This letter is written with sincere thanks for all the support that was given for the trip to the African Inland Church Katisaa in Machakos Kenya. Eight of us left on June 17th and all of us returned safe, sound and BLESSED on July 3rd. We took about 800 pounds of Medical and Theology Textbooks, presents for church leaders, Youth Choir T-shirts, yarn for the Women’s knitting group, 6 Prayer Shawls, 50 handmade wash cloths, medical equipment, clothes and shoes for the orphans and widows, 450 dental/school kits and 150 pairs of glasses. The 10,000$ that we brought with us is being used to pay for a well at the church and to continue building the church.
When the church was started in 2007, they were just digging the 7 foot foundation with flip flops on their feet, shovels, wheelbarrows, a water leveler, a plumb bob, an old measuring tape and an oxcart bringing in water all on 3$ a day. Despite the fact that building costs have gone up to three times the original price, the church is now 2 ½ stories high and has a newly poured balcony. More than the building however, is the fact that the church has grown from 150 people in one service to 400 in the Kamba service, 100 in the English service and 200 kids in Sunday School. The church, both the old metal siding church and the new building in construction, is now the hub of a number of church and community activities.
These includes a large youth group, Sunday School service for 1st through 12th grade, a large Christian Women’s group, four different choirs (a widow’s choir that was competing in a regional meeting, a Youth Dance Choir, an Adult choir, a Women’s choir) and the famous AIC Katisaa Soccer team.
Thanks to all our sponsers who made this years trip a success. We will be sharing with everyone what we did, and accomplished in the two weeks we were in Kenya.
Last Updated on Sunday, 11 September 2011 01:53
Columbus church collects donations for Kenya project
Written by Administrator
Monday, 04 July 2011 00:52
COLUMBUS - A Columbus church will soon travel 8,000 miles to show compassion for Kenya. It has made a big difference in a tiny village.
"I never got a chance to grow up in this community but I call this home," said Joshua Kiilu.
Kiilu's parents live about 40 miles from Kenya's capital city of Nairboi in the village of Katisaa, where the population is mostly elderly and very young.
"It's very remote but very stable. It's place where they never got the clashes which were in Kenya two years ago," he said.
They've never had an adequate building or church until now, thanks to Kiilu and the North Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana.
"It's that calling of trying to pitch in very little but will make a lifetime difference in somebody's life or people's life," said Kiilu.
African odyssey: help for Kenyans, inspiration for Hoosiers
Native son leads Columbus church members on a mission that opens eyes as it touches hearts
In Machakos, an impoverished city in Kenya, school supplies are so scarce that children share everything -- even something as small as a pencil.
"You're humbled to see kids breaking a pencil so that another kid can have a pencil," Joshua Kiilu said.
Kiilu, a native of Machakos, relocated to the U.S. more than 20 years ago, but he hasn't forgotten his hometown. In 2007, with the support of North Christian Church in Columbus, Kiilu began making trips from Indiana to Machakos to build an educational center.
Now Kiilu is leading his third mission trip to Machakos, 45 miles southeast of Nairobi, with seven others.
A team of volunteers from North Christian Church in Columbus Indiana left on June 17th and returned July 2nd. The mission trip was a continuation of the work that was started in the village of Katisaa, Machakos in 2007
One goal of the trip was to
·present 500 school kits for the children of Machakos. ·School necessity kits that include a pencil, eraser, ink pen, pencil sharpener and small notebook. ·Dig a Well to provide water in the community ·Have a four day clinic in the community to treat basic medical needs. ·Continue with the Katisaa Educational building project.
How you can assist
Building is estimated to cost $60,000 to complete. As of 2009, we had raised $10,000 No grants or continuous flow of funds for the project
In need for partners to support the project financially
Lighting system, windows & finishes,
Books to establish a library
School supplies
Medical supplies
Office supplies, printers PC furniture
Computers for the students
Phones, Fax machines
landscaping (outdoor play areas),
audio / visual design & equipment,
music equipment (piano, drums, guitars) ,
sound,
security system,
furniture & appliances (fridge, stove),
Any donation can be made to
Kenya Mission Trip North Christian Church 850 Tipton Lane Columbus, Indiana 47201 Phone: 812.372.1531
This is a brochure for the katisaa Educational Project.
Last Updated on Thursday, 25 August 2011 14:29
Katisaa Educational Project goals
Written by Administrator
Monday, 01 September 2008 00:00
The goals for the Katisaa Educational Project are to:
Substantially improve usability, manageability, and scalability far beyond the regions around Machakos
Expand accessibility to eduational, knowledge and the Word of God to others.
Enhance the availablility of education to all children.
Achieve a more sustainable and flexible framework for support of our sponsors.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 July 2009 11:24
View point
Written by Administrator
Saturday, 23 July 2011 00:00
Thoughts of My Kenyan Experience by Marty Winslow
Where to start?At the beginning, I suppose.People crowding into ticket and security lines, long hours on the planes, the final arrival prefaced the “experience”.A strange land, yet there were friends, who became family, to meet us at the airport.After a brief night’s sleep, we hit the ground running.
We headed off to church at AIC Katisaa and the life changing experience began.It’s all about “Faith, Family and Friends”.Those words hang over an entryway to my home as well as in a small carving on my coffee table at home.Those words take on new meaning after a visit to Kenya.
The first time we met the church members in Machakos we were greeted with a handshake.From then on our greetings began with a “welcoming hug”!Strangers, no more!We worshipped, sang and shared side by side.Each day and each meal began with thanks to God, our Provider.God’s presence was illuminated on the faces of young and old alike.Music, song and dance set the tone for the sharing of God’s word!
Children’s faces always bring joy to the heart of a die hard teacher, like me.Children walking long distances to school, motivated by the desire for learning, were spiritually uplifting to me.Every school group we met had music, the “rhythm of love” to share. Schools vary little traditionally, yet each one is unique.Children come to work, play and interact with others, all of which inspires learning.It was obvious that it wasn’t the material things that taught them to become responsible adults, but the various educators who shared with students their love of learning.It’s contagious!
The teacher in me was drawn to the children of all ages! Their eagerness to learn drew me closer and closer, like a magnet. As time passed, the children were always there when I would lose my way, usually to Naomi and Samson’s home for a respite and meal.
Looking back on my Kenyan experience, I realize we all were touched by the sincere acceptance of our friendship and service. We experienced a most successful 4 day medical and vision clinic, the building of a shelter and the purchase of materials for the continued progress of the new church building. Most of all we established lasting friendships and relationships with the AIC Katisaa church family! AMEN
Despite the fact that building costs have gone up to three times the original price, the church is now 2 ½ stories high and has a newly poured balcony. More than the building however, is the fact that the church has grown from 150 people in one service to 400 in the Kamba service, 100 in the English service and 200 kids in Sunday School. The church, both the old metal siding church and the new building in construction, is now the hub of a number of church and community activities. 
