Comments on: Determined

By: Jim.M

Jim.M — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:21:28 +0000

Jess, Hope all is well with you.

These children you have written about in this article, are determined against all odds to learn. Erwin McManus reminds us that God created us with an “intrinsic need to become”. When you choose to become, you become an enemy of the status quo. To “become” is to change, and to bring change. When we stop believing in progress we then become the enemy of hope. (All from “Soul Cravings” Erwin McManus).

These children are following that God given, internal drive to “become”, JVP, is no doubt God’s loving hand in this, and you are there to reveal it to us. Thank You!

I will pray today that God will provide a partner for JVP to continue their support for these children.

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 15 May 2010 21:41:14 +0000

Jess, thanks for your great writing and sharing. I would love to see us capture the story of one of the honor roll children who received a solar lantern – how has the secondary school impacted them, how is the solar lantern impacting their studies, how is the school and lantern impacting their family? keep up the great work. In His Love – Tony

By: Megan C

Megan C — Sat, 15 May 2010 16:17:36 +0000

wow jess thanking for sharing. It is such an honor to in a small way get to experience this trip with you! This article definitly hit close to home. Realizing how blessed we are to live in America and all that I take for granted. Also the realization of all the things I only do half way… Hearing what it takes for these studetns and these girls especially just to get a basic education and how much the cherish it…. definitly makes me think about things in my own life. Praying for the impact you are having on this village by being there and sharing their story. Love ya dear and be safe!!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 15 May 2010 15:01:23 +0000

Jess – this actually Dad writing. I’m sitting at the home computer on Saturady morning. Thanks for another great story. What a challenge these kids and there parents are to me – a challenge to live simply and generously, and to appreciate all that we have. What precious people. May hundreds more find the Lord through the minstry of JVP.
I am so proud of you. I trust you can sense the Lord’s pleasure in you as well. You are a blessing.
With much much love, Dad

By: Jessica Shewan

Jessica Shewan — Sat, 15 May 2010 08:46:48 +0000

Yes! I met a student named Nasser who received one of the solar lanterns as a reward for his high grades last trimester. He told me he uses it every night for homework. This small tool has a direct influence on his life, grades, and family finances…no more buying kerosene!

By: Ned

Ned — Sat, 15 May 2010 02:28:10 +0000

Jess — another great story. To see real pics of real kids with real stories makes it so much more REAL. We are praying for you and count it a blessing you are the first JVP intern. I got the solar lanterns ordered today and their should be 20 more on the way with Erica. Would love to hear a story about one of the Honor Roll kids and how the solar lanterns they earned are helping them in their schoolwork.

By: Jo Nading

Jo Nading — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:42:17 +0000

I am so loving that you are back in Kenya. Your writing makes everything feel so very close to home. I wish kids in the US valued education as much as these kiddos. We do take education for granted here – and our children complain so much. Thank you for all of your sharing – can’t wait to read what’s next.

By: Amy Sorrells

Amy Sorrells — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:08:43 +0000

Thanks, Jess, for this important and beautiful reminder of what not to take for granted . . . and who to bend my knees in prayer for today.