Trip Update: Maasai Time

Today is one I personally will not soon forget. In 2006 I spent some time with Caleb Bislow in India. While there, he began to explain his vision for the Maasai Project. On the flight back to the U.S., I turned to Janelle and asked, "What if we were to throw out the idea to our students of finding ways to partner with Caleb?" That turned into a question, "What if NMC Student Ministries took part in an effort to share God's story with a tribe halfway around the world?"

After multiple trips by Caleb, and significant financial and prayer support by our Student Ministries, and 3 1/2 years, something exciting took place as we met in the Kenyan village where the Maasai Project was truly birthed. 10 students from NMC saw it, felt it, smelled it, and got face to face with it.

We took part in some Maasai Worship (which included jumping, chanting, and marching... awesome!) and then presented dramas and testimonies. We toured a Maasai hut, played with the children, and simply enjoyed God together.

Personally, as I stood arm and arm with Caleb and Simon (the Maasai Pastor who helped birth the Maasai Project), it was exhilarating and fulfilling.

From there, something else exciting happened. Former NMC SOAR Intern and current Senior Pastor (Walled Lake Missionary in Michigan) Matt Maloney was also there with us. Matt is heading to Tanzania to work with Simon and Moses (another Maasai pastor) to continue to reach all of Maasailand with the Gospel. Also, Caleb Bislow and I will be shortly heading into Rwanda and the DRC. Finally, the NMC team will be heading home to live out their faith in a new way at home.

3 significant ministries heading out from a village in the middle of the Great Rift Valley.

Lot's of pics:

The students are now in their debriefing time, working through the snapshots and highlights. Pray that God will make his purpose in bringing each student clear, and unfold his plan from here!

Omaha Airport Thoughts...

Just finished up two days of dreaming with Caleb Bislow and 3 other guys. The main focus was Unusual Soldiers... the ministry of Caleb Bislow. At the same time, I've been encouraged, challenged, and recharged.

I need Jesus in my life more than anything else. But I also need Caleb Bislow in my life. He challenges and reminds me that it's worth "risking it all for the sake of the call." He reminds me that there is a world full of people on their way to hell, and we need to do what we need to do something about that. He reminds me that there are those Christ Followers out there who will run in toward the people and places everyone else will run from. He reminds me that it's all about Listening, Following, and Obeying Christ. He is PASSION, VISION, and COURAGE in action.

This guy is the real deal. I love the partnership that has formed between us. I'm excited to see where God continues to take us.

Maasai Memories

I got to spend some time with my pal Caleb Bislow these past three days. He's been sharing with the teens out at Prairie Camp this week.
He came bearing gifts from Massailand.
This bracelet, along with several necklaces and headpieces were given by the Maasai church leaders in thanks for the support to the Maasai Project.

It will be worn regularly by me as a reminder:

1. That there is a tribe halfway around the world that I plan to keep praying for.
2. That God loves to see when a bunch of insignificant people and have them come behind something significant!
   

Chills

That's literally what I got when I read this post on Caleb Bislow's blog tonight.

God is real.
He speaks.
Crazy and amazing things happen when we listen.

Exodus Reports

If you didn't follow the link I posted with this picture last week, then you missed your opportunity to begin reading Caleb's reports from the Exodus and the Maasai Project.

If you have been following or in any way have supported (financially or prayer) the endeavor, you've got to take some time to go over to Caleb Bislow's Blog and read the stories he's shared and will continue to share in the days to come.

If you don't click on the link, read his post below titled "Reports of the 30"...

It may take quite a while to actually capture all that happened in the 30 groups and there will most likely be some untold stories. I have only watched three of the thirty reports on video and will try to get as much info out to you as possible. Here are some random happenings that may be articles in the near future:

- Team Chased by elephants
- Witch Doctor dies after not receiving Christ
- Man beats his family for responding to the gospel
- Demon possessed man opposes the Christian
- Numerous miracles/healings
- Impossible puddle/river crossing (on Video)
- Baboon threatens Caleb (on Video)
- Bear mace goes off in Vehicle
- Apx. 34 commitments to start new churches
- New lives came to Christ in every destination
- One new church near Kilminjaro is currently in effect
- All thirty teams showed up at the conference
- 4 am prayer times
- First time unity among the different 11-16 different denominations
- All thirty (P.O.J) vheicles showed up for departure time
- All thirty vehicles made it back for the celebration
- Young mother was so strongly burdened that she took her baby to the

1475!

Here's what this is about

Comments from the Bizman

The Maasai Project is complete, or it is truly just starting depending how you look at it. I'm excited to hear reports and stories on what happened. I got a couple of comments from Caleb concerning my progging and how it connected with what was going on there...

1. Simon's taxi was shot at by rebels on Wed night. The man in front of him got shot instead of him. The man survived and was taken to the hospital. This could have ruined everything.

2. Bigtime Unity. 11 denominations where sent out and at the celebration 28 denominations gathered to celebrate. This has never happened in the history of Maasailand.

3. Simon also talked about the parable in Matthew 13 yesterday to the Americans...hoping and praying that this ministry would take root.

I'm excited to hear more. I'm convicted this morning at how after 11 days of praying every morning, I quickly shut off the switch and all but forgot about Maasailand. Why would I do that? There may be a need for prayer now more than ever!

Progging the Maasai Project - Day #9

The internet was down this morning, so I used my journal. As I prayed for The Maasai Project this morning, the main focus was on...

• seeds taking up roots (back to Matthew 13)
• Finishing strong.
• Praying against satanic attack.
• Renewed spiritual, emotional strength.
• Unity among the believers.

Progging the Maasai Project - Day #8

Galatian 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.


Matthew 9:36-28
36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Joel 3:9-14
9 Proclaim this among the nations:
Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors!
Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.

10 Beat your plowshares into swords
and your pruning hooks into spears.
Let the weakling say, "I am strong!"

11 Come quickly, all you nations from every side,
and assemble there.
Bring down your warriors, O LORD!

12 "Let the nations be roused;
let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,
for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side.

13 Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
Come, trample the grapes,
for the winepress is full and the vats overflow—
so great is their wickedness!"

14 Multitudes, multitudes
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the LORD is near
in the valley of decision.

Psalm 117
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 40
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Praying for a harvest. Plentiful harvest. Praying for renewed strength. As this day is nearing an end, I lift up the fruit of ministry thus far, that it would be multiplying in the years to come.

Matthew 13:8
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

Give Carl extra strong health now. Grant Matthew and the Kilimanjaro team incredible rest tonight. May Matt Maloney experience a boldness like he's never experienced before. Allow Randy, Caleb and Matt to press in further geographically and spiritually to new places. Guide each of their steps God.

Progging the Maasai Project - Day #7

With Days 5 and 6, I was at a retreat for our Mexico team. I had no access to internet.
Some big things I've been asking God for.

• There would be 10 new "churches" by the end of Tuesday (there).
• That witchdoctors would come to know Christ.
• That the men would be able to face "lions" and not be harmed (that one freaked me out a little as I was praying for it... don't know if lions are literal or figurative).

My prayer time this morning was about the Maasai Project, but it was about so much more than the Maasai Project. It was about God's orchestra around the world playing his Kingdom song. I believe in that orchestra, right now, there is a feature on the "Kenyan drums" being played as the men are scattered throughout the Great Rift Valley seeking to bring new players into "the band".

This morning, my prayer time was sent listening, praying, begging, God for the fulfillment of this song by the Newsboys. It's my favorite "missions" song.

Progging the Maasai Project Day #4

Again, the first part of my prayer time today was spent away from the computer. Here's some snippits of where I've been focusing my prayer this morning.

It's officially rolling. Already into the second afternoon. Groups connecting, training and preparing. This morning, God, I pray for unity among all those involved in the Exodus.

As Jesus prayed...
John 17
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:


May it be an Acts kind of Unity.

Right now, Simon is doing evangelism training. Give clarity and understanding. Allow it to not be his words, but your words Lord.
It's crazy to think that the teams are heading out tomorrow Lord.
Continued health.
Energy. Focus. Vision.
God-sized dreams.
Entire Villages.
Entire Regions.
Generations to come.

Progging the Maasai Project Day #3

This morning I'm not live blogging my prayer as some of my prayer time was spent prowering (I'll let you figure out what that means. The other part was spent reading and praying through Caleb's most recent post on his blog. It is also his last post before heading to the conference. In it,

• he gave a new and revised schedule for the conference (definitely worth checking out if you're praying).
  
• He and his dad got their bags.
• At this point, everyone should be out in "the bush" at the school for the confrence's beginning tonight.

Lot's to be praying for. The training portion of the Exodus actually starts in about 3 hours.

Progging the Maasai Project Prayer Day #2

God, I don't know if the team has headed to the conference or are still in Nairobi at this point. Reading Caleb's recent blog post, I'm reminded how unpredictable STM can be. Wherever their bags are, Lord... wherever Caleb and his dad are, would you allow that which they NEED to connect with where they are. If the bags don't come, I know you can provide for them supernaturally. Allow this little hiccup to bring the team together. Allow this to bring glory to you in some way.

Words/ Scriptures/ Pictures that are sticking out to me today...

• Matthew 11:12 -From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
• Lots of "carb loading". Physically and Spiritually in preperation for the journey ahead.
• Guys riding in a van singing praises to God.
• Kenyan men and American men embracing.
• Psalm 113:1-6 - Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?
  
• Open Roads, physically and spiritually.

There's a 7 hour time difference, so it's 3:20 pm in Kenya. Well into their second day there now. So this is the time I will be praying for this every day. 3:20, mid-afternoon.
In a culture that doesn't live by the watch, grant Caleb and the guys perspective and patience. Also, may the time be maximized in a way that will best advance the kingdom. Let the guys live by Kairos instead of Kronos.

I pray for physical health. No significant sickness, Lord. Quick body and time adjustment for the guys. As the culture shock settles in, allow the guys to see with Jesus eyes and hear with Jesus ears. Also, physical health for the 30.

I can't kick the 30. Prepare their hearts to be open for whatever. Grant them boldness, vision, graciousness. Allow them to never stop believing, never stop dreaming in the impossible. Match the 30 with the right area.

Simply be with Caleb, Carl, Matt, Matt, Randy, David, Mike and Nate through the rest of the day. May your Spirit be oozing from them. Go before them Lord; and go with them.

Youtubesday - Simon Says

As today is a big day in the Maasai Project, I share with you a call from Caleb Bislow (Maasai Project Visionary) to Simon Saitoti (Maasai Pastor).




Here's Caleb's Farewell message...



May it encourage you and press you toward joining in on the prayer effort!

Progging? Plogging? Blraying?

The 10 days of 24 hour prayer for the Exodus Conference and Maasai Project is underway. There are still slots to be filled, so go sign up now.

Every morning from 8:00-8:30, I have committed to be in prayer for my brother from another mother Caleb, and the team that will be seeking to be salt and light to all of Maasailand. For me, 30 minutes of prayer tends to be filled with moments of intensity and focus, immediately followed by times of distraction, loss for thoughts and words, and weariness.

I've decided I'm going to pray in a little different manner for this 8:00-8:30 slot. I'm going to completely write out my prayers. Whenever possible, I'm going to actually do it on this blog.
I'm not going to take a ton of time to edit these written prayers.
Sometimes it may be written in stream of conscious word for word.
Sometimes it may be in lists.
Sometimes it may be simply scriptures that I'm praying over the team.
But, basically I'll be live blogging my prayer...
I'll call it progging.

My goal is two fold, with a third possible benefit for you...

1. To give me focus as I pray.
2. To keep an account of what I've prayed for. I'm looking forward to showing Caleb and the others where God was burdening and calling me to prayer and see where it has collided with where God was stirring and leading them.
3. To Invite you into my prayer closet. I honestly do not expect you to read through all these prayer posts. In fact, I'd be shocked if anyone except those very engaged in The Maasai Project will. That's really not why I'm doing this. The top two reasons are really why. But, in the process, you are going to get a glimpse into my prayer life.
   

Now, I know that Jesus instructs us to go into our prayer closet (Matthew 6:6) so as to not be "seen by men". My goal is in no way to boast or show off my prayer life. In fact, my prayer life stinks. It's pretty weak and inconsistent. Instead, I'm hoping that maybe you will be encouraged in how insignificant and simple my prayers might be, but the power of what can happen when our insignificant little prayers connect with a significant calling place one a bunch of insignificant guys by a significant God. It could be pretty fun!

Progging The Maasai Project Prayer Day #1

The word that has been hitting me this morning is Peace, Lord. Peace. May the Maasai Project be covered in the Peace of Christ.

Peace in Kenya...
The conflict was and is obviously an issue that could hinder the advance of the Gospel and the Kingdom in that country. Although it seems from what I read and see that the conflict is settled, there is bound to be tons of angst, pain, frustration, strained relationships in the aftermath. Plus, who am I kidding to believe everything is settled. Caleb's recent post from Kenya shows that a completely unrelated issue to the political unrest is causing major strife. So Lord, I ask for peace to settle over Kenya for the next10 days. Peace on the roads as the guys travel. Peace for the gang that is so upset.
Or is a prayer for peace over the next 10 days too small? Lord, could you send peace to that country for years to come? But, only bring peace in a way that will allow your glory and presence to shine brighter.

Peace to the travelers...
Some are traveling as I pray. Most are there. As the weary travelers hit the beds at the hostel in Nairobi, may Holy Spirit empowered rest come over them. May they find themselves quickly adjusted in their jet-lag. May the angst and fears and questions surrounding what is to come simply be met by one thing... peace. Peace that passes understanding. Peace in knowing that you are in control. Peace in knowing that they are exactly where you desire them to be. Peace that their families are in your hands. Peace in knowing that there may be fire and storms ahead, but you are the one who can keep those in the fire from burning, and you are the one who calms the storm.
Caleb
Matt
Carl
David
Matt
Matt
Mike
Nate
Randy
I pray for peace.

Lord, I specifically lift Maloney up to you. Thanks for my incredible friend who has taught me so much about humility, prayer, and passion for the lost. There is so much "up in the air" for Matt right now. Will you grant him peace right now, in this moment. Peace in knowing that you are the great provider. Peace in knowing that you care more about his family than he ever could. I hope and pray that these days in Kenya will be a time of refining and clarity in calling. Lord, allow Matt to break free from the limits that the enemy and himself have placed in His mind. Allow him to dream in you. Grant Matt peace driven vision and peace-driven passion.

Peace for those left behind...
Jessica and Trace, Susie and the kids, the Davis family, and all those other loved ones, children, wives who have entrusted these travelers to you. Peace this morning as they wake up in the reality that their father, their husband, their friend is half way around the world. Peace in the home. Peace from Satanic attacks on health and emotions. Financial peace. Peace.

Peace for Simon...
As Simon has been laboring and preparing... likely in high-octane mode, may he be able today (tonight) to place it all in the hands of the great orchestrator and the creator of all. Holy Spirit, would you send calm into Simon's entire body, soul, spirit... head to toe right now over all the efforts taking place. I pray for his family, his village, his church, that in the midst of all the efforts they are putting forth to see this conference take place... PEACE!

Peace for the Conference...
God, I know your Spirit is alive within us. I also ask that your Spirit would rest upon that Conference Center. May there be a calm and peace in that place that allows for incredible focus and clarity in the times spent in prayer, preperation and training. I ask in the name of Jesus that the enemy and his army would be bound and blocked from that school. May there be an incredible clarity and peace in that place that makes room for the extra clear voice of God. May there be peace among the brothers and sisters gathering. May they have "book of Acts" unity where they share all they have.

Peace in the Great Rift Valley...
For the many villages that teams will be traveling to, may your incredible peace come in. God, I pray for three specific villages right now, that you would begin do to a supernatural work in which the members of those village would encounter a living God that will prepare them for the messengers that are to come... even to the point that when the team members arrive, the village knows that these men are messengers from God. Send it through your Spirit of Peace (the dove??). PEACE.

PEACE, God...

Isaiah 26:11-13
11 O LORD, your hand is lifted high,
but they do not see it.
Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame;
let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.

12 LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

13 O LORD, our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us,
but your name alone do we honor.

Psalm 37:11
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.


Psalm 122:8
For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

John 14:26-27
26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 20:21
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 1:7, I Corinthians 1;3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, I Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, Philemon 1:3
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

No More Money, Much More Prayer

The Maasai Project is nearly here. April 14, 15 are travel days for the team, and the conference will be kicking from April 16-24. People are currently praying and fasting going into the trip, but we are in need of prayer warriors that will rise up and pray.

Why is this such a big deal to me? Because this is significant Kingdom work we are talking about. Significant Kingdom work calls for significant prayer. Caleb explained it very well on his blog and with the facebook group...

When I went to the first unreached village in Africa a few years ago. I found out later that my wife had journaled a prayer for me on that very day in the states. She didn't pray, "Lord, please keep Caleb safe among these tribes," like most normal wives would do. My wife is WAY COOLER than that! She prayed, "God that would be amazing if a whole village came to know you today", and on that day an entire village responded to Christ! PRAYER MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!!

If you want to take this M.P. cause to the next level and make it more than a link on your facebook then I want to encourage you to sign up for a 1/2 prayer slot on this website before next Friday April 11th:

Please journal your prayers and listen to the Lord as you pray. Feel free to pray ridiculous, impossible, miraculous, God-sized things. I would love to compare notes when we return. Feel free to post a prayer at the comments on this website or this one at anytime or on the 1/2 hour that you pray.

Oh...and by the way God did it! The $50,000 for the Maasai Project is in. Please quit sending us money and start praying and fasting!

Boo Ya!!!!

That's right "Boo Ya!!!"

That's what I have to say to Wakarusa Missionary Church for giving $17,000+ to Caleb Bislow and the Maasai Project this morning. When I heard it, I was absolutely blown away.

How amazing is it that...
2 churches...
7 miles apart...
in podunkville Indiana...
in the matter of 3 weeks...
raised $30,000...
to go to a man from Nebraska...
And his vision for a tribe halfway around the world?????

Now that is being a part of something significant.

Read Rob's very cool post about WMC this morning here.

The Maasai Project -- 40 days of Prayer and Fasting, around the clock prayer signups

First off, check out this AWESOME story of a group of 4th and 5th grade students (yeah, those are the right numbers) who are giving a load of money to The Maasai Project!!!!!!!

Now, it is 39 days until the Maasai Project officially begins. Kalyn Lantz has been leading up a nationwide prayer army to do battle for the upcoming April 15-24 Exodus Conference. Yesterday started the 40 days of prayer and fasting that is happening.

Also yesterday, sign ups for around the clock prayer for the trip started. The goal is to have somebody praying for the team and the conference 24/7 during the actual event.

Join in on something significant. Head over here and sign up. You can still take a day to pray and fast, or you can take a 30, 60, or 90 minute time slot.

The Biz Man Cometh

Went and picked up Caleb at the Airport this afternoon.

He speaks at Waky Missionary morning services tomorrow and then joins us tomorrow night as we get rolling with the On-Fire Rallies.

Personally, I love the opportunity to connect with my friend who encourages and challenges me to live radically for Christ. For my church (both the one I grew up in and the one I serve at) I'm excited over the opportunity for him to "bring it."

And that is what I'm praying Caleb, through the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit will do... "BRING IT!"