April 2011

Out of Africa Update

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Kenya One Day Church Project-2009: Living Waters partnered with Maranatha Volunteers International and ASI to begin the newly launched world wide One-Day Church project in Kenya. Maranatha and ASI provided the materials and funding for the Kenya project to erect 74 buildings which are used primarily as churches, schools and medical clinics. The materials were shipped in two containers from Minnesota and arrived in Nairobi, Kenya April 2010. Seventy two buildings were erected in many areas of Kenya over the next 6 months coordinated by Living Waters and my son Joby Oft. The buildings were primarily used for church congregations that either had no structure to meet in or whose structure was unfit for human occupancy. In most cases the church attendance grew to double of that before the building was erected. It was the responsibility of the local church to complete the building with whatever materials they chose to use. Thirty Seven additional structures are scheduled for erection in Eastern Kenya with anticipation completion July 2011. When this is done it will represent over six percent of the One Day Churches erected world wide. All funding for the One-Day-Church project was provided with funds specified for this objective. Praise God in how He is working with providing places for worshiping Him in Kenya.

Darciella-Feeding Center: The feeding Center continues to provide week-day meals, school uniforms and basic medical care to over one hundred thirty five children. Eight full time staff are paid salaries to operate the feeding center, provide security and work in the gardens. Recently a new water pump was replaced and the compound has under construction a new 1520 square foot school which houses the Kaswanga SDA School and under construction is the 720 square foot guest house and medical clinic. Twenty eight of the older children have given their hearts to Jesus and were baptized over the past two years. The staffs are very dedicated, working 12 hours/day five to six days per week. The Feeding Center is considered a vital project by the community and it has fostered a sense of unity.

Living Waters Kaswanga Academy -Teachers getting dolls: Living Waters Kaswanga Academy was started five years ago and over 30 percent of the students are served at the Feeding Center. With 56 students in four grades the six volunteer teachers work very hard to provide an education for the children. Without basic teaching aids this presents a real challenge. In 2011 Living Waters Board of Directors added this school as one of its primary objectives. Funding from specially designated contributions will assist in the purchase of such simple things as writing slates, chalk, paper, pencils and books. If there are any remaining funds it will be divided among the volunteer teachers. Living Waters will also seek funding to assist in completion of the exterior/interior walls, floor and desk. If you have a heart to help in this ministry please designate your funds as such.

Evangelism: Living Waters main objective is to share the love of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him. We do what we can to meet the physical and temporal needs of those in such great need, but we realize the only lasting hope is in Jesus. In the Spring of 2011 two evangelistic campaigns were held consecutively by The Oft’s and the Judd’s of Arizona. Also helping was Twyla McKinney from Oregon and several Kenyan nationals from parts of Kenya. The meetings were held in two fishing villages Latari and Lwanda about 25 miles apart. Each campaign was 14 presentations on Jesus and at the end 186 people were baptized. Each baptized person was presented with a Bible. This often is the most precious possession a person has, and it is by far the most requested item. The Bibles cost $1860. USD and special donations are being requested to help offset this vital ministry. If you would be interested in helping please mark your donation for Bibles. We still have left a large portion of this to pay.

Vehicle-Blessing: In 2010 it became apparent that Living Waters was needing to purchase a vehicle in order to efficiently continue ministry in Kenya. With very rough roads and constant breakdowns with expensive rental vehicles, the Living Waters Board voted to purchase a 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser with a conversion package to meet the specific needs of Living Waters. Although this was a large capital investment for a small ministry, God led and blessed with just the right vehicle. The demands are great on vehicles in the bush and we feel we have the best we could get for the money and it is holding up well. This enables the volunteer work to be much more time efficient and will ultimately save money.

Living Waters International 1107 S. Beeline Hwy #4 Payson, Arizona, 85541 Phone: (928) 472-3388 Fax (928) 472-4364