E-mail from Mark

Hello and greetings friend of AMCC!
I pray that this email finds you well and warm in this cold time of year. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who as John recently reminded me, is the one who is Lord of heaven, earth, and even under the earth!

I had the privilege of speaking with John last night on skype and wanted to pass on to you the joy that I had during that conversation. As John said, "We much many things for which he give God the praise!"

Last week, on the 23rd, everyone at AMCC went to a Christmas party held by a soap and cooking oil company that is headquartered in Thika, Kenya. There the children sang songs, John led some prayers, and everyone ate "very much Asian food". The children had a wonderful time, and I am especially glad for this opportunity for each of them to sense that they are special, and are worth having a party for. A bit of the Father's heart for them was shown in this, and I'm just stoked about that.
During their time at the party a student ministry from the University of Nairobi visited AMCC's building to deliver Christmas gifts. Upon finding them gone, they called John, who told them where to leave their gifts. They came back to flour, sugar, rice, and even popcorn kenrels! This started a flood of gifts for AMCC! Their equivalent Senator (called a Minister of Parliament there) had his "a very big Christmas cake" delivered to them. Their local government officials also brought maize, beans, and rice- enough to feed them through the month of January!
With all of these gifts, AMCC's costs for January will include only rent, gas for a lamp, salaries, firewood, and cooking oil! As John said, "God is doing great things!"
I am personally incredibly encouraged by all of this. It is profound how God has been providing for AMCC, and I'm especially elated to see Him moving through Kenyans! It is a testimony to me of His faithfulness, and also that AMCC is doing good work!

Speaking of good work, the 8th grade exam results were announced today. It's the equivalent of ACT's, except for 8th graders. We are looking forward to the 5 students at AMCC continuing on into high school (half of the 8th grade class at their local school won't score high enough to be allowed into 9th grade anywhere). There are also nine 9th graders at AMCC who just finished with high enough grades to go to 10th grade. We are really proud of them.

Last time I wrote about the large debt that AMCC was in. Thanks be to God, different individuals donated $800 and this helped AMCC get out from their most pressing creditors. John told me that he can now turn his cell phone on again, and I'm thankful that he is sleeping a bit easier. They are still in debt, to the tune of about $500. If anyone feels led to donate to AMCC, follow the instructions at the end of this email, or visit our web site www.amcckenya.org .
The other major cost coming up for AMCC are the mandatory school fees for High School in Kenya. High school in Kenya is not free, and this prevents all of the kids at AMCC from continuing their education- if they were not at AMCC. Last year money was raised to pay one year's worth of school fees for the students. I am asking that you would please PRAY and ask our Father to provide for each of these children to go to school this next year, which begins in January. Continuing in school is a vital key for these children to escape the cycle of poverty that they've been in.

I'm sure this affects me some, but I just watched "It's a Wonderful Life" for the first time, and maybe that's a good thing. If anyone feels led to give any money toward AMCC (you can still give to get the tax refund for 2009, if you're looking for it!), follow the instructions at the end of this email.

Though it is late, merry Christmas to all of you. I guess what I really mean, is that I hope that you all know how much God loves you, and that you experience a bit more of His Kingdom each day. May His love ever grow in you.

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, and to release the opporessed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor"

Greetings to you from John, Nancy, James (the staff at AMCC), and all of the children there!
With much love,
Mark Dawson.

P.S. Instructions on how to give money to AMCC:
There are two ways: Online, or mailing a check. Both are secure! To be sure to receive a tax-refund, mail the check.
Online:
1. Go to www.amcckenya.org
2. Click on the "Donate" tab on the home page.
3. Follow the instructions!

Mail a check:
1. Make out a check to: Grace World Outreach. Put "AMCC- General Use" in the memo line.
2. Mail the check to:

Grace World Outreach
2502 W Elm St.
Enid, OK 73703

May our Father bless you and keep you, and make his face to shine upon. John sends deepest thanks and love to everyone who has prayed, given to, or read about AMCC. Amen to that!