Tuesday, August 18, 2009

CA Team - Final Blog






Greetings in the name of the Lord!

It has been a couple of days since our last entry. In the meantime, we have had some great experiences here. Sunday started out with baptisms in the Kipkaren River. Todd was asked to assist the pastors, and did a wonderful job, as over 35 people were baptized!
The worship service that followed was amazing. There were so many people standing outside due to the number of youth from the camp and the normal Sunday worshipers that, in just 20 minutes, we took all the chairs and the sound system to the hillside overlooking the river for worship. It was beautiful! Mark was asked to preach for the service and did an outstanding job speaking about the life of Joseph. The children from the children’s home sang a song as well and it is so fun to see 96 kids singing and dancing in unison. They are such a joy to watch.
Yesterday we had to say goodbye to the youth from the camp and the pastors that translated for us during our classes. And after our goodbyes we had a chance to go into Eldoret and then visit the children’s home in Ilula. They greeted us with songs and flowers much like our greeting in Kipkaren. It was a powerful moment for us. The visit was short, but the children there are just as wonderful and we really enjoyed seeing the work that is going on there.
Today is our last day in Kipkaren and we have so far started the day joining Juli before daybreak to watch the sun rise over the valley. After breakfast we broke up into a few groups to go on some more home visits where we prayed for people, some of whom are HIV positive. We also got to visit a woman named Lidia who did our laundry for us while were staying here. She lost her husband about a month ago and is trying to find work so that she can provide for her two children (2 & 4).
We are praying that the work that is going on here in Kipkaren will continue and be a light for many who, like Lidia, need hope and help in desperate times.
Tomorrow, we leave very early in the morning to go on safari, via Nairobi. We will be there 3 days, and hope to have a chance to blog one more time before we return home. Gratefully, the Kenya Airlines strike is over, so we are thankful for all of your prayers toward that end. God is faithful!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

We loved seeing the pics! What an amazing experience for all of you to be a part of. And we are VERY grateful that the airline strike is over. We are looking forward to seeing all of you upon your return home! Have a blast on your safari...enjoy God's mighty creation! Pam, Marley, and Lauren

Anonymous said...

As you leave for the safari, may you continue serving one another, the guides and Him. Processing this incredible experience, we can only imagine, will take a bit of time. We will continue to pray for you all. Dianna, I wish I was there to see the expressions on your face as you enjoy God's creatures. Chris, I hope you are regaining your strength so that you can out run the BIG KITTIES.
Much love,
Beth

CA International Outreach Teams said...

I can't believe you are almost done! Wow, how fun to have been praying for you. Can't wait to see you all. Have a rockin' time on the safari. If your experience is anything like mine you will have the soundtrack to "Lion King" playing in your heads. Have fun!

Jaime

Anonymous said...

Mark, I got a hold of Chaula. Sounds like her parents are a bit too far from Carnivore to meet you guys. They were wanting to see you, too. She's sorry it didn't work out. See you soon!!! Pam