had hoped or intended but another way to be an arm outstretched of kindness and love.  How? I tried to make the best of what was around me and smiled, even laughed. And maybe, just that very thing or holding a child lost at the feet of standing adults made a difference in someone’s life that day! I will never forget the Yellow Bus!

Freedom House Ministries feeds almost 3000 widows and children a month! We also train youth in Kenya in their pursuit of education which is extremely important. We would like to invite you to support this mission in Kenya. In early August we will be having our first large scale fundraiser and cannot do it without your support! If you would like to give a one-time donation to help us, please click the PayPal button below:

Dear Friends,
I have been back in Kenya for nearly 2 months and much has transpired. When I arrived I discovered that many things had changed at the site. Some good and some not so good but in the end, I believe God has been in the midst of any disruption that has transpired. While away, the parents of this small community gathered together to begin to find solutions to situations that had arisen. As a result, this project site is TRULY becoming a “Community Project” They have donated fields to plant (which are planted) they have decided to weed and to harvest, they have decided to make sure parents assist everyday to cook and clean dishes for the children. Regardless of what the enemy meant for bad, God is turning things around. GOD is moving and I am so appreciative. PLease continue to pray as more decisions must be made for the future of this site. Many children have now been HELPED by your gifts to go back to school. New uniforms, new shoes, necessary books etc….. I wish I could download these silly pictures…. I will keep trying. BUT the children looked so ooo good and were so proud. THANK YOU ….. It makes a heart feel great to see the smiles on their faces…. and the children eating everyday have blossomed before our eyes. They are healthy, robust, happy and are eager to learn in their classrooms. To see the results makes it all worthwhile even through extreme trauma. I just wanted you to know that things are coming along and I am working on several things for the project as well as personally. One is a geologist for a well, another is a huge grant that could bless the people and children so much more…. This is very important so PLEASE PRAY that God will help me to make the right connections in the right amount of time….,, There is so much more but that is for another day! Please continue to be faithful to your monthly support, either through our secure paypal on our web site or through your COG donations to my project # 0650855 through the COG World Missions address in Cleveland, Tenn. May His Love chase YOU and embrace YOU making your life complete. Hand in Hand together, we are touching many and changing lives for the good! God Bless….. Dr. Kathy

Hello Family, Friends, and F. H. Supporters,

I have arrived safe and sound back in Kenya. My time in the states has flown by but with great blessings. My travels took me to Ohio, Illinois, Georgia and Florida. This allowed me the opportunity to share with many NEW friends and NEW Churches. God has shown us His wonderful faithful hand through YOUR giving and I want you to know Freedom House loves and appreciates YOU!!!…

On Tuesday of this week I will travel to the site and share God’s love with those that will soon be getting out of school for April Holiday. I plan on having a great KIDS day with all the children…. Pray with us that God will touch many hearts. Very soon there will be a NEW web page up where we can communicate on a daily basis with YOU and I expect to have great fun talking to all of my friends around the world.

During our time in the states, Freedom House Ministries had the privilege to appoint new officers to the F.H. Board. I believe God has hand picked this new board to usher in a greater vision and purpose for this ministry. YOU will be hearing more in the upcoming months…. so stay tuned in for some exciting NEWS!

Thank you again for your prayers and monthly support. I am so grateful for your concern. There are still several children that need a full year of support! Please send your friends and family to this site that they may assist an orphan with food and education. Just $30 a month gives a child life. Our secure paypal sends Freedom House the gift donation immediately so in advance THANK YOU AGAIN. Remember, the NEW address for the ministry is: P.O. Box 382; Harrisburg, Illinois 62946 and the new office number is: 618/253-1219 The COG project # 0650855 sending your donations through Cleveland Tenn COG National Missions Dept. That is all for now The night has come, so…..

Good Night from Kenya and God Bless YOU!!! Dr. Kathy

My time is quickly flying and I have found myself very ,very C O L D here in the states.  People are warm and helpful but the weather is cold.  My body has adapted to warmer weather like the equator.

Brrrrr!!! I have been to Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Illinois and now I will return to Florida for another 3 weeks before packing up to return to Kenya.  This has been one of the most successful fund raising trips I have had traveling back and forth from Africa. All of the Freedom House Ministry supported students in Kenya are back in school and so far, there has been one bicycle donated for the students. We need several more! My hands and especially my thumbs will now remain smooth again because one Church in Ohio bought a Corn Sheller from Amish country for us to use at harvest time.  This incredible machine weighs 18 lbs but will shell 10 – 15 bushels of corn in one day.  I am shouting!!!! It will be amazing!  Everyone in the village will want to use this little wonder.

There have been so many blessings of kindness already and I am just half way through my stay….. One of the biggest prayers that is on my heart is the NEED for a VEHICLE to help get around in the back country plus help haul so much in and out of the property.  I believe that there are people who will help complete this project by March 23.  Can I tell you that there are lots of possibilities for this ministry for Kenya missions that could really bless the work that is presently being done on the site and around the country as I travel to teach and train leaders.  I ask YOU for prayer.

Please pray that God will bring together all the potential possibilities that He has made available to me and to Freedom House. I continue to need His wisdom and YOUR support.  Without each of us working together to do those things that are set before us, nothing will be accomplished for the Lord. My schedule is busy but never too busy to send you a greeting and a quick update.  Feel free to email us for further information about Kenya and my speaking schedule while in the states at freedomhmin@aol.com.

As Always, Dr. Kathy Watson

The meetings have gone well and there were many muslims Saved with BIG Miracles: The deaf, the Blind, the Mute, the Sick, and those with demons… ALL GONE!!!!!!! PTL!!!!!

I want the world to know what has happened, the strong hold of the devil has been broken!!!

One Muslim family of 8 came to a pastor after one of our meetings and all in the family got saved! There was not ONE stone thrown today not one… every force was there including police, the army and OCI it was great, the people love us here. Many have already suffered persecution been beaten, locked up in a room but they have seen the light… one lady was walking home and had some of the fliers for the meeting, she was beaten badly but the men were arrested. One girl is well known as a deaf mute, 20 years old and her father is a muslim… she came forward got prayer two times. The 2nd night she could hear and then we prayed for her speech, she said “HALLELUJAH”, she had never spoken before. The father came running up and took off his hat and scarf; he was so amazed at his own daughter, that he even tried to hide his hat, so he could stay up there in front and not be seen.

Tonight another girl was healed the same way, one older lady had a huge tumor in the front to back of her head, and on the first night she was healed… she has been REJOICING on the field every night since.

Finally had a breaking through with the kids last night, we had 14 give their hearts to Jesus after services… every day has been a miraculous event.

The team has been praying for RAIN here this week, they are desperate for rain nothing since March, livestock dying etc. We are believing for GOD to supply and show them again HIS hand… one lady even testified that demons came in a vision in a dream and when she spoke Jesus’ name they fled… she gave her heart to Him last night!!!

We desire such a move of GOD that it will be like a snowball, that just keeps going on and on to areas around this town. I am telling you, the strong man LOST! And we are REJOICING in what the LORD has done and is doing in this place.

Thank you for prayers. I will be leaving for Ethiopia in the morning and ask for your continued prayers for MIRACLES, for the provision of Needed Ministry funds and prayering covering for me.

Dear Friends and Family,

I am in Eldoret, Kenya for 4 days and have electricity to write you a brief monthly update of what is happening in Lela at the Rock of Hope / Ohawa Mission Site. Since August 31st our little area has been hopping. We had just finished shucking all the maize and had sit down to rest when I discovered, it was planting time again with an additional 4 acres to plant… Whew! God had just given us a financial miracle to relocate all the staff and their belongings. So once again on our knees, God sent funds to have a ‘real tractor’ plow and spray weed killer before planting. I can report today that ALL FIELDS are planted and some are already breaking through the ground. We planted maize, beans, ground nuts (peanuts), cow peas and sucuma (like greens which is a staple food for here). We presently have approximately 25 huge bags of maize from the last harvest to use and to sell as needed. PTL!!!!

During the planting, the kids returned to school so we had to begin OUR FEEDING PROGRAM off site at the local Primary school as promised. Our new Director of Outreach Ministries, Sarah Machari jumped right in and with the help of volunteer parents, Rock of Hope Mission has successfully fed approximately 350 children each week at the school since the beginning of September. ONLY GOD and YOU have made this program become a reality!!!! It is thrilling to watch the parents who have nothing themselves be able to send a cup and a spoon for their children. Not only moms are helping, but fathers have donated their time to pump water, build the fire for cooking or rally together to build a protective shelter for the ladies from the hot, hot sun from 10am until 3 pm every day. They are so proud to see this program through and God is doing it daily!

We continue to do weekly Bible Studies with teenage girls and boys. The new Project Foreman, Francis Machari, ministers alongside his wife to this large group weekly and they average 30 or more for each Bible study. Mama Joyce who is our Director of Hospitality and Women’s Ministry does an outstanding job with the women studying God’’s Word in the local Luo language. Then, every Saturday, come rain or shine, many little faces come running to sing, laugh and learn about God’s Word. Altogether, we are ministering to many, many people both young and old, sick and well, married and widowed, it is so many I can’t count them but I am SEEING MIRACLES of SALVATION AND HEALINGS WEEKLY.

Just this last week, one of my young teenage boys, who is16 yrs old, came to the site to give God praise after his weekly visit to the Doctor earlier this month, he was diagnosed with a very serious infection problem. We have been praying daily for his healing. He had not felt any better even after all the medicines and IV’s, even to last Saturday, he came asking for me to pray with him. We prayed together and again on Sunday. Away to the Doctor on Monday and home with a PRAISE report! After examination and medication, the dreaded infection has greatly reduced and he does not have to return for 3 weeks!!! GOD is healing Washington and he is seeing the hand of God move in his own life. Your donations made his trip to the Doctor possible! Thank you. He is such a good boy and I am watching him change for Jesus daily.

There are many such stories like Jackson, an 18 yr old who recently gave his life to Jesus. No dad and a sick mom who lives far away and had no school shoes. He decided to pray and not tell even me. He shared at the small Bible study group that someone just walked up to him and told him ‘I think I am suppose to give you shoes for school’!!!! Praise the Lord again!!!! These young people are proving God daily because they are watching God do the same thing for this mission daily!!!! God is so Good!

I will be traveling now until the end of October as I go into Muslim territory in Kenya and Ethiopia to minister to many children. I need your prayers and support as I go into these areas. There also remains BIG NEEDS on site. PLEASE PRAY for these new Kenyan Directors for wisdom, direction and managerial skills while I am away. They have taken on the vision and committed their lives for the next 2 years to work along side of me here on Rock of Hope Site. Their needs and all the ministry needs must be maintained monthly.

We still have no electricity or a generator but lots of sunshine, we need solar panels! A solid shed must be built to store the grain from this harvest and the one soon to come in December. This grain is used in the feeding programs! AND there are still children and teens that have need of school fees, eye exams and medical assistance. The schools have taken my word that Rock of Hope Mission will help but presently there are not enough funds to fulfill our promise. Approximately 20 more kids still need help. This amount is around $450.00. Every donation YOU have given I have used for the needs at that very moment, for school uniforms and books, feeding kids, planting or other things. Thank you as you hold this ministry up before the Lord!! It is miraculous and amazing what GOD IS DOING. Together we are making a difference in so many lives and I stand in AWE of HIS HAND!

Go to www.freedomhmin.org for more info and secure pay pal for Immediate Donations. COG Ministry Donations to: COG World Missions Dept., Box 8016, Cleveland, TN, 37320, Project # 0650855 for budget or special projects… Or send to our ministry address at: Freedom House Ministries, Inc., 2309 Upchurch Street, Eldorado, Illinois, 62930.

Love, Prayers and a Grateful Heart,

Dr. Kathy Watson