I took my four God children to see their grandmother. My friend Margaret who is the principle of the boarding school they live and Pastor Abraham of Kitale Prison came with us. I have been sponsoring them for about a year at Purpose Driven Academy in Kitale. I met Augustine (now 5 years old) in prison where he was born. His mother remains in prison today adn God willing will be released in about 10 years. Elizabeth, age 6, is his sister and Brian, age 8, and Calvin, age 5, are cousins.
We drove 1 1/2 hours from Kitale over pothole filled roads through the sugar cane fields through Webuye and on to Matisi in Western Kenya. The towns grew smaller to tiny villages with open air markets every few kilometers. We turned off the main road to a dirt footpath that had likely never seen car. We slowly made our way down the path. The children's excitement was building. After 2-3 kilometers we came to the end of the path to 3 mud huts on a small plot of land. The grandmother was waiting to greet us. She could not contain her excitement to see the children and meet the first mzungu (white person) to ever visit the area. Apparently it was a real honor for her to host me in her home.
She offered us cokes as that was the only soda available in the village. We sat in her mud hut with a few pieces of stick furniture and got to know one another and talked about the children. It's too much to write about in the blog so for the details you will just have to wait for the book that I have been thinking about writing one of these days. I'll just say that Brain (the oldest at 8 years old) was born to her daughter when she was in the 5th grade and prostituted herself for food. There is no way to know who the father is. The grandmother raised him as her son but could not afford to send him to school. Last year when he came to Purpse Driven Academy he started in kindergarten and is now in the first grade. All four of the children have their unique stories.
All the neighbors came to great me and wanted me to take their pictures. Even the adults liked to have their pictures taken and look at them, maybe for the first time. I was a good time of fellowship and a very positive experience for everyone involved.
Please pray for the team that will be leaving LAX at 8 am on Friday morning. Pray for travel mercies and their families as they see them off. Pray for my meetings today at Kitale Prison and then I am taking the children to Eldoret for Augustine and Elizabeth to see their mother for the first time in a year.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A day with my kids
This morning Margaret and I took my four kids to town and bought them new shoes and a few basic necessities. They needed black shoes to go with their school uniforms and casual shoes to wear when not in school along with some school supplies and toiletries. They are all doing well in school and enjoying it very much.
They live in a home with 16 other orphan children and house parents Joel and Margaret. We took their new mattresses and other things tehre and I got to see their beds and lockers and spend soem time with their house mom. After lunch we drove to outside of Kitale town to Endebes and visited a school. We had a great time on the drive, they rode in the back of the pickup and laughted and sang the whole way. It was a very good day!
They live in a home with 16 other orphan children and house parents Joel and Margaret. We took their new mattresses and other things tehre and I got to see their beds and lockers and spend soem time with their house mom. After lunch we drove to outside of Kitale town to Endebes and visited a school. We had a great time on the drive, they rode in the back of the pickup and laughted and sang the whole way. It was a very good day!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
In Kitale
Early this morning I flew to Kitale in a 12 passenger airplane. We landed on a small asphalt airstrip in the middle of a cornfield. At elast the corn was short this time. My friend Margaret was there to pick me up. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Sister Freda and Richard, they were there to meet their daughter who was on the same plane.
We went to Purpose Driven Academy and got to spend some wonderful time with my four God children. It is hard to find the words to describe it, amazing is an understatement They were so happy to see me and of I course I was so excited to see them again. They are doing well - healthy, getting stronger, doing well in school and seem very happy to be there.
I met with Abraham, the senior chaplain at Kitale Prison. We finalized a few things about the team visiting next week and spent some time of fellowship. I saw Lydia and Geoffrey from Oasis of Hope too. Lydia is so much enjoying her time here with the street kids and former street kids that are now in homes and going to schools.
I visited ICM where we will hold our CR seminar week after next. We finalized the arrangements and had a chance to reconnect with many friends there.
I am settling down for the evening at Margaret's home where I will be staying for the next few days. She is preparing a nice Kenyan meal for me. God is good!
Please pray for reconnecting with friends, more wonderful time with my kids and a good time of fellowship for me and Margaret. She is a wonderful friend and it doesn't matter that we live on opposite sides of the world, God has brought us together. Also pray for the people that will be coming to the CR seminar March 8-11 that they will be open to what CR can do in their own lives and the lives of the people they serve.
We went to Purpose Driven Academy and got to spend some wonderful time with my four God children. It is hard to find the words to describe it, amazing is an understatement They were so happy to see me and of I course I was so excited to see them again. They are doing well - healthy, getting stronger, doing well in school and seem very happy to be there.
I met with Abraham, the senior chaplain at Kitale Prison. We finalized a few things about the team visiting next week and spent some time of fellowship. I saw Lydia and Geoffrey from Oasis of Hope too. Lydia is so much enjoying her time here with the street kids and former street kids that are now in homes and going to schools.
I visited ICM where we will hold our CR seminar week after next. We finalized the arrangements and had a chance to reconnect with many friends there.
I am settling down for the evening at Margaret's home where I will be staying for the next few days. She is preparing a nice Kenyan meal for me. God is good!
Please pray for reconnecting with friends, more wonderful time with my kids and a good time of fellowship for me and Margaret. She is a wonderful friend and it doesn't matter that we live on opposite sides of the world, God has brought us together. Also pray for the people that will be coming to the CR seminar March 8-11 that they will be open to what CR can do in their own lives and the lives of the people they serve.
Monday, February 22, 2010
God's presence is evident everywhere I turn. Before I went to church yesterday I read all of your encouraging comments on this blog. It was all things I needed to hear. Thank you!
Yesterday at DC Saika the church service was amazing. I loved the worship, they really know how to praise the Lord through song. I "spoke" for over an hour and it was very well received. Many in the congregation afterward said they want to be a part of CR. I think it was encouraging for the pastor to get such feedback.
After church I had the privilege of going to the senior pastors home for a wonderfully prepared meal that his wife made. We had a great time of fellowship and I got to meet his 4 children. It was such a blessing.
Later I met a young woman (Pet) that I know through Ebenezer, a youth ministry that we have become very close with. We had great conversations and really connected so much. An anticipated short chat lasted about 3 hours!
Today (Monday) I met with the chaplain at Kamiti Prison, one of the largest maximum security prisons in Kenya. We had a good visit and finalized the arrangements for our team's visit there next week. I did a bit of shopping for ministry supplies so we don't have to do it when the team arrives.
I met a chaplain from Malindi Prison who recently moved to Nairobi to attend a Bible college. His prison has a really strong CR program and it is continuing in his absence. Stanley and I had a good visit and he send his greetings to all of you that have been here before. All of the students where he is attending is going through the Purpose Driven Life book together, they are on day 26. He wants to start a CR group there so I brought him some materials.
In the afternoon we made a last minute decision to visit Athi River Prison just outside of Nairobi. It was my first visit there and my driver told me this morning that he was close friends with the deputy warden so we decided to go see him. We were very well received and he introduced me to several of the officers there. To my surprise there were 2 men there that I know, who attended a training that we did in August 2007. We talked for quite a while. I was surprised to know that they had actually started CR. (I wonder how many other places here in Kenya have started it that I don't know about.) They were very encouraged by our visit today and very glad that we have materials available here now so they can continue to expand the program.
As I said at the beginning, God's presence is evident wherever I look.
Please pray for safe travels tomorrow as I fly to Kitale in the morning. Pray for great reunions with friends and of course my beautiful kids.
Yesterday at DC Saika the church service was amazing. I loved the worship, they really know how to praise the Lord through song. I "spoke" for over an hour and it was very well received. Many in the congregation afterward said they want to be a part of CR. I think it was encouraging for the pastor to get such feedback.
After church I had the privilege of going to the senior pastors home for a wonderfully prepared meal that his wife made. We had a great time of fellowship and I got to meet his 4 children. It was such a blessing.
Later I met a young woman (Pet) that I know through Ebenezer, a youth ministry that we have become very close with. We had great conversations and really connected so much. An anticipated short chat lasted about 3 hours!
Today (Monday) I met with the chaplain at Kamiti Prison, one of the largest maximum security prisons in Kenya. We had a good visit and finalized the arrangements for our team's visit there next week. I did a bit of shopping for ministry supplies so we don't have to do it when the team arrives.
I met a chaplain from Malindi Prison who recently moved to Nairobi to attend a Bible college. His prison has a really strong CR program and it is continuing in his absence. Stanley and I had a good visit and he send his greetings to all of you that have been here before. All of the students where he is attending is going through the Purpose Driven Life book together, they are on day 26. He wants to start a CR group there so I brought him some materials.
In the afternoon we made a last minute decision to visit Athi River Prison just outside of Nairobi. It was my first visit there and my driver told me this morning that he was close friends with the deputy warden so we decided to go see him. We were very well received and he introduced me to several of the officers there. To my surprise there were 2 men there that I know, who attended a training that we did in August 2007. We talked for quite a while. I was surprised to know that they had actually started CR. (I wonder how many other places here in Kenya have started it that I don't know about.) They were very encouraged by our visit today and very glad that we have materials available here now so they can continue to expand the program.
As I said at the beginning, God's presence is evident wherever I look.
Please pray for safe travels tomorrow as I fly to Kitale in the morning. Pray for great reunions with friends and of course my beautiful kids.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday Night
I had a nice, relaxing day today. I even got in a nap which will really shock those of you that have traveled with me :-). I got to call a lot of people that have attended CR trainings around the country and heard some great stories of how CR is changing lives in Kenya. One small church in Mombasa has CR and is working with the prisons to help 58 former inmates transition to civilian lives using CR. Churches are starting it and people are opening up and finding healing in their lives. Praise God!
Please pray for me tomorrow morning (Saturday evening in CA) as I have been asked to "preach" tomorrow at Deliverance Church Saika, about 45 minutes East of Nairobi. I told then I am not a preacher but I would love to talk about CR so I have the whole sermon time to "talk". Pray that I will be the Muppet and say whatever God wants and someone needs to hear and He is glorified through it. The church is preparing to launch CR later this year.
Please pray for me tomorrow morning (Saturday evening in CA) as I have been asked to "preach" tomorrow at Deliverance Church Saika, about 45 minutes East of Nairobi. I told then I am not a preacher but I would love to talk about CR so I have the whole sermon time to "talk". Pray that I will be the Muppet and say whatever God wants and someone needs to hear and He is glorified through it. The church is preparing to launch CR later this year.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Building Relationships
The last 2 days have been all about building relationships. Yesterday I met with the new administration of the chaplains office at prison headquarters. It was a time of getting to know one another and learning how to work together to further CR in the Kenyan prisons.
Today I visited 4 churches that needed a bit of encouragement to start CR. They or someone at their church has been through the training already. It was very helpful to spend time getting to know them and learning some of the challenges they face in starting CR and sharing how others have gone forward. It was a long day very well spent. I believe positive things will come of the visits. Two of the churches are very large, Nairobi Pentecostal Church Woodley has about 5,000 adult weekend attenders and Nairobi Pentecostal Church Valley Road has close to 20,000. So many lives could be impacted through CR at their churches and I beleive they will both be starting CR, all in God's timing (not mine). I also visited a center for street kids that are using CR. It was great to see boys 8-10 year old participating in the CR lesson TURN. God is good.
Please pray for these churches and others in Nairobi and Mombasa that are in various stages of starting CR ministries. Pray for the team (John, Richard adn Joann) who will be leaving LAX a week from today to join me in Kenya for CR trainings. Pray for me to have a good day of rest tomorrow.
Today I visited 4 churches that needed a bit of encouragement to start CR. They or someone at their church has been through the training already. It was very helpful to spend time getting to know them and learning some of the challenges they face in starting CR and sharing how others have gone forward. It was a long day very well spent. I believe positive things will come of the visits. Two of the churches are very large, Nairobi Pentecostal Church Woodley has about 5,000 adult weekend attenders and Nairobi Pentecostal Church Valley Road has close to 20,000. So many lives could be impacted through CR at their churches and I beleive they will both be starting CR, all in God's timing (not mine). I also visited a center for street kids that are using CR. It was great to see boys 8-10 year old participating in the CR lesson TURN. God is good.
Please pray for these churches and others in Nairobi and Mombasa that are in various stages of starting CR ministries. Pray for the team (John, Richard adn Joann) who will be leaving LAX a week from today to join me in Kenya for CR trainings. Pray for me to have a good day of rest tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
In Nairobi
My flights were smoothly, connections on time and the luggage made it! And I'm settled in at Methodist Guest House. Praise God. Thanks for all the prayers. I feel surprisingly rested (not in a total fog).
Please pray for a good night's rest tonight. We are 11 hours ahead of California here in Kenya so my nights and days are reversed. Pray also for the meeting with prison headquarters tomorrow morning with new leadership since I was here last. Thank God that my permit was renewed so I don't anticipate any problems with us visiting prisons. Pray that relationships will be built that will glorify God and further Celebrate Recovery in the prisons across Kenya.
Please pray for a good night's rest tonight. We are 11 hours ahead of California here in Kenya so my nights and days are reversed. Pray also for the meeting with prison headquarters tomorrow morning with new leadership since I was here last. Thank God that my permit was renewed so I don't anticipate any problems with us visiting prisons. Pray that relationships will be built that will glorify God and further Celebrate Recovery in the prisons across Kenya.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Celebrate Recovery Mission Trip to Kenya, Feb 2010
Our team (left to right) is Joann Willems, Richard Bojorquez, John Brennan, Jana and Michael O’Guin. Our team leader, Jana, will depart on February 16. The rest of the team departs February 26 and the entire team will return home on March 15.
Our team of Celebrate Recovery leaders from Saddleback Church & Emmanuel Church will train and equip leaders from across the Rift Valley in Kenya to start CR programs in their respective churches and prisons while we visit and encourage those that have existing programs.
There will be updates and specific prayer requests posted here during our trip so be sure to check back often.
We would like to thank you for joining us on this amazing journey. Your prayer support is greatly appreciated while in preparation for the trip and during our trip and upon our return. Below is our "planned" itnerary so you know how to pray for us.
Tuesday, February 16 ~ Jana departs for Kenya for meetings with prison officials and church leaders regarding CR in Nairobi. She will then fly to Kitale to visit with friends before returning to meet the team arriving on February 27th.
Friday, February 26th–27th ~ The team departs from LAX in the morning, changing planes in Minneapolis then on to Amsterdam for a 3 hour layover before heading out on an 8 hour flight to Nairobi, arriving in Nairobi the evening of February 27th.
Sunday, February 28th –Tuesday, March 2nd ~ On the 28th we will be attending a church that has CR, to encourage and support them. March 1st we will hold a seminar in Nairobi for churches and prisons that are in the process of starting CR. March 2nd we plan to visit Kamiti men’s maximum security prison and Langata women’s prison to minister to the inmates and encourage their CR programs.
Wednesday, March 3rd – Sunday, March 7th ~ Wednesday morning we will fly from Nairobi to the town of Kitale in the Rift Valley. We will visit the local prisons, Purpose Driven Academy, Sister Freda's Hospital, Oasis of Hope and attend a church that is starting CR.
Monday, March 8th – Thursday, March 11th ~ We will be facilitating a 4 day seminar to train and equip churches and prisons from across the Rift Valley to begin a CR program.
Friday, March 12th – Saturday, March 13th ~ Off to Nakuru for debriefing from our trip along with some rest and relaxation before heading back home.
Sunday, March 14th – Monday, March 15th ~ We will all travel to Nairobi for an evening flight home. We will arrive at LAX on the afternoon of the 15th.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Yesterday we had the day off so we went to the Genocide Memorial. I would like to say that it was a relaxing day but not so much. I keep thinking that it will get easier, as this was my third visit to the museum, and it's still tough. It helps put things in perspective but hard to comprehend. Practically every person in Rwanda today has been affected by it one way or another.
In the afternoon we met with two men from an organization called ADAP that creates awareness for youth on drugs. They are very dedicated to creating awareness to a little recognized sleeping giant. According to government records, 69% of the youth of Rwanda are drug users. We got some good insights to some of the problems the Rwandese face.
Last night we had a great thunderstorm before dinner. It poured....hard. Lightening struck very close to us and knocked the power out for a while.
Today we went to Gakenke, 1 1/2 hour drive uphill, to attend a church that has started CR. Pastor Jean Baptiste hosted us at Anglican Church of Rwanda Gakenke. They were having a youth crusade with close to a thousand people attending. The 5 1/2 hour service was awesome with lots of great music and dancing. I gave my testimony and talked about CR which fit right in with their theme of the crusade. The diocese pastor preached the sermon and shared very openly about his own struggles past and present. They have a great vision for the church and they believe that CR will be a big part of it.
We had lunch at Jean Baptiste's home with pastors, denomination leaders, and head of the church's primary school with 600+ children. We got to meet his family too which was a special treat.
We are winding down and preparing to start our long journey home tomorrow. Pray for safe travels, smooth connections and good rest on the plane. Pray for the team that returned to teh US last week as I am sure they are still adjsuting.
In the afternoon we met with two men from an organization called ADAP that creates awareness for youth on drugs. They are very dedicated to creating awareness to a little recognized sleeping giant. According to government records, 69% of the youth of Rwanda are drug users. We got some good insights to some of the problems the Rwandese face.
Last night we had a great thunderstorm before dinner. It poured....hard. Lightening struck very close to us and knocked the power out for a while.
Today we went to Gakenke, 1 1/2 hour drive uphill, to attend a church that has started CR. Pastor Jean Baptiste hosted us at Anglican Church of Rwanda Gakenke. They were having a youth crusade with close to a thousand people attending. The 5 1/2 hour service was awesome with lots of great music and dancing. I gave my testimony and talked about CR which fit right in with their theme of the crusade. The diocese pastor preached the sermon and shared very openly about his own struggles past and present. They have a great vision for the church and they believe that CR will be a big part of it.
We had lunch at Jean Baptiste's home with pastors, denomination leaders, and head of the church's primary school with 600+ children. We got to meet his family too which was a special treat.
We are winding down and preparing to start our long journey home tomorrow. Pray for safe travels, smooth connections and good rest on the plane. Pray for the team that returned to teh US last week as I am sure they are still adjsuting.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday Night in Kigali
This morning we met with Arthur who is writing a dissertation on addictions in Rwanda and had heard that we were in town and wanted to meet with us. He shared his story of abandonment and struggle with addiction. It helped us have a better understanding of some lives in Rwanda. He is a very passionate young man with a desire to help the addicted.
In the afternoon we had a meeting at the PEACE office where we debriefed about the meeting yesterday and began making plans for next steps including a CR seminar next year. We agreed on a format for future trainings and have tentative plans of when and where the next training will take place. We will be working out the details over the coming weeks.
It was so encouraging to hear from Jean Baptiste about how he has started CR, the impact it's already making at his church and his great vision for it's growth. God is good.
Tonight we had Italian food at a restaurant called Cactus overlooking the lights of downtown while listening to Christmas carols in some unknown language surrounded by the fragrance of jasmine and the tropics. By the way, it is September and we are in Rwanda. The pizza with bananas was great .... really :-).
In the afternoon we had a meeting at the PEACE office where we debriefed about the meeting yesterday and began making plans for next steps including a CR seminar next year. We agreed on a format for future trainings and have tentative plans of when and where the next training will take place. We will be working out the details over the coming weeks.
It was so encouraging to hear from Jean Baptiste about how he has started CR, the impact it's already making at his church and his great vision for it's growth. God is good.
Tonight we had Italian food at a restaurant called Cactus overlooking the lights of downtown while listening to Christmas carols in some unknown language surrounded by the fragrance of jasmine and the tropics. By the way, it is September and we are in Rwanda. The pizza with bananas was great .... really :-).
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Successful Meeting
The Messners and Skons made it to LAX exactly on time yesterday. Everything in Amsterdam went smoothly and even CJ stayed with the group and did not wander :-). Joe picked them up from the airport and they made it home in an hour....God was very nice and made the traffic very light. Pizza with Heather, Chris and Kelly's mom was yummy and they were very excited to see each other.
Thanks so much for your prayers for our Rwanda meeting today, they worked. We met with 10 key pastors that were all in the CR seminar in January. We spent the day reviewing the CR components and answering questions. They were so thankful of our visit as it helped clarify some things for them. They sent their greetings to the January CR team that was in Gitarama.
One church (Pastor John Baptiste's) has started CR with the Large Group meetings and is preparing to add the Open Share and Step Study groups so our visit was very timely. He completed the 8 week Road to Recovery sermon series before starting the Large Group meetings. Another church has started small group meetings in preparation to launching CR.
The meeting went very well and several of the pastors seemed eager to start CR in their churches. We learned some valuable lessons that will help us in future trainings like using flip charts with diagrams to explain the 3 components of CR and a timeline of the 8 principles showing from "Realize I'm not God" to "Giving back", from hurts to health.
Please pray for the team that returned to the US, that they adjust to the new time zone and get good rest. Pray for the emotional adjustment and reverse culture stress as they experience life in Orange County after 3 weeks in Kenya. Pray for our debrief meeting tomorrow at the PEACE office as we plan next steps to go forward with CR in Rwanda.
Thanks so much for your prayers for our Rwanda meeting today, they worked. We met with 10 key pastors that were all in the CR seminar in January. We spent the day reviewing the CR components and answering questions. They were so thankful of our visit as it helped clarify some things for them. They sent their greetings to the January CR team that was in Gitarama.
One church (Pastor John Baptiste's) has started CR with the Large Group meetings and is preparing to add the Open Share and Step Study groups so our visit was very timely. He completed the 8 week Road to Recovery sermon series before starting the Large Group meetings. Another church has started small group meetings in preparation to launching CR.
The meeting went very well and several of the pastors seemed eager to start CR in their churches. We learned some valuable lessons that will help us in future trainings like using flip charts with diagrams to explain the 3 components of CR and a timeline of the 8 principles showing from "Realize I'm not God" to "Giving back", from hurts to health.
Please pray for the team that returned to the US, that they adjust to the new time zone and get good rest. Pray for the emotional adjustment and reverse culture stress as they experience life in Orange County after 3 weeks in Kenya. Pray for our debrief meeting tomorrow at the PEACE office as we plan next steps to go forward with CR in Rwanda.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
In Rwanda
Paul, Teri and I arrived in Rwanda last night as the rest of the team began their journey back to the US. We ran into a few friends from Saddleback at the Iris Guest House where we are staying. This afternoon we had a very good meeting with Pastor Straton and others at the PEACE office in preparation for tomorrow's meeting with key pastors from the Southern Provence where we did our CR training in January. We had good discussions about CR in Rwanda. It is good to be back in Rwanda.
Please pray for our meeting tomorrow, that we are able to clarify some things as we encourage them to continue moving forward and that we are the "Muppets". Pray for Teri and Paul as Teri's Dad fell and is in a skilled nursing center awaiting their return so he can go home. Pray for peace of mind for all concerned. Pray for the team flying home.
Please pray for our meeting tomorrow, that we are able to clarify some things as we encourage them to continue moving forward and that we are the "Muppets". Pray for Teri and Paul as Teri's Dad fell and is in a skilled nursing center awaiting their return so he can go home. Pray for peace of mind for all concerned. Pray for the team flying home.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Back in Nairobi ..... for a few hours
After an adventurous departure from Malindi we had a great time in Masai Mara. Our ticketed flight from Malindi to the Mara didn't actually exist. After several hours of sitting around a very tiny airport, they decided to charter a private 11 passenger plane for us since we had paid tickets and their next flight was not until the following day. What an expereince.
We had 2 days of R&R to help process our experiences plus we got some really up close time with some amazing animals. We flew back to Nairobi and had lunch. Now we are relaxing for a few hours before going to the airport. The Messners and Skons begin thier journey home, departing Nairobi at 10 pm then a few hour layover in Amsterdam then non-stop to LAX, getting home tomorrow evening. The Mootes and I depart at 10:15 for Kigali, Rwanda where we will be met by friends in the PEACE office and begin our meetings there tomorrow afternoon.
We had 2 days of R&R to help process our experiences plus we got some really up close time with some amazing animals. We flew back to Nairobi and had lunch. Now we are relaxing for a few hours before going to the airport. The Messners and Skons begin thier journey home, departing Nairobi at 10 pm then a few hour layover in Amsterdam then non-stop to LAX, getting home tomorrow evening. The Mootes and I depart at 10:15 for Kigali, Rwanda where we will be met by friends in the PEACE office and begin our meetings there tomorrow afternoon.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Malindi
Yesterday (Friday) before we left Mombasa we took a tour of Fort Jesus built in 1593 by the Portuguese to guard the Old Port of Mombasa, we also visited Old Town in Mombasa. It was nice to get to see some of the city. We drove North along the coast for 3 hours to Malindi. We had a chance to walk on the beach and relax. We have been going non-stop since landing here over 2 weeks ago.
Today we went to Malindi prison and got to meet with some of the 67 men in CR. We heard testimonies of several men of how CR is changing their lives. They have a group for drug addicts, which is a huge issue in Malindi and long the coast of Kenya. About 80% of those attending the drug group are Muslim! They heard about the healing that was happening and they wanted to attend. I am looking forward to hearing about when one of them steps across the line to accept Christ.
The senior chaplain and our friend, Pastor Stanley, is well and is doing a great job with CR inside. We had the opportunity to visit his home and see his family again. He had a baby boy since we were here in February, they named him Blessington and his 3 sisters love their baby brother.
This afternoon we explored Malindi and saw the sights then I think we all took long naps. Tomorrow we fly to Masai Mara for a couple of days of R&R and hopefully will see a few animals.
Please pray for safe travels as we go to the Mara. For good rest. For processing the experiences as we begin the transition of leaving Kenya. The Messners & Skons fly home on Tuesday. The Mootes and I fly to Rwanda where we have CR meetings there so we are winding down but also gearing up for the next leg of our trip.
Today we went to Malindi prison and got to meet with some of the 67 men in CR. We heard testimonies of several men of how CR is changing their lives. They have a group for drug addicts, which is a huge issue in Malindi and long the coast of Kenya. About 80% of those attending the drug group are Muslim! They heard about the healing that was happening and they wanted to attend. I am looking forward to hearing about when one of them steps across the line to accept Christ.
The senior chaplain and our friend, Pastor Stanley, is well and is doing a great job with CR inside. We had the opportunity to visit his home and see his family again. He had a baby boy since we were here in February, they named him Blessington and his 3 sisters love their baby brother.
This afternoon we explored Malindi and saw the sights then I think we all took long naps. Tomorrow we fly to Masai Mara for a couple of days of R&R and hopefully will see a few animals.
Please pray for safe travels as we go to the Mara. For good rest. For processing the experiences as we begin the transition of leaving Kenya. The Messners & Skons fly home on Tuesday. The Mootes and I fly to Rwanda where we have CR meetings there so we are winding down but also gearing up for the next leg of our trip.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
CR Seminar Update
There are about 70 people attending the CR seminar here in Mombasa (actually Likoni) near the Mombasa port. We were expecting 50 participants and have over 70 and they are so excited to be here that some even have to stay off site and pay extra for accommodations. Bishops, senior pastors, pastors and church leaders are here from Nairobi, Lamu and even Tanzania.
The seminar started on Monday and they were skeptical but open and now are catching the vision of how CR can help and work in their churches. Today was the day that they "got it". It is exciting to watch it unfold. At times we lost focus of what God is doing and had doubts, He just needed to remind us who's in charge. We are just the Muppets, He is the Muppeteer. We just have to show up.
They are enjoying the teachings about CR and how to run the meetings and really liking participating in Step Study groups. They love hearing our testimonies. They have a whole new level of respect for the "youth couple" of Mike and Kelly.
We found out that the CR Africa materials are in the nearby port but have not been released yet. It's hard knowing that we can practically see where they are but can't get our hands on them yet. All in God's timing.
We are all continuing to do well and are healthy. Please pray for our last day of training tomorrow (Thursday) as they learn how to take this ministry back to their churches and train their leaders. Pray for the pastors as they plan to work together to help each other as they start CR in thier respective churches.
The seminar started on Monday and they were skeptical but open and now are catching the vision of how CR can help and work in their churches. Today was the day that they "got it". It is exciting to watch it unfold. At times we lost focus of what God is doing and had doubts, He just needed to remind us who's in charge. We are just the Muppets, He is the Muppeteer. We just have to show up.
They are enjoying the teachings about CR and how to run the meetings and really liking participating in Step Study groups. They love hearing our testimonies. They have a whole new level of respect for the "youth couple" of Mike and Kelly.
We found out that the CR Africa materials are in the nearby port but have not been released yet. It's hard knowing that we can practically see where they are but can't get our hands on them yet. All in God's timing.
We are all continuing to do well and are healthy. Please pray for our last day of training tomorrow (Thursday) as they learn how to take this ministry back to their churches and train their leaders. Pray for the pastors as they plan to work together to help each other as they start CR in thier respective churches.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
In Mombasa
We left Edoret Saturday morning (so we couldn't train the host church). As we drove through Eldoret town to the airport there were gentle reminders of the post-election violence last year. Fresh paint and shiny corrugated iron sheets on buildings replacing those turn down or burned because of tribal fighting when 100s of people were killed. Eldoret was one of the hardest hit areas. Much healing is needed here.
We flew on a "big" plane (40-50 pax) to Nairobi then boarded the next plane to Mombasa, arriving around noon. We had lunch with Rev. Stanley Wainana, senior pastor of Christian Truth International Center in Likoni, and enjoyed a time of fellowship and renewing of relationships. His church has CR.
We got to walk on the beach and dip our toes in the Indian Ocean and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and relax for the afternoon and evening.
Sunday morning we crossed the ferry with little wait - praise God. We attended CTIC with Rev. Stanley. The open air and corrugated tin church is located in a 90% Muslim community. It has been torn down twice in the last 4 years to encourage them to move elsewhere but they are commited to standing firm. During the service we shared our testimonies and Mike "preached". We now call him Pastor Mike. This afternoon we are just hanging out and relaxing at our guest house. We have been blessed with good weather, it's not too hot.
Please pray for good rest and good health for us as we prepare for the 4-day seminar that starts tomorrow. I'm sure it will start on Kenya time, not ours. Pray for the people that will attend, that their hearts are open.
Thanks for the prayers and encouraging comments, it's comforting to us and helps us feel connected. Tomorrow (Monday) we get to celebrate Mike's birthday, one that I suspect he will not forget. How often do you get to celebrate your birthday in Kenya?
We flew on a "big" plane (40-50 pax) to Nairobi then boarded the next plane to Mombasa, arriving around noon. We had lunch with Rev. Stanley Wainana, senior pastor of Christian Truth International Center in Likoni, and enjoyed a time of fellowship and renewing of relationships. His church has CR.
We got to walk on the beach and dip our toes in the Indian Ocean and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and relax for the afternoon and evening.
Sunday morning we crossed the ferry with little wait - praise God. We attended CTIC with Rev. Stanley. The open air and corrugated tin church is located in a 90% Muslim community. It has been torn down twice in the last 4 years to encourage them to move elsewhere but they are commited to standing firm. During the service we shared our testimonies and Mike "preached". We now call him Pastor Mike. This afternoon we are just hanging out and relaxing at our guest house. We have been blessed with good weather, it's not too hot.
Please pray for good rest and good health for us as we prepare for the 4-day seminar that starts tomorrow. I'm sure it will start on Kenya time, not ours. Pray for the people that will attend, that their hearts are open.
Thanks for the prayers and encouraging comments, it's comforting to us and helps us feel connected. Tomorrow (Monday) we get to celebrate Mike's birthday, one that I suspect he will not forget. How often do you get to celebrate your birthday in Kenya?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Senior Pastor Introduction Meeting
God set the tone for the day starting with our morning devotional about putting on the armor of God. Even though we started on Kenyan time (10:30 instead of scheduled 8:30) and at a different location, God multiplied the time and the shield of faith gave us serenity when we could have gotten distracted by the late start and change of venue.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28
The 130+ pastors and prison chaplains are very eager to get training so they can start this life changing program. They LOVED the video of Kenyan testimonies from our February training and can see even more how it will work in their culture.
Bishops, pastors, prison chaplains and Provence directors traveled from all over the Rift Valley and even 200k away to hear about this ministry. It was very well received and they are anxiously waiting for in-depth training scheduled for March. Our host pastor wanted us to stay tomorrow so we could train his church to start right away. God is good.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28
The 130+ pastors and prison chaplains are very eager to get training so they can start this life changing program. They LOVED the video of Kenyan testimonies from our February training and can see even more how it will work in their culture.
Bishops, pastors, prison chaplains and Provence directors traveled from all over the Rift Valley and even 200k away to hear about this ministry. It was very well received and they are anxiously waiting for in-depth training scheduled for March. Our host pastor wanted us to stay tomorrow so we could train his church to start right away. God is good.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Catching Up
We will back up to Monday and try to catch you up on what we've been doing. Kelly is helping me catch you up.
Monday morning we went to Kamiti Men's maximum security prison in Nairobi. Although we were not granted access to visit the prisoners, we had a successful meeting with the officer in charge and senior chaplain laying the foundation for the future of CR.
In the afternoon we visited Langata Women's Prison. We thought we were there to share our stories with them, God had other plans. After hearing some of our testimonies, some of the women prisoners in CR share gave their testimonies, taking CR to a whole new level as it was the first time any of the inmates had shared that openly. Even the chaplain was blown away by their sharing.
We ended Monday worshipping with a youth group called Ebenezer that we have a very strong relationship with. Mike and Kelly shared their testimony, touching many people. It was great to hear their testimonies of how CR has given them permission to talk openly. We had fun singing and dancing too :-).
Wednesday
Now we skip ahead to Wednesday because we have already posted for Tuesday. We visited Oasis of Hope, a drop in center for street kids. To read more about Oasis go to their blog linked to this page. It was great to see their new building and how much room there is for future growth. Kelly really enjoyed seeing Mike hanging out with the kids. The kids absolutely loved him. We joined them during recess then attended their Wednesday church service. Everyone had multiple hanging on them, it was awesome loving on these kids.
Later we went to Kitale Main Prison and met with the men in CR, about 60 inmates and 7 mzungus packed in a small room. We were granted access to videotape the meeting record some amazing testimonies. One inmate even shared a poem that he wrote about CR which I will post later. God blessed our time there with a rainstorm which was much needed because of the drought. They sang for us because the rain was so loud we couldn't continue talking.
Next we visited the Women's prison and were met with a warm welcome and great singing. We taped more testimonies from women that had gone through CR. God is so good and lives are changing. I can't wait to see how these videos are going to help other Africans see how CR can help them.
Thursday (Today)
At 5 am this morning, Noah walked to the local bicycle taxi stand to get a ride to the commuter van, then took a taxi to the Kitale Club (a 3 hour journey) to spend time with us. Noah was in prison for 7 years and started the first CR in Kenya almost 5 years ago in prison. He was falsely accused of murder and when he finally went to trial late last year he was found innocent and released. I think of Paul and how the time he spent in prison God used for good. To me Noah is a modern day Paul. Now he is looking at starting CR outside. He was so excited to receive a CR Bible and meet 4 of the people with testimonies in it.
A visit to Kitale would not be complete without a visit to Sister Freda's Hospital. CJ & her husband, Richard enjoyed a reunion and walk around the farm to compare farming stories. Sister Freda gave a gracious tour of the compound to see the growth of her ministry. The nursing school is progressing well and will give so many people an opportunity for education and equip them to care for so many.
We drove to Eldoret (1 1/2 hours) and went straight to the Eldoret women's prison for the first. We spent time getting acquainted then were granted access to visit the inmates. We introduced them to CR and shared our testimonies. They were obviously moved by our stories. I had a great reunion with Nolega, who is the mother of my God children in Kitale. She is doing well and her sentence has been commuted from the death penalty to 10 more years in prison. Praise God! The officer in charge wants to start CR and since Nolega has been through it she will be the leader. We left a few materials for them to get started. Asante sana Bwana (Thank you Lord).
Please pray for our seminar tomorrow(Friday) when we will introduce CR to senior pastors and prison chaplains in the North Rift Valley. Our team is doing well, everyone is healthy and having a wonderful time here serving God. The only challenge is keeping CJ and Mike separated as they tend to create mischief where ever they go :-). Now we are caught up to date. Thanks for your prayers, we could not do this without them. God's presence is evident everywhere we turn.
Monday morning we went to Kamiti Men's maximum security prison in Nairobi. Although we were not granted access to visit the prisoners, we had a successful meeting with the officer in charge and senior chaplain laying the foundation for the future of CR.
In the afternoon we visited Langata Women's Prison. We thought we were there to share our stories with them, God had other plans. After hearing some of our testimonies, some of the women prisoners in CR share gave their testimonies, taking CR to a whole new level as it was the first time any of the inmates had shared that openly. Even the chaplain was blown away by their sharing.
We ended Monday worshipping with a youth group called Ebenezer that we have a very strong relationship with. Mike and Kelly shared their testimony, touching many people. It was great to hear their testimonies of how CR has given them permission to talk openly. We had fun singing and dancing too :-).
Wednesday
Now we skip ahead to Wednesday because we have already posted for Tuesday. We visited Oasis of Hope, a drop in center for street kids. To read more about Oasis go to their blog linked to this page. It was great to see their new building and how much room there is for future growth. Kelly really enjoyed seeing Mike hanging out with the kids. The kids absolutely loved him. We joined them during recess then attended their Wednesday church service. Everyone had multiple hanging on them, it was awesome loving on these kids.
Later we went to Kitale Main Prison and met with the men in CR, about 60 inmates and 7 mzungus packed in a small room. We were granted access to videotape the meeting record some amazing testimonies. One inmate even shared a poem that he wrote about CR which I will post later. God blessed our time there with a rainstorm which was much needed because of the drought. They sang for us because the rain was so loud we couldn't continue talking.
Next we visited the Women's prison and were met with a warm welcome and great singing. We taped more testimonies from women that had gone through CR. God is so good and lives are changing. I can't wait to see how these videos are going to help other Africans see how CR can help them.
Thursday (Today)
At 5 am this morning, Noah walked to the local bicycle taxi stand to get a ride to the commuter van, then took a taxi to the Kitale Club (a 3 hour journey) to spend time with us. Noah was in prison for 7 years and started the first CR in Kenya almost 5 years ago in prison. He was falsely accused of murder and when he finally went to trial late last year he was found innocent and released. I think of Paul and how the time he spent in prison God used for good. To me Noah is a modern day Paul. Now he is looking at starting CR outside. He was so excited to receive a CR Bible and meet 4 of the people with testimonies in it.
A visit to Kitale would not be complete without a visit to Sister Freda's Hospital. CJ & her husband, Richard enjoyed a reunion and walk around the farm to compare farming stories. Sister Freda gave a gracious tour of the compound to see the growth of her ministry. The nursing school is progressing well and will give so many people an opportunity for education and equip them to care for so many.
We drove to Eldoret (1 1/2 hours) and went straight to the Eldoret women's prison for the first. We spent time getting acquainted then were granted access to visit the inmates. We introduced them to CR and shared our testimonies. They were obviously moved by our stories. I had a great reunion with Nolega, who is the mother of my God children in Kitale. She is doing well and her sentence has been commuted from the death penalty to 10 more years in prison. Praise God! The officer in charge wants to start CR and since Nolega has been through it she will be the leader. We left a few materials for them to get started. Asante sana Bwana (Thank you Lord).
Please pray for our seminar tomorrow(Friday) when we will introduce CR to senior pastors and prison chaplains in the North Rift Valley. Our team is doing well, everyone is healthy and having a wonderful time here serving God. The only challenge is keeping CJ and Mike separated as they tend to create mischief where ever they go :-). Now we are caught up to date. Thanks for your prayers, we could not do this without them. God's presence is evident everywhere we turn.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday in Kitale
This morning we had an early morning flight from Nairobi to Kitale on a 20 passenger prop plane and landed on a small strip in the middle of a corn field. We were met by my dear friend Margaret and our driver David who arrived safely yesterday. We got settled in at the Kitale Club and went to Purpose Driven Academy (PDA), a Christian boarding school that Margaret started. We had a tour of the school and it was great to see how it continues to grow and do well. Kelly, on our team, is an elementary school teacher and had a great time talking to the students.
The next experience is one that I find difficult to put into words but I will try. I met my 4 God children today, 3 for the first time. The first one is Augustine, I met him on my very first trip to Kenya in January 2005. He was in prison with his mother. It is a long story maybe I will tell another time but for now let's just say that we had a very unique connection. On a later trip his mother tried to give him to me to raise as my son. She was later sentenced the death penalty. Thank God they do not enforce it but still Augustine could only stay with her in prison until he was 4 and her family would not take him. It took about 1 1/2 years to work it out but I was able to arrange to send him to PDA. It was then that we discovered that he had a 6 year old sister Elizabeth. He also has an orphaned cousin Caleb (5) and another cousin Brian (8)that his father has died of AIDS and his mother is dying of it now. So that led to 4 children that my husband and I sponsor. So today was a very emotional day for me and one I have been looking forward to for months.
After our tour I saw Augo outside and asked someone who it was because I thought I recognized him. It was all I could do to not just grab him up and squeeze him to pieces. I had not seen him since he was 2 years old so I had to respect that he did not remember me and go very slowly. Margaret arranged for us to meet in the office and all 4 children came in togehter. At first they were very shy and overwhelmed by 7 mzungus (white people) staring at them. They had not seen white people before coming to PDA a few months ago. We spent some time with the group then I got to spend some time alone with them getting to know each other. I told them that I new their mother and had met Augo in prison. I brought them some school supplies, toiletries, new clothes, shoes and a soccer ball which was probably the first time they had new clothes. I had to show them how to brush their teeth as that was new to them. I showed them some pictures of my family so they could get to know me. They do not speak English so Margaret translated for us. Pole pole (slowly) they warmed up to me and after a little while we were hugging and holding hands everywhere we went. The rest of the team joined us for lunch then we went into town and got them locker boxes to keep their new things in. The rest of the team was hanging out with the other students making some cool connections.
Today was a very special day for me that I don't think I will ever forget. I get very emotional just thinking about it. It was all I could do to not cry while I was with them because they are not used to people showing emotions and I did not want to scare them. I can't imagine what Thursday morning will be like when we leave Kitale and these beautiful children that are embedded in my heart.
I'll post more later about our awesome day yesterday of divine appointments all day long.
The next experience is one that I find difficult to put into words but I will try. I met my 4 God children today, 3 for the first time. The first one is Augustine, I met him on my very first trip to Kenya in January 2005. He was in prison with his mother. It is a long story maybe I will tell another time but for now let's just say that we had a very unique connection. On a later trip his mother tried to give him to me to raise as my son. She was later sentenced the death penalty. Thank God they do not enforce it but still Augustine could only stay with her in prison until he was 4 and her family would not take him. It took about 1 1/2 years to work it out but I was able to arrange to send him to PDA. It was then that we discovered that he had a 6 year old sister Elizabeth. He also has an orphaned cousin Caleb (5) and another cousin Brian (8)that his father has died of AIDS and his mother is dying of it now. So that led to 4 children that my husband and I sponsor. So today was a very emotional day for me and one I have been looking forward to for months.
After our tour I saw Augo outside and asked someone who it was because I thought I recognized him. It was all I could do to not just grab him up and squeeze him to pieces. I had not seen him since he was 2 years old so I had to respect that he did not remember me and go very slowly. Margaret arranged for us to meet in the office and all 4 children came in togehter. At first they were very shy and overwhelmed by 7 mzungus (white people) staring at them. They had not seen white people before coming to PDA a few months ago. We spent some time with the group then I got to spend some time alone with them getting to know each other. I told them that I new their mother and had met Augo in prison. I brought them some school supplies, toiletries, new clothes, shoes and a soccer ball which was probably the first time they had new clothes. I had to show them how to brush their teeth as that was new to them. I showed them some pictures of my family so they could get to know me. They do not speak English so Margaret translated for us. Pole pole (slowly) they warmed up to me and after a little while we were hugging and holding hands everywhere we went. The rest of the team joined us for lunch then we went into town and got them locker boxes to keep their new things in. The rest of the team was hanging out with the other students making some cool connections.
Today was a very special day for me that I don't think I will ever forget. I get very emotional just thinking about it. It was all I could do to not cry while I was with them because they are not used to people showing emotions and I did not want to scare them. I can't imagine what Thursday morning will be like when we leave Kitale and these beautiful children that are embedded in my heart.
I'll post more later about our awesome day yesterday of divine appointments all day long.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday
We attended church at CCI Thika and it was great to attend their services. They are located about an hour outside of Nairobi in a town (called Thika) of 300,000 people with 1,000 people attending their church. They were heavily promoting CR as they have been for months. The drama team did a skit during the service about joining CR. It was great. The senior pastor talked about how important CR is and really, really encouraged people to attend next week when they launch it. I was asked to speak for a few minutes and shared my mini testimony and encouraged people to attend next week. It is exciting to see it unfold. We had a great time of fellowship with the senior pastor and other church leaders, including the founding bishop. It was a great time.
Afterward (almost 6 hours later) we had lunch of black currant sodas and California cheeseburgers and did a bit of shopping. Tonight we get to turn in early as we rest up for another exciting day tomorrow. We plan to visit a men's maximum security prison and a women's prison, then we will meet with a youth group called Ebenezer that we have become quite close to. They are putting on a special program for us tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait to see what it is but am sure it will include lots of singing and dancing. I think they plan to attempt to teach us to dance - that should be really funny to see.
Please pray for good rest tonight. For our meetings tomorrow at both prisons and of course for our time with Ebenezer. Hopefully we won't hurt ourselves trying to dance :-). Pray for our driver, David, as he drives to Kitale (8-10 hours) so he can meet us when we fly there Tuesday early morning.
Afterward (almost 6 hours later) we had lunch of black currant sodas and California cheeseburgers and did a bit of shopping. Tonight we get to turn in early as we rest up for another exciting day tomorrow. We plan to visit a men's maximum security prison and a women's prison, then we will meet with a youth group called Ebenezer that we have become quite close to. They are putting on a special program for us tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait to see what it is but am sure it will include lots of singing and dancing. I think they plan to attempt to teach us to dance - that should be really funny to see.
Please pray for good rest tonight. For our meetings tomorrow at both prisons and of course for our time with Ebenezer. Hopefully we won't hurt ourselves trying to dance :-). Pray for our driver, David, as he drives to Kitale (8-10 hours) so he can meet us when we fly there Tuesday early morning.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturday Evening
We all got a good night's rest last night and today we had a great meeting with the people that attended the CR training in February. It was so good to see everyone and hear how CR is changing lives. Several churches are in the process of starting or have plans to start CR in the near future. Mike and Kelly gave their testimony and it really made an impact on those attending. It is exciting to see God at work. Tomorrow we attend a church that has been working with it's leadership team since February and is launching it church wide this next week. Hopefully our visit will encourage people to get involved.
Kenya is having a severe drought causing all kinds of problems. Cattle (many people's livelihoods) are dying, crops are failing and there are rolling blackouts across the country because they cannot generate enough electricity to keep up with the need. That is why we did not have hot water, the hotel had to use generators and they could not make enough electricity to heat the water. Praise God that we all had hot showers today. I'n sitting in my room and typing this by flashlight as the electricity just went out for the night. That is why we bring flashlights :-).
Please pray for another good night's rest tonight. That we are God's vessels (Muppets) tomorrow as we attend church at CCI Thika and speak at both of their church services and meet with their senior pastor. Pray for the church as they launch CR to the congregation. That we represent God in all of our interactions throughout the day.
Kenya is having a severe drought causing all kinds of problems. Cattle (many people's livelihoods) are dying, crops are failing and there are rolling blackouts across the country because they cannot generate enough electricity to keep up with the need. That is why we did not have hot water, the hotel had to use generators and they could not make enough electricity to heat the water. Praise God that we all had hot showers today. I'n sitting in my room and typing this by flashlight as the electricity just went out for the night. That is why we bring flashlights :-).
Please pray for another good night's rest tonight. That we are God's vessels (Muppets) tomorrow as we attend church at CCI Thika and speak at both of their church services and meet with their senior pastor. Pray for the church as they launch CR to the congregation. That we represent God in all of our interactions throughout the day.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Yeah!! We arrived in Kenya
Our layover in London went well, a bit long but we had a very pleasant surprise awaiting us when we boarded the flight to Nairobi. That nice gate agent booked us all in business class so we were able to stretch out and be more comfortable. Thanks so much for your prayers.
We arrived early this morning (10 hours ahead of PDT) then had a great meeting today with prison headquarters about our visit. My permit will be renewed for another year, granting access to all 93 of the prisons in Kenya. Go figure. It is interesting to see what God is doing here and such a blessing to get a front row seat.
Tomorrow we have a seminar with the people that attended our training in February. We will spend the day encouraging them and helping them get their CRs going strong.
Please pray for a good rest tonight; to be God's vessels tomorrow; awesome reunions with great friends; warm showers would be nice too :-).
We arrived early this morning (10 hours ahead of PDT) then had a great meeting today with prison headquarters about our visit. My permit will be renewed for another year, granting access to all 93 of the prisons in Kenya. Go figure. It is interesting to see what God is doing here and such a blessing to get a front row seat.
Tomorrow we have a seminar with the people that attended our training in February. We will spend the day encouraging them and helping them get their CRs going strong.
Please pray for a good rest tonight; to be God's vessels tomorrow; awesome reunions with great friends; warm showers would be nice too :-).
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Connecting Flights
We arrived in Minneapolis almost 2 hours late and missed our connecting flight to Amsterdam. The next flight to Amsterdam would miss our connection to Nairobi so we were told that we could not get flights until tomorrow. We would have to miss an important meeting with the prison headquarters on Friday. So many faithful prayer warriors sent up prayers and then we were rerouted through London, scheduled to arrive Friday morning at 6am. Maybe a bit tired from the long flights but able to attend this really important meeting. Thank you prayer warriors and thank you Jesus. It's been pretty interesting to see how God is using this expereince to witness to others observing Him at work. I give away all my rights, they belong to the Lord anyway.
Monday, August 17, 2009
CR Mission Team Going to Kenya & Rwanda
Isaiah 6:8 “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said,‘Here I am. Send me!’”
A team of CR leaders from Saddleback Church including Teri and Paul Moote, Mike and Kelly Skon, Linda Messner, Jana O’Guin & CJ Messner will leave the morning of August 19th for Nairobi, Kenya. Mike and Kelly & CJ and Linda will return home on September 9th while Jana, Teri & Paul will return September 15th. We are asking for prayer support before we leave and during our trips.
Thank you so very much for joining us on this journey and supplying our prayer support. You are appreciated!
Please pray:
· That we will be humble and keep a servant’s heart.
· That we will be flexible and that our faith would grow.
· That we will rely on the Lord to lead and guide us.
· That we will be sensitive to, and learn about, the cultures of Kenya & Rwanda.
· That we will effectively share the power of healing through Celebrate Recovery.
· That the Holy Spirit will prepare the hearts of all who attend the CR trainings.
· That the newly published Celebrate Recovery Africa editions of the CR materials (in English) arrive in country in time to support the CR trainings.
Psalm 96:3 “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
Wednesday, August 19th & Thursday, August 20th – We depart LAX in the morning; our first stop is Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. We go on to Amsterdam arriving the morning of the 20th then an 8-hour flight to Nairobi, arriving the evening of the 20th. Kenya is 10 hours ahead of PDT.
Friday, August 21st: We plan to visit Langata Women’s prison and Kamiti Men’s Maximum Security prisons in the Nairobi area. We have been to these two prisons before and look forward to reconnecting with our friends and seeing how their CR programs are progressing. We also have meetings with officials at Prison Headquarters to discuss the future of CR in the 93 prisons across Kenya.
Saturday, August 22nd: We will be meeting to reconnect with those who attended the February Celebrate Recovery training in Nairobi. We will encourage them to continue with their Celebrate Recovery program or encourage them to get Celebrate Recovery started in their church or prison.
Sunday, August 23rd: Spend the morning attending a church that has started CR.
Monday – August 24th: We will spend the day visiting local prisons and churches that have started CR.
Tuesday – August 25th & Wednesday – August 26th: We will fly from Nairobi to Kitale on Tuesday morning. We will visit friends at local prisons, Purpose Driven Academy, Sister Freda and Oasis of Hope.
Thursday – August 27th: In the morning we continue local ministries, in the afternoon we drive from Kitale to Eldoret and will prepare to introduce Celebrate Recovery to a new region in Kenya. We will visit the Eldoret prison where Augustine and Elizabeth’s mother is serving a life sentence.
Friday – August 28th: We will host an Introduction to Celebrate Recovery seminar for senior pastors.
Saturday – August 29th: We will fly from Eldoret to Mombasa and will prepare to train those attending our Celebrate Recovery seminar starting Monday. We will visit a Church and a Prison during the day.
Sunday – August 30th: We will attend a Church that has started CR and visit a Prison in the afternoon.
Monday, August 31st – Thursday, September 3rd: We will teach Celebrate Recovery to pastors, prison officials and other representatives from 8:30 am – 5 pm daily. We will be teaching the Celebrate Recovery curriculum, facilitating small groups, giving our testimonies, and answering questions.
Friday – September 4th: We will host a follow-up meeting with the Pastors and Prisons Officials who attended our Celebrate Recovery training in Mombasa last year.
Saturday – September 5th: We drive from Mombasa to Malindi (approximately 3 hours) to meet with Rev. Stanley Chea Msanzu at Malindi Prison. Along the way (time permitting) we may stop at Kilifi Prisons.
Sunday – September 6th & Monday – September 7th: We will fly from Malindi to Masai Mara. We have a morning flight on the 6th to Masai Mara. In Masai Mara hope to visit the animal park, go on a safari and have some time to relax, process our experiences and decompress.
Tuesday – September 8th and Wednesday September 9th: Our team will fly from Masai Mara to Nairobi and we will all have a 6 – 8 hour layover in Nairobi before CJ, Linda, Mike and Kelly leave on a late evening flight to Amsterdam, then nonstop to LAX International. They will be landing in LAX in the afternoon of September 9th. Jana, Teri & Paul depart for a late night flight from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda.
Wednesday September 9th – September 13th: Jana, Teri and Paul meet at the P.E.A.C.E office with the Purpose Driven staff, trainers and some that have attended previous training and have started CR. The focus will be to brainstorm ideas of how to implement CR across the country of Rwanda. We will also visit a church that has started CR.
Monday, September 14th – Tuesday, September 15th: Jana, Teri and Paul will fly from to Kigali, Rwanda to Nairobi, on to Amsterdam, then Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and finally back to LAX International. We will be landing in LAX in the afternoon of September 15th.
"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 hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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