Thursday, March 11, 2010

It is finished, at the cross

And let the spiritual warfare begin... Fortunately we put on our full armour at breakfast so we were ready for it. First the power strip went out, then power went out, then we realized that we had the wrong certificates for the class and little time to correct it. Interruption after interruption all day long. God prevailed.

We taught about amends and forgiveness and WOW, what a new way at looking at things. It touched so many and gave hope. Then we put it all together and talked about the practical steps of starting the program in their churches and prisons. They had break out times to plan how they would start. Many presented their plans with some start days soon.

We had a great time of worship and reflection before nailing our hurts to the cross. It was powerful. We went outside and stood in a circle and burned the papers from the cross. The class broke out in a Swahili song saying "It is finished at the cross" WOW!

We went to Purpose Driven Academy so I could see Margaret for a few minutes and spend some time with my 4 kids. It was a hard goodbye but had some consolation since I am coming back in August. It's hard to believe that our trip is coming to an end, it has really flown by.

Praise report - we can feel your prayers every day and feel God's presence and leading. We have had surprisingly good energy, great team dynamics, good health and a lot of fun. There have been so many really obvious answered prayers, the type of people at the seminar, open hearts, technical challenges and even a misplaced cell phone. The answers were almost immediate for so many prayers. Keep them coming!

Prayer requests - we have one more stop in Kitale tomorrow morning before leaving for our R&R in Nakuru. We are visiting the Kitale Women's Prison to drop off a few things then the Provincial Chaplain from Nakuru who attended the seminar is riding with us. Pray for our time together. Pray for our 2 days of R&R in Nakuru, that we are able to put this trip in perspective and find words to express it when we get home.

5 comments:

  1. God bless you all!

    I'll repeat myself. Finish strong and put on your armor. We'll keep praying.

    What huge victories you experienced this last couple of weeks. The waves on the pond, the flames of the fires, whatever, it's spreading and spreading. You were obedient and did what He asked you to do. We can't even imagine all He is going to do with your efforts, through His power and grace. Incredible. Eternal. Awesome.

    Enjoy the time in Nakuru and the wonders that God provides us in nature, in people, and in a time of debriefing and reflection.

    Amazing trip, and that just doesn't do it justice.

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  2. I can only imagine the impact of nailing their hurts on the cross and then burning them into their pasts... The worship... so very awesome and spiritually uplifting...

    I am in awe of all that has been done for God in what seems like such a short time, but His time was used perfectly and each of you have utilized each minute to grow and glorify His Kingdom!

    "May the Lord give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." Psalm 20:4

    "You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your gentleness made me great." 2 Samuel 22:36

    "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people." Luke 1:68

    Now for some rest, relaxation and reflection... so much to reflect on... can't wait to hear it from all of you personally...

    I will of course continue to pray for all of you and I thank God that He has provided all of you with surprisingly good energy, great team dynamics, good health and a lot of fun. What better way to serve Him...

    My Love and Prayers...

    Enjoy your time of relaxing... Richard, I just want you to know that I am so very proud of you for stepping out, to share God's love with so many hurting people and I'm proud to be your wife... I Love and Miss You! Oh, don't forget to take a lot of pictures of the animals...

    ~Valerie~

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  3. WOW, I am in awe of what God can do with servants who are willing to step out of their comfort zone (ok WAY out of their comfort zone) and serve. I am praying for your travel to Nakaru with the Provincial Chaplain. I see God is making use of ALL of your time on this trip. Take lots of pictures. I hope you all have been journaling.

    In Kakaru I will pray for your relaxation, reflection, encouragement, understanding and personal growth. Look up, take a breath and view God in the nature around you. You will be blessed by visits from some of God's creatures. God will bless your time together as a team.

    Safe travels and connections by land, sea and air. Love you all :)
    Paul

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  4. Well, fearless leader, God and His obedient servants have done it again and more and greater. I am humbled by how He has spread CR to comfort and heal the pain in His flock. He is the Good Shepherd and they know His voice, especially in Kenya.
    I miss you. My prayers tonight are for your safe (and swift) journey home. Come back to us safe.
    Jana L

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  5. Wow... Jana and team...your sacrifice of time and comfort and your courage to face the challenges of Kenya are INSPIRING to me and so many others who follow you in prayer.

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