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.
Monday, August 30, 2010
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.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday Evening in Kitale
We had another great day here in Kitale. We spent the morning at Oasis of Hope, a center for street kids. It has grown to about 190 children who drop in Monday - Friday for morning devotion, breakfast, school lessons, Bible study and lunch. Then these 4 - 18 year old children go back to the street and sleep. There are an additional 80+ children that are now attending public or private schools and live in small group homes. It is an amazing transition program to get kids off the street. THe kids are getting an eductioan that would not otheriwse be possible becuae of their desparte circumstances. It was awesome to see how much joy they have when they are there. They have now begun a tailoring training for the older girls so they can learn a trade. I have had the opportunity it watch it grow from a very small center into an amazing program that continues to grow. We had a nice visit with Geoffrey, the director of the center. We got to play all kinds of games with the kids, some I still don't really understand what we were doing but it was a lot of fun.
After lunch I spent some precious, quality time with my friend Margaret. I hung out with my kids for a while then took them into town and bought them some new school shoes and toiletries and such. It is such a blessing to spend time with these beautiful children. But by the grace of God arranging for us to meet, they would become street children themselves.
In the afternoon Michael went to ICM and began working with them on a business project that he will be working on while he is here.
Tonight we had dinner with Pastor Abraham, the senior chaplain of Kitale Main Prison and my friend. He is the one responsible for getting my permit which grants me access to all 93 prisons in Kenya. It was nice that he and Michael got to meet finally. We had a great time of fellowship. They are planning a special program at the prison for us tomorrow in honor of Michael coming here, the strong man behind sending me here to minister to them. They are very excited to meet him tomorrow.
Pray for our day tomorrow at prison and for Michael as he continues his work with ICM.
After lunch I spent some precious, quality time with my friend Margaret. I hung out with my kids for a while then took them into town and bought them some new school shoes and toiletries and such. It is such a blessing to spend time with these beautiful children. But by the grace of God arranging for us to meet, they would become street children themselves.
In the afternoon Michael went to ICM and began working with them on a business project that he will be working on while he is here.
Tonight we had dinner with Pastor Abraham, the senior chaplain of Kitale Main Prison and my friend. He is the one responsible for getting my permit which grants me access to all 93 prisons in Kenya. It was nice that he and Michael got to meet finally. We had a great time of fellowship. They are planning a special program at the prison for us tomorrow in honor of Michael coming here, the strong man behind sending me here to minister to them. They are very excited to meet him tomorrow.
Pray for our day tomorrow at prison and for Michael as he continues his work with ICM.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tuesday morning in Kitale
Our flight went smoothly from Nairobi to Kitale yesterday morning. We sat on the patio looking toward Mt. Elgon and the Uganda border while I enjoyed a chilled black currant Fanta, a favorite experience in Kenya, while they prepared our room for check in.
After a quick lunch we went to Purpose Driven Academy to see our kids. The head master, Peter, walked us through the local neighborhood to their house to meet them. Word spread that we were on our way and a whole herd of kids came running to meet us with Augustine leading the pack, running as fast as his little legs would carry him with a huge smile on his face. I'm not sure whose was bigger, his or mine. What a great reunion!! We spent most of the afternoon loving on them. They had been asking for days when their mzungu was coming. God is good.
We attended the opening of a women's conference at Deliverance Church Kitale called "Women of Purpose and Destiny". The worship was awesome. The message was inspiring.
In the evening we joined several friends that come here for missions, some of which live nearby us in OC but I only see in Kenya - too funny. It was great to reunite with kindred spirits that have a heart for Africa and got to make some new friends too. It was a very international group with people from Kenya, US, Rwanda, Ukraine and India. God brought us all here to serve Him. What an awesome God we serve.
Please pray for our time here in Kitale, that it glorify God in all we do. We have several things planned but will spare you the details because they will likely change :-). One thing in particular to pray for is our CR Follow Up seminar to be held on Friday. The president has declared Friday a holiday to celebrate the new constitution and I am not sure what impact that will have on our seminar. I know God will work out the details, he always does.
After a quick lunch we went to Purpose Driven Academy to see our kids. The head master, Peter, walked us through the local neighborhood to their house to meet them. Word spread that we were on our way and a whole herd of kids came running to meet us with Augustine leading the pack, running as fast as his little legs would carry him with a huge smile on his face. I'm not sure whose was bigger, his or mine. What a great reunion!! We spent most of the afternoon loving on them. They had been asking for days when their mzungu was coming. God is good.
We attended the opening of a women's conference at Deliverance Church Kitale called "Women of Purpose and Destiny". The worship was awesome. The message was inspiring.
In the evening we joined several friends that come here for missions, some of which live nearby us in OC but I only see in Kenya - too funny. It was great to reunite with kindred spirits that have a heart for Africa and got to make some new friends too. It was a very international group with people from Kenya, US, Rwanda, Ukraine and India. God brought us all here to serve Him. What an awesome God we serve.
Please pray for our time here in Kitale, that it glorify God in all we do. We have several things planned but will spare you the details because they will likely change :-). One thing in particular to pray for is our CR Follow Up seminar to be held on Friday. The president has declared Friday a holiday to celebrate the new constitution and I am not sure what impact that will have on our seminar. I know God will work out the details, he always does.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Back in Nairobi
I can't believe we have been gone a week already. Saturday we visited a group of ex-prisoners that have an amazing program to help the "mighty men of God" (a new name they call themselves instead of prisoners) transition to life on the outside. A former inmate started the program and it has been very successful. They help men and women learn skills and become responsible citizens. They have a plant project where they grow plants from seeds and plant them around the city, at schools and other public places. They have a Celebrate Recovery program and we heard some testimonies of lives that are changing and relationships being restored!
Stanley and Gladys took us around Mombasa town and coast for some sight seeing. It was great to spend time with them. We enjoyed coconut milk from it's source - yum!
In the afternoon we visited a church that has a CR group for women. It is very difficult for people to open up and talk about their lives with others so they have been using an "Open Share" format for a few weeks and will be starting a Step Study group soon. I was vulnerable and shared some things with them and it really encouraged them to open up and at the end of our time together one woman shared a big secret for the first time. It really broke the ice and bonded the group at a whole new level.
Today we visited Jesus Mission Center Church in Likoni. It was the second time I was there and we were warmly welcomed by their senior pastor, Rev. Bigvae Mzae. The worship was awesome with lots of singing and dancing. I couldn't quite talk Michael into joining them in their dancing but it was a wonderful experience. I "preached" for about an hour, giving my testimony and talking about CR. So many people came forward for prayer. God is preparing their hearts to begin CR next year. God is good.
The weather was very nice in Mombasa, not too hot for a change. We flew back to Nairobi this afternoon and tomorrow morning we fly to Kitale to begin our ministry there. I can't wait to see my kids and many friends there. Michael will begin his work with ICM tomoorw.
Pray for travel mercies as we fly to Kitale and wonderful reunions. Michael will get to meet our 4 God children tomorrow and I am very excited about that.
Stanley and Gladys took us around Mombasa town and coast for some sight seeing. It was great to spend time with them. We enjoyed coconut milk from it's source - yum!
In the afternoon we visited a church that has a CR group for women. It is very difficult for people to open up and talk about their lives with others so they have been using an "Open Share" format for a few weeks and will be starting a Step Study group soon. I was vulnerable and shared some things with them and it really encouraged them to open up and at the end of our time together one woman shared a big secret for the first time. It really broke the ice and bonded the group at a whole new level.
Today we visited Jesus Mission Center Church in Likoni. It was the second time I was there and we were warmly welcomed by their senior pastor, Rev. Bigvae Mzae. The worship was awesome with lots of singing and dancing. I couldn't quite talk Michael into joining them in their dancing but it was a wonderful experience. I "preached" for about an hour, giving my testimony and talking about CR. So many people came forward for prayer. God is preparing their hearts to begin CR next year. God is good.
The weather was very nice in Mombasa, not too hot for a change. We flew back to Nairobi this afternoon and tomorrow morning we fly to Kitale to begin our ministry there. I can't wait to see my kids and many friends there. Michael will begin his work with ICM tomoorw.
Pray for travel mercies as we fly to Kitale and wonderful reunions. Michael will get to meet our 4 God children tomorrow and I am very excited about that.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday night in Mombasa
Yesterday our flight to Mombasa went smoothly, we had a good view of snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro on the way. We just relaxed in the afternoon and enjoyed a nice long walk on the beach of the Indian Ocean.
Today we met with a group of pastors that have attended previous CR trainings here in the Coast Provence. They believe in CR. It was a very informal all day meeting of discussing various challenges that they face in starting CR. We brainstormed different ways of addressing those challenges and the pastors decided to begin monthly meetings to help encourage one another go forward. They are discussing ways of having 1 CR ministry for several small churches. It was great to see so many familiar faces. Michael is relieved that I didn't make him walk back to our hotel due to social blunders. :-) He enjoyed meeting the pastors and learning more about the Kenyan culture.
Tomorrow we are meeting with 2 CR groups. Stanley and Gladys Wainaina will take us to both meetings, it will be nice to spend the day with them. Pray that we continue to be the Muppets and speak God's words in both of these meetings.
Today we met with a group of pastors that have attended previous CR trainings here in the Coast Provence. They believe in CR. It was a very informal all day meeting of discussing various challenges that they face in starting CR. We brainstormed different ways of addressing those challenges and the pastors decided to begin monthly meetings to help encourage one another go forward. They are discussing ways of having 1 CR ministry for several small churches. It was great to see so many familiar faces. Michael is relieved that I didn't make him walk back to our hotel due to social blunders. :-) He enjoyed meeting the pastors and learning more about the Kenyan culture.
Tomorrow we are meeting with 2 CR groups. Stanley and Gladys Wainaina will take us to both meetings, it will be nice to spend the day with them. Pray that we continue to be the Muppets and speak God's words in both of these meetings.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
We made it to Nairobi!
Paul and Teri picked us up at 2:45 AM on Monday and took us to LAX for our flight. Wow, now that's real friendship! Thanks guys! A TSA agent/CR friend met us at the gate and prayed for us before we took off. Our plane was delayed out of Detroit by 2 hours but we still had plenty of time to make our connection in Amsterdam. Thanks so much for all of your prayers. Everything has gone smoothly, all our luggage arrived with us and we are feeling healthy and were warmly welcomed by the staff at Methodist Guest House where we will stay for the next 2 nights.
Pray for good rest and ab easy transition as we adjust to being 10 hours ahead of time at home. Pray for connections and meetings over the next couple of days here in Nairobi.
Pray for good rest and ab easy transition as we adjust to being 10 hours ahead of time at home. Pray for connections and meetings over the next couple of days here in Nairobi.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
CR Missions Trip Leaving for Kenya
Isaiah 6:8 “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said,‘Here I am. Send me!’”
Michael and Jana O’Guin will depart August 16th for Kenya and will return September 6th. Jana will lead a Celebrate Recovery Seminar for Pastors in Nairobi so that they will be equipped to implement Celebrate Recovery in their churches. For the first time, Kenyans will help teach this CR seminar and lead small groups during the training. She will also conduct follow up trainings in Mombasa and Kitale for church leaders and prison officials that have attended previous CR trainings. Michael will be conducting a business assessment for International Christian Ministries (ICM) to help them improve their ministry.
There will be updates and specific prayer requests during the trip on this blog so check back often.
Monday, August 16th – We depart LAX in the morning, our first stop is Detroit. After a 1-1/2 hr layover we leave for Amsterdam, arriving the morning of the 17th. After a 4-hour layover we have an 8-hour flight to Nairobi, arriving the evening of the 17th. Kenya is 10 hours ahead of PDT.
Wednesday, August 18th - We meet with ICM and others to finalize plans for our time in country. Michael will be meeting and interviewing the leaders of ICM Kenya and Jana will confirm the plans for the CR seminars.
Thursday, August 19th - We will fly from Nairobi to Mombasa and prepare for the CR seminar scheduled for Friday. We celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary!
Friday, August 20th - Jana will lead a Follow-Up Seminar for churches and prisons in the Coast Region that have attended previous CR trainings in 2008 and 2009 to encourage and support them. Michael will work on plans for ICM.
Saturday, August 21st - We will visit a CR program for former inmates transitioning out of prison and spend time with local pastor friends.
Sunday, August 22nd - Spend the morning attending church that has a CR program. In the afternoon fly back to Nairobi.
Monday – Friday August 23rd – 27th - We have a Monday morning flight to Kitale. We will spend time with our 4 God children and many local friends, attend CR programs at churches and prisons, visit Purpose Driven Academy, Oasis of Hope, and Sister Freda’s Hospital. Michael will spend 2-3 days helping ICM understanding and assessing their current operations and analyzing the costs of their ministry. On Friday Jana will lead a Follow-Up Seminar for churches and prisons in the Rift Valley Region that attended the CR training in March.
Saturday, August 28th - We will fly back to Nairobi, spend time with friends and prepare for the CR seminar next week.
Sunday, August 29th - We will attend a local church that has an active CR program to encourage them as they continue their ministry.
Monday, August 30th – Thursday, September 2nd - Jana will lead a Celebrate Recovery seminar for pastors and church leaders to equip them to start CR in their respective churches and prisons. For the first time Kenyans will co-teach the CR seminar. We will be teaching the Celebrate Recovery curriculum, facilitating small groups, giving our testimonies, and equipping them to begin CR programs. Michael will be interviewing and assessing the ICM Kenya’s Nairobi operations and providing his final report to their leaders.
Friday, September 3rd - We have a morning flight to Masai Mara. In the Mara we will visit the animal park and have some time to relax and decompress before returning home.
Sunday September 5th - We depart Masai Mara for Nairobi and have a 10 hour layover before leaving on a late evening flight to Amsterdam, Detroit and then onto LAX International. We will arrive in LAX in the afternoon of September 6th.
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.”
Michael and Jana O’Guin will depart August 16th for Kenya and will return September 6th. Jana will lead a Celebrate Recovery Seminar for Pastors in Nairobi so that they will be equipped to implement Celebrate Recovery in their churches. For the first time, Kenyans will help teach this CR seminar and lead small groups during the training. She will also conduct follow up trainings in Mombasa and Kitale for church leaders and prison officials that have attended previous CR trainings. Michael will be conducting a business assessment for International Christian Ministries (ICM) to help them improve their ministry.
There will be updates and specific prayer requests during the trip on this blog so check back often.
Monday, August 16th – We depart LAX in the morning, our first stop is Detroit. After a 1-1/2 hr layover we leave for Amsterdam, arriving the morning of the 17th. After a 4-hour layover we have an 8-hour flight to Nairobi, arriving the evening of the 17th. Kenya is 10 hours ahead of PDT.
Wednesday, August 18th - We meet with ICM and others to finalize plans for our time in country. Michael will be meeting and interviewing the leaders of ICM Kenya and Jana will confirm the plans for the CR seminars.
Thursday, August 19th - We will fly from Nairobi to Mombasa and prepare for the CR seminar scheduled for Friday. We celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary!
Friday, August 20th - Jana will lead a Follow-Up Seminar for churches and prisons in the Coast Region that have attended previous CR trainings in 2008 and 2009 to encourage and support them. Michael will work on plans for ICM.
Saturday, August 21st - We will visit a CR program for former inmates transitioning out of prison and spend time with local pastor friends.
Sunday, August 22nd - Spend the morning attending church that has a CR program. In the afternoon fly back to Nairobi.
Monday – Friday August 23rd – 27th - We have a Monday morning flight to Kitale. We will spend time with our 4 God children and many local friends, attend CR programs at churches and prisons, visit Purpose Driven Academy, Oasis of Hope, and Sister Freda’s Hospital. Michael will spend 2-3 days helping ICM understanding and assessing their current operations and analyzing the costs of their ministry. On Friday Jana will lead a Follow-Up Seminar for churches and prisons in the Rift Valley Region that attended the CR training in March.
Saturday, August 28th - We will fly back to Nairobi, spend time with friends and prepare for the CR seminar next week.
Sunday, August 29th - We will attend a local church that has an active CR program to encourage them as they continue their ministry.
Monday, August 30th – Thursday, September 2nd - Jana will lead a Celebrate Recovery seminar for pastors and church leaders to equip them to start CR in their respective churches and prisons. For the first time Kenyans will co-teach the CR seminar. We will be teaching the Celebrate Recovery curriculum, facilitating small groups, giving our testimonies, and equipping them to begin CR programs. Michael will be interviewing and assessing the ICM Kenya’s Nairobi operations and providing his final report to their leaders.
Friday, September 3rd - We have a morning flight to Masai Mara. In the Mara we will visit the animal park and have some time to relax and decompress before returning home.
Sunday September 5th - We depart Masai Mara for Nairobi and have a 10 hour layover before leaving on a late evening flight to Amsterdam, Detroit and then onto LAX International. We will arrive in LAX in the afternoon of September 6th.
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.”
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