News from MCC

NATIONAL MUSEUM!!!!

2010-07-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

Recently the kindergarden went to National museum ie (Baby class, Nursary,Pre-unit) and Class one class two and class three.They enjoyed to the maximum and will live to remember that.This rear treatment was specifically made as a follow up to what one friend(Meagan from USA) had started three years ago.Thank you all for making this possible.

OUR CHOIRS ARE GOING TO THE NATIONALS!!!!`

2010-07-15T01:40:00.000-07:00

These needy yet talented children from Mercy Care Centre have received God's favour and made it through the preliminaries to represent Nairobi province at the National level.The National level will take place from 6th - 15th August in Kakamega town.

Kakamega town is found in western part of the country near the shores of the second largest fresh water lake called Lake Victoria.The journey takes 10 hours from Nairobi.The main means of transport is by Bus as there is no train that goes there.Once again we will have our matresses to cushion us against the rough floor.We have been given a choice of spending a night in a church and or a classroom.

Kakamega Town is Malaria prone and we thank our friends for carrying several mosquito nets.They will come in handy.The main stable food is "UGALI"eaten with stew .

GREAT FRIENDS!!!

2010-07-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

In the month of June and early days of July we had wonderful friends from Australia,USA,Tanzania and Zambia.
They brought their love and encoragement to the needy children in Mercy Care Centre.
It was a great blessing to us to see a team of dedicated soldiers of christ to come and follow the footsteps of Christ-Being mindful of the needy in society.In the one month they were in MCC they were like a well oiled engine to the blessing of each child in Mercy Care Centre.
May the lord bless them in their station of work and may the seed that they have planted grow into a huge tree(touch many heart to come to mercy care centre)

2010-06-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

Students from BLAIR ACADEMY in new Jersey visited Mercy CAre Centre and had a wonderful day with them.They used a whole day in the sports field with the high school students.We would like to thank their teachers-Quint Clarke,

Andrew Sykes and Monie Handwick for leading the team of 17 students to MCC.Further to the visit,they were able to donate soccerballs,Tennis rackets,volleyballs and their precious time to mingle and play with us.

ONE MORE TROPHY!!!!!

2010-05-31T05:31:00.000-07:00

In the recent "Peace -Amani" competition,Mercy care Primary school emerged top of all colleges,high schools and churches.The competition was centered on how to bring peace in the valley.We thought that education was one strong tool of embracing all and bringing peace in the valley.The Guest of honour was the Permanent Secretary Mininistry Gender ,sports and Social services.This is another way that the lord has spoken to us.

PART OF THE CHEMICALS USED IN SCIENCE!!!!!

2010-05-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

We are able to replace these chemicals whenever we finish them.They are fast moving "stock"

SCIENCE MATTERS!!!!

2010-05-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

The science teachers at Mercy Care High School wish to thank you all for the many science equipments,they make their work earsier and give a great opportunity to the needy students learn science subjects in the same way other well equiped schools do.

They would not have asked for more.(sitted is emily-science,standing in the middle is Charles -Physics and extreme right is Rachel-Biology.

GOD SAW THEIR FEET ALSO!!!!

2010-05-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

------ And now a new pair of shoes for the needy children of

Mercy Care Centre.It was very hard to contain the excitement.

we are all greatful for this kind of connection.
God bless you all

OUR NORMAL SCHOOL SHOES!!!

2010-05-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

Whenver you come to mercy care centre the beaming smiles and

happy faces of children make you forget to look at them again.

The shoes shown here would be part of the normal school shoes.

To them once they have lunch and a

good education the rest are secondary.

DONATION OF SHOES!!!

2010-04-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

Mercy Care centre has received 441 pairs of shoes to be distributed to the needy children when they return to school after the holiday.The shoes of all sizes were kindly donated through feed the children programme.

Our God is good and always faithful to the just cause.The shoes are donated to us when we have heavy rains and floods at the moment.They will come in handy.Beside the children will at least have some shoes on during the week end.

This in addition to the warm lunch they receive on saturday and holiday.Ifeel deeply the words of Jesus christ--------Paraphased"let the little children come to me for the kingdom of God belongs to them"------------.It is in humble submission that i say to you all who make this possible and follow an example of christ.May the lord's favour be upon you.

THE TANK IS UP AND FRESH SUPPLY!

2010-04-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

The long awaited water tank is now up and draws a lot of curiosity from the ever playful children.It will now ensure that there is clean water to all the MCC family.The kitchen department also got a fresh supply of vegetables,potatoes and onions.What a blessing!

YES I DO SAYS NANCY!!

2010-04-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

Nancy wachiye who has worked with us for the last seven years had her happy moment the week end of 17th when she took her marriage vows.It was a very colourful and exciting moment.

We are humbled before the lord for this occassion.The husband is a Pastor at Victory Church in Nairobi.May the lord who brought this happiness give them everlasting joy in their marriage.

DO YOU KNOW THEM!

2010-04-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

Those who can recognise any of these teachers then please stand up and let us count you.!

It took me a while to know them during this exciting and outstanding wedding ceremony.That the lords has brought us to this level is exciting in itself.

HOLLIDAY AND SATURDAY MEAL

2010-04-13T04:30:00.000-07:00

The diet our students have during the holiday is a mixture of Potatoes,cabbage ,carrots ,onions and fats.

This diet is provided during recess time in April,August and December.This way we ensure that the students health is maintained.The biggest challenge is how to peel potatoes for over six hundred students using a kitchen knife.The kitchen staff have fun during this time.

NATIONAL DRAMA FESTIVAL

2010-04-08T02:19:00.000-07:00

It was one long but great week out there in Kisumu Town.Six hours drive

from Nairobi.The Drama group had qualified to take part in the national competition as representatives of Nairobi Province.There are eight provinces in Kenya and each province produces two items in each category.
Mercy care centre took part in the drama dance category.The experince gained by the students in those two weeks was enoumous and they will live to remember this for a very long time.
We also took time to visit the museum and the second fresh water lake in the world.
Thank you all for making this possible once again.

DRIBBLING HER WAY TO NORWAY!!!

2010-03-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Awuor who is a bona fide student of Mercy Care centre since baby class is earmarked to travel to Norway for an international soccer game.
This will be in late May 2010 just 10 days to the beggining of world cup extravaganza in South Africa.What a thought!.She marks the fouth child from MCC that has travelled for an international soccer game in Norway.
Cynthia is in her last class in Primary.We wish her well and thank God for this opportunity.

VIDEO OF THE TRUE HAPPENS!!!

2010-03-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

MORE SIGHTS OF THE RAIN HAVOC!

2010-03-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

WE WILL ALL LIVE TO REMEMBER THIS.

HEAVY UNEXPECTED RAINS FALL IN MERCY CARE CENTRE

2010-03-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

THIS WEDNESDAY 24TH MARCH 2010 THERE WAS VERY HEAVY RAIN .WATER FOUND ITS WAY IN CLASSES AND HOUSES

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER!

2010-03-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

The senior boys listen to their Headcoach

Moses before they took part in the Brookehouse tournament.They finally pose for a group photograph after being declared second overrall in the tournament.The coach in the group photo on the extreme left was awarded with a new T-shirt

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER GAME

2010-03-24T07:43:00.001-07:00

The high school soccer club took part in a Brookeside tournament and took third position overrall.The couch Mr.Moses Onyimbo is seen giving pep talk to them as the match progressed.A few of the girls are earmarked to play for big clubs as soon as they complete their fourth form.

Brookeside is a famous Diary company in Kenya and organises such tournaments to help nurture young talents.

KUDOS MCCF BOARD!!!!!

2010-03-19T02:37:00.000-07:00

Here is one happy girl that you have put a permanent smile on

her face.Thank you for taking a decision to educate her.

I take this opportunity to thank you all for having seen me through school. I know that without you I could not have made it since I am an orphan. You have been with me through hard times since I was in primary. I once again thank you all.

Special thanks for being with me during the 2007 aborted election. By then I was in Ruchu girls which was not in my tribal area. I would have still been in Ruchu Girls hadn’t they acted swiftly and took me out of the school and who knows what would have happened to me!!!!

From Ruchu Girls I was taken to Shiners Girls, all thanks to Mr. Patrick Lumumba who worked so hard to get me into that school. I successfully completed my form four there and managed to get a C+.(minimal uni.entrance)

My desire is to do accounts and I so appeal to you to consider putting me through this. It is a three year course.

I love you all for the kind heart that you have extended to one orphaned girl here in Kenya. I will live to remember that always. My ambition is to help another girl out there.

Yours faithfully

Elizabeth Apiyo

Drama Dance Shines Again!!

2010-03-13T03:36:00.000-08:00

The Nairobi Provincial drama festival closed its doors on friday 12 th march 2010.A total of 54 schools took part in the competition that lasted for a week.Each team did their past to ensure that they proceed to the national championship.Only the very best were choosen.And when the names were called out MCC was among them.The drama dance was on concervation of environment for the sake of the young generation.This was very beffiting indeed to these young kids.

They danced and acted their hearts out.

The National drama festival will take place on 1st April - 11th of April 2010.The festivals this year will be held in Kisumu City found on the shores of Lake victoria.The main town to the US President

Mercy care students perfomed before the area councillor and

the city education officers.

We up held our tradition of licking the ice cream whenever we have done well.Please pray that we;

a) Are able to get transport to Kisumu.Six hours drive from Nairobi and that we reach safely.

b)Kisumu is a malaria Prone town.Pray that our students are protected on this.

c) Pray that we may be able to get funds for accomodation and food while we are in Kisumu.

This is our way of aprreciating our love and concern to us.

SPORTS!

2010-03-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

The two teachers-Peter Kubwa and Monica Saya will be leading the MCC soccer and netball team respectively to Garrisa during this easter holiday.The two teams qualified to go to the Nationanal championship due to their hard work.Garrisa is found in north Eastern part of Kenya which is more prone to bandits.However the government has asured us of the much needed security.A total of twenty seven children will be making the trip.

MATTERS SCIENCE!

2010-03-13T03:06:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday 10th March 2010.The secondary school students took part in a science congress that was held at Eastleigh High school.Their experiments involved levers,Inclined Planes and wheel and Axle.It was very wonderful to see the young scientist in action.Indeed MCC is impacting positively the minds of the young boys and girls.We hope to involve other sciences in future.We cannot fail to thank Tom who visited MCC last summer and left the science atmosphere in school.

PRIMARY DRAMA!

2010-03-03T23:50:00.000-08:00

The Primary school will pick up from the high school as they show case their drama dance on conservation.The high school did not go past the first stage.Thank you to those that support this cause.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

2010-03-03T23:37:00.000-08:00

We believe that Mercy care centre is one institution that has been so blessed.Many people have been touched by our plight and they take time to put a smile on our faces.These many letters came to us as a sign of care and the love you have for us.Thank you to all that took time to write them.It is Christmass once again here in MCC!!!!

HIGH SCHOOL!

2010-02-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

Mercy Care Centre secondary school T-shirts that are being used for games.The school is getting more popular by the day.The girls were dressed up for games

FORM ONE STUDENTS!

2010-02-26T06:04:00.001-08:00

After going through 460 applicants,the teachers came up with a list of 64 students that are deserving cases to join Mercy care centre.

Apart from having competitive marks,they had to undergo English proficiency test as most of the subjects are examined in English.This idea was borrowed from Ken and Dianne Phillis(from St.Michael secondary school in kilolo Tanzania.Ken and Dianne thank you for sharing this.We believe if natured properly,the students are capable of producing competitive grades in future.In addition they went through one week of orientation to ensure that they understand the tradition of Mercy Care Centre.We wish them well.

PRIMARY SPOTRS

2010-02-26T05:41:00.000-08:00

The Primary school pupils at the soccer and netball competion.The boys won their soccer match on penalties.

The boys team will now proceed to play at the District level.

HIGH SCHOOL HEADS FOR DRAMA COMPETITIONS

2010-02-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

It was a rehersal that befitted the actors.They acted as if they were at the main competition.The play is a fusion of the corrupt public servants and the role of christianity in such roles.

On Friday 26th the actors will travel approximately seventy kilometres from MCC to compete other high schools in Nairobi.We wish them well

SCHOOL DISPENSARY!!!!

2010-02-25T13:15:00.002-08:00

Since the inception of the school Dispensary,mant students are now assured of being attended too whenever they have minor ailments.The nurse Catherine works very hard to attend to the fifty plus students that visit her room.

We also wish to thank all those that make it possible by availing the various medicines.

TECHNOLOGY!!!!

2010-02-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

The Principal's office is embrassing technology all round.Watch out for better service and proper records.

MERCY CARE REPRESENTATIVE

2010-02-19T03:52:00.001-08:00

Wynne Brown,a representative of Mercy Care Centre Foundation from the USA.Cracking his brain to ensure that the needy children from the slums of Mathare Valley who attend school in MCC are well taken care of.Wynne is on a two week working session to collect all the more important logistics for informed decisions in future.Talk of Christians being out there and doing the work other than mere words!!!

MID-TERM BREAK

2010-02-18T11:56:00.000-08:00

The students are having their Mid-term break as from Thursday.We use this opportunity to give teachers time to prepare to face the rest of the term and also evaluate the work they have already done.

In addition,the teachers have time to catch up with their families.However,the majority of the students stay around school as it has become like their main home.We do also strive to ensure that we do not cut the lunch program that they are used too.

Upon returning to school on Monday,they will take part in Drama competition .We all hope that they will do well.

FIELD OF PLAY

2010-02-17T02:06:00.000-08:00

There is not enough playing field at our school compound.As such due to the kind heart of the Rotary Club,our students continue to enjoy the facilities at Kenya Commercial Bank playing field.

Thank you for being part of the enjoyment that the needy children have.

BACK TO SCHOOL

2010-02-17T01:05:00.000-08:00

The new term began on 7th January and we are already in the middle of the term.

We have 462 students at Primary level and 220 students at the high school.This gives us a total of 682 students in MCC.Due to the heavy pressure of work,we have anew Secretary at the high school who also assists in teaching computers.

This term the school will participate in Drama Festival and the students are at it.The Primary will participate in their favorite category-Drama dance.Their theme evolves around conservation of the environment.

The high school has a play depicting a corrupt society and the consequences.We hope for them to do well.

For the first time the school will be offering students for "O" level examinations as from October.We have thirty eight in form four.

DRAMA COMPETITION!!!

2009-03-09T21:26:00.001-07:00

The secondary school and the primary school took part in the drama competition that was held last week.The secondary presented a play and the primary an acted story dance.
They all managed to get first positions in North nairobi Zone.Subsequently they will proceed to the provincial level to compete the other zones.The drama dance and the play depict the violence that was witnessed in the valley.It was full of conflicts and remedies to the conflicts that we think leaders should be able to borrow a leaf.Being part of what they witnessed,they acted as natural as possible.
The sad news this week is that the porridge which serves as breakfast that is provided by feed the children will not be available.But we thank you all for giving us the general funds which will be used to continue with the programme.
All in all we continue to see the effect of your prayers here in Mercy Care Centre.

2009-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

Great Friends,
We are back with apology.Things have been positively hectic for me here in kenya.Mercy care centre and school has made tremendous stride.
We have many buildings that are being used to accommodate classes.
The Primary and Pre -schoolers now total 415.
The secondary students are now 160 giving us a total population of 575 students.The love shown to this students have never been lost.We have stepped up child evangelism so that the children are nurtured in the word of God.

We purchased two containers which are being used as laboratories.The containers are 40ft long and nine feet high.We are so grateful for this.
The secondary school went for a hike on Ngong hills and will be attempting to climb Mt.longonot about 4,500 meters high.They will need all the strength.

The primary school are competing in a soccerl tornament that will take place near the school.

Thank you all for your prayers and love for MCC

MORE FOOD

2008-12-22T03:20:00.000-08:00

PLENTY OF FOOD AND JUICE TO DRINK

2008-12-22T03:08:00.000-08:00

PREPARATION FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!

2008-12-22T02:53:00.000-08:00

The students of mercy care centre had a time to prepare the hall for the Christmas party.It was such a great occasion to see their creativity and and some for the first time learning the spirit of Christmas-giving

SIGHTS OF MOMBASA

2008-12-03T02:47:00.000-08:00

OUR ACCOMMODATION IN MOMBASA AND BEACH SIGHTS IN MOMBASA

MOMBASA HERE WE COME

2008-12-03T02:38:00.000-08:00

This is the ferry that connects the south cost and the Main Mombasa town.To cross from one end to another takes about five minutes.The fast warm water of the Indian Ocean are inviting for a swim.The ferry is known as Likoni Ferry

TEACHERS AND WORKERS OUTING

2008-12-03T02:10:00.000-08:00

After a hard terms work teachers and workers take time to relax.It is an exciting moment for all

END OF TERM ASSEMBLY

2008-12-03T01:54:00.000-08:00

At the end of each term,teachers have an opportunity to address students before they proceed with the recess.During this time students are also encouraged to ask questions.

PARENTS RECEIVING REPORT FORMS

2008-12-03T01:34:00.000-08:00

Every end of the term,parents are given an opportunity to discuss the progress of their children in class.This is done one on one basis as they receive the report forms.Apart from that parents are also advised on how they can be able to help their children achieve better education standards and good discipline.Parents do also have an opportunity to express their sentiments on the ups and downs of the school.It is through such sentiments that we are able to improve how we run the school so that it conforms to the needs of the community.We have found these sessions so fulfilling and eye openers.
Parents have also use this sessions to send their love and heart felt gratitude to those who help their children attain education.

EXAMINATION TIME IN MERCY CARE CENTRE

2008-11-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

This week is a quite one as all the students are sitting for the end of year examination.At the end of the examination,the students will have a one month Christmas recess.They are all eager to produce good grades in conformity with the Mercy Care Centre tradition.
What impresses me is that the students all appear so concentrated and would not want to disappoint.
We hope to give them a Christmas party before they all resign to the wider area of the slum.
The secondary section have all promised to turn up during the holidays to carry out the Science experiments that they missed during the term.
As a way of showing an appreciation for the teachers,they will have a three day retreat to Mombasa.Mombasa is a beach town and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are very inviting

DISPLAY OF TROPHIES WON THIS YEAR 2008

2008-11-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

During the cultural day we took time to display the trophies we won at the National level to the parents.To have a taste of the sweet victory we had a cake baked for the occasion.The parents were so touched by this success that they had only words of praise for the school.
As the year comes to an end,we pray that the lord shall tarry again in the new year to shower us with even more blessings as we reach out to minister to the needy in society.The Principal also took time to tell the parents of the wonderful trip he had in America.Natuarally most of them believed that i had met the President Designate-Barrack Obama.

THE PRE- SCHOOL GRADUATION

2008-11-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

The pre-school used the cultural day to show case the only culture they know.Putting on gowns and graduating.This ceremony is held every year for pre-school as they prepare to join class one.The gowns were made by the tailorong school girls.

CULTURAL DAY IN MCC

2008-11-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

The event is organised once a year to help

our children appreciate each others culture and also help foster national unity.Each class choose an item of their own.And train themselves.The school uses some of the items foe national level music and drama

THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE SCHOOL

2008-11-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

This is how the school looked like when the students arrived in the morning.We hired this van to bring some of them to school.

THE WEATHER IN THE MORNING

2008-11-11T11:13:00.001-08:00

This is how the weather looked like before the students arrived for the class eight examination.It was very cold and gloomy.The precious night it had rained very heavy.Most parts of the valley were muddy and soggy.But the educationist say that that is the best weather for doing mathematics and English.

PRAYER DAY FOR CLASS EIGHT

2008-11-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

Once again the National examination is here.This is an examination that is done once a year.The student sitting for this examination is expected to have completed eight years in primary school.Upon passing this examination,the student will then join high school for the next four years.
This year(2008) Mercy Care Centre will represent twenty seven students for the National examination.We had time to pray for them and also encourage them so that they may commit in memory what they have been taught and also relax when doing the examination.Twenty of them have been in Mercy Care Centre since Baby class.It has been a pleasure as we watch them grow and us in turn imparting good virtues in them.We are all wishing them the best.
Notice the writing on the cake"Pass-Yes you can" does it sound familiar?!!

MATERIALS

2008-11-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

The short rains have been heavy than usual.We had to move very quickly to ensure that we have the roof up to protect the books and also give the children some shelter.
Beside we are at the process of refurbishing six rooms to make them into usable classrooms.
When this face is over,we will embark on the re-roofing of the main building.At the moment we have taken temporary measures to ensure that the heavy rain does not fall in.We thank all those that contributed funds to enable thi to take place.

THE NEW ROOF IS COMING UP

2008-11-06T23:55:00.000-08:00

The work for the new roof is on and workers are working very hard to ensure that the work is completed with heavy rain in sight.This is a step gap measure and serious work will start when the school goes on recess.

MERCY CARE CENTRE AT KICC

2008-11-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

The fame of Mercy Care Centre continues.This time round they were invited at Kenyatta international conference centre.Their mission was to sing for the delegates on an organisation called'CONCERN WORLD WIDE'This is an organisation that deals with chi;d labour.

TENNIS IS GAINING FAME

2008-09-26T13:32:00.003-07:00

Since the introduction of Tennis in the school, the game has gain a lot of fame among the students.We have 11 rackets and 98 tennis balls.The students have found it quite enjoyable that they would not miss a day.In our report we had said that we have six rackets but we have 11.Soon when we have got the right field,we will be able to couch various skills and introduce the rules of Tennis.
One of the most interesting thing is to see the secondary school take keen interest in sports.This helps them a great deal.

CLASSROOM SITUATION!!!

2008-09-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

students following lessons in class.They want to be better students as you work hard to make their life easy.

It is interesting to see how some of them cannot leave their T-shirts.It was a precious gift to them.

2008-09-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

THIRD TERM WELL UNDER WAY

2008-09-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy time in Mercy care centre for the Nursery,Primary and the Secondary School.The students are working hard as they all prepare to join the new classes in the year 2009.The school is as quet as water in a pot during normal lessons.
The class we are all praying for is the class eight that will be sitting the National examination from 10th-13th November 2008.This will be the seventh time when the school will participate in the national examination.They ask for prayers from all of you out there and if possible please send encouraging messages to them.

The Pre-unit class will be graduating to class one and they are in need of the graduating gowns to befit their class.

Finally,the class three will be graduating to upper primary at the same time.This will also be a wonderful time for them.

In secondary school, the form two will be pre-candidates from next year and they are all working very hard.In total we have 102 students in secondary school.

During the term we received a visitor from Maryland,Florida and California from the united states: Caroline James , Abigail Morrison & Bryan Snyder respectively.They were a blessing to us and were very much impressed with what we were doing.Abigail who is 64 years and a retired school psychologist invited the principal to her house in the states when she returns on Nov 3rd 2008 after her safaris in the East. But its unfortunate I will be back in Kenya. She was very impressed by the growth of the school in the slums. She had a brief visit and thought more to be done to the classrooms in the future to make them learner friendly and conducive for the kids .

THIRD TERM BEGINS ON 2ND SEPTEMBER 2008

2008-08-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

Dear collaborators in mission,
We thank God for each day that we are able to live and always ask God that with our gift of life he may be able to give us strength and a loving heart to serve him.
His assurance to us in the book of psalms 23-your rod and staff they comfort me(paraphrased) even though i walk through the valley of death i fear not.It is this assurance that propels us to work even harder in God's vineyard.(Mercy Care Centre)

In one weeks time,the school will be resuming.We believe the children will come back rested enough to embark on the last term of the year.Teachers too will be looking forward to the new term that culminates into the end of the year.

Three meetings have been organised to try and put things in perspective.

1.STAFF MEETING.
All members of staff will be meeting on 30th september2008 to deliberate and pray for the following;
a)The Kenya certificate of primary education examination that will take place in November.We will be praying as a staff and also asking God to put it in the hearts of many to continue praying for the candidates.

b)The peace in the valley and Mercy Care Centre.At the begging of the year,we suffered a lot of psychological stress due to the post election skirmishes.We know that volatile situations are prone in the slums.But at the same time pray that the lord will give us the much needed peace.
On the other hand we pray that we shall live together as a united family.Many teachers were very much affected by what happened at the death of The late Rev.Gilbert.They will be praying for unity and deeper understanding that the work in Mercy care is to uplift the plight of needy children and not in any way to exalt an individual.

c)Collaboarators.We will be praying for our collaborators that the lord will continue to touch their hearts to pray for us and give us the much needed resources without which we cannot effectively carry out the the work of God.

d) We will be committing the children to the lord so that the lord may give them peace of Mind as they continue to work hard for their future.The lord has given them a hard task by being in Mercy Care Centre.They are looked as a role model in the larger mathare and a reflection of our work here in M CC.

e)We will pray for any future development of Mercy care Centre.Bearing in mind the Secondary school.More space is needed for them.

f) we will pray for the Principals trip to the USA from 5th of October 2008.That his journey may be an enlightenment to many that have helped and would want to help.

2.PARENTS TEACHERS MEETING 31ST AUGUST 2008
The parents and teachers meeting will aim at bringing a good working relationship between the two adults in order for them to effectively manage the child.

3.BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This will meet on 1st Sept.2008.
They will all look at the areas the Principal will zero in while in the states and the legal frame work of Mercy care Centre.

MATTRESSES FROM THE POLY.PART OF THE DANCE GROUP

2008-08-22T04:39:00.000-07:00

The mattresses used were from the polytechnic.At the moment they are not being used.We all pray that the poly.vision shall not fade.
The happy students represents part of the students that participated in the Ameican folk dance.At the back of the minds are the two buses packed.When is Mercy care going to have one of that?their innocent minds would ask.Is any one listening to them?!

ACCOMODATION IN KISUMU

2008-08-22T04:16:00.000-07:00

Our students had good lessons in life that it does not matter where you sleep.The lord always watches over you in all areas.

LIBRARY IS GAINING FAME

2008-08-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

MANY STUDENTS CONTINUE TO VISIT THE LIBRARY TO BORROW BOOKS EVEN DURING THE HOLIDAYS.THE LIBRARY RECORDS ARE ALMOST FULL.THIS WILL BE TRANSFERED TO THE COMPUTER FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT

MAKING OF WINNERS

2008-08-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is the place we stayed in Kisumu town during the Music festival.We are so glad that you facilitated this and pray that the lord shall continue to touch you to extend your kind heart to the needy children.

END OF SECOND TERM REPORT 2008

2008-08-16T12:29:00.001-07:00

Over the years many people have asked me of how I run Mercy care centre. Some of them have even accused me of running the show alone,

I must say that I have a dedicated staff and a group of students that have a purpose in life. these groups of individuals are themselves enough ingredients to be able to offer the best management style that has ever been in the world.

In the many schools of thought, management is defined as the art of being able to run the activities of an organization using the ability of individuals. In this case the people concerned feel that they are being used to achieve the laid down objectives of the organization and that is it, As such they are left with a feeling that they are not part of the organization except when they are being able to carry out their mandate. This kind of management style has its own limits and indeed it has created two organizations in one. The result of which antagonism has been rife and many productive hours spent on solving differences and even staff turn over becomes higher and with it the low reputation of the organization.

The management has since taken on a different form that advocates for total quality management. In this form of management they advocate that people should feel they are part of the organization in order for them to dedicate their abilities towards that organization. Their ideas are the once that run that organization. This has changed the form of management so that irrespective of what rank one has, they feel that they are valued and in turn add value to the running of the organization.

I wish to submit management the Jesus way that was even advocated in the new Old Testament as Moses was with the people of Israel in the desert.

In this form of management we put God first in every thing that we do then set out the objectives of the day, week, month or year. We then do our duties to the best of our abilities. More often than not we take time to remind ourselves of the set objectives and pray for them in our morning worship and Wednesday afternoon meetings. We have seen the hand of the lord work with us in his vineyard.

This year we set five objectives or prayer items that we wanted to see the will of God in them.

a)We prayed that the lord may be able to give us strength so that we may be able to put behind what we had experienced during the skirmishes. The lord gave us wisdom to be able to put things in place so that we can go through this. We also received overwhelming support from our collaborators abroad financially and encouraging messages. We are now through this.

b) We also prayed that we may be able to receive many visitors from abroad so that they may be able to give us more hope and inspiration and through their presence. This has become real. We had two visitors from the United States in the early months of the year who really gave us a lot of encouragement and motivation.

In July we also received other visitors from the states and Australia who were very much inspirational to us. They gave us a lot of social support, financial and material support .They also took time to visit the classes and teach the children something that was very encouraging. Even when they left we continue to receive visitors from other countries who read our webpage and take interest to come and visit us.

Early next year 2009 we will receive visitors from Britain that will be coming to visit us.

We pray for more visitors as time progresses. We have a saying in Kiswahili “If the owner of the house receives visitors then healing comes”

c) We prayed that we may be able to make a mark at the National Music festival and asked the lord to at least give us one trouphy.The lord gave us two trophies and seven certificates out of the eleven items that we presented at the National level

d)We prayed that the lord may give us more space to carry out our activities and more so more toilet facilities. The lord has given us more space and we are still trusting for toilet facilities. We have word that toilet problem will be a thing of the past.

e) We prayed that the lord will help the class eight who are going to sit for the National examination to perform well in mock and the final examination. Their average score in mocks in Nairobi stands at an average of 58.6%.We are still trusting the lord for an average of 60% and above in the final examination.

We have learned to live by faith each day and trust that the lord will be able to always come through for us. What we need on our part is to lead a holy life that is acceptable to the lord for us to be able to benefit from the many resources that the lord has.

Pray with us always that the lord may find us worthy to work in his vineyard with him.

PATRICK LUMUMBA OTIMA

PRINCIPAL MERCY CARE CENTRE-AUGUST 2008

MERCY CARE CENTRE August 14, 2008

COMMENTATIONS

We thank all those that took time to come and visit us this year (2008) you touched many hearts with your love and presence.

We would like to thank all those that have put us in prayer and continue to do so. Prayer has been an inspiration to us and we love to have more prayers as we know that that is where our strength lies.

Our commendation also goes to those who have supported us in kind, prayer and those who have been led by the lord to support us financially. We pray that the spirit of the lord will continue to lead you.

That we commend those who have been able to continue to tell others about Mercy care centre and pray that many will come to hear about the centre

That we commend many that have put it in their heats to visit Mercy Care Centre in the near future. May the lord open the doors for you/

RECOMMENDATIONS

v That all the efforts needs to be put to ensure that we have scholarships for all the children and particularly the secondary school children.

v That we still need as many visitors as possible to come and visit us in Mercy Care centre because we still need healing.

v That efforts should be made to ensure that the Library is well equipped with the relevant text books.

v That we should do what is possible to ensure that the secondary school has a laboratory to carry out the much needed experiments.

v That as much as possible the teachers and pupils should have excursions at least once a year. And where possible the teachers should have visiting speakers from other Christian schools to come and exchange views on how to teach as a Christian teacher. This will be both locally and abroad

FUTURE PLANS

The Principal will be visiting the United states from 5^th-31^st 2008.

He will attend the African dinner an annual event and speak in many areas apart from visiting schools.

MERCY CARE CENTRE August 14, 2008

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The report will cover the period 5^th may – 29^th July 2009.In this report we will continue to show how the departments have continued to contribute towards the success of Mercy care centre.

Highlights will be in the three schools namely Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary. We believe strongly that unless there is proper foundation for the child in the word of God and knowledge then the future of the school is not guaranteed.Not to mention the positive impact that we want the community of Mathare slum to have. We work among these needy children to bring a positive change in their life that will empower them to reach out and change the life style in the community.

As the report will show, we not only inculcate the word of God and knowledge in them but also give them a chance to compare themselves with the rest of the children in the country through national Music competition, National examinations and even exposing them to international visitors where they are able to learn different cultures and appreciating one another. That way they become part of the global village devoid of the squalor. (Slum feeling) and in addition they learn to know that the world cares about their plight just as Christ cared about the plight of the needy.

We believe that this report is a testimony of the many wonders that the lord is doing here in Mercy care centre that is situated in the slum of mathare valley. And indeed an answer to the prayers you say on our behalf. His name is praised for ever.

SCOPE OF WORK

CHAPLAINS REPORT

Emphasis in our school is put on the need to trust the lord in all that we do. It is this trust in the lord that when the children go back to the community they pass it to the others and the valley of mathare slum acquires another name-“The Valley of Hope.”

The term has been very busy and the lord has remained faithful to us in all areas of life. We honor him more.
Children continue to pray and read the bible every Wednesday and Friday in the morning. The peer preaching has really uplifted the faith of many.
In the middle of the term we received visitors from America and Australia who fellowshipped with us on Wednesday. We thank the lord for the servants that he brought us and they taught us that Christianity is a family irrespective of distance.
We pronounce a word of blessings to our visitors who taught the children the word of God and Christian songs.

B.REPORT FROM THE PRE-SCHOOL TERM TWO 2008

The Pre-school hosts a total of 90 kids from baby class to nursery.This is a testimony that the parents are beginning to take the education of their children seriously. It is also a good opportunity for us to start inculcating the word of God in them

1. The majority of them are able to read and write simple words.

2. Most pupils are well dressed in full school uniform due to the effort of the tailoring school.

3. The section has a lot of discipline due to the teachers’ efforts.

4. The section participated in the Music festival and was able to reach the provincial level.

5. During the term the pre-school received visitors who blessed them with

A) Playing material

B) Class materials

C) Shoes and Clothes

E) Visit to the animal orphanage

F) Treatment that has left most of them healthy

f) Managed to see a Seven year old read stories to them fluently.

6. The porridge (breakfast) and lunch is served in good time

REQUESTS

They need their classes to be well partitioned. In addition they are requesting for the roof to be repaired.
The surrounding to the school needs to be improved in order to avoid infectious diseases.
They would like the graduation gowns for pre- school.
They need bookshelves in the classes

C.PRIMARY SECTION

This section covers class one to eight. In class eight the children normally sit for the national examination that qualifies them to join secondary schools. The class eight has five subjects and the total marks one can get are 500.

The following are the mean scored by various classes throughout the second term;

CLASS MID-TERM 2 2008 END-TERM 2008

STD 1 341.7 277.15 PASS

STD 11 306.8 313.4 PASS

STD 111 358.9 341.4 PASS

STD IV 320.3 311.8 PASS

STD V 300.02 306.4 PASS

STD VI 273.9 260.03 PASS

STD VII 220.5 215.9 FAIL

STD VIII 263.0 293.0 PASS

5. Each class is to score a mean of 250 marks to be considered to have passed.

In this case, most of the classes passed except class seven. They will need special remedial classes given that they will be sitting for their national examination next year.(2009)

ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Most classes are aiming at getting a mean score of 300 marks or 60% which is recommended by the school. A few have surpassed this target.

2. We received text books that were brought by the Australians and Americans and set up a libray.This will go ahead and improve the reading skills.

3. The school is widely respected in the valley for instilling discipline in pupils without corporal punishment but through guidance and counseling and the word of God.

NEEDS

The school is in urgent need of an extra teacher and teaching facilities like set squres, compasses and protractors for the teachers use.

D.SECONDARY SECTION

INTRODUCTION

The term has been such a busy one for this department. With the preparations for the 2008 Kenya Music festival, the arrival of visitors from USA and Australia and the normal learning activities, coordination has been such a daunting task. But then the members of this department have been up to the task ,working in close liaison with other departments.

ACHIEVEMENTS

“STARS ALWAYS SHINE BUT WE ONLY RECOGNIZE THEM WHEN DARKNESS COMES.”

1. Mercy care centre secondary school made a maiden appearance at the Nairobi Music festival in style. They presented three items at the zonal and they all sailed through to the provincial competition. This was held at Moi Forces Academy a few kilometers from where we were.

At MFA our girls and had a chance to share the platform with seasoned schools that are well known in the city and country. Three items sailed through to the nationals and one item was given a direct entry to the Nationals. In Kisumu town where the nationals were held they put up a good fight and lost honorably.We congratulate them for this.

2. The term also saw the initiation of Drama and debating club. This club will razor-sharpen the listening and speaking abilities in English and Kiswahili as well us nurture and promote various inhibited talents.

3. As a department we also celebrate the installation of a library facility in the school. This will no doubt go an extra mile in initiating good and sustainable reading habits among the staff and students.

We also thank Betsy and Paddy who exposed the learners to one of the Shakespearean classics ‘ROMEO AND JULIET’, an abridged version and also donated DVD for the same text

CHALLENGES

‘WE ARE MADE STRONGER BY THE DIFFICULTIES WE FACE, NOT THOSE WE EVADE”

In the course of the term, the department has had to wrestle with the following setbacks;

a) In the middle of the term, we lost a host of handy text books when a thief broke into the staffroom. We thus face a shortage of books for teachers.

b) Some of the learners are yet to respect the schools property and the need to preserve the books.

c) The science department was really affected by lack of equipment to carry out experiments as required by the syllabus.

WAY FORWARD

THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STUMBLING BLOCKS AND STEPPING STONES IS THE WAY A MAN USES THEM.

1. We do hope to get more books soon to facilitate the teaching and learning process

2. We hope to facilitate the setting up of the laboratory facilities to bring learners up to speed with the syllabus.

3. We hope to get scholarships to the learners to improve on the cash flow of the sections

4. We hope to have more academic trips and symposiums in future to built the learners confidence.

E.FEEDING PROGRAMME

We have three cooks in the school and the students have been fed twice a day-breakfast (porridge at 10.00am)and lunch. A few students continue to be fed three meals.

.The following is a summary of the number of children fed per month and the amount of food and oil used.

SUMMARY OF THE FOOD TAKEN FOR THE WHOLE SECOND TERM 2008

MONTH	TOTAL NUMBER OF PUPILS FOR THE MONTH(KG)	RICE/ MAIZE KG	BEANS USED KG	OIL LITRES	PORRIDGE FLOUR KG
MAY	6184	928	248	30.8	248
JUNE	6900	1035	278	34.7	278
JULY	8288	1187	336	41.3	336

TOTAL	21,372	3150	862	106.8	862

F.INFIRMARY

The school is happy to announce that we now have a full pledged Infirmary at the school and students receive various medicines.

The main sets back are the cupboards

G.MUSIC DEPARTMENT

The department managed to get two trophies at the national level and seven certificates out of the eleven items they presented.

The accommodation was very minimal in the entire two weeks. But we are grateful to the lord for sustaining us.

FUTURE PLANS

1. The music department would appreciate to have tents in future. This will solve accommodation problem.

2. The Music department would appreciate if we could have a school bus to solve the problem of transport that we keep on experiencing.

H.SPORTS DEPARTMENT (PRIMARY AND SECONDARY

Pupils continue to enjoy the sports on Wednesday for primary and Friday for Secondary.

-The motivation has been very high.

-Each of the students received a new games kit.

-The Primary school presented some athletics for Zonal and provincial competition.

The Mercy Care Sports Day was held at Stima Club. The occasion was graced by the visitors from Australia and the United States.

SPORTS AND GAMES EQUIPMENT RECEIVED THIS TERM

1. Tennis net 1

2. Tennis rackets 10

3. Tennis balls 100

4. Volleyball 3

5. Soccer 5

6. Rugby balls 3

7. Pump 1

8. Whistles 10

9. Skipping ropes 2

ITEMS IN THE STORE BEFORE RECEIVING OTHERS

1. Bsketballs 2

2. football 1

3. Volleyball net 1

4. Soccer uniforms 10 pairs

5. Skipping ropes 2

REQUIREMENTS

1. Request for playing shorts for pupils

2. Request for teachers truck suits

3. Aditional Tennis rackets, volleyball and soccer ball

Request for proper playing fields

ACHIEVEMENTS

We have now introduced tennis in school and are learning how to play it.

I GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

The school was visited by people from AfriAfya an organization that aims to reach out at the girl child and educate them about their bodies. They left booklets and a CD which the girls viewed.

-Counseling continued among the peer groups and some continued to receive special counseling.

-The Americans and Australians bought enough pads for the girls.

- 10 kids received scholarships from Hope world wide and also beddings.

J SCOUTING

The scouts continue instill character building in secondary and Primary

The Primary scouts host the flag on Monday while the secondary host the flag on Friday

The main challenge is that all of them do not have proper scouts uniform.

K. SANITARY DEPARTMENT

The department has continued to ensure that the school is very clean

The main set back is lack of Gumboots to enable them clean effectively

2008-08-15T04:32:00.000-07:00

This is the second trophy that was earned at the national level.the piece that brought us this trophy is on "Conservation of water"The festival found this team so relevant that we received commendation for it.

SECONDARY SCHOOL MAIDEN DAY ON NATIONAL STAGE

2008-08-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

The secondary school made their maiden appearance on the national stage today.They had three items to perform for the day and the result was as follows;

Kipsigis folk song class 373B marks 81 number 12 out of 12

Negro spiritual Down by the river Side class 305B marks 84 number 11 out of 16

Sacred own choice-King Of kings class 302 87 marks 10 out of 16

We thank the lord for giving them chance to participate and also learn that it costs a lot of patience and practice to win.This result will be the motivation factor for them to work even harder.

2008-08-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

MORE ABOUT THE TROPHIES

2008-08-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2008

2008-08-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

It is a resting day for the primary section after one grueling week.We have woken up in the morning to pray together and have to take lemon water every morning.The enthusiasm has been very high.It is no wonder that through the grace of the lord,we were very successful.
The Primary school has now made a mark in the nation by winning two trophies and now they have handed over the batton to the secondary school.A great friend put it to me that no matter the result,we will still be with them.

Kisumu is a town that was at the middle of destruction,many building testifies to what had happened in this part of the town.Destruction!!Yet today we see signs of normacy.But there is still bitterness among the people.
Another very odd things in kisumu is that there is no fresh drinking water.Yet we have the presence of the fresh water Lake in the town.This is due to the treaty that was signed long time ago forbidding diversion of water from the lake for any other purpose.Ventors have a field day as they supply the water at a very high price to Nairobians that we are.I realised that the cost of water is four times what we use in a day in the slums.

I am also encouraged by the fact that so far no child has been able to be sick.In town there are two scarring diseases-malaria and Cholera.

The Pastor of the church where we reside has asked us to sing six of the songs that we presented in the National stage.So our children will be having another opportunity to sing before another audience.Praise be to God.

The secondary school will be on stage early in the morning on Sunday.They will present two items.These children are fun to be with.

2008-08-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

2008-08-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

The primary wound up their time in the Kenya music festival on a very high note.They had three items today and the result read as follows;

1.Own composition -Conservation of Trees -95 marks -First Position

2.Duet- 87 marks 2nd position

3.Small choir 86 marks 4th position

Once again we are all great full to the lord for this result.The prayers that you said have been answered .We remain humbled by this.The school in the valley is winning all because out trust come from the lord.

SECOND DAY THURSDAY 6TH 2008

2008-08-08T03:17:00.000-07:00

On this day we presented four items and the result are as follors;

1.Trio- 86 marks third position

2.Solo-82 marks fourth position

3.American folk dance- 84 marks( could not be ranked as we had no write up but was described as the best dance.

4.virginity is power-97 marks-First position.(Won a trouphy)

Once again we are humbled by what God is doing to all of us.Thank you for your prayers.

2008-08-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

The news from the late is that the temperature is very high during the day and gets more warmer during the night.
Children continue to be delighted in what they are doing.
Today we had three items
1.Girls set piece- 87 marks- second position

2.Negro spiritual - 87 marks- Second position(Mary had a Child)

3. sacred song---- 84 marks-Fourth position(King Of kings)

Tomorrow we have four pieces-solo song,trio,American folk dance,own composition-virginity is power.Continue praying for better result.

IT WAS A THIRTEEN HOUR JOURNEY

2008-08-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Mercy Care centre Choir is finally in the Lake town-Kisumu.This is a town famed as the nerve town to Preferential trade area.Thus its potential is being realised as things begin to look better for East Africa.In addition it is one of the town on the second largest fresh water lake in the world.This in essence means that we will be eating lots and lots of fish for the duration we are here.Mainly the Tilapia species(McDonald should have been here)
However it MUST be born in mind that the town has a lot of mosquitoes which will make us easy prey for malaria.
At this point will must thank Dr.Wynne and his team for leaving a lot of Malaria tablets.They will play an important role.

We started off at 11.00 am in school and were expecting to have a slow but sure journey to the lake.Our vehicles(two) between them they had five punctures and three mechanical problems.This delayed us significantly.What is encouraging is that the lord granted us traveling Mercies and we are here to sing.
We must comment the Kitchen staff who had traveled earlier for the warm food we found and a cup of tea.It gave us hope.
We are all residing in a church next to the music venue.The accommodation is very minimal.We use mattress and a blanket or sheet.No special preferences for any body even the principal.

The two buses were very expensive to hire and we will have to adjust a lot of things for the budget to work.
We all send our love to you all an promise to do our best.
(Reporting from Kisumu)

KISUMU HERE WE COME

2008-08-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

DISPLAY OF ART WORK

2008-08-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

FRENCH JOURNALIST IN CLASS AND INTERVIEWING THE CHOIR MASTER.

The school went on recess on Wednesday and Thursday 30 and 31 respectively.Wednesday was preserved for secondary school and Thursday was preserved for primary school.This was to give the Principal ample time to address both assemblies and also get to meet the parents from both schools.Of late they seem very much to want to sake the Principal's hand and inquire about one or two things and if you keenly listen you will realise that it is the same thing they are talking of -wanting help from the school.
I must say that both assemblies were well organised and attended to. As the students walked away,you could see a sense of fulfillment in them.
The closing time for both the schools was not consistent with the time the government had set.We did this to have enough time to prepare to go to Kisumu for the National Music festival.
At the same time we received a French journalist who came to visit and found the school very interesting.He is a Free lance journalist and promised to try and run an article in the paper about Mercy Care centre.
Some boys had the opportunity of showing their Art work based on what they had learned in their science lessons.This was very good show bearing in mind that they were reinforcing what they had learned in class.
We all look forward to the Music festival and another fresh term.

2008-08-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

My heart melts when i see the children embrace the different cultural background.The American folk dance currently being practiced in MCC is one such great example of the world being a global village.One will stop to ask ,what more would one need if a person can travel many miles to come to MCC and teach about their culture.That according to me is the height of saying that there should be universality in life irrespective of boundary,culture or station in life.
This was demonstrated very well with a high school student Axi,she let her culture be understood for her to understand others.Is this not what St.Paul says from known to unknown?
Boys and girls are dancing to the American folk dance as if it was their own.The UN should be able to find much reasoning in this act as they strive to bring human beings together.

THE CHOIR IS REARING TO GO

2008-07-31T01:12:00.001-07:00

THE LIBRARY IS NOW IN MERCY CARE CENTRE

2008-07-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

2008-07-27T01:59:00.000-07:00

WEEK OF 21-26 20008.
The school assumed a quite silence in all sections.This is because the students were all siting for their end of Second term Examination.During this time students appear very busy.This exams came a bit earlier than scheduled.The main reason for this was to prepare in advance for the choir that will be leaving for the national choir competition on 5th-12th of August.2008.Pray for their success.
During the week we also did receive visitors from Switzerland that came to us having read our web page.Her name is Frauken.She is involved in sponsoring a child in Mombasa.She was very much moved that she promised to bring us more sponsors in Mercy care centre.
In addition we received visitors from the USA.The head of the delegation was Tiffany.She has started an organisation called Dignitas.She was mainly interested in Under studying us with a view of collecting data on how we manage the project and what areas we are able to address.
Most of the Evenings are spend doing choir practice as we wait to go to Kisumu.
God bless you all

2008-07-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

GENERAL COMMENTS ABOUT THE RECENT VISIT
Once again this year (2008) Mercy care Centre was blessed to receive visitors from America and Australia. This marked the first offcicial joint visit by our two collaborators. In total we had twenty -one visitors. During this time we also received the youngest collaborator in mercy care centre called Meagan Butcher. She is seven years old.
This also marks the largest number of visitors that have been able to come to MCC at one time.

What i found in this group was the synergy. They had various skills that we could all draw from and students could also be able to easily learn from. They seem to have all come set to achieve certain objectives which they effectively achieved.

I was very delighted to see them freely intermingling with students and teachers as they went about their chores. This was summed up by one of them who told me that their pastor is fond of saying "we may provide the much needed finances to keep the activities running. Yet we very much benefit from their spirit." Thus the pastor concludes by saying “we benefit a lot by visiting them as they also benefit from the finances that we bring alongside".
When i look back i see the timing and the hand of God in these visitations. Timing because for many years we have written in our quarterly reports that whenever possible as many people as possible should be able to visit Mercy care centre. It is God's timing that this is happening now. On the other hand it is the hand of God to see many people empathize with the plight of the needy children in Mercy care centre.I believe that all who have come will do as St.Paul writes in the book of Philippians 4:8" Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy then these are what you will be telling people out there. Like we have said in the past the plight of Mercy care centre needs to be known to the faith circle and the secular world at large. It could be a wakening call to stop and care what is happening in the world around them. And whatever little that they can do will go along way to secure the life of a child.

As i look back to what was achieved, I cannot fail to highlight the following;

( 1) Visit to the animal orphanage and nature walk.Majoriy of the children in mercy care centre were able to visit the animal orphanage and the safari walk. These are places preserved for schools that have a lot of facilities. This time round mercy care centre had its chance to be able to visit and enjoy seeing wild animals at close quarters which are caged. It is both a learning activity and a wonderful time to be out there. For the majority it was the first time they were leaving the valley leave alone visiting the orphanage. My tribute goes to Meagan Butcher that organized theseand facilitated it. Mercy Care family will cherish these for many years to come.

(2)Personal Relationship with the students
These boosted their self esteem and made them realise that someone cares for them. Indeed many of them were able to open up and discuss their plight either through writing or through personal talks. What you have implanted to these children will go a long way to put a wide smile on their faces as they come to this sanctuary that is mercy care centre.

( 3 )Encouragement to the teachers .By coming to visit, it is in itself telling the teachers that you value their hard work and dedication in trying to improve the social status of the children in the slum. The teachers indeed confined in me that the moral of the students was very high during your visit. The teachers were also touched by the time you took to visit various classes and taking up lessons in the classes. By doing this you were having a great opportunity of being able to identify with the plight of the needy children as they go about following their lessons.
The teachers too felt encouraged by the gifts that you gave to them when you visited. Some of them did develop a personal relationship with you.

( 4 ) Library shelves and books.
It is not uncommon to hear educators say that the reservoir of any institution lies in the libraly.For many years we have trusted that the lord shall give us a library. The prayer was answered when shelves were made and books put on. We trust the lord to get the books that were brought to us from Australia so that these needy pupils may benefit from them. As i saw students lining up to pick books, my heart was filled with joy.

(4) Medical clinic
Treatment of various ailments in the valley is a luxury even at the present time and age. The majority of the residents of Mathare valley cannot afford medical treatment. This is because of living in abject poverty. Yet today most of the children that had various ailments were attended to and given medicine to take. What a gift?! We also have an infirmary that is on going at the school. Students who need medical attention are attended to here and follow ups are done. This is a great gesture bestowed on us.

(5) Sports day and the gift of T-shirts
It was wonderful to see all you during the sports day. You were devoted to various groups that you were given duties. I could not hide my admiration to see you sited out their in the hot sun. That encouraged the team spirit. The children and the teachers were also delighted to have New T- shirts. It was a colorful event. The event was so colorful that the Principal took the first position in 100 metres for parents and teachers from behind. (EEH!)

( 6) Introduction of Tennis
The only time Mercy care have seen a tennis racket was either in the television or bill-board. It was a reckoning moment for them to be able to hold a racket in their hands. And eventually learn how to play tennis. This sport will no doubt be developed in this part of the slum. Already many students have started showing interest.

(7) Teaching the American folk dance.
This dance was well taught that many a pupils are seen practicing it during break time and lunch time. It will be wonderful to see them perform at the national level. We also have very beautiful out fits made for the dance and shoes designed for the dance.

( 8) Skynep and setting up of the blog
I had a very wonderful experience of being able to talk through the skynep and see faces from the other side. This is the most wonderful thing for me to experience and i am looking forward to have it set in school. If this happens it will be very great.
The team took also time to show me how to write on the blog.

(9) Dinner night
It is rare that you can be able to take 50 plus people out for dinner. The teachers had a wonderful time and even played a wonderful game. It was a revealing time as they learned things about one another that they did not know. The dinner was once again punctuated with gifts for all the teachers. This will go a long way in motivating the teachers. Personally i was very delighted as i have been looking for ways to motivate the teachers.

( 10 ) Maasai Mara
We have always appreciated as a family for the lovely time we have at the Maasai Mara. This has always given us a chance to concentrate more in our work. It is a lovely place to be and we always look forward to it.

(11) Fellowship. There was a very wonderful time of fellowshipping in Mercy care centre.We all accept the fact that it is by the grace of God that we do what we are doing. That is why a moment with him will bring us closer to him.

2008-07-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Today,friday 18th the entire staff of Mercy Care Centre will be travelling to western Part of Kenya the final resting place of Gilbert.
Please pray that the lord will give us jouney Mercies and safe return.
I will be in town earlier to meet the group that will be coming in from Tanzania.
I promise to have picturures on this blog upon my return.
God bless you all

2008-07-16T22:53:00.001-07:00

Hello All,
The week has been without the usual activity from the visitiors.The children ahve now gone back to class to concentrate on their studies.Their enthusiasm is very high.
The choir has continued to practice in preparation for the national music competition that will take place from 5th-12th August in Kisumu.Kisumu is a town that is found in the western part of the country.It is 6 hours drive from Nairobi.But due to bad roads it takes eight hours to reach Kisumu.
The children are all excited about this.

On Wednesday we all went to pay the last respect to Gilbert Amimo at his house here in Nairobi.The children sng as tears flew down their chicks.
In the end they sand one of the songs they were going to sing at the National level called
This week we will not have much activity as we all will be going to western on Friday.

2008-07-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

It is all quite now as most of the visitors have gone back home or are in Tanzania.I was left with Anni as i dropped the rest at the airport.
It was such an honour for them to come to identify with the plight of the needy pupils here in Mathare.The two weeks they had been here filled the hearts of students with joy and highly motivated the teachers.
I witnessed a group of people eager and ready to make a difference in the lives of these children in the slums.They surpassed themselves.And God will reward them accordingly.

Anni must have had a new experience today as we woke up at five thirty to prepare for the day.Before long we set off to Nakumat prestige.Here we did internet as we waited to meet the headmistress Lilian who would ride with Anni to school as i was left behind attending to other matters.
In the evening i will be attending a meeting at All-Saints cathedral.This meeting will aim at raising funds so that we can take the body of canon Gilbert at home.Pray that many will turn up.
This will be my fisrt posting on the blog and i am excited about it.
Patrick