Wow! With God All Things Are Possible!

Dear Partners,

 We pray this newsletter encourages you as much as it encouraged me to read these stories of lives impacted by our giving! The world seems extra dark these days. Wars, flooding, storms, elections, protests, inflation, immigration crisis and so much more! I know for me that when I feel so helpless under the news headlines I try hard to (first off) PRAY then to ask God to help me be a light in this world.

Give Amore has been, for almost 10 years, a lighthouse of hope to our brothers and sisters across the globe and God is not done with us yet!

 As the director of Give Amore, I was working on some quarterly reporting and tracking when something jumped off the page of our accounting books…a total of donations (as of 9/28) of just over $960,000 since our inception in 2015! I couldn’t believe my eyes!!! Little ol’ me, with no non-profit experience, but with a heart to help others, teamed up with a bunch of amazing people who want to help be the hands and feet of Jesus have raised just shy of $1 million dollars in less than 10 years! I can’t even!!!! We did this together!!!!! Be proud, be very proud!

I want to remind everyone that we have no corporate sponsors. We have no on-going/regular church support. This is individuals doing what they can to support His kingdom and together we are a mighty force for the gospel of Jesus!

So, it got my wheels turning…Can we raise $1 MILLION by our 10th anniversary? Or better yet, by the end of the year? I believe we can! So, I’m asking you to join me in prayer that what seemed impossible 10 years ago is not impossible with God and His people in ACTION!

It’s been a very slow year for clean water wells as any additional funds we’ve received have gone to help us cover our education fees for our sponsorship program. We need more wells!

We haven’t completed any jigger clinics in a long while. Jiggers are still an ever present struggle.

We haven’t been able to raise salaries for our team because they have been advocates for our ministries but they are earning a very small wage that needs to be raised.

And, our sewing program risks not being able to provide sewing machines to our graduates because there are very few ongoing donors to support it.

Our funds are always put to amazing use and you can read along to see where some of them have gone and the lives they are impacting.

Thank you for your support! Pray with us for a mighty windfall of support to help us not only meet our shortfalls but exceed my vision. With God all things are possible!

Your Sister in Christ,

Christa Horst

Give Amore Founding Director

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

After her husband passing on 10 years ago, and with two children, Florence felt a sense of emptiness. Her husband who was the family bread winner was no more. She did not have any income source to support her left-behind family. Her life was blown apart. Finding herself alone with two young kids to raise and an immeasurable amount of grief to shoulder. How would she survive this? She had no idea on how to rebuild everything. She lost hope and even contemplated suicide. She desperately needed help. 

Give Amore came to her rescue through our sponsorship program. She was enrolled into the program And started getting help which includes food supplies every other month and full school sponsorship for her two children. This really gave her a lot of hope and relief.

 In 2022, this family got a very precious Christmas gift from a donor through Give Amore. She received a cow which has really been a blessing to her family. A year later the cow gave birth to a calf and through this they can get milk to drink and sell some to support themselves. Dairy farming has become a good business venture for her and she hopes for more.

She is so grateful and thanks God for Give Amore for the blessings in her life and the transformation and restoration of life and hope for the future.

Another Story of Success

Despite not getting a chance to finish her education. Linah, a 23-year-old did not give up hope. After being offered a chance to learn how to sew through our Made with Amore sewing program, she enrolled in the course in the year 2022 and started learning how to sew. She practiced tirelessly, working hard to refine her skills until she was able to create a wide range of designs and attires including dresses, shirts and shorts. And upon completion, she was gifted a sewing machine on her graduation. This gift gave her an opportunity to set up her on business. She was offered a free space Infront of her elder sister’s Salon Shop.

Lina is so thankful for the opportunity that this program created for her and prays of the same for others. In terms of profitability and growth, she is glad her venture is growing. She can now support herself and her family and hopes in the future, she can be able to buy more sewing machines to train and employ others.

We are glad that over the years this sewing Project has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for many and we pray for more lives to continue to be transformed. Thank you for supporting this noble course.

Giving Back to the Community

It is said that education is the most powerful tool to change the world and that you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day but teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Over the years, Give Amore has been on the forefront for advocating for education. Through our sponsorship program, hundreds of lives have been impacted and transformed.

Meet Valery, an alumnus from our sponsorship program who is making an impact in her community. She was enrolled in the program in the year 2012 and was supported through college. She was a very hard-working student.  Studied to be a teacher and graduated from college with a diploma in education in 2023 and upon completion, she got a chance to work as a volunteer in one of the best kindergarten schools in her community, Gateway Top Schools. 

She is now a fully employed primary teacher and has developed deeper passion for children and so thankful for the support that she received from Give Amore sponsorship. We are so proud and wish Valery all the best in her career as she mentors these little ones.

My Birthday Wish...

Hello Dear Partners,

First off, I hope this overdue newsletter finds you with gratitude in your heart for your provisions and blessings! If you are reading this, God has purpose for you! You have breath in your lungs and your time here to give hope, give joy and to give love is not up!

To say I’ve been through a season is an understatement. It’s been a few years of constant struggles, battling depression, anxiety and discouragement. BUT GOD! I’m still here, I’m still breathing, and I know God will bring beauty from ashes! I hope to be able to share more about my personal struggles at some point but for now, I want to encourage you that even in our darkest days we can still help others! That has been so true for me, and I know it is true for us all!

I’m so thankful that through my hard times I’ve still found purpose and opportunities to make a difference. As I worked on uploading these updates from our team in Kenya to the blog on our website/newsletter, I was once again reminded of all that God can do when we release a little of our time or treasure to Him! WOW! He is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine! And I’m reminded, everything we’ve been able to do for His kingdom through Give Amore came about because I communicated the needs and then let Him do the work in the hearts of others to join us!

 So, once again, just in time for my birthday, I want to share my biggest birthday wish with you! It’s big! But I know God is bigger! My wish is that we can raise up 10 (ten) $100 per month/$1200 per year sponsors AND $1000 of NEW recurring giving per month! That would be $24,000 of annual giving! WHOA! That’s huge and overwhelming! But God!

 So, would you consider helping us spread awareness? Asking your friends and family to join you/us on this mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our brothers and sisters across the globe? Share our mission? Consider a tax-deductible gift? A corporate write off? Collaborate with your colleagues for giving? I’m full of ideas and would love to help you brainstorm how you can join us or help us raise funds! I’m also looking for speaking opportunities to tell the stories of those that we’re impacting and be their voice!

 I’m humble enough to know that I cannot do any of these things without HIM. I cannot raise these funds. I cannot make sure you see this and then are called to move on it. It’s all His. I’m just a willing vessel to be bold enough to share with expectancy and learn to wait for Him to make it happen. The past 9+ years of Give Amore are proof of that!

 So with boldness and expectation I present these needs to you beautiful people and wait for God to stir in your heart the desire to join us or expand your mission of support.

 Your Sister in Christ,

Christa Horst

Give Amore Founding Director

The Impact of a Skill and a Sewing Machine-Getrude's Story

Getrude, 34, a mother of 3 children, is a graduate from our sewing program. She graduated from our sewing program last year. After successfully completing six months sewing training course, she was a warded a sewing machine which has changed her life for better. With her husband unemployed, life was so difficult for them and they survived on doing casual jobs to feed their family. Give Amore came in for her and gave her an opportunity which has turned her life around.

With sewing skills and a sewing machine, Getrude started working as a seamstress from home. This really improved her quality of life as she started earning a small income by sewing, repairing clothes and anything to do with embroidery. The small income enabled her to set up a shop at her nearby market. This has increased her customer base hence increasing her income. Her business is called Getis Tailoring Shop located at Shibuli Market Where she also sells sewing materials and ready-made clothes.

 She is so grateful for the opportunity she got from Give Amore which has enabled her to earn a living that has kept her three children in school and provide food for her family with support from her husband. She hopes to expand her business when it peaks and even be able to employ others.

We are so proud of Getrude and the impact this program is having in her life. We wish and  pray for her success in her business as  she soars higher and may her story inspire even more to follow in her footprints.

Sponsored Student Update-Evangeline's Story

Give Amore continue to impact lives for the better. Our sponsorship program for the needy has been one of the standout Initiatives! One of our success stories is that of Evangeline who graduated from our sponsorship program as well as continuing education!  She studied Land Survey and successfully graduated with a certificate three years ago.

This opportunity enabled her to get an internship with the Municipality department with county government of Vihiga where she continues to sharpen her skills and gain experience. She hopes to secure an employment in the same place as soon as her internship is over in a few months.

She is now happily married, and just had her second born beautiful daughter and named her ‘Christa Amore’ in honor of Give Amore and founding Director Christa. She is so grateful for the opportunity and the support she got. 

We are so happy and celebrate and rejoice with her for the blessings. It’s indeed fulfilling seeing the impact that we’re making around the globe. We pray for more.

Computer Alumnus Soaring High

Meet Vincent 28, the first born in a family of five, A Give Amore computer Training student alumnus soaring higher. After successfully completing the computer training 5 years ago. He started seeking for a job that could give him an income. The idea of starting a cyber cafe was born when he tried to get a copy of the certificate that he needed for an application he was making and had to travel for 16 kilometers to the nearest town to get it.

This made him realize what benefit the community will get from having a cyber-around. And the business opportunity this could offer him.  The challenge was the capital to begin the business. Luckily, he got help and started his cybercafe which offers photocopying, internet services, design, and ICT training lessons.

“When I started, my business was able to peak quickly because of the high demand of these services here. I had to employ one more person to assist me as the job was overwhelming. I want to thank Give Amore for giving me the opportunity to learn this skill. I can now support my family . God bless you all.” Says Vincent.

Hope for Celestine

Meet Celestine, a 30 years old lady. A Give Amore Sewing Program Graduate, A single mother of 2 children. After tolerating harrassment from her husband for 5 years , she got separated from him and moved out with her children. She had to live alone when she was pregnant for 8 months and later her husband divorced her. She had no other option but to go and live with her aged parents.  Being the eldest daughter in a family of five, life became so tough for her, She had challenges feeding her 2 children and her family. She found herself unemployed and in an economic crisis with no hope. She suffered depression and lost hope in life. Her friend, also a Give Amore Sewing school alumni, told her about the program.

She took a step and came to our office to inquire about an opportunity to enroll into our sewing program. She got a chance to enroll into our six months sewing course. She successfully graduated and was gifted a sewing machine. This opened a window of opportunity for her. Celestine started working from home by offering different tailoring services such as, sewing clothing, clothing repairs and alterations for adults and children.  From these, she is  able to get an income which has enabled her to support her two children and her family at large. This has really changed her life. She now runs a stall in the neighboring market where she makes, repairs and sells clothes

“I want to thankGive Amore,for giving me this opportunity which has turned my life around and restored my hope. Thank you for supportingme in my hard times andforhelpingme to rebuild my life." says Celestine.

Another Batch of Computer Graduates Launched into the Digital World

In today's technology-driven world, access to computer skills training is essential for youth empowerment and economic advancement. However, many young individuals still face barriers to acquiring these skills, hindering their education and employment opportunities. The digital divide disproportionately affects youths from many underserved communities, limiting their education and employment prospects. Traditional schools and collegesalso  lack adequate computer education and facilities, leaving many young individuals without essential digital competencies.  

Bridging this technology gap is crucial for economic development and competitiveness in the global arena.  Through our free of charge community computer training initiative, Give Amore aims to bridge the technology gap, empower youths, and promote economic growth and development. By providing essential digital skills, we empower individuals to succeed in the modern workforce and contribute to the prosperity of their communities.  

We are glad to report that another batch of computer students graduated last week after successfully completing a three months course. These 20 young men and women can now soar into the technology world with well-equipped skills that will help them navigate through the technology world and the job market. The graduates were so happy and thankful for the opportunity to learn computer skills. We pray and wish them all the best in the future.

Freed from Jiggers

During our previous jigger clinic, we met a family that had really been affected with jiggers. The whole family consisting of father (Ambundo), mother (Peris) and son (Eshituma) had been adversely affected. Their son could not attend school as it was so difficult to walk to school due to affected feet and pain. At school, he couldn’t concentrate due to pain. His parents could not work due to the jigger menace.

We got them treated and fumigated their house on several occasions. And provided them with footwear and education on how to prevent future infestation.

We are glad to report that the family is now jigger free. When we paid them a visit recently, it was pleasing to see the relief. Their feet are completely healed. Their son, 10 is able to attend school and the parents are able to work. They are so grateful for the help they got.

“My family used to suffer from jiggers infestations frequently. We couldn't afford treatment and footwear to protect our feet. But now, thanks to Give Amore, we have a jigger-free home and my kid can walk to school without pain. We could not sleep at night and it was too painful to walk. We are now free from jiggers now. Thank you” says Mr. Ambundo

A Plea for Help

Our school children (in January) in their new outfits and shoes thanks to your generous giving!

Hello Dearest Partners! First off, thank you for reading this! Secondly, thank you for partnering with us in prayer and support! It truly means the world to us to see who God stirs up to join us on this mission of giving hope, joy and Christ’s love to our brothers and sisters across the globe.

Give Amore continues to change lives daily through clean water, education for orphans, jigger clinics, computer training and our tailoring school. Do I have plans to grow this? YES! But I trust it’s all in God’s timing and His will, not mine. it’s surely been amazing to watch Him provide for our needs every step of the way. And I have the best seat in the house when it comes to this because I know our obstacles and our challenges and start getting nervous that we won’t be able to accomplish His will and then, BOOM, God makes a way! How cool is that? In fact, each of our newsletters is a testimony to His faithfulness, the answers to prayers and that miracles happen every single day. God uses me and YOU to accomplish His plans! How cool is that?

So, at the end of last year I was terrified that we wouldn’t be able to pay school fees for our children. It’s a giant lump sum needed twice per year and inflation has hit Kenya hard. And overall, our recurring donations have decreased. Our sponsorship program continues to squeak by and I watch in awe at how God pulls it off.

Well, the 2nd and final lump sum for the 2024 school year is due by the end of May (the school year in Kenya runs January-November) and we don’t currently have enough funds in our account to cover it. Would you consider making a general donation toward this AND becoming a monthly recurring donor for any amount so we can start saving up for the 2025 school year fees due in December? ? It’s amazing how it all adds up and how God gives us exactly what we need so I am trying not to let doubt creep in and trust that what we ask for in His name we will receive.

Again, as always, thank you for partnering with us! There are so many wonderful organizations out there doing amazing things so it’s extra amazing that you’ve chosen to support us! I’m truly in awe that God chose me (over 9 years ago)- a work-from-home, busy but compassionate mama, with no non-profit experience and helped stir in the hearts of others to join me on His mission! God is so good!

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. -Matthew 7:7-8

Please donate today at www.giveamore.org

Blessings Upon You and All Glory to God,

Christa Horst

Give Amore Founding Director

10 Mile Daily Walk to Freedom

Meet Sharon, a strong and determined mother who is fighting to provide for her family. Sharon’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. As a single mother of 3 children and with no education, she struggled to make ends meet and provide for her family. Despite the challenges she faced, Sharon refused to give up on her dreams of providing a better life for her children. Initially she survived on menial jobs to fend for herself and her family. When her husband passed away, she knew she had to find a new way to support her family. That's when she heard about the sewing course offered by the Give Amore organization located just about 5 miles away from her home. 

Sharon story took a positive turn when she made the life changing decision to enroll in our sewing program. She enrolled in the course and started learning how to sew. The long distance did not hinder her. She walked almost 10 miles every day to attend the classes. She practiced tirelessly, working hard to refine her skills until she was able to create a wide range of designs and attires including dresses, shirts and shorts. She graduated from the program in April 2023.

Thanks to the sewing machine and training that she received and to capitalize on her new acquired machine and skills, Sharon was able to set up a sewing business at the nearest market. She is able to make and repair different attires hence enabling her to feed her children and pay their school fees. She is also able to pass the acquired skills to other members of the community hence making a difference in her community. She is so grateful that she got this opportunity which has changed her life for the better.

Sharon's story is a powerful reminder of the difference that our sewing program is making in the lives of those in need. Thank you for making this a success. You too can be part of our transformative program.  

Meet Jackson a Give Amore Alumni Soaring in the World of Opportunities

In today's technology-driven world, access to computer skills training is essential for youth empowerment and economic advancement. However, many young individuals face barriers to acquiring these skills, hindering their education and employment opportunities. That is why Give amore continue to bridge this gap and since the inception of this program of empowering the community through computer skills. We’ve seen tremendous transformation. Thousands of students have graduated from this program and have been able to secure employment opportunities. One of them is Jackson Weloka, a young man who graduated from our computer class in the year 2022. Jackson was raised in a poor family of four and after completing junior high school, he could not continue with education due to lack of school fees. He made a decision to enroll into our free computer training program and attained computer skills which entails topics such as basic computer operations, software applications, coding, and digital literacy. After successfully completing his course, he secured a job to work in A cyber café as an attendant where he works up to date. He is so thankful for the opportunity he got. He is now able to support himself and his family.  And he hopes to save enough in order to continue with his education in the future. We are so proud of Jackson and we pray and wish him all the best.

Wells of Wellness Rehabilitation

The gift of water is a gift to life. Our vision at Give amore is to ensure that  the clean water  wells that we build have constant supply of water. And that is why we do regular checks on all of our 46 wells. Well rehabilitation is one of the most cost effective ways to bring clean, safe water to a community.  Sometimes it involves fixing a broken hand pump, other times it means sealing a hand dug well to prevent it from being contaminated.  These repairs, and often time total replacements enables community to continue getting clean water. Our team did a visit to some of our  wells. Some of These wells have been in service for over 7 years. The main focus of the visit was to check on how they are fairing on and if some needed repairs. Some of these wells serve  a large number of people hence wear and tear. We are glad to report that most of these wells are still functioning well and a few which needed repairs and renovations were worked on and restored into service. It was joy moving from one village to another seeing how these wells have positively impacted communities; the impact in Agriculture, children being able to stay in school intead of collecting dirty water all day, expansion of gardens and farms, Lives thriving. That is the power of water.  

More Empowerment

Our recent tailoring school graduates exude confidence and hope! They are rocking their handmade, custom-designed dresses as marketing for their work!

We’re glad to report that our tailoring program recently graduated another batch of her students.  This is after successfully completing a six month course which has taken them hard work and commitment. Some walking for longer distances every day to come and acquire this knowledge.  They were all smiles and to show their qualification, they showcased their own hand made beautiful dresses. These women can now walk into the future with a lot of hope for they now have the tools and skills to help them earn a living and feed their families.  And also help their communities thrive by benefiting from their knowledge and service.

Since the initiation of this program of empowering the community through sewing skills, we have seen so much transformation. Hundreds of women and youth have graduated from this program each being issued with a sewing machine hence enabling them to run their own shops in the villages and markets to makes ends meet.

We are so proud of these women for their achievement and we pray and wish them well for the future. Thank you for your generous donations which made this possible. God bless.

The Greatest Love of All

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:13

EASTER MESSAGE IS THE MESSAGE OF LOVE as it emphasizes the ultimate sacrifice, a love so deep that a person willingly gives up their own life for the sake of others. It transcends earthly boundaries and exemplifies selflessness. In moments of courage and compassion, we witness this extraordinary love, a love that surpasses all other forms of devotion. It reminds us that true greatness lies not in personal gain or achievement, but in acts of sacrificial love.

Jesus loved us so much that he willingly laid down His own life for us. This is the greatest love of all. Christ’s friendship towards us is a wonderful act. Despite our flaws and sinfulness, He calls us friends and reveals His love through His own acts and sufferings. His intimacy and conversations with us prove this divine friendship. While the world cheapens love, God’s love goes beyond human comprehension. He raises the bar for what love does and requires. Jesus through His sacrificial death, examples this profound love.

Jesus love surpasses all love. His love led Him to the cross, where He willingly laid down His life for humanity. He came that we may have life and have it to the fullest. This season of Easter reminds us of the profound love Christ has for us, a love that surpasses all earthly friendships and sacrifices. May we all aspire to embody such love, even in our everyday interactions, by putting others before ourselves and showing kindness, empathy, and compassion.  May we in this season, reflect on this truth and strive to love others with the same selflessness and devotion like our Lord Jesus Christ Our Savior.

The Story of Hope

Morris proudly showing his new clothes, shoes and newfound hope after healing from a horrific case of jiggers thanks to one of our Give Amore Jigger Clinic.

During our jigger clinic exercise, we received a call of duty that there was a young man called Morris in the neighboring village whose condition was in the worst and needed special attention. Our team quickly moved and located his home. When we reached his home, it was so hard to see his condition. He was bed ridden, he couldn’t move. The jiggers had ravaged the whole of his body and he was in dire pain crying for help. Our team moved quickly and started attending to him.  It took the team several hours treating him and fumigating his house.  When we visited him the following day, though in pain, He was starting to feel better. The victim received new clothes, beddings, footwear, soap and a bible and the team has continued to check on him to monitor his progress, to pray, share the word of God and encourage him. His transformation is great and he can now walk and he is no longer in pain. Thanks to those of you who made this possible. This is a life saved and health restored.

Morris so happy with all his new goodies as we had to massively fumigate his home and burn his bedding/clothes to rid his home of jiggers. Now he has new clothes, bedding, shoes, a bible and more! And he’s healing!!!!

Wow! God is so Good!

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…-Zechariah 4:10

WOW WOW WOW! All I can say is WOW! God showed He is in charge once again as we had a major need and He stirred in the hearts of many to support it!

I literally sat in awe as I watched a post I shared that had no responses, no donations and no shares turn into one of the most dramatic opportunities for God to show up! I’ll be sharing an update about it all on Facebook soon so I can better explain what’s happened but trust me when I say-do not doubt what God can do when we are faithful to follow his callings on our hearts!

I’m excited to say we will be able to host multiple jigger clinics in the coming weeks as well as repair 3 wells!

For me to have the front row seat to all of this is so encouraging and so I can only hope that you also feel encouraged to know that God is in our work and what we are doing and by supporting us, you are too!

We thank you so much for your ongoing, generous support and pray for all of you and your families! May you all draw closer to Him and be encouraged!

Christa Horst

Give Amore Founding Director

Well #43 Launched into Service

Well 43, one of its kind in its host village, was completed commissioned and handed over to her beneficiaries in a prayer ceremony graced by its so deserving community turned family. The joy marking this wonderful genesis was very evident and the gratitude from the men, women and children present in its inauguration was so memorable.

In a prayer circle with hands held, well Freeman as baptized was dedicated to God for its sustainability and continued safety in its long service ahead. For decades, a community that suffered greatly from the fangs and pangs of waterborne diseases, can now sleep easy with so much to look forward to most essentially economic.

As we all know, water is life but having a front row seat of witnessing the joy, hope that your love without borders bear is a privilege of a lifetime.  Therefore, because of you there will be economic prosperity, daily communal interaction and integration but much importantly lives saved. On behalf of every lips its waters will touch we say a big thank you.