We made it to Kitale this morning on a 19 passenger plane with no problems. However we have had some technical challenges with my computer so here are 2 days of catch up.
Tuesday
We went to 2 prisons, and got to leave also - thank you Jesus. We arrived at Kamiti, a men's maximun security prison with about 4000 inmates, a little before our appointed time. We waited. And we waited. We waited some more. Then we were allowed access to visit the 130 men on death row. What a humbling expereince. We sat in chairs overlooking the open latrene running through the yard, with the execution chamber in clear view. The men sat on the ground or 5 gallon plastic buckets.
Their choir sang beautiful worship songs for us. The team was introduced and I gave my short testimony and then Richard spoke - wow! John & Joann gave their short testimonies too. Everyone (including the guards) was completely focused on every word. And it was right what they needed to hear. One man, James, accepted Christ while we were there and John and Richard got to hug him and pray with him as he did. Thank You God for allowing us to be the Muppets. Powerful!
We had a nice visit with the Officer In Charger (warden) and believe we will be welcomed back there any time. They were pretty impressed that a former prisoner from the US would come all the way to Kenya to share hope with the hopeless. We brought some CR materials, Bibles and Purpose Driven Life books.
We went to Langata Women's Prison and got to meet the new Senior Chaplain (the former Sr Chaplain was promoted to Provencial Chaplain) and we began building new relationships. We spoke to a large group of women, both remands and convicted. It was very encouraging to Chirstine (the CR leader) and others that we came back. It was pretty powerful. They seemed to really appreciate our visit and the CR materials and Bibles that we brought.
Today (Wednesday)
We got up very early and caught a fligt to Kitale. We went straight to Oasis of Hope, a drop in center for street kids. The children live on the street and come to Oasis for 2 meals each day, classes and Bible studies. It was a real eye opener, heart jerker, fun and emotional time. Geoffrey gave us a tour of the great facility then we got to play games with the kids. Red rover, red rover, let John come over..... What a gift to be there. The reality of their lives really hit home to us when we saw those same kids in town later, on the street where they will sleep tonight.
After lunch in town we went to Purpose Driven Academy and the rest of the team got to meet my kids. Sorry, no words to describe this.... Ok, they will help me find some. It was wonderful to share my experiencs with the team and to see how quickly they bonded with "my" kids and many others. At first the children were a bit overwhelmed by 4 mzungus but warmed up pretty fast. It was a great time of reconnection and getting acquainted.
Today was all about being "in the present". The verse for the day is "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.
Please pray for our visit to Kitale Prisons tomorrow morning. Pray for our meeting at ICM as we finalize arrangements for the seminar next week. Pray for those coming to the seminar, for safe travels as they come to Kitale from around Kenya. Pray for open hearts to learn about CR. Pray for the churches and prisons across Kenay that are in various stages of starting CR.
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God is so good! Words just don't do justice to the impact you are having for the Kingdom. Your time in Kamiti had, and will continue to have, eternal ramifications. For the one man who came forward, how many other hearts were touched and seeds planted? The same at Oasis at PD Academy, and all the people you are meeting and talking with. Only God knows for sure. You all are making a huge difference in our world and in the Kingdom. What warriors you are! Put on your armor and keep your focus on Christ! Cast your worries and concerns aside and count on Him. Our prayers are with you each and every day.
ReplyDeleteKeep up on your journaling, there is so much happening, and I want to hear ALL about it.
Keep having FUN and count each blessing as it comes. Amazing!
Jana and Team,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your work in Kenya and for your hearts which are open to the Lord and His leading. I pray for your health, for safety, for fruit in the hearts of those you meet and your hearts.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your trip through prayer and these updates.
God Bless,
April
To the four J's and Friend David,
ReplyDeleteWe have been with you in heart and prayer every step of the way and it has truly been a RIDE! God has worked through you and with you and we have felt the miracles occur as we have read your blog,Jana. As always God is surely in charge and why do we ever question that? For all of us that have been a part of Celebrate Recovery and shared in the visits to Kenya, you have taken us on this journey and we have been blessed. Well done good and faithful servants!
The lives that have been changed and will be changed are a testimony to your following God's direction in your lives. Know how much we love each of you and want to hear more and more and more! Have a wonderful rest and safe journey home. God's Blessings on each of you.
C.J. sends his love and I send hugs and kisses and thanks to The four J's and our dear David and family.
Linda and C.J.
Kenya Team---Are we looking for Rhinos or just big whatevers???We shared so much about your trip last week-end at the Portland one day and Hector sends his love to the Joe Richard. He said only God could do what He is doing thru your lives. Who has been reading the 'give away all my power and control' since I am not there??God bless you guys and have a safe journey home!
ReplyDeleteGive the driver a big hug for me, CJ