Merry Christmas to you

Praise

Dear friends and supporters

I am taking this opportunity to give thanks to mighty God who enable us to move forward with our project work. I am speachless- can not find enough words to express my joy to see how much has been done since last time we wrote to you. Thank you so much for standing with us in prayers and any other support. May God richly bless you.

Toilets

So far we managed to complete the toilets for children and the teachers. Glory always goes to our mighty God.We also started putting up a small store for school, and now in process of building the class. Please pray for God's favour , we have 3 weeks to commplete the class. The children will be back from their holidays straight after New Year. 

Store

Times is running very fast but I believe whatever God started he will not leave abounded. He is able to do things which for us humans are  to hard to understand.

For now, the whole school is happy to see the progress and children can not wait till they will be back. Very often they pass by and watch the work. It is a nice feeling to see them being  excited.

class foundation

But to be honest there was a time when I had so many doubts, if this would ever happen. I wanted to push so much by mine own strenght not allowing God to step in. Friends in such times we can get only frustrated and dissapointed, overall tired of doing anything. My advise for you and me today- do not allow devil to distroy you. He is trying his tricks even during our sleep. Be alert and thankful in every single situation. For us might be taking so long but for God there is not such world. His timing is just perfect. Join us in praise and celebration. God did it for us and He can do for you also.

On behalf of the entire school we are sending warm greetings to you and your families, taking the opportunity we wish you a happy and wonderful Christmas.

M.H.H Kalume

September update

Dear friends

It has been around 3 month since we came back from Poland after spending there few good months.

The last weeks here has been not easy. I and our daughter, Hannah were felling sick. She could get well and few days after fell sick again. This is something what always crumble my heart, I am scared, I am fearful and do not like it, as all of us desire to see our children healthy and always happy. But God teaches us in every situation to look at him and trust him for better. 

The time I was sick I felt a bit relief because it was not her this time. I hoped to be well again, without seeing doctor, trusting God to heal me. We had no money for going to hospital. I real struggle, as day was going to the end I knew I felt not better but worse. I wondered how about tomorrow? I thought God will heal me, simply like that. and He still did, but using the doctor I had to go to see. You must wonder how I managed to do that? As day was going to the end God provided money from place I did not think of and said go see doctor.

Many times we desire for something, and we think God does not hear us, but it might be not God who does not hear but can be us who are deaf to God's instructions. Let us think of this for a moment - do we truly do what God want us to do?

Short update about work

I have to say big thanks to those who are faithful in their support and prayers for us and children. 

In last few weeks we managed to moved the shelter to the proper side of land. We were able to expand a bit and make separated classes, cemented the floor to protect kids from getting the giggers. Now we are in process of making latrines/toilets for children. So far we were able to dig and put a floor (one part though) still praying and trusting God for finish up. Once again thanks for your generous giving.

Some can wonder why we are here if it is so hard, but let me tell you something -God whom we serve is faithful God, he said in the book of Joshua 1;5

„I will be with you as I was with Moses, I will always be with you, I will never abandon you”.

Very wonderful promise, He does not abandons us. He will always be for us. He did miracles 2000 years ago and he still does them, using different ways, using people, you and me.

All of us have ability of doing something , mother Theresa said once „ Not all of us can do great things but all of us can do small things with a great love. It is not how much we give but how much love we put in giving”-that matters.

Friends we need your support as well as your prayers. We need transport money, food, rent etc. We are in the big see, looking for the oar to help us going. You can be this oar God want to use.

„I will go down if you hold the ropes, I will go into the caves , I will go into the places you will never go, but you must hold the ropes. I will go down if you will hold it on. I will go if you are holding fast, holding tight” William Carey.

Blessing

Mirka and Henry Kalume

True love

“LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD OR TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND TRUTH” 1JOHN 3;18
What does this mean? 
The verses 16-17 show us how we know what love is: Jesus laid down his life for us. And we OUGHT to lay down our lives for others. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 
These verses give us an example of how to lay down our lives for others- TO HELP THOSE IN NEED in real.

Strikingly similar to James teachings 2;14-17
„If a brother or sister is poorly clothes and lacking food and one of you says to them go in peace, be warmed and filled without giving them the things they needed for the body, what good is that?"

How about our own actions? Do they say we real love others? Are we generous as we should be with our money, possessions and time? What do we do for others to show we love them?
There are many people who are in need in this World, they might be some around you. .Do not close your door, open your heart and let your love flow as the river.

Perhaps anyone of you would like to care for a child who is in need, There is opportunity by supporting him on monthly basic. By this you provide him regular meals and education. There is around 70 children who are not eating regularly because their families are not able to provide. Simply contact me and I give you details of how you can do that.

Franziska

In the last couple of weeks we had privilege to host friend of our friend (Franziska)who came to work with us but mainly with the kids in Kwademu. We are grateful for that time, though was not always easy. It was most likely time full of challenges every day at the same time for her like us. 

Franziska experience the real African life, living in a place far away from civilization (lacking clean water, fetching water with other women from the village, eating African food, mainly ugali, beans, capacities every day the same). We are impressed by her conduct, she never complain even once. Most humble girl we have seen who lied down her own desires leaving her family, friends back home and coming to serve in Kenya. 

Franziska there is no enough words to say thank you. We do pray blessing upon you as you are now back home, may God guide you in everything you gonna do. May God gives you strength to finish your studies. Be blessed

August update

Hi my dear friends

I would love to send warm greetings to you and to your families. We thank you for your prayers, support and care. May God bless you for that. Shortly I want to share with you what is happening on our side.

The holidays are almost finished  at the same time here like in your places. Kids are preparing to get back to schools. I am not quite sure if your kids are happy about it but our kids from Kwademu are looking forward to be back. 

Sometime ago we mentioned we would love to start feeding program for our little ones. The children in Light of the World Academy don't get meals on regular basis due to lack of funds. Parents and guardians are not able to provide regular meals for their children. Some get food once a day. The kids are sitting hungry  what makes them to not concentrate much on the lessons. To support a child - monthly cost around 25$ and this provides child  not only regular meals but also gives a child access for medical care.

Light of the World Academy has 80 children, so far we managed to cover 7 kids who have their regular sponsors. We still have 73 children looking for help. If you would love to be  part of their help please let us know by email.

Apart from that, we want to focus our minds on building up the toilets/latrines. Till now, the kids were using  bush as their washrooms. First it is not hygienic and secondly is against the rules of ministry of education. If you would love to contribute into this project please you can do that through our paypal which you can find on our blog 

or through UK account 

Mirosława Kalume HSBC Edinburgh account 40-20-54 30349453, HSBC SWIFT CODE MIDLGB22, IBAN GB20MIDL40205430349453 (with a note for toilets)

Below you find few stories for our kids who are waiting upon God to get support

Emmanuel  7 YEARS,is the oldest one in his family. He has 2 youngest siblings. He is in baby class, because he started his education later due to no money. The mother is taking care of the children, from time to time she does small jobs like digging in the garden in order to earn some little money. The Father has another wife and does not care for his children 

Pascal Mramba 7 YEARS,he has 7 siblings. The mother is taking care of her children and also does small jobs from time to time to be able to provide food for herself and kids. The Father has another wife and other 5 children, and he stop caring for the rest of his kids including Pascal

Hadja Kingy  7 YEARS is the youngest in her family. She has 2 oldest brothers. Hadja is in class 1. The mother is mentally sick, the father has another wife and does not care for his kids. Hadja and her brothers stay with grandmother. As the only girl in the house, Hadja has to work hard, helping with cooking, fetching water

God bless you 

Mirka and Henry Kalume

Back to Kenya

Greet you in the name of Jesus dear friends. Thank you so much for your prayers, we reached Kenya well and sound. The flight was smooth without any disturbance. Hannah and I slept most of the flight. 

"Give thanks to the Lord,

because He is good,

his love is eternal" Ps 136

After having a long time break  it is time to get back to work. A lot of things needs to be done, and we believe it shall be done in God's timing (we all depend on God's mercy and provision). So appeal for you dear ones, please remember us in your prayers.

When we arrived in Kenya, Francizka (our volunteer) was already here. She came to work with us and the children in  Kwademu. She will be here for the next couple of weeks. We are so excited and happy about our time together, looking forward to what God has prepared for all of us. Also please remember her in  prayers, as she is far from her family and friends. 

Right now, the water in the tank got finish and every time we go in the village  we have to carry water from town for our own use.  Every bit of water is so treasured and we have to be very careful when we use. It is hard to imagine the situation here, while you have water 24h and you don't need to limit yourself. We are so great full for people from Głogow in Poland who are trying their level best to meet the need of putting the borehole. May God be the One who touches people hearts and make them contribute into that project. 

End of this month we are moving out to another house. We are very happy about it. Where we have stayed it has been a lot of noise and lot of disturbance. We pray that this new place will be a quiet place and enjoyable for all of us. It has also more rooms so we are able to host a voluntaries or friends who want to come, help us and enjoy Kenya. All are very welcome. 

Please stand with us in prayers, we need around 1000$ every month for our living including transport, bills, Hannah's education etc. I believe everything is possible for our God who has no limits. Its not easy, always we are struggling to meet our budget that's why we ask you to pray with us. 

When I look at our situation, there are times when I don't feel like I am going to carry on any longer. I want to quit and go back home, to Poland. However there is something what is holding me here- obedience. There are times when God ask us to do things which are not easy and they need a lot of sacrifice and humility. Jesus himself had to came down from heaven to be able to meet us human beings here on the earth. I feel like I am here so that God can use me to reach the forgotten and  vulnerable. This is called love, when we are able to put down our own desires and be able to serve others. 

May God touch our hearts and eyes so that we will be able  not only to see but also be able to respond to the needs. We shall not be discouraged and think  that we are not able to meet them, even the smallest help from all of us it can be significant on the other side. Together we can make a difference. 

Right now we are desperately praying for toilets for the kids. Over 80 children go into the bushes because of lacking latrines. Please stand with us for that project. Kids are waiting for the miracle and you can be part of it.

God bless you abundantly

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and he will reward him for what he has done" Prov 19;17

polish account:

Mirosława Kalume

mbank 23114020040000330276129896

Uk account:

Mirosława Kalume

HSBC EDINBURGH account 40-20-54 30349453; HSBC SWIFT/BIC code: MIDLGB22 IBAN: GB20MIDL40205430349453

Mirka and Henry Kalume

Magda and her time

We are so thankful for Magda who came along to serve and teach children new skills.
Magda reached Kenya on 9th of June well without any disturbance. God is good all the time. We give God glory for his protection..
Kids are very happy to have Magda back. This is her second time with us in Kenya. We do pray God will be using her during her stay and people from around will notice this is nothing different than God's love she shares with them.
Magda is deep in the village, organizing time with children, teaching, supervising and at the same time playing and having fun with the little ones.
Today she organized little drama "David and Goliath". Kids had a chance to exercise a bit and also hear the word of God.

Wonderful job Magda. We wish you could stay longer but we know everything is for season and we are so happy for this small time we have together with you. Hopefully, one day in future you will visit again. For now on we wish you all the best sending you much love from all of us.

reflection

Dear friends

We are so thankful to God, for your prayers, support and encouragement. 
It has been more than 2 months now since my daughter and I are in Poland, and people have not always  been positive  with our work in Kenya. Some people criticize, keep asking why I had to go so far? Needy people are everywhere, even here in our own country. So why, Mirka had to go to Africa? Can she bring change all alone?
It is very true, needy people are around us, here, there and other places. I believe though, everyone has his/her call. One to stay around, another to move to far places, where God prepared for them. The place does not matter but our attitude is very important. What about us? Are we open to hear others cry? Or we pass by without seeing them? Can we show LOVE to other person? 
"Do for others what you want them to do for you" Mt. 7;12
Can we feel the pain when other person cries, when he or she is in need?  What do we do? Are we happy that we don't need to go through similar situation? Do we thank God for what we have? Of course, nobody want to suffer, even  me. Can we stop for a moment and ask God what He want us to do with this particular person? How can we help? 
None knows what can bring tomorrow, maybe us we will be in similar situation and then what? We would expect the whole world to stop and pay attention to us. Attention brothers and sisters! Maybe there is someone in your community who need your help and you don't know what to do, PLEASE ASK GOD, HE WILL REVEAL TO YOU.
AFRICA- it is very different comparing to our own country. People there, live day by day, very often without any future. Everywhere we go, there are corruption, nothing works as its suppose to. To do small thing, one need to move on and on for days to succeed with it. But God's grace is sufficient and without that we would fail long time ago. When I think of Africa and  people there, only one thing comes to my mind “Survival”. The one who is stronger can count on living, weak person stay behind forgotten. Poor people have no chance to go to school, the doors for their future are closed. Very often judged by eldest "poor -so... has to be stupid". 
God where is justice in this World? My heart cry when I see such injustice. Of course, we are not able to help everywhere and everyone, but even if we can invest in the life of ONE, TWO....TEN it is worth to do it for this little smile . The heaven is full of joy when this ONE,TWO....TEN give life to Christ. And simply.... because of that it is WORTHY. 
Let us be alert, and do not give devil access to our lives. He want to bring damage and blockage to stop us from doing godly thing. Living in countries very different from ours and far away from family. Friends it has not been easy it's been challenging for me. Often wondering if we will be able to afford to buy food, or if we will be able to pay rent for our small flat we rent. 
People in Africa treat white people like "the sack of money". They think white person has more and very often we are overcharged. Example when our daughter was sick, I was ask to pay 4 times more for the medicine than usual price. This is one of the examples, life in Africa it looks cheap but that is not true. Very often we struggle to pay rent (if one delay, the agent changes the locks so the person who did not pay on time  can not enter till finish payments and cover the cost of changing the locks).Our monthly rent is around 200$, plus  bill for power, water, food, transport, medical expenses etc. There are times when I ask God is that really what You want me to do? Once I had an idea of going to work, but then came  thought I am not there to give my energy and time to business  but to do God's work and His will. 
Ps.25
"Teach me your ways, o Lord
  make them known to me
  teach me to live according to your truth,
  for You are my God, who saves me
  I always trust in you."

Every day, I ask God to guide my steps, to give me strength and wisdom.  My desire is to do God's will. And that's the very key of life, to do according to God's will. 
William Carey, one of the missionaries said before 
"I’ll go down if you hold the ropes.  I’ll
go into the caves, I’ll go into the places you
will never go, but you must hold the ropes.  
I’ll go down if you’ll hold on. I’ll go if you are
holding fast, holding tight.”
Dear friends, I do ask you to be the ones who hold the rope for us. I do ask God to bring people along our path to pray with us, bless us and  our work, support spiritually and financially on monthly bases. 
"I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way we must help the weak remembering the words that the Lord Jesus Christ himself said: There is more happiness in giving than in receiving" Act 20;35

Our account in UK
Mirosława Kalume
HSBC EDINBURGH account 40-20-54 30349453; HSBC SWIFT/BIC code: MIDLGB22 IBAN: GB20MIDL40205430349453

Our account in Poland
Mirosława Kalume
mbank 23114020040000330276129896
There is also possibility to use paypal on our blog simply by clinking "donate"

Walking on the waters

Thank you friends for praying  and supporting us financially and spiritually. I, Mirka together with Hannah  made  to Poland end of march. Though I never planned to go God made it happen. I had no idea where to go and whom to meet but when God spoke to me of walking on waters I said it to myself : Lord I am ready to go and walk on waters. How often we wonder shall we  do this or shall we do other things, instead of putting our trust on God and let Him be the Guider.Thank you so much for standing with us. It was't easy because in the beginning of our time we both got sick, mostly because temperature and weather were different of the one in Africa.  Thanks be to God, we are now fine and well.
Our time in Poland seems to be busy, but we are thankful for these meetings and new contacts. Thank you friends in Scotland for welcoming us and looking after us. We had a wonderful time with you. I am sorry we were not able to meet all of you in Edinburgh but please understand that our time was limited. Thank you Pastor Michael from Falkirk church, pastor Arek from polish Church and Pastor Gordon from Elim Church for opening the doors for me. May God richly bless your families and ministry.

Poland helps children in Kenya

Another parcel reach children in Kwademu. There was much of joy and happiness. May God bless you everyone who contributed into such joy. 

For the first time the kids are using net to play the ball. Joyful days ...

Chrispina and Christopher

Chrispina and Christopher are twins. They are 4 years old . They live with mum and grand mother. Mother works as a teacher in local school, They used to  stay together with the father till the mother run away taking her babies back home to grand mother. Chrispina's and Christopher's father was mistreating the wife(mum)and neglecting the children. drinking a lot. Chrispin like to play the ball, Chrispina is more quiet but she enjoys skipping rope. They live in a mad house, sleeping on the ground, During rainy season it is very cold and wet inside. Please help them by supporting them,so they will be able to have warm meal each day. Cost of 1 child for a month - 25$. Not a big deal for many of us but it will really bring impact in these little ones lives. If you would like to support them please write to us: henrymirkakalume@yahoo.com

Chrispina

Chrispina

Chrispin

Art

The children had no opportunity to use paint or glue before their joined Light of the World Academy. Every time we do some activities with them, they show how quick they are learning new skills. Bless you all who support us and provide such a wonderful materials. Below are some of their works.

School proposal

Light of the World International Foundation (LOTWIF) is a christian interdenominational non profit, non political Organization that seeks to educate and equip less fortune, vulnerable communities by providing holistic development opportunities that will aid in both the spiritual and physical well being and growth of people in the Republic of Kenya,

Campaign Description and its importance to us

LOTWIF seeks to help build classrooms for nursery school at Kwademu village which is in Mwanamwinga Location of Kilifi County in Kenya. Kwademu. (demu means rag, worn out cloth which is not useful). The community believe that nothing good can happen or come out of that area. The only things they are used to is witchcraft, idolatry, drunkenness etc and because of that there is no development in this place. Beside that, there are no many committed Christians. By helping build classrooms for the children we can change the people's mindsets that nothing good can be done in this place. People hearts may be touched and soften toward Christ.

Magnitude of what contributors will help achieve

Through your cherished contribution towards this worthy course, LOTWIF will be able to build classrooms for the kids who currently study in a shelter. At the moment the school has 75 pupils which are 4 classes in one room of 8 by 9 meters. By building the classrooms, the children will be able to study without any distraction and more focus on their lessons.

Where the funds are going to be used

We would wish to raise $32,000 (USD) to build 4 classrooms. Cost of putting up one classroom is around $8,000(USD) which includes building, labor and transportation of the materials. The funds received here will be exclusively used to build the classes and any extra collections used to equip the classrooms for the school beginners.

Unique perks

All contributors towards this project will be honored and their names will be engraved in the class memorial plaque.  All the records how the money will be spent will be put in place and kept safe in LOTWIF files for access. Thank you messages will be sent to the contributors as a means of appreciation as we believe God is the only one who can reward you adequately.

Where the funds go in case we don’t reach the entire goal

The ultimate achievement of this campaign is building 4 classrooms for the nursery school learners of Light of the World Academy (LOTWA). Any funds received towards this course will be used in building the classrooms. Even if we may not be able to raise the whole amount, the construction will still be started as we remain hopeful we will get other sources of completing the project.

The Impact

The building of these classrooms will motivate the children to embrace education, help them be self-reliant in the world and help raise the literacy levels in this poor community. These children come from poor backgrounds yet they have ambitions of being resourceful to the world but these problems force them to adopt the mindsets of being nothing, witchcraft and alcoholism.

Risks & Challenges

The ambition of LOTWIF is to help build the classrooms for the nursery school kids and having been registered in Kenya as an NGO, its easy to win the confidence of the government, and being established in the area, we easily won the confidence of the residents.

However the challenges we are facing is lack of funds and support. Yes we won the confidence of some of residents but still there is a big percentage of people who have mindsets of witchcraft. So we kindly ask you also for a prayer in that area.

Please find an attachment with plan of the classes.

Regards

Mirka and Henry Kalume