Steeves' Summary # 9: The Power of One            November 8, 2004

I've often looked at the situation around the world and wondered why I even bother to be concerned with all its problems. There is no way that I can solve these problems myself. Then I look around and see people who don't understand that attitude, and just keep doing things that make a difference.

One major problem facing Kenya today is deforestation. Trees are being cut down at an alarming rate. It is understandable when a poor villager cuts down a tree to have firewood to cook a hot meal. It is much harder to accept when a rich politician gains a title to a large tract of protected forest land to build a housing development.

Wangari Maathai refuses to see a difficult situation as hopeless. In 1977, she had an idea to get some rural Kenyan women to plant trees with the future in mind. Most people cook over a fire, and a future source of firewood would have great benefits. Never one to be satisfied with success, she continued with her “Green Belt Movement” and became a determined and well respected environmental advocate. Her organization has planted over 25 million trees in a country that is still cutting trees faster than they can be planted.

Wangari Maathai's efforts for change did not end with having women plant trees. She has taken her environmentalism to the top level of government. For her opposition to government officials grabbing public forest land, she has been imprisoned and beaten senseless. She has never given up. In October 2004 she became the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This was for her efforts to peacefully protect the land.

One person can make a difference.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

We have all the finances required to get us to Kenya, however we only have 60% of our monthly support. It is gaining, but not fast enough for us to get to Kenya in December. After consulting with AIM and RVA, we have delayed our departure until the next school year. We need to have all of our funds raised by June 2005. We are now available to speak in the spring, and will be contacting new churches in the near future.

All further funds that we receive will be held for us until we go to Kenya. These funds will go towards our monthly support. We really appreciate all those who continue to give.

Blessings,

You can see our previous newsletters on our website at www.kijabe.org/mission2004.

	Michael and Bernadine Steeves 113 Pauline St. Saint John, NB E2J 3K8 (506) 658-6081 steeves@kijabe.org www.kijabe.org
	Africa Inland Mission 1641 Victoria Park Ave. Scarborough, ON M1R 1P8 (877) 407-6077 (Toll Free) www.aimcanada.org
	Canadian Baptist Ministries 7185 Millcreek Dr. Mississauga, ON L5N 5R4 (905) 821-3533 www.cbmin.org