We completed our seminar yesterday with much excitement about how to move forward with CR. There was a great deal of thoughtful brainstorming and plans being made on how to make CR successful and grow throughout Kenya. Praise the Lord!
The Assistant Commissioner of prisons and Principle Chaplain (over all the prisons) came for the official closing. They also read a letter from the Commissioner himself, saying that he wanted to attend CR and I should plan to do a seminar for the senior officials. He was very supportive of CR in all of the prisons. God is good.
Morris & I flew to Kisumu on the banks of Lake Victoria in the afternoon and were met by Bishop Moses who drove us 1 ½ hours to Kakamega. We arrived and learned that half of our hotel had no electricity. They moved us to some smaller rooms but we have the essentials. Welcome to Africa :-).
Today we have a CR Introductory meeting for pastors and prison officials in the area. We are expecting a good turnout.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Morris is feeling much better and my throat feels fine now and no sign of catching the cold that has been going around. Pray for open hearts at the seminar today and that we speak God’s words.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Thursday Morning
Today is the last day of our CR seminar. It has been exciting to watch as they begin to experience CR for themselves and capture the vision what it can do in their own lives and the people they minister to in prisons and churches. They are so open and eager to learn more.
Yesterday the CR leader for Athi River prison shared his CR testimony. He wrote it out following our format and read it. He was so open about himself and it was really powerful.
Today we focus on the very practical steps of going forward and beginning this ministry in their churches and prisons. We will have an opportunity to nail our burdens on the cross and share communion together. Then a senior official from prison headquarters will do the official closing of the seminar and show their support for CR in the prisons.
This afternoon Morris and I fly to Kisumu then meet a friend who will drive us to Kakamega in Western Kenya. Tomorrow we hold an introductory seminar for senior pastors and prison officials in the area. We will come back later in the year to teach a 4-day seminar to equip those that want to start CR.
Pray for open hearts and for God’s wisdom to show the way forward in starting CR in the churches and prisons that have attended the training this week. Pray for travel mercies for Morris and I. Pray for the seminar that we will hold tomorrow in Kakamega. Pray for good health. A few people attending the seminar this week have colds. Morris started getting sick yesterday and I woke up with a scratchy throat this morning. Pray that Morris heals quickly and that I don’t get sick. Thanks so much for your prayers, we couldn't do this without them.
Yesterday the CR leader for Athi River prison shared his CR testimony. He wrote it out following our format and read it. He was so open about himself and it was really powerful.
Today we focus on the very practical steps of going forward and beginning this ministry in their churches and prisons. We will have an opportunity to nail our burdens on the cross and share communion together. Then a senior official from prison headquarters will do the official closing of the seminar and show their support for CR in the prisons.
This afternoon Morris and I fly to Kisumu then meet a friend who will drive us to Kakamega in Western Kenya. Tomorrow we hold an introductory seminar for senior pastors and prison officials in the area. We will come back later in the year to teach a 4-day seminar to equip those that want to start CR.
Pray for open hearts and for God’s wisdom to show the way forward in starting CR in the churches and prisons that have attended the training this week. Pray for travel mercies for Morris and I. Pray for the seminar that we will hold tomorrow in Kakamega. Pray for good health. A few people attending the seminar this week have colds. Morris started getting sick yesterday and I woke up with a scratchy throat this morning. Pray that Morris heals quickly and that I don’t get sick. Thanks so much for your prayers, we couldn't do this without them.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Sunday
Saturday Update Yesterday morning I went to Athi River Prison to meet with their CR groups. God is really doing some amazing work there. Two officers that have a passion for CR started it with a group of 20 men last year. They meet every Friday afternoon where they break into two groups and do their Step Study workbooks. On Saturday mornings they have a Large Group meeting. There are Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Atheists together in this Christ centered ministry. The healing has been amazing. At the end of the step study (which every man completed!!), they wrote the things they found freedom from and were willing to forgive on a piece of paper and nailed it to a cross, then built a small fire and burned them in the middle of the prison yard.
There was one inmate, Joseph, transferred from Kamiti Maximum security prison in Nairobi to Athi River. He was at Kamiti during our first visit 3-4 years ago and heard a group of us share testimonies and talk about CR. When they asked for people interested in joining the first CR group at Athi River, he was very excited to join. He is now the CR leader.
They had a “graduation” in late January where many prison officials and local church leaders heard testimonies of several of the men from all religious backgrounds. Because of hearing this, prison headquarters fully now endorses and supports CR and has asked us to help them implement CR in all 93 prisons in Kenya! They are even funding the trainings. Athi River Prison was granted an office specifically for CR and they designated a classroom for CR. God is so good.
At Athi River, they have started the second “class” for CR with 36 men. Some men from the previous class are leaders now helping the second one. They would have more people involved but are limited by space. I met with them yesterday and taught the lesson HOPE at their Large Group meeting. They shared with me their interpretation of the lesson HOPE. Joseph was inspired to paint a picture about HOPE, including the acrostic. I asked him to teach HOPE from the painting. It was very creative and inspiring. They sang a song about CR that they wrote. I recorded a video of part of it and hopefully can upload it at some point.
CR has been going in other prisons for some time, started by some chaplains that have experienced the healing of CR also and it has helped so many inmates find healing. They have been very dedicated while facing many challenges. After this experience at Athi River, Prison Headquarters is now fully endorsing it and making the prisons accountable for the progress of it. The officer in charge of Athi River said that he will not grant a transfer from one prison to another unless they have gone through CR. Did I mention that God is good?
Sunday
Today I attended church at Children of the Promise Church in Kawangware, a slum in Nairobi. The senior pastor, Bishop Amos Wasala, attended our CR seminar in 2009. He started CR in his church but it has been a challenge as he is the only person trained. He is sending some church leaders to the 4-day seminar that starts tomorrow so they can be trained then get it going strong in their church. He asked me to “preach” today, so of course I talked about CR. It impacted so many people and it seemed like half the church came forward asking for prayer for things they struggle with, mostly unforgiveness.
Now it's time for one of the simple pleaseures in life, having afternoon chai on the porch at Methodist Guest House with the house cat curled up beside me. :-) Please pray for the people that will be attending the seminar that starts tomorrow morning, that it be the right people that God wants there from both churches and prisons. Pray for open hearts. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide Morris and I as we teach.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Friday Night in Nairobi
My flights went smooth and I arrived in Nairobi last night, met at the airport by my Masai warrior friend, David. Thanks so much for your prayers.
Today Morris and I had meetings at Prison Headquarters with the Director of Rehabilitation and Director of Social Welfare. Both of these Godly women are on fire for CR and have witnessed firsthand the impact of this ministry in Kenyan prisons. Too say that they fully support CR is an understatement and want it in all the prisons in Kenya! Praise the Lord.
We met with Pastor William at ICC (International Christian Center). A group from this church attended a CR seminar last year and have been preparing to launch it in their church. They officially launch it this Sunday at both of their campuses.
Morris and I spent time with Pastor Peter from Deliverance Church Kitegela. He attended a CR seminar in 2008 and faced some challenges when they attempted to start it in their church. During this trip I will spend 2 days with them, helping them find a way to move forward working with their church leaders.
I took a nap this afternoon as I try to get my days and nights on Kenya time. We are 11 hours ahead of California time.
Please pray that I am able to get good rest and adjust quickly. Pray for ICC as they launch their CR ministry on Sunday. Pray for my visit to Athi River Prison tomorrow where I will be teaching their Large Group Meeting while encouraging their CR ministry. Pray for those that will be attending the 4-Day CR semianr that starts on Monday, for open hearts and for Morris and I as we teach.
Today Morris and I had meetings at Prison Headquarters with the Director of Rehabilitation and Director of Social Welfare. Both of these Godly women are on fire for CR and have witnessed firsthand the impact of this ministry in Kenyan prisons. Too say that they fully support CR is an understatement and want it in all the prisons in Kenya! Praise the Lord.
We met with Pastor William at ICC (International Christian Center). A group from this church attended a CR seminar last year and have been preparing to launch it in their church. They officially launch it this Sunday at both of their campuses.
Morris and I spent time with Pastor Peter from Deliverance Church Kitegela. He attended a CR seminar in 2008 and faced some challenges when they attempted to start it in their church. During this trip I will spend 2 days with them, helping them find a way to move forward working with their church leaders.
I took a nap this afternoon as I try to get my days and nights on Kenya time. We are 11 hours ahead of California time.
Please pray that I am able to get good rest and adjust quickly. Pray for ICC as they launch their CR ministry on Sunday. Pray for my visit to Athi River Prison tomorrow where I will be teaching their Large Group Meeting while encouraging their CR ministry. Pray for those that will be attending the 4-Day CR semianr that starts on Monday, for open hearts and for Morris and I as we teach.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Preparing to leave for Kenya and Rwanda
Jana O’Guin will depart March 7th for Kenya and Rwanda and will return March 30th. I will be traveling to and from Africa by myself but will be with African ministries partners and friends throughout the trip. We will hold a Celebrate Recovery Seminar for Pastors in Nairobi so that they will be equipped to implement Celebrate Recovery in their churches and prisons, hold a Senior Pastor Introduction meeting in Western Kenya, visit several CR ministries to support and encourage them. I will visit friends and CR ministries in Kitale and of course my 4 beautiful Kenyan children. I will fly to Rwanda to hold follow up seminars for churches starting CR.
Wednesday, March 7 – Depart LAX in the afternoon on a non-stop flight to Amsterdam, arriving the morning of the 8th. After a 1 hour 20 minute layover it’s an 8-hour flight to Nairobi, arriving the evening of the 8th. Kenya is 10 hours ahead of PDT.
Friday, March 9 – Meet with ministry partners to finalize plans for the trip. Visit churches and prison officials regarding CR ministries.
Saturday, March 10 – Attend a CR meeting at Athi River Prison just outside of Nairobi to witness firsthand what God is doing there through CR.
Sunday, March 11 – Give the morning message at a church in Kawangware in the slums of Nairobi.
Monday – Thursday, March 12-15 – Pastor Morris Opati and I will hold a Celebrate Recovery seminar for pastors and prison officials to equip them to start CR in their respective churches and prisons. We will be teaching the Celebrate Recovery curriculum, facilitating small groups, giving our testimonies, and equipping them to begin CR programs.
Thursday, March 15 – Morris and I will travel to Kakamega in the evening following the seminar in Nairobi.
Friday, March 16 - Hold a Senior Pastor Introduction Seminar for churches and prisons in the Western Region of Kenya. Visit Kakamega prison’s CR ministry in the afternoon.
Saturday, March 17 – Morris returns to Nairobi. I spend the day with friends while visiting churches and prisons then traveling on to Kitale.
Sunday – Thursday, March 18 - 22 – Spend time in Kitale with friends, attend and encourage CR ministries at churches and prisons. Spend time with our 4 Kenyan children and many local friends at Purpose Driven Academy, Oasis of Hope, and Sister Freda’s Hospital.
Friday, March 23 - Fly from Kitale to Nairobi.
Saturday – Sunday, March 24 - 25 – Meet with a church in Kitengela (outskirts of Nairobi) to help their CR ministry grow strong.
Monday, March 26 – Fly from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda. Connect with ministry friends in Rwanda.
Tuesday, March 27 – Drive from Kigali to Muhanga (1 ½ hours) to meet with churches with existing CR ministries. Hold refresher training and help them continue strengthening their ministries. Drive to Karongi in Western Rwanda.
Wednesday, March 28 - Hold refresher training for churches in Karongi District and help them continue strengthening their ministries. Drive back to Kigali.
Thursday - Friday, March 29-30 – Connect with the PEACE office in the morning then begin the trip home. Depart Kigali in the afternoon for Nairobi. A late night flight departs from Nairobi, arriving in Amsterdam in the early morning. After a 4 hour layover in Amsterdam, take a non-stop flight on to LAX arriving around noon on Friday.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”
Wednesday, March 7 – Depart LAX in the afternoon on a non-stop flight to Amsterdam, arriving the morning of the 8th. After a 1 hour 20 minute layover it’s an 8-hour flight to Nairobi, arriving the evening of the 8th. Kenya is 10 hours ahead of PDT.
Friday, March 9 – Meet with ministry partners to finalize plans for the trip. Visit churches and prison officials regarding CR ministries.
Saturday, March 10 – Attend a CR meeting at Athi River Prison just outside of Nairobi to witness firsthand what God is doing there through CR.
Sunday, March 11 – Give the morning message at a church in Kawangware in the slums of Nairobi.
Monday – Thursday, March 12-15 – Pastor Morris Opati and I will hold a Celebrate Recovery seminar for pastors and prison officials to equip them to start CR in their respective churches and prisons. We will be teaching the Celebrate Recovery curriculum, facilitating small groups, giving our testimonies, and equipping them to begin CR programs.
Thursday, March 15 – Morris and I will travel to Kakamega in the evening following the seminar in Nairobi.
Friday, March 16 - Hold a Senior Pastor Introduction Seminar for churches and prisons in the Western Region of Kenya. Visit Kakamega prison’s CR ministry in the afternoon.
Saturday, March 17 – Morris returns to Nairobi. I spend the day with friends while visiting churches and prisons then traveling on to Kitale.
Sunday – Thursday, March 18 - 22 – Spend time in Kitale with friends, attend and encourage CR ministries at churches and prisons. Spend time with our 4 Kenyan children and many local friends at Purpose Driven Academy, Oasis of Hope, and Sister Freda’s Hospital.
Friday, March 23 - Fly from Kitale to Nairobi.
Saturday – Sunday, March 24 - 25 – Meet with a church in Kitengela (outskirts of Nairobi) to help their CR ministry grow strong.
Monday, March 26 – Fly from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda. Connect with ministry friends in Rwanda.
Tuesday, March 27 – Drive from Kigali to Muhanga (1 ½ hours) to meet with churches with existing CR ministries. Hold refresher training and help them continue strengthening their ministries. Drive to Karongi in Western Rwanda.
Wednesday, March 28 - Hold refresher training for churches in Karongi District and help them continue strengthening their ministries. Drive back to Kigali.
Thursday - Friday, March 29-30 – Connect with the PEACE office in the morning then begin the trip home. Depart Kigali in the afternoon for Nairobi. A late night flight departs from Nairobi, arriving in Amsterdam in the early morning. After a 4 hour layover in Amsterdam, take a non-stop flight on to LAX arriving around noon on Friday.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The last few days have been filled with meetings with churches and prison officials to help them take CR to the next level. On Sunday attended a great church that is preparing to hold the 40 Days of Purpose campaign then launch CR church wide. It was great to meet with their CR team and discuss strategies for the launch. It has been a great time of reunion and fellowship with many that have attended previous CR seminars here in Nairobi.
We’ve set plans (God willing) for coming back in late August to hold additional trainings in Nairobi - for senior pastors, follow-up for those that have started CR and for new churches that have yet to be trained. We will also meet with prison chaplains to help them take CR to the next level.
I am packed and almost ready to go to the airport. Thanks so much for your prayers, this could not have happened without you. Please pray for travel mercies and good rest on the planes, smooth connection in Amsterdam and safe arrival at LAX.
We’ve set plans (God willing) for coming back in late August to hold additional trainings in Nairobi - for senior pastors, follow-up for those that have started CR and for new churches that have yet to be trained. We will also meet with prison chaplains to help them take CR to the next level.
I am packed and almost ready to go to the airport. Thanks so much for your prayers, this could not have happened without you. Please pray for travel mercies and good rest on the planes, smooth connection in Amsterdam and safe arrival at LAX.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Hmmmm, how do I summarize the last few days? I think time sped up while I was in Kitale because it went by so fast.
I visited prisons and churches and heard so many testimonies of men and women whose lives are changing through CR. I heard from men who found freedom in prison, a women who is HIV+ that now has hope, a man who realized the impact his anger was having on his family, an alcohol and drug addict turned marathon runner who is now one of the fastest in the nation, I could go on and on. God is good.
I had a great time with my 4 God children. I took them to visit their mother in prison and had an awesome reunion. She is the CR leader in the Eldoret Women’s prison and the ministry continues to grow. She is scheduled to be released in 2016.
I attended a small group meeting where we shared a good meal and had a nice time of fellowship. I visited the family of a young woman that passed away of breast cancer leaving 3 small children. I got to experience life with my Kenyan friends and their family that I stayed with. It was a very special time.
I am back in Nairobi now and looking forward to what God has in store these last 3 days in Kenya before I return home.
Please pray that I am open to what God wants me to do and experience during these last days. That I am His “Muppet” as I meet with various churches and prison leaders. That I have His words as I speak at church tomorrow. For His wisdom as I begin thinking about and tentatively plan for the next trip.
I visited prisons and churches and heard so many testimonies of men and women whose lives are changing through CR. I heard from men who found freedom in prison, a women who is HIV+ that now has hope, a man who realized the impact his anger was having on his family, an alcohol and drug addict turned marathon runner who is now one of the fastest in the nation, I could go on and on. God is good.
I had a great time with my 4 God children. I took them to visit their mother in prison and had an awesome reunion. She is the CR leader in the Eldoret Women’s prison and the ministry continues to grow. She is scheduled to be released in 2016.
I attended a small group meeting where we shared a good meal and had a nice time of fellowship. I visited the family of a young woman that passed away of breast cancer leaving 3 small children. I got to experience life with my Kenyan friends and their family that I stayed with. It was a very special time.
I am back in Nairobi now and looking forward to what God has in store these last 3 days in Kenya before I return home.
Please pray that I am open to what God wants me to do and experience during these last days. That I am His “Muppet” as I meet with various churches and prison leaders. That I have His words as I speak at church tomorrow. For His wisdom as I begin thinking about and tentatively plan for the next trip.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 2 in Kitale
On the 1 hour flight from Nairobi to Kitale I could see how bad the drought is here. There was very little green anywhere.
It has been a time of renewing friendships. I had lunch in Kitale town with Margaret and Moses at Twigs (some of you know the place). We visited the new campus of Purpose Driven Academy where they are building a high school. It is a very nice location just outside of town surrounded by corn fields. It’s very peaceful and a great environment for learning. The construction is coming along nicely and will be opening in a couple of months.
I had a wonderful reunion with my 4 God children. They are very healthy and getting so big. It’s hard to find the words to describe the joy of spending time together. I spent time with their new “house parents” that will be raising them along with their own 4 children. They are all settling in their new home very well.
I had great meetings with the prison chaplains from Kitale and Kakamega and heard about how CR is changing lives in prisons around Kenya and people that are doing so well after being released from prison. I have yet to hear of someone that has gone through CR in prison, go back to prison. That is so amazing because up to 90% of people released from prison normally go back in a short period of time.
Had a nice visit at Oasis of Hope, an awesome center that helps street kids transition back to schools. I spent some time with a group of college students from Saddleback that are staying here for 7 months doing various ministries. I’m staying in the home of my friends Margaret and Moses and enjoying the time with their family.
Please pray for the next couple of days when I will be visiting churches and prisons that have CR or are in the process of starting it. Pray that I will be able to hear where they are and guide them as they progress with their CR ministries.
It has been a time of renewing friendships. I had lunch in Kitale town with Margaret and Moses at Twigs (some of you know the place). We visited the new campus of Purpose Driven Academy where they are building a high school. It is a very nice location just outside of town surrounded by corn fields. It’s very peaceful and a great environment for learning. The construction is coming along nicely and will be opening in a couple of months.
I had a wonderful reunion with my 4 God children. They are very healthy and getting so big. It’s hard to find the words to describe the joy of spending time together. I spent time with their new “house parents” that will be raising them along with their own 4 children. They are all settling in their new home very well.
I had great meetings with the prison chaplains from Kitale and Kakamega and heard about how CR is changing lives in prisons around Kenya and people that are doing so well after being released from prison. I have yet to hear of someone that has gone through CR in prison, go back to prison. That is so amazing because up to 90% of people released from prison normally go back in a short period of time.
Had a nice visit at Oasis of Hope, an awesome center that helps street kids transition back to schools. I spent some time with a group of college students from Saddleback that are staying here for 7 months doing various ministries. I’m staying in the home of my friends Margaret and Moses and enjoying the time with their family.
Please pray for the next couple of days when I will be visiting churches and prisons that have CR or are in the process of starting it. Pray that I will be able to hear where they are and guide them as they progress with their CR ministries.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Yesterday I met with a pastor friend that is the Senior Chaplain at Malindi Prison on the Kenya Coast. He is attending seminary in Nairobi until the end of the year. The CR ministry at his prison continues going strong with men from different denominations and religious backgrounds. Many of the men that were in CR last year when we visited have been released and none of them have gone back to prison! That's unheard of here in Kenya. One man has been accepted into a Bible College to become a pastor. It is wonderful to hear of so many success stories.
In the afternoon my friend Shawna, who was in Nairobi on business earlier in the week, went with me to an orphanage for street boys in Kibera Slums. She is a gymnast and taught them a few tricks and then we played games. These 8-16 year old boys are doing Life Hurts God Heals, led by a pastor who attended a CR seminar 3 years ago. It was a pretty tough visit. The boys were forced into this orphanage and their level of care is what shall I say.... sub standard. We brought them a snack of milk and bread and they were so appreciative. We hope we demonstrated God's love to them in some small way.
Today I attended all 3 services at International Christian Centre (ICC) church with Morris and Pet. Pastors and leaders from their church attended our CR seminar in September and their senior pastor visited Saddleback Church in October and met with Pastor John Baker. They are very excited about CR and have been preparing to begin it next month. I spoke briefly at each service then a man from the US that works for an NGO shared his story of coming to Christ at Saddleback. It is indeed a very small world.
Please pray for ICC as they prepare to begin CR. Pray for safe travels for me tomorrow as I fly to Kitale. Pray for a wonderful reunion with my 4 kids there and lots of friends. Pray for the churches and prisons I will visit, that my time there will be an encouragement for them and that God be glorified.
In the afternoon my friend Shawna, who was in Nairobi on business earlier in the week, went with me to an orphanage for street boys in Kibera Slums. She is a gymnast and taught them a few tricks and then we played games. These 8-16 year old boys are doing Life Hurts God Heals, led by a pastor who attended a CR seminar 3 years ago. It was a pretty tough visit. The boys were forced into this orphanage and their level of care is what shall I say.... sub standard. We brought them a snack of milk and bread and they were so appreciative. We hope we demonstrated God's love to them in some small way.
Today I attended all 3 services at International Christian Centre (ICC) church with Morris and Pet. Pastors and leaders from their church attended our CR seminar in September and their senior pastor visited Saddleback Church in October and met with Pastor John Baker. They are very excited about CR and have been preparing to begin it next month. I spoke briefly at each service then a man from the US that works for an NGO shared his story of coming to Christ at Saddleback. It is indeed a very small world.
Please pray for ICC as they prepare to begin CR. Pray for safe travels for me tomorrow as I fly to Kitale. Pray for a wonderful reunion with my 4 kids there and lots of friends. Pray for the churches and prisons I will visit, that my time there will be an encouragement for them and that God be glorified.
Friday, February 18, 2011
I'm having a good time in Nairobi visiting churches and pastor friends, building relationships and making new ones. It's great to see the thorough planning in work and support of the senior pastors to launch CR by churches that attended the CR seminar in September of last year.
A friend of the family is in Nairobi on business for a couple of days so I'm showing her around a bit too which is fun.
Thanks so much for your continued prayers. This has been a very good time in Nairobi and I will be here until I fly to Kitale on Monday morning. I come back to Nairobi on Saturday and visit more churches and encoaurging them before traveling home next Tuesday.
Pray for the churches in Nairobi as they move forward in launching CR. Pray for the meetings I have on Saturday and Sunday with various pastor friends and make more church visits.
A friend of the family is in Nairobi on business for a couple of days so I'm showing her around a bit too which is fun.
Thanks so much for your continued prayers. This has been a very good time in Nairobi and I will be here until I fly to Kitale on Monday morning. I come back to Nairobi on Saturday and visit more churches and encoaurging them before traveling home next Tuesday.
Pray for the churches in Nairobi as they move forward in launching CR. Pray for the meetings I have on Saturday and Sunday with various pastor friends and make more church visits.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The last couple of days in Rwanda was very nice and gave me a chance to begin reflecting on the mission and processing the experiences there. The beginning of the trip was very exciting (not in a good way) with John getting sick less than 24 hours after arriving in Rwanda then he and Dave going home without ever leaving the capital. I’m sad that they didn’t get to see the beautiful countryside and meet the amazing people that attended both CR seminars. I know God has a better plan and had a really good reason for that. That’s another one for my list for when I get to heaven :-).
Besides that, the seminars went so well. The people are excited to move forward with CR and start this ministry. The newly translated materials will not be ready soon enough (another 3 weeks) for them. It was great to see their excitement. I truly believe that God has great things in store for the people of Rwanda through this life changing ministry of Celebrate Recovery. What a blessing to get a front row seat to watch it unfold.
Being without a team in Rwanda was a new experience for me although I had 2 Rwandan brothers with me so I was not alone. It was a time of learning more and more about the culture and the people, things I might have missed otherwise. It was a very blessed time. I journaled so much to capture as much as I could, if I keep up at this rate I’m going to have to buy another journal for the rest of the trip!
I flew back to Nairobi this afternoon. The short 1 hour 10 minute flight over Lake Victoria was nice. It was great to see my Kenyan brother, David, meet me at the airport. I’m settled in at my home away from home at Methodist Guest House.
Please pray for me as I make the mental transition from Rwanda to Kenya. Pray for time of connection with others, encouraging their CR ministries and enjoying a slower pace for a few days. Pray that I am open to those unplanned God appointments along the way.
Besides that, the seminars went so well. The people are excited to move forward with CR and start this ministry. The newly translated materials will not be ready soon enough (another 3 weeks) for them. It was great to see their excitement. I truly believe that God has great things in store for the people of Rwanda through this life changing ministry of Celebrate Recovery. What a blessing to get a front row seat to watch it unfold.
Being without a team in Rwanda was a new experience for me although I had 2 Rwandan brothers with me so I was not alone. It was a time of learning more and more about the culture and the people, things I might have missed otherwise. It was a very blessed time. I journaled so much to capture as much as I could, if I keep up at this rate I’m going to have to buy another journal for the rest of the trip!
I flew back to Nairobi this afternoon. The short 1 hour 10 minute flight over Lake Victoria was nice. It was great to see my Kenyan brother, David, meet me at the airport. I’m settled in at my home away from home at Methodist Guest House.
Please pray for me as I make the mental transition from Rwanda to Kenya. Pray for time of connection with others, encouraging their CR ministries and enjoying a slower pace for a few days. Pray that I am open to those unplanned God appointments along the way.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday we drove to Musanze in Northern Rwanda. The drive was beautiful. The trees are taller and it’s a bit cooler. On the way we passed a wedding party walking down the middle of the road. The bride and groom were surrounded by about 50 people who were singing and dancing as they went. It was quite the sight to see.
Yesterday I attended service with standing room only at Anglican Church of Rwanda Kajigeja with Pastor Jean Baptiste Ndayambaje. He preached a sermon on the Beattitudes (8 principles) focusing on denial. I gave my testimony that supported his sermon. It was all so well received. The people are so warm and friendly. The music was awesome!
Afterward we had a wonderful time of fellowship in the pastor’s home with leaders of the church and his family. It was great to see Ester (his wife) and Hope and Abraham who are growing so much.
The church is located in a rural area at the base of a volcano and only 3k from the borders of both Uganda and Congo. It is surrounded by maize fields and potatoes.
Today we enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation and had some down time as I wind down from my time in Rwanda and prepare to go to Kenya for 2 weeks on Wednesday. Tomorrow afternoon we drive back to Kigali.
Please pray for another day of enjoying the beauty of Musanze then safe travels back to Kigali in the afternoon. Pray for all of the people that attended both seminars last week, that God shows them the way forward with starting and continuing CR. Pray for me as I begin to make the shift mentally from Rwanda to Kenya, but not before I leave Rwanda!
Yesterday I attended service with standing room only at Anglican Church of Rwanda Kajigeja with Pastor Jean Baptiste Ndayambaje. He preached a sermon on the Beattitudes (8 principles) focusing on denial. I gave my testimony that supported his sermon. It was all so well received. The people are so warm and friendly. The music was awesome!
Afterward we had a wonderful time of fellowship in the pastor’s home with leaders of the church and his family. It was great to see Ester (his wife) and Hope and Abraham who are growing so much.
The church is located in a rural area at the base of a volcano and only 3k from the borders of both Uganda and Congo. It is surrounded by maize fields and potatoes.
Today we enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation and had some down time as I wind down from my time in Rwanda and prepare to go to Kenya for 2 weeks on Wednesday. Tomorrow afternoon we drive back to Kigali.
Please pray for another day of enjoying the beauty of Musanze then safe travels back to Kigali in the afternoon. Pray for all of the people that attended both seminars last week, that God shows them the way forward with starting and continuing CR. Pray for me as I begin to make the shift mentally from Rwanda to Kenya, but not before I leave Rwanda!
Friday, February 11, 2011
We completed the CR seminar today for pastors and church leaders from 64 churches across Karongi District in Western Rwanda. The seminar went really well. They are very excited to be getting the first copies of the newly translated materials in their local language of Kinyarwanda in a couple of weeks so they can launch CR. God is so good. Afterward we drove through the winding roads over many hills back to Kigali, the capital, where we will stay overnight. I am listening to a thunderstorm as I type this.
Tomorrow we make the 4-5 hour drive to Musanze District in Northern Rwanda near the Uganda and Congo borders where we will attend Pastor Jean Baptiste’s church. (He has been my translator this week) He was transferred there last year and has been preparing the church to begin CR. Late last year he took his church through the 40 Days of Purpose and baptized 829 people!! God is doing something amazing in that church and I’m looking forward to visiting it and spending time with Jean Baptiste’s family again.
Please pray for the pastors and church leaders that attended both CR seminars this week. That God will show them the way forward and lead their steps as they start this ministry. Pray for safe travels as Claude navigates the roads through the beautiful landscapes of Rwanda.
PS I tried for about an hour to upload 1 photo and it wouldn't go through so the pics will have to wait.
Tomorrow we make the 4-5 hour drive to Musanze District in Northern Rwanda near the Uganda and Congo borders where we will attend Pastor Jean Baptiste’s church. (He has been my translator this week) He was transferred there last year and has been preparing the church to begin CR. Late last year he took his church through the 40 Days of Purpose and baptized 829 people!! God is doing something amazing in that church and I’m looking forward to visiting it and spending time with Jean Baptiste’s family again.
Please pray for the pastors and church leaders that attended both CR seminars this week. That God will show them the way forward and lead their steps as they start this ministry. Pray for safe travels as Claude navigates the roads through the beautiful landscapes of Rwanda.
PS I tried for about an hour to upload 1 photo and it wouldn't go through so the pics will have to wait.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
We completed Day 2 of our 3-day Celebrate Recovery seminar and it is going very well. About 70 people from across Western Rwanda are attending. Today they learned about Large Group meetings and Open Share groups, and then they had the opportunity to experience them for themselves. They are very excited about how this ministry can help the people of Rwanda. Several people told me they believe this can be a process that can help them deal with the pain of the genocide.
Tomorrow we finish the training and teach them how to start Celebrate Recovery in their churches. They are excited to learn and they have so many questions. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen here in Rwanda through this ministry.
I have read several books about the genocide and survivor’s stories. It is very different to sit across from someone and here their story of survival. Wow! It is not my story to tell but I will just say that God must have a special place for them in heaven for the sacrifices they made.
John Brennan and Dave Lopez arrived home yesterday afternoon safely. I can only imagine the disappointment they must be experiencing from not being able to complete “our planned” mission. Please pray for them. We know God had other plans and will use this for good.
I am doing well, am very healthy and enjoying the company of my Rwandan companions, although I do miss John and Dave. It is very peaceful here at Lake Kivu and I am enjoying the beauty of Rwanda.
Please pray for our seminar tomorrow, that the pastors can see a way forward with starting Celebrate Recovery. Pray for the teaching, that it be clear and just what they need to hear. Pray for safe travels for Jean Baptiste, Claude and I as we drive back to Kigali tomorrow after the seminar. Pray for John and Dave as they transition back to being in the US and processing the early departure.
Tomorrow we finish the training and teach them how to start Celebrate Recovery in their churches. They are excited to learn and they have so many questions. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen here in Rwanda through this ministry.
I have read several books about the genocide and survivor’s stories. It is very different to sit across from someone and here their story of survival. Wow! It is not my story to tell but I will just say that God must have a special place for them in heaven for the sacrifices they made.
John Brennan and Dave Lopez arrived home yesterday afternoon safely. I can only imagine the disappointment they must be experiencing from not being able to complete “our planned” mission. Please pray for them. We know God had other plans and will use this for good.
I am doing well, am very healthy and enjoying the company of my Rwandan companions, although I do miss John and Dave. It is very peaceful here at Lake Kivu and I am enjoying the beauty of Rwanda.
Please pray for our seminar tomorrow, that the pastors can see a way forward with starting Celebrate Recovery. Pray for the teaching, that it be clear and just what they need to hear. Pray for safe travels for Jean Baptiste, Claude and I as we drive back to Kigali tomorrow after the seminar. Pray for John and Dave as they transition back to being in the US and processing the early departure.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Today we completed the follow up CR seminar in Gitarama. It went really well. They had many questions as they learned how to make this minsitry a safe place for people to come and deal with issues in their lives that separate them from God and others. We focused on the Large Group meeting and Open Share time and the group guidelines. They were very excited to go back to their churches and implemment the things they learned. We also developed a plan for the next time we come on how we can help them continue to grow their minitstries.
After the seminar, Jean Baptiste, Claude and I drove to Kibuye in Karongi District in Western Rwanda. We are staying at Bethany Hotel on Lake Kivu- a very peaceful setting. Tomorrow morning we begin a 3-day seminar for churches in the area to learn how to start CR for the first time. I am excited to see how this goes. We learned so much in the last 2 days that I threw out all the scripts that we had prepared to teach and instead will use what we learned in Gitarama and teach in a way they need to hear it.
Of all of the trips I have been on this by far has required more flexibility and adapting to changes. John's stomach issues are cleared up and no problem now but his blood pressure is a bit low so we decided that it was best if he went back home. He is feeling fine but we thought it best that he not be out trekking around remote parts of Rwanda right now. That will have to wait for next time. Dave, being the servant that he is, is traveling back to the US with him. Their flight leaves in just a few minutes from Kigali and arrives at LAX in the early afternoon tomorrow. I am continuing on with teaching the CR seminars and have 2 Rwandan friends traveling with me and helping out.
Not much of what has happened on this trip has been "our plans" but we all know that God has a better plan and that He will use this somehow for His glory. I have to admit I am a bit curious what He's going to do with this.
Pray for the seminar tomorrow and for the people that will be attending. Pray for open hearts and for me to be the "Muppet" and speak God's words. Pray for safe travels for John and Dave. Pray for the three of us as we adjust to the "new plan".
After the seminar, Jean Baptiste, Claude and I drove to Kibuye in Karongi District in Western Rwanda. We are staying at Bethany Hotel on Lake Kivu- a very peaceful setting. Tomorrow morning we begin a 3-day seminar for churches in the area to learn how to start CR for the first time. I am excited to see how this goes. We learned so much in the last 2 days that I threw out all the scripts that we had prepared to teach and instead will use what we learned in Gitarama and teach in a way they need to hear it.
Of all of the trips I have been on this by far has required more flexibility and adapting to changes. John's stomach issues are cleared up and no problem now but his blood pressure is a bit low so we decided that it was best if he went back home. He is feeling fine but we thought it best that he not be out trekking around remote parts of Rwanda right now. That will have to wait for next time. Dave, being the servant that he is, is traveling back to the US with him. Their flight leaves in just a few minutes from Kigali and arrives at LAX in the early afternoon tomorrow. I am continuing on with teaching the CR seminars and have 2 Rwandan friends traveling with me and helping out.
Not much of what has happened on this trip has been "our plans" but we all know that God has a better plan and that He will use this somehow for His glory. I have to admit I am a bit curious what He's going to do with this.
Pray for the seminar tomorrow and for the people that will be attending. Pray for open hearts and for me to be the "Muppet" and speak God's words. Pray for safe travels for John and Dave. Pray for the three of us as we adjust to the "new plan".
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 1 of CR seminar - seeing God at work, again
It is Monday night in Gitarama Rwanda. Today was the first day of a 2 day follow up seminar for people that have previously attended Celebrate Recovery trainings. There was a good turnout with over 70 people attending. We had no agenda for the seminar and just came to help them, wherever they are in starting the ministry.
They spent the morning telling us what they have done with CR so far, what is working well and the challenges they face. I was blown away by the reports from twelve churches that are in various stages of starting CR. Some started and had so many questions that they were waiting for us to help them move forward, others have continued along and have a few simple questions. Three groups are at the 4th step and that we are here to help them through that process. I think some people were getting discouraged but most are pretty much on track and just need some minor adjustments. It was encouraging for them to know they didn’t have far to go to have a healthy CR ministry.
There were many questions from senior pastors so after hearing their reports, I focused the training on the senior pastor’s role. They had lots of really great questions. The Holy Spirit did the teaching today, He just happened to use my mouth. Praise God, it was just what they needed to hear in a way they could hear it. Thank you Lord.
They asked if we would demonstrate a Large Group meeting and Open Share groups for them so after lunch Pastor Jean Baptiste taught the first lesson on Denial and then broke into Open Share groups.
A lot of good questions and issues came up from that experience so tomorrow we will focus on the Small Group Guidelines and other questions that will arise. Overall I am very encouraged and excited to see how CR is progressing here in Rwanda.
Please pray for open hearts and minds tomorrow of the people attending and for me to be the “Muppet” for God and let Him continue to speak through me. Pray for safe travels as we drive about 3 hours to Western Rwanda tomorrow after the seminar. Pray for John and Dave as they are in Kigali until John gets back fully on his feet.
They spent the morning telling us what they have done with CR so far, what is working well and the challenges they face. I was blown away by the reports from twelve churches that are in various stages of starting CR. Some started and had so many questions that they were waiting for us to help them move forward, others have continued along and have a few simple questions. Three groups are at the 4th step and that we are here to help them through that process. I think some people were getting discouraged but most are pretty much on track and just need some minor adjustments. It was encouraging for them to know they didn’t have far to go to have a healthy CR ministry.
There were many questions from senior pastors so after hearing their reports, I focused the training on the senior pastor’s role. They had lots of really great questions. The Holy Spirit did the teaching today, He just happened to use my mouth. Praise God, it was just what they needed to hear in a way they could hear it. Thank you Lord.
They asked if we would demonstrate a Large Group meeting and Open Share groups for them so after lunch Pastor Jean Baptiste taught the first lesson on Denial and then broke into Open Share groups.
A lot of good questions and issues came up from that experience so tomorrow we will focus on the Small Group Guidelines and other questions that will arise. Overall I am very encouraged and excited to see how CR is progressing here in Rwanda.
Please pray for open hearts and minds tomorrow of the people attending and for me to be the “Muppet” for God and let Him continue to speak through me. Pray for safe travels as we drive about 3 hours to Western Rwanda tomorrow after the seminar. Pray for John and Dave as they are in Kigali until John gets back fully on his feet.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Adjusting to God's Plans
Friday "we planned” a low key day and a nice lunch and fellowship with a pastor friend. Reality was a bit different. We had a good morning of processing our visit to the Genocide Museum and reflecting on the people of Rwanda and what they must have experienced.
We went to lunch with Pastor Hesby and John wasn’t feeling very well. He felt a bit dizzy so we took him to the King Faisal Hospital to get checked out. It turns out he has a stomach bug and they wanted him to be admitted so they could give him some IV antibiotics and get his blood pressure better, it was a little low. He is getting excellent care by one of the best doctor’s of internal medicine in Rwanda. God is good. And thanks to Eric at the PEACE office who arranged for his care and knows everyone at the hospital. Moses, Eric and Jean Pierre from the PEACE office have been amazingly helpful and everyone here is so supportive.
John is feeling much better and as the doctor put it this morning, “on the road to recovery”. Funny, I think I’ve heard that somewhere before.
We have gotten quite the education on the Rwanda health care system. For example, we had to pay a deposit of about $10 for them to treat John in the emergency room. Interesting when you consider that much of the population of Rwanda lives on less than $1 a day.
Our trip plans have changed somewhat (ha ha). We stayed in Kigali (the capital) instead of going to Gitarama yesterday (Saturday) as planned. We were scheduled to attend church there but instead we read scripture in John’s hospital room this morning. The “new plan” is for Dave to stay in Kigali with John and Jean Baptiste and I will travel to Gitarama (1 ½ hour drive) early tomorrow morning to hold a 2 day follow up seminar for churches that have been through previous CR trainings. When John is strong enough, he and Dave will join us for the other planned seminar to teach new churches in Kibuye how to start CR.
We are all learning a new definition of being flexible. We know God is in control and will use this for His glory, but we don’t have to like it. :-)
Please pray for complete healing for John and for Dave and I as we continue to adjust to God’s plans. Pray for John's family to have peace to know that he is in God's hands. Pray for safe travels for Jean Baptiste and I as we go to Gitarama and teach the follow up seminar Monday and Tuesday.
We went to lunch with Pastor Hesby and John wasn’t feeling very well. He felt a bit dizzy so we took him to the King Faisal Hospital to get checked out. It turns out he has a stomach bug and they wanted him to be admitted so they could give him some IV antibiotics and get his blood pressure better, it was a little low. He is getting excellent care by one of the best doctor’s of internal medicine in Rwanda. God is good. And thanks to Eric at the PEACE office who arranged for his care and knows everyone at the hospital. Moses, Eric and Jean Pierre from the PEACE office have been amazingly helpful and everyone here is so supportive.
John is feeling much better and as the doctor put it this morning, “on the road to recovery”. Funny, I think I’ve heard that somewhere before.
We have gotten quite the education on the Rwanda health care system. For example, we had to pay a deposit of about $10 for them to treat John in the emergency room. Interesting when you consider that much of the population of Rwanda lives on less than $1 a day.
Our trip plans have changed somewhat (ha ha). We stayed in Kigali (the capital) instead of going to Gitarama yesterday (Saturday) as planned. We were scheduled to attend church there but instead we read scripture in John’s hospital room this morning. The “new plan” is for Dave to stay in Kigali with John and Jean Baptiste and I will travel to Gitarama (1 ½ hour drive) early tomorrow morning to hold a 2 day follow up seminar for churches that have been through previous CR trainings. When John is strong enough, he and Dave will join us for the other planned seminar to teach new churches in Kibuye how to start CR.
We are all learning a new definition of being flexible. We know God is in control and will use this for His glory, but we don’t have to like it. :-)
Please pray for complete healing for John and for Dave and I as we continue to adjust to God’s plans. Pray for John's family to have peace to know that he is in God's hands. Pray for safe travels for Jean Baptiste and I as we go to Gitarama and teach the follow up seminar Monday and Tuesday.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
In Kigali
We had a chance to sleep in a bit this morning, but the guys were up early ready to start the day. After breakfast, we sat outside and had a nice devotion entitled "Declare Great Things" from Luke 24:33-35, Isaiah 26 and 1 John 4. It was a great reminder to speak boldly about Jesus.
Nairobi traffic was pretty light and we made good time going to the airport for our flight to Kigali. We had a great prayer time on the ride, reminding us that this trip is about doing God's will, not ours.
The flight went well and we were met by Claude from the PEACE office. A short thunderstorm poured on us on the way to our guest house. We spent time with Moses, and settled into the house. It has a nice view overlooking a valley with many green, rolling hills in the distance.
We had a very sobering visit to the Genocide museum. This is John's first time to Rwanda and the reality of what the people here experienced in 1994 really made an impact. Reading books is one thing but visiting the memorial and hearing first hand accounts makes it real, the best history lesson he has ever had. Even as my 4th visit to the museum, it is still difficult.
We went into town and took care of some logistics - got Rwanda Francs, air time for phone and modems and lots of water. We had a great meeting at the PEACE office about "our plans" here and worked out a few details. Praise God, the translation of the CR materials is complete and God willing we will see printed copies before we leave.
We had a nice dinner at Chez Rogers and now are back at the house blogging then will hit the hay pretty soon as the jet lag is kicking in. Tomorrow is election day for local elections and has been declared a holiday so we have a light day to rest up and get ready for our 2 seminars next week.
Please pray for good rest, health and connection with friends.
Nairobi traffic was pretty light and we made good time going to the airport for our flight to Kigali. We had a great prayer time on the ride, reminding us that this trip is about doing God's will, not ours.
The flight went well and we were met by Claude from the PEACE office. A short thunderstorm poured on us on the way to our guest house. We spent time with Moses, and settled into the house. It has a nice view overlooking a valley with many green, rolling hills in the distance.
We had a very sobering visit to the Genocide museum. This is John's first time to Rwanda and the reality of what the people here experienced in 1994 really made an impact. Reading books is one thing but visiting the memorial and hearing first hand accounts makes it real, the best history lesson he has ever had. Even as my 4th visit to the museum, it is still difficult.
We went into town and took care of some logistics - got Rwanda Francs, air time for phone and modems and lots of water. We had a great meeting at the PEACE office about "our plans" here and worked out a few details. Praise God, the translation of the CR materials is complete and God willing we will see printed copies before we leave.
We had a nice dinner at Chez Rogers and now are back at the house blogging then will hit the hay pretty soon as the jet lag is kicking in. Tomorrow is election day for local elections and has been declared a holiday so we have a light day to rest up and get ready for our 2 seminars next week.
Please pray for good rest, health and connection with friends.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
We are In Nairobi!
3 planes, 2 trains and 2 automobiles later and we are safe and sound at Methodist Guest House in Nairiobi. Our connections went smoothly and we arrived with all of our luggage to be met by our dear friend David at the Nairobi airport. We stay here tonight then have a 12:30 flight to Kigali, Rwanda.
Thank you so much for your prayers, everything has gone very smoothly. Please pray for good rest tonight (we are 11 hours ahead of CA time here in Nairobi) as we begin adjusting to Africa time and culture.
Thank you so much for your prayers, everything has gone very smoothly. Please pray for good rest tonight (we are 11 hours ahead of CA time here in Nairobi) as we begin adjusting to Africa time and culture.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Team travels to Rwanda to teach CR
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, ‘Here I am. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8
Even before we set foot on a plane the three of us (L-R) Dave Lopez, Jana O’Guin and John Brennan have had to deal with many challenges. This, of course, means that our trip to Rwanda will have lasting and ground breaking fruit!
Below is a brief itinerary of this journey. You can follow along day by day and pray for specific things. We will be posting on this blog periodically (depending on internet connections!) to let you know how teh trip is going and specifically how you can pray for us during our trip. We love to read your comments back to us too!
February 1 – 2 Our Team will Depart LAX to Seattle in the AM - The Next flight segment is Seattle to Amsterdam - The next flight segment is from Amsterdam to Nairobi with an overnight stay in Nairobi.
February 3 Travel from Nairobi, Kenya to Kigali, Rwanda - Meet with staff at the P.E.A.C.E. office. They advise and guide us throughout our stays in Rwanda.
February 4 Visit the Genocide Museum. In 1994 over 1,000,000 men, women and children were killed during the unrest that occurred there.
February 5 Travel to Muhanga District
February 6 Attend Church
February 7-8 We hold a 2-day Celebrate Recovery follow-up session for churhces who have previously attended CR trainings.
February 9-11 We will travel to Kibuye in Karongi District to conduct Celebrate Recovery Phase 1 Training for Pastors and Lay Leaders of churches in the area.
February 12 Travel to Musanze District in Northern Rwanda. This will be an all-day excursion.
February 13 Attend Anglican Church of Rwanda Kajigeja with Pastor Jean Baptiste Ndayambaje who has been our translator.
February 14-15 R&R – As required by the Saddleback PEACE Trip organizers, we will be spending time processing the experiences of this journey and the people we have met along with the way and to prepare for our return home.
February 15 Travel back to Kigali
February 16-17 Depart Kigali, Rwanda to Nairobi, Kenya – Then to Amsterdam – Then to Detroit and on to Los Angeles.
February 16-March 2 Jana will be will remain in Kenya continuing to build relationships in Nairobi and Kitale for 2 additional weeks after sending Dave & John back home. She will visit and encourage churches and prisons in Kenya that have CR programs while holding follow up seminars to help guide those in the process of starting. She will get to spend time with wonderful friends and her 4 beautiful God-children.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Kenyan Pastor Holds CR Seminar
The following is a trip report from a Kenyan Prison Chaplain who went on a mission trip to the Coast Provence of Kenya to train another prison to start Celebrate Recovery. It is amazing to see how CR continues to grow and is changing lives across the country of Kenya.
Praise be to God for His protection during my travel to Wundanyi prison. The seminar was scheduled on 25-26 September 2010. Indeed I must cherish the organization by the Chaplains of Wundanyi prison for the wonderful work. The people who attended the seminar were from prison, police, Administration police, High school teachers Departmental Heads,and local church leaders. I am delighted to inform you that people who were in the meeting wished that their people were there too to be healed and experienced the healing they have got. The total number of people who attended the meeting were 40, in fact I have been impressed by the gender balance in the meeting. Thanks for the donation of the CR materials. I gave those to Wundanyi prison and people were blessed to have such great materials. Before I close my report allow me then to share a quote from one of the participants immediate message as I left Wundanyi prison "Am Refreshed, Restored, Recovered and cannot stop thanking you."God bless you.from Shalleth Wawuda.
Pastor Abraham Domongole
Senior Chaplain
Kitale Main Prison
Praise be to God for His protection during my travel to Wundanyi prison. The seminar was scheduled on 25-26 September 2010. Indeed I must cherish the organization by the Chaplains of Wundanyi prison for the wonderful work. The people who attended the seminar were from prison, police, Administration police, High school teachers Departmental Heads,and local church leaders. I am delighted to inform you that people who were in the meeting wished that their people were there too to be healed and experienced the healing they have got. The total number of people who attended the meeting were 40, in fact I have been impressed by the gender balance in the meeting. Thanks for the donation of the CR materials. I gave those to Wundanyi prison and people were blessed to have such great materials. Before I close my report allow me then to share a quote from one of the participants immediate message as I left Wundanyi prison "Am Refreshed, Restored, Recovered and cannot stop thanking you."God bless you.from Shalleth Wawuda.Pastor Abraham Domongole
Senior Chaplain
Kitale Main Prison
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
End of Day 3 of CR Seminar
Thanks so much for you prayers. I can feel them. Morris is feeling much better and the seminar is going so well.
Wow! What an amazing seminar this has been. To co-teach with Kenyans, to have them lead the small groups, has been wonderful to see how this ministry is becoming Kenyan! The people attending are so open to learning about CR and experiencing their own growth. Today we taught how to do the 4th step inventory and they were so eager to begin writing their own personal inventory. One man was so excited about it that he shared his with his new sponsor shortly after writing it. It was powerful to see how open they are. It has been intense and so obvious that God is at work here. I personally have so much peace about this seminar and it has gone so smoothly. God is good, all the time!
Michael finished his project for ICM and will be meeting with them to discuss his findings and recommendations tomorow afternoon. In the morning he will join us at the seminar so he can meet the people attending.
Tomorrow is our last day of the CR seminar. We will teach amends and forgiveness then the practicle ways of starting this ministry - the 90 day (or so :-))kick-off. In the afternoon we will have the cross and communion. Please pray for them to be open to ways to start this ministry and the feel confident that they are equipped to begin.
Wow! What an amazing seminar this has been. To co-teach with Kenyans, to have them lead the small groups, has been wonderful to see how this ministry is becoming Kenyan! The people attending are so open to learning about CR and experiencing their own growth. Today we taught how to do the 4th step inventory and they were so eager to begin writing their own personal inventory. One man was so excited about it that he shared his with his new sponsor shortly after writing it. It was powerful to see how open they are. It has been intense and so obvious that God is at work here. I personally have so much peace about this seminar and it has gone so smoothly. God is good, all the time!
Michael finished his project for ICM and will be meeting with them to discuss his findings and recommendations tomorow afternoon. In the morning he will join us at the seminar so he can meet the people attending.
Tomorrow is our last day of the CR seminar. We will teach amends and forgiveness then the practicle ways of starting this ministry - the 90 day (or so :-))kick-off. In the afternoon we will have the cross and communion. Please pray for them to be open to ways to start this ministry and the feel confident that they are equipped to begin.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Day 1 of CR Seminar
The seminar went really well today. There are senior pastors and key leaders from 10-12 churches in attendance and are really enjoying learning about CR. I can definitely feel God's presence through the people. This morning I began with my testimony and introduced the program. In the afternoon we had a Large Group meeting followed by Open Share Groups. The Swahili praise music was magical. Two Pastors read the 8 principles. Pastor Morris taught the lesson of Denial. It was great to hear the "Kenyanized" version of the teaching. He did an awesome job! I wish I had my video camera there to capture it. It really made an impact on those attending. This is a wonderful Kenyan CR meeting.
Before I came I was a bit concerned about doing the seminar without a team from the US like in the past. I miss my mzungu friends being here to share the experience, but there is a great team here that is helping do everything - the teaching, organizing, leading amazing worship, leading small groups, anything and everything.
Michael spent the day continuing to work on his project with ICM and is coming along nicely and enjoying his time here. It's been pretty cool but afterall it is winter here :-).
Please pray for those attending the CR seminar. Pray for Morris, he has a bad cold and is helping teach and lead groups. Pray that we continue to be the Muppets and be used by God.
Before I came I was a bit concerned about doing the seminar without a team from the US like in the past. I miss my mzungu friends being here to share the experience, but there is a great team here that is helping do everything - the teaching, organizing, leading amazing worship, leading small groups, anything and everything.
Michael spent the day continuing to work on his project with ICM and is coming along nicely and enjoying his time here. It's been pretty cool but afterall it is winter here :-).
Please pray for those attending the CR seminar. Pray for Morris, he has a bad cold and is helping teach and lead groups. Pray that we continue to be the Muppets and be used by God.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Back in Nairobi - Again
So much to catch up on so here goes. Friday, in spite of it being declared a national holiday for the signing of the new constitution and the pouring rain, pastors and prison chaplains came to the CR follow up meeting. Senior pastors came from Eldoret and another brought 2 associate pastors and they all rode their bicycles 20k to be there. Did I mention it was raining?
After presenting an overview of CR we had a lot of great discussion about how to get CR started. They were very excited about how it can bring healing to their congregations but a little overwhelmed with how to get it going. We brainstormed different ways of starting poly, poly (slowly). They had lots of great, thoughtful questions about how to make it work culturally. Many shared how CR has impacted their own lives. Overall it was a very encouraging meeting, both for us and for them.
We were fortunate that during our morning chai break, we were able to witness (on TV)the historic signing of the new constitution. It was great to see so many friends and share their excitement for this ministry.
After the seminar we spent some time with our kids at Purpose Driven Academy (PDA). Brian was feeling much better, recovering well from malaria.
Saturday was an interesting day. We started off back at PDA to see the kids one last time before we leave. It was a tearful goodbye with promises to be back soon. I miss them so much already. That's really all I can say about that now.
We had a request from Kitale Prison for more exercise books (blank notebooks for step study groups) and pens. So went went into town and bought more and took to the prison. We learned that there are about 250 men in CR now at the prison! Wow, the number keeps growing. There are 22 wards at the prison of 1149 men and they all have CR groups. We only met with part of them on Wednesday. I also forgot to mention that Wednesday we heard a testimony form a man who accept Christ when we were there in March and how CR and Jesus has changed his life. There are so many stories.
We visited with Sister Freda and her husband Richard at their home in town. They had been holding medical clinics in other parts of Kenya so it was the only time we could see them. Of course she is the greatest hostess and served us a wonderful meal. We had a great time of fellowship.
We arrived at Kitale Airstrip (yes airstrip, not airport) to catch our 3:20 flight to Nairobi only to learn that it just departed. It was rescheduled to 1:50 and no one told us. There were no more flights until Sunday. I just prayed a quick prayer and said "Ok God, this is Your problem, what are you going to do about it?" I was scheduled to speak at a church just outside Nairobi Sunday morning. As only God could arrange, there was a flight from Eldoret at 7 pm that had 2 seats on it. The airline manager drove us to Eldoret. He will likely be running the airline someday, he was so gracious, very smart and ambitious. He shared his story of not being able to afford to go to high school to now being in college because someone supported him. It doesn't take much to change someones life. The trip would normally take about 1 1/2 hours but it was pouring rain and hailing like crazy. At first it was raining cats and dogs, then it rained elephants and rhinoceroses. The road were flooded and we couldn't even see where the many potholes were. By God's hand we made it and was able to catch that flight and get back to Nairobi.
Today, Sunday we drove about 2 hours East of Nairobi to the small village of Kangari to Bible Fellowship Church, arriving 1 1/2 hours late for service but they were still singing and dancing to praise the Lord when we arrived. We heard an inspirational message from Pastor Peter about how CR changed his life. I spoke about CR, encouraging others to open up with one another. We had a good time of fellowship over lunch prepared by the church members.
On the way back to Nairobi we stopped at CCI in Thika and had a nice visit with the CR ministry leader. The leaders are almost through with their step study groups and we discussed how to launch the ministry church wide. Our visit was very timely.
Please pray for the CR seminar that begins tomorrow morning. Pray that the right people come and God prepare their hearts to learn about this life changing ministry. Pray for me that when I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will speak fearlessly as I should. Pray for Morris who will be co-teaching with me for the first time.
After presenting an overview of CR we had a lot of great discussion about how to get CR started. They were very excited about how it can bring healing to their congregations but a little overwhelmed with how to get it going. We brainstormed different ways of starting poly, poly (slowly). They had lots of great, thoughtful questions about how to make it work culturally. Many shared how CR has impacted their own lives. Overall it was a very encouraging meeting, both for us and for them.
We were fortunate that during our morning chai break, we were able to witness (on TV)the historic signing of the new constitution. It was great to see so many friends and share their excitement for this ministry.
After the seminar we spent some time with our kids at Purpose Driven Academy (PDA). Brian was feeling much better, recovering well from malaria.
Saturday was an interesting day. We started off back at PDA to see the kids one last time before we leave. It was a tearful goodbye with promises to be back soon. I miss them so much already. That's really all I can say about that now.
We had a request from Kitale Prison for more exercise books (blank notebooks for step study groups) and pens. So went went into town and bought more and took to the prison. We learned that there are about 250 men in CR now at the prison! Wow, the number keeps growing. There are 22 wards at the prison of 1149 men and they all have CR groups. We only met with part of them on Wednesday. I also forgot to mention that Wednesday we heard a testimony form a man who accept Christ when we were there in March and how CR and Jesus has changed his life. There are so many stories.
We visited with Sister Freda and her husband Richard at their home in town. They had been holding medical clinics in other parts of Kenya so it was the only time we could see them. Of course she is the greatest hostess and served us a wonderful meal. We had a great time of fellowship.
We arrived at Kitale Airstrip (yes airstrip, not airport) to catch our 3:20 flight to Nairobi only to learn that it just departed. It was rescheduled to 1:50 and no one told us. There were no more flights until Sunday. I just prayed a quick prayer and said "Ok God, this is Your problem, what are you going to do about it?" I was scheduled to speak at a church just outside Nairobi Sunday morning. As only God could arrange, there was a flight from Eldoret at 7 pm that had 2 seats on it. The airline manager drove us to Eldoret. He will likely be running the airline someday, he was so gracious, very smart and ambitious. He shared his story of not being able to afford to go to high school to now being in college because someone supported him. It doesn't take much to change someones life. The trip would normally take about 1 1/2 hours but it was pouring rain and hailing like crazy. At first it was raining cats and dogs, then it rained elephants and rhinoceroses. The road were flooded and we couldn't even see where the many potholes were. By God's hand we made it and was able to catch that flight and get back to Nairobi.
Today, Sunday we drove about 2 hours East of Nairobi to the small village of Kangari to Bible Fellowship Church, arriving 1 1/2 hours late for service but they were still singing and dancing to praise the Lord when we arrived. We heard an inspirational message from Pastor Peter about how CR changed his life. I spoke about CR, encouraging others to open up with one another. We had a good time of fellowship over lunch prepared by the church members.
On the way back to Nairobi we stopped at CCI in Thika and had a nice visit with the CR ministry leader. The leaders are almost through with their step study groups and we discussed how to launch the ministry church wide. Our visit was very timely.
Please pray for the CR seminar that begins tomorrow morning. Pray that the right people come and God prepare their hearts to learn about this life changing ministry. Pray for me that when I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will speak fearlessly as I should. Pray for Morris who will be co-teaching with me for the first time.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday Evening
We have a bit of catching up to do so this is a long post. I was too tired last night to post so we have two full days to catch up on.
Wednesday morning Michael continued his work with ICM while I went into town and bought a few things to take to the prison - exercise books, pens and some toiletries for the women. I attended morning chapel with friends at ICM before Michael and I headed to prison.
We went into the men's prison, the first place in Kenya where Celebrate Recovery started over 5 years ago. It was Michael's first time in prison and he was a bit anxious going in. It made him grateful for what we have in the US when he recognized what little these men have. They have no beds and sleep on the ground or cement floor, some have blankets, they have rags for clothes, many are without shoes. He was surprised to see so many smiling faces singing with joy for the Lord.
They planned a very special program in honor of Michael being there. We heard awesome worship and many testimonies of lives changed through CR. A couple of inmates shared poems that they had written about how CR has changed their lives. One was entitled "Celebrate Recovery, my best friend." The chaplains were so appreciative toward Michael for him sending his wife to Kenya to minister to the prisoners and what a wonderful job I had been doing here. It was almost embarrassing for me. Michael encouraged them to continue CR and how proud he was of them for being the pioneers of CR in Kenya that has now spread to many prisons across the country. They presented Michael with a beautiful beaded belt with the Kenyan flag emblem and colors and me matching earrings, a bracelet and necklace. I think this visit helped Michael to understand what an impact our visits have made here. It was an awesome experience for Michael and very moving. Pretty cool for me too.
Michael had to return to work with ICM and I went into the women's prison. There are many new women there now and the original CR group has all left. It was so encouraging to meet Lydia, the new CR leader, and to learn the program is continuing and changing lives. The women were filled with so much joy. They sang and performed a drama for me about the prodigal son. It was really powerful. One woman shared that when she heard I was coming that she told all of the new women that they were getting toiletries because when I come I bring things that the prison does not provide. I shared my testimony and encouraged them to continue CR. I heard how CR was bringing them peace and freedom, even behind bars. We passed out the few toiletries and then they got me to dance with them for a while. It was a lot of fun for all of us.
After the time in prison I spent quite a while visiting with the chaplains and the officer in charge (warden). I brought a few photos from our visit earlier this year and they were so excited to have them. I got to meet Pastor Edward's wife Jennifer who is a prison officer now. They all pass their greetings to those that have been there before. It was a great time of deepening friendships.
Late in the afternoon Michael and I spent some time with our kids. It was a wonderful. Even though we speak different languages it was so nice just being together and connecting.
Ok now to today - Michael went back to ICM to continue his work there. I spoke for about an hour at the Women of Purpose and Destiny conference at Deliverance Church Kitale, the first place I ever gave my testimony. I talked about CR (of course) and shared my story of how I came to know God's purpose for my life. God was definitely at work at that conference, the energy was amazing.
I visited Kitale Pentecostal Church, who attended the CR seminar in March. I have known the senior pastor and some of the associates for about 5 years and they were so excited to be fully trained in CR. I met with the senior pastor and 3 associate pastors and answered many of their questions about challenges they have faced in starting CR. Their program is coming along very well and they are on track to establish a solid model for CR for this region of the country.
I spent much of the rest of the day hanging out with my kids. Brian (the oldest at 9) was not feeling well and was diagnosed with Malaria while I was there today. Fortunately he got treatment so he will be fine in a couple of days. So many people across Africa die from malaria because they cannot afford the $3 for medication.
It's been a wonderful few days here in Kitale. Tomorrow we have the follow up meeting for those that attended the CR seminar in March. Pray that people will come and not be distracted because the day has been recently declared a national holiday. Pray that it will be an encouraging time for those already starting CR or planning to start it. Pray for Brian as he recovers from malaria.
Wednesday morning Michael continued his work with ICM while I went into town and bought a few things to take to the prison - exercise books, pens and some toiletries for the women. I attended morning chapel with friends at ICM before Michael and I headed to prison.
We went into the men's prison, the first place in Kenya where Celebrate Recovery started over 5 years ago. It was Michael's first time in prison and he was a bit anxious going in. It made him grateful for what we have in the US when he recognized what little these men have. They have no beds and sleep on the ground or cement floor, some have blankets, they have rags for clothes, many are without shoes. He was surprised to see so many smiling faces singing with joy for the Lord.
They planned a very special program in honor of Michael being there. We heard awesome worship and many testimonies of lives changed through CR. A couple of inmates shared poems that they had written about how CR has changed their lives. One was entitled "Celebrate Recovery, my best friend." The chaplains were so appreciative toward Michael for him sending his wife to Kenya to minister to the prisoners and what a wonderful job I had been doing here. It was almost embarrassing for me. Michael encouraged them to continue CR and how proud he was of them for being the pioneers of CR in Kenya that has now spread to many prisons across the country. They presented Michael with a beautiful beaded belt with the Kenyan flag emblem and colors and me matching earrings, a bracelet and necklace. I think this visit helped Michael to understand what an impact our visits have made here. It was an awesome experience for Michael and very moving. Pretty cool for me too.
Michael had to return to work with ICM and I went into the women's prison. There are many new women there now and the original CR group has all left. It was so encouraging to meet Lydia, the new CR leader, and to learn the program is continuing and changing lives. The women were filled with so much joy. They sang and performed a drama for me about the prodigal son. It was really powerful. One woman shared that when she heard I was coming that she told all of the new women that they were getting toiletries because when I come I bring things that the prison does not provide. I shared my testimony and encouraged them to continue CR. I heard how CR was bringing them peace and freedom, even behind bars. We passed out the few toiletries and then they got me to dance with them for a while. It was a lot of fun for all of us.
After the time in prison I spent quite a while visiting with the chaplains and the officer in charge (warden). I brought a few photos from our visit earlier this year and they were so excited to have them. I got to meet Pastor Edward's wife Jennifer who is a prison officer now. They all pass their greetings to those that have been there before. It was a great time of deepening friendships.
Late in the afternoon Michael and I spent some time with our kids. It was a wonderful. Even though we speak different languages it was so nice just being together and connecting.
Ok now to today - Michael went back to ICM to continue his work there. I spoke for about an hour at the Women of Purpose and Destiny conference at Deliverance Church Kitale, the first place I ever gave my testimony. I talked about CR (of course) and shared my story of how I came to know God's purpose for my life. God was definitely at work at that conference, the energy was amazing.
I visited Kitale Pentecostal Church, who attended the CR seminar in March. I have known the senior pastor and some of the associates for about 5 years and they were so excited to be fully trained in CR. I met with the senior pastor and 3 associate pastors and answered many of their questions about challenges they have faced in starting CR. Their program is coming along very well and they are on track to establish a solid model for CR for this region of the country.
I spent much of the rest of the day hanging out with my kids. Brian (the oldest at 9) was not feeling well and was diagnosed with Malaria while I was there today. Fortunately he got treatment so he will be fine in a couple of days. So many people across Africa die from malaria because they cannot afford the $3 for medication.
It's been a wonderful few days here in Kitale. Tomorrow we have the follow up meeting for those that attended the CR seminar in March. Pray that people will come and not be distracted because the day has been recently declared a national holiday. Pray that it will be an encouraging time for those already starting CR or planning to start it. Pray for Brian as he recovers from malaria.
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