GRACE & FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL
We are about to open our Bible School in just a few short days. There are changes in the way we will do things - when the school meets together, we will meet in the Mission Church so we can maintain a social distance. We will have water stations for washing hands through out the compound, and sanitize every class room at the beginning and end of each day. Toilets will be cleaned and sanitized multiple times in a day. We will take the temps of each student at least twice a day; and encourage the use of masks. But, we will be together in class, and receiving the Word!
As we open the school, we find ourselves in need of additional finances to be ready for opening day, and to run a successful term. We anticipate 20 new students this term; and we do expect those who have been faithful in coming to return. We are excited to have some visiting teachers this year - Bishop Daron and Catherine Kendricks. Daron and Catherine have a ministry in Busia, Kenya; and a church in Nairobi. Daron is also a graduate of Rhema Bible College, where Donna and I also graduated. Catherine is a Kenya National, who is influential in women's rights and
We are about to open our Bible School in just a few short days. There are changes in the way we will do things - when the school meets together, we will meet in the Mission Church so we can maintain a social distance. We will have water stations for washing hands through out the compound, and sanitize every class room at the beginning and end of each day. Toilets will be cleaned and sanitized multiple times in a day. We will take the temps of each student at least twice a day; and encourage the use of masks. But, we will be together in class, and receiving the Word!
As we open the school, we find ourselves in need of additional finances to be ready for opening day, and to run a successful term. We anticipate 20 new students this term; and we do expect those who have been faithful in coming to return. We are excited to have some visiting teachers this year - Bishop Daron and Catherine Kendricks. Daron and Catherine have a ministry in Busia, Kenya; and a church in Nairobi. Daron is also a graduate of Rhema Bible College, where Donna and I also graduated. Catherine is a Kenya National, who is influential in women's rights and
GRACE & FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL REPORT MAY 2020
Grace & Faith International Bible School has graduated over 300 students since beginning in 2011. Although some things have changed over the years, the quality of Bible teaching has remained our highest priority. The school was started because we sensed a need in rural Kenya to train pastors and leaders, who often cannot afford to go to a “traditional” School of Theology. We decided to meet twice a year for a total of six weeks a year – and offer courses for four years to receive a Diploma of Biblical Studies. We have trained fifteen teachers in addition to multiple pastors and leaders.
We are still unsure of when we will be able to resume the Bible School, although we are planning to do so in August. We would like to begin to purchase the manuals needed and prepare dry goods needed for the school to open. Our yearly budget for the operations of the Bible School runs at $5,000.00 per year ($2,500 per term). This does not include daily needs, such as milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruit as we use the fees brought in by the students for these items. Please stand in agreement with us as we prepare to open the school later this year! If you wish to donate toward the Bible School, please donate today! Thank you for your support!
Together we really DO make the difference!
Grace & Faith International Bible School has graduated over 300 students since beginning in 2011. Although some things have changed over the years, the quality of Bible teaching has remained our highest priority. The school was started because we sensed a need in rural Kenya to train pastors and leaders, who often cannot afford to go to a “traditional” School of Theology. We decided to meet twice a year for a total of six weeks a year – and offer courses for four years to receive a Diploma of Biblical Studies. We have trained fifteen teachers in addition to multiple pastors and leaders.
We are still unsure of when we will be able to resume the Bible School, although we are planning to do so in August. We would like to begin to purchase the manuals needed and prepare dry goods needed for the school to open. Our yearly budget for the operations of the Bible School runs at $5,000.00 per year ($2,500 per term). This does not include daily needs, such as milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruit as we use the fees brought in by the students for these items. Please stand in agreement with us as we prepare to open the school later this year! If you wish to donate toward the Bible School, please donate today! Thank you for your support!
Together we really DO make the difference!
GRACE & FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL REPORT OCTOBER 2019
Our Bible School will open December 2, and run through December 20th. We are anticipating a large new enrollment, and are excited to see the school grow. While we charge an equivalent to $25.00 per student per term, it costs us around $50.00 per student per term.
Our graduates are starting and many Pastor churches through-out Kenya and beyond. It is exciting to me that we have trained 13 instructors, and have two in training for the next two terms. We have a vision to begin a school in Marsabit, one in Uganda, and one in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the next three years.
Our greatest need in the Bible School is additional classrooms. At this point, we need eight classrooms each term – and currently have only six. One of our classes are quite small, and can use a small room in the B.A.L.L. offices. We also need to construct two dorms for our students, and new bathroom facilities. Please keep the school in prayer as they teach this next term – and for the vision to continue to expand and grow. Together, we really DO make the difference!
Our Bible School will open December 2, and run through December 20th. We are anticipating a large new enrollment, and are excited to see the school grow. While we charge an equivalent to $25.00 per student per term, it costs us around $50.00 per student per term.
Our graduates are starting and many Pastor churches through-out Kenya and beyond. It is exciting to me that we have trained 13 instructors, and have two in training for the next two terms. We have a vision to begin a school in Marsabit, one in Uganda, and one in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the next three years.
Our greatest need in the Bible School is additional classrooms. At this point, we need eight classrooms each term – and currently have only six. One of our classes are quite small, and can use a small room in the B.A.L.L. offices. We also need to construct two dorms for our students, and new bathroom facilities. Please keep the school in prayer as they teach this next term – and for the vision to continue to expand and grow. Together, we really DO make the difference!
GRACE & FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL REPORT - APRIL 2019
We had a most glorious graduation at Grace & Faith International Bible School on April 27, 2019. We graduated 43 students; 38 receiving certificates and 5 receiving diplomas. It was so exciting!
We were so honored and blessed to have Rev. Gareth and Tracy Jenkins with Keystone Ministries in England here for two weeks. Gareth and Tracy did seminars for our students and teachers; and we had a special service of prophetic impartation on the last day of school. Gareth encouraged our graduates at the graduation ceremony. It was such a full time!
We are preparing for our next session of Bible School, although it does not open until December. While we are going to be in the USA from June through September, we trust God for provision to finish the new kitchen and dining areas as well as construct dormitories for both male and female students. We are also in need of building three additional classrooms for the school. These classrooms will be used by our school, as well as the Community Health Training School that continues throughout the year.
In addition to these things, we have had such a positive impact on many of our young men and women through our Mentorship Development Program. We currently are mentoring thirty young men and women!
Thank you for helping us make a positive impact in Western Kenya. Together, we really DO make the difference!
We had a most glorious graduation at Grace & Faith International Bible School on April 27, 2019. We graduated 43 students; 38 receiving certificates and 5 receiving diplomas. It was so exciting!
We were so honored and blessed to have Rev. Gareth and Tracy Jenkins with Keystone Ministries in England here for two weeks. Gareth and Tracy did seminars for our students and teachers; and we had a special service of prophetic impartation on the last day of school. Gareth encouraged our graduates at the graduation ceremony. It was such a full time!
We are preparing for our next session of Bible School, although it does not open until December. While we are going to be in the USA from June through September, we trust God for provision to finish the new kitchen and dining areas as well as construct dormitories for both male and female students. We are also in need of building three additional classrooms for the school. These classrooms will be used by our school, as well as the Community Health Training School that continues throughout the year.
In addition to these things, we have had such a positive impact on many of our young men and women through our Mentorship Development Program. We currently are mentoring thirty young men and women!
Thank you for helping us make a positive impact in Western Kenya. Together, we really DO make the difference!
GRACE & FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL REPORT FEBRUARY 2019
In December, we had such a successful term with GFIBS. We enrolled six (6) new students, and had a total of fifty-three (53) students attending the school. We had two guest teachers from the Dayton Vineyard Church in Dayton, Ohio, Rev. Dr. Kevin Hoffman and Pastor Angela Bailey. They were such a blessing to the Bible School!
We are fast approaching our next term, beginning April 8, 2019. We expect to enroll at least ten (10) new students this term, and will graduate five (5) students from the fourth year; eight (8) Students from the 3rd Year; twenty-four (24) Students from 2nd Year; and sixteen (16) from first year programs. We are excited to see the growth of the school!
The significance of this school continues to reveal itself as we move forward in ministry. Our students are trained well in the Word, and given tools to develop the ministry and call God has given them. At the same time, vision is expanded and defined as they continue in the Word. The testimonies we receive are so positive and uplifting! Thank you for standing with us in the training of these men and women for ministry!
We continue to stand in faith for every need met. We increase school fees last term, and saw the school able to cover a little over 50% of the cost of doing the Bible School. We are advancing, but still need to supplement the school at this point. One thing we have always done, and wish to continue this year, is to give a free study bible to those graduating from first year. That means we have 16 Bibles to give out this May. I have a few, but will need to purchase a box of bibles at about $15.00 per bible. A box contains 12 bibles...and costs us around $180.00 for the Bible's and $20.00 for transportation from Nairobi to Kakamega. If you would like to help with this need, please send us a message! We have already purchased the maize, and part of the beans for the school; we still have one bag of beans needed and two bags of rice. The manuals are costing us the most these days, at around $500.00. To kick off the school well, we are believing for additional funds of $1,500.00. Will you stand in agreement with us? God is faithful!
Together we really DO make the difference!!
In December, we had such a successful term with GFIBS. We enrolled six (6) new students, and had a total of fifty-three (53) students attending the school. We had two guest teachers from the Dayton Vineyard Church in Dayton, Ohio, Rev. Dr. Kevin Hoffman and Pastor Angela Bailey. They were such a blessing to the Bible School!
We are fast approaching our next term, beginning April 8, 2019. We expect to enroll at least ten (10) new students this term, and will graduate five (5) students from the fourth year; eight (8) Students from the 3rd Year; twenty-four (24) Students from 2nd Year; and sixteen (16) from first year programs. We are excited to see the growth of the school!
The significance of this school continues to reveal itself as we move forward in ministry. Our students are trained well in the Word, and given tools to develop the ministry and call God has given them. At the same time, vision is expanded and defined as they continue in the Word. The testimonies we receive are so positive and uplifting! Thank you for standing with us in the training of these men and women for ministry!
We continue to stand in faith for every need met. We increase school fees last term, and saw the school able to cover a little over 50% of the cost of doing the Bible School. We are advancing, but still need to supplement the school at this point. One thing we have always done, and wish to continue this year, is to give a free study bible to those graduating from first year. That means we have 16 Bibles to give out this May. I have a few, but will need to purchase a box of bibles at about $15.00 per bible. A box contains 12 bibles...and costs us around $180.00 for the Bible's and $20.00 for transportation from Nairobi to Kakamega. If you would like to help with this need, please send us a message! We have already purchased the maize, and part of the beans for the school; we still have one bag of beans needed and two bags of rice. The manuals are costing us the most these days, at around $500.00. To kick off the school well, we are believing for additional funds of $1,500.00. Will you stand in agreement with us? God is faithful!
Together we really DO make the difference!!
GRACE & FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL MAY REPORT
This April, we had a total enrollment of 57 students in Grace & Faith International Bible School. We had thirteen (13) first time enrollees, and 44 returning students. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as everyone received the Word of Truth with all readiness of heart. It was such a joy to teach these people the principles of the Word! We had two new students from Eastern Uganda!
Since closing, we have had many comments as to the difference the school has made in the lives of those who attended. We had some first year, first term students who have received diploma in Theological Studies elsewhere who shared how in the first few days of teaching, they began to see the reality of who they were in Christ! It is so exciting to see the Word change the lives of people in these East African nations!
Another highlight of this term was we hosted two mission students from Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, Colorado. Ms. Cora Castle and Ms. Sonhui DeSanto have trained at Charis for the mission field, and came to Kenya to observe missions in action for six weeks. Two of those weeks, they spent with us, sharing testimonies and learning about being on the mission field. A special thank you to Cora for the graduation pictures!
On April 28, we graduated 44 students from various years of the school. We were honored to present twenty-eight (28) NLT Life Application Bibles to graduates from our first year program. We also present each first year student with a hand-made cross that was crafted by a partner in memory of my dad. How our students celebrated! Each class danced their way into the auditorium to receive their certificates! It was such a joy to see many blessed in this way.
This April, we had a total enrollment of 57 students in Grace & Faith International Bible School. We had thirteen (13) first time enrollees, and 44 returning students. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as everyone received the Word of Truth with all readiness of heart. It was such a joy to teach these people the principles of the Word! We had two new students from Eastern Uganda!
Since closing, we have had many comments as to the difference the school has made in the lives of those who attended. We had some first year, first term students who have received diploma in Theological Studies elsewhere who shared how in the first few days of teaching, they began to see the reality of who they were in Christ! It is so exciting to see the Word change the lives of people in these East African nations!
Another highlight of this term was we hosted two mission students from Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, Colorado. Ms. Cora Castle and Ms. Sonhui DeSanto have trained at Charis for the mission field, and came to Kenya to observe missions in action for six weeks. Two of those weeks, they spent with us, sharing testimonies and learning about being on the mission field. A special thank you to Cora for the graduation pictures!
On April 28, we graduated 44 students from various years of the school. We were honored to present twenty-eight (28) NLT Life Application Bibles to graduates from our first year program. We also present each first year student with a hand-made cross that was crafted by a partner in memory of my dad. How our students celebrated! Each class danced their way into the auditorium to receive their certificates! It was such a joy to see many blessed in this way.
TESTIMONIES FROM OUR STUDENTS
JAMES MBAYI AMAYA
My names are James Mbayi Amaya. I am a second year graduate of Grace and Faith International Bible School, Ematsayi Campus, Kakamega, Kenya. The Bible School has really changed my life.Since joining the Bible School, I have received so much about righteousness and our sanctification in Christ. I have learned I can come to God with no fear, no guilt, as if sin never existed. It has given me a way of renewing my mind to the truth of God's Word. I have learned I have a new nature in Christ Jesus, and walk in the new nature! I have learned that I am a Spirit, I have a soul, and I live in a body!
I thank God so much for the teachings of this school Thank you!
My names are James Mbayi Amaya. I am a second year graduate of Grace and Faith International Bible School, Ematsayi Campus, Kakamega, Kenya. The Bible School has really changed my life.Since joining the Bible School, I have received so much about righteousness and our sanctification in Christ. I have learned I can come to God with no fear, no guilt, as if sin never existed. It has given me a way of renewing my mind to the truth of God's Word. I have learned I have a new nature in Christ Jesus, and walk in the new nature! I have learned that I am a Spirit, I have a soul, and I live in a body!
I thank God so much for the teachings of this school Thank you!
LILIAN KEMUNTO OSERO
I really thank the Lord for enabling me to join Grace & Faith International Bible School. Since I joined this college, I am a renewed person. Even in reading and analyzing the scriptures I have really changed. I realized my position in Christ, and I can go before him without fear, shame, or sense of inferiority. I really thank God so much - and I thank you!
EDITOR NOTE: Lilian became a mom in February of this year. In December, she had finished her first year course of study, but made a decision to return to school only six weeks after her baby was born to attend the first term of her second year! Every day, she came with her newborn on the back of a motorcycle from Kakamega! That is dedication - that is commitment!
I really thank the Lord for enabling me to join Grace & Faith International Bible School. Since I joined this college, I am a renewed person. Even in reading and analyzing the scriptures I have really changed. I realized my position in Christ, and I can go before him without fear, shame, or sense of inferiority. I really thank God so much - and I thank you!
EDITOR NOTE: Lilian became a mom in February of this year. In December, she had finished her first year course of study, but made a decision to return to school only six weeks after her baby was born to attend the first term of her second year! Every day, she came with her newborn on the back of a motorcycle from Kakamega! That is dedication - that is commitment!
GRACE & FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL APRIL TERM HAS BEGUN!
The Bible School opened the April term on April 9. We have currently 58 students enrolled in our school, with two coming Monday. God is so good!
While we have had a partner help us with this term to finish well, we continue to ask for your prayers as we move forward! Stand in agreement with us that the school can finish strong, and the students receive instruction well.
We have twelve (12) in our first year first term class. Because of the content of our curriculum, and because of the diverse backgrounds of our students, sometimes the first year is a difficult year to teach. But every teacher has reported that the students in this class are both receptive and full of anticipation! Praise God! In our intake, we have also seen two students come from Uganda. One pastor who went to a school for a diploma of Theology with the Presbyterian Church of Uganda has shared what he has seen in his short time in our school is the very life of God!
We will be posting pictures next month of the school and graduation! And we hope to have some testimonies to share with you!! Thank you for helping us! Together we really DO make the difference.
The Bible School opened the April term on April 9. We have currently 58 students enrolled in our school, with two coming Monday. God is so good!
While we have had a partner help us with this term to finish well, we continue to ask for your prayers as we move forward! Stand in agreement with us that the school can finish strong, and the students receive instruction well.
We have twelve (12) in our first year first term class. Because of the content of our curriculum, and because of the diverse backgrounds of our students, sometimes the first year is a difficult year to teach. But every teacher has reported that the students in this class are both receptive and full of anticipation! Praise God! In our intake, we have also seen two students come from Uganda. One pastor who went to a school for a diploma of Theology with the Presbyterian Church of Uganda has shared what he has seen in his short time in our school is the very life of God!
We will be posting pictures next month of the school and graduation! And we hope to have some testimonies to share with you!! Thank you for helping us! Together we really DO make the difference.
The final term of 2017 was held at Ematsayi from November 27 to December 13. We had a total enrollment of 48 students! Although Donna and I were called away to the US the first of December, our leadership completed the term strong! We had many testimonies of students whose lives have been changed by the teachings they have received. Already we have a dozen students pre-enrolled for our April term.
The news of our school has gone throughout Kenya! We now have students from Mombasa, Nairobi, Kitale, Mt. Elgon, Eldoret, as well as Kakamega! When you attend a class, you feel in the atmosphere the expectant attitude of the students, and the excitement they have to hear the Word of God! Thank YOU for helping us train these young men and women for full time ministry!
A few weeks ago, one of our instructors lost his wife unexpectantly. He has been a real blessing to our school, being the first instructor outside of myself to teach in the school. He is doing better, and says he is living Philippians 4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always!”
In November, we purchased 50 new mattresses for the school. While this is a step in the right direction, we are believing God to build two small dormitories – one for women, one for men – on our compound and build 50 beds for these dorms. We have remodeled three of our classrooms, and need to remodel three additional classrooms to complete. In addition, we will need to build two or three additional classrooms to have enough class space for our students and classes!
The news of our school has gone throughout Kenya! We now have students from Mombasa, Nairobi, Kitale, Mt. Elgon, Eldoret, as well as Kakamega! When you attend a class, you feel in the atmosphere the expectant attitude of the students, and the excitement they have to hear the Word of God! Thank YOU for helping us train these young men and women for full time ministry!
A few weeks ago, one of our instructors lost his wife unexpectantly. He has been a real blessing to our school, being the first instructor outside of myself to teach in the school. He is doing better, and says he is living Philippians 4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always!”
In November, we purchased 50 new mattresses for the school. While this is a step in the right direction, we are believing God to build two small dormitories – one for women, one for men – on our compound and build 50 beds for these dorms. We have remodeled three of our classrooms, and need to remodel three additional classrooms to complete. In addition, we will need to build two or three additional classrooms to have enough class space for our students and classes!
GRACE AND FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL - APRIL 2017
April 10, we open our second term of the 2016/2017 school year, and open a new first year term as well. It is our goal to have two terms going at the same time in the school for all years. This term, we are offering 26 different classes. We have successfully trained teachers to assist us in the work, and are happy to report we will have 11 instructors helping us!
We expect 30 returning students, and at least 12 new student this term. We have heard, however, we may have as many as 20 new students enrolling in April! We have sent the manuals to the printers, and need to have funds to pay for this work by end of next week. (Since this initial writing, $50.00 has come toward this project.) Please stand in agreement with us as we step by faith to begin our school! The manuals will cost us $270.00 to produce.
In addition to the manuals, we have a pressing need for maize, rice, beans, sugar, salt and oil for the coming term. Due to drought conditions in much of Kenya from December through February, the crops were not plentiful as usual. So prices of these commodities have really increased! When we bought bags of maize for last term in December, we were paying about 2,500 ksh ($25.00) for a bag. Now, the same bag requires nearly 5,000 ksh (about $50.00) for a bag! We need at least two bags of maize, two bags of beans, and two bags of rice to get the school started. This is a total of around $300.00 to purchase the food for the school term. If you want to help us meet this need, please send us a message! We will tell you the BEST WAY to get your special donation to us.
Thank you for your assistance in training leaders for this next generation! Next month, we will bring you a report of school, and graduation! Be sure to check out the project updating many of our classrooms under "Projects"! We have completed three classrooms, and all the mission offices. We have three classrooms left to do next year, and rejoice that we have come this far!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish alone – but together, we really DO make the difference!
April 10, we open our second term of the 2016/2017 school year, and open a new first year term as well. It is our goal to have two terms going at the same time in the school for all years. This term, we are offering 26 different classes. We have successfully trained teachers to assist us in the work, and are happy to report we will have 11 instructors helping us!
We expect 30 returning students, and at least 12 new student this term. We have heard, however, we may have as many as 20 new students enrolling in April! We have sent the manuals to the printers, and need to have funds to pay for this work by end of next week. (Since this initial writing, $50.00 has come toward this project.) Please stand in agreement with us as we step by faith to begin our school! The manuals will cost us $270.00 to produce.
In addition to the manuals, we have a pressing need for maize, rice, beans, sugar, salt and oil for the coming term. Due to drought conditions in much of Kenya from December through February, the crops were not plentiful as usual. So prices of these commodities have really increased! When we bought bags of maize for last term in December, we were paying about 2,500 ksh ($25.00) for a bag. Now, the same bag requires nearly 5,000 ksh (about $50.00) for a bag! We need at least two bags of maize, two bags of beans, and two bags of rice to get the school started. This is a total of around $300.00 to purchase the food for the school term. If you want to help us meet this need, please send us a message! We will tell you the BEST WAY to get your special donation to us.
Thank you for your assistance in training leaders for this next generation! Next month, we will bring you a report of school, and graduation! Be sure to check out the project updating many of our classrooms under "Projects"! We have completed three classrooms, and all the mission offices. We have three classrooms left to do next year, and rejoice that we have come this far!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish alone – but together, we really DO make the difference!
GRACE AND FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL - January 2017
We are often asked what makes Grace & Faith International Bible School different from other schools in our area. We are teaching the uncompromised Word of God and sharing the unconditional love of God with these Students. We are making a difference. One first year student shared with the class that she had never heard the Word taught so simply, yet with such depth. There were many things she did not understand before – but after taking just the few courses the first term, she has a greater understanding of the love of God for us, and what Jesus did for us at Calvary!
A current student’s wife recently came to me. She told me that they had been married for nearly 22 years. Until her husband started going to the Bible School, life was tough. It seemed as if every church they tried to pastor failed. Finally, they ended up as just members in a local church not far from us. Her husband came to the school, and now is the senior pastor of one of the largest churches in our area. He has now been invited to the Governor’s Office to share the gospel, and has become quite well known in our area. She told me how grateful she was to God and to us for bringing this school to Ematsayi. She said, “I never knew we could actually complete these courses and see our lives become lifted up as they are. Thank you!”
These are only two of many testimonies we could share. The cost of the school is around $50.00 per student per term. We charge te student $15.00 per term to attend, and believe God to help us meet the balance. Our school term this year begins in April. We anticipate at least 15 new students,, and the return of 28 second term students. We will offer a total of 26 classes, and have 11 teachers with 2 assistants. We continue to see great growth in the school, and continue to thank God for total provision.
We are in need of paying for a bag of maize and a bag of beans - the total cost at this point is around $50.00 to purchase these two items. These will last until the school starts, and should enable us to finish the school term well. The cost of the manuals will be another major expense - and I estimate that to be around $500.00 this term. If you feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit to help us with these expenses, please drop us a line and tell us what you have in your heart to do!
The pictures below are from our first term - when our good friends Chuck & Connie came to visit.
You are helping us make a difference! We can’t do this alone! But together, we really DO make the difference!
We are often asked what makes Grace & Faith International Bible School different from other schools in our area. We are teaching the uncompromised Word of God and sharing the unconditional love of God with these Students. We are making a difference. One first year student shared with the class that she had never heard the Word taught so simply, yet with such depth. There were many things she did not understand before – but after taking just the few courses the first term, she has a greater understanding of the love of God for us, and what Jesus did for us at Calvary!
A current student’s wife recently came to me. She told me that they had been married for nearly 22 years. Until her husband started going to the Bible School, life was tough. It seemed as if every church they tried to pastor failed. Finally, they ended up as just members in a local church not far from us. Her husband came to the school, and now is the senior pastor of one of the largest churches in our area. He has now been invited to the Governor’s Office to share the gospel, and has become quite well known in our area. She told me how grateful she was to God and to us for bringing this school to Ematsayi. She said, “I never knew we could actually complete these courses and see our lives become lifted up as they are. Thank you!”
These are only two of many testimonies we could share. The cost of the school is around $50.00 per student per term. We charge te student $15.00 per term to attend, and believe God to help us meet the balance. Our school term this year begins in April. We anticipate at least 15 new students,, and the return of 28 second term students. We will offer a total of 26 classes, and have 11 teachers with 2 assistants. We continue to see great growth in the school, and continue to thank God for total provision.
We are in need of paying for a bag of maize and a bag of beans - the total cost at this point is around $50.00 to purchase these two items. These will last until the school starts, and should enable us to finish the school term well. The cost of the manuals will be another major expense - and I estimate that to be around $500.00 this term. If you feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit to help us with these expenses, please drop us a line and tell us what you have in your heart to do!
The pictures below are from our first term - when our good friends Chuck & Connie came to visit.
You are helping us make a difference! We can’t do this alone! But together, we really DO make the difference!
GRACE AND FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL JUNE 2016
In May of this year, we graduated our 2016 classes! We have graduated a total of 150 students since opening in 2011. And we continue to grow! We have about 15 pre-enrolled in our 2016-17 school year, excluding our extension schools. In addition to the school in Kakamega, we have an extension school in Nairobi which enrolled 30 students in the first term. They will finish in November of this year, and we are yet to see who will finish the course of study.
We had some significant changes in this last term. Due to some issues regarding excellence in service, we replaced our kitchen staff this term, and for the first time since the opening of the school, we had no complaints about the kitchen, food, or evening tea! Thank you Jesus! We are still working on accommodations, as we are in need of additional beds and mattresses for the school. These mattresses cost about $20.00 each, and we hope to be able to procure an additional 20 beds for the next term. In addition, the kitchen is in need of cooking pots and utensils, which can be purchased in Kakamega at a good rate. Stand with us as we continue to strive for excellence in the school administration.
In May, we graduated 20 students. We have a ceremony for every student who completes a full year, with the fourth year students ready to be released into ministry. We graduated four from our fourth year class this year – all overcame great obstacles to finish the race. But God is faithful! What rejoicing we had with these graduates!
One of our most recent graduates has begun teaching in our extension school in Nairobi this month. We want to welcome him aboard as one of our teachers! Ronald Kamau resisted coming to the school. His pastor was a friend of a friend of ours in Nairobi, and sent him for the first term, four years ago. During his first term, I taught on “Righteousness”, and he was convinced we were a cult! Who can claim to be righteous? He left that term determined not to return again! But during the interim, his assignment was to study the Epistles and list every scripture that refers to “in Him,” “through Him,” and “with Him.” He reported to me that during that interim, he got the revelation of who he was in Christ Jesus!
We have so many testimonies of men and women whose lives have been changed because of the message of the Unconditional love of God, and our union in Christ. It is because of YOU that we can be there to help train these future leaders! Thank you for sending us
Together we really DO make the difference.
In May of this year, we graduated our 2016 classes! We have graduated a total of 150 students since opening in 2011. And we continue to grow! We have about 15 pre-enrolled in our 2016-17 school year, excluding our extension schools. In addition to the school in Kakamega, we have an extension school in Nairobi which enrolled 30 students in the first term. They will finish in November of this year, and we are yet to see who will finish the course of study.
We had some significant changes in this last term. Due to some issues regarding excellence in service, we replaced our kitchen staff this term, and for the first time since the opening of the school, we had no complaints about the kitchen, food, or evening tea! Thank you Jesus! We are still working on accommodations, as we are in need of additional beds and mattresses for the school. These mattresses cost about $20.00 each, and we hope to be able to procure an additional 20 beds for the next term. In addition, the kitchen is in need of cooking pots and utensils, which can be purchased in Kakamega at a good rate. Stand with us as we continue to strive for excellence in the school administration.
In May, we graduated 20 students. We have a ceremony for every student who completes a full year, with the fourth year students ready to be released into ministry. We graduated four from our fourth year class this year – all overcame great obstacles to finish the race. But God is faithful! What rejoicing we had with these graduates!
One of our most recent graduates has begun teaching in our extension school in Nairobi this month. We want to welcome him aboard as one of our teachers! Ronald Kamau resisted coming to the school. His pastor was a friend of a friend of ours in Nairobi, and sent him for the first term, four years ago. During his first term, I taught on “Righteousness”, and he was convinced we were a cult! Who can claim to be righteous? He left that term determined not to return again! But during the interim, his assignment was to study the Epistles and list every scripture that refers to “in Him,” “through Him,” and “with Him.” He reported to me that during that interim, he got the revelation of who he was in Christ Jesus!
We have so many testimonies of men and women whose lives have been changed because of the message of the Unconditional love of God, and our union in Christ. It is because of YOU that we can be there to help train these future leaders! Thank you for sending us
Together we really DO make the difference.
GRACE AND FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL JANUARY UPDATE
December 2015 marked our fifth graduation ceremony at Grace and Faith International Bible School. The school term that began in December is for the 2015-2016 school term…but the graduation ceremony was for those who had finished their course of study in 2015. We graduated 20 students, making our total 134 students graduated to date! The exciting news for us was our enrollment for first year students in December went from three to ten! Praise God! We are believing God for continued growth at GFIBS at Ematsayi.
In addition to the campus at Ematsayi Mission in Kakamega, we now have opened an extension school in Kariobangi South in Nairobi. Classes run every Sunday afternoon January through March, then May through July, and the final term September through November. We had over 30 students enroll in our first year program at this school in January! We are excited to be training young men and women in ministry!!
Below find a slideshow of this past term at the Ematsayi Campus – and be sure to check out our “Projects Page” to see current projects we are doing for GFIBS. Thank you for your contribution! Together, we really DO make the difference!
December 2015 marked our fifth graduation ceremony at Grace and Faith International Bible School. The school term that began in December is for the 2015-2016 school term…but the graduation ceremony was for those who had finished their course of study in 2015. We graduated 20 students, making our total 134 students graduated to date! The exciting news for us was our enrollment for first year students in December went from three to ten! Praise God! We are believing God for continued growth at GFIBS at Ematsayi.
In addition to the campus at Ematsayi Mission in Kakamega, we now have opened an extension school in Kariobangi South in Nairobi. Classes run every Sunday afternoon January through March, then May through July, and the final term September through November. We had over 30 students enroll in our first year program at this school in January! We are excited to be training young men and women in ministry!!
Below find a slideshow of this past term at the Ematsayi Campus – and be sure to check out our “Projects Page” to see current projects we are doing for GFIBS. Thank you for your contribution! Together, we really DO make the difference!
Our next term for the Bible School is from August 17 through September 4, 2015. Our current enrollment will remain the same, as new enrollment is only in the first term of each school year. There are some changes coming to the school this year – to help facilitate our needs to be in the US during the summer months. We are working to finalize those arrangements, and request your prayers for wisdom and favor! We are also starting a new school in 2016!
Grace and Faith International Bible School will open an extension school in Nairobi, Kenya. Working with the Bible and Literacy League of Kenya, and through their church in Nairobi, this school will be geared to helping train people who are working full time in the secular world. Classes will meet weekly during the months that traditional schools in Kenya meet, and will be able to accomplish the same schedule of classes per year as we do through our campus program in Kakamega. With the opening of this school, Grace & Faith International Bible School will be able to train more pastors and leaders who are not able to leave their employment to get training! One of our graduates, Rev. Mary Consolata Awinja will be the onsite director of this extension school, and various other graduates will assist her with teaching on a monthly basis. We are excited to see this expansion!
We continue to believe God for the finances to continue the school in August. We are in need of about $500.00 USD to have the manuals printed, to purchase food for the first week of school and making the room we use for the men’s dormitory secure and safe. We are excited that three of our graduates will be doing some of the teaching this next term – and trust God that we can use them in the future as well.
One of our greatest praise reports is that we have eight of our graduates ready to go into the world to teach the Word, and train leaders. Thank you for your partnership with this school. Because of you, we have people now ready to make a huge change in Kenya and in East Africa! Together, we really DO make the difference!
Grace and Faith International Bible School will open an extension school in Nairobi, Kenya. Working with the Bible and Literacy League of Kenya, and through their church in Nairobi, this school will be geared to helping train people who are working full time in the secular world. Classes will meet weekly during the months that traditional schools in Kenya meet, and will be able to accomplish the same schedule of classes per year as we do through our campus program in Kakamega. With the opening of this school, Grace & Faith International Bible School will be able to train more pastors and leaders who are not able to leave their employment to get training! One of our graduates, Rev. Mary Consolata Awinja will be the onsite director of this extension school, and various other graduates will assist her with teaching on a monthly basis. We are excited to see this expansion!
We continue to believe God for the finances to continue the school in August. We are in need of about $500.00 USD to have the manuals printed, to purchase food for the first week of school and making the room we use for the men’s dormitory secure and safe. We are excited that three of our graduates will be doing some of the teaching this next term – and trust God that we can use them in the future as well.
One of our greatest praise reports is that we have eight of our graduates ready to go into the world to teach the Word, and train leaders. Thank you for your partnership with this school. Because of you, we have people now ready to make a huge change in Kenya and in East Africa! Together, we really DO make the difference!
JANUARY 2015 UPDATE
Grace & Faith International Bible School held the final session of 2014 in December at the Ematsayi Mission in Western Kenya. Since Donna and I were unable to be there for the session, we asked four of our graduating 4th year students to join the teaching staff. Rev. Mary Awinja from Nairobi, Pastor Mariam Mutanga of Mumias, Pastor Matthew Wabuko of Ematsayi and Harrison Songa also of Ematsayi joined our teaching staff. The students reported to us that the session went very well, and all received so much from the school.
The 2015 term will begin on April 20th, and go through May 8th. Donna and I will be onsite for this term, and are excited to be back training leaders for service in East Africa! A special thanks goes to one of our partners, Montgomery Ministries, of Oklahoma. They assisted us in purchasing mattresses for the school, as well as sponsoring some of our students. Another church partner, Rivers of Life Ministries in Green Bay, Wisconsin helped us print the manuals, pay our staff, and provided food for the opening of the session.
We do have some projects that we are working on for 2015 with the Bible School. We need to repair some of the roofing, replace ceiling tiles in all the classrooms, paint the walls and exterior walls of the classrooms, and install writing boards in each class. In addition, we need to wire two of our classrooms for power, including both lights and outlets. Many of the windows of the buildings are also missing, so we need to replace windows, and install new security doors on each room. These repairs will cost us around $3,500.00 to complete.
In addition to these, we would like to construct a kitchen/dining room for the mission. We have a facility now that we can repurpose for this cause. In the back of this building is a well constructed veranda, which we can easily convert into a kitchen. We will have to add iron bars to secure the area, install two security doors, and pour a cement floor. The cooking stoves will be constructed of brick, and use wood as fuel. Please stand in agreement with us as we begin the process of getting the cost of this project.
Again, let us express our appreciation to our family, friends and partners in helping us develop leadership in East Africa. Together, we really DO make the difference!
Grace & Faith International Bible School held the final session of 2014 in December at the Ematsayi Mission in Western Kenya. Since Donna and I were unable to be there for the session, we asked four of our graduating 4th year students to join the teaching staff. Rev. Mary Awinja from Nairobi, Pastor Mariam Mutanga of Mumias, Pastor Matthew Wabuko of Ematsayi and Harrison Songa also of Ematsayi joined our teaching staff. The students reported to us that the session went very well, and all received so much from the school.
The 2015 term will begin on April 20th, and go through May 8th. Donna and I will be onsite for this term, and are excited to be back training leaders for service in East Africa! A special thanks goes to one of our partners, Montgomery Ministries, of Oklahoma. They assisted us in purchasing mattresses for the school, as well as sponsoring some of our students. Another church partner, Rivers of Life Ministries in Green Bay, Wisconsin helped us print the manuals, pay our staff, and provided food for the opening of the session.
We do have some projects that we are working on for 2015 with the Bible School. We need to repair some of the roofing, replace ceiling tiles in all the classrooms, paint the walls and exterior walls of the classrooms, and install writing boards in each class. In addition, we need to wire two of our classrooms for power, including both lights and outlets. Many of the windows of the buildings are also missing, so we need to replace windows, and install new security doors on each room. These repairs will cost us around $3,500.00 to complete.
In addition to these, we would like to construct a kitchen/dining room for the mission. We have a facility now that we can repurpose for this cause. In the back of this building is a well constructed veranda, which we can easily convert into a kitchen. We will have to add iron bars to secure the area, install two security doors, and pour a cement floor. The cooking stoves will be constructed of brick, and use wood as fuel. Please stand in agreement with us as we begin the process of getting the cost of this project.
Again, let us express our appreciation to our family, friends and partners in helping us develop leadership in East Africa. Together, we really DO make the difference!
DECEMBER 2014 UPDATE
As I write this update, our Bible School is in the final week of the final term of 2014. We are so blessed that four of our fourth year students stepped up to the plate to teach classes in Donna’s and my absence. Enrollment was down a bit from the previous term, but those who were able to finish the year have been highly blessed.
Looking forward to 2015, GFIBS will begin it’s first term of 2015 in April. We will have four years running, and Donna and I will teach those who delayed their final term of fourth year in December. After the school term, we will hold a graduation for the 2014 school year.
We have some major projects we would like to start in 2015. Our mission has been lacking a kitchen for a number of years. We have plans to build a kitchen on the property using a facility that is currently not used. There is a covered porch area behind one of the classrooms that we can easily convert into a kitchen. By installing iron bars around the porch, installing two security doors, leveling and pouring a cement floor, we can prepare the area for a full fledged kitchen. We also plan to build three cookers that uses wood or charcoal to cook the food. We hope to bring water to the kitchen as well, so clean water is available for cleaning and cooking.
We are excited to explore new areas where GFIBS can open extension schools in Kenya. We will be traveling to the costal area to look at a location near Malindi, and another location in Northern Kenya near Marsabit. It is our prayer that by 2016, we will have at least one extension school opening. We are excited to use our own graduates to teach in these schools as well. Pray for wisdom for us as we move forward.
Thank you, Partners, Family and Friends, for standing in prayer with us for these projects. Together, we really DO make the difference!
As I write this update, our Bible School is in the final week of the final term of 2014. We are so blessed that four of our fourth year students stepped up to the plate to teach classes in Donna’s and my absence. Enrollment was down a bit from the previous term, but those who were able to finish the year have been highly blessed.
Looking forward to 2015, GFIBS will begin it’s first term of 2015 in April. We will have four years running, and Donna and I will teach those who delayed their final term of fourth year in December. After the school term, we will hold a graduation for the 2014 school year.
We have some major projects we would like to start in 2015. Our mission has been lacking a kitchen for a number of years. We have plans to build a kitchen on the property using a facility that is currently not used. There is a covered porch area behind one of the classrooms that we can easily convert into a kitchen. By installing iron bars around the porch, installing two security doors, leveling and pouring a cement floor, we can prepare the area for a full fledged kitchen. We also plan to build three cookers that uses wood or charcoal to cook the food. We hope to bring water to the kitchen as well, so clean water is available for cleaning and cooking.
We are excited to explore new areas where GFIBS can open extension schools in Kenya. We will be traveling to the costal area to look at a location near Malindi, and another location in Northern Kenya near Marsabit. It is our prayer that by 2016, we will have at least one extension school opening. We are excited to use our own graduates to teach in these schools as well. Pray for wisdom for us as we move forward.
Thank you, Partners, Family and Friends, for standing in prayer with us for these projects. Together, we really DO make the difference!
UPDATE FALL 2014
The vision of Grace & Faith International Bible School (GFIBS) is to train men and women for service in the Kingdom. Working with an indigenous group, Bible and Literacy League of Kenya, GFIBS is open to any group or person for training. We have two semesters a year, with a certificate issued at the end of each year. Full completion of this course of study takes four years.
Lives have already been changed and churches started as a result of this school. We plan to expand the educational ministry of GFIBS by starting extension schools in Kenya and other parts of East Africa as God opens the doors and finances are available.
Historically, Grace & Faith International Bible School has held its sessions in April and August. When Donna and I were delayed in our return to Kenya this year, the Bible School Committee decided it best to wait until we returned to do the final session for 2014. When it became apparent that we were not returning to Kenya until 2015, the thought was we could finish the school term in December, using some of our graduates as teachers for the term. While I am writing, we are awaiting a final decision from Kenya on this matter. If all goes to plan, however, we will begin our second term of 2014 on December 1st.
Please pray for our school - we need around $500.00 USD to finish the year with the school, which will provide additional scholarships to our students, provide initial food for their meals, and manuals for their classes. Please stand in agreement with us as we need to get the money to Kenya by the end of November. Your faithful partnership with this ministry helps us fulfill the vision of training men and women for service in the Kingdom!
God never gives us a dream we can accomplish alone. But, together we really DO make the difference.
The vision of Grace & Faith International Bible School (GFIBS) is to train men and women for service in the Kingdom. Working with an indigenous group, Bible and Literacy League of Kenya, GFIBS is open to any group or person for training. We have two semesters a year, with a certificate issued at the end of each year. Full completion of this course of study takes four years.
Lives have already been changed and churches started as a result of this school. We plan to expand the educational ministry of GFIBS by starting extension schools in Kenya and other parts of East Africa as God opens the doors and finances are available.
Historically, Grace & Faith International Bible School has held its sessions in April and August. When Donna and I were delayed in our return to Kenya this year, the Bible School Committee decided it best to wait until we returned to do the final session for 2014. When it became apparent that we were not returning to Kenya until 2015, the thought was we could finish the school term in December, using some of our graduates as teachers for the term. While I am writing, we are awaiting a final decision from Kenya on this matter. If all goes to plan, however, we will begin our second term of 2014 on December 1st.
Please pray for our school - we need around $500.00 USD to finish the year with the school, which will provide additional scholarships to our students, provide initial food for their meals, and manuals for their classes. Please stand in agreement with us as we need to get the money to Kenya by the end of November. Your faithful partnership with this ministry helps us fulfill the vision of training men and women for service in the Kingdom!
God never gives us a dream we can accomplish alone. But, together we really DO make the difference.
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2014
Since we did not return to Kenya in August, the Bible School committee and the Executive Committee of the ministry we work with in Kenya met and decided to postpone the school for the second term. We are awaiting a decision from the Executive Committee and the Bible School committee as to when the session will be scheduled. The school has historically been scheduled during periods when the public schools have been closed as many of our students are better able to attend during those periods. Please pray with us that God’s wisdom will open the right doors for the session to be scheduled where most of our returning students will be able to complete to course work.
Partners of this ministry have helped us provide scholarships and mattresses for the school when we open once again! We have been notified that we have purchased ten new mattresses. We also have in reserve enough to purchase the written material for the next term. We are rejoicing that even while we remain in the United States, the ministry moves forward. Pray for us as we continue standing to return to Kenya!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish alone. But, together, we really DO make the difference!
Since we did not return to Kenya in August, the Bible School committee and the Executive Committee of the ministry we work with in Kenya met and decided to postpone the school for the second term. We are awaiting a decision from the Executive Committee and the Bible School committee as to when the session will be scheduled. The school has historically been scheduled during periods when the public schools have been closed as many of our students are better able to attend during those periods. Please pray with us that God’s wisdom will open the right doors for the session to be scheduled where most of our returning students will be able to complete to course work.
Partners of this ministry have helped us provide scholarships and mattresses for the school when we open once again! We have been notified that we have purchased ten new mattresses. We also have in reserve enough to purchase the written material for the next term. We are rejoicing that even while we remain in the United States, the ministry moves forward. Pray for us as we continue standing to return to Kenya!
God never gives us a vision we can accomplish alone. But, together, we really DO make the difference!
UPDATE SUMMER 2014
In May, we completed the first term of 2014 Bible School year. What a great time we had! We enrolled nine new students in our first year program, and had seven students in our second and third year programs. We had thirteen in our fourth year program.
We are so blessed to have three Kenyan's as instructors at Grace & Faith International Bible School (GFIBS). We added a new instructor this year, Pastor James Onam. Pastor James is a pastor in the Church of God church of Kenya, and pastors a church close by. It was a blessing to have him join us this year. He taught Eschatology, The Character of God, and Foundations of Faith. Bishop Javan Ommani taught three classes, Practical Ministry Skills, Counseling, and Practical 4th year course on ministry polity and policy. Rev. Stanley Shitandi taught three classes, Discipleship Evangelism I and III, and Old Testament Survey.
IVBI Teacher and FCF Minister Rev. James Montgomery joined us for the second time this year and taught powerfully Biblical Faith, Marriage and Family, Ethics, and the Emerging Church. Jim was only able to be with us for two weeks, but was able to teach in that two weeks the entire curriculum for his courses, and the students were blessed greatly.
Finally, Donna and I both taught – she taught four classes, and I taught five. She taught Redemptive Truth, Principles of Prayer, Living in the Balance of Grace and Faith, and a fourth year intensive class on Pastor and Teacher. I taught a fourth year intensive class on Missions and Ministry of Helps, The Word, The Holy Spirit, How to Preach, and the Book of Romans.
Donna and I also wanted to acknowledge people behind the scene that make this school so successful. We have a Bible School Committee consisting of five members. All the members are currently students in the school, although three of them will graduate from year 4 this year. Our chairman is Pastor Samson Baraza, a young man from Kitale, Kenya. Our registrar is Mr. Dan Mbaja, a young entrepreneur from Kakamega who joined our school a year ago. Dan has assisted me the past two years with many administrative items here at the mission, and has also been a great assistance to Bishop Javan in the same way! Rev. Alfred Okwanyi is a member of our committee, and also assists me with procurement of food and supplies for the daily operation of the school. Finally, Pastor Mariamu Matunda and Rev. Rasoha Ommani are also members of our committee. So often the success or failure of any adventure is relational to the team you have in place – and our team is a winning team! In addition to our committee, we have Christopher Akwata who works with Rev. Okwanyi in making sure every person is fed, every on-campus student has a mattress and place to sleep. We also have two people who do all the cooking for us during the week, Brother Habil and Sister Benetta.
We also wanted to thank Pastor Virgil Stokes of FCF of Tucson, AZ for providing our first year curriculum material, and Ron Stafford of International Victory Bible Institute in Tulsa for providing curriculum for our second through fourth years, and affiliation as an IVBI school. Lastly, but most certainly not least, we wanted to thank a good friend of ours from Tucson, AZ, Kathy Steele, for assisting in writing lesson plans for each of our classes. With these plans in place, learning is achieved with excellence! There is an excitement at the school that in turns excites us!
Thank you for your continued support of the Bible School. While each student is required to pay school fees to attend our school, the fees do not cover the manuals, teacher honorariums, and much of the food. As a part of our on-going budget, we estimate a $200.00 per month need to fully fund the Bible School. Thank you for your part!
JUST IN - a partner of GFFMI has provided funding for new mattresses for the ministry! So far, we have been able to purchase 10 mattresses, and believe we will be able to purchase 20 more before school begins! Thank you again for all YOU do in standing with us! Together we really DO make the difference!
In May, we completed the first term of 2014 Bible School year. What a great time we had! We enrolled nine new students in our first year program, and had seven students in our second and third year programs. We had thirteen in our fourth year program.
We are so blessed to have three Kenyan's as instructors at Grace & Faith International Bible School (GFIBS). We added a new instructor this year, Pastor James Onam. Pastor James is a pastor in the Church of God church of Kenya, and pastors a church close by. It was a blessing to have him join us this year. He taught Eschatology, The Character of God, and Foundations of Faith. Bishop Javan Ommani taught three classes, Practical Ministry Skills, Counseling, and Practical 4th year course on ministry polity and policy. Rev. Stanley Shitandi taught three classes, Discipleship Evangelism I and III, and Old Testament Survey.
IVBI Teacher and FCF Minister Rev. James Montgomery joined us for the second time this year and taught powerfully Biblical Faith, Marriage and Family, Ethics, and the Emerging Church. Jim was only able to be with us for two weeks, but was able to teach in that two weeks the entire curriculum for his courses, and the students were blessed greatly.
Finally, Donna and I both taught – she taught four classes, and I taught five. She taught Redemptive Truth, Principles of Prayer, Living in the Balance of Grace and Faith, and a fourth year intensive class on Pastor and Teacher. I taught a fourth year intensive class on Missions and Ministry of Helps, The Word, The Holy Spirit, How to Preach, and the Book of Romans.
Donna and I also wanted to acknowledge people behind the scene that make this school so successful. We have a Bible School Committee consisting of five members. All the members are currently students in the school, although three of them will graduate from year 4 this year. Our chairman is Pastor Samson Baraza, a young man from Kitale, Kenya. Our registrar is Mr. Dan Mbaja, a young entrepreneur from Kakamega who joined our school a year ago. Dan has assisted me the past two years with many administrative items here at the mission, and has also been a great assistance to Bishop Javan in the same way! Rev. Alfred Okwanyi is a member of our committee, and also assists me with procurement of food and supplies for the daily operation of the school. Finally, Pastor Mariamu Matunda and Rev. Rasoha Ommani are also members of our committee. So often the success or failure of any adventure is relational to the team you have in place – and our team is a winning team! In addition to our committee, we have Christopher Akwata who works with Rev. Okwanyi in making sure every person is fed, every on-campus student has a mattress and place to sleep. We also have two people who do all the cooking for us during the week, Brother Habil and Sister Benetta.
We also wanted to thank Pastor Virgil Stokes of FCF of Tucson, AZ for providing our first year curriculum material, and Ron Stafford of International Victory Bible Institute in Tulsa for providing curriculum for our second through fourth years, and affiliation as an IVBI school. Lastly, but most certainly not least, we wanted to thank a good friend of ours from Tucson, AZ, Kathy Steele, for assisting in writing lesson plans for each of our classes. With these plans in place, learning is achieved with excellence! There is an excitement at the school that in turns excites us!
Thank you for your continued support of the Bible School. While each student is required to pay school fees to attend our school, the fees do not cover the manuals, teacher honorariums, and much of the food. As a part of our on-going budget, we estimate a $200.00 per month need to fully fund the Bible School. Thank you for your part!
JUST IN - a partner of GFFMI has provided funding for new mattresses for the ministry! So far, we have been able to purchase 10 mattresses, and believe we will be able to purchase 20 more before school begins! Thank you again for all YOU do in standing with us! Together we really DO make the difference!
APRIL 2014 UPDATE
As I write this newsletter, I am also getting the manuals prepared for our Bible School session beginning on April 14. This year, we are starting the fourth year of our four year program. We anticipate about 15 students in our fourth year class, around 8 in our third year class, 9 in our second year class, and 15 in our first year class. We are pleased to share that we have a guest instructor, Rev. James D. Montgomery, of Tulsa, OK joining us again this term for teaching! Jim has been a blessing to us here in Kenya, and we are so excited to host him again this year. We are also pleased that Mr. Jim Onam will also be guest teaching this term. Mr. Onam is a pastor from this area, and has graciously volunteered to help us for the next two terms.
At the end of this year, we will have qualified teachers ready to teach classes at our school here in Kakamega, as well as available to assist other Bible School’s in Kenya and around East Africa. We will also have raised up qualified men and women to pastor in churches here in Kenya. Not only are members of Bible and Literacy League (BALL) benefited by this school, but other groups are also benefited by their enrollment and participation.
We are currently seeking for a sponsor for the school this term. Traditionally, it costs us around $800.00 in addition to the school fees that we collect. So far, we have the manuals paid for, which makes our need now about $500.00 to fully run the school. This extra money helps us pay our staff, and feed our students. Also this year, we are in need of an additional classroom, so we will be adapting one of the polytechnic rooms for our use. This extra money will also help us bring electricity to that building.
We also have a wish list for renovations at the school. We have this set in four stages – the first stage is to repair the roof and ceilings in the current classrooms, paint each room and floor, and repair all windows. The cost of this project is around $4,000.00.
The second phase is to renovate another building that is currently not being used by BALL to create a kitchen and dining room/resource room. We need to replace windows, build out the kitchen, and put in ceilings…for a cost of $4,000.00
Lastly, we want to build a four story structure that would house additional classrooms and dormitory space for our students.
Each of these projects we feel are important for the continuing of the ministry here at Ematsayi Mission. If your church would like to come on a building mission trip – we would love to have you tackle one or more of our projects!
Thank you for standing with Grace and Faith International Bible School! Lives are changed! Together, we really DO make the difference!
As I write this newsletter, I am also getting the manuals prepared for our Bible School session beginning on April 14. This year, we are starting the fourth year of our four year program. We anticipate about 15 students in our fourth year class, around 8 in our third year class, 9 in our second year class, and 15 in our first year class. We are pleased to share that we have a guest instructor, Rev. James D. Montgomery, of Tulsa, OK joining us again this term for teaching! Jim has been a blessing to us here in Kenya, and we are so excited to host him again this year. We are also pleased that Mr. Jim Onam will also be guest teaching this term. Mr. Onam is a pastor from this area, and has graciously volunteered to help us for the next two terms.
At the end of this year, we will have qualified teachers ready to teach classes at our school here in Kakamega, as well as available to assist other Bible School’s in Kenya and around East Africa. We will also have raised up qualified men and women to pastor in churches here in Kenya. Not only are members of Bible and Literacy League (BALL) benefited by this school, but other groups are also benefited by their enrollment and participation.
We are currently seeking for a sponsor for the school this term. Traditionally, it costs us around $800.00 in addition to the school fees that we collect. So far, we have the manuals paid for, which makes our need now about $500.00 to fully run the school. This extra money helps us pay our staff, and feed our students. Also this year, we are in need of an additional classroom, so we will be adapting one of the polytechnic rooms for our use. This extra money will also help us bring electricity to that building.
We also have a wish list for renovations at the school. We have this set in four stages – the first stage is to repair the roof and ceilings in the current classrooms, paint each room and floor, and repair all windows. The cost of this project is around $4,000.00.
The second phase is to renovate another building that is currently not being used by BALL to create a kitchen and dining room/resource room. We need to replace windows, build out the kitchen, and put in ceilings…for a cost of $4,000.00
Lastly, we want to build a four story structure that would house additional classrooms and dormitory space for our students.
Each of these projects we feel are important for the continuing of the ministry here at Ematsayi Mission. If your church would like to come on a building mission trip – we would love to have you tackle one or more of our projects!
Thank you for standing with Grace and Faith International Bible School! Lives are changed! Together, we really DO make the difference!
February 2014
Anticipation for the opening of the Grace and Faith International Bible School is mounting! I have been working on the curriculum once again – setting classes with teachers, and getting curriculum together for printing.
We have some needs for the school this year – it has been our tradition to give a study bible to our incoming students – last year we were unable to give bibles as we had run out. We can purchase a very nice study bible for about $10.00 per bible – and we anticipate the need for 36 bibles this year. (This will give bibles to both our incoming students, and the students that did not receive one last year.) In addition, we would love to offer a partial scholarship to some of our most needy students. Last year, we were able to partially sponsor 25 of our 35 students! Tuition fees for our students run $40.00 per year – which includes the curriculum, room and board. Grace and Faith Family Ministries International has always paid for the curriculums for each student as well – which we anticipate to be about $350.00 this year. Our total need for the school this term will be $1,000.00.
If you wish to help us train young men and women for ministry, please let us know and earmark your giving for the school. Thank you for all you do for our ministry in Kenya – together we really DO make the difference.
Anticipation for the opening of the Grace and Faith International Bible School is mounting! I have been working on the curriculum once again – setting classes with teachers, and getting curriculum together for printing.
We have some needs for the school this year – it has been our tradition to give a study bible to our incoming students – last year we were unable to give bibles as we had run out. We can purchase a very nice study bible for about $10.00 per bible – and we anticipate the need for 36 bibles this year. (This will give bibles to both our incoming students, and the students that did not receive one last year.) In addition, we would love to offer a partial scholarship to some of our most needy students. Last year, we were able to partially sponsor 25 of our 35 students! Tuition fees for our students run $40.00 per year – which includes the curriculum, room and board. Grace and Faith Family Ministries International has always paid for the curriculums for each student as well – which we anticipate to be about $350.00 this year. Our total need for the school this term will be $1,000.00.
If you wish to help us train young men and women for ministry, please let us know and earmark your giving for the school. Thank you for all you do for our ministry in Kenya – together we really DO make the difference.
December 2013
November 30 was a huge day for Grace & Faith International Bible School. We presented 35 certificates and diploma’s to 31 students (a few of our students had made up work to finish both first and second, or second and third years). It was the largest attended graduation we have ever had. We had visiting bishops from the area, as well as many family members of the graduating classes. People came from as far as Nairobi and West Pokot to celebrate the graduation!!
Now we are preparing for the next term of classes beginning in April of 2014. One of our main teachers is on a medical leave for a full year, so we are a teacher short this year! Pray for us – and if you are a teacher, and would like to volunteer your time, please contact us for information! Our school runs twice a year, three weeks in April and three weeks in August. We need teachers both terms!
This coming year, we are adding a fourth year to our curriculum, offering specialized training for pastors, teachers and ministry of helps. We should have at least ten of our students return for the fourth year. In addition, we have new students enrolling daily for first year! This may be the largest first year class we have ever had – I am looking forward to getting to know so many more young men and women who are called to ministry!
We need to come up with the finances to print the curriculum in February. The cost will be around $500.00 US. If you would like to help with this project, please let me know. Also, this year we will use some of our fourth year students to teach first and second year classes. As compensation for their effort, we will only charge them ½ of the school fees for 2014. If you would like to help sponsor one of our students, please let us know! For $40.00 per year, you can sponsor one student!
Thank you for your prayers and your support! Together we really DO make the difference.
November 30 was a huge day for Grace & Faith International Bible School. We presented 35 certificates and diploma’s to 31 students (a few of our students had made up work to finish both first and second, or second and third years). It was the largest attended graduation we have ever had. We had visiting bishops from the area, as well as many family members of the graduating classes. People came from as far as Nairobi and West Pokot to celebrate the graduation!!
Now we are preparing for the next term of classes beginning in April of 2014. One of our main teachers is on a medical leave for a full year, so we are a teacher short this year! Pray for us – and if you are a teacher, and would like to volunteer your time, please contact us for information! Our school runs twice a year, three weeks in April and three weeks in August. We need teachers both terms!
This coming year, we are adding a fourth year to our curriculum, offering specialized training for pastors, teachers and ministry of helps. We should have at least ten of our students return for the fourth year. In addition, we have new students enrolling daily for first year! This may be the largest first year class we have ever had – I am looking forward to getting to know so many more young men and women who are called to ministry!
We need to come up with the finances to print the curriculum in February. The cost will be around $500.00 US. If you would like to help with this project, please let me know. Also, this year we will use some of our fourth year students to teach first and second year classes. As compensation for their effort, we will only charge them ½ of the school fees for 2014. If you would like to help sponsor one of our students, please let us know! For $40.00 per year, you can sponsor one student!
Thank you for your prayers and your support! Together we really DO make the difference.
November 2013
The Bible school is preparing to graduate 31 students on this coming Saturday at 11 AM. The students are so excited to be finishing their course of study. God is faithful!
We are also busy promoting the school, and taking enrollments for 2014. One area we are requesting prayer is for teachers for the school. Beginning in April, we will be offering four years, and offering 24 different classes every day! You can see by the logistics of this, we need a minimum of four teachers – but with four, each of us would teach from sun up to sun down! We would love to have six teachers this spring to help us cut the load. (We may have six teachers for our April ter`m – but may need additional help in our second term, August.) If you have a teaching gift, and have a heart to come to Kenya, please let us know! We will send you the requirements, and an application to teach in our school
Also pray with us for a full supply as the school continues to grow! We anticipate an enrollment of nearly 50 students in 2014! That is double what we started with in 2011! With increased enrollments comes increased costs – and many of our students have difficulties that make it difficult to pay school fees. As money is available, we do offer partial scholarships to as many as we can.
Thank you for all you do! Together we really DO make the difference!
The Bible school is preparing to graduate 31 students on this coming Saturday at 11 AM. The students are so excited to be finishing their course of study. God is faithful!
We are also busy promoting the school, and taking enrollments for 2014. One area we are requesting prayer is for teachers for the school. Beginning in April, we will be offering four years, and offering 24 different classes every day! You can see by the logistics of this, we need a minimum of four teachers – but with four, each of us would teach from sun up to sun down! We would love to have six teachers this spring to help us cut the load. (We may have six teachers for our April ter`m – but may need additional help in our second term, August.) If you have a teaching gift, and have a heart to come to Kenya, please let us know! We will send you the requirements, and an application to teach in our school
Also pray with us for a full supply as the school continues to grow! We anticipate an enrollment of nearly 50 students in 2014! That is double what we started with in 2011! With increased enrollments comes increased costs – and many of our students have difficulties that make it difficult to pay school fees. As money is available, we do offer partial scholarships to as many as we can.
Thank you for all you do! Together we really DO make the difference!
October 2013
We have quite a few students who are finishing one term or another so they can graduate November 30th with their class. For graduation, we would love to have our graduates all in caps and gowns – and the idea was to see the cost of having gowns made for Grace & Faith International Bible School. We found the cost to be about $20.00 a piece – which would include a stole that would reflect the year they were graduating. Someone has already donated four gowns – and we have made a step of faith by sending the money to have the gowns made. We need 31 gowns for November – and our goal is to have 100 gowns made for us for future use.
We continue to get interest in registration for the Bible School in April. We currently look as if there will be around 40 or more students enrolled at Grace & Faith International Bible School in April! What a great blessing!! We could NOT do this without you! Thank you! Together we really DO make the difference!
We have quite a few students who are finishing one term or another so they can graduate November 30th with their class. For graduation, we would love to have our graduates all in caps and gowns – and the idea was to see the cost of having gowns made for Grace & Faith International Bible School. We found the cost to be about $20.00 a piece – which would include a stole that would reflect the year they were graduating. Someone has already donated four gowns – and we have made a step of faith by sending the money to have the gowns made. We need 31 gowns for November – and our goal is to have 100 gowns made for us for future use.
We continue to get interest in registration for the Bible School in April. We currently look as if there will be around 40 or more students enrolled at Grace & Faith International Bible School in April! What a great blessing!! We could NOT do this without you! Thank you! Together we really DO make the difference!
September 2013
Grace and Faith International Bible School opened its doors on September 2, 2013 for our second term of the 2013 school year, and ended on September 20th. We had seven students in our first year program, eight students in our second year program, and sixteen students in our third year program. It was an exceptional time together!
We started kind of slow – school was to have started on Monday, September 2, but only a couple of people came on Monday. Tuesday morning when we started the school, only about 8 people were present – but by the end of the day, we had nearly all of the students who were going to enroll.
This term, we had as instructors Javan Ommani, Bishop of Bible and Literacy League of Kenya (BALL); Judy Kihori Mamo; Stanley Shitandi; and myself. We are excited to welcome Donna Pfaltzgraff to our team of teachers. This was Donna’s first teaching experience – but with the expert help of a good friend in Tucson, she presented her classes in such a way that the rest of us now need to change!
On Tuesday, September 3, a good friend from Des Moines, IA, Grace Mercy Swett, joined us at Ematsayi for a couple of days. On Wednesday, she spoke to each of our classes. They were to return to Nairobi on Thursday, but decided to delay by one day (mostly because I was going to cook mbuzi [goat] on the grill! LOL) Anyway, Thursday evening Grace preached to our students and the students of our medical school as well. We had six people receive the Holy Spirit, and a number of them were healed and delivered from tormenting spirits! God is so good!
The cost of our program to the student is only 1,500 ksh per term – which is equal to about $18.00 USD. For this small amount, we present each student with a curriculum, a pen, and a notebook. We also house and feed them for the entire three weeks! We currently have 11 of the 31 students that are in need of some financial assistance. If any of our family, friends or partners would like to help us defray the school fees of any of these young men or women, please click here to give online – or send your check to Grace and Faith Family Ministries at the address on our website. Even though the school is now closed for the term, many of our students have outstanding debts that we would like to get cleared.
We are rejoicing that with the help of some partners in the US, we were able to bring electricity from our home to the classrooms and offices, and we were able to fix two sufaria (pots) for cooking Ugali. We also asked the students to give in an offering and sow some seed – with which we were able to purchase eight basins for the students to use to shower every morning. God is faithful!
Some additional needs we are asking prayer over are as follows:
· Mattresses for our students
· Tables and chairs for our classrooms
· Plates, cups and spoons
· Kitchen equipment (three wood burning cookers)
There are times things just look so overwhelming – but we know together we really DO make the difference!
Grace and Faith International Bible School opened its doors on September 2, 2013 for our second term of the 2013 school year, and ended on September 20th. We had seven students in our first year program, eight students in our second year program, and sixteen students in our third year program. It was an exceptional time together!
We started kind of slow – school was to have started on Monday, September 2, but only a couple of people came on Monday. Tuesday morning when we started the school, only about 8 people were present – but by the end of the day, we had nearly all of the students who were going to enroll.
This term, we had as instructors Javan Ommani, Bishop of Bible and Literacy League of Kenya (BALL); Judy Kihori Mamo; Stanley Shitandi; and myself. We are excited to welcome Donna Pfaltzgraff to our team of teachers. This was Donna’s first teaching experience – but with the expert help of a good friend in Tucson, she presented her classes in such a way that the rest of us now need to change!
On Tuesday, September 3, a good friend from Des Moines, IA, Grace Mercy Swett, joined us at Ematsayi for a couple of days. On Wednesday, she spoke to each of our classes. They were to return to Nairobi on Thursday, but decided to delay by one day (mostly because I was going to cook mbuzi [goat] on the grill! LOL) Anyway, Thursday evening Grace preached to our students and the students of our medical school as well. We had six people receive the Holy Spirit, and a number of them were healed and delivered from tormenting spirits! God is so good!
The cost of our program to the student is only 1,500 ksh per term – which is equal to about $18.00 USD. For this small amount, we present each student with a curriculum, a pen, and a notebook. We also house and feed them for the entire three weeks! We currently have 11 of the 31 students that are in need of some financial assistance. If any of our family, friends or partners would like to help us defray the school fees of any of these young men or women, please click here to give online – or send your check to Grace and Faith Family Ministries at the address on our website. Even though the school is now closed for the term, many of our students have outstanding debts that we would like to get cleared.
We are rejoicing that with the help of some partners in the US, we were able to bring electricity from our home to the classrooms and offices, and we were able to fix two sufaria (pots) for cooking Ugali. We also asked the students to give in an offering and sow some seed – with which we were able to purchase eight basins for the students to use to shower every morning. God is faithful!
Some additional needs we are asking prayer over are as follows:
· Mattresses for our students
· Tables and chairs for our classrooms
· Plates, cups and spoons
· Kitchen equipment (three wood burning cookers)
There are times things just look so overwhelming – but we know together we really DO make the difference!
August 2013
We are excited to begin our second term of the Grace and Faith International Bible School. School will begin on September 2, and run through September 20. We will have 16 students in our third year program, six students in our second year program, and as many as 15 students in our first year program. GFIBS has made a difference in the lives of those who have attended!
One of our students in third year is Miriam Mutanga. Miriam is a pastor in a small village about an hours drive from the mission. She is a former Muslim, who came to Jesus and has grown so much in the Word! Miriam also serves on our Bible School Committee, and is an invaluable resource for our outreaches in Kenya!
Because of your prayers and assistance, we are able to make this possible! Pastor Miriam recently purchased land to build a church in her village - and we are looking forward to being there to dedicate the building when she has completed the work! Thank you! Together we really DO make the difference!
We are excited to begin our second term of the Grace and Faith International Bible School. School will begin on September 2, and run through September 20. We will have 16 students in our third year program, six students in our second year program, and as many as 15 students in our first year program. GFIBS has made a difference in the lives of those who have attended!
One of our students in third year is Miriam Mutanga. Miriam is a pastor in a small village about an hours drive from the mission. She is a former Muslim, who came to Jesus and has grown so much in the Word! Miriam also serves on our Bible School Committee, and is an invaluable resource for our outreaches in Kenya!
Because of your prayers and assistance, we are able to make this possible! Pastor Miriam recently purchased land to build a church in her village - and we are looking forward to being there to dedicate the building when she has completed the work! Thank you! Together we really DO make the difference!
June/July 2013
We have started our preparation for the Bible School term coming up in September. We have five instructors, and will offer 18 classes. It has been a challenge to assign subjects and times this term, but God is creative! So I know it will work well.
Our school begins on September 2, and will run through September 20 this term. After the difficult time with curriculum last term, I am determined to raise the funds to do the printing in Nairobi. We have a printer where I think we can get the full curriculum done for about $300.00 USD. Our manuals provide each of our students written material that they can follow while teaching occurs, and more information they can study on their own. It has proven to be a valuable resource for our students!
This month, I wish to highlight a student from Grace and Faith International Bible School, Samson Baraza. Samson is the chairperson of the Bible School Committee and oversees the policies and administration of the school. He is in his third year at the school, and has done very well. I have put a video testimony under this article where he shares a brief testimony from his heart! Samson is a pastor in a very remote area outside of Kitale, on the border with Pokot. He is reaching many people with the good news of God’s love!
Without your support, we could not train leaders like Samson in East Africa. Thank you so much! Together, we really DO make the difference!
We have started our preparation for the Bible School term coming up in September. We have five instructors, and will offer 18 classes. It has been a challenge to assign subjects and times this term, but God is creative! So I know it will work well.
Our school begins on September 2, and will run through September 20 this term. After the difficult time with curriculum last term, I am determined to raise the funds to do the printing in Nairobi. We have a printer where I think we can get the full curriculum done for about $300.00 USD. Our manuals provide each of our students written material that they can follow while teaching occurs, and more information they can study on their own. It has proven to be a valuable resource for our students!
This month, I wish to highlight a student from Grace and Faith International Bible School, Samson Baraza. Samson is the chairperson of the Bible School Committee and oversees the policies and administration of the school. He is in his third year at the school, and has done very well. I have put a video testimony under this article where he shares a brief testimony from his heart! Samson is a pastor in a very remote area outside of Kitale, on the border with Pokot. He is reaching many people with the good news of God’s love!
Without your support, we could not train leaders like Samson in East Africa. Thank you so much! Together, we really DO make the difference!
May 2013 Update
The first term of the Grace and Faith International Bible School (GFIBS) has successfully come to a close. We had a total of 28 students in our program this term, representing four ministries in Kenya. GFIBS was so excited to have as our guest this term Rev. James D. Montgomery of Tulsa, OK. Jim is an IVBI instructor – and taught Biblical Faith, Marriage and Family, and Ethics. The students were so receptive to Jim’s message! Very special thanks to Jim and his ministry for all they contributed this term to our student body.
We had some major challenges in printing our material this term - the printer had agreed to make our manuals to our specifications, but after starting, he wanted to charge us an enormous amount to finish. The quality was absolutely unacceptable, the manuals were put together incorrectly, and the originals were totally lost. So, we have found a good printer in Nairobi who can do the work for our next term – we will be finding out the cost here in the next few weeks. These costs will need to be paid up front in August. Stand with us for both favor and for a quality job!
Our next term will be from 2nd September through 20th September, 2013. In addition to the school, we will be hosting a fund-raising event in Kenya to purchase new chairs, tables, mattresses, and pots and pans. Our goal is to raise $10,000 USD to provide these needed items for our ministry in East Africa. As a ministry, we have committed to a donation of $250.00 USD – if you want to help us meet this commitment, please let us know. We need to pay this by the first of July, if possible. Any additional monies will be used by the ministry to update our facilities. We are thanking God for a successful fund-raising event!
In addition to our school at Ematsayi, GFIBS is beginning to explore other places and countries to begin schools. Please agree with us for open doors to both register the school here in Kenya, and then for locations to begin training men and women for ministry. If you are interested in more information on getting the schools started, please let us know!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYER AND SUPPORT – Together we really DO make the difference!
We had some major challenges in printing our material this term - the printer had agreed to make our manuals to our specifications, but after starting, he wanted to charge us an enormous amount to finish. The quality was absolutely unacceptable, the manuals were put together incorrectly, and the originals were totally lost. So, we have found a good printer in Nairobi who can do the work for our next term – we will be finding out the cost here in the next few weeks. These costs will need to be paid up front in August. Stand with us for both favor and for a quality job!
Our next term will be from 2nd September through 20th September, 2013. In addition to the school, we will be hosting a fund-raising event in Kenya to purchase new chairs, tables, mattresses, and pots and pans. Our goal is to raise $10,000 USD to provide these needed items for our ministry in East Africa. As a ministry, we have committed to a donation of $250.00 USD – if you want to help us meet this commitment, please let us know. We need to pay this by the first of July, if possible. Any additional monies will be used by the ministry to update our facilities. We are thanking God for a successful fund-raising event!
In addition to our school at Ematsayi, GFIBS is beginning to explore other places and countries to begin schools. Please agree with us for open doors to both register the school here in Kenya, and then for locations to begin training men and women for ministry. If you are interested in more information on getting the schools started, please let us know!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYER AND SUPPORT – Together we really DO make the difference!
March 2013 Update
This month I wish to highlight another of our Bible School teachers – Rev. Javan Ommani. Javan is the Bishop of Bible and Literacy League of Kenya, the organization we are connected with in Kenya. Bishop Ommani is a founding member of the Bible and Literacy League of Kenya, and Grace and Faith International Bible School. He received his training through a Bible School in Western Kenya through the Assemblies of God. He has served as a Member of Parliament of Kenya, and an Assistant Minister of the Moi Government. Javan is an anointed and seasoned minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bishop Ommani teaches Practical Ministries Skills, The Character of God, Counseling, Money Ordinances and Music, The Kingdom of God, and Spiritual Leadership. We are so honored to have this anointed man on our staff!
We continue to prepare for our third year of the Grace and Faith International Bible School. Our classes start on April 22, and go until May 10th. In addition to our regular staff, we are excited to welcome a teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jim Montgomery. Jim will be teaching an Ethic’s course in our third year program, and I am so excited about his contribution! He will also be teaching Marriage and Family, and Biblical Faith.
Please continue to pray for our school – we are blessed to be able to offer full scholarships to four students this year – we may have as many as 40 students enrolled. We wanted to give you an opportunity to help us train leadership in East Africa! If you would like to help sponsor a student, the cost is $100.00 per year per student. The budget for our first term is currently set at $1,500.00 USD – which will cover the costs of the materials, giving our teachers an honorarium, and assist with food. In addition to that, we would like to raise an additional $500.00 to purchase mattresses for our dormitories. Currently, the men all sleep on the concrete, while the ladies are using beds with very poor mattresses. If you would like to help us with our budget of $2,000.00 for this term, please act now!
Together we really DO make the difference!
We continue to prepare for our third year of the Grace and Faith International Bible School. Our classes start on April 22, and go until May 10th. In addition to our regular staff, we are excited to welcome a teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jim Montgomery. Jim will be teaching an Ethic’s course in our third year program, and I am so excited about his contribution! He will also be teaching Marriage and Family, and Biblical Faith.
Please continue to pray for our school – we are blessed to be able to offer full scholarships to four students this year – we may have as many as 40 students enrolled. We wanted to give you an opportunity to help us train leadership in East Africa! If you would like to help sponsor a student, the cost is $100.00 per year per student. The budget for our first term is currently set at $1,500.00 USD – which will cover the costs of the materials, giving our teachers an honorarium, and assist with food. In addition to that, we would like to raise an additional $500.00 to purchase mattresses for our dormitories. Currently, the men all sleep on the concrete, while the ladies are using beds with very poor mattresses. If you would like to help us with our budget of $2,000.00 for this term, please act now!
Together we really DO make the difference!
December 2012/January 2013 Update
I wanted to highlight another of our instructors at Grace & Faith International Bible School this month. Absalom Tadayo is from Bungoma, Kenya. He received his training from a school in Bungoma that was related to Charis Bible School in England. One of our good friends and ministry partners put me in contact with Absalom to start – and we quickly developed a great relationship. Absalom has translated one of the classes that we offer at GFIBS into Swahili. He has agreed to help us translate more of our first year classes into Swahili as we are able – and he is very capable of doing just that! He teaches Discipleship Evangelism to our first and second year students – and will be teaching at least one class in the third year as well. He is also a capable interpreter for me. Absalom is the founding pastor of a church in Bungoma. He is a real blessing to me, our school here in Kakamega, and the body of Christ!
The end of November, we held our second commencement ceremony for Grace and Faith International Bible School. There were eight (8) students who graduated from our first year program, and sixteen (16) who graduated from our second year program. The program was so good. We had five Kenya ministries represented in our service – and three different Bishop’s spoke. We honored four students, two from the first year program and two from the second year program, for their accomplishment as the top of their class. After our ceremony, we had a lunch of lamb, Ugali, rice, and sukuma wiki.
Now we are looking forward to April and the opening of the third year of GFIBS. All sixteen that graduated from our second year are coming for our third year program; and seven of our first year graduates have enrolled for the second year program. We have about 10 committed for our first year program so far – but expect to double or even triple that figure before March. We have the curriculum in place for the upcoming year, and are currently finalizing our selection of instructors for 2013. I am looking forward to a great year!
One of our partners helped us to sponsor three of our new students from Turkana! In addition to these, we are hoping to offer partial scholarships to many of our returning students as well. While our school fees are very small, many of the men and women we minister to are in extreme poverty. For us to offer assistance is so much appreciated. In addition to this, we need to raise the finance to produce the materials that we give each student, including a student manual, worksheets and tests. For our first term, the estimated cost of this printing will be about $400.00.
With the growth of the school, we are finding the need for expanding some of our facilities. We have a place where we will put a new kitchen in 2013. The bones of the kitchen are finished, we just need to add new doors, screens, and cookers. Attached to this area is a nice room where will put tables and chairs for feeding our students. We believe we can complete this project with $5,000.00.
Another challenge we face as a school is sleeping arrangements. We have had limited beds for our students. Many of the men are sleeping just on bamboo mats on a hard concrete floor. We would like to purchase mattresses for our students in 2013. We need at least 30 new mattresses, blankets and pillows. The cost of each of these sets would be about $30.00. Will you stand in agreement with us for the funds to accomplish these goals?
THANK YOU!! Together we really DO make the difference!
NOV. UPDATE GRACE & FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL
We are preparing for the graduation of our Bible School students the last week of this month. We are graduating eight (8) students from our first year, and sixteen (16) students from second year. The celebration will be on November 30, at our annual General Convention at our mission near Kakamega. I know it will be a great day of celebration.
Last month, we highlighted one of our teachers, Judy Kihori. This month, I would like to highlight another one of our teachers, Stanley Shitandi. Stanly lives within walking distance of the Ematsayi Mission near Kakamega. He has been in ministry for over thirty years – and has effectively worked in starting churches and teaching the Word in various areas of Kenya, including among the Masai and Luhya tribes. He attended a few Bible schools in Kenya, and has been teaching in Bible Schools in Nairobi, Bungoma as well as Kakamega. I was so delighted when I met Stanley for the first time. I was quite skeptical about having him join our teaching staff – I had never met him before. But as we talked, I saw in his heart his love for God, and his understanding of God’s unconditional love for mankind! We are so thankful for Stanley's commitment to Grace and Faith International Bible School. He has been such a great asset to our team!
And we want to thank you, our family, friends and partners, for helping us train these men and women for ministry!
Together we really DO make the difference!
Last month, we highlighted one of our teachers, Judy Kihori. This month, I would like to highlight another one of our teachers, Stanley Shitandi. Stanly lives within walking distance of the Ematsayi Mission near Kakamega. He has been in ministry for over thirty years – and has effectively worked in starting churches and teaching the Word in various areas of Kenya, including among the Masai and Luhya tribes. He attended a few Bible schools in Kenya, and has been teaching in Bible Schools in Nairobi, Bungoma as well as Kakamega. I was so delighted when I met Stanley for the first time. I was quite skeptical about having him join our teaching staff – I had never met him before. But as we talked, I saw in his heart his love for God, and his understanding of God’s unconditional love for mankind! We are so thankful for Stanley's commitment to Grace and Faith International Bible School. He has been such a great asset to our team!
And we want to thank you, our family, friends and partners, for helping us train these men and women for ministry!
Together we really DO make the difference!
UPDATE - GRACE AND FAITH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL
Every week I am getting requests for applications for next year’s Grace & Faith International Bible School. So far we have about ten (10) students enrolled in our first year program, with the possibility of growing to nearly thirty (30) students! Also this year will be the first year we are offering a third year! One exciting piece of news – we have enrolled one and possibly four students from Turkana in our first year class of 2013. I had made a commitment to these students that if they could get to school, I would make sure their school fees were paid. Thanks to a partner in ministry, these have been paid for 2013! Now we are standing by faith for our faculty to come together! I have three confirmations for April of next year, and we are confident we will have the staff we need.
One need we have is to translate our first year material into Swahili. (Our second and third year courses are already translated.) We have eight classes that are in need of translation, including the manuals, worksheets and tests. We have two qualified translators on staff with the Bible School who have offered to help us with this project. The cost of the project is $1,000.00. This includes material and giving our translators an honorarium that will enable them to work full time on the translation for us. Will you stand in agreement with us for these funds to compete the project?
Lastly, I want to take the next few updates to highlight some of our staff and GFIBS. I am so thankful to technology that allows us to technically have a Bible program through the teaching of the Word via DVD or video. However, we have always felt it important for our students to have live teaching. When we started the Bible School, only the Bishop of BALL and I were available to teach the classes. But as we have added both classes and years, we have had a great need for instructors. Last year, the Lord brought us three qualified instructors to work with us. While I have the confirmation for only two of them for next year so far, we are standing for the ability to have all three come and join us again in 2013 for the course of study.
This month, I want to highlight one of our anointed teachers, Judy Kihoril. Judy is a resident of Nairobi. We first met Judy when we visited Kenya in 2006. She was serving as the administrative assistant to Pastors Victor and Eunice Mwangi of Father’s House in Ruiru, Kenya. Judy always told us she had a desire to teach the Word “on the mission field.” Judy is a graduate of Father’s House School of Leadership, and in 2010 attended the William Carey School of Missions in South Africa. She joined us at Grace and Faith International Bible School in April of 2012. She is a gifted teacher, who has really touched the lives of the students at GFiBS. We are praying that the Lord will open the doors for Judy to be with us again in 2013!
Thank you for your support of GFIBS! Together we really DO make the difference.
One need we have is to translate our first year material into Swahili. (Our second and third year courses are already translated.) We have eight classes that are in need of translation, including the manuals, worksheets and tests. We have two qualified translators on staff with the Bible School who have offered to help us with this project. The cost of the project is $1,000.00. This includes material and giving our translators an honorarium that will enable them to work full time on the translation for us. Will you stand in agreement with us for these funds to compete the project?
Lastly, I want to take the next few updates to highlight some of our staff and GFIBS. I am so thankful to technology that allows us to technically have a Bible program through the teaching of the Word via DVD or video. However, we have always felt it important for our students to have live teaching. When we started the Bible School, only the Bishop of BALL and I were available to teach the classes. But as we have added both classes and years, we have had a great need for instructors. Last year, the Lord brought us three qualified instructors to work with us. While I have the confirmation for only two of them for next year so far, we are standing for the ability to have all three come and join us again in 2013 for the course of study.
This month, I want to highlight one of our anointed teachers, Judy Kihoril. Judy is a resident of Nairobi. We first met Judy when we visited Kenya in 2006. She was serving as the administrative assistant to Pastors Victor and Eunice Mwangi of Father’s House in Ruiru, Kenya. Judy always told us she had a desire to teach the Word “on the mission field.” Judy is a graduate of Father’s House School of Leadership, and in 2010 attended the William Carey School of Missions in South Africa. She joined us at Grace and Faith International Bible School in April of 2012. She is a gifted teacher, who has really touched the lives of the students at GFiBS. We are praying that the Lord will open the doors for Judy to be with us again in 2013!
Thank you for your support of GFIBS! Together we really DO make the difference.
Grace and Faith International Bible School Update September 2012
We have just finished our second term for the Bible School. We had 11 students in our first year, and 16 students complete our second year program. We will graduate 9 students from first year, and 16 from second year. (Three students from this term will need to complete the course of study next year, and one completed the first year of study last term.)
Much of the material Grace and Faith International Bible School presents is new to these students. In first year, we taught a class on Righteousness. One student told me that he had such difficulty receiving the teaching on Righteousness because it was contrary to everything he had believed before. But, as he studied the Bible, his heart was opened, and his mind renewed. Now he is excited to see how powerfully God is working in his life with this new revelation!
Many of our students are already in full time ministry of some type. The training and material we are giving them is making a huge difference in the success of their ministry in Kenya. In addition, we have had some of the students begin to share their vision to be missionaries to other nations! Grace and Faith International Bible School is making a huge difference in Western Kenya!
Thank you for your help in training these men and women! Together we really DO make the difference.
Much of the material Grace and Faith International Bible School presents is new to these students. In first year, we taught a class on Righteousness. One student told me that he had such difficulty receiving the teaching on Righteousness because it was contrary to everything he had believed before. But, as he studied the Bible, his heart was opened, and his mind renewed. Now he is excited to see how powerfully God is working in his life with this new revelation!
Many of our students are already in full time ministry of some type. The training and material we are giving them is making a huge difference in the success of their ministry in Kenya. In addition, we have had some of the students begin to share their vision to be missionaries to other nations! Grace and Faith International Bible School is making a huge difference in Western Kenya!
Thank you for your help in training these men and women! Together we really DO make the difference.
Grace and Faith International Bible School
An International Victory Bible Institute Affiliate
August 20, 2012 will be the opening day for the second term of the 2012 school year. We anticipate 18 second year students, and 12 first year students enrolled in our school. With your support, GFIBS is preparing leaders for ministry in East Africa.
Excitement is mounting in Kenya as we approach the opening day of our second term for 2012. While the needs for the opening are great, we rejoice in God's provision thus far and we are confident He will continue to meet every need! This trip, I will be electing a new Bible School Committee to work with me to expand and grow the school in years to come. We will be discussing a plan to register the school with the Kenya authorities, thus giving us opportunity to partner with schools in the US to help us provide a quality education for these students. In addition to the Bible School curriculum, we hope to implement a program where we can teach our students skills for employment. As plans are developed, I will be able to share more with our partners and friends, so you can be praying for us.
Pray for us as we need to buy food, supplies, and print curriculums for the second term. The estimated budget for the second term is $1,000.00. About $300.00 will come from the students, and we are trusting God for the remaining $700.00. Thank you for standing with us! If you want to help us with our projects, you can donate through our paypal account here! Together we really DO make the difference.
Excitement is mounting in Kenya as we approach the opening day of our second term for 2012. While the needs for the opening are great, we rejoice in God's provision thus far and we are confident He will continue to meet every need! This trip, I will be electing a new Bible School Committee to work with me to expand and grow the school in years to come. We will be discussing a plan to register the school with the Kenya authorities, thus giving us opportunity to partner with schools in the US to help us provide a quality education for these students. In addition to the Bible School curriculum, we hope to implement a program where we can teach our students skills for employment. As plans are developed, I will be able to share more with our partners and friends, so you can be praying for us.
Pray for us as we need to buy food, supplies, and print curriculums for the second term. The estimated budget for the second term is $1,000.00. About $300.00 will come from the students, and we are trusting God for the remaining $700.00. Thank you for standing with us! If you want to help us with our projects, you can donate through our paypal account here! Together we really DO make the difference.
Grace and Faith International Bible School
An International Victory Bible Institute Affiliate
Grace and Faith International Bible School (GFIBS) will begin the second term of the main school on the campus of the Bible and Literacy League of Kenya in Kakamega. Our first term we had 17 returning second year students and 9 first year students. One of our first year students has completed the requirements for first year and will move to second year in this term – so we will have 18 second year students for the upcoming term. In addition, we anticipate a few new enrollments for first year, and should have at least 12 first year students this term.
With your support, GFIBS is preparing leaders for ministry in East Africa. So many pastors and leaders in the bush areas have no training for ministry what so ever. Our school has three major levels of training – the first year is geared toward everyone in the Body of Christ, teaching basic Bible doctrine, helping people move from the pew to the harvest, empowering them to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The second and third year are geared toward those feeling God’s calling to full time ministry. In these years we teach basic Bible Study, examine specific books of the Bible, Old and New Testament Survey, Prayer and Character. The final fourth year is geared individually for those called to the full time ministry of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.
We have seen such growth in the students who have attended GFiBS. One student shared with me last term how since coming through the first year program, he was empowered to share more effectively the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many have shared how they have taken the material we have provided them and began to teach that material in their local church! Below are a few video testimonies from our students from last year...you will be so blessed listening to their report!
God has given us such a great team to teach in our school. In addition to the Bishop of Bible and Literacy League, we have myself and another gentleman from the Ematsayi area who are teaching in the school. Two of our instructors come from the Nairobi area, and travel to Kakamega for each three week session. In addition, this term we will have a young pastor from Bungoma, Kenya teaching Discipleship Evangelism to our students. We are blessed to have such qualified instructors for our school
I want to thank our partners and friends for helping us train these people in East Africa. It takes about $50.00 per student per term to provide material, room and board. We charge each student the equivelant to about $20.00 for each term – making it necessary for Grace & Faith Family Ministries to cover the balance. This has been a challenge, but a joy to do! Help us today by making an online donation to Grace and Faith Family Ministries!
With your support, GFIBS is preparing leaders for ministry in East Africa. So many pastors and leaders in the bush areas have no training for ministry what so ever. Our school has three major levels of training – the first year is geared toward everyone in the Body of Christ, teaching basic Bible doctrine, helping people move from the pew to the harvest, empowering them to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The second and third year are geared toward those feeling God’s calling to full time ministry. In these years we teach basic Bible Study, examine specific books of the Bible, Old and New Testament Survey, Prayer and Character. The final fourth year is geared individually for those called to the full time ministry of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.
We have seen such growth in the students who have attended GFiBS. One student shared with me last term how since coming through the first year program, he was empowered to share more effectively the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many have shared how they have taken the material we have provided them and began to teach that material in their local church! Below are a few video testimonies from our students from last year...you will be so blessed listening to their report!
God has given us such a great team to teach in our school. In addition to the Bishop of Bible and Literacy League, we have myself and another gentleman from the Ematsayi area who are teaching in the school. Two of our instructors come from the Nairobi area, and travel to Kakamega for each three week session. In addition, this term we will have a young pastor from Bungoma, Kenya teaching Discipleship Evangelism to our students. We are blessed to have such qualified instructors for our school
I want to thank our partners and friends for helping us train these people in East Africa. It takes about $50.00 per student per term to provide material, room and board. We charge each student the equivelant to about $20.00 for each term – making it necessary for Grace & Faith Family Ministries to cover the balance. This has been a challenge, but a joy to do! Help us today by making an online donation to Grace and Faith Family Ministries!
Grace & Faith Family Ministries Bible Training Institute
Grace and Faith Family Ministries Bible Training Institute opened in March, 2011. Our first graduation was December 2, 2011, with 23 students graduating from the first year program with a Certificate of Completion. The second year began April 23, 2012, with 17 students in our second year program, and 9 students in our first year program. God put together a great group of instructors, Bishop Javan Ommani, Pastor Moses Gituku, Judy Kihori, Willie Griffith, Stanley Shitandi and myself. The classes were highly anointed, and the students so willing and eager to receive. Our difficulty was getting the students to pay their fees, and when not all could, we ran out of food by the end of the second week. But, God granted us favor and we did make it through!
One testimony I received came from a young pastor from Mt. Elgon. Mt. Elgon is a region where there is a lot of in-fighting. In 2008, I made a trip to Mt. Elgon, where we heard gun fire in the distance. At the base of the mountain is a large refugee camp where people have escaped from the violence to a ‘safer’ place. I can’t write his full testimony due to space, but he says, “First and foremost I want to thank God for His love upon me…for me being here is a big blessing unto my spiritual life, mental and physically. My learning has been like a drop of rain upon the dry land. For acutally the word aid, what God has started will finish Himself for His glory…I have been equipped, edified, and have been comforted from the Word of God through His chosen vessels…the materials that they have been using have been also simplified in a way that everybody can understand it…For about the three weeks that I have been in the class, it has actually created more impact in my life…up to now I have been empowered to act seriously as God’s servant to bring true knowledge about God’s Word…”
Grace & Faith International Bible School is making a huge difference. A second year student, in sharing with me just yesterday at dinner stated, “Rev. Peter, I cannot tell you how I have been changed forever by the messages you have given us.” Our message is simple – Grace and Faith! Thank you for helping us take this message to East Africa! Together we really DO make the difference.
Below are some pictures from the first term of 2012; the video testimonies are from the 2011 term! Our second term this year will begin August 20, and graduation will be in December 2012. The cost of the materials for the school are paid for by the friends and partners of Grace and Faith Family Ministries International. Your giving helps us train these young men and women for ministry and leadership in East Africa!
One testimony I received came from a young pastor from Mt. Elgon. Mt. Elgon is a region where there is a lot of in-fighting. In 2008, I made a trip to Mt. Elgon, where we heard gun fire in the distance. At the base of the mountain is a large refugee camp where people have escaped from the violence to a ‘safer’ place. I can’t write his full testimony due to space, but he says, “First and foremost I want to thank God for His love upon me…for me being here is a big blessing unto my spiritual life, mental and physically. My learning has been like a drop of rain upon the dry land. For acutally the word aid, what God has started will finish Himself for His glory…I have been equipped, edified, and have been comforted from the Word of God through His chosen vessels…the materials that they have been using have been also simplified in a way that everybody can understand it…For about the three weeks that I have been in the class, it has actually created more impact in my life…up to now I have been empowered to act seriously as God’s servant to bring true knowledge about God’s Word…”
Grace & Faith International Bible School is making a huge difference. A second year student, in sharing with me just yesterday at dinner stated, “Rev. Peter, I cannot tell you how I have been changed forever by the messages you have given us.” Our message is simple – Grace and Faith! Thank you for helping us take this message to East Africa! Together we really DO make the difference.
Below are some pictures from the first term of 2012; the video testimonies are from the 2011 term! Our second term this year will begin August 20, and graduation will be in December 2012. The cost of the materials for the school are paid for by the friends and partners of Grace and Faith Family Ministries International. Your giving helps us train these young men and women for ministry and leadership in East Africa!