Huiothesis

Huiothesis is a term from the original language in which the New Testament was written (Greek). It is most commonly interpreted "adoption," but specifically refers to the placement of an adult child in a position of authority or partnership. This site is dedicated to all those who are ready to put off the clothing of a child and to put on the clothing of manhood; the "toga virilis." We must have men and women in this generation who are not swayed by the spectacular, but firmly rooted and grounded in the Word of God; mature disciples who are not distracted by things that tingle and glitter, but who are sober and vigilant in a world in which there is much to turn our eyes from the goal to pursue that which does not mature, does not build up others, and does not bring glory to God.

Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf

IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 
FOR THE DEAF
The Student Body at Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf

Chasing Windmills and Slaying Dragons

     I admit it........I’m a crusader, a windmill chaser , a dragon slayer - whatever you want to call it. I have been ministering in East and Central Africa for almost twenty years now. My time is spent primarily in the tribal areas away from big cities like Nairobi or Mombassa. I preach to churches that gather under Acacia trees and train pastors in mud huts - and I love it!

     I also seem to be drawn to people and projects that nobody else seems to care about. Not the big name projects you see on the TV or get mail from all the time. I’m seem to be drawn to those places where most people don’t want to go - or even know about. That is how I first got involved in the lives of the children at Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf, now located in Ringa, Kenya. Ringa is located in the Nyanza Province in Western Kenya over near Lake Victoria. 

     When I first came upon the school, they were cooking Ugali for around 50 students over an open fire in back of their ramshackle dorm. Ugali is a traditional food in much of Africa in one form or another. It is simply corn meal congealed into a pasty cake. For most Kenyans, Ugali is like bread would be to an American table - something you eat with everything else - except for these children Ugali wasn't extra - that was all their was.

Children waiting for a special treat
     There is little or no infrastructure within the country of Kenya for dealing with those with disabilities, and culturally, those considered to be handicapped are often hidden away by their families and treated as if they are stupid.  There are several large mission outreaches for the deaf and blind in Kenya, but most of them are far, far away from a place like Ringa. Deaf Ministries International (a Deaf mission located in Australia and Norway) oversees the Immanuel School as well as many other schools around the world. They are a fine organization and I have come to appreciate their International Director, Neville Muir as a man wholly dedicated to the needs of the Deaf around the world.  However, resources are often very thin for DMI and Immanuel School is rapidly growing (a testimony to the effectiveness of the DMI team.)

     My relationship to the Immanuel School is more paternal than missional. I am not involved in the administrative structure, don't have input into their mission decisions or any of that kind of thing. What I am about is working to improve the overall circumstances under which they live.  I have worked to raise sponsorship for individual students, helped to buy a piece of land upon which they can grow crops (both for consumption and marketing), assisted in the establishment of an egg/poultry project which is being very successful; and most currently am working on a project that will see millions of dollars of medicines shipped to the country which will primarily be used among the Deaf in Kenya.  After we get the medicines delivered I plan to start a project that will see a transport van delivered to the school - which is a vital piece of the puzzle. 
Little Sharon is a very happy girl even though she has many challenges to face

     The children of Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf don't lack intelligence or ability. What they have lacked is opportunity.  These very bright and often gifted children can lead full and productive lives if they are given the tools with which to work. I have seen young men and women start their own businesses and find meaningful employment in a very challenging job market. They can compete, IF they have the opportunity.  If that opportunity is not forthcoming - they will for the most part live as beggars.  The school has grown to a number that is now nearing 100 in staff and students. They are doing an admirable job with limited resources. 

I have five children and eight grandchildren and my wife and I would sacrifice anything to see them have the opportunities they need to grow up healthy and successful.  Most of these children don't have parents or grandparents who are in a position to provide such opportunities.  

I am adding several pages to my personal blog so that I can keep folks apprised of the ongoing projects and developments at the Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf.  Soon, I hope to add a form where folks can donate to various projects online.  Perhaps the most important "gift" you can give to Wesley Agengo (Headmaster) and his staff is your daily prayer covering that God will give them wisdom, creativity, and the resources they need.

For more information regarding important opportunities to assist the children of Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf please contact me using the following contact information:

KENYA DEVELOPMENT FUND
539 Western Avenue
Brattleboro, VT 05301

(802) 579-6681

ALL DONATIONS ARE MADE THROUGH THE COURTESY OF 
AGAPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP-BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT
AND ARE FULLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE


Donations can be made by sending a check to 


AGAPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
ACF Kenya Development Fund 
30 Canal Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301


or click the link below to make a donation on line via PayPal or Credit Card


















































     
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