Pictures of the Mission House

Dear Friends, I know some of our supporters might wonder why it is so important for us to build a Mission House in Kamaketto. I thought it would be helpful to explain , even as we post pictures of the almost complete house. When Ruthann & I were first in the area, Leroy and Mary loaded us up in the Land Cruiser and took us to the "bush"; the area of the villages in West Pokot . It took us 4 hours of travel, over roads that are mainly up and down mountains, through river beds, and over rocks and deterioration that would challenge the most rugged of Alaskans. It is in this area that the ministry takes place, and the ministry is effective. Now 18 churches, 4 pre schools, transportation for the sick, seed for the farmers and food for the starving is provided. Plans are underway to support the many pastors and Evangelists in this region with ongoing training and teaching in the Bible and doctrine. All this means we must spend time in the "bush". In this region the people live in mud huts that are often no bigger than 10' X 12' - and their entire family lives in there. We have nowhere to sleep without the Mission House.

Even with the Mission House , living there is rustic. No running water, no electricity and no heat or air conditioning. We cook on a propane cook stove, and drinking water is gathered from a rain barrel, from runoff on the roof. In this region it can get over 100f in the day and cold at night in the winter months. We also pray that working witness teams will be led to come form the Churches who support this work. When they come - we need a place for them to sleep off the ground and away from the snakes and insects. We praise the Lord that the Mission House is almost done! Mike.

Help for Misson House

We want to extend personal thanks to all of those who have supported our ministry here in West Pokot, Kenya. Who would have ever believed that God would allow us the great privilege of serving the wonderful Pokot people again. We are so grateful to our many friends and the Churches who have come along side and shared the vision with us. Please know that you are all in our prayers. Things are not always easy here...in fact it is frequently difficult and frustrating, but through it all, our Lord has shown us many miracles -both small and large, and His hand is evident in all of our steps.

But, we need your help. The Elders and community of Kamaketto have given the ministry 15 acres of ground on the edge of the village. On this land we are building a mission house for us - and others working with the ministry - to stay in when we are in the 'bush', an outhouse, a church, and eventually a school. Praise God!

All of these are simple block buildings with corrugated metal roofs. There is no need for heat :) and since there is no electricity out here, no air conditioning, and no running water, we just need a door and a few windows. The floors are concrete, and the furniture is rough cut, and rugged like the land. We collect rainwater into a cistern off the roof, and strain then boil it for drinking water. This life is not for those looking for comfort, but we love it and God gives us grace.

But as simple as these buildings are, the materials and labor still costs money. We desperately need $4,000 to finish the mission house, and purchase the cistern for our water. Mary would like to have a gravity water shower (well... I would too!), and we need to put in an outhouse. If you can help, please send a love offering to

Hawn International Missions
c/o Mike Hervey
PO Box 872889
Wasilla, AK 99687

We'll post photos when God Bless you ALL!

Lacy's Camera

Lacy Steel made many friends with her camera, as well as her open smile and obvious love for the people, especially the children. Whenever she could, she showed the photos , and for many, it was the first time they had ever seen a picture of themselves - or even a camera for that matter.

Once they saw a picture, they would clamor for more - often making funny faces, and jumping up and down to be the one in the next picture. She was tireless in her efforts to get the right shots and help Nathan with the video footage. In tents and huts, fed rice and goat meat, with almost 100 degree heat (but it's a dry heat ! ) - Lacy was a trooper. We felt so privileged to have her and her husband Nathan with us on this latest trip and value her help and input on the mission videos as well as all our information and promotion material. We will continue to keep everyone posted on the progress.

THE MISSION HOUSE

The Mission house at Kamaketto is going up, the walls are almost finished and Leroy informs me that as long as we can continue to supply materials and pay some of the helpers, we can have it done ion 3 weeks. Please pray and help if you can. We need some of you to contribute to the materials for this building. The Mission house will house Leroy and Mary when they are out in the 'bush', as well as working witness teams and other ministry visitors to the area. It will keep them dry, and secure the kitchen and sleeping rooms with all the gear. Eventually we plan to have an outhouse, and a shower room where we can get clean with collected rain water, heated by the sun.

By American standards the Mission House will be little more than a block building with a tin roof, but it will be a permanent structure in Kamaketto, and a symbol of the work Leroy and Mary are accomplishing in West Pokot. A Church and school are also planned for the 15 acres we have been given by the community and elders there.

I will post more pictures soon. Mike.