Our Purpose for going to Kenya:
Our purpose for going to Kenya: The purpose of a mission trip to Kenya is to give students an opportunity to encounter themselves, others, and God in a challenging and impacting way through the power of the Holy Spirit. This mission trip to Kenya, Africa, is designed for students who are ready to take the next step in their relationship with Jesus Christ and allow God to use their gifts and abilities to impact the people of Kenya as they live out their faith. The trip consists of 14 days in a highly relational ministry environment. We will be challenged daily to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and how He has made a difference in their lives. We will also be engaged in relational/evangelistic ministries, prayer walks, listening prayer, door-to-door evangelism, evangelistic Vacation Bible Schools for kids, sports evangelism (outreach), caring for kids at an orphanage, ministry in public school, medical ministry and some work projects. This trip will be challenging and life changing.
We believe that mission trips help produce significant life change in people by allowing them to put their faith into action as they experience missions first hand through cross-cultural experiences outside of their normal comfortable surroundings. As we engage in the Kenyan/African culture we have the opportunity to really impact this part of the world for Jesus Christ as we partner with Pastor Kefa and Pastor Francis at Kings Highway Church and Shangilia Orphanage.
We believe that mission trips help produce significant life change in people by allowing them to put their faith into action as they experience missions first hand through cross-cultural experiences outside of their normal comfortable surroundings. As we engage in the Kenyan/African culture we have the opportunity to really impact this part of the world for Jesus Christ as we partner with Pastor Kefa and Pastor Francis at Kings Highway Church and Shangilia Orphanage.
Our primary purposes in Kenya is to partner with a local church and pastor (Pastor Francis & Pastor Kefa), share the gospel with those who do not know Christ, encourage the believers, disciple believers, and show the love of Jesus Christ to a people whom God loves.
About Kenya and where we will minister:We will be ministering among reached and unreached peoples, in the city of Eldoret and a rural village called Vihega (outside of Kisumu). We will have the opportunity to share Christ in schools, open- air services, church services, door to door evangelism, ministering to orphanage at Shangilia Orphanage, meeting physical needs, Medical clinic and through sports outreach. We will become part of the community by living, eating, and working with the people we are there to serve. We will see God use us in ways they never thought possible.
Pastors Francis Ranogwa & Kefa Kadenge
(The pastors we will be partnering with): · Randy met Pastor Francis at Bible College in Germany in 1987. · Pastor Francis has been a Pastor for about 25 years – He is a native Kenyan. · He is 52 yrs old – married to Florence – 6 children (1 is adopted) Rachel, Jimmy, Kevin, Krista, Mark, & Eric. · He currently Pastors King’s Highway Church in Eldoret, Kenya for over 15 years now. · He has started 2 orphanages in the past 6 years (oversees the staff), runs only one Orphanage now. · He has started 2 Christian schools (oversees the staff) · His passion (Shepherding the church, reaching the community for Christ, and caring for orphans) · He has made an impact in his village and his heart is to reach that community for Christ. · Pastor Kefa lives at Shangilia Orphanage with his wife Lonika, and they oversee the orphanage 24/7. · Lonika runs a small medical clinic. 
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July Team
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Kenya Update - July 20
This morning, half of us did listening prayer to hear from God what He wanted us to do today. Jesse, Linda, Emma, Matt, and I felt like God wanted us to visit a few of the people we had met before. We first went back to the home of the sick baby and old woman. When we got there, the baby was sleeping in the yard and the mother invited us inside her home. She told us that her mother went to the hospital today for some sort of sickness. We again prayed for the baby and the old woman. As I walked away, I was discouraged. I felt like we had not done enough for them. We left nothing tangible. God had to remind me that there is physically nothing we could do for them and our best gift is prayer. I had to keep that in mind as we visited the next house. There was a man there who has been in a wheelchair for sixteen years. His wheelchair broke yesterday and now he is completely immobile. We asked if we could pray for him and he laughed and said he wanted help – for his wheelchair to be fixed. We had to tell them that our ministry is not to provide money, but to pray for other resources. We then visited many other homes and prayed along the way. Our group was very tired after walking so much and a bit discouraged and we didn’t know what to do in the afternoon for ministry. We jokingly suggested riding around on Border Border (bike taxis) again. As we thought about it, it was a really good idea, and Randy really liked it too!!! We then decided to take Border Border around the village and pray for everything along the way. It was a prayer ride, rather than a prayer walk. Shannon, Matt, and I were in a group with two translators. As we got to the end of the road we took, we were at a busy road and marketplace. A drunken man came up to us and took our hands and was very enthusiastic about meeting single women. Then three taxi vans pulled up and surrounded us and almost hit us and then tried to coax us inside. The drunken man pulled us away and then asked us to help him be saved. (This is a bit exaggerated). We then had the opportunity to bring a man to salvation. Then we walked up and down the marketplace and prayed for people. One shop owner gave us free Cokes – sweet! Thank God he knew the plan, because we certainly did not!
Love, Maya Ricks.
END OF THE DAY SHARING:
VBS was good, one teacher told us “you guys have no idea what kind of impact you make on these kids, and they will remember this for a long, long time.”
Jenny L was able to come to VBS and see some girls she met last time she was here, a prime example of the statement above. Those girls did remember her.
Missy, Kate, and Jenny prayed for about half an hour for everything they could think of regarding the school. They specifically prayed for Lillian, who has Malaria and had to take her huge exams today.
For care ministry this morning, we were able to encourage the women who have been cooking and cleaning for us all week. They received bracelets, and notes of encouragement for us. We were also able to pray with Pastor Francis for him and needs of the orphanage. We told him that the children here are examples in their school and leaders. He said that was very encouraging, as that is his goal here.
The other team of Border Border riders were able to give their testimonies and led another man to Christ.
During VBS, we told the story of the wall of Jericho. The kids made orange “horns” out of paper. Then they walked in a circle around the white people, stopped and shouted through the horns, then the white people fell down like the wall. Then the kids played soccer with their horns in their hands and were really cute. I love Maya sooo much <3
Jambo (Hello),
Today everything kind of just clicked and caught up with itself in two different instances. The first being earlier this week we went to a house and saw this lady’s hand that had swollen to the size of an apple. This was caused by a thorn a week ago and had only started swelling a day or two before. We took some time to pray for her and we saw her in the hospital today and she said that they had just caught it in time to stop it from being a serious problem.
The second instance being that we went into a family’s house and met a girl who had currently had epileptic seizures. A group came in January and prayed for her and she got a little better meaning that her seizures slowed down and aren’t as bad anymore. These two things I believe were worth mentioning and actually are what the past week has consisted of within and outside of my group. This trip has done a lot and has made me love these kids all the more. Thanks.
Dan Bearss
Hi all!
I am so glad to be writing once again. I have been having an amazing time here. It’s been more than words can say. The ministry is just the tip of what we are doing here. Getting to be with the kids when they come home and when we go to the school and also seeing what Randy is doing here is what it’s all about. I have really enjoyed every moment with the kids here. As the week went on they warmed up to us and now we are playing, laughing and loving the time.
Today we did the outreach movie at the local school and afterwards Susie and I shared my testimony. It was really scary to go in front of hundreds of kids to tell them my story. Mostly because it wasn’t a story that was like “wow”, I have just a “cool” story because I have had a good Christian life. So to have all that going though my head I went to tell them my entire story. After when Alex gave the invitation to Christ almost all the kids raised their hands. It was great to see and hear (because they all prayed out loud in Swahili). When all the kids were dismissed some came up to me to ask me stuff and now I have 2 Kenyan pen pals. It was great to be such an example.
With all this happening and being in such a great place I am not wanting to come home even if I miss my family and friends lots. I hope to share all the great things this has taught me to lots of other people at home. I miss you all and thanks for the prayers! We can tell they are helping!
~Kate Nixon
P.S. Jenny L says Hi!
Hey!!
its Jenni P! When I come back I am going to be pretty different, well kinda lol. This trip has taught me sooo much! Especially that God is the only thing that can fulfill me. My whole life I have never found complete fulfillment and have tried so many things such as having fun, friends and admirers but for the first time in my life I feel 100% complete in God. Another thing God has taught me is that the world and trends and others should not dictate my life and my morals. Just seeing the children smile makes this whole trip worth while! They laugh with their hearts!!. Mostly they laugh at me, they make fun of me in Swahili and I don’t know what they are saying so they laugh even harder and then I laugh at them haha!! I am going to miss these kids soo much and the people here, they are so warm and welcoming! I don’t need so much stuff that I see as needs in America! Like showers for instance I have only taken one and I don’t even smell THAT bad lol! Mom although you aren’t here you have been an inspiration to me! I heard you called Jenny Lucas’ mom and that meant sooo much to Jenny and her mom and it just helped me realize how lucky I am to have such a caring mother that is so strongly rooted in God, and will go out of her comfort zone to make others happy. And I want to be more like you! Thank you all for your prayers they are being answered! And I miss you all and cant wait to see you all!
Love
Jenni P
Susie
Sharing my testimony in front of all the kids made me realize that God is teaching me things through sharing and I got a lot out of sharing.
Alex
Praise for all the children! It was great to see how any of them accepted Christ
Hundreds of kids responded! Alex shared the gospel
Kate and Suzy shared testimonies
Linda
One of the interpreters said how wonderful the ministry is here and in the community he said that we are such an encouragement to the people and he praises god that we are here
Bruce
Headmaster said that the Coloradans really love the kids at the school don’t they
Randy
Headmaster also said We care about the kids because we are showing them love, sharing the Jesus film and putting in basketball hoops in the school
Kate
After we dispersed and were hanging out with different kids, Jenni and I went to the high school and this girl asked why we were here in Kenya and at the school. And we said to share Jesus with the school. And the girl said she couldn’t see the film and she really wanted too. So we invited her to church.
Ten mile lady and Micro Loans and Businesses meetings
Maya randy and Kate went to the church and there were around 30 people there for the micro loans and businesses meeting that Randy was giving and they asked questions and Randy responded. They were worried about loans that they would not be able to repay. There was a widow that was just screaming when Randy was done and they started yelling and clapping in tunes and it was soo cool even though the news wasn’t that great. They were shaking our hands. The ten mile lady is around 75 and she walked 10 miles with soleless loafers ten miles. We got a mattatu for them on the way back and one lady walked barefoot! She also skipped breakfast and hadn’t eaten so we gave her money for food and she is soo poverty stricken and widowed and has to care for all these orphans. We are going to get shoes for her!! 6-8
Good day of ministry
- Put in basketball hoop
- showed film
- ten mile lady
- Randy's meeting
- Playing with the kids
Hey
Today was so exciting! I shared the gospel at the public school in Luciola after the Jesus film. We saw so many children come to Christ. It was an unbelievable experience. Please pray that God continues to do his work through us.
Kwaheri- Alex
580 children were at the school where we showed the Jesus film, Susie, and Kate gave their testimonies and did an amazing job! Alex shared the gospel after the Jesus film and invited kids to accept Christ and about 300 or more kids came to know Christ. Praise God! We had an incredible day of ministry.
This morning, half of us did listening prayer to hear from God what He wanted us to do today. Jesse, Linda, Emma, Matt, and I felt like God wanted us to visit a few of the people we had met before. We first went back to the home of the sick baby and old woman. When we got there, the baby was sleeping in the yard and the mother invited us inside her home. She told us that her mother went to the hospital today for some sort of sickness. We again prayed for the baby and the old woman. As I walked away, I was discouraged. I felt like we had not done enough for them. We left nothing tangible. God had to remind me that there is physically nothing we could do for them and our best gift is prayer. I had to keep that in mind as we visited the next house. There was a man there who has been in a wheelchair for sixteen years. His wheelchair broke yesterday and now he is completely immobile. We asked if we could pray for him and he laughed and said he wanted help – for his wheelchair to be fixed. We had to tell them that our ministry is not to provide money, but to pray for other resources. We then visited many other homes and prayed along the way. Our group was very tired after walking so much and a bit discouraged and we didn’t know what to do in the afternoon for ministry. We jokingly suggested riding around on Border Border (bike taxis) again. As we thought about it, it was a really good idea, and Randy really liked it too!!! We then decided to take Border Border around the village and pray for everything along the way. It was a prayer ride, rather than a prayer walk. Shannon, Matt, and I were in a group with two translators. As we got to the end of the road we took, we were at a busy road and marketplace. A drunken man came up to us and took our hands and was very enthusiastic about meeting single women. Then three taxi vans pulled up and surrounded us and almost hit us and then tried to coax us inside. The drunken man pulled us away and then asked us to help him be saved. (This is a bit exaggerated). We then had the opportunity to bring a man to salvation. Then we walked up and down the marketplace and prayed for people. One shop owner gave us free Cokes – sweet! Thank God he knew the plan, because we certainly did not!
Love, Maya Ricks.
END OF THE DAY SHARING:
VBS was good, one teacher told us “you guys have no idea what kind of impact you make on these kids, and they will remember this for a long, long time.”
Jenny L was able to come to VBS and see some girls she met last time she was here, a prime example of the statement above. Those girls did remember her.
Missy, Kate, and Jenny prayed for about half an hour for everything they could think of regarding the school. They specifically prayed for Lillian, who has Malaria and had to take her huge exams today.
For care ministry this morning, we were able to encourage the women who have been cooking and cleaning for us all week. They received bracelets, and notes of encouragement for us. We were also able to pray with Pastor Francis for him and needs of the orphanage. We told him that the children here are examples in their school and leaders. He said that was very encouraging, as that is his goal here.
The other team of Border Border riders were able to give their testimonies and led another man to Christ.
During VBS, we told the story of the wall of Jericho. The kids made orange “horns” out of paper. Then they walked in a circle around the white people, stopped and shouted through the horns, then the white people fell down like the wall. Then the kids played soccer with their horns in their hands and were really cute. I love Maya sooo much <3
Jambo (Hello),
Today everything kind of just clicked and caught up with itself in two different instances. The first being earlier this week we went to a house and saw this lady’s hand that had swollen to the size of an apple. This was caused by a thorn a week ago and had only started swelling a day or two before. We took some time to pray for her and we saw her in the hospital today and she said that they had just caught it in time to stop it from being a serious problem.
The second instance being that we went into a family’s house and met a girl who had currently had epileptic seizures. A group came in January and prayed for her and she got a little better meaning that her seizures slowed down and aren’t as bad anymore. These two things I believe were worth mentioning and actually are what the past week has consisted of within and outside of my group. This trip has done a lot and has made me love these kids all the more. Thanks.
Dan Bearss
Hi all!
I am so glad to be writing once again. I have been having an amazing time here. It’s been more than words can say. The ministry is just the tip of what we are doing here. Getting to be with the kids when they come home and when we go to the school and also seeing what Randy is doing here is what it’s all about. I have really enjoyed every moment with the kids here. As the week went on they warmed up to us and now we are playing, laughing and loving the time.
Today we did the outreach movie at the local school and afterwards Susie and I shared my testimony. It was really scary to go in front of hundreds of kids to tell them my story. Mostly because it wasn’t a story that was like “wow”, I have just a “cool” story because I have had a good Christian life. So to have all that going though my head I went to tell them my entire story. After when Alex gave the invitation to Christ almost all the kids raised their hands. It was great to see and hear (because they all prayed out loud in Swahili). When all the kids were dismissed some came up to me to ask me stuff and now I have 2 Kenyan pen pals. It was great to be such an example.
With all this happening and being in such a great place I am not wanting to come home even if I miss my family and friends lots. I hope to share all the great things this has taught me to lots of other people at home. I miss you all and thanks for the prayers! We can tell they are helping!
~Kate Nixon
P.S. Jenny L says Hi!
Hey!!
its Jenni P! When I come back I am going to be pretty different, well kinda lol. This trip has taught me sooo much! Especially that God is the only thing that can fulfill me. My whole life I have never found complete fulfillment and have tried so many things such as having fun, friends and admirers but for the first time in my life I feel 100% complete in God. Another thing God has taught me is that the world and trends and others should not dictate my life and my morals. Just seeing the children smile makes this whole trip worth while! They laugh with their hearts!!. Mostly they laugh at me, they make fun of me in Swahili and I don’t know what they are saying so they laugh even harder and then I laugh at them haha!! I am going to miss these kids soo much and the people here, they are so warm and welcoming! I don’t need so much stuff that I see as needs in America! Like showers for instance I have only taken one and I don’t even smell THAT bad lol! Mom although you aren’t here you have been an inspiration to me! I heard you called Jenny Lucas’ mom and that meant sooo much to Jenny and her mom and it just helped me realize how lucky I am to have such a caring mother that is so strongly rooted in God, and will go out of her comfort zone to make others happy. And I want to be more like you! Thank you all for your prayers they are being answered! And I miss you all and cant wait to see you all!
Love
Jenni P
Susie
Sharing my testimony in front of all the kids made me realize that God is teaching me things through sharing and I got a lot out of sharing.
Alex
Praise for all the children! It was great to see how any of them accepted Christ
Hundreds of kids responded! Alex shared the gospel
Kate and Suzy shared testimonies
Linda
One of the interpreters said how wonderful the ministry is here and in the community he said that we are such an encouragement to the people and he praises god that we are here
Bruce
Headmaster said that the Coloradans really love the kids at the school don’t they
Randy
Headmaster also said We care about the kids because we are showing them love, sharing the Jesus film and putting in basketball hoops in the school
Kate
After we dispersed and were hanging out with different kids, Jenni and I went to the high school and this girl asked why we were here in Kenya and at the school. And we said to share Jesus with the school. And the girl said she couldn’t see the film and she really wanted too. So we invited her to church.
Ten mile lady and Micro Loans and Businesses meetings
Maya randy and Kate went to the church and there were around 30 people there for the micro loans and businesses meeting that Randy was giving and they asked questions and Randy responded. They were worried about loans that they would not be able to repay. There was a widow that was just screaming when Randy was done and they started yelling and clapping in tunes and it was soo cool even though the news wasn’t that great. They were shaking our hands. The ten mile lady is around 75 and she walked 10 miles with soleless loafers ten miles. We got a mattatu for them on the way back and one lady walked barefoot! She also skipped breakfast and hadn’t eaten so we gave her money for food and she is soo poverty stricken and widowed and has to care for all these orphans. We are going to get shoes for her!! 6-8
Good day of ministry
- Put in basketball hoop
- showed film
- ten mile lady
- Randy's meeting
- Playing with the kids
Hey
Today was so exciting! I shared the gospel at the public school in Luciola after the Jesus film. We saw so many children come to Christ. It was an unbelievable experience. Please pray that God continues to do his work through us.
Kwaheri- Alex
580 children were at the school where we showed the Jesus film, Susie, and Kate gave their testimonies and did an amazing job! Alex shared the gospel after the Jesus film and invited kids to accept Christ and about 300 or more kids came to know Christ. Praise God! We had an incredible day of ministry.
Kenya Update - July 19
There were over 2,000 Kenyans who came to see the Jesus Film at the Town Square Tuesday evening and 250 - 300 came forward to receive Christ. Randy said that there was not enough room for all of them up front!
Tomorrow (Friday) they have been invited to show the Jesus film in the public school so 550 students will have the opportunity to hear the Good News. Randy asked the school officials if they could give an altar call, and they replied, "That is why we asked you to come!"
While doing a prayer walk they met a man and asked him if he wanted to know the Lord. He fell on his knees, raised his hands, and said yes he wanted to know him.
Thank you for your prayers. the team is experiencing extreme spiritual warfare.
There were over 2,000 Kenyans who came to see the Jesus Film at the Town Square Tuesday evening and 250 - 300 came forward to receive Christ. Randy said that there was not enough room for all of them up front!
Tomorrow (Friday) they have been invited to show the Jesus film in the public school so 550 students will have the opportunity to hear the Good News. Randy asked the school officials if they could give an altar call, and they replied, "That is why we asked you to come!"
While doing a prayer walk they met a man and asked him if he wanted to know the Lord. He fell on his knees, raised his hands, and said yes he wanted to know him.
Thank you for your prayers. the team is experiencing extreme spiritual warfare.
Kenya Update - July 17Today was our first full day of ministry with prayer walks, VBS at the public school, door to door evangelism, and caring ministry. We saw about 60 kids come to know Christ at the public school today, 4 people came to Christ on the prayer walks and door to door evangelism. Amazing day of ministry.
Randy Stensgard
Centennial Covenant Church
Student Ministry Pastor
Today I had the opportunity to go prayer walking through the village with Linda, Jesse, Sarah, and Shannon. We had three translators with us and we ended up walking into about six homes to pray for those families. It wasn’t what we expected, but it was a blessing for all of us. In each home, we were asked to pray for healing, because sickness is very common for everyone here. In one home, I held a baby who was sick with pneumonia of some sort. I could hear her breathing hard with gunk in her lungs. I was rocking her and she started to fall asleep but then couldn’t breathe, so she started crying. I have the feeling she can not sleep much at all because of this. Please pray that she will be healed. This sickness could probably be easily solved with medication, but they have none readily available here. At the first home we went to, there was a woman with three children. The kids were scared of us at first, so I took out my bubbles and left them there for the kids who had never seen them before (they loved us). In another home, we got to tour the land around it, it was so big and so pretty, with a great view of the hills around. The people there were quail catchers and we got to see the traps they used – it was so sweet. They also had an avocado tree and said they’d bring some for us!!!!!! : ) As we were leaving another home, a man came to us and asked us to pray with him for salvation. He said he wakes up every day in sin and wanted help to become saved. Right there, he knelt down and accepted Christ. The entire experience was very rewarding for us and we hope we were a blessing to those we prayed for.
God bless, Maya
Today I went with the rest of my VBS group to a local school called Idalari School. We got there and it was just amazing to see all these children getting so excited about seeing a white person. We were supposed to do a VBS for them but there wasn’t enough time so we played with them in a huge field instead. We would chase after them and they would laugh so hard. The smile on their faces and their laughs and the way just a little thing like that can make them happy really impacted me. It made me realize that we are so spoiled in America and the culture here is so much more accepting. It made me appreciate the little things more and see the beauty in every one of God’s creations. It has also been amazing to see how God has worked in me by reading the book of James (with in our devotionals) and how much the book of James has connected with so many things on this entire trip. Thanks for your prayers and keep praying.
Agape, Susie
Jambo mimi rafikis!
Kenya is awesome. Shangilia is an incredible community and absolutely beautiful. Today our group went on a prayer walk which was amazing. We had the incredible pleasure of leading one man to faith in Christ. He approached us and asked us to pray over him because he was walking in sin everyday but going to church on Sunday. I asked him if he wanted right then to be saved by Jesus Christ and he dropped to his knees with his arms in the air. I lead him in prayer for forgiveness on his sins and to receive Jesus into his life. It was an awesome honor to be a part of God’s work of salvation. Tomorrow we have an open air showing of the Jesus Film in Swahili and many of the people we spoke to are coming with their friends. I can’t wait to see what Jesus has planned for the evening!
Please pray for Jenny Lucas as she is still sick to her stomach. She has an incredible attitude and has such a heart for Jesus I know she is anxious to get out of the hut to do His work.
Love from Kenya! Linda
P.S. I wouldn’t mind a hot dog right about now as the Kenya food is a bit out of my comfort zone!!
Today was really cool, my team went door to door evangelizing in the morning and on a prayer walk in the afternoon. Matt, and I talked to a lot of people and prayer for all other them. One woman even said that she would name her children after Matt and I. Most of the people were already Christians, so we asked them if they had any prayer requests. Though, eight people who said they were not Christians heard the gospel and amazingly two men accepted Christ. It was so great to pray with them and further God’s kingdom! Keep praying for everyone and all the Kenyans that were prayed for today!
-Emma
Hello!
Hi its missy!!!!! Today was an amazing day! My team went to the school and for more than an hour me, Kate, and Susie played with a group of probably 150 kids! We would stand together as they gathered around us and then chase them and tickle them. They are so fun and so interested in everything about us! I am having so much fun, I have not been sick or anything but I do have a gazillion mosquito bits!!!! Ha. Well I miss you all at home and I love you all so much. Be praying for me please that everything continues to go so well. I love you!!!!
~Missy
Habari? Hi all back in beautiful Colorado.
Today was one of many new experiences and amazing events. I was on one of the teams that went to the local school that the kids from the orphanage go to as well as about 400 other kids to do VBS. We walked the couple of miles that it took to get there and when we walked through the front gate kids just started to talk and laugh and be kids as well as they were a little stand off-ish in the way that we first had to play some games with them before they started to really get comfortable with us. I played the tickle game with probably 200 kids at once and they loved it and I did too! After that they had to go back to class and we came back in the afternoon to do our teachings. We got the younger kids first and we didn’t have enough time to go through everything but they still got lots out of it. We got the older kids next and that was the experiences of a lifetime. They all did the games and songs like we wanted them too and finally when we got to the part of accepting Christ, Lauren had them pray the prayer. All the kids prayed out loud in Swahili. So at the end we asked if they had already been saved or if that was the first time to pray the prayer if they could raise their hand and almost all of them put their hands up. To see that just hit all of us. We stopped and looked at the kids and went away knowing that that many more kids were in God’s house now.
By far my favorite part of my day was being with my prayer partners, Rachel and Selphine. Being able to spend the time talking to them and just being ourselves was good to give them as well as me because we all need love at one point. I have grown so close to them and can’t wait to get even closer. Love you all!
~Kate
Jambo!
Whew! I am exhausted after a full day of chasing hundreds of children around for hours. We went to the school to do VBS and all the sudden about 400 children surrounded us and just stared at us in amazement. I yelled “FIELD” and sound erupted and I could feel the little barefoot feet running on the dirt to go play. They chased us and we chased them and tickled them and just to be with us brought them soo much joy. I have never seen so many joyful children in my whole life and it brought me joy and energy. When we finally did VBS I had to share my testimony with all these children and honestly I had no clue what to say but I prayed that God would give me the words to relate to these children and I was able to survive ! :-D but after wards these girls called me over that were in the seventh grade! There were so many girls whispering and I asked them to ask me questions about being a Christian. They asked me when I started to pray and I told them I have always prayed but I never had my prayers answered until I was saved and believed that God was hearing my prayers and that he had the power to answer them. Many of the girls had accepted Christ for the first time earlier in VBS and they knew a lot about the bible and the technical part of Christianity the name of religious characters and were quizzing me but Jesus helped me to be able to bridge that gap and help them to understand the love of Jesus and having a personal relationship. Changing gears now the children at the orphanage are so incredible! All of them have such amazing hearts for God. I admire their love for Christ and the way they worship with their whole hearts, I have been able to get to know a lot of these children and they are such precious gems. Over this trip the Lord has laid on my heart the desire to work in missions when I am older and now but for a profession and I want to be a missionary as well because I love how happy I am with out all of the extra stuff America convinces that we need. But I have realized all we need is God! James and our devotionals have taught me that spending time in the book of James has really captured the areas my faith needs work, Bed time Love too all I miss you!
Love
Jenni
TESTIMONIES OF MONDAYS EXPERIENCES – END OF THE DAY SHARING:
Team 2-door to door, prayer walks
Emma
We went to a certain house with a man in a wheelchair. Entered and prayed with them. They were already Christians go to the Quaker church. They are unemployed, and said when you return to Kenya come and see us, because we need prayer.
Talked to the man in the wheelchair who was already a Christian. He was so smart, and knew the bible so well. He said that he thought Jesus is coming back soon, backing up his statement with various verses (famines, wars, nations against nations…). I thought that was really cool because I have thought that, but it was neat to see how well he backed up the conviction.
Matt and I prayed with a man in the afternoon and a woman told us she would name her children after us. Two people came to know Christ.
Kristen
We met a man near the church who said he as a Christian but wasn’t saved. So Lindsay told her his story. He wanted to walk and think about it, but he wanted to meet with us again. We told him we were showing the movie tomorrow and hopefully he will be there to talk more.
One woman was very surprised that we were praying on the road. She though only for sitting room or at church, and thought it was really neat that we were praying right where we were.
Lindsay
I thought it was neat how everyone we talked to who was already saved said that it was such an encouragement that we were here. Our translator said that use being here is an encouragement because they know that they are now alone. When you feel discouraged, don’t, because we are still doing things even though we don’t see it.
Team 4
Shannon
I wasn’t excited to do the prayer walk, because it wasn’t what I wanted to do. However, after the first half, I was crying because of a woman we met. She told me that all she wants is to be healthy, and everyone was so happy we were there. I broke down, because it was just so amazing.
Jesse
One woman asked for money because she had five kids, for no other reason.
Linda
All of the people at the houses we visited were Christians (we asked them straight out if they knew Christ). They were so glad we were there because of the encouragement we give them. Most people said they would come tomorrow night to see the Jesus film. However, there was one house that had a really sick baby. While walking back to the road across the property, one man carrying a Cyprus tree stopped us and asked us for our prayers. He asked us to pray on his behalf (he was very hard to understand). He said “I sin all the time but Sunday.” He was not saved. I asked him many questions, trying to understand his English, listening to God. I asked him if he wanted to accept Christ. He dropped to his knees, threw his hands in the air and said “Yes.” I led him through the prayer in English and he repeated in either his dialect or Swahili. It was exciting to see him grab us and be so ready. Hopefully he will come tomorrow to see the film.
Shannon
I thought at the beginning that it would be like Americans, but it was so different. They were so kind and I felt so relaxed. I was scared but after the first house I was really relaxed.
Alex
VBS-It was a little daunting at first when the kids came out of their classes, there were so many. We ran around for a while (it was really just running around). We ran for the e first part and for the second we did VBS. It was exciting to see how happy they were that we were there. They would come up and shake my hand and then run away.
Missy
VBS-The first time we went, me Suzy and Kate were standing around. I kept touching their heads, and would scream and run away. It was so fun to be there. When we went back, we played for a little bit, and I thought I would die if we kept running so much. I saw some girls lying on the hill that didn’t come to VBS, so I felt like I should go over to them and stop paying so much attention to the little kids. SO I went and laid down in the middle of them. At first they were really shy and finally they started to talk and it was a great feeling to get them to stop being so shy and to start talking. My prayer partner, Kindra, was there and it was really neat. I felt God calling me over there because I felt like they think that only the little kids are played with and they are often overlooked.
Jenny Pedersen
VBS-Some girls called me over and knew my name, which surprised me. I went to get those girls and a whole flock of girls followed me. They asked me when I started to pray and it was neat to be able to share some of personal relationship with God with them. They were so welcoming and warm. They wanted to play with my hair, and I sang American songs and told them the Cinderella story. We are treated like celebrities because we are visitors.
Ben
VBS-It seemed like the older kids were actually having more fun with the songs than the younger kids. They got how to do it. They were songs for the younger ones, but the older ones were the ones who benefited more. I was surprised how the older boys didn’t come over, they went off and played soccer. Even the younger kids came over, and the 7th and 8th grade girls.
Bruce
I’ll never understand how the girls can lay on the grass and have 60 girls standing around them watching them breath.
They made fun of our pointy noses, and our eyes.
Linda
Just culturally it was cool. We ate raw peanuts out of the field and coffee beans. Our translator was really cool. He explained the culture, how to catch quail, how they farm and the culture. It was neat to get a glimpse of a few people’s lives.
Randy
Today I learned that three children that have been born in the past 3 months were named after me, April, and Brooke. I had the privilege of holding baby Randy, baby April, and baby Brooke. The parents of these children said that they named these children after us (our family) because they have been blessed by the ministry our family has had here in Kenya.
TUESDAY TESTIMONIES: End of the Day sharing
Tuesday was an incredible day of ministry with all the prayer walk, praying for so many people in the community. We saw about 5 people come to know Christ today during the prayer walks and door to door evangelism. We have VBS at the public school day and we had the opportunity to share the gospel with about 500 kids there and today about 50 kids came to know Christ. This evening we had the Jesus film outreach with over 2,000 people in attendance. We had this outside in the market in the little village of Lusiola, near the orphanage. We have a generator to run the sound system and the small set of lights. Nic Breen shared his testimony to the audience and it was powerful!! Our students lead English worship songs and everyone love to hear our singing. I had the opportunity to share the gospel and give an opportunity for people to respond to Christ. I really felt the Holy Spirit speaking through me. We must have seen between 250-300 people come to know Christ, PRAISE GOD! Wow, what an amazing day and night!!
Randy Stensgard
Centennial Covenant Church
Student Ministry Pastor
Alex:
We encouraged a lot of people who were saved already. A lot of people gave us eggs, it was a custom to give servants of God an egg or two
Dan
Two came to know Christ
Someone had just died, there were a bunch of women who asked for prayer. Nick was an adult with three kids. Lauren led him to Christ
Prayed with a lady with a machine to help her heart and breathing. Bruce and Lauren led Beatrice to Christ
We also talked to someone who just lost a son and prayed for them.
Jenny P
A lady who lost her daughter came to them to ask for prayer.
There was a lot of drug abuse and health issues that we prayed for
Alex
We met Kennedy on the road and we got to share Christ with him for the first time. He gave his life to Christ
Maya
The morning was discouraging without an interpreter. It was good to know what we could improve on. The afternoon was much better with interpreters.
Shannon
The younger kids were much better behaved. Every one of the younger kids accepted Jesus. The older kids weren’t as excited.
It was a lot of fun
Randy
VBS did a fantastic job of leading songs, verses and the testimony and gospel.
Ministry teams of door to door evangelism and prayer walks did an awesome job of praying for people, meeting their spiritual needs, and sharing Christ with people. Many people came to know Christ today because of our ministry today.
Shannon
The people don’t watch movies very often so it was a good way to draw people in. They were intently watching the movie
Jenny P
It looked like it was going to rain before the movie started but God knew that the outreach wouldn’t have worked if it did so he helped with that
Alex
Nic’s testimony was very clear and understandable. There wasn’t a point where they could’ve gotten confused.
Nic
I was so nervous to give my testimony. Lauren prayed for me and a couple guys patted m on my back. I just felt God’s peace in front of all those people and I was able to speak clearly
Shannon
Nic did a good job of talking about how God loved them at the end of the testimony
Linda
We were dancing to the music. There is so much energy and excitement in anticipation for the evening. People came from so far away to see the movie, I can’t imagine walking that far to watch a movie. It’s hard to get a hold of the reality of what was going on, it s so incredible. It was amazing to see so many hands go up after the gospel was presented.
Jenny L.
It’s been really encouraging that God has given me a peace. Being able to hear what people are doing while I’m in bed is encouraging. It’s killing me that I cant be there but God is showing me that I don’t always have to be on the front lines but I can still be effective even if I’m staying back and just prying. Encouraging the rest to stay strong.
Bruce
Randy was on fire when he shared the gospel at the Jesus Film outreach with over 2,000 people in attendance. I was ready to drop to my knees and get saved again. It was the most awesome thing I have ever seen.
This was probably the first movie they had ever seen, what a great first movie!
Randy
At least 250-300 people gave their lives to Christ tonight at the Jesus film out reach. That’s worth rejoicing! Praise God! All of Heaven is rejoicing with us!!
Nic
The setup and all the technical stuff went well even though we were worried about the screen at first. The speakers went out a couple times but we were able to get them fixed.
Randy
It’s ironic that the speakers went out while we were sharing the gospel, it was an intense spiritual battle. Satan will use anything to try to keep people from hearing the gospel. But God helped us and the speakers came back on and the gospel was preached.
Jenny
People’s faces were so genuine as they accepted the gospel
A three year old girl was so genuine as she prayed even though her friends were trying to get her to put her hand down.
Bruce
A little boy came up and held my hand. He had a bicycle rim in the other hand. He hung out for an hour and a half and slept in my lap. He was precious.
Randy
We could not have done what we did with out Elfas who set up all the lights, after he helped set up the outreach he felt like he was in a spiritual battle, and started to feel sick, but after the outreach and much prayer he feels great.
Today and tonight was amazing, words cannot describe what a blessing this trip has been. I have fallen in love with this community and the wonderful people. Rachel is just such a wonderful person and has such a presence. I have felt so at home since the minute I arrived. At the movie tonight so many people became part of our family, I have seen God work in so many ways. The look on the faces of the people watching was so encouraging. To know people walked over two miles to come see this movie was so good to hear. I also saw a few people who I prayed for during our prayer walks. Keep us in our prayers and help our team to stay strong. Please pray for Jenny and Missy as they are feeling ill. God bless.
Shannon
Bruce
The entire night I was just in awe how we were in the bush, in Kenya showing the Jesus film on a enormous screen (sheet strung between two poles) to thousands of people. Logistically there were a thousand things that could have gone wrong with the rain (which started for a bit), the generator, etc. God was working miracles to make this happen!
Hi!
I woke up 45 minutes before I needed to this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep because I was so excited about what God did last night. I guess it didn’t fully set in until this morning and I am still in awe! God’s Spirit was working in incredible ways through Nic’s testimony, Randy’s presentation of the gospel and the Jesus Film. After Randy invited people to live in Jesus’ love and a new life, OVER 200 PEOPLE ACCEPTED CHRIST!! God is doing incredible things and I am so privileged to be able to witness His work.
Also, it has been such a blessing to talk to the people of Lusiola who are already saved and to hear how just our presence is an encouragement to their faith. A lot of times, people feel like they are alone in this desperate country but our presence and the love of Jesus that we are sharing with them reminds them that we are all one body and have a shared passion for Jesus.
Thank you for your prayers, I am praying for you too!
Lindsay
Hi this is Missy,
I need prayers because I am feeling sick and I spent all of yesterday in bed. I would really like to start feeling better so I can be with the people and the team. Please pray for me! Thank You and I love you all!
Hello
Two days ago I woke up and saw the sun rise it was pretty much amazing. Then our group went door to door praying for the town’s people. We brought two to Christ. It has been an incredible experience over here. Seeing the kid’s everyday makes my day. Yesterday we did VBS and all the school children loved us. In the evening we showed the Jesus film. At least 250 of the Kenyans accepted Christ. Well I am off to devotions and hang with the children. See ya in about eight days.
-Matt
Jambo everyone.
So last night was amazing. We did an outreach and showed the Jesus film to a huge crowd of people. Last night we could feel some rain trying to come, but we all prayed and it never came. It should of, cuz the sky was so dark, but the Lord was faithful and the rain did not come. Also when Randy was giving the invitation to accept Jesus, one of the speakers on the sound system went out and it was hard to hear. I was praying so hard. I had my friends around me praying too, and God pulled strong and the speaker came back on. Prayer is a really big thing for me on this trip. Please pray for patience and endurance for our team. I love you all.
~*~SaRaH~*~
Jambo
Yesterday we such a great day. I was on the team that went and prayed for people and evangelized in the village. We saw so many people and encouraged so many brothers and sisters in Christ. We met a man named Kennedy on the road who did not know Jesus. We shared Jesus with him and he gave his life to Christ. I felt the lord move so much yesterday through Kennedy and the outreach we did in the village. We showed the Jesus film in Swahili to about 2000 people, and 250 came to know Christ. I definitely feel Jesus moving all the time. Poa.
-Alex
Upcoming schedule:
Wednesday: Day off to go to Kisumu
Thursday: Full day of ministry, Prayer walks, door to door evangelism, VBS, public school ministry, care ministry.
Friday: Full day of ministry, Prayer walks, door to door evangelism, VBS, public school ministry, care ministry.
Saturday: Ministry with the children at Shangilia Orphanage
Sunday: Ministry at Oasis of Joy church in Lusiola, and with the children of Shangilia Orphanage.
Monday: Leave for Nairobi, ministry in the Kibira Slums with pastor Timothy
Tuesday: Safari at Nakuru National Park (3 hour drive from Nairobi), late night flight back to London and then to the USA.
We will not be going to Eldoret this trip because it took us 2 extra days to get to Kisumu, Shangilia Orphanage.
PRAYER REQUSTS:
1. that many more people would come to know Christ
2. That we would be able to continue encouraging the believers we meet
3. Jenny Lucas to feel better, she has been sick every day since the day we left the United States, she got sick on the flight from Washington D.C. to London and has been sick since.
4. Continual spiritual growth within each of us on our Kenya team.
We will not be able to do another web update till maybe Saturday.
Randy Stensgard
Centennial Covenant Church
Student Ministry Pastor
Today I had the opportunity to go prayer walking through the village with Linda, Jesse, Sarah, and Shannon. We had three translators with us and we ended up walking into about six homes to pray for those families. It wasn’t what we expected, but it was a blessing for all of us. In each home, we were asked to pray for healing, because sickness is very common for everyone here. In one home, I held a baby who was sick with pneumonia of some sort. I could hear her breathing hard with gunk in her lungs. I was rocking her and she started to fall asleep but then couldn’t breathe, so she started crying. I have the feeling she can not sleep much at all because of this. Please pray that she will be healed. This sickness could probably be easily solved with medication, but they have none readily available here. At the first home we went to, there was a woman with three children. The kids were scared of us at first, so I took out my bubbles and left them there for the kids who had never seen them before (they loved us). In another home, we got to tour the land around it, it was so big and so pretty, with a great view of the hills around. The people there were quail catchers and we got to see the traps they used – it was so sweet. They also had an avocado tree and said they’d bring some for us!!!!!! : ) As we were leaving another home, a man came to us and asked us to pray with him for salvation. He said he wakes up every day in sin and wanted help to become saved. Right there, he knelt down and accepted Christ. The entire experience was very rewarding for us and we hope we were a blessing to those we prayed for.
God bless, Maya
Today I went with the rest of my VBS group to a local school called Idalari School. We got there and it was just amazing to see all these children getting so excited about seeing a white person. We were supposed to do a VBS for them but there wasn’t enough time so we played with them in a huge field instead. We would chase after them and they would laugh so hard. The smile on their faces and their laughs and the way just a little thing like that can make them happy really impacted me. It made me realize that we are so spoiled in America and the culture here is so much more accepting. It made me appreciate the little things more and see the beauty in every one of God’s creations. It has also been amazing to see how God has worked in me by reading the book of James (with in our devotionals) and how much the book of James has connected with so many things on this entire trip. Thanks for your prayers and keep praying.
Agape, Susie
Jambo mimi rafikis!
Kenya is awesome. Shangilia is an incredible community and absolutely beautiful. Today our group went on a prayer walk which was amazing. We had the incredible pleasure of leading one man to faith in Christ. He approached us and asked us to pray over him because he was walking in sin everyday but going to church on Sunday. I asked him if he wanted right then to be saved by Jesus Christ and he dropped to his knees with his arms in the air. I lead him in prayer for forgiveness on his sins and to receive Jesus into his life. It was an awesome honor to be a part of God’s work of salvation. Tomorrow we have an open air showing of the Jesus Film in Swahili and many of the people we spoke to are coming with their friends. I can’t wait to see what Jesus has planned for the evening!
Please pray for Jenny Lucas as she is still sick to her stomach. She has an incredible attitude and has such a heart for Jesus I know she is anxious to get out of the hut to do His work.
Love from Kenya! Linda
P.S. I wouldn’t mind a hot dog right about now as the Kenya food is a bit out of my comfort zone!!
Today was really cool, my team went door to door evangelizing in the morning and on a prayer walk in the afternoon. Matt, and I talked to a lot of people and prayer for all other them. One woman even said that she would name her children after Matt and I. Most of the people were already Christians, so we asked them if they had any prayer requests. Though, eight people who said they were not Christians heard the gospel and amazingly two men accepted Christ. It was so great to pray with them and further God’s kingdom! Keep praying for everyone and all the Kenyans that were prayed for today!
-Emma
Hello!
Hi its missy!!!!! Today was an amazing day! My team went to the school and for more than an hour me, Kate, and Susie played with a group of probably 150 kids! We would stand together as they gathered around us and then chase them and tickle them. They are so fun and so interested in everything about us! I am having so much fun, I have not been sick or anything but I do have a gazillion mosquito bits!!!! Ha. Well I miss you all at home and I love you all so much. Be praying for me please that everything continues to go so well. I love you!!!!
~Missy
Habari? Hi all back in beautiful Colorado.
Today was one of many new experiences and amazing events. I was on one of the teams that went to the local school that the kids from the orphanage go to as well as about 400 other kids to do VBS. We walked the couple of miles that it took to get there and when we walked through the front gate kids just started to talk and laugh and be kids as well as they were a little stand off-ish in the way that we first had to play some games with them before they started to really get comfortable with us. I played the tickle game with probably 200 kids at once and they loved it and I did too! After that they had to go back to class and we came back in the afternoon to do our teachings. We got the younger kids first and we didn’t have enough time to go through everything but they still got lots out of it. We got the older kids next and that was the experiences of a lifetime. They all did the games and songs like we wanted them too and finally when we got to the part of accepting Christ, Lauren had them pray the prayer. All the kids prayed out loud in Swahili. So at the end we asked if they had already been saved or if that was the first time to pray the prayer if they could raise their hand and almost all of them put their hands up. To see that just hit all of us. We stopped and looked at the kids and went away knowing that that many more kids were in God’s house now.
By far my favorite part of my day was being with my prayer partners, Rachel and Selphine. Being able to spend the time talking to them and just being ourselves was good to give them as well as me because we all need love at one point. I have grown so close to them and can’t wait to get even closer. Love you all!
~Kate
Jambo!
Whew! I am exhausted after a full day of chasing hundreds of children around for hours. We went to the school to do VBS and all the sudden about 400 children surrounded us and just stared at us in amazement. I yelled “FIELD” and sound erupted and I could feel the little barefoot feet running on the dirt to go play. They chased us and we chased them and tickled them and just to be with us brought them soo much joy. I have never seen so many joyful children in my whole life and it brought me joy and energy. When we finally did VBS I had to share my testimony with all these children and honestly I had no clue what to say but I prayed that God would give me the words to relate to these children and I was able to survive ! :-D but after wards these girls called me over that were in the seventh grade! There were so many girls whispering and I asked them to ask me questions about being a Christian. They asked me when I started to pray and I told them I have always prayed but I never had my prayers answered until I was saved and believed that God was hearing my prayers and that he had the power to answer them. Many of the girls had accepted Christ for the first time earlier in VBS and they knew a lot about the bible and the technical part of Christianity the name of religious characters and were quizzing me but Jesus helped me to be able to bridge that gap and help them to understand the love of Jesus and having a personal relationship. Changing gears now the children at the orphanage are so incredible! All of them have such amazing hearts for God. I admire their love for Christ and the way they worship with their whole hearts, I have been able to get to know a lot of these children and they are such precious gems. Over this trip the Lord has laid on my heart the desire to work in missions when I am older and now but for a profession and I want to be a missionary as well because I love how happy I am with out all of the extra stuff America convinces that we need. But I have realized all we need is God! James and our devotionals have taught me that spending time in the book of James has really captured the areas my faith needs work, Bed time Love too all I miss you!
Love
Jenni
TESTIMONIES OF MONDAYS EXPERIENCES – END OF THE DAY SHARING:
Team 2-door to door, prayer walks
Emma
We went to a certain house with a man in a wheelchair. Entered and prayed with them. They were already Christians go to the Quaker church. They are unemployed, and said when you return to Kenya come and see us, because we need prayer.
Talked to the man in the wheelchair who was already a Christian. He was so smart, and knew the bible so well. He said that he thought Jesus is coming back soon, backing up his statement with various verses (famines, wars, nations against nations…). I thought that was really cool because I have thought that, but it was neat to see how well he backed up the conviction.
Matt and I prayed with a man in the afternoon and a woman told us she would name her children after us. Two people came to know Christ.
Kristen
We met a man near the church who said he as a Christian but wasn’t saved. So Lindsay told her his story. He wanted to walk and think about it, but he wanted to meet with us again. We told him we were showing the movie tomorrow and hopefully he will be there to talk more.
One woman was very surprised that we were praying on the road. She though only for sitting room or at church, and thought it was really neat that we were praying right where we were.
Lindsay
I thought it was neat how everyone we talked to who was already saved said that it was such an encouragement that we were here. Our translator said that use being here is an encouragement because they know that they are now alone. When you feel discouraged, don’t, because we are still doing things even though we don’t see it.
Team 4
Shannon
I wasn’t excited to do the prayer walk, because it wasn’t what I wanted to do. However, after the first half, I was crying because of a woman we met. She told me that all she wants is to be healthy, and everyone was so happy we were there. I broke down, because it was just so amazing.
Jesse
One woman asked for money because she had five kids, for no other reason.
Linda
All of the people at the houses we visited were Christians (we asked them straight out if they knew Christ). They were so glad we were there because of the encouragement we give them. Most people said they would come tomorrow night to see the Jesus film. However, there was one house that had a really sick baby. While walking back to the road across the property, one man carrying a Cyprus tree stopped us and asked us for our prayers. He asked us to pray on his behalf (he was very hard to understand). He said “I sin all the time but Sunday.” He was not saved. I asked him many questions, trying to understand his English, listening to God. I asked him if he wanted to accept Christ. He dropped to his knees, threw his hands in the air and said “Yes.” I led him through the prayer in English and he repeated in either his dialect or Swahili. It was exciting to see him grab us and be so ready. Hopefully he will come tomorrow to see the film.
Shannon
I thought at the beginning that it would be like Americans, but it was so different. They were so kind and I felt so relaxed. I was scared but after the first house I was really relaxed.
Alex
VBS-It was a little daunting at first when the kids came out of their classes, there were so many. We ran around for a while (it was really just running around). We ran for the e first part and for the second we did VBS. It was exciting to see how happy they were that we were there. They would come up and shake my hand and then run away.
Missy
VBS-The first time we went, me Suzy and Kate were standing around. I kept touching their heads, and would scream and run away. It was so fun to be there. When we went back, we played for a little bit, and I thought I would die if we kept running so much. I saw some girls lying on the hill that didn’t come to VBS, so I felt like I should go over to them and stop paying so much attention to the little kids. SO I went and laid down in the middle of them. At first they were really shy and finally they started to talk and it was a great feeling to get them to stop being so shy and to start talking. My prayer partner, Kindra, was there and it was really neat. I felt God calling me over there because I felt like they think that only the little kids are played with and they are often overlooked.
Jenny Pedersen
VBS-Some girls called me over and knew my name, which surprised me. I went to get those girls and a whole flock of girls followed me. They asked me when I started to pray and it was neat to be able to share some of personal relationship with God with them. They were so welcoming and warm. They wanted to play with my hair, and I sang American songs and told them the Cinderella story. We are treated like celebrities because we are visitors.
Ben
VBS-It seemed like the older kids were actually having more fun with the songs than the younger kids. They got how to do it. They were songs for the younger ones, but the older ones were the ones who benefited more. I was surprised how the older boys didn’t come over, they went off and played soccer. Even the younger kids came over, and the 7th and 8th grade girls.
Bruce
I’ll never understand how the girls can lay on the grass and have 60 girls standing around them watching them breath.
They made fun of our pointy noses, and our eyes.
Linda
Just culturally it was cool. We ate raw peanuts out of the field and coffee beans. Our translator was really cool. He explained the culture, how to catch quail, how they farm and the culture. It was neat to get a glimpse of a few people’s lives.
Randy
Today I learned that three children that have been born in the past 3 months were named after me, April, and Brooke. I had the privilege of holding baby Randy, baby April, and baby Brooke. The parents of these children said that they named these children after us (our family) because they have been blessed by the ministry our family has had here in Kenya.
TUESDAY TESTIMONIES: End of the Day sharing
Tuesday was an incredible day of ministry with all the prayer walk, praying for so many people in the community. We saw about 5 people come to know Christ today during the prayer walks and door to door evangelism. We have VBS at the public school day and we had the opportunity to share the gospel with about 500 kids there and today about 50 kids came to know Christ. This evening we had the Jesus film outreach with over 2,000 people in attendance. We had this outside in the market in the little village of Lusiola, near the orphanage. We have a generator to run the sound system and the small set of lights. Nic Breen shared his testimony to the audience and it was powerful!! Our students lead English worship songs and everyone love to hear our singing. I had the opportunity to share the gospel and give an opportunity for people to respond to Christ. I really felt the Holy Spirit speaking through me. We must have seen between 250-300 people come to know Christ, PRAISE GOD! Wow, what an amazing day and night!!
Randy Stensgard
Centennial Covenant Church
Student Ministry Pastor
Alex:
We encouraged a lot of people who were saved already. A lot of people gave us eggs, it was a custom to give servants of God an egg or two
Dan
Two came to know Christ
Someone had just died, there were a bunch of women who asked for prayer. Nick was an adult with three kids. Lauren led him to Christ
Prayed with a lady with a machine to help her heart and breathing. Bruce and Lauren led Beatrice to Christ
We also talked to someone who just lost a son and prayed for them.
Jenny P
A lady who lost her daughter came to them to ask for prayer.
There was a lot of drug abuse and health issues that we prayed for
Alex
We met Kennedy on the road and we got to share Christ with him for the first time. He gave his life to Christ
Maya
The morning was discouraging without an interpreter. It was good to know what we could improve on. The afternoon was much better with interpreters.
Shannon
The younger kids were much better behaved. Every one of the younger kids accepted Jesus. The older kids weren’t as excited.
It was a lot of fun
Randy
VBS did a fantastic job of leading songs, verses and the testimony and gospel.
Ministry teams of door to door evangelism and prayer walks did an awesome job of praying for people, meeting their spiritual needs, and sharing Christ with people. Many people came to know Christ today because of our ministry today.
Shannon
The people don’t watch movies very often so it was a good way to draw people in. They were intently watching the movie
Jenny P
It looked like it was going to rain before the movie started but God knew that the outreach wouldn’t have worked if it did so he helped with that
Alex
Nic’s testimony was very clear and understandable. There wasn’t a point where they could’ve gotten confused.
Nic
I was so nervous to give my testimony. Lauren prayed for me and a couple guys patted m on my back. I just felt God’s peace in front of all those people and I was able to speak clearly
Shannon
Nic did a good job of talking about how God loved them at the end of the testimony
Linda
We were dancing to the music. There is so much energy and excitement in anticipation for the evening. People came from so far away to see the movie, I can’t imagine walking that far to watch a movie. It’s hard to get a hold of the reality of what was going on, it s so incredible. It was amazing to see so many hands go up after the gospel was presented.
Jenny L.
It’s been really encouraging that God has given me a peace. Being able to hear what people are doing while I’m in bed is encouraging. It’s killing me that I cant be there but God is showing me that I don’t always have to be on the front lines but I can still be effective even if I’m staying back and just prying. Encouraging the rest to stay strong.
Bruce
Randy was on fire when he shared the gospel at the Jesus Film outreach with over 2,000 people in attendance. I was ready to drop to my knees and get saved again. It was the most awesome thing I have ever seen.
This was probably the first movie they had ever seen, what a great first movie!
Randy
At least 250-300 people gave their lives to Christ tonight at the Jesus film out reach. That’s worth rejoicing! Praise God! All of Heaven is rejoicing with us!!
Nic
The setup and all the technical stuff went well even though we were worried about the screen at first. The speakers went out a couple times but we were able to get them fixed.
Randy
It’s ironic that the speakers went out while we were sharing the gospel, it was an intense spiritual battle. Satan will use anything to try to keep people from hearing the gospel. But God helped us and the speakers came back on and the gospel was preached.
Jenny
People’s faces were so genuine as they accepted the gospel
A three year old girl was so genuine as she prayed even though her friends were trying to get her to put her hand down.
Bruce
A little boy came up and held my hand. He had a bicycle rim in the other hand. He hung out for an hour and a half and slept in my lap. He was precious.
Randy
We could not have done what we did with out Elfas who set up all the lights, after he helped set up the outreach he felt like he was in a spiritual battle, and started to feel sick, but after the outreach and much prayer he feels great.
Today and tonight was amazing, words cannot describe what a blessing this trip has been. I have fallen in love with this community and the wonderful people. Rachel is just such a wonderful person and has such a presence. I have felt so at home since the minute I arrived. At the movie tonight so many people became part of our family, I have seen God work in so many ways. The look on the faces of the people watching was so encouraging. To know people walked over two miles to come see this movie was so good to hear. I also saw a few people who I prayed for during our prayer walks. Keep us in our prayers and help our team to stay strong. Please pray for Jenny and Missy as they are feeling ill. God bless.
Shannon
Bruce
The entire night I was just in awe how we were in the bush, in Kenya showing the Jesus film on a enormous screen (sheet strung between two poles) to thousands of people. Logistically there were a thousand things that could have gone wrong with the rain (which started for a bit), the generator, etc. God was working miracles to make this happen!
Hi!
I woke up 45 minutes before I needed to this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep because I was so excited about what God did last night. I guess it didn’t fully set in until this morning and I am still in awe! God’s Spirit was working in incredible ways through Nic’s testimony, Randy’s presentation of the gospel and the Jesus Film. After Randy invited people to live in Jesus’ love and a new life, OVER 200 PEOPLE ACCEPTED CHRIST!! God is doing incredible things and I am so privileged to be able to witness His work.
Also, it has been such a blessing to talk to the people of Lusiola who are already saved and to hear how just our presence is an encouragement to their faith. A lot of times, people feel like they are alone in this desperate country but our presence and the love of Jesus that we are sharing with them reminds them that we are all one body and have a shared passion for Jesus.
Thank you for your prayers, I am praying for you too!
Lindsay
Hi this is Missy,
I need prayers because I am feeling sick and I spent all of yesterday in bed. I would really like to start feeling better so I can be with the people and the team. Please pray for me! Thank You and I love you all!
Hello
Two days ago I woke up and saw the sun rise it was pretty much amazing. Then our group went door to door praying for the town’s people. We brought two to Christ. It has been an incredible experience over here. Seeing the kid’s everyday makes my day. Yesterday we did VBS and all the school children loved us. In the evening we showed the Jesus film. At least 250 of the Kenyans accepted Christ. Well I am off to devotions and hang with the children. See ya in about eight days.
-Matt
Jambo everyone.
So last night was amazing. We did an outreach and showed the Jesus film to a huge crowd of people. Last night we could feel some rain trying to come, but we all prayed and it never came. It should of, cuz the sky was so dark, but the Lord was faithful and the rain did not come. Also when Randy was giving the invitation to accept Jesus, one of the speakers on the sound system went out and it was hard to hear. I was praying so hard. I had my friends around me praying too, and God pulled strong and the speaker came back on. Prayer is a really big thing for me on this trip. Please pray for patience and endurance for our team. I love you all.
~*~SaRaH~*~
Jambo
Yesterday we such a great day. I was on the team that went and prayed for people and evangelized in the village. We saw so many people and encouraged so many brothers and sisters in Christ. We met a man named Kennedy on the road who did not know Jesus. We shared Jesus with him and he gave his life to Christ. I felt the lord move so much yesterday through Kennedy and the outreach we did in the village. We showed the Jesus film in Swahili to about 2000 people, and 250 came to know Christ. I definitely feel Jesus moving all the time. Poa.
-Alex
Upcoming schedule:
Wednesday: Day off to go to Kisumu
Thursday: Full day of ministry, Prayer walks, door to door evangelism, VBS, public school ministry, care ministry.
Friday: Full day of ministry, Prayer walks, door to door evangelism, VBS, public school ministry, care ministry.
Saturday: Ministry with the children at Shangilia Orphanage
Sunday: Ministry at Oasis of Joy church in Lusiola, and with the children of Shangilia Orphanage.
Monday: Leave for Nairobi, ministry in the Kibira Slums with pastor Timothy
Tuesday: Safari at Nakuru National Park (3 hour drive from Nairobi), late night flight back to London and then to the USA.
We will not be going to Eldoret this trip because it took us 2 extra days to get to Kisumu, Shangilia Orphanage.
PRAYER REQUSTS:
1. that many more people would come to know Christ
2. That we would be able to continue encouraging the believers we meet
3. Jenny Lucas to feel better, she has been sick every day since the day we left the United States, she got sick on the flight from Washington D.C. to London and has been sick since.
4. Continual spiritual growth within each of us on our Kenya team.
We will not be able to do another web update till maybe Saturday.
Kenya Update - July 15
Praise God for all the great provisions He has done for our team. God is truly at work!! Getting to Kenya was a challenge, with flight delays and missing flights because of delays, I praise God for this challenging experience. It has forced me and our team to really trust God even before we got to Kenya. Thank you Jesus for the opportunity that we had to trust you. God’s timing is always perfect. We arrived in Kenya 1 day late and 2 days late to the Orphanage. We had the privilege of experiencing the Kibera slums in Nairobi with Pastor Timothy and this turned out to be a perfect way to start our experience in Kenya. Wow, is all I can say, because the Lord’s plans are much higher than ours and He has been in control. We have all been sharing daily about how we have been seeing the Lord at work, it’s been awesome.
Our team is having an amazing time with great ministry already here at the orphanage and the community. Thank you for your prayers.
Randy Stensgard
Student Ministry Pastor
Prayer requests:
1. Jenny Lucas has not been feel well since we arrived
2. That God would continue to use us as we start ministry in the community near the orphanage on Monday (School ministry, VBS, Evangelism, prayer walks, caring ministry.
3. Outreach on Tuesday night in the community with the Jesus Film in the KiSwahili language.
4. Ministry through out the week.
5. Relationships with each other on the team
6. Relationships with people in the community
7. Feel more rested (traveling for almost 4 days with very little sleep)
Testimonies:
Jambo everyone back at home,
Wow has this been the most incredible last couple of days. First off the 4 days of traveling was a not only a challenge but also much needed. Even though it wasn’t our plan it sure was God’s. The duration of the traveling there were many times where we just stopped to pray. The students led the charge for praying when things became difficult. That was one of the greatest most strengthening experiences. We all had to become spiritually ready for all that awaited us here. One of the best experiences that I have had so far was when we were in Nairobi. We drove through town to the slums then to the school. When we got out of the bus at the school it was beyond words to describe. Having kids just think that touching your hand and seeing a picture was more than all that they need just showed me how much the little things in life, and in America are looked past. Spending all that time just having kids hang on my arms and look at pictures on my camera made the days of traveling more worth it cause nothing really matter anymore. We were here and with kids. That’s all we wanted, to be here and be with kids. After that everything poured in. Being greeted at the orphanage with hugs and handshakes showed the extent of love that awaited us. The people are AMAZING!! I hope to come back and try to have a life like them. Well from here to there, ta-ta for now. Love everybody and can’t wait to tell you more!
~Kate
Sasa!!!! (whats up)
Hi, its missy and I am finally here!!! (Saturday morning) and it is such a relief! This whole journey to get here has been so difficult and frustrating and has really made me wonder why things happened the way they did but I am trying to just believe that God allowed it to happen the way it did. The second I got off the plane and walked outside I had no fears and just felt at home again (just missing the family and many friends). Seeing the children and all the people is just so refreshing. There are so open and excited to see you and it is the best feeling. They are so accepting and loving. I know God has amazing plans for me and I cant wait to see what they are. Please pray for me that I don’t get sick and that I can go out and know what God wants me to do and be lead by him. I love you all and I miss you!!!!
~Missy
Hello from Kenya! We are finally here! It took us a really long time. It has been… challenging. Let’s just say that I slept sooo well last night. Sleeping in a bed after being in airport or plane for four days was amazing. It’s been great to see how good peoples’ attitudes have been. There’s been now complaining—even though it’s taken twice as long as expected to get here. I am also realizing how blessed we are to have Randy as a leader. He has done so much work for us! As we were exploring, people watching and lounging in airports while he was in customer service lines, on he phone, and talking to customer service with no sleep and an empty stomach. He leads us by example. He has been looking to the Lord through all of this and isn’t negative.
It was so refreshing to drive into the orphanage late Friday night. I was reminded that God came before us and he will stay with us as well. I can’t explain the blessing and witness the kids are. When they laugh we can’t help but laugh too. They have so much joy. I hope that we can experience more and that the lessons we learn will not be temporary. The team is doing well for the most part. Thanks!!
LAUREN
Jambo
This trip to Kenya has been such an experience so far. I felt like our traveling brought us closer together in our group, even with all the troubles. I have felt an extreme peace come over me. Kibera was an amazing experience where I saw extreme poverty but also joy at the same time. The children are so warm and friendly as are all the people in Kenya. I have felt the lord move in everything we have done and that has been so exiting to me. The orphanage is extremely beautiful and I had such an enjoyable time playing futbol with the children and spending time with them. Please pray that we all stay healthy and that the lord will move in even greater ways than he already has.
Kwaheri Alex
JAMBO!
It’s Jenni P and this place in indescribable! The trip here was hectic but sent from God. Our team bonded together and made the best of our 96 hour travel adventure. The Lord gave me patience which is very rare in those situations and I grew sooooo much from the trials. It really prepared our team for Kenya! When we finally got to Kenya we were able to go to the Kibera Slums! I cant really say anything to capture the poverty, or the looks on the children's faces shouting “ HOW ARE YOU” over and over! Everywhere we turned there were shops or huts rather made of metal scraps that you can fit maybe 2 people in to where they live and they have their rusty spoons and pipes laying out for sale. There were lamb heads roasting on the fire with fur, teeth, eyes and everything and you could see the brains which they eat because they have nothing else, trash covered the dirt roads and waste channels no one could help but step in and the smell was potent. Here we are manzungu and we hear it whispered everywhere. So when we finally got to the orphanage after the bumpiest ride I have ever been on! And the children greeted us with hugs and smiles yelling Kabari (welcome) my time is running short but these children and this scenery has impacted me SOOO much! I love every one of these kids and hearing them worship brings tears to my eyes! I LOVE KENYA!
Jenni
Jambo!
Shangilia is astounding…no words can describe the beauty of this place. The children here at the orphanage are so kind and love to play hand clapping games. They are all so beautiful and when they sing worship songs my heart thinks… “wow….this is real, pour out your heart to God worship. I am so excited for the rest of our time here. May God Bless
~*~SaRaH~*~
Hey Colorado!
I am so grateful to have been blessed with travel problems. Though our trials with the airlines were frustrating at times, our stay at various airports around the world have ultimately brought us closer together as a team. The peace, patience, and tolerance with which the Lord blessed us were unbelievable. It is almost unreal that we are now in Kenya, but I am so happy to be here. I have seen the Lord in unexpected but amazing ways. He is so evident in every aspect of life here in Kenya, especially the smiling faces of the orphans. They have lost so much and yet they are so joyful. I wish I could be more like these unbelievably faithful children. Please pray that God may use us to show himself to these wonderful people.
Thank You!
Katie
Family and Friends,
Since we have left Colorado many things have happened to me and our team. But I will save the stories for later. Our devotion books have led us threw the book of James. It was very surprising to me how every chapter directly spoke to me, every word was a warning about something I should not do, and telling me to avoid it. This has helped me remember to stop doing what I am doing without realizing. As we were touring Kibera there was just so much poverty it was amazing. You watch the little videos of people trying to get children sponsored, I always thought that that was one situation, one little camera shot, it is not. There are miles and miles of tin huts, with people every where. We encountered drunk people, high people, and very very desperate people, and we walked through in the early afternoon. There is so much potential, and so much complete sadness it is depressing after you leave. Don’t get me wrong though, I am having an excellent time, and god is shining threw in many ways. Thank you for letting/helping me come here. And I will see you soon.
With God,
Jesse
To all of our family and prayer support,
I think we can all say that this trip hasn’t quite been what we planned, but God always exceeds our expectations! I have had so much fun getting to know each member of our team, God has given each one so many gifts that have already been evident as we work together and serve each other. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to get to know them.
Shangilia is beautiful! The scenery is great, and the children and adults that live here are portraits of God’s grace; we had so much fun playing with them and talking with out prayer partners yesterday. One highlight of the trip was when I got assigned to my prayer partners, Grace and Dorcus. The students each have one or two of the children and I was paired with two of the women who help make this place run; I can tell already that these two women will be an incredible blessing to me while we are here. While we talked, we started discussing the ways that God has shown up in our lives and Dorcus told me that she loved to sing for Jesus. We sat in the grass and worshiped God together in English and Swahili.
Even half way across the world, God is incredibly evident and we are so excited to see the ways that he will show up for the rest of the trip. Thank you for your prayers! Love you!
Lindsay
JAMBO~!
Shangilia is awesome. The kids are a lot of fun and we played “football” for hours with them on Saturday. It was a cool experience coming early. I enjoyed seeing the village around the orphanage and also talking to the pastors. The people here are so welcoming and it is such a blessing to talk to them. On the first night somebody in the village died and there was mourning and drumming all night long…I had just gone to bed and was scared out of my mind. Pastor Francis told me all about it and we visited the family the next morning. It was so interesting to learn about Kenyan culture and share about American culture with the pastors. I am so glad that God stretched me by having me come early. I had to trust him so much and it was a very powerful time of growth for me.
Nic
Praise God for all the great provisions He has done for our team. God is truly at work!! Getting to Kenya was a challenge, with flight delays and missing flights because of delays, I praise God for this challenging experience. It has forced me and our team to really trust God even before we got to Kenya. Thank you Jesus for the opportunity that we had to trust you. God’s timing is always perfect. We arrived in Kenya 1 day late and 2 days late to the Orphanage. We had the privilege of experiencing the Kibera slums in Nairobi with Pastor Timothy and this turned out to be a perfect way to start our experience in Kenya. Wow, is all I can say, because the Lord’s plans are much higher than ours and He has been in control. We have all been sharing daily about how we have been seeing the Lord at work, it’s been awesome.
Our team is having an amazing time with great ministry already here at the orphanage and the community. Thank you for your prayers.
Randy Stensgard
Student Ministry Pastor
Prayer requests:
1. Jenny Lucas has not been feel well since we arrived
2. That God would continue to use us as we start ministry in the community near the orphanage on Monday (School ministry, VBS, Evangelism, prayer walks, caring ministry.
3. Outreach on Tuesday night in the community with the Jesus Film in the KiSwahili language.
4. Ministry through out the week.
5. Relationships with each other on the team
6. Relationships with people in the community
7. Feel more rested (traveling for almost 4 days with very little sleep)
Testimonies:
Jambo everyone back at home,
Wow has this been the most incredible last couple of days. First off the 4 days of traveling was a not only a challenge but also much needed. Even though it wasn’t our plan it sure was God’s. The duration of the traveling there were many times where we just stopped to pray. The students led the charge for praying when things became difficult. That was one of the greatest most strengthening experiences. We all had to become spiritually ready for all that awaited us here. One of the best experiences that I have had so far was when we were in Nairobi. We drove through town to the slums then to the school. When we got out of the bus at the school it was beyond words to describe. Having kids just think that touching your hand and seeing a picture was more than all that they need just showed me how much the little things in life, and in America are looked past. Spending all that time just having kids hang on my arms and look at pictures on my camera made the days of traveling more worth it cause nothing really matter anymore. We were here and with kids. That’s all we wanted, to be here and be with kids. After that everything poured in. Being greeted at the orphanage with hugs and handshakes showed the extent of love that awaited us. The people are AMAZING!! I hope to come back and try to have a life like them. Well from here to there, ta-ta for now. Love everybody and can’t wait to tell you more!
~Kate
Sasa!!!! (whats up)
Hi, its missy and I am finally here!!! (Saturday morning) and it is such a relief! This whole journey to get here has been so difficult and frustrating and has really made me wonder why things happened the way they did but I am trying to just believe that God allowed it to happen the way it did. The second I got off the plane and walked outside I had no fears and just felt at home again (just missing the family and many friends). Seeing the children and all the people is just so refreshing. There are so open and excited to see you and it is the best feeling. They are so accepting and loving. I know God has amazing plans for me and I cant wait to see what they are. Please pray for me that I don’t get sick and that I can go out and know what God wants me to do and be lead by him. I love you all and I miss you!!!!
~Missy
Hello from Kenya! We are finally here! It took us a really long time. It has been… challenging. Let’s just say that I slept sooo well last night. Sleeping in a bed after being in airport or plane for four days was amazing. It’s been great to see how good peoples’ attitudes have been. There’s been now complaining—even though it’s taken twice as long as expected to get here. I am also realizing how blessed we are to have Randy as a leader. He has done so much work for us! As we were exploring, people watching and lounging in airports while he was in customer service lines, on he phone, and talking to customer service with no sleep and an empty stomach. He leads us by example. He has been looking to the Lord through all of this and isn’t negative.
It was so refreshing to drive into the orphanage late Friday night. I was reminded that God came before us and he will stay with us as well. I can’t explain the blessing and witness the kids are. When they laugh we can’t help but laugh too. They have so much joy. I hope that we can experience more and that the lessons we learn will not be temporary. The team is doing well for the most part. Thanks!!
LAUREN
Jambo
This trip to Kenya has been such an experience so far. I felt like our traveling brought us closer together in our group, even with all the troubles. I have felt an extreme peace come over me. Kibera was an amazing experience where I saw extreme poverty but also joy at the same time. The children are so warm and friendly as are all the people in Kenya. I have felt the lord move in everything we have done and that has been so exiting to me. The orphanage is extremely beautiful and I had such an enjoyable time playing futbol with the children and spending time with them. Please pray that we all stay healthy and that the lord will move in even greater ways than he already has.
Kwaheri Alex
JAMBO!
It’s Jenni P and this place in indescribable! The trip here was hectic but sent from God. Our team bonded together and made the best of our 96 hour travel adventure. The Lord gave me patience which is very rare in those situations and I grew sooooo much from the trials. It really prepared our team for Kenya! When we finally got to Kenya we were able to go to the Kibera Slums! I cant really say anything to capture the poverty, or the looks on the children's faces shouting “ HOW ARE YOU” over and over! Everywhere we turned there were shops or huts rather made of metal scraps that you can fit maybe 2 people in to where they live and they have their rusty spoons and pipes laying out for sale. There were lamb heads roasting on the fire with fur, teeth, eyes and everything and you could see the brains which they eat because they have nothing else, trash covered the dirt roads and waste channels no one could help but step in and the smell was potent. Here we are manzungu and we hear it whispered everywhere. So when we finally got to the orphanage after the bumpiest ride I have ever been on! And the children greeted us with hugs and smiles yelling Kabari (welcome) my time is running short but these children and this scenery has impacted me SOOO much! I love every one of these kids and hearing them worship brings tears to my eyes! I LOVE KENYA!
Jenni
Jambo!
Shangilia is astounding…no words can describe the beauty of this place. The children here at the orphanage are so kind and love to play hand clapping games. They are all so beautiful and when they sing worship songs my heart thinks… “wow….this is real, pour out your heart to God worship. I am so excited for the rest of our time here. May God Bless
~*~SaRaH~*~
Hey Colorado!
I am so grateful to have been blessed with travel problems. Though our trials with the airlines were frustrating at times, our stay at various airports around the world have ultimately brought us closer together as a team. The peace, patience, and tolerance with which the Lord blessed us were unbelievable. It is almost unreal that we are now in Kenya, but I am so happy to be here. I have seen the Lord in unexpected but amazing ways. He is so evident in every aspect of life here in Kenya, especially the smiling faces of the orphans. They have lost so much and yet they are so joyful. I wish I could be more like these unbelievably faithful children. Please pray that God may use us to show himself to these wonderful people.
Thank You!
Katie
Family and Friends,
Since we have left Colorado many things have happened to me and our team. But I will save the stories for later. Our devotion books have led us threw the book of James. It was very surprising to me how every chapter directly spoke to me, every word was a warning about something I should not do, and telling me to avoid it. This has helped me remember to stop doing what I am doing without realizing. As we were touring Kibera there was just so much poverty it was amazing. You watch the little videos of people trying to get children sponsored, I always thought that that was one situation, one little camera shot, it is not. There are miles and miles of tin huts, with people every where. We encountered drunk people, high people, and very very desperate people, and we walked through in the early afternoon. There is so much potential, and so much complete sadness it is depressing after you leave. Don’t get me wrong though, I am having an excellent time, and god is shining threw in many ways. Thank you for letting/helping me come here. And I will see you soon.
With God,
Jesse
To all of our family and prayer support,
I think we can all say that this trip hasn’t quite been what we planned, but God always exceeds our expectations! I have had so much fun getting to know each member of our team, God has given each one so many gifts that have already been evident as we work together and serve each other. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to get to know them.
Shangilia is beautiful! The scenery is great, and the children and adults that live here are portraits of God’s grace; we had so much fun playing with them and talking with out prayer partners yesterday. One highlight of the trip was when I got assigned to my prayer partners, Grace and Dorcus. The students each have one or two of the children and I was paired with two of the women who help make this place run; I can tell already that these two women will be an incredible blessing to me while we are here. While we talked, we started discussing the ways that God has shown up in our lives and Dorcus told me that she loved to sing for Jesus. We sat in the grass and worshiped God together in English and Swahili.
Even half way across the world, God is incredibly evident and we are so excited to see the ways that he will show up for the rest of the trip. Thank you for your prayers! Love you!
Lindsay
JAMBO~!
Shangilia is awesome. The kids are a lot of fun and we played “football” for hours with them on Saturday. It was a cool experience coming early. I enjoyed seeing the village around the orphanage and also talking to the pastors. The people here are so welcoming and it is such a blessing to talk to them. On the first night somebody in the village died and there was mourning and drumming all night long…I had just gone to bed and was scared out of my mind. Pastor Francis told me all about it and we visited the family the next morning. It was so interesting to learn about Kenyan culture and share about American culture with the pastors. I am so glad that God stretched me by having me come early. I had to trust him so much and it was a very powerful time of growth for me.
Nic
Kenya Update – July 11
The planned flight from Denver to London through Chicago was cancelled because of mechanical problems. They spent the night at DIA and were rerouted through Washington (Dulles) early this morning. They will have a 10 hour layover in Washington and then continue on to London tonight. They will have a 10 hour layover in London (originally they were to have eight hours) and then fly on to Nairobi. They will have another lay over in Nairobi and make their final flight to Kisumu one day later than planned.
As of now, all of their flights are confirmed but they need prayers that their luggage will catch up to them (it made it to Chicago).
Also, please pray that Nic will be able to make changes to his plans to meet up with them later in Nairobi. They have the support of Pastor Timothy in Nairobi to help them.
The planned flight from Denver to London through Chicago was cancelled because of mechanical problems. They spent the night at DIA and were rerouted through Washington (Dulles) early this morning. They will have a 10 hour layover in Washington and then continue on to London tonight. They will have a 10 hour layover in London (originally they were to have eight hours) and then fly on to Nairobi. They will have another lay over in Nairobi and make their final flight to Kisumu one day later than planned.
As of now, all of their flights are confirmed but they need prayers that their luggage will catch up to them (it made it to Chicago).
Also, please pray that Nic will be able to make changes to his plans to meet up with them later in Nairobi. They have the support of Pastor Timothy in Nairobi to help them.
Here is a ROUGH schedule for while we are in Kenya. – updated 7-03-07
Tuesday, July 10 – Meet at DIA at 1:30 p.m. (flight leaves at 4:50)
Wednesday, July 11 – Layover in London – quick tour of the city.
Thursday, July 12 – Arrive in Nairobi and fly to Kisumu – Arrive in Kisumu at 9:00 a.m. - Orientation/sleep
Friday, July 13 – Ministry day in Luciola near the orphanage
Saturday, July 14 – Free day with the children from the orphanage
Sunday, July 15 – Church service in Luciola (near the orphanage), relational ministry with the children at the orphanage
Monday, July 16 – Ministry Day in Luciola (near the orphanage)
Tuesday, July 17 – Ministry Day in Luciola (near the orphanage) – MOVIE OUTREACH IN THE EVENING
Wednesday, July 18 – Ministry Day in Luciola (near the orphanage)
Thursday, July 19 – Travel 2 ½ hours to Eldoret – Orientation/Ministry
Friday, July 20 – Ministry in Eldoret
Saturday, July 21 – Ministry in Eldoret – MOVIE OUTREACH IN THE EVENING
Sunday, July 22 – Church at Kings Highway Church – Eldoret – Afternoon Travel to Kisumu - Orphanage
Monday, July 23 – 6:30 a.m. leave for the Kisumu airport -9:30 flight to Nairobi – Day in Kibira Slums
Tuesday, July 24 – All day Safari, and dinner at the Carnivore, flight leaves Nairobi late evening
Wednesday, July 25 – Arrive in Denver at 11:25PM
Tuesday, July 10 – Meet at DIA at 1:30 p.m. (flight leaves at 4:50)
Wednesday, July 11 – Layover in London – quick tour of the city.
Thursday, July 12 – Arrive in Nairobi and fly to Kisumu – Arrive in Kisumu at 9:00 a.m. - Orientation/sleep
Friday, July 13 – Ministry day in Luciola near the orphanage
Saturday, July 14 – Free day with the children from the orphanage
Sunday, July 15 – Church service in Luciola (near the orphanage), relational ministry with the children at the orphanage
Monday, July 16 – Ministry Day in Luciola (near the orphanage)
Tuesday, July 17 – Ministry Day in Luciola (near the orphanage) – MOVIE OUTREACH IN THE EVENING
Wednesday, July 18 – Ministry Day in Luciola (near the orphanage)
Thursday, July 19 – Travel 2 ½ hours to Eldoret – Orientation/Ministry
Friday, July 20 – Ministry in Eldoret
Saturday, July 21 – Ministry in Eldoret – MOVIE OUTREACH IN THE EVENING
Sunday, July 22 – Church at Kings Highway Church – Eldoret – Afternoon Travel to Kisumu - Orphanage
Monday, July 23 – 6:30 a.m. leave for the Kisumu airport -9:30 flight to Nairobi – Day in Kibira Slums
Tuesday, July 24 – All day Safari, and dinner at the Carnivore, flight leaves Nairobi late evening
Wednesday, July 25 – Arrive in Denver at 11:25PM
