Mentioned 2 books in my message today. I recommend both as good reads:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Amsterdam
We landed in Amsterdam about 5 hours ago. Many slept on the flight and then slept a little more once here. We pulled together for about 2 hours to share our "2 sentences" and "next steps". Parents, be sure to ask your students what this is all about. The team did a fantastic job at the debrief process to this point.
Looking forward to see how the students put some of the experiences and lessons learned into action.
We'll pass the phone around once on the bus in Chicago and heading home. We'll see you soon!
Looking forward to see how the students put some of the experiences and lessons learned into action.
We'll pass the phone around once on the bus in Chicago and heading home. We'll see you soon!
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Final Full Day
It's crazy to think that today is our final full day at the Baby Center.
We were up VERY early this morning cooking egg sandwiches and Mandazi (donut-like) for the Baby Center workers. We held a special reception to show appreciation to and honor all staff of the Baby Center. It was a special time to see all the workers and all the babies out together. Our theme was "Your labor in the Lord is not in vain." We showed them a video from multiple people from NMC showing appreciation. We sang for them. We prayed for them. We fed them. When all was said and done, we circled together and sang in dance in multiple traditional tribal songs. It was a lot of fun.
Our afternoon was spent at Lake Nakuru Game Reserve enjoying God's amazing creation. We saw zebras, flamingos, jackels, warthogs, giraffes, rhinos, baboons, and other animals.
We are pretty exhausted tonight. We have begun the debrief process. Tomorrow, we say our goodbyes to the babies and make our way into Kenya. There will be a stop for lunch, some shopping, and a grand Supper feast before heading to the airport to bring the journey home.
This will likely be my last post on the blog. Parents, once landed in Chicago, we'll hand the phone around to have your kids call to let you know we're back.
Pray for our debrief process. Pray that God will clarify what we are to bring home from this experience.
We were up VERY early this morning cooking egg sandwiches and Mandazi (donut-like) for the Baby Center workers. We held a special reception to show appreciation to and honor all staff of the Baby Center. It was a special time to see all the workers and all the babies out together. Our theme was "Your labor in the Lord is not in vain." We showed them a video from multiple people from NMC showing appreciation. We sang for them. We prayed for them. We fed them. When all was said and done, we circled together and sang in dance in multiple traditional tribal songs. It was a lot of fun.
Our afternoon was spent at Lake Nakuru Game Reserve enjoying God's amazing creation. We saw zebras, flamingos, jackels, warthogs, giraffes, rhinos, baboons, and other animals.
We are pretty exhausted tonight. We have begun the debrief process. Tomorrow, we say our goodbyes to the babies and make our way into Kenya. There will be a stop for lunch, some shopping, and a grand Supper feast before heading to the airport to bring the journey home.
This will likely be my last post on the blog. Parents, once landed in Chicago, we'll hand the phone around to have your kids call to let you know we're back.
Pray for our debrief process. Pray that God will clarify what we are to bring home from this experience.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Salgaa Day
Today was a day we were all looking forward to as well as a little overwhelmed to take part in. We traveled 14 km to the neighboring town of Salgaa, a major truck stop town. There is a lot of pain and tough stories out of this town. We split into four groups and visited the homes of several ladies who are a part of the support group that meets every Wednesday.
It was a very eye-opening experience for all of us. After the home visits, we gathered in a nearby church building. Taylor and Kylee shared their testimonies. Savannah read some scripture. I shared a brief message of encouragement. We sang together. We heard a testimony from one of the ladies from the support group.
After the support group, we went to another room where we were shown multiple products that the ladies are producing and selling to create alternative revenue streams to help them get out of the damaging cycle some of them had been living in. We went crazy souvenir shopping.
When I visited in April 2010, my heart came in heavy and it left broken for this town and the ladies in it.
When I returned today, my heart still came in heavy, yet left very encouraged in the redemptive work that is taking place. This ministry was Margie Helmuth's baby when she was here. It has now become a key part of Kristy Mikel's ministry. NMC, be proud of our people who are laboring in the Lord here. It is making a difference. God is moving.
The first three pics are from our time today. Bottom two are at the Baby Center.
Your continued prayers are appreciated. Tomorrow morning we have an opportunity to share with and encourage the majority of the Baby Center Staff in the morning. Then it's off to Nakuru for lunch and a visit to Nakuru Game Park.
It was a very eye-opening experience for all of us. After the home visits, we gathered in a nearby church building. Taylor and Kylee shared their testimonies. Savannah read some scripture. I shared a brief message of encouragement. We sang together. We heard a testimony from one of the ladies from the support group.
After the support group, we went to another room where we were shown multiple products that the ladies are producing and selling to create alternative revenue streams to help them get out of the damaging cycle some of them had been living in. We went crazy souvenir shopping.
When I visited in April 2010, my heart came in heavy and it left broken for this town and the ladies in it.
When I returned today, my heart still came in heavy, yet left very encouraged in the redemptive work that is taking place. This ministry was Margie Helmuth's baby when she was here. It has now become a key part of Kristy Mikel's ministry. NMC, be proud of our people who are laboring in the Lord here. It is making a difference. God is moving.
The first three pics are from our time today. Bottom two are at the Baby Center.
Your continued prayers are appreciated. Tomorrow morning we have an opportunity to share with and encourage the majority of the Baby Center Staff in the morning. Then it's off to Nakuru for lunch and a visit to Nakuru Game Park.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Tuesday Report
It is pouring down rain right outside as I type this. It's actually really refreshing. It has been sunny and very warm (80s) every day until about 3-4 p.m. Then the clouds roll in and it cools down (low 70s). It has looked like potential rain every day but there hasn't till today.
The original plan for today was an appreciation lunch for all the Baby Center workers. Due to several family issues among staff, we decided to postpone until Thursday morning. Instead we spent our morning with the toddlers and continued work on the beds.
At lunchtime we were joined by a special guest to share her story about her life in Salgaa (where we will visit tomorrow). It was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time as it was a redemption story like many of us had never heard before. As she spoke, I could see the Holy Spirit was clearly speaking through her to several of our students. I am excited to hear what is going on in the hearts of students as we debrief tonight.
We had targeted completing 10 beds. We have assembled 9, but are out of lumber. 3 still need to be stained before they will be ready to go.
Tomorrow, we head to Salgaa. Please be in prayer for this significant ministry opportunity. Sorry for no pics today... maybe some tomorrow.
Be very proud of your students, they are diving in!
The original plan for today was an appreciation lunch for all the Baby Center workers. Due to several family issues among staff, we decided to postpone until Thursday morning. Instead we spent our morning with the toddlers and continued work on the beds.
At lunchtime we were joined by a special guest to share her story about her life in Salgaa (where we will visit tomorrow). It was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time as it was a redemption story like many of us had never heard before. As she spoke, I could see the Holy Spirit was clearly speaking through her to several of our students. I am excited to hear what is going on in the hearts of students as we debrief tonight.
We had targeted completing 10 beds. We have assembled 9, but are out of lumber. 3 still need to be stained before they will be ready to go.
Tomorrow, we head to Salgaa. Please be in prayer for this significant ministry opportunity. Sorry for no pics today... maybe some tomorrow.
Be very proud of your students, they are diving in!
Monday, April 02, 2012
A Day With Babies
Today was spent at the Baby Center. It was fantastic! I truly believe that today, it just got personal for many on our team.
They have heard the story of the the Baby Center. They have seen pictures and know names. Many of them have prayed and given financially to support the ministry.
But today...
Skin touched skin.
Eye met eye.
Heart connected to little souls.
To add to the experience, our team was able to hear several of the heartbreaking and heartwarming stories of the babies who have come through the doors of this place.
And as it's gotten personal, I believe the entire team will walk away living differently because of today.
We also began construction on beds for the toddler room today. They are hoping for us to get 4 done. We have 4 ready to be stained at the close of the day. We are hoping to get 10 done before we leave.
Be in prayer as God is doing some powerful and refining stuff in our midst. We do have several battling the classic travel bugs and a little sunburn. Nothing that is making anybody completely incapacitated, but be in prayer for health.
They have heard the story of the the Baby Center. They have seen pictures and know names. Many of them have prayed and given financially to support the ministry.
But today...
Skin touched skin.
Eye met eye.
Heart connected to little souls.
To add to the experience, our team was able to hear several of the heartbreaking and heartwarming stories of the babies who have come through the doors of this place.
And as it's gotten personal, I believe the entire team will walk away living differently because of today.
We also began construction on beds for the toddler room today. They are hoping for us to get 4 done. We have 4 ready to be stained at the close of the day. We are hoping to get 10 done before we leave.
Be in prayer as God is doing some powerful and refining stuff in our midst. We do have several battling the classic travel bugs and a little sunburn. Nothing that is making anybody completely incapacitated, but be in prayer for health.
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Worship in Kenya
We were up and eating breakfast at 6:30 this morning.
I, along with Ben and Rose went to the Ngata AGC church where I preached in their two services and they shared testimonies.
The rest of the team headed to Salgaa to Rehema Church to help in the Children's Extravaganza there.
My Crew finished up with service at 12:30 p.m. and met up at Rehema Church where the service was still going!!! The kids of Rehema Church put on a fantastic program. Caiti and Katherine shared their testimonies. Chris led in several songs, including one in Swahili. We all joined the kids in their final dance.
It was nearly a 4 hour service all said and done. Some got a little toasty, but all in all it was a fantastic time worshiping together with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
As an added bonus, we were able to meet with the youth of Rehema Church. It was the first time they were meeting together as there is a new Assistant Pastor at the church who will be starting a youth program. Savannah and Lindsay shared their story. Jamie gave them a great challenge on not letting their fears control them. I took a moment to encourage them on the value of meeting together and seeking after Christ as a group. One of our prayers out of this, I believe will be for a continued gathering of the youth from around the Salgaa area.
We returned to the Baby Center around 4:00 p.m... wiped out but appreciating our day. Some are down with the babies right now. Others are cleaning up from our "lupper" (lunch/Supper combo).
Be proud of your students. They are diving in. They are representing NMC well. They are open to God's move in their hearts.
Tomorrow is a full day at the Baby Center. Lots of baby time. Lot's of opportunity to allow God to break their hearts and encourage their hearts at the same time.
*Sorry for no pictures from today. Maybe some tomorrow!
I, along with Ben and Rose went to the Ngata AGC church where I preached in their two services and they shared testimonies.
The rest of the team headed to Salgaa to Rehema Church to help in the Children's Extravaganza there.
My Crew finished up with service at 12:30 p.m. and met up at Rehema Church where the service was still going!!! The kids of Rehema Church put on a fantastic program. Caiti and Katherine shared their testimonies. Chris led in several songs, including one in Swahili. We all joined the kids in their final dance.
It was nearly a 4 hour service all said and done. Some got a little toasty, but all in all it was a fantastic time worshiping together with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
As an added bonus, we were able to meet with the youth of Rehema Church. It was the first time they were meeting together as there is a new Assistant Pastor at the church who will be starting a youth program. Savannah and Lindsay shared their story. Jamie gave them a great challenge on not letting their fears control them. I took a moment to encourage them on the value of meeting together and seeking after Christ as a group. One of our prayers out of this, I believe will be for a continued gathering of the youth from around the Salgaa area.
We returned to the Baby Center around 4:00 p.m... wiped out but appreciating our day. Some are down with the babies right now. Others are cleaning up from our "lupper" (lunch/Supper combo).
Be proud of your students. They are diving in. They are representing NMC well. They are open to God's move in their hearts.
Tomorrow is a full day at the Baby Center. Lots of baby time. Lot's of opportunity to allow God to break their hearts and encourage their hearts at the same time.
*Sorry for no pictures from today. Maybe some tomorrow!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
A Full Day
We were up for Breakfast at 7:00 and on the road at 8:00. The 3 1/2 hour trip to Baby Center from Nairobi is a beautiful drive that includes a fantastic view of the Great Rift Valley, random roadside zebras and gazelles, and a general ability to soak in the culture of Kenya.
We were all very excited to see Kristy once we arrived at the Baby Center. After lunch we made our way to Rehema Church for a Bible Club day. The students did a fantastic job at diving in and interacting with the many kids that were present. I previously said it would be 300+, but that's how many they expect for church tomorrow. Today there were well over 80. Balloon animals and hand painting (they didn't like face painting... they wanted to see it) were a huge hit.
It is evident that the team is tired as we are prepping for supper. Tomorrow includes church services and ample time with the babies here at Baby Center.
Be in Prayer for sleep. Also be in prayer for the whisper of the Holy Spirit among the team. The experience here is very unique as it really takes a lot of processing through what is happening. I believe God wants to speak deeply into several team members during this week, but he wants to do it in simple and subtle ways.
We were all very excited to see Kristy once we arrived at the Baby Center. After lunch we made our way to Rehema Church for a Bible Club day. The students did a fantastic job at diving in and interacting with the many kids that were present. I previously said it would be 300+, but that's how many they expect for church tomorrow. Today there were well over 80. Balloon animals and hand painting (they didn't like face painting... they wanted to see it) were a huge hit.
It is evident that the team is tired as we are prepping for supper. Tomorrow includes church services and ample time with the babies here at Baby Center.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Touched Down in Nairobi
We had about an hour delay in Amsterdam due to a technical issue on the plane. We actually made up that delay and landed about the same time as planned. The team is tired, which is a great thing considering it's time to go to bed here.
We head out to Baby Center tomorrow morning and we hit the ground running. By tomorrow afternoon, we will have the opportunity to minister to 300+ kids in the Salgaa. Pray for ready and hungry hearts from both the ministers and the ministees!
We head out to Baby Center tomorrow morning and we hit the ground running. By tomorrow afternoon, we will have the opportunity to minister to 300+ kids in the Salgaa. Pray for ready and hungry hearts from both the ministers and the ministees!
Amsterdam Memories
We have landed in Amsterdam and are currently lounging/sleeping in a very comfortable spot. All has been smooth thus far in our travels. Personally, I'm a bit nostalgic right now as Amsterdam airport is where we flew through to bring Moses home. I'm havering several memories flood through my head as I recount that crazy but God-ordained journey to get and bring our son home.
Next you'll hear from us will be in Kenya. Sleep well U.S.A.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Blog Activity Increase
Just a heads up that the activity on this blog is about to increase over the next 10 days as I will be traveling with 10 students and 3 adults to Kenya. I will be posting periodic picture and text updates on our trip.
If you're interested in receiving these updates via email, you can submit your address in the space provided underneath the "Follow By Email" located on the top right side of this page.
Please join us in prayer that God will bless and guide during this incredible experience!
If you're interested in receiving these updates via email, you can submit your address in the space provided underneath the "Follow By Email" located on the top right side of this page.
Please join us in prayer that God will bless and guide during this incredible experience!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Some Quick Hits
- It's a Girl!
- conVERGE = Awesomesauce.
- Final interviews for our SOAR Summer Internship this week. Fantastic candidates this year.
- Words With Friends.
- Blogger's block (a strange form of writer's block) for about 6 months now.
- Need to slow my brain down.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)