2018 A New Year

I can't believe how time has gone by so quickly.  2017 was a year of challenges sprinkled with some despair, sadness and grief but ending with hope.  God is always ahead of me and you  whether we realize it or not.  Nothing catches him off guard.  I am so thankful that He is the God that never slumbers nor sleeps. 

The year 2018 so far has gotten off to very good start.  So many donors responded to the end of the year request for donations.  We closed the year in the black and we are looking forward to a very productive year in serving widows, orphans and women. 

We have already invested in repairs and service to widows amounting to over $2,000.  As noted on the Ministry page, the Kenya widows are doing very well and John the student who was in secondary school has finished well enough to be accepted into college.  We are so thankful for the family from ACAC who sponsored him.  We are very proud of him and can't wait to see what God has planned for his life going forward.

I will once again lead a team to Guadalajara, Mexico in July 2018.  We will assist the Christian and Missionary Alliance Missionaries there with the building of their church plant on a new site.  Another women's conference is planned as well as a dermatology clinic type setting and hopefully a time of social work for one of the other members on the team. 

I have written a book; it's a memoir surrounding my journey with my grandson, Devon Rae Marshman, and our experiences with the justice and prison systems and his eventual death in the infirmary of the prison. the book is called "I Am Ready To Come Right Away"; taken from a comment he made to the Chaplain in his request to attend chapel service in the prison; when he was too sick to attend.  If you are interested in purchasing a copy email me at sheranzellouswhite@gmail.com.  It is $9.99.  I have also been interviewed by Cornerstone TV which should air some time in February.  It is about all the tragedies my family and I have experienced over the past 10 years.  I will post on the Five James Foundation Facebook page prior it to being aired.   Look out for that.

God has been so good throughout this journey and has blessed my family and me in the midst of all the pain.  We continue "Sharing the Joy after the Pain" as we watch our Lord fulfill Scripture Romans 8:28. "And we know that God causes all things to work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose."  I would not have asked for this but I learned to trust Him no matter what.     

To God be the glory.  Until the next posting.

Sheran

Team Pittsburgh in Guadalajara, Mexico

I had mentioned previously on another page that I was asked to lead a team on a short term missions trip to Guadalajara, Mexico.  For months prior to being approached, I had heard from God that, first back in February 2016 while in Kenya, I was not going to be in Kenya for 2017.  I heard this immediately after I arrived in Kenya at the Nairobi Airport.  I thought I was just hungry, tired and jet lagged.  However while in service during one of our Bible lessons with the Kenya children; I heard Him say it again; you will not be in Kenya in 2017.  I responded OK Lord.  I mentioned this to our team while in Kenya and once again when we returned to Pittsburgh at our debriefing meeting.  It was almost one year to the very day later that I heard the Lord speak to me about not going to Kenya that my beloved grandson, Devon Rae Marshman, who was serving a 4-8 year prison sentence, had a sudden decline in his health relating to his recent diagnosis of Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  He was diagnosed with this disease the first two years of his sentence.  His health was critical and death was imminent.  He was only 22 years old when he passed into the presence of our Lord in the infirmary of the State Correctional Institute of Pittsburgh on March 21, 2017.  His last 4 years on this side life were in what most would believe to be an awful place.  It is such much so that no one wants to have their freedom taken away from them.  But when incarcerated that is a reality.  You are under the power of the system.  However, my grandson, Devon Rae Marshman, used those years to renew his faith in Christ by requesting to have the sermons from Pastor Rock from our church, Allegheny Center Alliance Church, sent to him.  He not only shared those sermons with other inmates but every piece of mail that comes through that prison is read by someone in authority, i.e., a guard or CO (Commanding Officer) before it reaches the addressee.  Devon made it clear to me and his mother during one of our final visits that he knew who his Savior is and was willing to leave this side of life and be with Him at such an early age.  His prognosis was 6 months to 2 years with continued treatment or 6 months without treatment.  Both of which were only prolonging the inevitable.  He said directly to me, "I have made my decision", to discontinue all treatment.  He lived two weeks after that admission.  His mother and I were present for his last 5 breaths in the infirmary.  It was a beautiful departure from this life as he entered eternal life with his Savior, Jesus Christ.  His breath was so sweet as we watched him gently breathe and then no longer.  God was so merciful to his mother and me in that he did not struggle to breathe or try to stay here.  He went peacefully and without any hesitation.  He went right away as Jesus came for him.  It was this turn of events that the Lord let me know a year in advance that I would not be in Kenya in 2017.  I now understand. 

This leads me back to Guadalajara, Mexico.  When Pastor Glenn asked me to lead the team I told him I would pray about it.  Devon's condition wasn't critical at that time.  Once I said I would pray about it, I started receiving emails from outside vendors in Spanish.  This went on for a couple weeks.  I sent some of them to Pastor Glenn.  Once I told Pastor Glenn I would go; the emails stopped.  God sent me and a hand selected team to minister to women and children in Guadalajara through a vacation Bible school, a one day conference to women and the task of clearing out the land where their new church will be built.  We also set up a portable pool on this site for a baptism.  We witnessed 22 baptisms on this new site; of which most were youth and young adults.  I will never understand the things God does but I will always trust Him with my life and the lives of my loved ones.  This is an experience I will never forget.  I never lead a team before.  I was able to see service to our Lord from another perspective.  it was an awesome experience.  We call ourselves Team Pittsburgh; but we are actually Team for Jesus.  To God be all the glory.

Go to photo gallery to see a picture of the team.

I Can Come Right Away

March 21, 2017 my dear beloved grandson, Devon Rae Marshman beat stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma by passing into presence our Lord at the age of 22.  It had been a 4 year ordeal that started out as; what he (the enemy) had meant for bad; God made it for good. 

There is so much injustice in our so-called justice system that to find yourself caught up in it can bring disappointment, a reality of what a sin filled world can do, expose the inconsistency of the system and how the love of money is truly the root of all evil. 

I am proud of my grandson and his decision to discontinue all treatment after being informed that with treatment he would live 6 months to 2 years and without treatment 6 months. He lived two weeks after being told that. Scripture tells us to teach us to number our days.  This doesn't mean we have control over the number of days we have on this side of life; but we should count each day as precious and purposeful.  My grandson knew just that.  Sure, he made a mistake that didn't involve any physical harm to anyone but God used it for him to share what he knew about Jesus with others in the prison.  At his funeral the chaplain from the prison wrote a lovely note informing so many of his reputation and respect in the community in which he spent the last four years of life, the State Correctional Institute Pittsburgh.  He never complained about the in just sentence he was given and served it out as a man.  I was and am still proud of him.

One of the most striking comments in the chaplain's letter was Devon had asked to attend chapel service whenever his sickness would permit him.  He ended the request to attend with "I Can Come Right Away."  The chaplain said that from his witness in the prison she was sure that when Jesus came for him he responded I Can Come Right Away. 

What a legacy he has left for us to remember and treasure.  My heart is heavy with grief and at the same time full of so much joy; knowing I will see him again.  I too hope to respond to our Savior when that time comes with "I Can Come Right Away." 

To God be the glory.

Dates of Significance

Today is March 6, 2017.  I made it once again through the dates of March 4 & 5.  March 4, 1978 marks the birth of my son, Williams James White, III and March 5, 2007 marks the date in which he was murdered. 

This was the first time I have been in the United States for these dates since 2011.  I have spent the past six years in Kenya ministering to widows and orphans during those dates.  While there it is impossible to think about dates; one of celebration and one of sorrow.  There is so much to do while in Kenya dates and time really don't mean anything.  You don't have time to think about what is the date. 

I believe God kept me home this year to show me how I have grown in my faith.  I didn't have as much of a difficult time getting through those dates as I thought I would.  However there were those who dishonored my request to not post pictures of my son on social media; that left me feeling somewhat sad.  I really am not ready to see him pop up without any warning for someone to express their grief.  Well I know everyone does it and feels they have the right to do what they want on the page; but when someone specifically asks it is only considerate to honor that request.

But we learn and grow from such and extend grace and forgiveness.  Jesus has been with me throughout this entire matter.  I have truly been transformed by the renewing of my mind.

To God be the glory.

Winning an Award

So the elections are over.  Actually they aren't over.  It is just a new beginning for our Country.  With so much poverty in the world it is a shame so much of  our focus has been on this election.  I pray that we as a country will heal and begin the process of showing the world our forgiveness, love and respect for one another. 

Enough of that.  I was nominated by my boss from Ann Taylor for a very prestigious award through the corporate office of Ann Taylor, Ascena.   Five James Foundation was the recipient of a $1,000 donation and I had the honor of being flown to New York; overnight accommodation at the Grand Hyatt on 42nd Street;  a day of sightseeing all of Manhattan including Central Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, The Metropolitan Museum, The World Trade Center Memorial, the 112 year old subway, Times Square, and all the energy of that exciting city.  The next day I and seven other nominated winners were blessed with a warm and beautiful breakfast at the Corporate Office and then a glamorous, elegant luncheon at an upscale restaurant, the Cipriani.  Only God could bless me and the others with such a time of recognition; of which I never asked for.  To God be all the glory.  I'm humbled to be honored by Him through this award.

This experience has reenergized my desire to serve the Lord through Five James Foundation.  Not because of the award but knowing that He has all authority and power over this ministry, me and anyone who can offer a contribution.  This was just that; a contribution of grace and His love for the work done on His behalf.  I am in awe of being chosen for such a time as this. 

Be blessed as you serve Him too.

Where has the time gone

Since the last post in May, so much has happened.  There were snags in the website launch.  I have had the most difficult time trying to get anyone to help me.  I finally went to lunch with a very dear friend; who also lost a child a while back.  We were brought together through one of her other daughters whom I attend church and actually met her on our first trip to Kenya in 2011. 

Her mother, Patti, and I went to lunch back in October at our favorite restaurant, Panera.  We had finished our meal and began talking about our lives; her newly expected grandchild due date October 24; if I remember correctly.  I casually mentioned the dilemma of the website and she said that is what she did for a living before retirement. 

Well all that to say, she has been a blessing to me.  She got the PayPal to function and a few other challenges for me.  Currently, I am struggling with the pictures on the "Meet The Team" page.  I will email her immediately finishing this post to please assist me with populating the pictures to the bios for each of the board members. 

Well, I just wanted to get a new blog post to you; even though I am the only one reading this since I haven't gone live with the website at that time of this post.  There is so much to do and I think about how it should look; inviting others to invest in prayer; interest and of course finances.

To God be the glory.  Until we meet again in this post.

Sheran

Update on the widows

To date, I have been maintaining contact with the widows in Kenya through their pastor; Pastor Peter.  It is through his vision and love for the community that so much has been accomplished through the Five James Foundation and the projects with the widows.  By the way; their names are Shiroh, Monica, Naomi, Mary & Jacinta. 

It all started in 2010 as I prepared for my first trip to Kenya in 2011 with Pastor John Stanko and a team from ACAC.  I was a broken woman at that time and couldn't believe nor understand why or how the Lord was going to use me.  I was fifty-two pounds overweight; self medicating myself with wine, obviously overeating and deeply depressed.  However, He saw something I could not see in myself.  I thought that was as good as He could get.  But God! 

There were other widows prior to these five.  That partnership soon dissolved as their was very little accountability with the contact person at that time.  Keep in mind those widows were five hours outside of Nairobi; thus it was difficult to stay in touch and keep account of what and where the funds being invested to improve the lifestyles of those widows.

In 2012, Pastor Peter searched his community in a little town called Banana for any widows.  Thus he found these five.  He was unaware of their needs and lack of community support.  He was humbled to walk along side them and the Five James Foundation to begin a plan for their future to sustain themselves.  That year, through your generous donations I raised $2400.  That was the beginning of what I call the industry of merchandising for those widows.  They purchased a very antiquated machine to start making jewelry; earrings, bangles, and key chains.  I'll always remember the picture that was taken of us upon our meeting.  There were three present at that time.  They were unsure of what was going on; who I was and my interest in them.  The money was presented with no clear understanding on their part of what it all meant. 

Well, that's it for now.  Stayed for more history of the ministry.  To God be the glory.

Finally the website we all have been waiting for - Five James Foundation

What a journey this all has been over the years.  It is by God's grace and mercy that I am even part of such a worthy cause.  The journey started in 2010 when I was first invited to go to Kenya on a missions trip with my pastor.  From there God evolved this ministry to widows in Kenya.  It has since become a ministry to widows here in the US as well.

I can't begin to express my gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this ministry.  There are countless servants giving of their time, financial resources and most importantly prayer over this ministry and those benefiting from it. 

I'm writing this blog while my dear friend and sister in Christ, Patti works on developing and arranging this website for the glory of God and how He wants to continue His ministry through the Five James Foundation.  I have often said; this is not my ministry it is the Lord's.  I am merely a vessel who initially, reluctantly, said yes to His call upon my life for His purpose and plan for both the widows and as He restored me to wholeness.

Well this is the first of what I pray will be many blog posts.  This one is short as I just wanted to get a feel of what it feels like to have a website to blog about what God is doing in the lives of the least of these. 

I will post as the Spirit leads me.  Be blessed as you have been a blessing to so many.

Sheran