Report from Graceland School

by Pastor Jerry Theckston

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O Shalom dear friends! What a privilege it is to follow Jesus Christ together in these last days!!

I have to confess though that there are times I become anxious and wonder how it is possible for God to work miracles in seemingly impossible situations?!

When Salt and Light felt like they could no longer support our youngest kids at the Graceland School, we sent the last of our funds to them for this month of December. They know the situation and wrote back the sweetest note of gratitude, even though we didn’t have any idea what God would do from here?

Then, appealing only to God, in His mercy and loving care for these dear children, He provided the full $1,000 needed for the month of January this last week!!

As I was praying before I knew about any of these gifts, I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to write to Judy and ask if they would consider a Christmas dinner for the students, staff and volunteers? Judy said that had been her prayer but before she had time (or the courage) to talk to anyone about support for this dream- God had already made a way!! Not only that but there was also a Christmas gift for these dear teachers and staff who have sacrificially set their own lives aside to give ’the least of these’ a chance to survive, be loved, grow in faith and have a first class education!

I hope you can celebrate and enjoy the excitement they are experiencing as God pours out His love and provision for all who are His ministering angels to these dear children of the Kibera slums!!I

Below is a letter and pictures from principal Judy Mtulah Graceland School in Nairobi, Kenya:

Dear pastor Jerry! I hope the gracious Lord has been good to you, mum Sue and the family. Receive our appreciation from Graceland Hope Center in a big way from the children, teachers and parents. We love you very much.

I want to thank you Pastor Jerry and the church for your continued prayers and financial support over the years! Many schools have long stopped operating due to hard economical times but because of your great partnership and monthly financial support we are still moving on, May God bless you abundantly!

We met with Enos and he mentioned to me the challenge the church (Salt and Light in America) has faced during Covid and low numbers of congregants has gone low hence not able to continue supporting Graceland school. We pray for you and to the God of impossibilities, our help May he make a way for you and for us. Through your support in 2024 we were able to: Go for the trip at Bomas of Kenya, Keep feeding programme on, Buy 1 swing, Buy 10 tables and 30 chairs, Paying for 5 temporary structures

Our grade three 2023 so transferred to the public school are doing pretty well. One became 2/70 pupils, another 3/101 and the other 3 are doing well. If your support was not there for sure it would be very difficult to keep achieving our dream or not be in existence. We love you and pray for you. Paying teachers salaries has not been easy, Buying Food, rents Collecting school fee we have ten parents who are completely very needy even if you sent the child home for fees two weeks passes and you go for the to just come and learn free because the need is dire indeed, God is faithful. The referral have been good we are trusting God to:- Have 2 trained teachers for grade 4 and pp1 Renovate and do a face lift for the school Have good structures To have swimming lessons may be once or twice a Term Have computer lessons all by God's help. We love you big many hugs from all the staff and me.

Dear friend Pastor Jerry and mum Sue! I am lost for words! I acknowledge receipt of money sent ksh. 98,598 /= on 4th November 2024. I am very sorry for late response when my phone crushed I misplaced my ID but thank God i found it today. May God bless you and meet all your needs according to his riches in glory. Thank you Receive our Graceland greetings❤️❤️🤝🤝

Dear pastor Jerry ooooooh what a blessing and God sent you are in my life my purpose to serve God and these children am shedding tears and am lost for words!! I JUST desired IN My heart last week if WE CAN have Someone support Christmas Party The way we used to do at Kidstar. What a surprise before I ask God has answered. I love the idea YES WE CAN DO THAT. I m Thankful for your great love for kibra Graceland children staff and parents and me. God bless you I pray again and again. Dear Pastor Jerry I love you mum Sue and the entire team that supports us.