This maybe our last update. Yesterday six of us went to Ilula, the other training center run by ELI. Ilula is where they make the bread ovens, have the windmill and many of the other projects we have heard Don Rogers talk about. But Ilula is close to Eldoret, the closet main city. We all voted and agreed that Kipkaren was a better location for us. While the six of us were at Ilula, Ann and Charlotte went with the Mobile Health Clinic. They treated tons of kids. When the surrounding villages heard that there was someone who could help with physical disabilities was coming, they came in droves. Many came with severe disabilities and expected Charlotte to perform miracles. Sounds like the ladies dished out tons of compassion and did assist in the cases where they could. Today the whole team walked to the “Jesus Bridge” that Don has shared about. It was a neat feeling to see the simple bridge that has brought so much of Jesus’ love to this area. David, the director at Kipkaren, retold us the story of the bridge. About how they used to show the Jesus film along the river and the people on the other side would sing “build us a bridge to Jesus.” Tomorrow we leave for a one day safari and then our time in Kenya is over. The others will fly out of Nairobi on Sunday and arrive in Los Angeles on Monday. Ann, Rebekah and I will go to Uganda to visit Ann’s sister and family. We should arrive home Thursday. God has been so good. Everyone has experienced good health.
Scott
(Just a little story! Last night we were eating dinner at David, the director’s home when Kierra, one of the missionaries walked to a darker section of the living room and said, “I think there’s a spider on the floor, a large spider! David walked over and stepped on a turanchela (sp?) walking towards our dinner party. The ladies decided they were going to check their room well before going to sleep!)
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Dave Speaking
It is Tuesday morning, and Bryan, Ashlea, and Joyce are planting Kale seedlings in the garden. Kim and I are waiting to start day two of our community marriage conference. On Saturday, we discussed communication in the marriage and had a very good question and answer session. We are learning that communication within the marriage is an area where there is a struggle, so please be in prayer that what is talked about will be able to be applied to strengthen marriages.
It was exciting for Kim and I on Friday to see one of the staff had finished a three page letter to his wife, something that took him out of his comfort zone because he had never done something like that before.
On Monday we all took a trip to Kipkaren. It is completely different than two years ago when we were there. It is exciting to see how God has taken the vision that Don Rogers spoke about five years ago at KCC and has made it a reality. It was wonderful to see old friends and spend some time with them. Dorcas who was our cook two years ago is now married and is a house parent in the Children’s Home. They have a son, Brian. The clinic now has a new wing for eye care and dentistry. The children’s home and school has opened. The kitchen is now a computer room and they have a wonderful indoor kitchen. God has blessed them!
We are all in prayer for one of the children who has been sick this past week, he normally has a lot of energy, but is very tired and his stomach hurts, so please be in prayer for him. It has been a blessing to have God use me has an example both by what I say and the actions I have shown and how the Kenyans have been able to show me where I still need to grow in my walk with Christ.
Bwana Asifiwe
(Praise the Lord)
It was exciting for Kim and I on Friday to see one of the staff had finished a three page letter to his wife, something that took him out of his comfort zone because he had never done something like that before.
On Monday we all took a trip to Kipkaren. It is completely different than two years ago when we were there. It is exciting to see how God has taken the vision that Don Rogers spoke about five years ago at KCC and has made it a reality. It was wonderful to see old friends and spend some time with them. Dorcas who was our cook two years ago is now married and is a house parent in the Children’s Home. They have a son, Brian. The clinic now has a new wing for eye care and dentistry. The children’s home and school has opened. The kitchen is now a computer room and they have a wonderful indoor kitchen. God has blessed them!
We are all in prayer for one of the children who has been sick this past week, he normally has a lot of energy, but is very tired and his stomach hurts, so please be in prayer for him. It has been a blessing to have God use me has an example both by what I say and the actions I have shown and how the Kenyans have been able to show me where I still need to grow in my walk with Christ.
Bwana Asifiwe
(Praise the Lord)
Bethany Bible- From the heart of Rebekah
My dad challenged us to try and express our feelings in a poem because it touches people’s hearts more, since we are relational beings. Now I am no poet but I think God blessed me with the words to express myself and I wanted to share it with you as well. Love, Rebekah
My Africa
I cry for you my Africa,
I must shed a tear,
I have heard your tragic story,
And closed my heart in fear.
Confusion overtakes me,
As my emotions ebb and flow,
How can you say God is good?
Or what you reap is what you sow?
Pain fills your life song,
A humble melody,
Yet with God as your refuge,
You sing harmony.
With a rhythmic dance,
Your passion overflows,
For this God of compassion,
I hardly seem to know.
The notes of your past,
Have left an open door,
To see the heart of God,
To serve and love Him more.
Can this be envy,
That creeps inside of me?
For though my tune is sweet,
It seems somehow empty.
So my Africa,
I want to tell you this,
Though I came to help and serve,
You’ve shown me what I’ve missed.
Glory be to God,
For how you’ve touched my life,
Teaching me to be filled with joy,
In the face of strife.
Asante, my Africa
I’m just so overwhelmed.
My Africa
I cry for you my Africa,
I must shed a tear,
I have heard your tragic story,
And closed my heart in fear.
Confusion overtakes me,
As my emotions ebb and flow,
How can you say God is good?
Or what you reap is what you sow?
Pain fills your life song,
A humble melody,
Yet with God as your refuge,
You sing harmony.
With a rhythmic dance,
Your passion overflows,
For this God of compassion,
I hardly seem to know.
The notes of your past,
Have left an open door,
To see the heart of God,
To serve and love Him more.
Can this be envy,
That creeps inside of me?
For though my tune is sweet,
It seems somehow empty.
So my Africa,
I want to tell you this,
Though I came to help and serve,
You’ve shown me what I’ve missed.
Glory be to God,
For how you’ve touched my life,
Teaching me to be filled with joy,
In the face of strife.
Asante, my Africa
I’m just so overwhelmed.
Bethany Bible- Ida Reporting
The beauty of Kip Karen reminds me of Wisconsin…how awesome is our CREATOR….We have had to get used to doing things in primitive ways….even as we ready ourselves for the day…..and it seems to say to us all that the people of Africa seem to look deep within our hearts and are more in touch with who the LORD created us to be than we are ourselves our.
My heart still seems to be with the Samaritan Women but much has transpired within their group. Suzie lost her 18 year old son as he was riding his bicycle ….the traffic on the streets between those riding their bicycles and the cars and trucks make it amazing that so many of us survived…The funeral was last week but because of their culture we did not have the freedom to comfort her. Mary seems to be the only one who has succeeded in her business of making jewelry; thus some have gone back into their previous life. Please keep Mary, Rose, Suzie, Phonice, Marizia and Gloria in your prayers for I am convinced that our GOD can do the great and awesome things within their lives for He is all powerful.
We have visited those that are HIV positive. How they hunger just for the touch of another human and are so grateful the Lord has sent us. We have gone out with the men from the AA group and last week Peter prayed to accept Christ as he prayed with Tom, Wilson and I. Only the Lord knows the hearts of the people but He does promise us that His Word will accomplish His purpose Please keep him in your prayers and the others in the village who have such a huge struggle with alcohol. Many, including the staff of ELI, have been delivered from the deep spiritual darkness that surrounds Africa, but because of the depth of where they have come from they seem to have a freedom that we each long for as they praise God.
A great need here seems to be to help finance the Nationals as they reach out to the people of the villages and the surrounding area. Many make less per day than it would cost us to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks and thus they cannot afford to send their children to the school at ELI. My prayer also would be that Stone and Wilson who head up AA would have bibles to give to those that make a decision for CHRIST.
In the early evening a double rainbow appeared. Perhaps it is a reminder to us that our GOD truly does keep his promises and has an awesome love for His people throughout the world.
Ida
My heart still seems to be with the Samaritan Women but much has transpired within their group. Suzie lost her 18 year old son as he was riding his bicycle ….the traffic on the streets between those riding their bicycles and the cars and trucks make it amazing that so many of us survived…The funeral was last week but because of their culture we did not have the freedom to comfort her. Mary seems to be the only one who has succeeded in her business of making jewelry; thus some have gone back into their previous life. Please keep Mary, Rose, Suzie, Phonice, Marizia and Gloria in your prayers for I am convinced that our GOD can do the great and awesome things within their lives for He is all powerful.
We have visited those that are HIV positive. How they hunger just for the touch of another human and are so grateful the Lord has sent us. We have gone out with the men from the AA group and last week Peter prayed to accept Christ as he prayed with Tom, Wilson and I. Only the Lord knows the hearts of the people but He does promise us that His Word will accomplish His purpose Please keep him in your prayers and the others in the village who have such a huge struggle with alcohol. Many, including the staff of ELI, have been delivered from the deep spiritual darkness that surrounds Africa, but because of the depth of where they have come from they seem to have a freedom that we each long for as they praise God.
A great need here seems to be to help finance the Nationals as they reach out to the people of the villages and the surrounding area. Many make less per day than it would cost us to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks and thus they cannot afford to send their children to the school at ELI. My prayer also would be that Stone and Wilson who head up AA would have bibles to give to those that make a decision for CHRIST.
In the early evening a double rainbow appeared. Perhaps it is a reminder to us that our GOD truly does keep his promises and has an awesome love for His people throughout the world.
Ida
Monday, July 23, 2007
Bethany Bible- Carolyn Reports
Jambo, rafiki!
We are enjoying another afternoon rain shower as I type. We do wish that somehow we could bring the rain home to Southern California.
Our evenings start with dinner at 7pm. Usually, some staff member shares his or her story and our hearts are broken and encouraged by what we hear. It is amazing how God is the same wherever in the world we are. Tuesday night we had a special treat as Pastor Peter, his wife Ruth, Pastor James, and Cosmas all came to play games after dinner. Peter showed us his motorbike moves that he uses to encourage people to be tested at the AIDS clinic. We laughed so hard and can‘t wait to share them with all of you. He shared about some traditions of the Nandi tribe to which all four of them belong. We ended with singing praises to God in Kiswahili. What a blessing. It wasn’t until Wednesday evening that we finally played “Pass the Pigs” with Peter and some of the others. Although our mornings can be filled with tears, our evenings here are filled with laughter.
Wednesday morning Julie, the American nurse, gave us an update on the fight against HIV/AIDS in this area. She quoted Mother Teresa, “Every AIDS victim is Jesus in a distressing disguise.” I think that for me, I am seeing Jesus in many disguises. Giving that cup of cold water in His name has never been so real. We divided into two groups and hiked out into the community to visit HIV/AIDS patients in their homes. Our team stopped to talk with an old man in tattered clothing who carries his Bible in his backpack and ministers to whom ever he meets. We fellowshipped in the Word and in prayer. When we arrived at the home of our visit, only an eighteen-year old girl was there with the two young children. The gogo (grandmother) had gone to Kipkaren to get rubber gloves. The HIV patient is a 20 month old girl who had so little energy that she just sat in Charlotte’s lap and leaned her head against her. Flovia lost her mother to AIDS in December. Her gogo and aunt are now her caregivers. Before we left, we prayed for the family, and the aunt accepted Christ. Home visitation teams go out several times a week and will do follow up with Prisca, the aunt. Please do pray for both Prisca and Flovia. The other team had a good visit with an adult man, David Kabet, who has been positive for a number of years. His case is more encouraging as he can farm to support his family. In the afternoon Char worked with Kipleget who has muscular weakness and lives in the boarding home here on the compound. She plans to give him therapy each day we are here. He, along with 71 other children, attends Brook of Faith Academy, but will go home to their parents on July 29th when the school recesses for a month.
Scott shared devotions about Jesus being a cook rather than an engineer with the staff at the Children’s Home at 4 pm, Ann gave her testimony to the children for their devotions at 6, and we all enjoyed singing with the kids. Boy, can they sing loudly!! Tonight we plan to eat ugali and veggies with the children in their homes. Hugs and smiles will be our dessert.
Today we met Betty who is HIV positive. She met the Lord in 2004 and knows Him more intimately because of being rejected and living through the pain of being positive than most who have known Him much longer. Our time here has been filled with stories, more than we can ever recount. After breakfast everyone split up. Ann and Charlotte walked to the clinic to work with the babies and sick. Tom and Scott planned to do woodworking. Smitty helped Daniel fix a very important generator (Will we have electricity tonight?). Becky washed clothes and assisted the teacher of the Baby Class at the Children’s Home. Ida took pictures (she has taken more than 600 since we’ve been here!). I wanted to visit with the headmaster of the school, but taught a social studies lesson instead. God is using all of us.
Tomorrow brings the graduation of a number of agricultural students, one of whom is a friend of the Crockers. The busyness and excitement fill the air. Right now the men are slaughtering a cow with the assistance of Scott and Smitty. This place is empowering lives one by one to change the world for Christ. Thanks for praying for us and with us as we continue on this journey!
We are enjoying another afternoon rain shower as I type. We do wish that somehow we could bring the rain home to Southern California.
Our evenings start with dinner at 7pm. Usually, some staff member shares his or her story and our hearts are broken and encouraged by what we hear. It is amazing how God is the same wherever in the world we are. Tuesday night we had a special treat as Pastor Peter, his wife Ruth, Pastor James, and Cosmas all came to play games after dinner. Peter showed us his motorbike moves that he uses to encourage people to be tested at the AIDS clinic. We laughed so hard and can‘t wait to share them with all of you. He shared about some traditions of the Nandi tribe to which all four of them belong. We ended with singing praises to God in Kiswahili. What a blessing. It wasn’t until Wednesday evening that we finally played “Pass the Pigs” with Peter and some of the others. Although our mornings can be filled with tears, our evenings here are filled with laughter.
Wednesday morning Julie, the American nurse, gave us an update on the fight against HIV/AIDS in this area. She quoted Mother Teresa, “Every AIDS victim is Jesus in a distressing disguise.” I think that for me, I am seeing Jesus in many disguises. Giving that cup of cold water in His name has never been so real. We divided into two groups and hiked out into the community to visit HIV/AIDS patients in their homes. Our team stopped to talk with an old man in tattered clothing who carries his Bible in his backpack and ministers to whom ever he meets. We fellowshipped in the Word and in prayer. When we arrived at the home of our visit, only an eighteen-year old girl was there with the two young children. The gogo (grandmother) had gone to Kipkaren to get rubber gloves. The HIV patient is a 20 month old girl who had so little energy that she just sat in Charlotte’s lap and leaned her head against her. Flovia lost her mother to AIDS in December. Her gogo and aunt are now her caregivers. Before we left, we prayed for the family, and the aunt accepted Christ. Home visitation teams go out several times a week and will do follow up with Prisca, the aunt. Please do pray for both Prisca and Flovia. The other team had a good visit with an adult man, David Kabet, who has been positive for a number of years. His case is more encouraging as he can farm to support his family. In the afternoon Char worked with Kipleget who has muscular weakness and lives in the boarding home here on the compound. She plans to give him therapy each day we are here. He, along with 71 other children, attends Brook of Faith Academy, but will go home to their parents on July 29th when the school recesses for a month.
Scott shared devotions about Jesus being a cook rather than an engineer with the staff at the Children’s Home at 4 pm, Ann gave her testimony to the children for their devotions at 6, and we all enjoyed singing with the kids. Boy, can they sing loudly!! Tonight we plan to eat ugali and veggies with the children in their homes. Hugs and smiles will be our dessert.
Today we met Betty who is HIV positive. She met the Lord in 2004 and knows Him more intimately because of being rejected and living through the pain of being positive than most who have known Him much longer. Our time here has been filled with stories, more than we can ever recount. After breakfast everyone split up. Ann and Charlotte walked to the clinic to work with the babies and sick. Tom and Scott planned to do woodworking. Smitty helped Daniel fix a very important generator (Will we have electricity tonight?). Becky washed clothes and assisted the teacher of the Baby Class at the Children’s Home. Ida took pictures (she has taken more than 600 since we’ve been here!). I wanted to visit with the headmaster of the school, but taught a social studies lesson instead. God is using all of us.
Tomorrow brings the graduation of a number of agricultural students, one of whom is a friend of the Crockers. The busyness and excitement fill the air. Right now the men are slaughtering a cow with the assistance of Scott and Smitty. This place is empowering lives one by one to change the world for Christ. Thanks for praying for us and with us as we continue on this journey!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Bryan Speaking
On Friday, Dave did a Bible Study with the kids at Samro School. Later Dave, Kim, Ashlea, and Bryan pulled weeds out of the carrot garden. Joyce helped cook in the kitchen for the kids. We were able to eat with the kids much to their delight. We visited Jane’s house who is a preschool teacher at Samro. Her parents-in-law are 105 and 102 years old and can still move like they were 80 years old. When we got back from the house visit we played with the kids. Bryan helped burn the trash and burnt his hands too. (Obviously not badly since he can type. Editorial comment.)
On Saturday Dave and Kim did a community marriage seminar. While they were doing that Joyce, Ashlea, and Bryan prayed for them and did worship songs. Then we went out and played with the kids while Kim and Dave did the marriage seminar. Bryan helped burn the trash again and luckily didn’t burn his fingers. Later, we went on a house visit to Sally who is an assistant house parent here at Ilula. Her mother and dad stretched out their earlobes when they were young. (Click here to see a picture of how the grandma used to cut and stretch her ears.)
Today, we led Sunday school about how we are sheep and Jesus is our Shepherd. For church we had a guest speaker who was a pastor at a church in town. He preached on Judges six (isn’t it amazing how Pastor Ed was preaching on Judges before we left and then when we got here another pastor preaches on Judges). For lunch we went to Kerio View for lunch and to relax. The view was gorgeous from where we ate.
Please keep us in your prayers as we come home next week.
On Saturday Dave and Kim did a community marriage seminar. While they were doing that Joyce, Ashlea, and Bryan prayed for them and did worship songs. Then we went out and played with the kids while Kim and Dave did the marriage seminar. Bryan helped burn the trash again and luckily didn’t burn his fingers. Later, we went on a house visit to Sally who is an assistant house parent here at Ilula. Her mother and dad stretched out their earlobes when they were young. (Click here to see a picture of how the grandma used to cut and stretch her ears.)
Today, we led Sunday school about how we are sheep and Jesus is our Shepherd. For church we had a guest speaker who was a pastor at a church in town. He preached on Judges six (isn’t it amazing how Pastor Ed was preaching on Judges before we left and then when we got here another pastor preaches on Judges). For lunch we went to Kerio View for lunch and to relax. The view was gorgeous from where we ate.
Please keep us in your prayers as we come home next week.
Bethany Bible- Graduation Time!
Jambo Rafiki,
This has been a full week. Yesterday was the graduation of the 9 month students from the ELI training center. It was their largest class ever, 33 young men and women. Many come from neighboring villages but some come from as far away as Uganda. We were able to meet and give support to Joshua, the Ugandan student that the Crocker’s had sponsored. He was delighted to meet us and he told us we would be his family. The students’ families came and celebrated with us. The church was full to past-capacity, then there were many standing outside. They had huge speakers and enjoyed the loud worship and booming announcements so all could hear. The ceremony was to start at 10:00am. The worship began but the women were still making food in the nearby kitchen and not all the famlies had arrived yet, so it actually didn't start till 12:00. We (the women) helped make traditional Chipatis (like tortillas) and finished just in time for the start of the ceremony. The students were honored by the presence of dignitaries and their teachers shared about them too. We enjoyed being a part of the 6th graduation at ELI. Afterward they fed over 600 people. And we thought our luncheon for 200 was a lot of work. Ha! Then we (the women again) helped wash and rinse the dishes from all those people. There was amazing fellowship with the women in the kitchen. The men helped out with sweeping and moving tables and the like but are not supposed to do dishes!! We were exhausted and slept well. This morning we led kid’s club for over 200 children. Recreational games with the equipment we brought and I shared the wordless book with them also. They are so well behaved but it was another exhausting day. We are so thankful to God for all He is enabling us to do while we are here. Thanks for your support and prayers. We send many greetings from all of our new African friends. Love in Jesus, Ann
This has been a full week. Yesterday was the graduation of the 9 month students from the ELI training center. It was their largest class ever, 33 young men and women. Many come from neighboring villages but some come from as far away as Uganda. We were able to meet and give support to Joshua, the Ugandan student that the Crocker’s had sponsored. He was delighted to meet us and he told us we would be his family. The students’ families came and celebrated with us. The church was full to past-capacity, then there were many standing outside. They had huge speakers and enjoyed the loud worship and booming announcements so all could hear. The ceremony was to start at 10:00am. The worship began but the women were still making food in the nearby kitchen and not all the famlies had arrived yet, so it actually didn't start till 12:00. We (the women) helped make traditional Chipatis (like tortillas) and finished just in time for the start of the ceremony. The students were honored by the presence of dignitaries and their teachers shared about them too. We enjoyed being a part of the 6th graduation at ELI. Afterward they fed over 600 people. And we thought our luncheon for 200 was a lot of work. Ha! Then we (the women again) helped wash and rinse the dishes from all those people. There was amazing fellowship with the women in the kitchen. The men helped out with sweeping and moving tables and the like but are not supposed to do dishes!! We were exhausted and slept well. This morning we led kid’s club for over 200 children. Recreational games with the equipment we brought and I shared the wordless book with them also. They are so well behaved but it was another exhausting day. We are so thankful to God for all He is enabling us to do while we are here. Thanks for your support and prayers. We send many greetings from all of our new African friends. Love in Jesus, Ann
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Kim Reports
WOW!! What God has shown us here in Ilula since we arrived almost one week ago. We have just finished our first marriage seminar with the ELI staff that we will be presenting while we are here. We have had very enlightening discussions in the marriage seminar and believe that we are learning just as much as we are teaching. The couples are very inquisitive and have so many questions. As one wife said, “The journey has begun.” Some of the concepts we have been discussing are very difficult for them, but what a wonderful group of God-loving people who are willing to take the challenge and make a change. Please pray for the next seminar we will be having with the Ilula community beginning on Saturday.
The children here are absolutely amazing. We have met the boy, Collins, that we sponsor here at the Children’s Home along with his sister, Diana. Collins was not feeling well when we arrived but is now doing better. He is quiet and reserved, while his sister is more outgoing. What joy it is to spend time with them. Bryan is in Collins’ hut most evenings while Kim is in Diana’s hut most evenings.
We went on our first house visit yesterday. We had chai and mandazi (like donuts). What a humbling experience to share with a family in their home.
Bryan and Ashlea have been working hard at keying (spreading cement between the brick cracks) at the Children’s Home each morning. They are doing a wonderful job (and no Ashlea does not plan on doing more when she returns home). Joyce spent time in the Children’s Home kitchen helping prepare lunch for the children when they come home for lunch break. They had a polyglot mixture in the kitchen today with Swahili, English, Spanish, German, French, and many other languages being spoken. Bryan cut his hand cutting the cabbage yesterday so he now works outside. Of course they gave him a bigger weapon instead, a machete, to slash grass. He decided it was very hard work. He has now also been banned from the machete since he was getting to close to his hand.
We have all been doing well. Please continue to pray that we stay healthy and for our sharing opportunities. We are enjoying our time here soooo much. Thank you to all of our supporters for allowing us to come and serve in Africa. What blessings we have received.
The children here are absolutely amazing. We have met the boy, Collins, that we sponsor here at the Children’s Home along with his sister, Diana. Collins was not feeling well when we arrived but is now doing better. He is quiet and reserved, while his sister is more outgoing. What joy it is to spend time with them. Bryan is in Collins’ hut most evenings while Kim is in Diana’s hut most evenings.
We went on our first house visit yesterday. We had chai and mandazi (like donuts). What a humbling experience to share with a family in their home.
Bryan and Ashlea have been working hard at keying (spreading cement between the brick cracks) at the Children’s Home each morning. They are doing a wonderful job (and no Ashlea does not plan on doing more when she returns home). Joyce spent time in the Children’s Home kitchen helping prepare lunch for the children when they come home for lunch break. They had a polyglot mixture in the kitchen today with Swahili, English, Spanish, German, French, and many other languages being spoken. Bryan cut his hand cutting the cabbage yesterday so he now works outside. Of course they gave him a bigger weapon instead, a machete, to slash grass. He decided it was very hard work. He has now also been banned from the machete since he was getting to close to his hand.
We have all been doing well. Please continue to pray that we stay healthy and for our sharing opportunities. We are enjoying our time here soooo much. Thank you to all of our supporters for allowing us to come and serve in Africa. What blessings we have received.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Bethany Bible Update
Jambo rafikis!
We have had such an awesome experience so far, and are so excited for what God still has in store! Sunday we were able to experience a genuine Kenyan church service where we sang and clapped for about an hour before Scott gave a great message on fear. The people were very welcoming and we got to share some of our songs with them too, although ours were not so lively! Carolyn also taught Sunday school for the kids and we had tons of fun making fingerprint animal bookmarks with over two hundred kids! After church we went to the children’s home to join in their devotion time for the second time. Saturday night we were able to give the kids the bibles we bought for them with the money from all our AWANA kids at home. They were so happy to each have their own bible and they send their thanks! Our dinner was quite special that night, as we had to eat by candle light! It rains about every evening and the electricity goes in and out. I thought it was fun! After dinner we usually get to hear a testimony of a staff member, which is always a treat because they have such amazing stories! Then it is off to bed because everyone is pretty wiped out at the end of each day. We are still getting used to the time change and most of us get up at about two or three in the morning! But God is good and has lavishly given us enough energy to keep going.
Monday we got to visit the medical clinic and the school. The clinic is about a ten minute walk through beautiful terrain where people are welcome to come anytime of day to get treatment, and they won’t ever be turned away. At the school we visited every classroom where we were greeted by endless smiles. We at some lunch and then went back to the children’s home for devotions. They were so excited that we were there that they took each of us by hand and led us to different homes to eat dinner with them! Unfortunately we had dinner waiting for us so we promised to join them another night. I wish you could see these kids worship God! It made my heart overflow with joy to get to join them! We also played dodge ball with the kids during their P.E. time and they loved it.
Today we went on house visits, with the leaders of E.L.I.’s A.A. program, to encourage people who are recovering from alcoholism. It was a great experience and a nice hike! We prayed with many people who have finally seen how alcohol has hurt them and their families and turned to Jesus for help. We were even able to pray with one man as he accepted Jesus as his personal savior! It was awesome!
Thank you for your prayers, and continue to lift us up as we go tomorrow on house visits with AIDS victims and start our carpentry projects.
Asante sana,
Rebekah
We have had such an awesome experience so far, and are so excited for what God still has in store! Sunday we were able to experience a genuine Kenyan church service where we sang and clapped for about an hour before Scott gave a great message on fear. The people were very welcoming and we got to share some of our songs with them too, although ours were not so lively! Carolyn also taught Sunday school for the kids and we had tons of fun making fingerprint animal bookmarks with over two hundred kids! After church we went to the children’s home to join in their devotion time for the second time. Saturday night we were able to give the kids the bibles we bought for them with the money from all our AWANA kids at home. They were so happy to each have their own bible and they send their thanks! Our dinner was quite special that night, as we had to eat by candle light! It rains about every evening and the electricity goes in and out. I thought it was fun! After dinner we usually get to hear a testimony of a staff member, which is always a treat because they have such amazing stories! Then it is off to bed because everyone is pretty wiped out at the end of each day. We are still getting used to the time change and most of us get up at about two or three in the morning! But God is good and has lavishly given us enough energy to keep going.
Monday we got to visit the medical clinic and the school. The clinic is about a ten minute walk through beautiful terrain where people are welcome to come anytime of day to get treatment, and they won’t ever be turned away. At the school we visited every classroom where we were greeted by endless smiles. We at some lunch and then went back to the children’s home for devotions. They were so excited that we were there that they took each of us by hand and led us to different homes to eat dinner with them! Unfortunately we had dinner waiting for us so we promised to join them another night. I wish you could see these kids worship God! It made my heart overflow with joy to get to join them! We also played dodge ball with the kids during their P.E. time and they loved it.
Today we went on house visits, with the leaders of E.L.I.’s A.A. program, to encourage people who are recovering from alcoholism. It was a great experience and a nice hike! We prayed with many people who have finally seen how alcohol has hurt them and their families and turned to Jesus for help. We were even able to pray with one man as he accepted Jesus as his personal savior! It was awesome!
Thank you for your prayers, and continue to lift us up as we go tomorrow on house visits with AIDS victims and start our carpentry projects.
Asante sana,
Rebekah
Bethany Bible Fellowship- We're here!
Jambo, This has already been so amazing. No troubles traveling on any of the flights. We got to make a little stop at the town of Windsor in England during our stopover. We were greeted in Nairobi and taken to Mayfield house and took a needed nap. We estimated the each one of us averaged 4 hours sleep in the first 48 hours of travel. The last bit of our traveling was by car and it was an adventure on the dirt roads. The scenery is more beautiful than we could imagine. It is very green and lush with lots of grass and crops, especially corn. We were all in tears with our greeting by the orphans and staff. They sang in Swahili and it was incredible. Each one wanted to shake our hands. They said we were family. Today we took a tour of the compound. We got to see the agriculture center and all the projects they are doing. We got to go to the orphanage and it is really not an orphanage. Each family has four round houses, one for the parents, one for the 12 girls, and one for the 12 boys, and one for studying. They love each and every child and count them as their own. We went back to see the kids and played with the children this afternoon. We were surrounded by children giving us hugs and holding our hands. Everyone is so loving and welcoming. It pours and thunders every afternoon and we almost got caught in the storm, and we were running back to the compound from the orphanage. The food is different but very very good. Our showers are with a cup and a bucket of water. We have been able to meet, and eat with David Tarus the other director of Empowering Lives with Don Rogers. He has such a vision for the people here. He is a national and has a big booming voice and a great laugh. All of our luggage arrived and the bins made it. Some of them were broken in the travel but made it. Thank you for everyone that gave children’s clothes. They need them so badly. God Bless! -Charlotte
Kingsburg 5: Joyce speaking
Greetings from sunny East Africa! We thank God daily for your faithful prayers and support as we minister in this land of such deep need. Jesus is doing great and wonderful things in Ilula, and we are indeed grateful for the call, challenge, and opportunity to serve Him here. It is humbling, to say the least.
This morning a precious brother on staff with ELI, Jotham, shared his story and the journey that has brought him to this place. I’d like to share some notes from that meeting. His special training was in social work, and he shared from the beginning of Psalms 1. It is the work (Christian social work) to rebuild a world that has been broken. Build the walls. The enormous challenge at the children’s home here is: how are you going to identify the children? Who are the real orphans? I could have never imagined the magnitude of the need until I caught a glimpse of it for myself. However, the lives that were broken are being mended day by day. When one 3 year old boy came to the home he would wake up early every morning looking for a container. When asked what he was doing, he said that he had to go and fetch water for the brew. His parents brewed alcohol in their home to make a little money. The children would have to wake up early every morning to go and fetch water to make the brew. Their parents would invite guests (customers) to come to the house and drink and pay for the alcohol. He and his siblings thought that everyone brewed alcohol for a living and that all adults were drunkards. It wasn’t until after three months here that he got over waking up so early. Clearly the greatest trauma he and his three siblings have suffered was watching their mother be killed when lightening struck her. Even today they cringe in fear when they see lightening. May our Lord continue to heal the deep emotional traumas of each and every child here.
On a lighter note, today Ashlea and Bryan continued their work “keying” the gazebo at the children’s home and are becoming quite the experts. They send their love and seem to be enjoying the new experiences they are having. Right now they are playing with the children and helping them with some of their chores. They will also be helping in the kitchen since the job of cooking for ninety one children can be quite large.
We pray for Dave and Kim as their marriage seminar is now in full swing. May the Lord open up the hearts of the couples attending in order for their marriages to be transformed and become more fruitful than they could have ever dreamed.
As far as myself, I can tell you that I have been assisting Adele and two Kenyan ladies in removing jiggers from the hands and feet of four very unfortunate local children from the neighborhood. Please read Adele's blog for heart-wrenching information about this tragic situation. It is so painful for the children and the task is so big, that we can only work on each one for less than an hour/day and go back each day to do a little more. It may take many more days yet, but we praise God that the 18-month-old is as of today jigger-free!
Continue to pray—your faith-filled prayers are more powerful than you can know. We pray for you and love you with all of our hearts.
Warmly, Joyce
This morning a precious brother on staff with ELI, Jotham, shared his story and the journey that has brought him to this place. I’d like to share some notes from that meeting. His special training was in social work, and he shared from the beginning of Psalms 1. It is the work (Christian social work) to rebuild a world that has been broken. Build the walls. The enormous challenge at the children’s home here is: how are you going to identify the children? Who are the real orphans? I could have never imagined the magnitude of the need until I caught a glimpse of it for myself. However, the lives that were broken are being mended day by day. When one 3 year old boy came to the home he would wake up early every morning looking for a container. When asked what he was doing, he said that he had to go and fetch water for the brew. His parents brewed alcohol in their home to make a little money. The children would have to wake up early every morning to go and fetch water to make the brew. Their parents would invite guests (customers) to come to the house and drink and pay for the alcohol. He and his siblings thought that everyone brewed alcohol for a living and that all adults were drunkards. It wasn’t until after three months here that he got over waking up so early. Clearly the greatest trauma he and his three siblings have suffered was watching their mother be killed when lightening struck her. Even today they cringe in fear when they see lightening. May our Lord continue to heal the deep emotional traumas of each and every child here.
On a lighter note, today Ashlea and Bryan continued their work “keying” the gazebo at the children’s home and are becoming quite the experts. They send their love and seem to be enjoying the new experiences they are having. Right now they are playing with the children and helping them with some of their chores. They will also be helping in the kitchen since the job of cooking for ninety one children can be quite large.
We pray for Dave and Kim as their marriage seminar is now in full swing. May the Lord open up the hearts of the couples attending in order for their marriages to be transformed and become more fruitful than they could have ever dreamed.
As far as myself, I can tell you that I have been assisting Adele and two Kenyan ladies in removing jiggers from the hands and feet of four very unfortunate local children from the neighborhood. Please read Adele's blog for heart-wrenching information about this tragic situation. It is so painful for the children and the task is so big, that we can only work on each one for less than an hour/day and go back each day to do a little more. It may take many more days yet, but we praise God that the 18-month-old is as of today jigger-free!
Continue to pray—your faith-filled prayers are more powerful than you can know. We pray for you and love you with all of our hearts.
Warmly, Joyce
Monday, July 16, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Ashley reporting
So this is going to be the team journal for the past couple of days, since we were not able to post them earlier…
When we arrived in Ilula, we were greeted by 91 children gathered in a semi circle singing songs to us. We then introduced ourselves and made our way around the semi circle shaking each hand of the children as they said “Welcome home!” and we each received a beautiful small bouquet of pink and white roses. It was an extraordinary welcome, especially since these children have so little but give so much.
Sunday was a busy day. We started off with church, followed by lunch, then a tour of the compound. The team got to see the training center which helps locals learn how to plant crops, farm, and make ovens. At the end of the tour Bryan and myself got to milk a cow, while the rest of the team laughed and took pictures. But hey we got to try everything once right? We got to play with the children until devotionals time, and I some children asked why my neck and upper back were red, so I had to explain that I am very white and the sun burns my skin, and that next time I will be wearing sunscreen. I still don’t think they understood…
Today at a staff meeting, Dave enjoyed preaching Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” We got to visit the local school where they have a prep period at 7:15 for extra learning, and a flag salute and prayer from 8-8:15.
It's so wonderful to be blessed by the Kenyans, they are so warm and willing to teach us new words and phrases, even if it takes us more than once to learn how to say it. They are so willing to learn about us, our families, odd things we do in the US, and most importantly new information about Jesus. Though the children know more verses by heart than you can even imagine!
Sarah and Rachel Fandel, I found Jonah, and told him that you told me to give him hugs. So I said “I’m going to give you 3 hugs, one for Rachel, one for Sarah, and one for myself.” All the children watched, laughed and counted along as I gave him 3 hugs.
Mom, I tried calling you at the London airport, but the calling card wasn’t working, and collect calls weren’t accepted from your number or the home phone. So I am sorry about that! I love and miss you and dad!
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
-Ashlea Dedini
Click here to see some photos of our time so far.
When we arrived in Ilula, we were greeted by 91 children gathered in a semi circle singing songs to us. We then introduced ourselves and made our way around the semi circle shaking each hand of the children as they said “Welcome home!” and we each received a beautiful small bouquet of pink and white roses. It was an extraordinary welcome, especially since these children have so little but give so much.
Sunday was a busy day. We started off with church, followed by lunch, then a tour of the compound. The team got to see the training center which helps locals learn how to plant crops, farm, and make ovens. At the end of the tour Bryan and myself got to milk a cow, while the rest of the team laughed and took pictures. But hey we got to try everything once right? We got to play with the children until devotionals time, and I some children asked why my neck and upper back were red, so I had to explain that I am very white and the sun burns my skin, and that next time I will be wearing sunscreen. I still don’t think they understood…
Today at a staff meeting, Dave enjoyed preaching Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” We got to visit the local school where they have a prep period at 7:15 for extra learning, and a flag salute and prayer from 8-8:15.
It's so wonderful to be blessed by the Kenyans, they are so warm and willing to teach us new words and phrases, even if it takes us more than once to learn how to say it. They are so willing to learn about us, our families, odd things we do in the US, and most importantly new information about Jesus. Though the children know more verses by heart than you can even imagine!
Sarah and Rachel Fandel, I found Jonah, and told him that you told me to give him hugs. So I said “I’m going to give you 3 hugs, one for Rachel, one for Sarah, and one for myself.” All the children watched, laughed and counted along as I gave him 3 hugs.
Mom, I tried calling you at the London airport, but the calling card wasn’t working, and collect calls weren’t accepted from your number or the home phone. So I am sorry about that! I love and miss you and dad!
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
-Ashlea Dedini
Click here to see some photos of our time so far.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Busy, busy, blessed
I really will have the team write an update tomorrow. It's been a busy two days, and by the time they head to bed, they're usually looking through their eyelids, they're so spent!
Some highlights from the past two days include:
1. Supervising a bunch of first and second graders on a field trip
2. Celebrating July birthdays with a movie, watching Happy Feet with the kids
3. Reading bed-time stories to the kids, both last night and tonight, and answering the plethora of questions from the kids
4. Helping out in children's devotions in the evenings and Sunday school today. They also sang in church and Dave preached
5. Getting a 2-hour tour of our center, followed by playing with the kids till devotions time again
6. Dinner fellowships with staff, followed by time of worship and prayer, then off to read to/visit with the kids till bedtime
7. Milking the cows (Ashlea and Brian did)
8. Helping out with "my kids" down the road today. The kids came to church today for the first time, and we invited them to stay for lunch with the team. They all helped feed the little ones and play with them.
They're all doing really well and are having a wonderful time connecting with the kids and the community.
Tomorrow morning, they'll be going to the school to help at assembly, followed by sharing at our staff devotions, and then doing work projects. They'll start the marriage seminar on Tuesday.
Thank you for your continued prayers for your friends.
Some highlights from the past two days include:
1. Supervising a bunch of first and second graders on a field trip
2. Celebrating July birthdays with a movie, watching Happy Feet with the kids
3. Reading bed-time stories to the kids, both last night and tonight, and answering the plethora of questions from the kids
4. Helping out in children's devotions in the evenings and Sunday school today. They also sang in church and Dave preached
5. Getting a 2-hour tour of our center, followed by playing with the kids till devotions time again
6. Dinner fellowships with staff, followed by time of worship and prayer, then off to read to/visit with the kids till bedtime
7. Milking the cows (Ashlea and Brian did)
8. Helping out with "my kids" down the road today. The kids came to church today for the first time, and we invited them to stay for lunch with the team. They all helped feed the little ones and play with them.
They're all doing really well and are having a wonderful time connecting with the kids and the community.
Tomorrow morning, they'll be going to the school to help at assembly, followed by sharing at our staff devotions, and then doing work projects. They'll start the marriage seminar on Tuesday.
Thank you for your continued prayers for your friends.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Home safely
Just a quick note to let you know that the Kingsburg Team made it safely to Ilula. I was a grueling, two-day journey to get here, and they're all asleep by now. Or I hope so, at least. Brian's the only one who slept on drive to Eldoret, so he might be tossing and turning tonight, but the others were pretty wiped out by dinner time.
Tomorrow morning they'll be off to assist at a school outing tomorrow for about 45 first and second graders who are going to Poa Place, a local park. They're definitely hitting the ground running!
Tomorrow morning they'll be off to assist at a school outing tomorrow for about 45 first and second graders who are going to Poa Place, a local park. They're definitely hitting the ground running!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Little Country Church - Saying Good-bye
Dear Family and Friends,
Today was our final day of ministry in the village. It is hard to explain how attached we have become to the people here. At our bye-bye party, the village leaders came and prayed over us and spoke words of appreciation for each of us. As they spoke, our hearts were filled with joy to hear the impact our team has had on their lives.
To experience their welcome and their bye-bye is to experience the love of Christ in a way that we rarely experience in the U.S. Each of us have shaken more hands while here than most people do in a lifetime. You don’t walk past these gracious people without speaking to them and shaking their hand.
Sherry has been the mother to many of the women and the babies. She was our source of laughter.
Joanne was recognized as a special teacher to the children. Some say they saw Jesus in her as they watched her washing the ladies’ feet.
Janet has had a huge impact on the women she did massages for and today we had the AA meeting. There were over 50 alcoholics or brewers who attended. We are told that around 30 of them accepted Christ. They are now starting a new ongoing AA meeting group.
Tiffany has fit in so well. Though she is the quiet one of our group, she is also the one who made a great connection with the children. She seems to have become an integral part of the community. Africa may have a call on her life.
Vic has been learning patience as he has been having to wait for parts and people to do his job. He has a new name - it is Pembe. It means bull horns. The children call him this because of his mustache.
Pastor Dennis was a huge blessing to all of the people here. He was also able to spend some quality time with Juli. He is a wonderful team leader and we all feel blessed to have been a part of his team. We got to see the heart of this man of God, and it is awesome!
We will arrive Monday at 7:00pm in Sacramento. This will be during our 34-hour day. It will be the conclusion of 20 plus hours of flying.
To Donna,
I love you, miss you, and I am so excited to be with you. Jodi & Josh, I love you and have been praying for you. Everyone here sends their greetings. Love, Dennis (Dad)
Debbie,
I got your Zebra and love you! – Vic
All is well, see on Monday night. Much love for you all. – Sherry
Bill, I will be looking for you in Sacramento. I love you and miss you. – Janet
Bart, I can’t wait to exchange Guatemala/Africa stories in August! – Joanne
Mom, Dad, and All, I am having a great time. I am safe and healthy and will see you soon. Love, Tiffany
Today was our final day of ministry in the village. It is hard to explain how attached we have become to the people here. At our bye-bye party, the village leaders came and prayed over us and spoke words of appreciation for each of us. As they spoke, our hearts were filled with joy to hear the impact our team has had on their lives.
To experience their welcome and their bye-bye is to experience the love of Christ in a way that we rarely experience in the U.S. Each of us have shaken more hands while here than most people do in a lifetime. You don’t walk past these gracious people without speaking to them and shaking their hand.
Sherry has been the mother to many of the women and the babies. She was our source of laughter.
Joanne was recognized as a special teacher to the children. Some say they saw Jesus in her as they watched her washing the ladies’ feet.
Janet has had a huge impact on the women she did massages for and today we had the AA meeting. There were over 50 alcoholics or brewers who attended. We are told that around 30 of them accepted Christ. They are now starting a new ongoing AA meeting group.
Tiffany has fit in so well. Though she is the quiet one of our group, she is also the one who made a great connection with the children. She seems to have become an integral part of the community. Africa may have a call on her life.
Vic has been learning patience as he has been having to wait for parts and people to do his job. He has a new name - it is Pembe. It means bull horns. The children call him this because of his mustache.
Pastor Dennis was a huge blessing to all of the people here. He was also able to spend some quality time with Juli. He is a wonderful team leader and we all feel blessed to have been a part of his team. We got to see the heart of this man of God, and it is awesome!
We will arrive Monday at 7:00pm in Sacramento. This will be during our 34-hour day. It will be the conclusion of 20 plus hours of flying.
To Donna,
I love you, miss you, and I am so excited to be with you. Jodi & Josh, I love you and have been praying for you. Everyone here sends their greetings. Love, Dennis (Dad)
Debbie,
I got your Zebra and love you! – Vic
All is well, see on Monday night. Much love for you all. – Sherry
Bill, I will be looking for you in Sacramento. I love you and miss you. – Janet
Bart, I can’t wait to exchange Guatemala/Africa stories in August! – Joanne
Mom, Dad, and All, I am having a great time. I am safe and healthy and will see you soon. Love, Tiffany
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
APU: Last Post
I (Adele) am heading to Nairobi tomorrow, so the team will not be able to post any updates on their last 2 days. Sorry about that!
Today, we visited our base in Kipkaren. They went on home visits, walking first in the sun, then caught in the rain. But they took it in stride and returned with smiles on their faces, ready for the next thing. Next was time with the Kipkaren kids, playing for an hour. Those from the team who sponsor kids in Kipkaren got to connect with them, which is both a blessing to the kids as well as to the sponsors.
We ended the evening with dinner at Julius' house. Julius is ELI Director of Operations. We laughed a lot at his stories, but they were as moving as some were funny, and we ended the evening with a time of sincere prayer for Julius. What a blessing to see how the team just steps up and is ready to serve, whether through prayer or through service.
We were certain we'd get stuck in the mud on our way home... It had rained all day, and we were in the rear-wheel-drive Nissan minivan, one of the worst vehicles to drive through the intense mud. But as we drove home, we laughed and prayed, sang songs and before we knew it, we were home without having had to push. Yeah God!
Once again, the team's in Dreamland. Tomorrow morning, they get to lead a Bible class at school first thing in the morning, and after that, it's back to their construction project for their last 2 days here. There's a big farewell dinner for them on Thursday night, and on Friday, they'll fly to Nairobi for ministry in Kibera slum before their debriefing breakaway.
Thanks again for lifting these guys and girls up in prayer. You are a part of the work God is doing in and through them!
Today, we visited our base in Kipkaren. They went on home visits, walking first in the sun, then caught in the rain. But they took it in stride and returned with smiles on their faces, ready for the next thing. Next was time with the Kipkaren kids, playing for an hour. Those from the team who sponsor kids in Kipkaren got to connect with them, which is both a blessing to the kids as well as to the sponsors.
We ended the evening with dinner at Julius' house. Julius is ELI Director of Operations. We laughed a lot at his stories, but they were as moving as some were funny, and we ended the evening with a time of sincere prayer for Julius. What a blessing to see how the team just steps up and is ready to serve, whether through prayer or through service.
We were certain we'd get stuck in the mud on our way home... It had rained all day, and we were in the rear-wheel-drive Nissan minivan, one of the worst vehicles to drive through the intense mud. But as we drove home, we laughed and prayed, sang songs and before we knew it, we were home without having had to push. Yeah God!
Once again, the team's in Dreamland. Tomorrow morning, they get to lead a Bible class at school first thing in the morning, and after that, it's back to their construction project for their last 2 days here. There's a big farewell dinner for them on Thursday night, and on Friday, they'll fly to Nairobi for ministry in Kibera slum before their debriefing breakaway.
Thanks again for lifting these guys and girls up in prayer. You are a part of the work God is doing in and through them!
From the heart of Megan Hoffman...
I am sitting on my bed in Africa, contemplating all that God has opened my eyes to in the past 2 months. I have a little less than 2 weeks left in Africa, and feel like this trip is a step in preparing me for a life of service for the oppressed and hurting of this world. I have seen many things on this trip that I am not ok with. I have seen young boys sleeping on the street covered in dirt as I walk through town. I have seen children left with nothing as their mothers die from AIDS. I have seen broken families and broken spirits all over Kenya, and it stirs my heart as I question what I am able to do to help. I am so thankful for what God is beginning in my heart, and I am excited to see how God is going to continue the work He is doing in me. My prayer is that I will live in accordance with the Holy Spirit, and have my mind set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5). Bwana Asifiwe!
APU: Still keying
The team spent most of today working on their construction project, keying the homes at the children's home. Tonight, during dinner/debriefing/worship, I (Adele) got to share with the team about two girls they had met on the road the other day. As I shared, I couldn't help but cry. (Read this to understand why.) It turned into a time of intense worship. Some of the comments from them were that they know there are families in their towns, even in Azusa, with incredible needs, that they'd want to go home and see how God would lead them to serve.
Please pray for the team as we visit our center in Kipkaren tomorrow.
They're all doing REALLY well. Please pray that they'll finish well.
Please pray for the team as we visit our center in Kipkaren tomorrow.
They're all doing REALLY well. Please pray that they'll finish well.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Little Country Church Update
Greetings from Kipkaren, God continues to show up here. The people we have encountered have shown us the love of God in a way we have rarely seen in our country.
We continue to try and be a blessing to these people however, I believe we are the ones being blessed. On Sunday we attended church and the team sang for the congregation. Many decisions were made for Christ. After church Pastor Dennis took the team to one of his favorite places, “The Rock” where we spent about one hour. Children from around the village came to visit with us. We spent time with them and took their photos. It was a beautiful time for all. The scenery at this place was awesome.
On Monday Janet & Tiffany went on home visits to meet with people who are affected by alcoholism. This is a huge problem in Kenya. They were able to pray for these people and offer them hope in Christ. Janet is also meeting with the brewers of the alcohol and letting them know that they are helping alcoholics stay in bondage by brewing the alcohol. Many of them would like to change their occupation and we are praying for them. The team will continue to go out each day to minister to those who are suffering because of alcohol
Sherry attended a burial service today of a one year old baby boy. The child died on Saturday of an illness that would have been treatable in the U.S. Joanne goes each day to the school and teaches on personal hygiene - the kids really enjoy having her come. At 6:00 pm each day Tiffany, Sherry & Joanne do devotions with the children in the children’s homes. They are really doing a wonderful job ministering to the orphans there.
Throughout the time we have spent here Janet, Tiffany, Joanne & Sherry have been providing massage and manicures to the women of the village. These women are the ones who work so hard taking care of the orphans in their homes and teaching them in the schools. They are really enjoying the time we are spending with them.
Vic is working to correct many electrical errors that could be very dangerous. He is building a great relationship with one of the men here he is teaching.
Tiffany is quite amazing! She is so solid. She is displaying such a servant’s heart. She is working with the house mothers and the school kids. Pastor Dennis finished the pastor’s conference with over 50 pastors in attendance. Some traveled over 100 miles to get here. Many of them walked and rode bicycles. We covet your prayers and want you to know we are all doing very well and miss you very much and look forward to seeing you next week however, it will be very difficult for us to leave this beautiful place.
Love, “The Kenya Team”
We continue to try and be a blessing to these people however, I believe we are the ones being blessed. On Sunday we attended church and the team sang for the congregation. Many decisions were made for Christ. After church Pastor Dennis took the team to one of his favorite places, “The Rock” where we spent about one hour. Children from around the village came to visit with us. We spent time with them and took their photos. It was a beautiful time for all. The scenery at this place was awesome.
On Monday Janet & Tiffany went on home visits to meet with people who are affected by alcoholism. This is a huge problem in Kenya. They were able to pray for these people and offer them hope in Christ. Janet is also meeting with the brewers of the alcohol and letting them know that they are helping alcoholics stay in bondage by brewing the alcohol. Many of them would like to change their occupation and we are praying for them. The team will continue to go out each day to minister to those who are suffering because of alcohol
Sherry attended a burial service today of a one year old baby boy. The child died on Saturday of an illness that would have been treatable in the U.S. Joanne goes each day to the school and teaches on personal hygiene - the kids really enjoy having her come. At 6:00 pm each day Tiffany, Sherry & Joanne do devotions with the children in the children’s homes. They are really doing a wonderful job ministering to the orphans there.
Throughout the time we have spent here Janet, Tiffany, Joanne & Sherry have been providing massage and manicures to the women of the village. These women are the ones who work so hard taking care of the orphans in their homes and teaching them in the schools. They are really enjoying the time we are spending with them.
Vic is working to correct many electrical errors that could be very dangerous. He is building a great relationship with one of the men here he is teaching.
Tiffany is quite amazing! She is so solid. She is displaying such a servant’s heart. She is working with the house mothers and the school kids. Pastor Dennis finished the pastor’s conference with over 50 pastors in attendance. Some traveled over 100 miles to get here. Many of them walked and rode bicycles. We covet your prayers and want you to know we are all doing very well and miss you very much and look forward to seeing you next week however, it will be very difficult for us to leave this beautiful place.
Love, “The Kenya Team”
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