Steeves' Summary #1

The Great Rift Valley, near Kijabe


Dear Friends,

Welcome to our first newsletter about our upcoming mission to Kenya with Africa Inland Mission. 

Over the past two years we have learned that our mission began when we said, "Yes, we are going!"  We have had several wonderful opportunities to talk to others about Kenya and missions.

This winter we have been busy traveling around speaking in churches.  We have shared in five churches since Christmas. All of them have been small country churches.  It is great to see how God's faithful people worship together regardless of numbers.  We are scheduled for four more Sunday services and hope to speak to some other groups as well.   Even though we are unable to see the whole picture of what is in store for us, we have been encouraged daily.  We have received emails, kind words, phone calls, and packages of blankets for Kenya.


Our Assignment in Kenya

We will be working at Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school run by Africa Inland Mission for children of missionaries.

RVA has asked us to be dorm parents to about fifteen Grade seven girls.  The girls will be mostly daughters of missionaries.  They carry passports from all over the world, and their parents are working in several different countries in Africa. Even though we don't have to cook for them and they have chores assigned, I'm sure we will have our hands full!  We are really looking forward to meeting these girls.  Julianne looks forward to a dorm full of big sisters, and is making bracelets for each of them.  Evan said that if they try to kiss him, he is going to go climb a tree.  We know that he will enjoy the extra attention!

Dorm parenting will also allow us some time to work in fields where we have skills as well.  Bernadine will likely work in the Student Health Department at RVA, and I will likely help with computers or other technical work.  We also plan on getting involved with the local community, where we have seen so much need. 


Home-made Blankets for Kenya

We are collecting home-made blankets to distribute amoung disadvantaged children in Kenya.  It is wonderful to continually experience so many blessings being poured out as a result of the Homemade Blankets for Kenya project. The Sunshiners, an on-line quilting guild, have been an inspiration to many with their beautiful multi-colored quilts. It has been a joy to receive several boxes from Alaska, British Columbia, and California. They have certainly given people a wider perspective of how God works.

Since the article Countdown to Kenya appeared in the February issue of the Tidings magazine, approximately a dozen Women's Society Missions groups in the Maritimes have offered to contribute to the blanket project. Each WMS member who contacted us had a unique story to tell and a slightly different reason for making the connection . Some had questions regarding our family plans for Kenya. Others had questions about how to effectively get their church involved in missions. Most of the WMS members wanted to give a new meaningful focus to their ladies' group and encourage them to learn new skills. Several members from our supporting churches have also offered to help with the project. Several ladies expressed how the hands-on nature of the project has helped them see themselves as an integral part of the mission to Kenya. Each church participating in making blankets seems to have their share of talent. Some churches even have specialties as to what kind they make. Many seem enthusiastic about letting their talents shine, especially the country quilters!

We have been touched by the eagerness of ladies from our own church, especially the women who have chosen to participate in the project while recovering from illness. So many blessings and the blankets have not yet left port !

Thanks again to all those who have put their heart and soul into the project. They will be well appreciated by the children of Kenya.


Our Schedule:

We have the following engagements scheduled:

March 5,  Sackville WMS
March 7, Main Street Baptist Church, Sackville, NB
March 14, First St. Martins United Baptist Church. 
March 16, Forest Hills Baptist WMS
April 18, Forest Hills United Baptist Church 
April 25, Loch Lomond United Baptist Church


Co-appointment with Canadian Baptist Ministries.

Our church has requested that CBM co-appoint us along with AIM.  This recognizes our Baptist connections and extends the work of CBM.  There is another couple at RVA, the Bannisters, who are also co-appointed with AIM and CBM, so CBM is familiar with our anticipated ministry.  While CBM is an important partner in our ministry, we will not be receiving funding from them.  Things were just about finalized with CBM before Christmas, but before we got the last paperwork to them, there was a reorganization at CBM in Mississauga.  This has delayed things as new people take over our application, but we fully anticipate that it will proceed.


Financial update

Africa Inland Mission does not pay missionaries, but gives them the tools to raise their own money from churches and individuals.  We believe that God can supply our needs through his people if we make the needs known.  Our largest need right now is for people to commit to give monthly to our needs while we are in Kenya. If you feel led to give, even a small amount, please let us know and we will help with details.  Another option is to print a pledge card and send it directly to AIM.  All donations are tax-deductible in Canada or the US.


Prayer requests:

It is a big step of faith for us to go to Kenya.  We have had encouragement and challenges, but we see God's work all around us.  Please pray for us as we prepare.

Please pray for:
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.


In Him,

Michael, Bernadine, Julianne and Evan

Michael and Bernadine Steeves
Home address: 113 Pauline St. Saint John, NB,  E2J 3K8
Email:  Steeves@kijabe.org
Home phone: (506) 658-6081
Web: www.kijabe.org

Africa Inland Mission
Mission address: 1641 Victoria Park Ave. Scarborough, ON,  M1R 1P8
Mission email: general.can@aimint.net
Mission phone:  (877) 407-6077
Mission web:  www.aimcanada.org