12/17/2025
Please enjoy “Something Good” a timely retelling since you may have read in this week’s HCN newsletter the call to join PAIICE in the coming year. Also timely because your bits & pieces have us celebrating another graduate of the Kikuvi Scholarship program with her CNA certificate. Agnes has worked very hard to overcome life obstacles which dramatically interfered with her schooling. We will be sending next term’s wire asap and invite you to add your support in celebration of all of these good things. Asante friends. May God return to you what is freely given in his name. Giving options can be found here https://www.hermitagechurch.org/mission-africa-team-kenya/
12.17.23 A different kind of Advent story… may it fill you with Hope and bring you Joy today…
I’m gonna try to tell this in the best way that I can… and yes, I’ll be crying before I’m done...
Several years ago, friend to all, Melva Stricklin took on a penpal through PAIICE Prison Ministries. (A very successful ministry for those incarcerated in the Tiptonville, Tennessee State Penitentiary. There are beautiful layers to that story I could also tell you…but that’s another time.. 🥰)
Because of Melva’s faithful commitment to her penpal and her passion for HCN’s Kenyan Ministries, she let me know that her penpal wanted to contribute to our efforts in Kenya. I’ll never forget the first check included in an encouraging letter…$7. I had previous experience with those incarcerated and knew how important that $7 was for personal needs or family support… it was the virtual widow’s mite in my hand…. I wept. And I wept every time that $7 check came for about 2 years… I sent thanks and encouragement in return... It was an unexpected echo to God’s message as faithful provider of the bits and pieces coming together under His name for His purposes…
Fast forward and today marks the 3rd visit over the past two years that same gentlemen has been a guest of Marvin Heath for HCN worship… Each time he visits, he comes to say hello at the coffee shop where he again contributes for the students and checks in on the next mission…🤯🥹🧡 …
Today, he made sure to show me the Kenyan keychain he carries as a reminder that he is a part of something bigger than himself and that he is making a difference… Bits and pieces… What a puzzle of grace friends…. God is a wonder.. and He has incredibly long vision for our lives… may we be faithful with the same.🙏🇰🇪📚
