From the desk of;Mike MinorPresident / CEOBibles Books and Shovels, In,PO Box 1176New Castle, De. 19720  

Happy New Year We from Bibles Books and Shovels, Inc. send greetings to all and we pray that 2012 will bring you into closer relationship with those that have been brought into your presence.   We thank God for all of His provisions to sustain us through the years.  We are continuing on a very aggressive plan for our children, families and community in the area of Mombasa, Kenya, East Africa that we are called to serve.  We are facing the usual financial needs, but are hopeful that with your help we will be able to continue the work we have been given to complete.   Below, is an update of our activities over the past year.  Our overall activity during the time we’ve been in Mombassa can be reviewed on our website, biblesbooksandshovels.net.  

Children; Our children are all ready to start the new school year and our families continue to stay positive.   Our support extends to a total of 12 children. We are now supporting 3 students in 3 different high schools.  We have one in the third year, and two in the second year.  We are currently supporting 9 other students in 3 different primary schools.  We have made some reassignments that we feel will benefit the education levels of the students.  We are planning to continuously monitor the educational progress of all of our students.  

 Families;  The families of our students continue to be very supportive and involved with the children’s education, spiritual growth, and as much health care as they can provide.  We are honoring a request by one of our parents to move two of our students to another school.  The reason for the move request is the parent feels that her children would benefit from a school closer to her home and more attentions could be paid to her children’s academic progress.  We have contacted the school and agree with this concern.   

 Schools; The high schools where our students attend seem to be in good academic and financial standings.  In 2011 we were able to visit one of the high schools and talk to the key individuals who attend to our students.  We were also able to visit two of the new schools that our children will attend this year.  One of the schools that we have supported unfortunately has been caught in a very bad economic downturn and need support and prayers.  We are praying that they will be able to overcome the current situation and continue to be a very positive force in the Majengo community. 

 Spiritual Health; We are grateful that we have local pastors looking after our students and families.  We feel that our children and families are growing spiritually and are being exposed to the Word of God on a regular basis.  

Physical Health; We are grateful that a local medical team has been assembled and has communicated an aggressive medical camp schedule for the years 2012 and 2013.  We support this team’s efforts because the physical health of our children and families are an important aspect of our success in this community.   Currently, we are assisting in medical clinics conducted at various schools in this community in order to provide health care to the local residents.  Bibles, Books and Shovels purchases the medications, while the schools provide the facility, and the local government medical and pharmacy officers provide the staff.  In this effort, over 200 patients are seen at each clinic conducted. This is an exemplary team that also encourages involvement of local residents in providing holistic care for the community.  We are grateful that despite sometimes very adverse conditions related to poverty, the health of our families has been relatively good.