The last 10 days of ministry have been some of the best ministry we could have ever asked for. Through spending time in Listening Prayer and allowing God to guide us and direct us to who he wanted us to minister to was amazing!! Sharing the gospel through the Passion of the Christ movie and The Jesus Film was one of the most impacting things during the week. Seeing our students share their faith and lead so many people to Christ was amazing. God has truly stretched us, challenged us, and brought us to a deeper level with Him. Thank you all for your prayers and continual prayers for the remainder of the trip. - Randy Stensgard – Student Ministry Pastor
Friday, July 17
PASSION OF THE CHRIST FILM OUTREACH:
God is so amazing!!! Hundred's of people came to the "Passion of the Christ" movie outreach in the valley. The cool thing is that no white people have ever come to this valley to share the gospel before. Tonight God's spirit was moving in a powerful way as Andrea Lane shared her testimony and Brett Shanklin shared the Gospel. Both of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and God spoke through them both tonight!! When the gospel was presented tonight, hundreds of people came to know Christ tonight!! Praise God!!!
We had many conversations with people in the valley tonight during the Passion of the Christ movie, they were so interested in why these things were happening to Jesus. Again tonight we had people come to know Christ as their Savior and immediately they were talking about how they now want to share this good news with everyone in the valley. God is so good!!!!
-Randy Stensgard – Student Ministry Pastor
Saturday, July 18, 2009
· Today, we spent part of the time debriefing and preparing to come back to the USA.
· Today is our last day at Shangilia Orphanage
· Spent the day with the Children at Shangilia Orphanage
· Last evening of worship with the children at Shangilia Orphanage
SUNDAY Schedule:
· Travel by vans to Masai Mara Safari Park (6 hour drive)
· Half day of Safari and check into our Tent Camp Monday Schedule:
· Full day of Safari in Masai Mara Safari Park
Tuesday Schedule:
· Travel from Masai Mara to Nairobi and stay at our hotel (6 hour drive)
Wednesday Schedule:
· Morning at Lifespring Chapel – Possible future partnership
· Afternoon ministry in Kibira Slums with Pastor Timothy
· Late night flight to London
Thursday Schedule:
· Arrive in Denver from Houston at 3:38 p.m.
Incredible last two days of ministry!! All of heaven is rejoicing, because hundreds of people came to know Christ at the Jesus film outreach Wednesday night. And hundreds of kids came to know Christ at three different schools on Thursday as we led VBS again and shared the gospel. WOW!! Praise God for all the individuals and hundred’s of people that have come to know Christ. Ben Bissett was amazing as he boldly shared the gospel with about 400 people at the Jesus film outreach, Kali and Logan shared their testimonies and it was exactly what our Kenyan friends needed to hear. It was such a powerful night.
Then on Thursday, Matt Haron shared the gospel at one of the three public schools and about 200 kids came to know Christ. Kelsey Johnson shared the gospel at another school and the Holy Spirit was really speaking through her and about 300+ kids came to know Christ, it was truly inspiring. John Kreinbring shared his testimony before Kelsey shared the gospel and the Holy Spirit was totally speaking through him, after John said I don’t remember what I said, it must have been the Holy Spirit speaking through me. WOW, WOW, WOW! The list goes on and on with the stories of individuals coming to know Christ and the people we have been ministering to. The medical clinic is also ministering and helping so many people in the community. Hundred’s of people have come to seek medical attention this week at our medical clinic, God is using this to really minister and be a light house to the community!
Keep praying for us, we had to cancel a Jesus film outreach tonight because of rain. But tomorrow (Friday) we hope to show the Passion of the Christ film down in the valley again.
Randy Stensgard – Student Ministry Pastor
Wowza! Last night the LORD was surely watching over us as we shared the Jesus Film in the valley near Shangalia!! When we arrived at the school, huge thunder clouds were headed directly for us, and a bunch of us prayed, and as soon as Randy put the DVD in the player, the clouds were gone and we were looking at a million stars and the Milky Way Galaxy!! But before that, Dallas and I were trying to pick out some songs to sing for the crowd when we first got to the school, and as soon as we got out our guitars, at least 40 children and older teens gathered around us and were so intent on us it gave me chills. We then moved into the field so we could have more room, and Dallas and I just started playing all the songs we could think of as the crowd around us grew bigger and bigger. And soon it transformed into a dance circle with some other girls and just to see the joy on the kids' faces as they watched the first mzungus (white people) they have ever seen sing songs about Jesus on our guitars, it gives me so much energy that makes me want to dance and jump off things. Then near the end of the movie, the DVD player stopped and we all knew that there was a spiritual attack going on. Immediately when Logan got up to share her testimony when the projector was down, I started praying. Everything went quiet and I was truly connected, 100% to God. I was praying in the name of Christ Jesus that all evil spirits to run away from God's awesome presence! With my eyes closed, I saw black space, and as I prayed the evil Satan away from the film, I saw white gaseous cloudy whisps flying towards me and past me, fleeing from the scene. Then from the depth of my stomach and from my mouth I felt a giant invisible blanket gently float over the crowd listening and watching the film. It gave me goose bumps as I opened my eyes, I felt peace, safety and God with no interference of Satan. I looked up and the crowd was attentive and I could tell that God was legitimately holding every person in his arms, like a giant shield reflecting anything and everything that would interfere with God's huge plans. When Ben got up and shared the gospel with the crowd and when he asked if anybody wanted to be saved, and over HALF of the 400-500 people raised their hand, I started crying. Hearing the Kenyans repeat “I thank you for saving me Jesus”, and a little one was practically yelling to God “Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and I accept your forgiveness”, it was inspirational. God's awesome grace overwhelmed me and I could feel Heaven rejoicing for every soul saved that night. Jesus has really shown me how vast and extent his Love for His people is and how he can work modern day miracles. I Love Jesus!!
Susan (AKA, Soosin by the Kenyans)
On Wednesday night we showed the Jesus film in Swahili. It was such a god thing cause we had giant rain clouds coming, we forgot the adapters for the cords to make the projector system work, and the power was shutting off and on towards the end and people started to leave. We started praying and praying and the rain clouds past without any rain falling, Elphas (Kenyan) made his own adapters out of wire, and we prayed that the power would work and the people would come back. We got to the end and I had the chance to share the gospel and Logan and Kali shared there testimonies. Over all we had about 400 people come and over half prayed to receive Christ. And later that night an 18 year old guy came up to me and he thanked me for talking and it was just what he was looking for to get through his hard times and he accepted Christ tonight. He didn't have a bible so I gave my bible to him and we had about 7 people pray over him and his life in Christ. It was amazing to see God work in such a strong way and It was so impacting.
Ben Bissett
God did amazing things at the Jesus film outreach down in the valley last night! Satan worked against us in every way, but God showed up in a powerful and mighty way and many of the Kenyans came to know Christ. I had the opportunity to share my testimony during the film with the crowd during some of our technical difficulties. God filled me up with His spirit and His joy and allowed that to overflow in me. It went really well, despite my lack of public speaking skills. God blessed me when I saw many of the people in the crowd ask to come to know Christ and turn their lives over to Jesus. To think that God had used me in some small way to reach these people, it touched my heart and revealed to me the powerful ways that God can use me. I can't wait to see what God is going to do next!
Logan Smith
Wednesday we went to the market in Kisumu I bought some things bartering is hard!!!!!!!!!!!! But it was fun. They also burn our trash here and I did my own laundry and most of my clothes are hanging from trees and on rocks. The Kenyan people are really friendly. God has been opening me up in more ways then I thought I could be transformed but slowly but surly he has been building me up from the ground. And the Kenyans are very open to accepting God and Jesus as their savior, it's pretty cool and today we got to sleep in which that was nice because I have had cold and now I'm feeling better and am ready to go out and bring more people to God.
Michael Clark
Yo,
So the first part of the day was fepic! I don't think I have ever had so much fun on a bike in my life. We had the afternoon off and we went to the city on taxi bikes and we were going so fast, I loved seeing the look on peoples faces as my bike driver and I went past. Since i'm so light, our bike was up front for a majority of the time and got to see the beautiful country go past me. Once we were done at the market we had to take the bikes back down to a gas station. I was feeling daring and rode the bike the other way and I got many looks and shouts from the other Kenyans. In the evening we had an outreach where we showed the Jesus film in Swahili. Andrew, Dallas, Tyra, and I went around praying to cast out satan (he doesn't deserve a capital s) and his spirits, we felt like the night was a spiritual battle as we were trying to clearly present the gospel. At one point we all turned around and had our backs to each other and prayed. After that fireflies came out and were flying around the school we were at. I had never seen fireflies before, and two thoughts went through my mind. The first one was that the flies was the Holy Spirit clearing out the evil spirits. The other thought was that the flies were protecting us from attacks. Whatever it was, it was awesome to see. The hike back up the hill was pretty fun in the dark. Well that's all for now.
Peace out trouts.
J-wils =)
Jambo
Today was awesome. I was at VBS today and today was the day we planned to share the Gospel – how Jesus died for us – and I was to give my testimony right before that. The testimony I gave was not the testimony I planned to give. The Lord spoke through me, and when I was finished Kelsey shared the Gospel. Almost all the Kids accepted Jesus into their lives. It was so amazing to see God change what I was going to say into something so much more appropriate to our lesson. God works in amazing ways.
John Kreinbring
Things that make you go Hakuna Matata:
Yesterday after a crazy day of whizzing around down town on Borda Bordas and Mutatus (taxi’s), and trying our hands at bartering at the market in Kisumu, we all made the trek all the way down the valley to show the Jesus film (in Swahili). We were already running late, and when we arrived, we realized that our Kenyan partners had forgotten the projector. On the way back up to get it, the Mutatu we used to transport the equipment broke down and it would be an hour to hike back up and down the valley on foot.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, I looked up and saw some pretty serious rain clouds and lightening rolling our way. It truly was a comedy of errors, and I was laughing at myself as I thought about carrying up all of the speakers and equipment in the dark, in the rain, after telling the hundreds of Kenyans who had come out that the show was cancelled. A few of us gathered for a last second prayer and after just a few moments, we were interrupted by a young man with a question.
“Excuse me” he said, “I have a question for you. Who is God?” As we began to answer his questions several others gathered around and before I knew it, I was telling a group of about 15 Kenyans about Jesus. At the end, I asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus and everyone of the 15 accepted Christ. By the time I got done the skies were clear, the projector had arrived, and we just getting started. It turned out to be an amazing night of ministry, and another reminder of how God sometimes works through us, and sometimes works in spite of us, It was awesome to see God move so powerfully.
Andrew Strutzenberg
Kimbia!
The last couple days have been truly amazing! God is doing amazing things here in Kenya. Heaven was dancing and singing as many Kenyans made the decision to give their lives to God through Christ Jesus. Last night, Ben preached the Gospel and Kali and Logan gave their testimonies. The “valley” came alive with God’s love. Today, we again traveled to a nearby school to preach the Gospel. Christ worked through Kelsey in amazing ways and many kids accepted Jesus into their lives. The kids received bracelets symbolizing Gods love and were given sports equipment to play with…they were so happy. Two more days to go here in Shangilia and can’t wait to see how God will use this team.
-Brock
So at long last we have managed to teach the kids at our VBS school how to give a real greeting … well we modified it slightly to add a Kenyan feel to it … so picture the usual “fist pound”, followed by “explode the pound” … and the new part … a fist over the heart. Dewd!
It has been a huge honor to be part of the staff. I have seen every single student grow as they have encountered new situations … whether giving their testimonies, sharing the gospel, teaching VBS, working in the clinic or sharing their lives with all they meet. Truly amazing! Last night was no exception. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong … but God moved mightily. During the final part of the film, after Ben had presented the gospel and the majority of the crowd had responded, a student came up to me. “Thank you so much for coming here today to tell us about Jesus. This is exactly what I have been looking for my whole life. I had no idea one could have a personal relationship with Him. Thank you for coming to my village. Tell me what else I can do to study so that I can teach others from my village about Jesus.” WOW Jambo
Mark Breen
Last night when we showed the Jesus film so many people were affected. It was amazing. An estimated 300-400 people accepted Jesus as their personal savior. It was really powerful. Today we went to the school and the kids were great. About another 250-300 kids accepted Jesus as their savior also. The teachers were really appreciative and we also were able to teach the game of Ultimate Frisbee for the first time to about 16 kids and a teacher. That was awesome. On the way back it started to sprinkle, but as Americans, we thought nothing of it. After some good advice from our guide and translator Albert, we took shelter just before it started hailing. Albert has been so awesome to us this week and has blessed me especially, with knowledge and friendship. Unfortunately though, today we had to cancel the Passion of The Christ in the valley.
-Matt
Jambo
So, last night, our plans were to show the Jesus Film in the valley. To start things off, we were late coming back from town and that delayed the set up of the video. Our plan was to be in the valley at 5 o’clock, and we didn’t even get back from Kisumu until 5:30. The film went on as planned, even though every thing was going wrong. The Projector was forgotten at the Orphanage and every thing that could go wrong was. We ended up getting the film started and about that time Elphas spotted a rain cloud and we were sure that it was going to rain on us. Immediately we started praying that God held off the rain and within a matter of minutes, the clouds were gone and we could see all the stars in the sky. About 200 people ended giving there life to Christ after Ben’s wonderful presentation of the GOSPEL.
-Dallas
Today was wonderful! I was able to sleep in and to shower. But even more wonderful than that was the work that occurred in the medical clinic. The medical clinic team was able to help over 138 individuals today! Praise the Lord! I only joined the team today after lunch after spending a very relaxing morning just talking with friends. The team is so blessed to have two amazing nurses with us: Kristen and Tyra. Both are so patient, kind, and filled with God’s love for people. It is so apparent that God is working through them. I am so grateful that God called them on this trip. It wouldn’t have been the same without them. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and thoughts!
Amy
Yesterday the Jesus Film was incredible. I was so amazed that after all the things that went wrong yesterday, like forgetting the projector, Jesus really showed everyone on the team to believe and so many people came to know Christ. The testimonies were so powerful and the GOSPEL touched a lot of the people there. When we asked who wanted to accept Christ so many people raised their hands. Praise the Lord!
Katie B.
So at long last we have managed to teach the kids at our VBS school how to give a real greeting … well we modified it slightly to add a Kenyan feel to it … so picture the usual “fist pound”, followed by “explode the pound” … and the new part … a fist over the heart. Dewd!
It has been a huge honor to be part of the staff. I have seen every single student grow as they have encountered new situations … whether giving their testimonies, sharing the gospel, teaching VBS, working in the clinic or sharing their lives with all they meet. Truly amazing! Last night was no exception. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong … but God moved mightily. During the final part of the film, after Ben had presented the gospel and the majority of the crowd had responded, a student came up to me. “Thank you so much for coming here today to tell us about Jesus. This is exactly what I have been looking for my whole life. I had no idea one could have a personal relationship with Him. Thank you for coming to my village. Tell me what else I can do to study so that I can teach others from my village about Jesus.” WOW Jambo
Mark Breen
Last night when we showed the Jesus film so many people were affected. It was amazing. An estimated 300-400 people accepted Jesus as their personal savior. It was really powerful. Today we went to the school and the kids were great. About another 250-300 kids accepted Jesus as their savior also. The teachers were really appreciative and we also were able to teach the game of Ultimate Frisbee for the first time to about 16 kids and a teacher. That was awesome. On the way back it started to sprinkle, but as Americans, we thought nothing of it. After some good advice from our guide and translator Albert, we took shelter just before it started hailing. Albert has been so awesome to us this week and has blessed me especially, with knowledge and friendship. Unfortunately though, today we had to cancel the Passion of The Christ in the valley.
-Matt
Jambo
So, last night, our plans were to show the Jesus Film in the valley. To start things off, we were late coming back from town and that delayed the set up of the video. Our plan was to be in the valley at 5 o’clock, and we didn’t even get back from Kisumu until 5:30. The film went on as planned, even though every thing was going wrong. The Projector was forgotten at the Orphanage and every thing that could go wrong was. We ended up getting the film started and about that time Elphas spotted a rain cloud and we were sure that it was going to rain on us. Immediately we started praying that God held off the rain and within a matter of minutes, the clouds were gone and we could see all the stars in the sky. About 200 people ended giving there life to Christ after Ben’s wonderful presentation of the GOSPEL.
-Dallas
Today was wonderful! I was able to sleep in and to shower. But even more wonderful than that was the work that occurred in the medical clinic. The medical clinic team was able to help over 138 individuals today! Praise the Lord! I only joined the team today after lunch after spending a very relaxing morning just talking with friends. The team is so blessed to have two amazing nurses with us: Kristen and Tyra. Both are so patient, kind, and filled with God’s love for people. It is so apparent that God is working through them. I am so grateful that God called them on this trip. It wouldn’t have been the same without them. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and thoughts!
Amy
Yesterday the Jesus Film was incredible. I was so amazed that after all the things that went wrong yesterday, like forgetting the projector, Jesus really showed everyone on the team to believe and so many people came to know Christ. The testimonies were so powerful and the GOSPEL touched a lot of the people there. When we asked who wanted to accept Christ so many people raised their hands. Praise the Lord!
Katie B.
PASSION OF THE CHRIST FILM OUTREACH:
God is so amazing!!! Hundred's of people came to the "Passion of the Christ" movie outreach in the valley. The cool thing is that no white people have ever come to this valley to share the gospel before. Tonight God's spirit was moving in a powerful way as Andrea Lane shared her testimony and Brett Shanklin shared the Gospel. Both of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and God spoke through them both tonight!! When the gospel was presented tonight, hundreds of people came to know Christ tonight!! Praise God!!!
We had many conversations with people in the valley tonight during the Passion of the Christ movie, they were so interested in why these things were happening to Jesus. Again tonight we had people come to know Christ as their Savior and immediately they were talking about how they now want to share this good news with everyone in the valley. God is so good!!!!
-Randy Stensgard – Student Ministry Pastor
Saturday, July 18, 2009
· Today, we spent part of the time debriefing and preparing to come back to the USA.
· Today is our last day at Shangilia Orphanage
· Spent the day with the Children at Shangilia Orphanage
· Last evening of worship with the children at Shangilia Orphanage
SUNDAY Schedule:
· Travel by vans to Masai Mara Safari Park (6 hour drive)
· Half day of Safari and check into our Tent Camp Monday Schedule:
· Full day of Safari in Masai Mara Safari Park
Tuesday Schedule:
· Travel from Masai Mara to Nairobi and stay at our hotel (6 hour drive)
Wednesday Schedule:
· Morning at Lifespring Chapel – Possible future partnership
· Afternoon ministry in Kibira Slums with Pastor Timothy
· Late night flight to London
Thursday Schedule:
· Arrive in Denver from Houston at 3:38 p.m.
Incredible last two days of ministry!! All of heaven is rejoicing, because hundreds of people came to know Christ at the Jesus film outreach Wednesday night. And hundreds of kids came to know Christ at three different schools on Thursday as we led VBS again and shared the gospel. WOW!! Praise God for all the individuals and hundred’s of people that have come to know Christ. Ben Bissett was amazing as he boldly shared the gospel with about 400 people at the Jesus film outreach, Kali and Logan shared their testimonies and it was exactly what our Kenyan friends needed to hear. It was such a powerful night.
Then on Thursday, Matt Haron shared the gospel at one of the three public schools and about 200 kids came to know Christ. Kelsey Johnson shared the gospel at another school and the Holy Spirit was really speaking through her and about 300+ kids came to know Christ, it was truly inspiring. John Kreinbring shared his testimony before Kelsey shared the gospel and the Holy Spirit was totally speaking through him, after John said I don’t remember what I said, it must have been the Holy Spirit speaking through me. WOW, WOW, WOW! The list goes on and on with the stories of individuals coming to know Christ and the people we have been ministering to. The medical clinic is also ministering and helping so many people in the community. Hundred’s of people have come to seek medical attention this week at our medical clinic, God is using this to really minister and be a light house to the community!
Keep praying for us, we had to cancel a Jesus film outreach tonight because of rain. But tomorrow (Friday) we hope to show the Passion of the Christ film down in the valley again.
Randy Stensgard – Student Ministry Pastor
Wowza! Last night the LORD was surely watching over us as we shared the Jesus Film in the valley near Shangalia!! When we arrived at the school, huge thunder clouds were headed directly for us, and a bunch of us prayed, and as soon as Randy put the DVD in the player, the clouds were gone and we were looking at a million stars and the Milky Way Galaxy!! But before that, Dallas and I were trying to pick out some songs to sing for the crowd when we first got to the school, and as soon as we got out our guitars, at least 40 children and older teens gathered around us and were so intent on us it gave me chills. We then moved into the field so we could have more room, and Dallas and I just started playing all the songs we could think of as the crowd around us grew bigger and bigger. And soon it transformed into a dance circle with some other girls and just to see the joy on the kids' faces as they watched the first mzungus (white people) they have ever seen sing songs about Jesus on our guitars, it gives me so much energy that makes me want to dance and jump off things. Then near the end of the movie, the DVD player stopped and we all knew that there was a spiritual attack going on. Immediately when Logan got up to share her testimony when the projector was down, I started praying. Everything went quiet and I was truly connected, 100% to God. I was praying in the name of Christ Jesus that all evil spirits to run away from God's awesome presence! With my eyes closed, I saw black space, and as I prayed the evil Satan away from the film, I saw white gaseous cloudy whisps flying towards me and past me, fleeing from the scene. Then from the depth of my stomach and from my mouth I felt a giant invisible blanket gently float over the crowd listening and watching the film. It gave me goose bumps as I opened my eyes, I felt peace, safety and God with no interference of Satan. I looked up and the crowd was attentive and I could tell that God was legitimately holding every person in his arms, like a giant shield reflecting anything and everything that would interfere with God's huge plans. When Ben got up and shared the gospel with the crowd and when he asked if anybody wanted to be saved, and over HALF of the 400-500 people raised their hand, I started crying. Hearing the Kenyans repeat “I thank you for saving me Jesus”, and a little one was practically yelling to God “Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and I accept your forgiveness”, it was inspirational. God's awesome grace overwhelmed me and I could feel Heaven rejoicing for every soul saved that night. Jesus has really shown me how vast and extent his Love for His people is and how he can work modern day miracles. I Love Jesus!!
Susan (AKA, Soosin by the Kenyans)
On Wednesday night we showed the Jesus film in Swahili. It was such a god thing cause we had giant rain clouds coming, we forgot the adapters for the cords to make the projector system work, and the power was shutting off and on towards the end and people started to leave. We started praying and praying and the rain clouds past without any rain falling, Elphas (Kenyan) made his own adapters out of wire, and we prayed that the power would work and the people would come back. We got to the end and I had the chance to share the gospel and Logan and Kali shared there testimonies. Over all we had about 400 people come and over half prayed to receive Christ. And later that night an 18 year old guy came up to me and he thanked me for talking and it was just what he was looking for to get through his hard times and he accepted Christ tonight. He didn't have a bible so I gave my bible to him and we had about 7 people pray over him and his life in Christ. It was amazing to see God work in such a strong way and It was so impacting.
Ben Bissett
God did amazing things at the Jesus film outreach down in the valley last night! Satan worked against us in every way, but God showed up in a powerful and mighty way and many of the Kenyans came to know Christ. I had the opportunity to share my testimony during the film with the crowd during some of our technical difficulties. God filled me up with His spirit and His joy and allowed that to overflow in me. It went really well, despite my lack of public speaking skills. God blessed me when I saw many of the people in the crowd ask to come to know Christ and turn their lives over to Jesus. To think that God had used me in some small way to reach these people, it touched my heart and revealed to me the powerful ways that God can use me. I can't wait to see what God is going to do next!
Logan Smith
Wednesday we went to the market in Kisumu I bought some things bartering is hard!!!!!!!!!!!! But it was fun. They also burn our trash here and I did my own laundry and most of my clothes are hanging from trees and on rocks. The Kenyan people are really friendly. God has been opening me up in more ways then I thought I could be transformed but slowly but surly he has been building me up from the ground. And the Kenyans are very open to accepting God and Jesus as their savior, it's pretty cool and today we got to sleep in which that was nice because I have had cold and now I'm feeling better and am ready to go out and bring more people to God.
Michael Clark
Yo,
So the first part of the day was fepic! I don't think I have ever had so much fun on a bike in my life. We had the afternoon off and we went to the city on taxi bikes and we were going so fast, I loved seeing the look on peoples faces as my bike driver and I went past. Since i'm so light, our bike was up front for a majority of the time and got to see the beautiful country go past me. Once we were done at the market we had to take the bikes back down to a gas station. I was feeling daring and rode the bike the other way and I got many looks and shouts from the other Kenyans. In the evening we had an outreach where we showed the Jesus film in Swahili. Andrew, Dallas, Tyra, and I went around praying to cast out satan (he doesn't deserve a capital s) and his spirits, we felt like the night was a spiritual battle as we were trying to clearly present the gospel. At one point we all turned around and had our backs to each other and prayed. After that fireflies came out and were flying around the school we were at. I had never seen fireflies before, and two thoughts went through my mind. The first one was that the flies was the Holy Spirit clearing out the evil spirits. The other thought was that the flies were protecting us from attacks. Whatever it was, it was awesome to see. The hike back up the hill was pretty fun in the dark. Well that's all for now.
Peace out trouts.
J-wils =)
Jambo
Today was awesome. I was at VBS today and today was the day we planned to share the Gospel – how Jesus died for us – and I was to give my testimony right before that. The testimony I gave was not the testimony I planned to give. The Lord spoke through me, and when I was finished Kelsey shared the Gospel. Almost all the Kids accepted Jesus into their lives. It was so amazing to see God change what I was going to say into something so much more appropriate to our lesson. God works in amazing ways.
John Kreinbring
Things that make you go Hakuna Matata:
Yesterday after a crazy day of whizzing around down town on Borda Bordas and Mutatus (taxi’s), and trying our hands at bartering at the market in Kisumu, we all made the trek all the way down the valley to show the Jesus film (in Swahili). We were already running late, and when we arrived, we realized that our Kenyan partners had forgotten the projector. On the way back up to get it, the Mutatu we used to transport the equipment broke down and it would be an hour to hike back up and down the valley on foot.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, I looked up and saw some pretty serious rain clouds and lightening rolling our way. It truly was a comedy of errors, and I was laughing at myself as I thought about carrying up all of the speakers and equipment in the dark, in the rain, after telling the hundreds of Kenyans who had come out that the show was cancelled. A few of us gathered for a last second prayer and after just a few moments, we were interrupted by a young man with a question.
“Excuse me” he said, “I have a question for you. Who is God?” As we began to answer his questions several others gathered around and before I knew it, I was telling a group of about 15 Kenyans about Jesus. At the end, I asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus and everyone of the 15 accepted Christ. By the time I got done the skies were clear, the projector had arrived, and we just getting started. It turned out to be an amazing night of ministry, and another reminder of how God sometimes works through us, and sometimes works in spite of us, It was awesome to see God move so powerfully.
Andrew Strutzenberg
Kimbia!
The last couple days have been truly amazing! God is doing amazing things here in Kenya. Heaven was dancing and singing as many Kenyans made the decision to give their lives to God through Christ Jesus. Last night, Ben preached the Gospel and Kali and Logan gave their testimonies. The “valley” came alive with God’s love. Today, we again traveled to a nearby school to preach the Gospel. Christ worked through Kelsey in amazing ways and many kids accepted Jesus into their lives. The kids received bracelets symbolizing Gods love and were given sports equipment to play with…they were so happy. Two more days to go here in Shangilia and can’t wait to see how God will use this team.
-Brock
So at long last we have managed to teach the kids at our VBS school how to give a real greeting … well we modified it slightly to add a Kenyan feel to it … so picture the usual “fist pound”, followed by “explode the pound” … and the new part … a fist over the heart. Dewd!
It has been a huge honor to be part of the staff. I have seen every single student grow as they have encountered new situations … whether giving their testimonies, sharing the gospel, teaching VBS, working in the clinic or sharing their lives with all they meet. Truly amazing! Last night was no exception. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong … but God moved mightily. During the final part of the film, after Ben had presented the gospel and the majority of the crowd had responded, a student came up to me. “Thank you so much for coming here today to tell us about Jesus. This is exactly what I have been looking for my whole life. I had no idea one could have a personal relationship with Him. Thank you for coming to my village. Tell me what else I can do to study so that I can teach others from my village about Jesus.” WOW Jambo
Mark Breen
Last night when we showed the Jesus film so many people were affected. It was amazing. An estimated 300-400 people accepted Jesus as their personal savior. It was really powerful. Today we went to the school and the kids were great. About another 250-300 kids accepted Jesus as their savior also. The teachers were really appreciative and we also were able to teach the game of Ultimate Frisbee for the first time to about 16 kids and a teacher. That was awesome. On the way back it started to sprinkle, but as Americans, we thought nothing of it. After some good advice from our guide and translator Albert, we took shelter just before it started hailing. Albert has been so awesome to us this week and has blessed me especially, with knowledge and friendship. Unfortunately though, today we had to cancel the Passion of The Christ in the valley.
-Matt
Jambo
So, last night, our plans were to show the Jesus Film in the valley. To start things off, we were late coming back from town and that delayed the set up of the video. Our plan was to be in the valley at 5 o’clock, and we didn’t even get back from Kisumu until 5:30. The film went on as planned, even though every thing was going wrong. The Projector was forgotten at the Orphanage and every thing that could go wrong was. We ended up getting the film started and about that time Elphas spotted a rain cloud and we were sure that it was going to rain on us. Immediately we started praying that God held off the rain and within a matter of minutes, the clouds were gone and we could see all the stars in the sky. About 200 people ended giving there life to Christ after Ben’s wonderful presentation of the GOSPEL.
-Dallas
Today was wonderful! I was able to sleep in and to shower. But even more wonderful than that was the work that occurred in the medical clinic. The medical clinic team was able to help over 138 individuals today! Praise the Lord! I only joined the team today after lunch after spending a very relaxing morning just talking with friends. The team is so blessed to have two amazing nurses with us: Kristen and Tyra. Both are so patient, kind, and filled with God’s love for people. It is so apparent that God is working through them. I am so grateful that God called them on this trip. It wouldn’t have been the same without them. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and thoughts!
Amy
Yesterday the Jesus Film was incredible. I was so amazed that after all the things that went wrong yesterday, like forgetting the projector, Jesus really showed everyone on the team to believe and so many people came to know Christ. The testimonies were so powerful and the GOSPEL touched a lot of the people there. When we asked who wanted to accept Christ so many people raised their hands. Praise the Lord!
Katie B.
So at long last we have managed to teach the kids at our VBS school how to give a real greeting … well we modified it slightly to add a Kenyan feel to it … so picture the usual “fist pound”, followed by “explode the pound” … and the new part … a fist over the heart. Dewd!
It has been a huge honor to be part of the staff. I have seen every single student grow as they have encountered new situations … whether giving their testimonies, sharing the gospel, teaching VBS, working in the clinic or sharing their lives with all they meet. Truly amazing! Last night was no exception. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong … but God moved mightily. During the final part of the film, after Ben had presented the gospel and the majority of the crowd had responded, a student came up to me. “Thank you so much for coming here today to tell us about Jesus. This is exactly what I have been looking for my whole life. I had no idea one could have a personal relationship with Him. Thank you for coming to my village. Tell me what else I can do to study so that I can teach others from my village about Jesus.” WOW Jambo
Mark Breen
Last night when we showed the Jesus film so many people were affected. It was amazing. An estimated 300-400 people accepted Jesus as their personal savior. It was really powerful. Today we went to the school and the kids were great. About another 250-300 kids accepted Jesus as their savior also. The teachers were really appreciative and we also were able to teach the game of Ultimate Frisbee for the first time to about 16 kids and a teacher. That was awesome. On the way back it started to sprinkle, but as Americans, we thought nothing of it. After some good advice from our guide and translator Albert, we took shelter just before it started hailing. Albert has been so awesome to us this week and has blessed me especially, with knowledge and friendship. Unfortunately though, today we had to cancel the Passion of The Christ in the valley.
-Matt
Jambo
So, last night, our plans were to show the Jesus Film in the valley. To start things off, we were late coming back from town and that delayed the set up of the video. Our plan was to be in the valley at 5 o’clock, and we didn’t even get back from Kisumu until 5:30. The film went on as planned, even though every thing was going wrong. The Projector was forgotten at the Orphanage and every thing that could go wrong was. We ended up getting the film started and about that time Elphas spotted a rain cloud and we were sure that it was going to rain on us. Immediately we started praying that God held off the rain and within a matter of minutes, the clouds were gone and we could see all the stars in the sky. About 200 people ended giving there life to Christ after Ben’s wonderful presentation of the GOSPEL.
-Dallas
Today was wonderful! I was able to sleep in and to shower. But even more wonderful than that was the work that occurred in the medical clinic. The medical clinic team was able to help over 138 individuals today! Praise the Lord! I only joined the team today after lunch after spending a very relaxing morning just talking with friends. The team is so blessed to have two amazing nurses with us: Kristen and Tyra. Both are so patient, kind, and filled with God’s love for people. It is so apparent that God is working through them. I am so grateful that God called them on this trip. It wouldn’t have been the same without them. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and thoughts!
Amy
Yesterday the Jesus Film was incredible. I was so amazed that after all the things that went wrong yesterday, like forgetting the projector, Jesus really showed everyone on the team to believe and so many people came to know Christ. The testimonies were so powerful and the GOSPEL touched a lot of the people there. When we asked who wanted to accept Christ so many people raised their hands. Praise the Lord!
Katie B.
10:00pm Tuesday night Denver time (6:00am Kenya) I just talked to Randy. They are up early having a time of worship as the sun rises. The two Katies are not feeling great but nothing too concerning. The VBS ministry is exceeding any hopes we had. They will not be able to send another update until this time tomorrow at the earliest as today is the big open air outreach which will go late and then they have the challenge of walking back up the hill in the dark.
KENYA TESTIMONIES – Tuesday, July 14, 2009
MINISTRY THAT TOOK PLACE TODAY:
· Ministry down in the Valley
· Worship and prayer walk
· Sharing the love of Jesus with the people in the Village
· Leading people to Christ
· VBS at 3 schools to 250+ kids at each of the schools
· Incredible day of ministry, God showed up in powerful ways as we did “Listening Prayer” and God totally directed us where he wanted us to minister and who he wanted us to minister to. WOW God is amazing!!
Prayer Request:
· Spiritual protection – very engaged into the spiritual battle that is evident today
· Jesus film outreach in the valley – we will be showing the Jesus film in Swahili to hundreds or a couple of thousand people in the valley. Many have never heard of Jesus or do not know Jesus. Pray for Ben Bissett as he will be sharing the gospel. Andrea Lane as she will be giving her testimony and Randy as he leads this.
· Rest and joy as we have a half day off on Wednesday and go to the big city of Kisumu
· Continual team unity and spiritual growth.
Wednesday’s Ministry:
1. Half day off in the city of Kisumu
2. Jesus Film outreach and sharing the gospel from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Denver Time on Wednesday)
JAMBO~!
Today I got the opportunity to go down into the valley that has never seen “Mzungus” or white people. Our day started with some intense praying about spiritual warfare and just preparing for the day with some heavy prayer. Our group went down and was able to pray and share the Gospel with the people down there. During listening prayer in the morning J-Wils saw a vision of a path and a house. The vision came true at the last house we visited. We met a man named Sam and really got to build a relationship with him and pray for him. He told us his story about his house burning down during the riots and now being separated from his family. It was a touching story, but when we asked if he was saved he answered with, “He is Lord.” This was just a powerful testimony to our group about his faith and love through all his terrible experiences. VBS at the schools has been going great!
Nic
JAMBO!
So today, God did some pretty miraculous things in and through me. But before I get to that I would just like to say happy Birthday to my brother! Now, today, I really wanted to go out to the medical clinic or go down into the valley. I really wanted to go out! Unfortunately God called me to stay back. He gave me A Vision of Two Chris Tomlin Songs that ran through my head all day and then right before Dinner Pastor Francis went through the Valley with the loud speaker announcing the Jesus film and Right after I heard the Songs that God showed me this Morning It was so powerful. Today was a day that I really got the Chance for some personal Growth in my relationship with the J-Man(Jesus)
Dallas (Tumbili)
Jambo!
I am home once again! What a welcoming experience. Many of the same people are still here and I remember them and they remember me! The clinic has been a spiritual struggle this week, but after much prayer today it was amazing! God used Tyra and I today treating many wounds. We held clinic on a rock under a tree and it was a blessing. On the way up to the top of the children’s home an elderly woman stopped us and talked with us and then blessed our hands to do more of God’s work in the clinic. Thank you Jesus for your presence today and your reminder of your many promises!
Kristen
If you are worried about us all losing too much weight and suffering malnourishment you obviously have not heard about Kenyan hospitality. Everywhere we go, we are offered a very warm Karibu (welcome)! We are served three excellent meals a day, and are enjoying excellent food served by very generous hosts. The morning meal is especially enjoyable because we get to drink Kenya’s famous Chai Tea, which is one of its main export crops, fresh pineapple and boiled eggs. Lunches and dinners consist of great chicken or beef dishes, rice or pasta, and a vegetable dish made either of cabbage or kale. It is not only our hosts who treat us with such gracious hospitality, everywhere we go, people are invited into homes and offered tea, fruit or even whole meals.
Our VBS team is ministering down the valley from the orphanage and terrain we have to traverse to get there rivals any of the hikes I have encountered in Colorado! We have to carry our supplies down in backpacks, so I feel like I am getting ready to go camping rather than do ministry. The beautiful but steep descent down into the remote valley has kept it pretty isolated from the rest of the world. We have been where none of the people had even seen a white person in the region before, and judging by the reaction we got from the students yesterday, I believe it. The looks of wonder and trepidation on their faces made it clear that seeing us approach their schools was a very unusual sight indeed! On the way down we past a very young child sitting on a rock, as we drew closer, she shrieked a scream in horror, and ran crying back into her hut. When we asked our translator what had happened, he said that she had never seen an mzungu (white person) and was frightened. But the novelty of our presence has stirred up a lot of interest in the ministry we are doing, and we are very excited to see how God is going to use our presence the next few days. In addition to our VBS ministry, we are also visiting people in their homes, praying for their needs, and sharing with them about Jesus. Tomorrow and Thursday, be inviting everyone down to the school to show the Jesus Film, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is going to be so exciting!
Andrew
O My Magnifico Goodness! God is so crazy. Today during listening prayer our whole team was really struggling with connecting and we felt a great amount of spiritual warfare interfering. But God put a vision in my mind of me playing my guitar looking over the entire valley behind the huts and praying for the teams being sent out. I did not know if it was just me wanting to have an easy day without mountain climbing or if I was truly feeling called to stay back and pray. Eventually, a few other people confirmed that there needed to be an extended time of praise and worship, and I stayed back. But also the idea came up that a team would be walking through the village of Luciola singing praises at the top of our lungs unashamed, but I didn’t feel like going. We worshiped for a half hour on a rock overlooking the valley, and before we started, Logan had a vision of us dancing and singing in the streets of Luciola. On the last song (Holy is the Lord) I looked up and all of the other people who had stayed back were in a circle around Dallas and I, who were playing guitar, raising their hands, eyes closed, and praising the LORD God Almighty. It was an inspirational moment, and I don’t think I have felt that close to God in a while. Then Andrew Strutz suggested us putting hands on the others’ shoulders and pray specifically for the people standing on either side of us. We prayed out loud and after we were done, I was rearin’ and ready to go out and sing and play guitar through the streets. As we were out on the streets, I was singing at the top of my lungs, lyrics that were just flowing through me (and I can NEVER make good lyrics, trust me) and playing a series of guitar chords that I really had no idea what I was playing. Many people came out to the path to see what the rucus was, and two men were standing on the side and we all said Jambo. Mark realized however, that we really needed to stop, and so he shouted at us at the front to come back. We talked with him for a while, and his name was Abubu, and instantly we asked if he was saved, and he said no! So Mark, Tushka and I prayed over him for sickness as well, and I led him through the prayer of salvation. It was awesome. Best experience of my life. God is showing me a new boldness for Christ and how to listen to Him more.
Susan
Hey!
I am so happy to be here but I am feeling so tired and sick. I have been praying for relief from sickness for me and Katie Biniki who has a fever. Today was just a great day to be quiet with God as I wasn’t exactly called to go down to the village today. I ended up walking around Lusiola and praying for people up by the orphanage. This woman we met invited us graciously into her home and brought us all tea and mangos. She also told us that we could sleep there anytime. It amazes me to see how generous the people are here. They give the best of their best for guests. We can learn so much about the people and there are so many things I admire about this culture. Thanks for all the prayer back home!
Asante Sana,
Katie Yount
Today was a day of first experiences that God completely blessed. Yesterday, Kristin and I were frustrated and feeling spiritually attacked during the clinic. I just did not feel as if I was helping the over 70 people we saw. We quickly ran out of supplies. I was overwhelmed trying to guess how to treat various conditions based on symptoms. I came to realize I was trying to treat based on my idea of how medicine runs in America. After debriefing and praying with Kristin I was able to recognize lies that I was defeated in what I came to do with the medical clinic. However, today July 14th was a new day. During prayer this morning I felt I needed to do more with the medical clinic and sensed people just needed to feel loved and cared for. As decided earlier, Kristin and I would go down to the clinic to dress wounds. The following day we would go into Kisumu to buy more medicine. The morning of dressing wounds was just a God send. We set up a “wound clinic” on a rock in the middle of the Quaker church. I started dressing a gentleman who I had seen the previous day who had a major foot wound with swelling. Compared to the previous day, this gentleman’s leg had improved. More people kept coming up to have wounds dressed. One particular woman had a wound on her left breast. She openly showed this breast which was an open wound actively bleeding. Behind the wound was a large mass. It broke my heart to have a women come up to me who was being so vulnerable. We were able to pray with most patients. When we were done talking to patients, I felt so richly blessed. I felt God had fulfilled a prayer earlier this morning that I might get a glimpse of God today….
Tyra Kuck
KENYA TESTIMONIES – Tuesday, July 14, 2009
MINISTRY THAT TOOK PLACE TODAY:
· Ministry down in the Valley
· Worship and prayer walk
· Sharing the love of Jesus with the people in the Village
· Leading people to Christ
· VBS at 3 schools to 250+ kids at each of the schools
· Incredible day of ministry, God showed up in powerful ways as we did “Listening Prayer” and God totally directed us where he wanted us to minister and who he wanted us to minister to. WOW God is amazing!!
Prayer Request:
· Spiritual protection – very engaged into the spiritual battle that is evident today
· Jesus film outreach in the valley – we will be showing the Jesus film in Swahili to hundreds or a couple of thousand people in the valley. Many have never heard of Jesus or do not know Jesus. Pray for Ben Bissett as he will be sharing the gospel. Andrea Lane as she will be giving her testimony and Randy as he leads this.
· Rest and joy as we have a half day off on Wednesday and go to the big city of Kisumu
· Continual team unity and spiritual growth.
Wednesday’s Ministry:
1. Half day off in the city of Kisumu
2. Jesus Film outreach and sharing the gospel from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Denver Time on Wednesday)
JAMBO~!
Today I got the opportunity to go down into the valley that has never seen “Mzungus” or white people. Our day started with some intense praying about spiritual warfare and just preparing for the day with some heavy prayer. Our group went down and was able to pray and share the Gospel with the people down there. During listening prayer in the morning J-Wils saw a vision of a path and a house. The vision came true at the last house we visited. We met a man named Sam and really got to build a relationship with him and pray for him. He told us his story about his house burning down during the riots and now being separated from his family. It was a touching story, but when we asked if he was saved he answered with, “He is Lord.” This was just a powerful testimony to our group about his faith and love through all his terrible experiences. VBS at the schools has been going great!
Nic
JAMBO!
So today, God did some pretty miraculous things in and through me. But before I get to that I would just like to say happy Birthday to my brother! Now, today, I really wanted to go out to the medical clinic or go down into the valley. I really wanted to go out! Unfortunately God called me to stay back. He gave me A Vision of Two Chris Tomlin Songs that ran through my head all day and then right before Dinner Pastor Francis went through the Valley with the loud speaker announcing the Jesus film and Right after I heard the Songs that God showed me this Morning It was so powerful. Today was a day that I really got the Chance for some personal Growth in my relationship with the J-Man(Jesus)
Dallas (Tumbili)
Jambo!
I am home once again! What a welcoming experience. Many of the same people are still here and I remember them and they remember me! The clinic has been a spiritual struggle this week, but after much prayer today it was amazing! God used Tyra and I today treating many wounds. We held clinic on a rock under a tree and it was a blessing. On the way up to the top of the children’s home an elderly woman stopped us and talked with us and then blessed our hands to do more of God’s work in the clinic. Thank you Jesus for your presence today and your reminder of your many promises!
Kristen
If you are worried about us all losing too much weight and suffering malnourishment you obviously have not heard about Kenyan hospitality. Everywhere we go, we are offered a very warm Karibu (welcome)! We are served three excellent meals a day, and are enjoying excellent food served by very generous hosts. The morning meal is especially enjoyable because we get to drink Kenya’s famous Chai Tea, which is one of its main export crops, fresh pineapple and boiled eggs. Lunches and dinners consist of great chicken or beef dishes, rice or pasta, and a vegetable dish made either of cabbage or kale. It is not only our hosts who treat us with such gracious hospitality, everywhere we go, people are invited into homes and offered tea, fruit or even whole meals.
Our VBS team is ministering down the valley from the orphanage and terrain we have to traverse to get there rivals any of the hikes I have encountered in Colorado! We have to carry our supplies down in backpacks, so I feel like I am getting ready to go camping rather than do ministry. The beautiful but steep descent down into the remote valley has kept it pretty isolated from the rest of the world. We have been where none of the people had even seen a white person in the region before, and judging by the reaction we got from the students yesterday, I believe it. The looks of wonder and trepidation on their faces made it clear that seeing us approach their schools was a very unusual sight indeed! On the way down we past a very young child sitting on a rock, as we drew closer, she shrieked a scream in horror, and ran crying back into her hut. When we asked our translator what had happened, he said that she had never seen an mzungu (white person) and was frightened. But the novelty of our presence has stirred up a lot of interest in the ministry we are doing, and we are very excited to see how God is going to use our presence the next few days. In addition to our VBS ministry, we are also visiting people in their homes, praying for their needs, and sharing with them about Jesus. Tomorrow and Thursday, be inviting everyone down to the school to show the Jesus Film, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is going to be so exciting!
Andrew
O My Magnifico Goodness! God is so crazy. Today during listening prayer our whole team was really struggling with connecting and we felt a great amount of spiritual warfare interfering. But God put a vision in my mind of me playing my guitar looking over the entire valley behind the huts and praying for the teams being sent out. I did not know if it was just me wanting to have an easy day without mountain climbing or if I was truly feeling called to stay back and pray. Eventually, a few other people confirmed that there needed to be an extended time of praise and worship, and I stayed back. But also the idea came up that a team would be walking through the village of Luciola singing praises at the top of our lungs unashamed, but I didn’t feel like going. We worshiped for a half hour on a rock overlooking the valley, and before we started, Logan had a vision of us dancing and singing in the streets of Luciola. On the last song (Holy is the Lord) I looked up and all of the other people who had stayed back were in a circle around Dallas and I, who were playing guitar, raising their hands, eyes closed, and praising the LORD God Almighty. It was an inspirational moment, and I don’t think I have felt that close to God in a while. Then Andrew Strutz suggested us putting hands on the others’ shoulders and pray specifically for the people standing on either side of us. We prayed out loud and after we were done, I was rearin’ and ready to go out and sing and play guitar through the streets. As we were out on the streets, I was singing at the top of my lungs, lyrics that were just flowing through me (and I can NEVER make good lyrics, trust me) and playing a series of guitar chords that I really had no idea what I was playing. Many people came out to the path to see what the rucus was, and two men were standing on the side and we all said Jambo. Mark realized however, that we really needed to stop, and so he shouted at us at the front to come back. We talked with him for a while, and his name was Abubu, and instantly we asked if he was saved, and he said no! So Mark, Tushka and I prayed over him for sickness as well, and I led him through the prayer of salvation. It was awesome. Best experience of my life. God is showing me a new boldness for Christ and how to listen to Him more.
Susan
Hey!
I am so happy to be here but I am feeling so tired and sick. I have been praying for relief from sickness for me and Katie Biniki who has a fever. Today was just a great day to be quiet with God as I wasn’t exactly called to go down to the village today. I ended up walking around Lusiola and praying for people up by the orphanage. This woman we met invited us graciously into her home and brought us all tea and mangos. She also told us that we could sleep there anytime. It amazes me to see how generous the people are here. They give the best of their best for guests. We can learn so much about the people and there are so many things I admire about this culture. Thanks for all the prayer back home!
Asante Sana,
Katie Yount
Today was a day of first experiences that God completely blessed. Yesterday, Kristin and I were frustrated and feeling spiritually attacked during the clinic. I just did not feel as if I was helping the over 70 people we saw. We quickly ran out of supplies. I was overwhelmed trying to guess how to treat various conditions based on symptoms. I came to realize I was trying to treat based on my idea of how medicine runs in America. After debriefing and praying with Kristin I was able to recognize lies that I was defeated in what I came to do with the medical clinic. However, today July 14th was a new day. During prayer this morning I felt I needed to do more with the medical clinic and sensed people just needed to feel loved and cared for. As decided earlier, Kristin and I would go down to the clinic to dress wounds. The following day we would go into Kisumu to buy more medicine. The morning of dressing wounds was just a God send. We set up a “wound clinic” on a rock in the middle of the Quaker church. I started dressing a gentleman who I had seen the previous day who had a major foot wound with swelling. Compared to the previous day, this gentleman’s leg had improved. More people kept coming up to have wounds dressed. One particular woman had a wound on her left breast. She openly showed this breast which was an open wound actively bleeding. Behind the wound was a large mass. It broke my heart to have a women come up to me who was being so vulnerable. We were able to pray with most patients. When we were done talking to patients, I felt so richly blessed. I felt God had fulfilled a prayer earlier this morning that I might get a glimpse of God today….
Tyra Kuck
KENYA – MONDAY, JULY 13, 2009
MINISTRY TODAY:
· Ministry down in the valley – Prayer walks, praying for people and door to door evangelism
· Ministry at the Medical Clinic
· Ministry to the Shangilia Orphanage staff
· VBS at 3 different school
· We were able to see many come to know Christ today!
Jambo Colorado!
Today I worked all day long in the medical clinic. It was amazing! I loved being able to show God’s great love in such a tangible way. I was in charge of filling prescriptions and loved how when I would walk up to the patients with a big smile, they would immediately return it. Kenya is so unlike America in so many ways. The people care so much for each other and place so much hope in God. They give everything to God, when they don’t really have anything to give. It is such a challenge for me and my own faith; it is so incredibly humbling. Together the medical team helped over 70 people of all ages. God blessed the entire team with patience and endurance. He gave us materials and great translators. Praise God for His great power!
Amy
The water that ran off my hands before dinner was black. I think that is a good measure of a fruitful day in Kenya.
I worked in the medical clinic all day long. I sat at the front door and took the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, and temperature; then I talked to them about their symptoms. There were a lot of back aches and coughs, but others had more serious problems.
One of my prayers this morning was that God would make himself evident to me. He definitely did! I found God in every person I came in contact with. The joy these people have in the middle of all this sickness and poverty is humbling. I want that.
It is so exciting to see God work in the lives of all my team mates and the people we come in contact with! Your thoughts and prayers are coveted and we can’t wait to tell you all about it in person!
With love,
Andrea
Jambo!!
So today I also worked in the medical clinic all day. It was so tiring. It was also one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I worked in the morning filling prescriptions. It was so cool to just tell all the great Kenyan people about how the medicine that we give them is temperately, but God’s medicine and healing is everlasting. I remember that I was talking to one of the translators and they said that one little old lady walked almost 100 km to see us at the clinic. We can do only so much with the 30 day supply that we give them, but the compassion and love that we showed these people they will remember for a long time. There was this old man that didn’t know one word of English. After I gave him the medicine that he needed and explained it to him he just grabbed my hand and shook it ferociously repeating Asanti, Asanti (thank you, thank you). It was so sweet to see that small difference that we can make. I am so glad that God really showed himself to me and the whole medical team through this great ministry opportunity.
Katie Biniki
Hey Colorado
Today I was led by God in some amazing ways. After we were in a time of listening prayer this morning I felt called to go to the medical clinic to pray for the Kenyans waiting outside. I went with Nic and Dallas. God led us to a group of Ladies, one of which, named Grace, spoke very good English. For the rest of the morning while I was praying she kept calling me over and telling me to pray for this or that person who showed up. She was a blessing because all of the translators were inside helping out with the medicine, so she was the only translator I had outside. I then helped out the clinic by counting pills into prescription amounts for an hour. I finished the morning praying with Nic and Andrew for each member of our team in Kenya. Then this afternoon I went with my team to the school in Luciola. The Kids were very receptive to our teaching and we finished by playing soccer and Frisbee with them for a while. God has really led me through today.
John Kreinbring
Habari,
My Swahili is continuing to improve however I am unsure if I am spelling it correctly. Can I start off by saying WOW GOD IS GREAT. Today has truly been awe inspiring at the work that God has done in all of us. Writing this does not even do justice to how incredible my experience was today. If you want to see God work come to Kenya. The morning began for me with another glorious worship session lead by Dallas and Susie. I wish I could play music like them. After breakfast our group went into listening prayer and just listened to what God had planned for us for the day. Honestly, I was not totally sure where I was suppose to go but eventually was led to the valley. In the valley we were shown the way by two Kenyans Albert and Gilbert who are incredible men of God. The three others from our team with me had also never been to Kenya so when we went to the first house we were a little fearful. However, by the grace of God and the leadership of Albert and Gilbert our fears were silenced and we were able to touch many lives. Some people did not know who Jesus was so having the opportunity to teach them this was amazing. In the afternoon my group which we call the A Team went to a school in the valley and did ministry with the students. For many of these students they have never seen white people so they were in awe. However, they came towards us and I offered my hand and said Jambo and quickly they all wanted to have their hand shaken. It was so moving. As a teacher I was just touched beyond words to see 300 children so respectful to their teachers and us. They all quickly listened to anything we had to say. If only it was that easy in America. Well like I said I cannot do justice to what I experienced today but know that God works incredible ways. Please pray for the people of this area as many ask for good health, food, and financial freedom. Things we often take advantage of back home.
God Bless,
Brett
Jambo Sana!
Today has been an amazing day filled with the Holy Spirit. We started off with doing listening prayer and many of us were called to stay and pray for the medical clinic where as the rest were called to go out to the valley. It was only after we had visited the valley did we learn that no white people had ministered to the people of the valley until we showed up today. It was amazing to know that we were reaching more of God’s people. While we were there God did amazing things with the team and the people there. My team was able to share the gospel with all eight people we met. One of them had never heard of Jesus. It was an eye opening experience to share Christ with this man. We were also able to pray for the people’s needs. God touched me by how humble and excited these people where to have some stranger pray for them. I feel so blessed to have answered God’s call to work alongside the amazing and beautiful people of Kenya.
God’s blessings,
Kali
Jambo wuzungos!
My Swahili is improving so much and it’s great. So vbs this evening was fepic. It’s not a typo, it’s freakin epic combined to form fepic. When our team arrived at the school, the looks on the kids faces is something that I still can’t describe with words or actions. Not even fepic can describe what I saw. When we walked over to where the teachers were, one of the kids went over to Brett and they shook hands and all of a sudden, all 300 kids came rushing over and we were all shaking two or three hands at once. When we were setting up the props for vbs, we kept scooting back to get more room, but they kept scooting closer to us. It was such awesome sight to see. God is doing soooooo many things in Kenya and it’s wonderful and I know for a fact, He will keep doing wonderful things.
Peace out trouts.
J-wils =)
Jambo Jambo,
Hello from Kenya, today was the first of our big ministry days. So in the afternoon my group headed out to one of the public schools. I was so amazed at how many kids where there, Hundreds! We walked past the school gates to see so many tiny Kenyan bodies running around. My whole group just looked at each other wondering how on earth we were going to be able to maintain all of these crazy children. To our amazement all the head master had to do was ring a bell for all the children to run towards us, sit down and become completely silent!
Earlier in the morning a spent a few hours with some of the ladies that work at Shangilia. It’s absolutely amazing how hard these people work here! I helped them peel potatoes, that they grew themselves. Then I peeled some garlic. And finally we sorted peanuts that they also grow here! They grow almost everything that we have been eating. Then they slave for hours with just a fire to fix us three huge meals a day. Wow! Then I held all the little babies. I am so in love with the people here! When you just walk down the road they all come up to you saying jambo and reaching for your hand! Its good to be here!
Love you!
Kelsey Johnson
Hola hola
Well this morning during listening prayer God showed me a pattern in my head that was of a white doily flower in a triangle, and I had no idea what that even meant, but I stored it in the back of my head for later to see if it would show up some other time. And sure enough, it did. I felt called to do a prayer walk down into the valley below Shangilia (which was not a walk!! It was like a mountain hiking climbing!!) with Randy, Michael, Ben, and Brock, and we went into a nice home of a man named Francis. As we were asking him if there was anything we could pray for him for, I looked down at the chairs and, low and behold, a white doily flower in a triangle was the exact design of his seat covers. I was absolutely dumbfounded that the image I had no idea what it meant, showed up in a home I visited today. For me it reaffirmed that I was supposed to go on that journey to the valley.
Then in the afternoon, we went to a new school that has never been visited in the history of man by a mzungu (white person)! It was about a 25 minute hike down and pretty overwhelming when we got into the school. We had planned a craft to do for about 250 people, to make animal masks out of paper plates and have the children color them with crayons. When we got to the school, the principal told us that there were around 300 kids! I looked at Bongo and said, “Well, I guess we pray for a loaves and fish miracle here, huh?!” So our team debated the entire time whether or not to do the craft, and we ended up just handing out the supplies. And by the grace of God, we had about 50 EXTRA plates, and as I unzipped a pouch on one of the backpacks we brought along, I saw about 25 EXTRA crayon packages. To me, this was a miracle, in the fact alone that we had extra supplies.
Let me tell you, God has shown me His awesome greatness and the vast extent of His mercy. As we were walking down the valley, it hit me that the very first white people to come down into the heart of the valley, with no personal motives, were us! And we were down there, telling them Hi, we’re from America, and here’s how you can be saved! That is just amazing to think of the impact that will have in their lives, especially since the first, maybe the only, white people they will ever see showed up with the love of God shining through us! God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!
Gwaheri (Goodbye), Susie!!
MINISTRY TODAY:
· Ministry down in the valley – Prayer walks, praying for people and door to door evangelism
· Ministry at the Medical Clinic
· Ministry to the Shangilia Orphanage staff
· VBS at 3 different school
· We were able to see many come to know Christ today!
Jambo Colorado!
Today I worked all day long in the medical clinic. It was amazing! I loved being able to show God’s great love in such a tangible way. I was in charge of filling prescriptions and loved how when I would walk up to the patients with a big smile, they would immediately return it. Kenya is so unlike America in so many ways. The people care so much for each other and place so much hope in God. They give everything to God, when they don’t really have anything to give. It is such a challenge for me and my own faith; it is so incredibly humbling. Together the medical team helped over 70 people of all ages. God blessed the entire team with patience and endurance. He gave us materials and great translators. Praise God for His great power!
Amy
The water that ran off my hands before dinner was black. I think that is a good measure of a fruitful day in Kenya.
I worked in the medical clinic all day long. I sat at the front door and took the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, and temperature; then I talked to them about their symptoms. There were a lot of back aches and coughs, but others had more serious problems.
One of my prayers this morning was that God would make himself evident to me. He definitely did! I found God in every person I came in contact with. The joy these people have in the middle of all this sickness and poverty is humbling. I want that.
It is so exciting to see God work in the lives of all my team mates and the people we come in contact with! Your thoughts and prayers are coveted and we can’t wait to tell you all about it in person!
With love,
Andrea
Jambo!!
So today I also worked in the medical clinic all day. It was so tiring. It was also one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I worked in the morning filling prescriptions. It was so cool to just tell all the great Kenyan people about how the medicine that we give them is temperately, but God’s medicine and healing is everlasting. I remember that I was talking to one of the translators and they said that one little old lady walked almost 100 km to see us at the clinic. We can do only so much with the 30 day supply that we give them, but the compassion and love that we showed these people they will remember for a long time. There was this old man that didn’t know one word of English. After I gave him the medicine that he needed and explained it to him he just grabbed my hand and shook it ferociously repeating Asanti, Asanti (thank you, thank you). It was so sweet to see that small difference that we can make. I am so glad that God really showed himself to me and the whole medical team through this great ministry opportunity.
Katie Biniki
Hey Colorado
Today I was led by God in some amazing ways. After we were in a time of listening prayer this morning I felt called to go to the medical clinic to pray for the Kenyans waiting outside. I went with Nic and Dallas. God led us to a group of Ladies, one of which, named Grace, spoke very good English. For the rest of the morning while I was praying she kept calling me over and telling me to pray for this or that person who showed up. She was a blessing because all of the translators were inside helping out with the medicine, so she was the only translator I had outside. I then helped out the clinic by counting pills into prescription amounts for an hour. I finished the morning praying with Nic and Andrew for each member of our team in Kenya. Then this afternoon I went with my team to the school in Luciola. The Kids were very receptive to our teaching and we finished by playing soccer and Frisbee with them for a while. God has really led me through today.
John Kreinbring
Habari,
My Swahili is continuing to improve however I am unsure if I am spelling it correctly. Can I start off by saying WOW GOD IS GREAT. Today has truly been awe inspiring at the work that God has done in all of us. Writing this does not even do justice to how incredible my experience was today. If you want to see God work come to Kenya. The morning began for me with another glorious worship session lead by Dallas and Susie. I wish I could play music like them. After breakfast our group went into listening prayer and just listened to what God had planned for us for the day. Honestly, I was not totally sure where I was suppose to go but eventually was led to the valley. In the valley we were shown the way by two Kenyans Albert and Gilbert who are incredible men of God. The three others from our team with me had also never been to Kenya so when we went to the first house we were a little fearful. However, by the grace of God and the leadership of Albert and Gilbert our fears were silenced and we were able to touch many lives. Some people did not know who Jesus was so having the opportunity to teach them this was amazing. In the afternoon my group which we call the A Team went to a school in the valley and did ministry with the students. For many of these students they have never seen white people so they were in awe. However, they came towards us and I offered my hand and said Jambo and quickly they all wanted to have their hand shaken. It was so moving. As a teacher I was just touched beyond words to see 300 children so respectful to their teachers and us. They all quickly listened to anything we had to say. If only it was that easy in America. Well like I said I cannot do justice to what I experienced today but know that God works incredible ways. Please pray for the people of this area as many ask for good health, food, and financial freedom. Things we often take advantage of back home.
God Bless,
Brett
Jambo Sana!
Today has been an amazing day filled with the Holy Spirit. We started off with doing listening prayer and many of us were called to stay and pray for the medical clinic where as the rest were called to go out to the valley. It was only after we had visited the valley did we learn that no white people had ministered to the people of the valley until we showed up today. It was amazing to know that we were reaching more of God’s people. While we were there God did amazing things with the team and the people there. My team was able to share the gospel with all eight people we met. One of them had never heard of Jesus. It was an eye opening experience to share Christ with this man. We were also able to pray for the people’s needs. God touched me by how humble and excited these people where to have some stranger pray for them. I feel so blessed to have answered God’s call to work alongside the amazing and beautiful people of Kenya.
God’s blessings,
Kali
Jambo wuzungos!
My Swahili is improving so much and it’s great. So vbs this evening was fepic. It’s not a typo, it’s freakin epic combined to form fepic. When our team arrived at the school, the looks on the kids faces is something that I still can’t describe with words or actions. Not even fepic can describe what I saw. When we walked over to where the teachers were, one of the kids went over to Brett and they shook hands and all of a sudden, all 300 kids came rushing over and we were all shaking two or three hands at once. When we were setting up the props for vbs, we kept scooting back to get more room, but they kept scooting closer to us. It was such awesome sight to see. God is doing soooooo many things in Kenya and it’s wonderful and I know for a fact, He will keep doing wonderful things.
Peace out trouts.
J-wils =)
Jambo Jambo,
Hello from Kenya, today was the first of our big ministry days. So in the afternoon my group headed out to one of the public schools. I was so amazed at how many kids where there, Hundreds! We walked past the school gates to see so many tiny Kenyan bodies running around. My whole group just looked at each other wondering how on earth we were going to be able to maintain all of these crazy children. To our amazement all the head master had to do was ring a bell for all the children to run towards us, sit down and become completely silent!
Earlier in the morning a spent a few hours with some of the ladies that work at Shangilia. It’s absolutely amazing how hard these people work here! I helped them peel potatoes, that they grew themselves. Then I peeled some garlic. And finally we sorted peanuts that they also grow here! They grow almost everything that we have been eating. Then they slave for hours with just a fire to fix us three huge meals a day. Wow! Then I held all the little babies. I am so in love with the people here! When you just walk down the road they all come up to you saying jambo and reaching for your hand! Its good to be here!
Love you!
Kelsey Johnson
Hola hola
Well this morning during listening prayer God showed me a pattern in my head that was of a white doily flower in a triangle, and I had no idea what that even meant, but I stored it in the back of my head for later to see if it would show up some other time. And sure enough, it did. I felt called to do a prayer walk down into the valley below Shangilia (which was not a walk!! It was like a mountain hiking climbing!!) with Randy, Michael, Ben, and Brock, and we went into a nice home of a man named Francis. As we were asking him if there was anything we could pray for him for, I looked down at the chairs and, low and behold, a white doily flower in a triangle was the exact design of his seat covers. I was absolutely dumbfounded that the image I had no idea what it meant, showed up in a home I visited today. For me it reaffirmed that I was supposed to go on that journey to the valley.
Then in the afternoon, we went to a new school that has never been visited in the history of man by a mzungu (white person)! It was about a 25 minute hike down and pretty overwhelming when we got into the school. We had planned a craft to do for about 250 people, to make animal masks out of paper plates and have the children color them with crayons. When we got to the school, the principal told us that there were around 300 kids! I looked at Bongo and said, “Well, I guess we pray for a loaves and fish miracle here, huh?!” So our team debated the entire time whether or not to do the craft, and we ended up just handing out the supplies. And by the grace of God, we had about 50 EXTRA plates, and as I unzipped a pouch on one of the backpacks we brought along, I saw about 25 EXTRA crayon packages. To me, this was a miracle, in the fact alone that we had extra supplies.
Let me tell you, God has shown me His awesome greatness and the vast extent of His mercy. As we were walking down the valley, it hit me that the very first white people to come down into the heart of the valley, with no personal motives, were us! And we were down there, telling them Hi, we’re from America, and here’s how you can be saved! That is just amazing to think of the impact that will have in their lives, especially since the first, maybe the only, white people they will ever see showed up with the love of God shining through us! God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!
Gwaheri (Goodbye), Susie!!
SUNDAY’S MINISTRY: July 12th
1. Church service today: Matt Haron, Katie Biniki, and Susie Bissett shared their powerful testimonies.
2. Randy Preached today
3. Mark Breen Shared the gospel today at church
4. Played with the kids at Shangilia Orphanage during the day
5. Prep. Time for VBS which will start on Monday
6. Showed a movie (Shrek 2) on the big screen for the children at Shangilia Orphanage
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Ministry day on Monday
1. Listening Prayer – Pray that God would clearly direct us where he wants us to do ministry
2. Medical Clinic – Pray that only 100 people would show up for medical care (this is all our team can handle in one day). Pray also for ministry opportunities.
3. VBS (Vacation Bible School) – Pray that God would use this as a powerful tool in 3 public school starting on Monday.
4. Growth for our team – Pray that God would continue to bring our team closer together as a team and that we would allow God to guide and direct every part of ministry we are a part of.
5. Jesus film outreach – Pray that many would show up and that many would be open to the gospel and would respond to Christ. Pray that God would clearly speak to the ones on our team as to who he wants to share their testimony and to share the gospel.
JAMBO!
I love it here in Kenya. I am so amazed at how well the children remember me from two years ago when I was last here. They remember me like it was yesterday. We taught the kids how to play Frisbee and they absolutely loved it. There was specifically one Kid named Kennedy that was amazing at it as soon taught it to him. He was such a natural at it. We also taught them how to play Football. Kennedy was also pretty good at that too. We went to Pastor Patrick’s Church today and It is amazing to experience the new style of things in Kenya
Dallas
Greetings from Shangalia! This truly is an amazing place! We have been so blessed to be here with Pastor Francis and the children and staff of the orphanage. The grounds of the orphanage are lush and beautiful, perched on a hillside with incredible views of the valley below. Everyone we have met has been filled with the love and joy of Jesus Christ! Whenever I thought of an orphanage, especially one filled with Children who have lost their parents to AIDS, I pictured a sad and desolate place; so this is certainly not what I expected!
Andrew
JAMBOLAYA!
What a wonderful experience so far in Kenya! We are staying at the orphanage right now and have spent the last couple days getting to know the orphans and the staff, which has been a blast. We are teaching them new games like dodge ball and Frisbee golf. Kenyans have such a strong faith in God and it shows. They are such an encouragement with the joy and hope they have in their lives. We had the privilege to go to Pastor Patrick’s church and sit in on his service. Randy did a fantastic job preaching about living out our faith, which was a powerful testimony to what we are doing here this week. Matt, Susie, Mark, and Katie all shared their testimonies and did a great job! The food is also great, fresh pineapple and chai tea. The Kenyans are such amazing servants to us, they do all the cleaning after dinner and fetch the soccer ball when it goes out of bounds.
Justin and Nic~!! =) :] J =} :p
Hey,
So today was an awesome day of just hanging out and getting some minor stuff done for VBS and such. The Kids love playing Frisbee and just hanging out with us which is so much fun. The coolest thing for me today however was just how God spoke to me. I woke up early this morning to all the sounds from people getting up to watch the sunrise, but I just fell back asleep. As soon as I did, I felt like God was calling me to get up and go take pictures. I didn’t know why, but I reluctantly got up to go take pictures, and the sunrise was Amazing! Later on today I also realized just how perfect God created everything. The Swahili language is so cool, and after hearing a lot of other languages, its just really cool to see how everything God created is perfect, from the mountains all the way down to words in a language.
-Matt
Habari Colorado?
The orphanage where we’re staying is an amazing, beautiful place. It is filled with God’s beauty and His joy. I woke up this morning during the sunrise and it was indescribable! The children here are so wonderful! Today I helped the kids make lanyard bracelets. There was this one kid who walks from across the valley to the orphanage, and, although he didn’t speak any English, I was still able to bless him by making a bracelet. After I did that, I heard that I was helping out with the medical clinic tomorrow. I’m so excited! Thank you so much for your prayers!
-Amy
Kimbia!
So far so good here in Kenya. Shangallia orphanage is an awesome place with amazing people. I cannot believe how friendly the Kenyan people are to us Americans. The kids have been a blast. Although they have so little, there is a joy in their lives as they have such a heart for God. Although they will always love soccer first, we have managed to successfully introduce them to frisbee and dodgeball (I think I knocked over a dozen Kids). Today we visited a church service to see how they worshipped God…it was a neat experience. Matt, Katy, and Suzy gave incredible testimonies. God really worked through them. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
-Brock
Jambo,
Kenya is an amazing place. I am so blessed to be here right now. It is amazing to see the work that God has already done with this team. Being here has truly been an eye opening experience. The people of Kenya are so friendly. We have spent the last two days playing with the kids at the Shangalia Orphanage which has been awesome. They are so talented and quickly learn anything we teach them. All the kids love to have their pictures taken or have video of them and then for them to see themselves. It’s amazing to see them run (kimbia) as most of the time they do this barefoot. Even the little kids beat most of us. We also went to church today and some of our group gave testimonies that were truly inspiring. God has definitely been working through this group. On a side note my hair has been evolving and Kelsey gave me dreadlocks which look pretty sweet. Until next time, please continue to pray for the group as tomorrow we really start our ministry in the area.
God Bless,
Brett
1. Church service today: Matt Haron, Katie Biniki, and Susie Bissett shared their powerful testimonies.
2. Randy Preached today
3. Mark Breen Shared the gospel today at church
4. Played with the kids at Shangilia Orphanage during the day
5. Prep. Time for VBS which will start on Monday
6. Showed a movie (Shrek 2) on the big screen for the children at Shangilia Orphanage
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Ministry day on Monday
1. Listening Prayer – Pray that God would clearly direct us where he wants us to do ministry
2. Medical Clinic – Pray that only 100 people would show up for medical care (this is all our team can handle in one day). Pray also for ministry opportunities.
3. VBS (Vacation Bible School) – Pray that God would use this as a powerful tool in 3 public school starting on Monday.
4. Growth for our team – Pray that God would continue to bring our team closer together as a team and that we would allow God to guide and direct every part of ministry we are a part of.
5. Jesus film outreach – Pray that many would show up and that many would be open to the gospel and would respond to Christ. Pray that God would clearly speak to the ones on our team as to who he wants to share their testimony and to share the gospel.
JAMBO!
I love it here in Kenya. I am so amazed at how well the children remember me from two years ago when I was last here. They remember me like it was yesterday. We taught the kids how to play Frisbee and they absolutely loved it. There was specifically one Kid named Kennedy that was amazing at it as soon taught it to him. He was such a natural at it. We also taught them how to play Football. Kennedy was also pretty good at that too. We went to Pastor Patrick’s Church today and It is amazing to experience the new style of things in Kenya
Dallas
Greetings from Shangalia! This truly is an amazing place! We have been so blessed to be here with Pastor Francis and the children and staff of the orphanage. The grounds of the orphanage are lush and beautiful, perched on a hillside with incredible views of the valley below. Everyone we have met has been filled with the love and joy of Jesus Christ! Whenever I thought of an orphanage, especially one filled with Children who have lost their parents to AIDS, I pictured a sad and desolate place; so this is certainly not what I expected!
Andrew
JAMBOLAYA!
What a wonderful experience so far in Kenya! We are staying at the orphanage right now and have spent the last couple days getting to know the orphans and the staff, which has been a blast. We are teaching them new games like dodge ball and Frisbee golf. Kenyans have such a strong faith in God and it shows. They are such an encouragement with the joy and hope they have in their lives. We had the privilege to go to Pastor Patrick’s church and sit in on his service. Randy did a fantastic job preaching about living out our faith, which was a powerful testimony to what we are doing here this week. Matt, Susie, Mark, and Katie all shared their testimonies and did a great job! The food is also great, fresh pineapple and chai tea. The Kenyans are such amazing servants to us, they do all the cleaning after dinner and fetch the soccer ball when it goes out of bounds.
Justin and Nic~!! =) :] J =} :p
Hey,
So today was an awesome day of just hanging out and getting some minor stuff done for VBS and such. The Kids love playing Frisbee and just hanging out with us which is so much fun. The coolest thing for me today however was just how God spoke to me. I woke up early this morning to all the sounds from people getting up to watch the sunrise, but I just fell back asleep. As soon as I did, I felt like God was calling me to get up and go take pictures. I didn’t know why, but I reluctantly got up to go take pictures, and the sunrise was Amazing! Later on today I also realized just how perfect God created everything. The Swahili language is so cool, and after hearing a lot of other languages, its just really cool to see how everything God created is perfect, from the mountains all the way down to words in a language.
-Matt
Habari Colorado?
The orphanage where we’re staying is an amazing, beautiful place. It is filled with God’s beauty and His joy. I woke up this morning during the sunrise and it was indescribable! The children here are so wonderful! Today I helped the kids make lanyard bracelets. There was this one kid who walks from across the valley to the orphanage, and, although he didn’t speak any English, I was still able to bless him by making a bracelet. After I did that, I heard that I was helping out with the medical clinic tomorrow. I’m so excited! Thank you so much for your prayers!
-Amy
Kimbia!
So far so good here in Kenya. Shangallia orphanage is an awesome place with amazing people. I cannot believe how friendly the Kenyan people are to us Americans. The kids have been a blast. Although they have so little, there is a joy in their lives as they have such a heart for God. Although they will always love soccer first, we have managed to successfully introduce them to frisbee and dodgeball (I think I knocked over a dozen Kids). Today we visited a church service to see how they worshipped God…it was a neat experience. Matt, Katy, and Suzy gave incredible testimonies. God really worked through them. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
-Brock
Jambo,
Kenya is an amazing place. I am so blessed to be here right now. It is amazing to see the work that God has already done with this team. Being here has truly been an eye opening experience. The people of Kenya are so friendly. We have spent the last two days playing with the kids at the Shangalia Orphanage which has been awesome. They are so talented and quickly learn anything we teach them. All the kids love to have their pictures taken or have video of them and then for them to see themselves. It’s amazing to see them run (kimbia) as most of the time they do this barefoot. Even the little kids beat most of us. We also went to church today and some of our group gave testimonies that were truly inspiring. God has definitely been working through this group. On a side note my hair has been evolving and Kelsey gave me dreadlocks which look pretty sweet. Until next time, please continue to pray for the group as tomorrow we really start our ministry in the area.
God Bless,
Brett
Kenya Testimonies – Saturday, July 11, 2009
Praise God for the ministry we have already experienced here in Kenya. We visited Pastor Timothy in the Kibira Slums and were able to ministry to the children at his school. The poverty truly changed my heart and our teams heart. On Saturday we toured Shangilia Orphanage and spent the day with the children. Wow, the trip has been amazing!
Blessings,
Randy Stensgard, Student Ministry Pastor
Hey guys,
So the last few days have been crazy. When we arrived we went to the slums pretty quickly which was an awesome experience. The schools had so few supplies yet all the students worked so hard. They didn’t welcome a day off of school like Americans. The slums overall for me were just an eye opening experience, and showed me just how much I truly have. When we arrived at the orphanage the kids loved just playing with us and what little they have. Another cool thing is the books of the bible we are going through just match up so well. James 2:19 talks about how people may say they believe in God but not believe in Jesus. There are lots of people like that here in Kenya.
-Matt
Jambo
WOW! These Kenyans are amazing. They have so much less than what I am used to living with but instead of being unhappy about it they are celebrating what they have. They are teaching me so much about how to be thankful for what I have and to not be greedy for what I don’t have. I got to see so much love and happiness in the Kibera slums – it just took my breath away. God is going to show me so much more this week and I am so excited about it.
John Kreinbring
Jambo Jambo
well let me tell you, it is absolutely amazing to be back in Kenya!! Yesterday when we arrived in Kisumu, Pastor Solomon and Pastor Francis met us at the air port and they immediately came up to me and shook my hand and remembered my name! What’s even more impressive is that they connected me to my parents and asked how Linda and Bruce were doing! It just amazes me that they have such a good memory in their relationships.
Already, God has fulfilled His promise to me when I was praying about coming on this trip. Last time I came, I really felt that I didn’t come out of my shell and I didn’t completely experience everything I could have experienced because I was so scared. I was so young and insecure that even during worship, I couldn’t find the right rhythm or guitar strum for the songs I was playing. And already within the first one and a half days of being in Kenya, I have been confident with the relationships I am building with the Kenyans in Kibera. This morning during worship, Dallas picked the first song, “Continue to Love Me”, and half way through the song I remembered that the very first song that I played on this trip was the very song that last trip broke me down to tears because I was so frustrated I couldn’t get the strum. This is just a testimony to me that God has huge plans for me in the week to come and that this trip is going to be even better than I had ever thought. I love Jesus.
Susie Bissett
Jambo
Wow, I can’t believe I am actually in Kenya! It is so different then I thought it would be, but ten times as wonderful as I anticipated! The people are so beautiful here, and so welcoming. Today Katie and I went for a walk and got to meet lots of the people that live around the children’s home. Most of them speak a little English so we can talk to most of them. Once on the road we ran into two men, so we said jambo (hello) and talked to them for a few minutes. One of the men was holding a chicken, and as we kept talking he wanted to give us the chicken. Being sheltered American city kids Katie and I had no idea what to do with the chicken, so we kindly said that we knew that he needed the chicken to feed his family and stuff, so we let him keep it.
Almost all of the people we meet we ask how we can pray for them and their families. everyone says health, and the man with the chicken said he needed more chickens. So as you pray for us, pray for chickens too.
Its been so wonderful so far. I can’t wait to see what else God has planned for us!
Love you!
Kelsey Johnson
Jambo, Jambo!
Kenya has been amazing and I am so blessed that I have had the opportunity to be here. I have fallen in love with many of the people here. When I played with the girls today, they would just grasp on to our hands and without even knowing our names, we were their friends. I am so happy and blessed to know these people. They depend on God everyday and it amazes me to see the hope they hold. Yesterday we went to the slums and it was crazy to see the children at a school we visited. They sing with such joy that inspires me. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me later on on this trip.
Katie Yount
Jambo!
This is an amazing place and I am truly blessed to be on this trip! The Kenyan people are so open and welcoming, they inspire me with their kindness. Even in Kibera slums, the children were smiling and grateful for the opportunity to go to school and get an education. We pity their living conditions, but many of these people are happier than the average American. These people trust in God completely, and they are filled with his joy, overflowing with His spirit. I can’t wait to see what God will do here during our stay in Kenya. I’m sure He has great things in store for us!
Logan Smith
Jambo,
This trip has been an amazing experience so far. I just can’t believe how all the lovely people here have so much joy. At the slums yesterday we visited a school and they were just smiling and singing the whole time that we were there. Even though the living conditions there are unbearable they still are so grateful and happy. I was just amazed how these kids can find joy in the smallest things, like taking pictures with our cameras. It was such a humbling experience to see how much I take for granted every day. I also am so blessed to be with all the children at the orphanage. They are just so full of joy and I love that they just come up and take your hand and you are immediately friends. The joy that radiates from the songs they sing is so inspiring. I am so blessed to be here and I am super duper excited to see what God has in store for me for the rest of this trip.
Katie Biniki
Jambo!
God is in Kenya and it is amazing to see Him moving among the people. When we visited the slums—the worst living conditions I have ever witnessed—I was so struck by the joy of the people there. Pastor Timothy is such an incredible man of God and his ministry is inspiring. When we visited the kids in the school, they were so happy to be in school, even though their building was rundown and decrepit. I know people who have thousands more things than the people in the slum and still do not smile as genuinely. It was such a humbling experience.
Amy Breen
Praise God for the ministry we have already experienced here in Kenya. We visited Pastor Timothy in the Kibira Slums and were able to ministry to the children at his school. The poverty truly changed my heart and our teams heart. On Saturday we toured Shangilia Orphanage and spent the day with the children. Wow, the trip has been amazing!
Blessings,
Randy Stensgard, Student Ministry Pastor
Hey guys,
So the last few days have been crazy. When we arrived we went to the slums pretty quickly which was an awesome experience. The schools had so few supplies yet all the students worked so hard. They didn’t welcome a day off of school like Americans. The slums overall for me were just an eye opening experience, and showed me just how much I truly have. When we arrived at the orphanage the kids loved just playing with us and what little they have. Another cool thing is the books of the bible we are going through just match up so well. James 2:19 talks about how people may say they believe in God but not believe in Jesus. There are lots of people like that here in Kenya.
-Matt
Jambo
WOW! These Kenyans are amazing. They have so much less than what I am used to living with but instead of being unhappy about it they are celebrating what they have. They are teaching me so much about how to be thankful for what I have and to not be greedy for what I don’t have. I got to see so much love and happiness in the Kibera slums – it just took my breath away. God is going to show me so much more this week and I am so excited about it.
John Kreinbring
Jambo Jambo
well let me tell you, it is absolutely amazing to be back in Kenya!! Yesterday when we arrived in Kisumu, Pastor Solomon and Pastor Francis met us at the air port and they immediately came up to me and shook my hand and remembered my name! What’s even more impressive is that they connected me to my parents and asked how Linda and Bruce were doing! It just amazes me that they have such a good memory in their relationships.
Already, God has fulfilled His promise to me when I was praying about coming on this trip. Last time I came, I really felt that I didn’t come out of my shell and I didn’t completely experience everything I could have experienced because I was so scared. I was so young and insecure that even during worship, I couldn’t find the right rhythm or guitar strum for the songs I was playing. And already within the first one and a half days of being in Kenya, I have been confident with the relationships I am building with the Kenyans in Kibera. This morning during worship, Dallas picked the first song, “Continue to Love Me”, and half way through the song I remembered that the very first song that I played on this trip was the very song that last trip broke me down to tears because I was so frustrated I couldn’t get the strum. This is just a testimony to me that God has huge plans for me in the week to come and that this trip is going to be even better than I had ever thought. I love Jesus.
Susie Bissett
Jambo
Wow, I can’t believe I am actually in Kenya! It is so different then I thought it would be, but ten times as wonderful as I anticipated! The people are so beautiful here, and so welcoming. Today Katie and I went for a walk and got to meet lots of the people that live around the children’s home. Most of them speak a little English so we can talk to most of them. Once on the road we ran into two men, so we said jambo (hello) and talked to them for a few minutes. One of the men was holding a chicken, and as we kept talking he wanted to give us the chicken. Being sheltered American city kids Katie and I had no idea what to do with the chicken, so we kindly said that we knew that he needed the chicken to feed his family and stuff, so we let him keep it.
Almost all of the people we meet we ask how we can pray for them and their families. everyone says health, and the man with the chicken said he needed more chickens. So as you pray for us, pray for chickens too.
Its been so wonderful so far. I can’t wait to see what else God has planned for us!
Love you!
Kelsey Johnson
Jambo, Jambo!
Kenya has been amazing and I am so blessed that I have had the opportunity to be here. I have fallen in love with many of the people here. When I played with the girls today, they would just grasp on to our hands and without even knowing our names, we were their friends. I am so happy and blessed to know these people. They depend on God everyday and it amazes me to see the hope they hold. Yesterday we went to the slums and it was crazy to see the children at a school we visited. They sing with such joy that inspires me. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me later on on this trip.
Katie Yount
Jambo!
This is an amazing place and I am truly blessed to be on this trip! The Kenyan people are so open and welcoming, they inspire me with their kindness. Even in Kibera slums, the children were smiling and grateful for the opportunity to go to school and get an education. We pity their living conditions, but many of these people are happier than the average American. These people trust in God completely, and they are filled with his joy, overflowing with His spirit. I can’t wait to see what God will do here during our stay in Kenya. I’m sure He has great things in store for us!
Logan Smith
Jambo,
This trip has been an amazing experience so far. I just can’t believe how all the lovely people here have so much joy. At the slums yesterday we visited a school and they were just smiling and singing the whole time that we were there. Even though the living conditions there are unbearable they still are so grateful and happy. I was just amazed how these kids can find joy in the smallest things, like taking pictures with our cameras. It was such a humbling experience to see how much I take for granted every day. I also am so blessed to be with all the children at the orphanage. They are just so full of joy and I love that they just come up and take your hand and you are immediately friends. The joy that radiates from the songs they sing is so inspiring. I am so blessed to be here and I am super duper excited to see what God has in store for me for the rest of this trip.
Katie Biniki
Jambo!
God is in Kenya and it is amazing to see Him moving among the people. When we visited the slums—the worst living conditions I have ever witnessed—I was so struck by the joy of the people there. Pastor Timothy is such an incredible man of God and his ministry is inspiring. When we visited the kids in the school, they were so happy to be in school, even though their building was rundown and decrepit. I know people who have thousands more things than the people in the slum and still do not smile as genuinely. It was such a humbling experience.
Amy Breen
1:00pm Thursday Denver time (10:00pm Nairobi) We heard from Randy and they arrived without any problems in Nairobi! They will get a good nights sleep at the International Guest House and wake for a day of ministry in the Kibera Slums.
The Send Off: Wednesday, July 8 – LEAVE FOR KENYA – Meet 10:00 a.m. flight
Thursday, July 9 – Arrive in Amsterdam and then fly to Nairobi, Kenya
Friday, July 10 – Life Spring church 10a.m. – noon -Day at Kibira Slums with Pastor Timothy – 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fly to Kisumu and arrive at Shangilia Orphanage
Saturday, July 11 – Shangilia Orphanage – Kisumu
Tour of Shangilia orphanage and community
Be with the children from Shangilia orphanage
Sunday, July 12 – Church service in Luciola / Relational ministry with the children at Shangilia
Monday, July 13 – Ministry Day in Luciola –
Listening Prayer
School ministry- VBS
prayer walks
meeting felt needs
Sharing your faith
building meaningful relationships
Medical clinic
Tuesday, July 14 – Ministry Day in Luciola – (same ministries as Monday)
Wednesday, July 15 – Ministry Day in Luciola -- (same ministries as Monday)
MOVIE OUTREACH IN THE EVENING – JESUS film in Swahili or
Passion of the Christ
Thursday, July 16 – DAY OFF IN KISUMU
MOVIE OUTREACH IN THE EVENING – JESUS film in Swahili or Passion of the Christ
Friday, July 17 – Ministry Day in Luciola - (same ministries as Monday)
Saturday, July 18 – Ministry day Luciola or Day with the kids from Shangilia
Sunday, July 19 – Leave (drive) early for Masai Mara Safari
Monday, July 20 – Safari at Masai Mara National Park
Tuesday, July 21 – Drive from Masai Mara to Nairobi
Wednesday, July 22 – Life Spring Church & Kibira Slums with Pastor Timothy
11:45 p.m. Flight leaves to London
Thursday, July 23 – Arrive in Denver at 3:38 p.m.
The Send Off: Wednesday, July 8 – LEAVE FOR KENYA – Meet 10:00 a.m. flight
Thursday, July 9 – Arrive in Amsterdam and then fly to Nairobi, Kenya
Friday, July 10 – Life Spring church 10a.m. – noon -Day at Kibira Slums with Pastor Timothy – 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fly to Kisumu and arrive at Shangilia Orphanage
Saturday, July 11 – Shangilia Orphanage – Kisumu
Tour of Shangilia orphanage and community
Be with the children from Shangilia orphanage
Sunday, July 12 – Church service in Luciola / Relational ministry with the children at Shangilia
Monday, July 13 – Ministry Day in Luciola –
Listening Prayer
School ministry- VBS
prayer walks
meeting felt needs
Sharing your faith
building meaningful relationships
Medical clinic
Tuesday, July 14 – Ministry Day in Luciola – (same ministries as Monday)
Wednesday, July 15 – Ministry Day in Luciola -- (same ministries as Monday)
MOVIE OUTREACH IN THE EVENING – JESUS film in Swahili or
Passion of the Christ
Thursday, July 16 – DAY OFF IN KISUMU
MOVIE OUTREACH IN THE EVENING – JESUS film in Swahili or Passion of the Christ
Friday, July 17 – Ministry Day in Luciola - (same ministries as Monday)
Saturday, July 18 – Ministry day Luciola or Day with the kids from Shangilia
Sunday, July 19 – Leave (drive) early for Masai Mara Safari
Monday, July 20 – Safari at Masai Mara National Park
Tuesday, July 21 – Drive from Masai Mara to Nairobi
Wednesday, July 22 – Life Spring Church & Kibira Slums with Pastor Timothy
11:45 p.m. Flight leaves to London
Thursday, July 23 – Arrive in Denver at 3:38 p.m.
