“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my commandment that you Love each other.” John 15:16-17 NLT
Projects for 2024 and 2025
The following projects will complete the goals for the development of the Garments of Praise Compound that God has given us in Manyzanni, Kenya.
- Build additional latrines: a larger one for students and separate ones for staff and teachers due to the growth of the Shalom Learning Center, the Tailoring and Dressmaking Institute, and the Farm and Compound workers.
- Build a teacher’s resource room and complete the drop ceiling of third level on larger building for the Shalom Learning Center Jr. High (7th-9th grades)
- Install culverts across land to help control water flow during rainy seasons.
- Install a solar tower and panels to provide security and reduce the cost of electricity. We will also switch our well pump to solar use as it has the ability for solar and/or electric power.
- Place gravel on the front section of compound to avoid the mud, which is presently a problem for all.
Prayer and Direction Requests:
Future long-range projects under consideration
- To re-establish the Bridge of Hope Center, where those who struggle with addiction can be away from temptation and be discipled in the faith to become strong and as God choses, a leader for Him. Garments of Praise would be in a supportive role for this project. It would involve the purchase of land and building or finding a suitable facility. It would be run and overseen by Pastor Patrick in Kenya, who has already begun the work.
- To support Pastor Merkir with further training. Pastor Merkir has established a growing church near a University in Ethiopia, after returning from Pastoral Training in Kenya. He is a strong leader and soul winner. Our prayer and burden are that this church become a Training Center for Youth to enable them to be effective in sharing the Gospel in that part of Ethiopia.
- To help qualified young people who have proved themselves and have a strong commitment to help those in the slums and villages. Their desire is to develop and run businesses that can train and employ these young people. Job skills training and future employment will provide a way out of extreme poverty and be a benefit to their families and community.
- Build and maintain a park for the children of Manyzanni, because building communities of hope is part of our Mission Statement. The children of this community really have nowhere to play and peer through the gates of the compound longingly. When there is supervision and Shalom is not in session, we do allow some in to play as we are able.