So another chunk of time, full of experiences and beautiful people, is just about coming to a close ... We have been in western Kenya in the Nyanza province, in Migori district working with CMA (Christian Mission Aid) and a local pastor, Bishop Daniel ( who is an amazing man! ). Our main focus has been on the Water Project, helping to build water purification tables and educating people on how to use them and the help they will be to the community! It's been great for all of us to get our hands dirty and to work together with such great people! We've also been able to meet so many beautiful widowed ladies and orphans and have had opportunities to provide mattresses, food, and Bibles to many of these people! God is so good to provide, and we feel so priviledged that He has allowed us to be such a part of His giving! We have also been able to provide about 100 kids who are orphans, with uniforms so that they can go to school. It's a significant thing here to have a school uniform, it unfortunately affects the level of education a child can receive. God has just been so faithful and we are excited to be following him and learning from him! This area is just so lush and beautiful! So many fields rich with sugar cane, fruit, and maize! The people are so friendly and thankful for any help given! We've been danced for and sang to on many occassions throughout our stay here and also have had many opportunities to return the favor :)
On Monday we will be wrapping up in this area and heading to Kakamega and Lodwar to work with Rev. William Kubundo. We're excited about what the Lord has in store and continually are understanding more and appreciating the power of prayer! So please keep praying for us as a team and for the people of Kenya! For safety and health and for no opportunities to pass by that Jesus wants us to grab onto! Pray for Fear of the Lord in our lives as we use our gifts to serve...
We love you all!!!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
What's happening now!
God is so faithful! This journey has had so many unknowns, and each day seems to bring a new challenge and God has just been so faithful within each adventure. I think all of us could talk for days on how much God is teaching, changing, and growing each of us through every experience. It's hard not to think about and learn from almost anything you see here. Yet, its no more about keeping your ears and eyes open to God's voice and work here than it is at home. This is a challenge for me already and i know will be on my heart when i'm back as well.
Our time at the YWAM base in Mombasa was amazing. Such a time of rest and being able to seek God in what He has for us next. We were also able to tag along with some of the staff to their various ministries and participate a bit too! One of the highlights for a few of us was a saturday afternoon youth group time. Kids from age 11 to into their twenties get together and play sports like bball, soccer, badminton, ping pong, frisbee, etc in a bit of a compound for the first little bit. Then they come together and do presentations. THis is so great! These kids get up in front of their peers and dance, rap, act, all to tell eachother about jesus or praise Him! I just can't get over the way they can move....i am so dance deprived :) after presentations a message is given about relevant youth issues and then an opportunity to accept Jesus, which kids did! I was so blessed by how the ywam staff are so involved in the community and so intentional with people. Again a challenge....
From mombasa time was spent along the coast in melindi and Lamu resting and seeing some beautiful places, then back up to Nairobi. From Nairobi six of us werre able to go on a two night safari. It was just so amazing to be able to see God's creatures so wild and close and in such a beautiful setting! I took it as such a gift.
We are now in Nairobi and have connected with Christian mission Aid who we are travelling up to Kisumu with as we start work with the water school. They have given us a bit of orientation to the area we will be in which sounds a bit different than mkwachunyi, although the culture and ways of the people will be similar. We are so looking forward to all that God has for us while we are there.
Today was a new experience again....we went to two of Nairobi's slums. The first one had 4-5 thousand people living in a two acre area. wrap your head around that for a moment......the second one 15 thousand people with one water tap that they have to pay to use. The second slum was called mitumba and in it we did some home visits. I can't explain fully what i felt, but i know it brought me to tears as i saw and talked to the people. I think there is a general feeling of helplessness among us, because even if we give a little money, it is still a fish, not a fishing line. The hope that is there is an organization called REM (rural evangelical mission) a wonderful org. that has started a church and school in the slum. All of the people are volunteers and they have no full time supporters, just basically trust God to provide when needed, but they have been there for five years and God has always provided! Even when these slums seem like hopeless places God gives hope and is changing lives starting with the children. There is many needs though...one for example is the library. We went in and were asked what we thought the room was, there was a cabbage on the shelf so i said the kitchen. Nope, it was the library...with no books for the children. crazy.
There is just so much to process for all of us. This is a journey in so many ways...
Our time at the YWAM base in Mombasa was amazing. Such a time of rest and being able to seek God in what He has for us next. We were also able to tag along with some of the staff to their various ministries and participate a bit too! One of the highlights for a few of us was a saturday afternoon youth group time. Kids from age 11 to into their twenties get together and play sports like bball, soccer, badminton, ping pong, frisbee, etc in a bit of a compound for the first little bit. Then they come together and do presentations. THis is so great! These kids get up in front of their peers and dance, rap, act, all to tell eachother about jesus or praise Him! I just can't get over the way they can move....i am so dance deprived :) after presentations a message is given about relevant youth issues and then an opportunity to accept Jesus, which kids did! I was so blessed by how the ywam staff are so involved in the community and so intentional with people. Again a challenge....
From mombasa time was spent along the coast in melindi and Lamu resting and seeing some beautiful places, then back up to Nairobi. From Nairobi six of us werre able to go on a two night safari. It was just so amazing to be able to see God's creatures so wild and close and in such a beautiful setting! I took it as such a gift.
We are now in Nairobi and have connected with Christian mission Aid who we are travelling up to Kisumu with as we start work with the water school. They have given us a bit of orientation to the area we will be in which sounds a bit different than mkwachunyi, although the culture and ways of the people will be similar. We are so looking forward to all that God has for us while we are there.
Today was a new experience again....we went to two of Nairobi's slums. The first one had 4-5 thousand people living in a two acre area. wrap your head around that for a moment......the second one 15 thousand people with one water tap that they have to pay to use. The second slum was called mitumba and in it we did some home visits. I can't explain fully what i felt, but i know it brought me to tears as i saw and talked to the people. I think there is a general feeling of helplessness among us, because even if we give a little money, it is still a fish, not a fishing line. The hope that is there is an organization called REM (rural evangelical mission) a wonderful org. that has started a church and school in the slum. All of the people are volunteers and they have no full time supporters, just basically trust God to provide when needed, but they have been there for five years and God has always provided! Even when these slums seem like hopeless places God gives hope and is changing lives starting with the children. There is many needs though...one for example is the library. We went in and were asked what we thought the room was, there was a cabbage on the shelf so i said the kitchen. Nope, it was the library...with no books for the children. crazy.
There is just so much to process for all of us. This is a journey in so many ways...
Friday, October 26, 2007
Cherishing and moving forward...
So our journey continues....
Our time in Mkwachunyi has come to an end... we've left behind so many new beautiful friends and even family :) They will be so missed and always remembered by all of us... in our last weeks there we were able to do some cool practical things with the community; another clinic day, a fun soccer day and soccerball distibution with the village teams, giving out iron sheets to needy families, helping with schools financially and with "creative arts class", helping to build a mud house... and a few other things! What we have come to know though, is that the needs in that village are so much greater than physical needs, like most places in the world :) There's such a need there for real relationships with the Lord. So we really began to be more intentional in our relationships with the villagers! It was a really great time, even in the challenges!
We had a great farewell and are now excited to see the next things God has in store for us!
Right now, we're in Mombasa staying at the YWAM base here! It's been such a time of encouragement and rest for us as a team... we're looking forward to some opportunities of ministry here possibly with the Youth and also in an orphanage with some of our donations from Canada!
So we are excited to give new reports soon! Take care everyone!!!!
Our time in Mkwachunyi has come to an end... we've left behind so many new beautiful friends and even family :) They will be so missed and always remembered by all of us... in our last weeks there we were able to do some cool practical things with the community; another clinic day, a fun soccer day and soccerball distibution with the village teams, giving out iron sheets to needy families, helping with schools financially and with "creative arts class", helping to build a mud house... and a few other things! What we have come to know though, is that the needs in that village are so much greater than physical needs, like most places in the world :) There's such a need there for real relationships with the Lord. So we really began to be more intentional in our relationships with the villagers! It was a really great time, even in the challenges!
We had a great farewell and are now excited to see the next things God has in store for us!
Right now, we're in Mombasa staying at the YWAM base here! It's been such a time of encouragement and rest for us as a team... we're looking forward to some opportunities of ministry here possibly with the Youth and also in an orphanage with some of our donations from Canada!
So we are excited to give new reports soon! Take care everyone!!!!
Cherishing and moving forward...
So its' been a little bit since we've last updated everyone... so here goes it!!!
It's been a great thing to know that God is before us and behind us and beside us! This journey has been full of joys and challenges thus far! Our time in Mkwachunyi is now finished... hard to believe a month has already passed! In our last weeks there, we completed some projects like giving out iron sheets for houses, another clinic day, helping to build a mud house, a fun soccer day with all the village teams and distributing donated soccer balls, and helping out in the schools with finances and with our "creative arts class " :)
We began to realise though, that our purpose in this place has been so much more than the practical needs and so much more needing to be focused on spiritual needs and relationships, so it has been exciting to each have individual stories of God's work in these areas!
We felt a release to move on from the village and to continue to seek God in the everyday! Our farewell was so beautiful from the village, we have just come to love those people so much and so many of them have become good friends, and believe it or not, our little mud homes became as comfortable as our homes in Canada... well, just about ;)
So presently we are staying at the YWAM base in Mombasa on the coast of Kenya! It's been a real time of encouragement for us as a team! The staff currently at the YWAM base have been great and just being able to worship together has been so uplifting! Also the grounds are so beautiful and there are so many areas just to hang out and have some peacefulness! We're also looking forward to some opportunities in the Mombasa area, maybe working with some youth and visiting an orphanage.... the days ahead we are excited about!
So that's our vague update for you all :) its' so hard to capture all the moments we're experiencing, but i'm sure we'll all have so many stories to share as this journey continues....
take care!!!!
It's been a great thing to know that God is before us and behind us and beside us! This journey has been full of joys and challenges thus far! Our time in Mkwachunyi is now finished... hard to believe a month has already passed! In our last weeks there, we completed some projects like giving out iron sheets for houses, another clinic day, helping to build a mud house, a fun soccer day with all the village teams and distributing donated soccer balls, and helping out in the schools with finances and with our "creative arts class " :)
We began to realise though, that our purpose in this place has been so much more than the practical needs and so much more needing to be focused on spiritual needs and relationships, so it has been exciting to each have individual stories of God's work in these areas!
We felt a release to move on from the village and to continue to seek God in the everyday! Our farewell was so beautiful from the village, we have just come to love those people so much and so many of them have become good friends, and believe it or not, our little mud homes became as comfortable as our homes in Canada... well, just about ;)
So presently we are staying at the YWAM base in Mombasa on the coast of Kenya! It's been a real time of encouragement for us as a team! The staff currently at the YWAM base have been great and just being able to worship together has been so uplifting! Also the grounds are so beautiful and there are so many areas just to hang out and have some peacefulness! We're also looking forward to some opportunities in the Mombasa area, maybe working with some youth and visiting an orphanage.... the days ahead we are excited about!
So that's our vague update for you all :) its' so hard to capture all the moments we're experiencing, but i'm sure we'll all have so many stories to share as this journey continues....
take care!!!!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wooden car... big blessings!
Another day to Voi... another trip to civilization! Well, somewhat anyways! We are needing to come into Voi quite often this week, to purchase supplies and to do banking in order to fund the promised projects. So today, and then tomorrow to purchase iron sheets, and then on Saturday to get the school fees for the children... Today we walked the 14kms, and weren't so fortunate as to have a matatu pick us up on the way.
There have been community meetings under the tree, to discuss in further detail the projects we would be able to do. The outcome has now been decided. 430 iron sheets for 43 homes to be built... driving school for 4 boys, to be providing income for their families... school fees for 33 kids in secondary school... Clinic days... supplies for orphans... building... working in the gardens for the widows and elderly...teaching in the school, class 4 to class 7.
Everyone is expressing such genuine thankfulness, and we are excited about the projects we can be a part of... The community named the people who were in the greatest need, it was an example to us of loving your neighbour as yourself!
We opened the clinic at 10, and Janell and Kurtis were busy for the day, having to turn away over half of the people eagerly waiting, we will have another next week. Yesterday was also the day that we handed out supplies to the orphans. Blankets and mosquito nets, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toys, flashlights, basins... It was a fun afternoon, an honor to be the deliverer! Thank you to all who donated so generously!!! The little boy with the wooden car, so excited with his toy!
Another week, and a million more experiences. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement! We continue to pray for our friends and family at home too...
Africa team.
There have been community meetings under the tree, to discuss in further detail the projects we would be able to do. The outcome has now been decided. 430 iron sheets for 43 homes to be built... driving school for 4 boys, to be providing income for their families... school fees for 33 kids in secondary school... Clinic days... supplies for orphans... building... working in the gardens for the widows and elderly...teaching in the school, class 4 to class 7.
Everyone is expressing such genuine thankfulness, and we are excited about the projects we can be a part of... The community named the people who were in the greatest need, it was an example to us of loving your neighbour as yourself!
We opened the clinic at 10, and Janell and Kurtis were busy for the day, having to turn away over half of the people eagerly waiting, we will have another next week. Yesterday was also the day that we handed out supplies to the orphans. Blankets and mosquito nets, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toys, flashlights, basins... It was a fun afternoon, an honor to be the deliverer! Thank you to all who donated so generously!!! The little boy with the wooden car, so excited with his toy!
Another week, and a million more experiences. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement! We continue to pray for our friends and family at home too...
Africa team.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Giant stick bug and other exciting things :)
Habari everyone!
We are well in the Mkwachunyi village!
It seems like we've been here for so long already, even though it has only been less than a week! We are all starting to feel very at home living with families in their homes and are feeling extremely blessed by their hospitality to us! We are learning tons about their culture and way of life in the village. We've been working together with the village committee as well as visiting various nearby schools, churches, and clinics to assess some needs in the area. It has been so neat to be working together with the people to think of ways to improve their lives in ways that empower their own community members and are sustainable! Yesterday, after some long meetings, we were able to determine some initial projects to start and be involved with.... we are starting with funding and helping to build 2 new homes for the least fortunate in the area, one a widow and one a man who is living in the back of a store because his house fell down. Local tradesmen who are unemployed will have the opportunity to work with us on the building projects. Also, with the support we received from home, 45 orphans will be given pillows, blankets, and clothes. Apparently there are some young boys in the village who are also unemployed, who if they could afford a drivers liscence, could be supporting themselves and also the community, so we were able to send 4 boys to drivers school. We will also start to assist some of the widows and elderly with their gardens to prepare for harvest. The community has been extremely grateful for any aid, and we are excited to be a part of it all.... and all of you who have been a support this project should also share in the excitement as you have made these projects possible! Hopefully we will still be able to do more for them.... We are excited!!!! We are trusting God to lead!
and about the stick bug..... it was massive!!! The bugs here are insane, but we love AFRICA!!!!
Continue to pray for us as a team, for wisdom and discernment with projects. Also pray that God would do the work in our hearts that He desires!
thank you sooooooooooooooo much! We love you and are excited to continue to share the journey!
The Africa Team
We are well in the Mkwachunyi village!
It seems like we've been here for so long already, even though it has only been less than a week! We are all starting to feel very at home living with families in their homes and are feeling extremely blessed by their hospitality to us! We are learning tons about their culture and way of life in the village. We've been working together with the village committee as well as visiting various nearby schools, churches, and clinics to assess some needs in the area. It has been so neat to be working together with the people to think of ways to improve their lives in ways that empower their own community members and are sustainable! Yesterday, after some long meetings, we were able to determine some initial projects to start and be involved with.... we are starting with funding and helping to build 2 new homes for the least fortunate in the area, one a widow and one a man who is living in the back of a store because his house fell down. Local tradesmen who are unemployed will have the opportunity to work with us on the building projects. Also, with the support we received from home, 45 orphans will be given pillows, blankets, and clothes. Apparently there are some young boys in the village who are also unemployed, who if they could afford a drivers liscence, could be supporting themselves and also the community, so we were able to send 4 boys to drivers school. We will also start to assist some of the widows and elderly with their gardens to prepare for harvest. The community has been extremely grateful for any aid, and we are excited to be a part of it all.... and all of you who have been a support this project should also share in the excitement as you have made these projects possible! Hopefully we will still be able to do more for them.... We are excited!!!! We are trusting God to lead!
and about the stick bug..... it was massive!!! The bugs here are insane, but we love AFRICA!!!!
Continue to pray for us as a team, for wisdom and discernment with projects. Also pray that God would do the work in our hearts that He desires!
thank you sooooooooooooooo much! We love you and are excited to continue to share the journey!
The Africa Team
Monday, October 1, 2007
Mkwachunyi....home stays!
After a 6 1/2 hour very bumpy bus ride, including a stop to change a tire, we arrived in Voi and were greeted by our contact, Jonah. He waited all day for us in Voi and was very excited to meet us! From there we loaded up our Matatu (little 12 seater bus) with our luggage (being on top of the bus with couches there too!!) and ourselves and made the short trip into Mkwachunyi. We were greeted by tonnes of village people singing and smiling, just so excited and blessed for us to be there! It was such a sight! we got a bit teary! Later we were wisked away for the night. We each are staying individually in homes scattered around the village, and every day Laura and Renae have to hike as they live on the mountain! Anyway, the people here are very friendly and so excited for us to be here. Today we are having a meeting with the committee, which will continue tomorrow with a meeting with the villagers as well. Please pray for God'd direction and discernment as we decide on projects and living arrangments! Also pray for relationships in the village to grow and be strengthened! :)
We love you and miss you all!!
Africa team
We love you and miss you all!!
Africa team
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