We completed the seminar today and God's presence was evident. When thinking about where we started on Monday and how today unfolded, it is pretty amazing to see how God is at work here. Bishops talked about how they would start CR in their churches. Small neighboring churches are planning to start joint CR programs. People are taking off their masks and stepping out of denial and looking ahead to establishing their leadership teams as they start this ministry.
We ended the day with nailing our hurts to the cross and taking communion. They were obviously moved by the experience. The singing was lighter, there was more joy and burdens were lifted. It was so moving to hold hands in a circle and burn the papers taken from the cross and watch the relief on peoples faces as their burdens turned to ashes. The wind picked up as they were burning and it was like God was taking them away as the ashes scattered.
The translator from Tanzania was here and we met today to discuss the translation to Kiswahili. They are eager to get the translation complete so we can train people in Tanzania how to start CR.
We are winding now and some people - "CJ", "Mike" and "Paul" - not to mention names, are highly vulnerable to giggles and are a bit out of hand. We may have to leave them in prison in Malindi if they can't get their act together. :-) At least we know people there and CR is going strong.
Please pray for safe travels as we drive to Malindi tomorrow. For the participants as they go forward and start this ministry. That we are able to process the experiences of our trip so far. To not let our guards down and be available to every divine appointment God has for us along the way. For grace as we deal with these goofy guys on our team.
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This verse came to mind as I read your message. Isaiah 61:3 (New Living Translation)
ReplyDelete3 To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like
great oaks that the Lord has planted
for his own glory.
Rest, be renewed and rejoice my friends - L
Kelly and Mike, Don't think my first post today went thru ......
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers for both of you and the whole team.... also strength and guidance....
Love is sent from everyone Brett, Wendy, Heather, John, Theresa, Chris, Brit, Ty, Cole, Billy and Hana ..... we all love you, miss you and are very proud of you while knowing you are touching so many.
Love, Mom
We will continue to pray for the team's travel safety, good health, and spiritual protection. Experiencing the culmination of the seminar must have been both exhilarating and humbling. From the giggling and goofiness, it is obvious that you are experiencing a lot of joy in the Lord!
ReplyDeleteThis Granpa
ReplyDeleteThis is Grandpa making a test to see if I am able to make a comment, Will send a better comment if this goes through. Let me know.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing the seminar! How exciting it was to hear how you ended it and what the future holds for CR in Kenya and Tanzania! All of you will never be the same and for that we give God the glory, honor, and praise. May the processing of all you have experienced be meaningful to each one! Our prayers continue for your physical safety, spiritual strength, and excellent health.
ReplyDeleteWOW! To be able to see tranformation right in front of your eyes and experience the grace that God delivers to us for free! To God be the Glory and honor! As for CJ, Paul and Mike - in prison terms... One good can of "ACT RIGHT" seem s to do well with the delinquents here - I'll send some for your next trip ;-) May God continue to bless you all in all you do each day as you spread the Word of God to many!
ReplyDeleteYBIC,
John Brennan
Hi, Teri. Grandpa again. I am using your blog to eMail. I am feeling OK but must use a walker to walk. I will not be able to care for myself when I get home. We are going to have to work something out, Visit me her just as quickly as you can when you get home I cant be discharged without you. Every day May God bless the group.
ReplyDeleteJAMBO! When I was praying earlier that there would be times of laughter for the team, didn't know it got taken to the next level! I do believe God's up there giggling too.
ReplyDeleteWe are very excited that masks came off, and that some talked of starting CR and even linking together to it -- Praying that they will stay connected with one other to encourage each other. It is hard to imagine their singing being lighter and more joyful than it already is.
We'll continue to pray for all the armor of God to be worn 'cause it ain't over yet. God still has incredible appointments ahead for the team. Go team!
Praying for the present and future CR men at Malindi Prison as well as the women too, for God's loving kindness to saturate their hearts and FREE THEM inside. May they tranform this prison one by one by God's mercy and grace.
Thank you for encouraging and building up the prison chaplains and servants of God. You will never get to fully know what it has meant in the Kingdom of God, the Big Picture.
What does God require of me? To do what's right, to love mercy & to walk humbly with Him. (Mic6/8)
Dear Father, help our CR team to do the right thing Holy Spirit style, to love mercy as You do and to continue walk with "mocassins" right behind You, shadowing step-by-step, moment-by-moment through the beautiful land of Kenya. Even though their hearts, minds & spirits can barely contain all that you have done these past weeks, empty them of themselves so that You can continue to "muppetize" them. Thanks, Jesus! p.s. Love You
Good night, sleep tight and don't forget the mosquito nets!