The Streets I Feared to See
I said: "Let me walk in the field;"
God said: "Nay, walk in the town;"
I said: "There are no flowers there;"
He said: "No flowers, but a crown."
I said: "But the sky is black,
There is nothing but noise and din;"
But He wept as He sent me back,
"There is more," He said, "There is sin."
I said: "But the air is thick,
And fogs are veiling the sun."
He answered: "Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone."
I said: "I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say,"
He answered me, "Choose tonight,
If I am to miss you, or they."
I pleaded for time to be given;
He said: "Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in heaven
To have followed the steps of your Guide."
I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said: "My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"
Then into His hand went mine
And into my heart cam He;
And I walk in a light Divine,
The streets I had feared to see.
George MacDonald (1824-1905)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Bernard's Story
Back in the early 90's, a young man named John Opiyo from Nairobi came to Chicago to go to Moody and providentially landed at our church. He said he joined because, in his words, we "worship like Africans." I considered that the highest compliment and encouragement.
He went on to become a pastoral intern here, and eventually went back home to plant a church in Nairobi. Over the years, we have developed an intimate relationship with the church he planted there - Kahawa Sukari. About every two years, we send a team from Armitage to partner with them in various ministry ventures, and they send teams here.
On one of these trips (2002), a rather mystical and amazing guy named Mike Freeman was on the team and had a remarkable experience in Nairobi that resulted in a daughter church to Kahawa Sukari being planted in the slum. More on that later, but first a bit about Mike...
Mike was once a drug abuser, a drunk, and a gang banger with the Simon City Royals. His life and marriage were eventually broken - all by his early 20's - when he encountered Jesus. The transformation was nothing short of radical. Mike is one of those people who just exudes love for God, to the point where even other Christians consider him a little different and don't always know how to take him. He has a tremendous heart for evangelism, not surprising considering where he came from, and as I said, tends to be a bit mystical.
I heard the story about his Nairobi encounter back in 2002 when the team returned. I thought, "How cool! Mike witnesses to a guy who gets saved and starts a church in the slum." I really didn't think much more of it after that.
Then I went to Nairobi.
There I met a man named Bernard. Bernard was one of the guys that Mike evangelized on that day six years ago. Bernard had come to Kahawa Sukari from Hope Baptist Church in the slum for the conference we were having last month. He made it a point to introduce himself to me and tell me his story. To say the least, it was a lot more amazing hearing it from the guy who was on the recieving end of the Gospel.
Back when Mike was in Nairobi, our team stayed at a hotel. This particular hotel was across the little gorge from Mathare, one of the largest slums in Africa, and I believe the largest in Nairobi. Acre after acre of hopelessness.
Mike was washing his face early in the morning when God told him (Yes. You read that right) to go out and preach the gospel in the slum. Being the mystical guy he is, Mike walked out, stood on a culvert adjacent to the slum, and began preaching John 3:16. Loudly. At 6:00 in the morning.
Three guys from the slum heard him and said, "What the %#@* is that racket?!?!"
They decided to go and encourage the white guy to shut up. However, they got within earshot and began to listen to what he was saying. They believed.
Bernard told me, "I got down on my knees and was born again, right on the spot." They then asked Mike what to do, since they had no church in the slum. Mike suggested they start one, so they did. With the help of Kahawa Sukari, Hope was born in the slum.
Hope now has two or three pastors, a school that ministers to 200 slum children, and 60 or so worshippers on a Sunday. God has provided land for a building - in the slum - and a cluster of houses they are using now that they have knocked the adjoining walls out of to have a 20' x 20' space to gather. They just got a generator for electricity.
Bernard now oversees the school and wants to come to Chicago to study at Moody. He has this crazy idea that God can do anything. This guy from the slum that now pours his life into making a difference because one day somebody obeyed the voice of the Spirit and preached the Gospel.
And even though these church leaders could all now leave the slum, they have decided to stay. Imagine that. They seem to think God can take care of them there. I wonder how they ever got that idea...
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16
Don't ever forget.
He went on to become a pastoral intern here, and eventually went back home to plant a church in Nairobi. Over the years, we have developed an intimate relationship with the church he planted there - Kahawa Sukari. About every two years, we send a team from Armitage to partner with them in various ministry ventures, and they send teams here.
On one of these trips (2002), a rather mystical and amazing guy named Mike Freeman was on the team and had a remarkable experience in Nairobi that resulted in a daughter church to Kahawa Sukari being planted in the slum. More on that later, but first a bit about Mike...
Mike was once a drug abuser, a drunk, and a gang banger with the Simon City Royals. His life and marriage were eventually broken - all by his early 20's - when he encountered Jesus. The transformation was nothing short of radical. Mike is one of those people who just exudes love for God, to the point where even other Christians consider him a little different and don't always know how to take him. He has a tremendous heart for evangelism, not surprising considering where he came from, and as I said, tends to be a bit mystical.
I heard the story about his Nairobi encounter back in 2002 when the team returned. I thought, "How cool! Mike witnesses to a guy who gets saved and starts a church in the slum." I really didn't think much more of it after that.
Then I went to Nairobi.
There I met a man named Bernard. Bernard was one of the guys that Mike evangelized on that day six years ago. Bernard had come to Kahawa Sukari from Hope Baptist Church in the slum for the conference we were having last month. He made it a point to introduce himself to me and tell me his story. To say the least, it was a lot more amazing hearing it from the guy who was on the recieving end of the Gospel.
Back when Mike was in Nairobi, our team stayed at a hotel. This particular hotel was across the little gorge from Mathare, one of the largest slums in Africa, and I believe the largest in Nairobi. Acre after acre of hopelessness.
Mike was washing his face early in the morning when God told him (Yes. You read that right) to go out and preach the gospel in the slum. Being the mystical guy he is, Mike walked out, stood on a culvert adjacent to the slum, and began preaching John 3:16. Loudly. At 6:00 in the morning.
Three guys from the slum heard him and said, "What the %#@* is that racket?!?!"
They decided to go and encourage the white guy to shut up. However, they got within earshot and began to listen to what he was saying. They believed.
Bernard told me, "I got down on my knees and was born again, right on the spot." They then asked Mike what to do, since they had no church in the slum. Mike suggested they start one, so they did. With the help of Kahawa Sukari, Hope was born in the slum.
Hope now has two or three pastors, a school that ministers to 200 slum children, and 60 or so worshippers on a Sunday. God has provided land for a building - in the slum - and a cluster of houses they are using now that they have knocked the adjoining walls out of to have a 20' x 20' space to gather. They just got a generator for electricity.
Bernard now oversees the school and wants to come to Chicago to study at Moody. He has this crazy idea that God can do anything. This guy from the slum that now pours his life into making a difference because one day somebody obeyed the voice of the Spirit and preached the Gospel.
And even though these church leaders could all now leave the slum, they have decided to stay. Imagine that. They seem to think God can take care of them there. I wonder how they ever got that idea...
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16
Don't ever forget.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Dust on My Shoes
As I was in a meeting for work last week, I looked down at my dress shoes and noticed that the tops of the souls of my shoes all the way around carried the unmistakeable red dust of the streets of Kahawa Sukari. Part of me thought that I should probably have cleaned up my shoes a little bit before attending the meeting. However, the dust also brought to mind the passage in Mark 6 where Jesus sends out the 12 disciples. Jesus gives them guidelines as to what to bring and where to stay. He instructs the 12: "And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony AGAINST them."
As I looked at the dust on my shoes, I decided that the dust needs to stay on my shoes. I stayed at the house of Pastor Simon Orieda during my time in Kenya. I was welcomed like family, or more accurately, a visiting dignitary. I was fed and clothed, given a place to sleep, and offered protection during the night. Not only was I welcomed, I was given an audience. The Kenyans wanted to hear about my experiences and what God has been doing in Chicago. Not once did I have to show any credentials or proof of a degree. Instead, my proclamation of being born again gave me any clearance needed to gain an audience.
The people of Kahawa Sukari and Kenya welcomed me and they listened to me. Therefore, I will not shake the dust off my shoes. Instead, I will leave the noticeable collection of dust on my shoes as a testimony FOR the believers in Nairobi, Kenya.
-C.Moore
As I looked at the dust on my shoes, I decided that the dust needs to stay on my shoes. I stayed at the house of Pastor Simon Orieda during my time in Kenya. I was welcomed like family, or more accurately, a visiting dignitary. I was fed and clothed, given a place to sleep, and offered protection during the night. Not only was I welcomed, I was given an audience. The Kenyans wanted to hear about my experiences and what God has been doing in Chicago. Not once did I have to show any credentials or proof of a degree. Instead, my proclamation of being born again gave me any clearance needed to gain an audience.
The people of Kahawa Sukari and Kenya welcomed me and they listened to me. Therefore, I will not shake the dust off my shoes. Instead, I will leave the noticeable collection of dust on my shoes as a testimony FOR the believers in Nairobi, Kenya.
-C.Moore
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Left Behind
Okay while reminiscing, I was reminded of the day my team left me behind at a school. I was in the bathroom and I took longer than usual because these bathrooms are not your normal bathrooms. You have to squat and then take care of your buisness. So after releasing, I ran out to get on the van, but immediately discovered they were already gone!! To say the least I was a bit salty. But it made for another fun moment in our amazing adventure!
Major Withdrawal
Since I've been back from Kenya, all I keep doing is wishing I was back there again. I'm glad to be home, but like a crack fine wanting the next hit, I implusively keep going on line just to stare at pictures, and I watch the video on this blog over and over again!
I feel like I'm in a spiritual rehab as I process this amazing experience.
God is so faithful and I'm so thankful that I was apart of this missions trip.
Don't play like that...
My mom got scared that you had caught something and made an appointmant for the doctor.......I HATE THE DOCTOR.....thanks alot! hope you get better man.
Peace......Out,
Jules
Peace......Out,
Jules
Monday, March 24, 2008
Something Else I Took Home...
Anyone else have TD?
I felt fine all the way through Sunday afternoon, but to say the least, I'm less than fine now! Apparently I took something home from Kenya I was not expecting...
I felt fine all the way through Sunday afternoon, but to say the least, I'm less than fine now! Apparently I took something home from Kenya I was not expecting...
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
And MORE Pictures!
The Armitage Team at the National Park 
The Whole Crew
Juanita and her Sisters Timah and Heri
No Shadow in Kenya! Amazing!
Pictures...
Enjoying American Food... 
A Catholic Church in Nairobi
The Infamous Matatu. This one is rather conservative...
A People to Admire
While staying in Africa with my Kenyan host family (The Ryanga Family), I've been so impressed by their wide-range of knowledge, humility and hospitality. Each night, we would eat dinner as a family and discuss our cultures, past experiences, politics and the wonders God has done. My host mom, Sheila is a professor at Kenyatta University, she is brilliant. I've learned so much for her and my new sisters, Tima, Heri and Nuru.
I was amazed at how much they know about the world they live in, unlike myself and my fellow American youth to say the least. From Kenya, they knew about Mayor Daley and his power in Chicago! Ask me what I know about Kenyan politics, umm... could not say much other than the recent political strife.
Throughout my stay, they made me feel so welcomed everyday. I had my own room with my own bathroom. I did have to bathe with a bucket though because they had to boil the hot water in a bucket for me each night---this was a different showering experience, but at least I was clean and refreshed.
Everything they have they offerred in abundance! Dinners were like feasts. Each night they would serve their very best foods. Some foods were similiar to Puerto Rican food such as the rice and beef stew dish and the cooked bananas. They took pride in their African influence in Puerto Rico.
They were amazing hosts! Even though they are so smart they are willing to serve and even learn from me. I was able to teach them Spanish words and phrases and they taught me Swahili.
Being with this family has inspired me to have a family like theirs. I admire them so much because they delight in the simple pleasures of life and they are truly committed to Christ in all aspects of their lifestyle.
---Juanita
I was amazed at how much they know about the world they live in, unlike myself and my fellow American youth to say the least. From Kenya, they knew about Mayor Daley and his power in Chicago! Ask me what I know about Kenyan politics, umm... could not say much other than the recent political strife.
Throughout my stay, they made me feel so welcomed everyday. I had my own room with my own bathroom. I did have to bathe with a bucket though because they had to boil the hot water in a bucket for me each night---this was a different showering experience, but at least I was clean and refreshed.
Everything they have they offerred in abundance! Dinners were like feasts. Each night they would serve their very best foods. Some foods were similiar to Puerto Rican food such as the rice and beef stew dish and the cooked bananas. They took pride in their African influence in Puerto Rico.
They were amazing hosts! Even though they are so smart they are willing to serve and even learn from me. I was able to teach them Spanish words and phrases and they taught me Swahili.
Being with this family has inspired me to have a family like theirs. I admire them so much because they delight in the simple pleasures of life and they are truly committed to Christ in all aspects of their lifestyle.
---Juanita
Friday, March 21, 2008
Pray for the African Churches
Here are some prayer requests for the churches here that we partner with:
Kahawa Sukari:
Pastors Simon Oriedo and Ezekiel Kayeli
There is a tremendous need to develop their Children's ministry. This is urgent... they have lots of kids! They need a person to come and serve in the capacity of Childhood Ministries Director and part-time administrative assistant. They would LOVE a volunteer from the US who would give three months to begin this work. Any takers?
KSBC is also beginning a new building project. Their current facility is PACKED, and they are raising money for a new church building. Pray that God would provide.
Hope:
Pastor Bruce Wandera.
Hope Baptist is in the Mathare slum - site of much of the post election violence. Despite this, they are faithful and growing.
They have also outgrown their space and need to build a church building. They have a plot of land, now just need the means to build on it.
They also have a number of men who have a great heart for ministry, but need training. Means are needed to send these faithful brothers to Bible College right here in Nairobi.
The Hope school serves the children of the slum. Right now they have somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 kids. What a ministry! Prayh for both the space and resources needed for this school.
Hope wants to grow in the area of rural evangelism, a significant need here in Africa. Pray also for power and growth in this area.
Finally, Hope is also starting a children's ministry and needs help with that, form money to space to leadership
Included in these requests is Light Way Baptist... Pastor Doki Ogao had to leave our Pastors Meeting early and I was not able to get specific prayer requests from him, but the needs of his church are very similar to those of Hope and KSBC.
I cannot tell you how deep and godly and wise these men of God are here. Keep them covered!
Kahawa Sukari:
Pastors Simon Oriedo and Ezekiel Kayeli
There is a tremendous need to develop their Children's ministry. This is urgent... they have lots of kids! They need a person to come and serve in the capacity of Childhood Ministries Director and part-time administrative assistant. They would LOVE a volunteer from the US who would give three months to begin this work. Any takers?
KSBC is also beginning a new building project. Their current facility is PACKED, and they are raising money for a new church building. Pray that God would provide.
Hope:
Pastor Bruce Wandera.
Hope Baptist is in the Mathare slum - site of much of the post election violence. Despite this, they are faithful and growing.
They have also outgrown their space and need to build a church building. They have a plot of land, now just need the means to build on it.
They also have a number of men who have a great heart for ministry, but need training. Means are needed to send these faithful brothers to Bible College right here in Nairobi.
The Hope school serves the children of the slum. Right now they have somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 kids. What a ministry! Prayh for both the space and resources needed for this school.
Hope wants to grow in the area of rural evangelism, a significant need here in Africa. Pray also for power and growth in this area.
Finally, Hope is also starting a children's ministry and needs help with that, form money to space to leadership
Included in these requests is Light Way Baptist... Pastor Doki Ogao had to leave our Pastors Meeting early and I was not able to get specific prayer requests from him, but the needs of his church are very similar to those of Hope and KSBC.
I cannot tell you how deep and godly and wise these men of God are here. Keep them covered!
Last Day
Well... here it is.
The day we all knew would come has finally arrived - our last day in Kenya.
This morning we all got to sleep in and enjoy a bit of a longer breakfast and meet at church at 10:30 for the Good Friday service. Here in Africa, the lives of Christians seem to revolve around their local church. They meet together in some form or another proabably four times a week at least. Personal space and downtime are not seen the same way here, and community is greatly valued over individual freedom. What a lesson for us - especially those of us who become resentful when the church "asks" for more than two days in a week.
Yesterday was a HUGE day. We all got up at 4:30 am to meet at church at 6:00 and go on Safari. That was amazing to say the least. We have had a big problem uploading pictures because of the 28.8 kbps modem connection, or we would post a zillion pics of the safari (and all our other adventures. I alone have over 500 pictures!). After Safari we had lunch, and then we toured the Rift Valley - about 7,000 feet elevation. It was actually cool for once! We got to the overlook site where there was a little shop that sold African goods and had to negotiate prices. That was pretty cool. Most of spent most of our money there. I did not exchange enough dollars for shillings, so my gifts for my wife and kids were a bit modest...
The drive to the Rift Valley was indescribable. You go through slums, farm country, large estates, mountains. It was breathtaking. The number of ancient vehicles decorated with all kinds of paint and held together by welds and duct tape is amazing. We saw donkeys pulling overloaded carts and camels carring people. Dozens of these cool Kenyan bicycles where the rider sits completely upright. We also saw bikers going up the mountain roads holding on to the backs of semis to hitch a ride. Mercy!
We came back from the Rift Valley trip and rested for about an hour and then had dinner at a five-star restaurant called Safari Park right here by Kahawa Sukari. I ate like six or seven kinds of meat! For 1950 Ksh ($30) you get all the fresh roasted exotic meat you can eat. The chefs come around and cut it right off the skewer. There was live music, dessert, salad...
Noemi - you keep on asking if Julius is eating... I feel like all we do here is eat. I have gaied 10 pounds if I've gained an ounce. One of the things I'm bringing home is a belly!
Seeing all the little children makes me miss my kids. I show pics of my family and get lots of questions about Anisa because she is African-American, but seeing the beautiful little girls here just makes me miss her terribly. Some of our team members don't want to go home, but as much as I have fallen in love with Africa, I love my wife and boys and daughter more, and I can't wait to see them. I wish they could have come.
I got one last opportunity to preach this morning at the Good Friday service. Once again I was humbled by the thought of preaching to these holy people. I believe God was honored, however.
This afternoon, many of us are doing some final shopping at the fancy mall. I have abstained to be writing to you, faithful blog readers. We will all be going to Pastor Simon's house for a late lunch at 4:00 and then to the airport afterwards. Then the long flight, and then home.
I will say this... the partnership with KSBC is supernatural and divine. I would urge all of you readers to begin to ask God whether He would have you come on the next trip and bless these churches while they teach you. It is amazing.
Sherry, I love you and I miss you. Ben, Sam and Nisa - Daddy will be home tomorrow, if the Lord is willing.
God's peace to you all.
The day we all knew would come has finally arrived - our last day in Kenya.
This morning we all got to sleep in and enjoy a bit of a longer breakfast and meet at church at 10:30 for the Good Friday service. Here in Africa, the lives of Christians seem to revolve around their local church. They meet together in some form or another proabably four times a week at least. Personal space and downtime are not seen the same way here, and community is greatly valued over individual freedom. What a lesson for us - especially those of us who become resentful when the church "asks" for more than two days in a week.
Yesterday was a HUGE day. We all got up at 4:30 am to meet at church at 6:00 and go on Safari. That was amazing to say the least. We have had a big problem uploading pictures because of the 28.8 kbps modem connection, or we would post a zillion pics of the safari (and all our other adventures. I alone have over 500 pictures!). After Safari we had lunch, and then we toured the Rift Valley - about 7,000 feet elevation. It was actually cool for once! We got to the overlook site where there was a little shop that sold African goods and had to negotiate prices. That was pretty cool. Most of spent most of our money there. I did not exchange enough dollars for shillings, so my gifts for my wife and kids were a bit modest...
The drive to the Rift Valley was indescribable. You go through slums, farm country, large estates, mountains. It was breathtaking. The number of ancient vehicles decorated with all kinds of paint and held together by welds and duct tape is amazing. We saw donkeys pulling overloaded carts and camels carring people. Dozens of these cool Kenyan bicycles where the rider sits completely upright. We also saw bikers going up the mountain roads holding on to the backs of semis to hitch a ride. Mercy!
We came back from the Rift Valley trip and rested for about an hour and then had dinner at a five-star restaurant called Safari Park right here by Kahawa Sukari. I ate like six or seven kinds of meat! For 1950 Ksh ($30) you get all the fresh roasted exotic meat you can eat. The chefs come around and cut it right off the skewer. There was live music, dessert, salad...
Noemi - you keep on asking if Julius is eating... I feel like all we do here is eat. I have gaied 10 pounds if I've gained an ounce. One of the things I'm bringing home is a belly!
Seeing all the little children makes me miss my kids. I show pics of my family and get lots of questions about Anisa because she is African-American, but seeing the beautiful little girls here just makes me miss her terribly. Some of our team members don't want to go home, but as much as I have fallen in love with Africa, I love my wife and boys and daughter more, and I can't wait to see them. I wish they could have come.
I got one last opportunity to preach this morning at the Good Friday service. Once again I was humbled by the thought of preaching to these holy people. I believe God was honored, however.
This afternoon, many of us are doing some final shopping at the fancy mall. I have abstained to be writing to you, faithful blog readers. We will all be going to Pastor Simon's house for a late lunch at 4:00 and then to the airport afterwards. Then the long flight, and then home.
I will say this... the partnership with KSBC is supernatural and divine. I would urge all of you readers to begin to ask God whether He would have you come on the next trip and bless these churches while they teach you. It is amazing.
Sherry, I love you and I miss you. Ben, Sam and Nisa - Daddy will be home tomorrow, if the Lord is willing.
God's peace to you all.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
He has done great things
We have been having a great time here. The Lord has blessed us so much. Our host families spoil us so much. I love the food here and I am probably gaining weight! I have slept well, except for one night when a donkey in the neighborhood would start cranking up with every dog in the neighborhood following. Our ministry to the high school has been great. They love playing basketball with us and many have really deep spiritual questions related to our preaching. I got to teach some kids ultimate at a school this morning and the kids were so touched when I left discs with them. The people here are amazing. They have been so welcoming. They have been accomodating to my Spanhilinglish. I try swahili and then find myself substituting Spanish for words I don't know. I guess my brain thinks foreign and spanish comes out. English serves well here. We have been blessed to get stuck in traffic and get to observe the shops, matatus and life along busy commuter avenues in this city. We will have much to share when we get home. Continue to pray for us.
attacked by monkeys!
Hello friends and family!
Africa is amazing. The air, the people, the singing, the food, the ministry... and of course our Lord!
The trip started out pretty hard for me. Woke up the first day very sick after getting no sleep on the plane or for the first night. BUT God has heard your prayers and ours as well... it was a sad way to start the week, but God is good and everything has been amazing from there. I feel wonderful and continue to see the power of God flowing through this amazing team of brothers and sisters. It's been humbling to get to know the people of Kahawa Sukari, they have stuck by our side and have been so patient every second of the way!!
We went to the park before our basketball camp yesterday and gave food to the monkys. They seemed shy at first but it wasn't long before they were jumping all over our backs and necks.... it was a great time! :) :)
Mom and Dad thank you so much for the comments and to the rest of our family, friends and my sweet grow group girls (Roxy I read your comment, love you!). Your prayers and kind words are SO encouraging!!! LOVE YOU Miss you all... but not in a hurry to get home yet ;)
>>hugs<<
-KT
Africa is amazing. The air, the people, the singing, the food, the ministry... and of course our Lord!
The trip started out pretty hard for me. Woke up the first day very sick after getting no sleep on the plane or for the first night. BUT God has heard your prayers and ours as well... it was a sad way to start the week, but God is good and everything has been amazing from there. I feel wonderful and continue to see the power of God flowing through this amazing team of brothers and sisters. It's been humbling to get to know the people of Kahawa Sukari, they have stuck by our side and have been so patient every second of the way!!
We went to the park before our basketball camp yesterday and gave food to the monkys. They seemed shy at first but it wasn't long before they were jumping all over our backs and necks.... it was a great time! :) :)
Mom and Dad thank you so much for the comments and to the rest of our family, friends and my sweet grow group girls (Roxy I read your comment, love you!). Your prayers and kind words are SO encouraging!!! LOVE YOU Miss you all... but not in a hurry to get home yet ;)
>>hugs<<
-KT
Kenya is beautiful
We were able to go to three different school. Parkland which is a all boy school. Craig preach about the woman at the well. We could see that those boys are very hungry for the word. A boy named Anthony accepted the Lord as his personal Saviour. The other two schools are primary schools, and all those kids are so gorgeous. All of them have such a joyful smile on their faces. We have lots a pictures so be prepared to be bombard with pictures when we get back home.
Please be praying for us. Pray for unity and for strength.
Praise GOD, Iris got some sleep!
Please be praying for us. Pray for unity and for strength.
Praise GOD, Iris got some sleep!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Day 3
03/18/08
We worshipped with three churches on Sunday – Craig and KT went to Light Way Baptist in Githurai, and Esteban and Josh went to Hope Baptist in the large slum of Mathare. The rest of us remained here at Kahawa Sukari. To say the least, the way Africans worship and pray is nothing short of amazing. As I was sitting there before I preached, I thought Lord, what do I have to give these people? There is such a joy and depth to their worship. The whole congregation is moving and singing and speaking to the Lord. It’s an overwhelming experience. I even told them that they ought to send missionaries to the
What I discovered is that the thing I have to give them is God’s word. I am but a servant, and if I proclaim the Word accurately then it speaks to them, not me.
Of course our hosts are beyond gracious, and go out of their way to make sure we are comfortable and all of our needs are met. After church we were fed and given tea and entertained. Everyone wants to talk to us and know us and commune with us. We have a great deal to learn from our brothers and sisters here.
If it’s possible, Monday was even more amazing. We did the Youth Workers Conference in the morning, and we just couldn’t get enough. Many of us were tired – Iris had not slept since we left
Today, most of the team went to conduct their Chapel, with Craig preaching. I have to say that driving from Kahawa Sukari to Parklands is quite an experience. It was almost like a scene from a Star Wars movie… a myriad of amazingly diverse vehicles crammed together and moving very quickly on roundabouts and indescribable roads full of people and animals and bicycles. Wow. I stayed here to meet with the pastors of Kahawa Sukari, Lightway and Hope. Very edifying. I cannot stress how amazing the African church is.
Later on we will go to another school for some ministry time, and then back to Parklands this evening for Basketball Camp.
Prayer requests:
Iris has not slept in three days. Pray for God’s strength today and rest tonight.
The churches here have some significant prayer requests that I will post later. Pray for their pastors.
Monday, March 17, 2008
I'm so happy for you guys!!!
I happy to know that you all arrived safely there! I can't wait to hear back from Juanita and Iris to see what God taught you guys out there. I feel cool being apart of this blog, I've never really blogged before! I want to say Hi to Steve the best Youth Pastor I know, and to know Monica and Craig its cool that you guys are apart of the Youth staff. I miss you Monica! Also to my two sisters Juanita and Iris I miss you guys so much, but I'm glad that your out there serving, and spreading God's word. I'm very proud of you guys, and you give me something to strive for. I love you girls!! Also to Esteban it was cool that you could be out there with such wonderful people of Armitage. Go and seize the world guys!!! I love you all, and pray that the Lord would bring you guys home safe and sound, and that you would leave an enormous impact in Kenya!!!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
We made it
It was a loooooong flight and we are glad to be here. The 19 hours of travel seemed like even more because of the time change. That was just weird. It was night, but it was day, but it was night, but we were in US, but in Europe, then Africa, but all within the cramped confines of an airplane and a very European shopping mall, er... airport. The flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi was very cramped. We were all together, but my knees were poking in the back of KT's seat. We had a lot of fun and clapped Puerto Rican-style when the plane landed. We met other believers on the plane on the way to Kenya. Pastor Simon and his family are the bomb. We are enjoying ourselves and loving the weather. It is time for church now, so I need to run. I will be speaking later at a sister church, so pray for me.
We're HERE!
We arrived safely in Kenya last night at about 8:15 pm local time.
What an amazing and beautiful place, with beautiful people. Esteban and I met with the college-age discipleship group this morning at 7am, after a reasonably sleepless night (!)
I was blessed, encouraged and challenged. You should hear these brothers and sisters sing.
Amazing
What an amazing and beautiful place, with beautiful people. Esteban and I met with the college-age discipleship group this morning at 7am, after a reasonably sleepless night (!)
I was blessed, encouraged and challenged. You should hear these brothers and sisters sing.
Amazing
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Airport Misadventures!
Airport Adventures
So I get to O’Hare and my luggage is six pounds over weight, ahh!
So I had to scramble to remove stuff out of my floral, grandma-looking suit case. Thankfully, I had a large enough carry-on bag that I also had to check-in. After settling that matter, I could not find my passport! I asked the ticket agent, “where’s my passport?” He said, “I don’t know.” Now, my blood pressure is rising. Everyone else is checked-in and I cannot find my passport.
Thank God for concerned team members. Katie, found it for me, it was in my bag all along. After the brief panic, we went to our gate and waited for almost three hours before we boarded.
I was in awe of the plane—it was huge. Now we’re in Amsterdam!!! The adventure continues.
Juanita
So I get to O’Hare and my luggage is six pounds over weight, ahh!
So I had to scramble to remove stuff out of my floral, grandma-looking suit case. Thankfully, I had a large enough carry-on bag that I also had to check-in. After settling that matter, I could not find my passport! I asked the ticket agent, “where’s my passport?” He said, “I don’t know.” Now, my blood pressure is rising. Everyone else is checked-in and I cannot find my passport.
Thank God for concerned team members. Katie, found it for me, it was in my bag all along. After the brief panic, we went to our gate and waited for almost three hours before we boarded.
I was in awe of the plane—it was huge. Now we’re in Amsterdam!!! The adventure continues.
Juanita
Amsterdam!
We're in AMSTERDAM!
Europe is a little different... hmmm... but we all made it.
It was Julius' first flight and he only threw up one time. Just kidding.
Interestingly, the only reason we're able to post here is because Nereida bought the wrong kind of adapter - she got the European kind instead of the Kenyan kind. That's bad news for Kenya but good news for all of you out there in the Blogosphere!
We met a Christian family from Chicago headed for Nairobi as well - a mom with four kids. It was nice to run into other Christians on our journey.
Well... even though it's 8:35 am in Amsterdam, it's 2:35 in Chicago.
Steve signing off...
Europe is a little different... hmmm... but we all made it.
It was Julius' first flight and he only threw up one time. Just kidding.
Interestingly, the only reason we're able to post here is because Nereida bought the wrong kind of adapter - she got the European kind instead of the Kenyan kind. That's bad news for Kenya but good news for all of you out there in the Blogosphere!
We met a Christian family from Chicago headed for Nairobi as well - a mom with four kids. It was nice to run into other Christians on our journey.
Well... even though it's 8:35 am in Amsterdam, it's 2:35 in Chicago.
Steve signing off...
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tentative Schedule
Please use this to pray specifically and intelligently. Some of you who are committed to regular prayer can pray for specific schools and ministries using this schedule.
If you cannot see it clearly, click on the image and you should get a higher resolution version.
We leave tomorrow!
Pray For Our Flights
...And I promise, Lord willing, that pictures will be coming soon!
Departure from Chicago O’Hare:
NW Flight 8612/KLM 0612
Leaves Chicago: 5:30 pm Friday 3/14/08
Arrives in Amsterdam: 7:15 am Saturday 3/15/08
Departure from Amsterdam:
NW Flight 8565/KLM 0565
Leaves Amsterdam: 10:20 am Saturday 3/15/08
Arrives in Nairobi: 8:10 pm Saturday 3/15/08
Departure from Nairobi:
NW Flight 8566/KLM 0566
Leaves Nairobi: 11:10 pm Friday 3/21/08
Arrives in Amsterdam: 5:30 am Saturday 3/22/08
Departure from Amsterdam:
NW Flight 8611/KLM 0611
Leaves Amsterdam: 10:35 am Saturday 3/22/08
Arrives in Chicago: 1:20 pm Saturday 3/22/08
Jomo Kenyatta Airport: http://www.kenyaairports.com/jkia/IndexJkia.php
Departure from Chicago O’Hare:
NW Flight 8612/KLM 0612
Leaves Chicago: 5:30 pm Friday 3/14/08
Arrives in Amsterdam: 7:15 am Saturday 3/15/08
Departure from Amsterdam:
NW Flight 8565/KLM 0565
Leaves Amsterdam: 10:20 am Saturday 3/15/08
Arrives in Nairobi: 8:10 pm Saturday 3/15/08
Departure from Nairobi:
NW Flight 8566/KLM 0566
Leaves Nairobi: 11:10 pm Friday 3/21/08
Arrives in Amsterdam: 5:30 am Saturday 3/22/08
Departure from Amsterdam:
NW Flight 8611/KLM 0611
Leaves Amsterdam: 10:35 am Saturday 3/22/08
Arrives in Chicago: 1:20 pm Saturday 3/22/08
Jomo Kenyatta Airport: http://www.kenyaairports.com/jkia/IndexJkia.php
OUR ITIENARY
ARMITAGE CHURCH ITIENARY.
(i) CHURCH Service – KSBC
(ii) Youth Rally @
(i) Youth workers Conference (
(ii) Basketball Clinic (
(i)
(ii) Meeting for pastors (10am)
(iii) School outreach (
(iv) Basketball ministry Parklands Boys (
(v) Dinner at Senior Pastor’s House (
(i)
(ii)
(iii) Kamiti Prisons (
(iv) Parklands Boys (
(v) Ecclesia (
(i)
(ii) Personal shopping time (
(iii) Dinner at Safari or Utalii or Carnivore (
(i) Good Friday service
(ii) Farewell Lunch at the Church
(iii) Rest/ Parking
(iv) Youth Coffee Nite.
(v) Departure to JKIA.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
I'm Creating My Blog
Hey Steve,
I thought your blog's name was cool, so you think you could give me a few names, I'm not sure what to name it?
get back to me soon....
Jules
I thought your blog's name was cool, so you think you could give me a few names, I'm not sure what to name it?
get back to me soon....
Jules
"Lay it up and Lay it down"
Hey guys, what to you think of my title for a possible basketball message? I thought of relating the simple "lay up " to a small, little gospel message talking about how simple it is for them to lay up there lives to Christ and down to the feet of the cross.
Give me some feedback?
In Christ,
Jules
Give me some feedback?
In Christ,
Jules
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
pray for my FOOT
I don't know what I did to my ankle, but it hurts. So please be praying that it heals before Friday
God Bless
Peanut
God Bless
Peanut
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Prayer Requests...
Greetings!
If this is your first time visiting our Kenya Missions Trip site, welcome!
One thing we are really looking for are prayer warriors who will commit to pray for us each day while we're in Kenya. If you are willing to take on this mission, or simply want to commit to pray at all, please let us know in the comments section.
Here are some prayer requests:
- The church in Kenya would face this political and social crisis with power and grace and be an agent of healing and reconciliation.
- Pray for God’s protection of our brothers and sisters there.
- Pray that there would be forgiveness, and that the injustices that caused this mess would be addressed with the Gospel and compassion.
- That our team would truly be spiritually prepared - walking in the Spirit.
- That the many logistical pieces would come together: Flight, food, transportation, scheduling, meetings, etc.
- Finances: We still need around $5000 to cover our expenses. We have raised around $17000 so far!
- To have real impact through leadership training and evangelism. We do not wish to go and be more trouble than help! And we wish to partner with and serve the Kenyan church.
- Ask God to give our team grace and insight and supernatural power as we prepare our material.
- Pray for the three churches we'll be working with: Kahawa Sukari, Light-Way, and Hope
- Pray for the pastors: Simon Oriedo and Ezekiel Kayeli of KSBC, Bruce Wandera of Hope and Doki Ogao of Lightway.
- Pray for the team’s protection, health and safety. Do not underestimate spiritual warfare, so pray accordingly.
What we're doing in Kenya:
- Youth Rally on Sunday 03/16
- Youth Worker's Conference on Monday, 03/17
- Basketball clinic and Boys' School ministry Tuesday - Thursday
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Warden Message-Political/Security Update
March 1, 2008
This warden message is intended to update American citizens on the security situation in Kenya in light of the political agreement reached on February 28th, 2008. The recent accord signed between government and opposition leaders was a key milestone in the ongoing negotiations and a positive development for all of Kenya’s citizens. The accord sets the stage for continued dialogue and coordination under the framework of the African Union negotiations headed by Kofi Annan. The United States looks forward to supporting the coalition government as it begins to implement its agreement and reform agenda.
While tensions have dropped precipitously since the agreement was signed, the potential for spontaneous violence still remains. American citizens should continue to be prepared for the possibility of sudden outbreaks of clashes between police and demonstrators, as well as between rival groups of demonstrators. While international and domestic airports are operating normally, one cannot discount the possibility that this might change on short notice.
Americans living or traveling in Kenya are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ to obtain updated information on travel and security within Kenya. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254) (20) 363-6000; fax (254)(20) 363-6410. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254) (20) 363-6170. The Embassy's international mailing address is P.O. Box 606, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using U.S. domestic postage may be addressed to Unit 64100, APO AE 09831. The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov.
American Citizen Services Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Nairobi
Tel: ( 254) 20 375 3704
Fax:( 254) 20 363 6410
Email: kenya_acs@state.gov
Emergency Telephone Number (254) 20 363 6170
Note: Online registration is available at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Please update your registration with the Embassy once a year.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Directory
1) Elizabeth Alfaro
2) Nereida Castro
3) Larissa Cervantes
4) Steve Laughlin
5) Iris Montijo
6) Craig Moore
cmooredeohio@gmail.com
7) Joshua Rodriguez
7) Joshua Rodriguez
8) Juanita Santiago
9) Julius Santiago
10) Esteban Shedd
11) Katie Thompson
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