Looking over the Great Rift, at Kerio View where many national and international runners train in Iten, Kenya, God spoke to my heart about how He is being lifted up in Kenya.  Many para-sailors jump off the ledge, only to let the wind pick them up and carry them overlooking one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.

The Great Rift Valley is a name given to the continuous geographic trench, approximately 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) in length, that runs from northern Jordan Rift Valley in Asia to Mozambique in South Eastern Africa.^[1]The name continues in some usages, although it is today considered geologically imprecise as it combines features that are today regarded as separate, although related, rift and fault systems.

Today, the term is most often used to refer to the valley of the East African Rift, the divergent plate boundary which extends from the Afar Triple Junction southward across eastern Africa, and is in the process of splitting the African Plate into two new separate plates. Geologists generally refer to these incipient plates as the Nubian Plate and the Somali Plate.

As many of you know I spent three weeks in Africa in 2015.  I preached and ministered at an evangelistic meeting in Kip Karen, a local slum, was able to minister Crisis and Trauma Care, and spend time with Cheri at the Challenge Farm. This is also the organization where my son and daughter in-love, Maverick and Amy are full time missionaries. This little video will give you and update on where they are with their plans to return!

I was part of a Bible study and intercessory prayer walk over Kipsongo Slum where lives were being changed through Bible studies, jewelry making groups, and many building projects started by Founder and Veteran Missionary Cheri Thompson.

Three Year Old Faith, Challenge Farm

“And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” John 12:32

As I looked up toward the platform I watched three year old Faith run up the steps to join the other girls singing and dancing at chapel service my heart lept with Jesus’ words, “I will draw everyone to myself.”  You would never in a million years imagine that she was an orphan in the ranked sixth out of the ten poorest countries in Africa.

A few moments’ later testimonies were given by university & technical school students home on break.  These are the beginning of hopefully many Challenge Farm children who will help bring hope and change to the next generation.

Next, Faith is called on and she quietly walks up to the microphone and quotes, I John 3:7-11

“Little children, make sure no one deceives you… By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.” 

This is the scripture of the year…for all of the staff, teachers and children to know, understand and believe.

None of the almost 200 children at Challenge Farm have happy stories. But with the love of Jesus, the staff, the missionaries, teams, partners, sponsors and many others Challenge Farm is a light to these children and to the world!

To see them live, work and play, they are happier than many children I know in America.  They refuse to be or become victims.  They love to go to school, chapel, work, play and care for one another appreciating the many opportunities they are given at Challenge Farm.  Each has a bed, three meals a day, radical love and of course Jesus is lifted up through the many staff members, and teachers.  It takes a lot to provide this type of care each and every day, seven days a week; and there are still many needs – sponsors, beds, clothing, and food.

There is a waiting list of children, just like Faith. It has been almost five years since my trip there but these children, staff and missionaries are always in my thoughts and prayers.

The last week I was at Challenge Farm, Faith walked up and slipped her precious little hand in mine, just like others had done to her, leading me to the flagpole where daily assignments and chores are announced.

I felt like now, I was really part of the family. Faith wanted me to know that. I could honestly see Jesus in her dark brown eyes…Jesus is being lifted up at Challenge Farm and beyond!

God also did a creative miracle and healed a man who had been lame, walked with a cane, and had a twisted foot.  By the end of our three day meetings, he had thrown away his cane, and his foot was completely straightened.  God is still in the miracle and healing business.

Please Join me in Prayer and Partnership with other training and ministry opportunities!

For His Glory,
Marlene
Cinderella Released Ministries