The true story in my children's book, The Marvelous Mud House, tells how Mama George was literally walking 2 miles each day up and down mountains to work and provide for her children. When her son George questioned why he should study to take his 8th grade exams because they didn't have the money for him to attend high school, Mama George told him, "Keep working and studying, God will provide." We didn't know of her faith in God's provision until after we sent a message to her that our kids wanted to support George to attend high school. Our five kids worked and provided the funds for George to attend 4 years of high school. Then, royalties from books sales provided for George to continue his education and get a certificate and diploma in radio journalism.
Now George is eagerly desiring to get a Bachelor's degree in communication from St Paul's University in Nairobi, Kenya. George has done very well in school and has been working diligently for the past year in graphic design, radio journalism, and content development for radio and TV stations in Kenya. George feels that God has a calling on his life to be on national radio in Kenya where he desires to give God the glory and impact his country with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Last Spring, when George asked me about getting his bachelor's degree in communication, it was difficult for me to tell him that we did not have the funds for this as royalties from the book have run out. However, nearly 13,000 people have purchased The Marvelous Mud House, and been inspired by Mama George's story of faith. If each person who bought the book gave just $.75 cents that would provide the $10,000 needed for George to attend school at St. Paul's with accommodation and internship through graduation!
While I don't have access to contact everyone who bought the book published through B&H Kids, will you help me share the news and story of this campaign with those you know who appreciate the book and George's story? To see God provide for George's continued education would be a mighty work of God that would bring God glory through George's life and testimony even more than it already has! Thank you so much for considering helping George through this campaign.
UPDATES
Summer 2023 Update on George's Schooling July 31, 2023
George is currently taking exams to finish up his 2nd term at St. Paul's University in Nairobi, Kenya getting his Bachelor's Degree in Communications. Here's an update from George on what he's been studying:
The semester has just began and am continuing well. I am learning a lot of things, that includes Radio production, photography, Tv production and public relations among other classes related to media and communications. I am so happy for this opportunity and am thankful I get to pursue my passion. I am doing good here at school, thanks to all of you for making it possible. Thank you for everything.
George's next term starts September 4th! We are trusting the Lord to provide the $1200 needed for this next term by that time! Thank you for praying and considering giving for George to continue his program!
New Year's Update! January 2, 2023
Please CELEBRATE with me for GEORGE! His school fund has raised $2496 so far for the $10,000 he needs to go to school for his Bachelor's degree! This was enough to easily cover this first 2 terms of school, so on New Year's Eve, I had the AWESOME privilege of sending George the funds that YOU gave! This means that he will be traveling to Nairobi Kenya and STARTING HIS BACHELOR'S degree program THIS WEDNESDAY!!!! Praise God!
Thank you SO incredibly much to those who gave to help George! I'm thankful to see how God moved just the right amount of people's hearts to give to provide school for George this year! We have another whole year to raise the funds for the following year, so we will keep trusting the Lord to provide as he leads the hearts of others.
Thank you!
George's Story Part 5 January 2, 2023
Part 5
It was a challenge back then for my family to put food on the table
It was a challenge while in high school studying with candle light at night
It was a challenge for me to do the best for those who entrust on me not to fail them
It was a challenge for people to accept that I was capable when I was starting my first job at the radio station.
And now I just thank God, I don’t have everything but I know he will provide for my needs.
George Kiplagat
Today, George lives in Nairobi working for Kilimall and makes around $260 dollars each month. Between transportation to and from work, rent, food, and sending money home to help his mother, George usually runs out of money before the end of the month. The Lord has given him the dream of being on national radio in Kenya. To do that, he needs his bachelor’s degree.
Would you consider helping George achieve this goal through a small contribution to his Give Send Go fund?
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17
George's Story Part 4 December 18, 2022
Part 4
I haven’t wanted it to be me. I want people to see Christ through me. It’s not George doing this. It’s not me nor should I be boasting of what I am doing. I am only a servant of my master Jesus Christ and I have always stated that. I know God has done so many things for me, and I want people who look at my work to accept that indeed Christ is there and Jesus listens to our prayers. I want my friends and everyone in the community to follow Christ.
After the pandemic schools were shut down, and after coming home I was called to go and work at Alpha Radio.
Alpha Radio is a Gospel radio station aiming at transforming lives. We preach the gospel and fish souls for Christ. We also have programs tailored to meet people who live in areas that could barely be accessed by road. They love it since there are a lot of people giving testimonies about how their lives have changed. We have had people struggling with alcoholism quitting, those practicing FGM quitting, churches built and also reconciled warring communities. It’s just amazing how God uses people to transform people.
I also mentored students who came to the radio as well as learn from them because I believe everybody at least knows something I can learn. Even if it means spending extra hours with them so that they learn it’s worth it for me. That has been the journey since I graduated from high school, and I just want to be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves like me when I was growing up. I want to fish souls for people to accept Christ because He is amazing and He does wonders.
Challenges were there….
George's Story Part 5 will release the following day when a new donation is given! Praise the Lord! We are up to $2200! God is good, and he is providing! Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far!
George's Story Part 3 December 18, 2022
PART 3
On the first reporting day to my internship….
I went on air with a mid-morning presenter as a co-host, something that has never happened before for any attaché or intern! I didn’t know what they saw in me, but what I had been practicing surely paid off that day. We even knew each other’s names while on air, and the show was awesome!
I proceeded back to school for my diploma. It was nice and truly God's favor has always been with me because during our orientation, I was just noticed in the middle of all the first year students. It was so nice because it was then that they loved my voice and chose me to do almost all the voice overs for the school studio. They also had me start presenting news on air.
The next semester, I started mentoring students in writing scripts for radio, reporting and doing voice overs. I was also good in graphics and mentored students who were doing that.
Currently, most of the students I mentored in the past are doing very well. Some even started their own vlogs, design companies, and I love it seeing how they have even perfected even more.
I have always been a key champion of empowering people with the skills and resources that I have because I have also been a product empowered by people who just put their big trust in my own small efforts.
The majority of the theoretical knowledge I acquired from school but the practical things I have learnt by myself because the people I once approached didn’t want to show me the skills and were telling me, ‘You can’t understand it because it’s too difficult.”
But I later realized if they can learn I can also learn, but maybe they were afraid of what I can become with the skills. That’s why I have always tried my best to help those students who want to learn, in any way possible because I am also learning more from them.
I was pursuing a diploma, but I was helping even older students and it was good because they also mentored me.
People used to say I do some things well but…
George's Story Part 2 December 18, 2022
PART 2
So I remember the only person who stood by me was…my mom. She didn’t refuse me when I told her I wanted to be a journalist. She said “Is that a job you would love?” I said, “yes'' and she told me “then go for it, pursue your dream! Don’t be discouraged by anyone and trust in God. He is the one who will keep you on track.”
When I went to school for my certificate, the first thing I did was try to make friends with those who were already graduating because I knew they had the experience at the studio. I was the only one in my class who used to spend time with the senior students who were graduating,
I have always loved challenging myself with those who already have the experience. But some of my colleagues didn’t want me, a beginning student, to interact with those who were finishing. There was one who told me, ‘George, you are coming here to practice reading the news with us who are already graduating. Don’t tire yourself…your friends are relaxing, it's not yet your time.’
Deep down I knew nobody in my class was competing with me to the level I wanted so I wanted to compete with the ones ahead of me.
A friend and I used to stay up at the school until 8 pm when all the other students left the college at 5 pm. Even the security guards knew us as those late going students but it was worth it!
Later I went on to an internship at ALPHA radio Kenya for three months...
Day 14 Update December 13, 2022
I thought folks would like to hear some of George's testimony! I'll share a bit more each day that a gift is given to his school fund!
"My journey through high school gave me a whole new perspective on how I generally view life. What I learned, and what I went through molded me into the person I am right now, and I am so thankful to God for the transition.
At first everything seemed impossible. I didn’t think I would ever get to go to high school, and I had every reason to second guess my abilities. But then, little did I know God always had a plan.
God proved to me that He is above all when He gave me the opportunity to go to Yemit Boys High School.
High school was no joke like I thought. It was difficult, but one thing for sure I told God, “You are the one who brought me here, and I trust you have a purpose in me. I am not terrified. I am bold, and I am going for the dream you instilled in me because I know you are with me and you have always been.”
While in high school I used to encourage my friends who were feeling low at some point, they would come to me and open up and they always thought I had every answer to their problems in terms of giving them advice.
Back then I was a member of the journalism club, but I didn’t have the courage even to present news in front of the whole school like my friends used to.
Luckily I finished high school. People didn’t believe me when I actually told them all I wanted to pursue was becoming a journalist.
I used to ask my friends how well they think I speak. Do I speak so badly that I can’t be heard in the media? They encouraged me, but most of the people wanted me to become a teacher. That was not my passion. They even demoralized me saying I couldn’t be a journalist because “nobody in this county has ever done it and you won’t make it.'' That was the truth, and presumably they thought journalism is only meant for those in urban areas and since I was from the village they were really not convinced.
So I remember the only person who stood by me was…
****To keep reading.....I will share the next part of George's story of faith each day that a gift is given to this Give Send Go Fund!
Day 12 Update December 10, 2022
Hello friends, this morning I was reading in 1 Chronicles where David is giving his son Solomon some of his last instructions before he died. David says, "And you, Solomon, my son, know that God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary, be strong and do it." What incredible words of wisdom from a father to his son summarizing the choice that every person must make whether to serve the Lord wholeheartedly with their mind or not.
I know that God has a call on George's life. The Lord heard a prayer whispered by his mother, and a willingness to trust and have faith in God to provide. God heard that prayer and answered it by moving the hearts of 5 children ages 13 and under from across the ocean. He heard my prayers for a publisher to tell the story. He has done great things!
I didn't share this campaign on social media much this week. My married daughter was staying here this week, and I wanted to be fully present with her at night. But God still did amazing things! In fact, more than the previous week! Praise the Lord, we had 2 more gifts this week come in and the fund is now up to $1,550! I'm just blown away by the goodness of God and the faithfulness and generosity of his people.
Thank you SO much for praying and considering supporting or sharing this opportunity to give!
God bless,
April
1 Week Update! December 10, 2022
Last week, we launched this, and went from $0 to $500! We are 1/20th of the way to sending George to school to get his Bachelor's degree! I firmly believe that God has a huge calling on George's life and will fulfill his purposes for him! Let's see what God does this week with it! Even if you are unable to give now, would you pray that God would provide for George as he has done in the past?! Do you know anyone who has a heart for Kenya or another African country? Tag them in the comments! Thank you!
Day 5 Update! December 10, 2022
Watch April sharing about this campaign during the New Life Ranch Flint and Steel Trail run here: https://www.facebook.com/1133327414/videos/888230272594102/
Day 3 Update December 10, 2022
This morning I woke up to find that George's Give Send Go is now up to $400! Another multiple of 40! Thank you Lord! And thank you Rebecca Kelly and Tracy Traci Kay Langley for making that possible!
Day 2 Update! December 10, 2022
Yesterday on Giving Tuesday, I shared an opportunity for others to join with me in helping George from The Marvelous Mud House go back to school for his Bachelor’s degree. I didn’t know what God would do with it, I only knew that I felt led to give people the opportunity to share. There were 3 people whose gave which totaled $250. 1/40th of $10,000 needed for George to go back to school.
To be honest, I considered shutting down the giving site and just returning the gifts. It was discouraging to ask people to give and so few respond. But, God reminded me that it is not my job to cause results. That is up to Him. I still believe that God can and will provide this for George. It may take a year, It may take longer. It may take 40 days.
When I think that 1/40th of the money was raised yesterday, I thought of the number 40 in Scripture and what it symbolizes. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the 10 commandments.The Israelites ate manna in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the promised land. Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days before starting his ministry. The number 40 in the Bible seems to represent a time of testing and trials before triumph.
And so, I am encouraged! I was definitely tested in my emotions yesterday. I had to surrender, and stop trying to take God’s rightful place and glory. I have to trust. I believe there will be triumph. I believe that God WILL be glorified through people giving and through George’s life. God bless you all….and maybe consider giving $40 for the cause today??
Day 1 Update! December 10, 2022
George's story started out with his complete reliance and trust in the Lord to provide so that he could attend high school in Kenya. Since then, the Lord has blessed and allowed him through the royalties of The Marvelous Mud House to complete high school and earn a certificate in radio journalism, Praise the Lord! Last spring, George asked me about getting his Bachelor's degree. It broke my heart to tell him that we did not have the funds to help him with this. But the Lord has kept this need on my heart, and a few weekends ago, I sat in a church service listening to a sermon on generosity. The passage was Isaiah 66:1-2.
"Thus says the Lord, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be. But this is the one to whom I will look; he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."
As I thought about George's need, I realized that there is no lack in God's storehouses, and He can choose to provide for George in a mighty way again! I started to feel drawn to crowdfunding this for George in faith, and wondered in my head, "When is giving Tuesday?'" I googled it on my phone, and lo and behold it was just a few weeks away! So here I am stepping out in faith, to see what God will do. I KNOW that I do not have the influence or impact alone to persuade people to give to help George, but I'm putting this opportunity out there for the Lord to lead others. When we are generous to those in need, we are generous towards God! The Lord loves a cheerful giver!
I can't wait to see what God will do with this! Maybe you know someone with a heart for the world, and has the resources to help? Would you consider sharing this need with them? Thank you so much friends. Also....join me in praying for God's direction and provision for George as he follows the Lord's calling on his life to be on national radio in Kenya. God bless! --April
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