Monday, February 11, 2013

in Jesus name...

Omondi’s hand grips the hammer, using it like a chisel; 
he scraps away unwanted wood. 
A perfect joint exposed, 
ready to fit the next altered cedar pole. 
He flips his tool and pounds down 4-inch nails 
to fix them together.
Metal straps secure the bond. 
His creation will support screening to protect tender vegetables from thieving birds.
Like the Master Carpenter in the lives of His disciples, 
Holy Spirit forms us by cutting away unuseful parts 
so we work in unison - God's creation,
bound by cords of love,
to bring hope to a wounded world 
in Jesus name.


Mid October we planted a garden against hunger – tomatoes, kale, lettuce, onions, and carrots. 
Our harvest began in earnest. Joy to share fresh produce 
with the hungry encouraged our efforts. 
But then – the birds! 
Thanks to a specific donation 
from an organization that promotes sustainability, 
we gather materials for a screen house. Soon, we’ll be feeding the hungry again 
in Jesus name

DIGGS training encounters a new group of zealous students – some starting churches, some beginning schools, preaching and teaching 
in Jesus name.


The widowed mamas grow in helps by learning to sew. This project will serve handicapped orphaned children. Women, who were once victims, learn to give back 
in Jesus name. 
(Can’t wait to show you the finished product, delivered with a smile tomorrow!
Special thanks to our dear friend from New Zealand, Joan!)


Encouraged by young ones touching a hungry world 
with John 3:16
in Jesus name.


"From Him the whole body, joined and held together 
by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself 
up in love, as each part does its work."
Ephesians 4:16

Asante sana for joining us in support so we work together 
caring for widows and orphans 
in Jesus name. 
James 1:27.

hugs from the haugers 0oo0

Monday, January 14, 2013

DELIVERANCE!

I was hoping the title would catch your attention. Yes, this post is about deliverance.  Not the dramatic exorcism of casting out demons, although scripture reveals such, and we've experienced it here in Kenya.  We’ve seen demons literally manifest as serpents in human bodies, slithering their way through a person crawling toward the alter on all four appendages, bent in unexplainable angles. We’ve seen young women squirm and vomit when the name of Jesus is spoken, but submit to His Lordship when confronted with the choice. I know such deliverance exists, but this post is not about that. It is about the comprehensive definition of deliverance – one that welcomes friendship in Christ, regardless of denomination, social status or ethnicity 
for the glory of His kingdom.

There are 37 words in the Bible that refer to deliverance. These words have 4 related but distinctly different meanings.

"To deliver out of the hands of, to escape." Exodus 18:8-11.
Like the Israelites’ exodus out of Egypt, 
we walk with horribly wounded women, those familiar with neglect and abuse, into the wild wilderness of unknowns. 
There, God leads them in supernatural ways. 
The snare of the slavery is broken and they escape.

"Drawing someone to one's self." Jeremiah 31:3.
The Lord draws these vulnerable mamas with cords 
of loving-kindness.  His power to snatch them out of the grip of evil is not complete without placing them into safety – a place to feed on His Word, to receive prayer sown in tears and wise counsel laced with laughter. 
God huddles us under the shadow of His wing 
for the purpose of loving Him and each other.

"To deliver into the hands of for the purpose of judgment." 
Col 1:13.
Yes. Judgment. The Bible says if we judge ourselves, we will not be judged. Finding our faults, sins, offenses need not separate or condemn.  Deliverance shares burdens, offers forgiveness, produce fruit of His Spirit that builds strong relationships. We’ve rubbed the ugly underbelly of widow’s fear, our presumption, and the threat of manipulation. 
When we fulfill our obedience towards each other, 
God punishes the enemy’s disobedience.

"To have ample space between oneself and one's enemies."  Psalm 31:8.
Jointly fit - this strange family of young, old, dark, light, African, American, rich, poor, weak, strong - we find unity in our differences. God’s vast image embraces us, settles us, and we find choosing His goodness overcomes evil.  
Although wickedness encamps around us, 
security and peace makes our abode.

Deliverance for us?  God formed freedom that creates holy bonding and stands against injustice. Whether we see a demon come out of someone or not, we believe the life of a wounded one must change because Jesus is Lord.

How bout you? Do you walk with those who only know the power of darkness? Do you believe wickedness of the world must bow to the name of Jesus? Do you trust Jesus’ love shines brighter, and victory comes by His cross? 
Don’t give up.
Sacrifice only what the flesh loves. 
Be truth. 
Be freedom. 
Live your deliverance.

Asante sana for your prayers, encouragement and support.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Bloom where you're planted...

May the Lord of all creation 
reveal His brightly detailed beauty 
in your life this blessed new year.

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers Ooo0

Friday, December 21, 2012

Gifts We Receive...


This Christmas we received Gifts

We watched children, abandoned at birth - left in ditches, pit latrines, and tea fields but rescued by the merciful hand of God - preform a Christmas play celebrating the birth of Jesus. A Gift.

 During the short presentation, a little girl sat on my lap.  She finds me every visit and climbs up. Who could know behind those inquisitive eyes and nimble fingers lies experiences far beyond her 12 months? She came to the home plagued with sickness leading to death, but now she radiates life. 
A Gift.

A small boy, dressed like a shepherd with a towel over his head, tied snug with a pink headband, sucks his thumb and waves at me.  He doesn’t speak yet his smile says everything. He came to the orphanage at 16 months, significantly impaired by cerebral palsy. Today he runs like he’s dancing, giggles bubbling from his belly. 
A Gift.
She stands, leaning into a gold-colored walker, forcing her feet to obey.  Dressed in white with tinsel woven around her braided hair, she is an angel.  Last summer, she crawled along the ground, frustrated by overwhelming limitations. Her last trip to the hospital, as she waited, she sang songs about Jesus, encouraging those suffering around her. 
A Gift.
He needs constant care, tucked in a wheelchair, anticipating a push onto the porch that’s dressed like a stage.  A sparkly cardboard camel taped to the side of his chair indicates he’s a wise one. He grins while others sing, and his hand reaches out to hold the air. I think he’s holding the hand of his Savior that no one can see. 
A Gift.
 These children – found as babes in places no child should be, challenged by physical handicaps and developmental delays, the ones left behind when families come to adopt, the ones ignored because they don’t fit the scheme of healthy and normal – they are the gifts we are blessed to receive.


We thank God for the gift of life – the life of Jesus who came to seek and saved those who were lost. He also was born in a place not worthy of a child.  But God had a plan... May we remember the hopeless and helpless this Christmas season and bring them the gift of Jesus.
Matthew 25:40
Merry Christmas!
Asante sana for your prayers, encouragement and support.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0

Thursday, December 13, 2012

12 Days of Christmas in Kenya.

Thinking of the Twelve Days of Christmas 
in a different way...

The days before Christmas can be a scramble 
to find the right present, finish holiday baking, 
and attend various get-togethers.
While you plan, shop and celebrate the birth of Jesus, 
would you remember some forgotten ones?
Below is our Twelve Days of Christmas in Kenya.  
It shares prayer requests,
ways to relate to those less fortunate, and ideas for donations.
We appreciate your prayer and gifts 
on behalf of widows and orphans.
                                                                                 James 1:27                                                                                                                     Blessings of peace and joy,
   hugs from the haugers Ooo0