SPeCIaL DeLIvErY

It came!

It finally came!

The long awaited shipment 

of donated school supplies and resources.

And was it worth it?  

You betcha!

So many of the gently used items are 

very expensive here and very poor quality 

or not available at all.  

The church in Momboleo

is going start THE BEST school.  

Do you know why? 

Because God said 

He would make sure the poor are cared for.

(Do a scripture study on helping the poor!)

Below are photos of the 

SPeCIaL DeLIvErY

and the story of how God brought it all together 

for the least of these.

(Matt 25:31- 46)

Two years ago we sat in a sweltering cafe, 

drinking mango juice with Pastor Jeremiah.

He shared how difficult it was to minister in a needy community when the church itself had so little.  

We discussed an idea...

  

What if we found donors and donations to match 

what the church raised and do a project that would 

bless the community in Jesus name?

We committed everything to God in prayer 

and traveled home.  

It would take two years to see God's plan unfold...

First, Jeremiah's church faithfully gave 

to construct a sturdy tin structure.

People stateside donated funds used to build 

a pit latrine and construct a fence 

(both necessary to start a school in Kenya).

Pagosa Springs students generously filled boxes with 

 books, binders, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, rulers,

paper, erasers, glue, and all sorts of supplies 

left over from the school term.

Friends from various churches gathered curriculum, resources, manipulatives and teaching aids.

More great friends transported the supplies to a safe place 

for storage that was provided by another great friend.

And even more great friends packed the donated shipping crates, counting and catagorizing each and every item.

Then, 

we waited... and prayed... and waited... and prayed.

Scripture says it's a good thing to wait on the Lord so we encouraged ourselves with those words. 

Waiting.. praying... waiting some more...always praying.

FINALLY

after refusing to pay bribes and experiencing daily delays  

the shipment arrived! 

Contagious excitement invaded in the community.  

Masai warriors helped unload the truck.

Different tribes working together for God's glory.

The line of cooperation brings boxes 

into the church.

So many supplies in a place 

that never experienced such things.

Sharing with the delivery men -  a m*slim 

 was in awe of the teamwork and unity.

The value of books... 

Everyone stops to look with wonder at God's provision. 

(Books here, even paperbacks, 

are scarce and usually cost 20usd each.)

Children gratefully embrace something

they don't have - toys.

Because of what God did and the way He did it, 

people asked for prayer in Jesus name.

(Our motto - Kingdom equation: Biblical Development + Evangelism = Sharing the Gospel)

Soon, a Christian school starts in this building by local believers - a blessing to the community.

This SPeCIaL DeLIvErY came through God's people working together - from small town USA to rural Kenya, 

from believers at different churches to believers from

different tribes, from Pagosa students and friends 

to forgotten children.  

And one great Asian in California who helped connect 

it through oceans and continents.

Asante sana.

You all made it a SPeCIaL DeLIvErY indeed!

hugs from the haugers O0ooo

What do you LOV?

LOV

living in Kenya... 

LOV

 that we're coming state-side in July to hug family and friends!  

LOV

 that God's leading us back to Kenya to keep
loving widows and orphans in Jesus' name.

              

The Lord led us to commit a year of our lives to serve orphans and widows in Kisumu, Kenya. That commitment comes to an end; but our time here has not.  

Because of your prayers, support and encouragement, we’ve seen His handed extended through ours. 

We LOV that...

• True orphans embraced with care while families are found from local churches to welcome them home. 
• 14 widows discipled to live for Christ and empowered to raise their children instead of placing them in orphanages. 
• DIG trainings can continue in three local churches with Kenyan facilitators. 
• A Christian school prepares to open in a rural area to serve the poor. 
• Missions’ messages taught monthly in a Kondele church. 
• The gospel shared through tracts, conversations, but mostly living with those who do not know a Heavenly Father full of mercy and grace. 

We feel deep gratitude for the work God has done in Kisumu among the oppressed. We sense He’s not done sharing who He made us to be. Holy Spirit’s tug gently pulls us into new projects that will multiply His influence in the lives of those forgotten.                 Many have asked us, 

“Why Kenya? 

Why don’t you work in USA where the needs are many?” 

Our answer is, 

"We’re called. 

We've ministered for years in the States

and when Father God equips for service, 

you don’t argue location.

It’s best to just say, 

'Yes. Here I am. Send me.' ” 

Other questions we’ve been asked are, 

“What’s next and how can we help?” 

Answer: 

"Read on"...

Many widowed mammas here come from very difficult places - a culture that practices polygamy and devalues females, lack of education, lack of resources, severe neglect and abandonment. The vision is to create a resource center that minister to these mammas holistically and trains churches to do the same. We will offer Bible studies, skills training, DIG seminars, parenting classes and reproductive health teaching and child care. We LOV to see more women prepared to serve their communities by finding their positions in God’s kingdom. We LOV for churches to be ready to assist the overwhelming population of widows and single moms that timidly hang on the fringes of community.

We will also offer adoption information to churches and orphanages so they can advocate for families to adopt parentless children. We plan to train caregivers in child development, and methods to practice strong bonding and attachment activities. Providing these services can keep vulnerable children from becoming 

victims of neglect and institutionalization.  

LOV!

         

Continuing with water purification and visiting disabled children are on the agenda. 

LOV some more!

Last but not least, our family is actively pursuing foster/adoption of a 3-year old true orphan (totally abandoned at birth) with mild cerebral palsy. The daunting process has numerous obstacles but we’re plowing forward.

                                                (Notice the heart-shaped mark on his face
                                                       from his very 1st ice cream cone.)

 This little guy NEEDS A FAMILY! 

 We would LOV to be that family! 

          3 ways you can help us to LOV:

• Commit to defending the cause of the oppressed through prayer. 
• Give to start/operate the resource center. We are half way there but need sponsors to donate towards equipment and resources. Any size gift will help. Total start up: estimated at $3,994.Total monthly management: estimated at $2,140. 
• People willing to serve short term or long term in evangelistic based development. 

We’ll be back in the states mid-July for 2 months. We would LOV to visit at your church, organization, bible study or simply share over an American mocha... and maybe some of Sarah's cupcakes... or Kevin's chocolate chip cookies... or even George's granola... mmmm! See ya soon!

Contact us at mlthauger@hotmail.com

LOV n hugs from the haugers oooo

Asante tena

Our passion with children here in Kenya is sharing Jesus.   

Many of these precious ones are orphaned, abused, neglected, 

infected with HIV, physically challenged by severe birth defects. 

They may be abandoned, but they are not forgotten. 

 Jesus inscribed them on the palms of His hands. 

He is their reason for living.  

He is their joy.  

He is their hope. 

They are His glory - fearfully and wonderfully made.  

Asante sana for the gifts 

of developmentally appropriate toys, backpacks and bibles.

Asante sana for the financial donations.

Your kindness helps us show God's love in tangible ways.

Mungu akubariki Rafikis.

(God bless you Friends.)

hugs from the haugers ooo

Tax-deductable gifts can be made to 
CARE

P.O. Box 3543

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.  

with a sticky note directing the funds to 

CARE4Nations - Kenya.

Or visit the sidebar and make a donation through paypal.

.09 seconds for 2 hours

This .09 second video clip (thanks Casey) was our experience for two hours. An experience that speaks...

                              

Descending the Rift Valley escarpment, Mark worked his 

way though the winding road as rain began to fall in 

earnest.  Along the flat bottom, cars had stopped… 

Wildlife? An accident? Then, we saw it move – earth 

heaving toward us, throbbing with water from the 

mountains. Dirt, silt, small trees and large rocks churned along the side of the car, some rolling violently across 

our path.It seemed surreal, like someone had planted 

an invisible movie screen outside the window. 

We were in the flood zone with no way out.

We waited. We prayed. We watched, amazed and a 

little concerned as the muddy water flushed out onto 

the Serengeti savannah stretched before us. Masai 

observed from the hills, leaning on their spears, murmuring 

to one another. Mutatus, trucks and automobiles shifted 

back and forth, trying to avoid high waters that broke over 

the road. Fretful faces stared at the strong currents slipping 

under their vehicles. Uneasy tension rose with the water.  

That’s when I heard the still small Voice of scripture 

bubbling in my mind.

 

“When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit 

of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” 

Isaiah 59:19 KJV

Yes, we all know those times when we feel the enemy’s 

presence on every side. Pressed down by torrents of tests, 

trials and temptations.  Crises overwhelm us like a deluge; 

we struggle to keep our heads above, gasping for the breath 

of God. Those times inundated with trouble, remember 

the promise – He rises up a standard of protection and 

provision.  Truly a lesson to meditate upon considering our situation.  These words comforted me, yet something 

unexpected seeped in…

“Move the comma.”

“Huh?”

“What if the comma came after the word enemy instead 

of flood?”

(For all of you who think I just blasphemed by “changing 

scripture” I certainly did not. Consider the word flood in 

this verse means nahar – prosperity, sparkle, cheerful.)

“When the enemy comes in, 

like a flood the Spirit of the Lord 

shall lift up a standard against him.”

I saw God in the flood. He agitates cleansing currents 

against evil influences, whipping the weights that so 

easily beset us. His rolling presence penetrates the drought 

of our neglect, breaking up hard ground so new life can 

grow.  He is in the flood - powerful, surging, bring a standard 

of obedience and blessing (Isaiah 28:2).

I gazed at the rising filth with new eyes.  I saw sin being 

swept away.  I saw God’s covering hand holding us as 

His strength removed the debris that pollutes our souls 

(Psalm 90:5). His intensity to rush in like a flood to save 

made sure a way out. His waters overwhelm with grace. 

In the midst of a storm in central Kenya, that delayed our 

best-laid plans for hours, God spoke. When life experiences 

feel like drowning waves, the Lord’s standard comes in like 

a flood of freedom  (Ezekiel 47:1-9).

Asante sana for your prayer, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Mother's Day and Masai

Mother's Day (or Mum's Day as they say in Kenya) celebrates those who influence lives with motherly love by nurturing unconditionally.  Below are a few faces of "moms" in Kenya...

Phoebe, a beautiful mom in who makes and sells peanut butter to provide for her daughter.

Ruth, a wise and gentle grandmother who cares for her grandchildren by sewing dresses.

A child-headed household where "mom' is a 12 year old girl, faithfully carrying her small siblings to church.

A motherless child who looks for arms to hold her.

Whatever you do to honor motherhood in your life today 

please remember the hundred million children in this world who long to have a mom to hold them.  

If orphaned children are asked what they want, 

they never say - " a big house" or "education" or "more sponsors"or "visits from donors." 

They inevitably answer they want - "a mom."  

Please pray for the mammas and children 

we serve here in Kenya.  

May the work God's given us to do continue 

to help them grow together as families in His redeeming love.

A Visit with Masai...

They peeked through the bushes, watching tentatively 

as we left the tin church building.

We waved them over with the 

welcoming words of Swahili greetings.

Sohoyto smiled, 

making introductions in with his few English phrases.

Lazaro wasn't as talkative 

but readily accepted the sweets we offered.

Obviously curious about the chair Lisa uses, 

we shared the tract that Lisa wrote with them, 

which explains the gospel.

After a fun visit and group picture, 

we invited them to church next Sunday.

Please pray the join us and learn more about 

Father God, their creator 

and Jesus, the Savior of the world. 

Happy Mother's Day from the Haugers, 

especially from Lisa who is so very grateful to be a mom

and prays God will always fill her life with children.

Caesy's doing great, 

learning lots and hugely helping the ministries she visits.

So grateful for her teachable spirit and willingness to serve.

Everyone loves her! 

Thanks for you prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Quick update...

 Casey's here. 

FINALLY!  

What a long haul - after 48 hours on planes and in airports 

she arrived late without luggage.  

As we say here - Karibu Kenya (Welcome to Kenya) and "Akuna matata!"(No worries).

We set off from Jomo Kenyatta for the journey home.  Wild Kenya did not disappoint Casey's desire for adventure.  She experienced raging flood waters off the Rift Valley escarpment as baboons dotted the roadside.  

Casey sharing her dance talents 

with an youth group at Covenant of Peace.

African worship is always moving so Casey fits right in.

When the luggage finally arrived, it was Christmas in May! We opened suitcases filled with special treats sent by special friends.  We're so grateful Becky, Ellen, Kiki, Linda, Robbie and Margaret! Thanks for blessing us. Taleah squealed in delight and Tavin's big grin went from ear to ear. Mark kept saying they should remember to share... with him! 

               Lisa reads all her birthday cards early, 

much to Taivn's shock. Ha!  

  Don't worry about her opening them early. 

She's sure to read them over and over again, 

before and after her birthday.

The bakery shirts are a blast. We're gonna invite Kenyans visit this new coffee shop in Pagosa.  Ministry items for the orphaned kiddo's are perfect.  Can't wait to play with them, to share new Bible lessons and encourage healthy child development.

                        
                          

Ministry updates...

We continue to pour ourselves 

into the children and babies at New Life.

Although many see these children as burdensome, their precious lives mean so mach to God and to us

We've been asked to do a training on transitions - preparing care workers and children for changes that come through adoption.  We pray this is an open door for more interaction on adoption issues, much needed for these 

abandoned little ones.

The education center in Mambo Leo is getting ready for 
the shipment of school supplies 
donated from Pagosa Springs students.  

The mandatory fence is being constructed, a pit latrine stands ready for children, and the school building waits for windows, a floor, benches and tables. By assisting this church to open
this center, orphans and widows can receive much needed resources.  James 1:27 in action. 

If anyone would like to donate towards these needs that will help provide quality Christian education for orphaned children and discipleship-skills training for young/single widowed moms, please visit the sidebar to see how to give or contact us for more information.

Our kids being goofy! But that's not new. Ha!

Coming up is more DIG training with our beautiful widowed mammas.  Tavin plays futbal in Nairobi and Taleah visits the City Council and Kisumu History Museum.  Mark and Casey will attend a free water purification seminar.  We'll be visiting the children at Joyland, New Life, and Covenant Home. We'll be ministering at Agape for street boys, Disciples of Mercy HIV clinic and the local churches. We also plan to take Casey for an overnight in Carolyne's rural village.

Please remember us before the Lord; May we continue to find favor by His grace. 

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers