IMPACT and GO teams

Today there are two teams from NMC Senior High heading out to allow God to stretch and use them.  I am excited for the journey ahead for them. You can follow what's happening with each team...

IMPACT Dominican - www.korylantz.blogspot.com

ChicaGO SEMP Team - www.gotrips.blogspot.com

Last night before going to bed, I passed this email on to our leaders to share with our teams:

Dear IMPACT and GO Teams,

It's Sunday Night here in Uganda... Sunday afternoon back in what Katylynn has now officially called the "Unison States." As my two kids (wow, that' fun to write) are fat asleep and I get ready for bed here, my heart and mind has been very focused on you all. I don't know how to say this any other way, 
 I have been very burdened to pray that God would wreck every one of your lives in the days to come. Yup, that's right, I want to see Jesus ruin your lives.

To explain a little further, my prayer is that through your time you would see that any other path but passionately following after Jesus would be pointless, and useless. I'm praying that you will be so wrecked and ruined toward any other thing than serving our Savior, that you will surrender yourself to 
His Will and submit to His Ways.

May you be challenged in ways you have never been challenged.
May you be stretched in ways you have never been stretched.
May you experience the move of the Holy Spirit in ways you've never experienced.
May you practice bold obedience in ways you have never practiced.
May you see your life IN HIM in ways you've never seen.
May you be wrecked and ruined for everything else but serving Jesus!

Matthew 16:
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Tomorrow you begin a journey that has the potential to change your life, the lives of your teammates, and the lives of those you come in contact with. Know that there is a family halfway around the world who is seeking to pray for you regularly.

You are Loved,
Derry

NMC Student on the move!

I L-O-V-E this time of year. It's a time where students get stretched, challenged and used by God in some major ways...

Tomorrow morning, these 14 students and 8 adults begin their journey to Haiti. While there, they will be working in the city of Cap' Haiten with Open Door Haiti. They will be doing Vacation Bible School, hut-to-hut evangelism, construction for an orphanage, and visiting with many who were affected by the devastating earthquake. You can follow along on their journeys (June 10-20) at www.geoffcocanower.com and www.twitter.com/geoffcocanower


On Saturday morning, 43 students and 9 adults will board a bus and head to the Windy City for our ChicaGO evangelism training/experience. They will be learning how to most effectively reach their peers while being challenged to live, pray, serve, listen, and share in the city itself. I will be with this team Sunday through Wednesday. The team will be there Saturday through Friday. You can keep updated here as well as at www.gotrips.blogspot.com and www.twitter.com/nmcchicago2010.

Coolest IMPACT team Picture... EVER!

I actually have a very large version of this shot in our office area.

Trip Update: I am/ I am not

I am an American husband, father and youth pastor who has spent the past 18 days in Africa.
I am officially stuck here as 4 straight nights of flights have been canceled.
I am the 4th night of those cancelations, meaning I'm 4th in line whenever the flights pick back up.
I am missing my daughter, whom I said goodbye to 18 days ago.
I am missing my wife, whom I said goodbye to 8 days ago.
I am anxious to get home, and uncertain when that will happen.
I am very tempted to be frustrated and wish I never had left for Africa, or at least gone back with the IMPACT on the 11th.
I am all these things.

At the same time...
I am not an orphan child living in the slums of Nairobi.
I am not a Meshack, Esther, or Andrew, living in an orphanage and wondering if I'll ever get a mommy or daddy.
I am not the HIV positive mother who has been selling her body in order to feed her children.
I am not the 2 year old son of that mother who is HIV positive.
I am not a Pygmy child with dirty and tattered clothes 4 sizes too large for me.
I am not a refugee living in a home made of sticks and a UN donated tarp.
I am not a woman who has been raped by rebel armies, then left by her husband because I am now "dirty."
I am not an unpaid pastor, serving God, but do not know how my church building will be paid for and my family fed.
I am not a DRC Pygmy living in the jungles in fear of rebel armies that may come in, kill me, and eat my flesh (yes you read that right).
I am not Charles, who as an 8 year old sat in the midst of thousands of mutilated Tutsi bodies as the Hutu armies killed my family.
I am not any of these things.

Because I am not these things, I am keeping perspective as I wait to continue my journey home.

Thank you God for awareness gained.

PRAYER POST - Finishing Up, Parting Ways

Today (Saturday) we hit the second stretch in our debriefing process. Again, this time is so essential in making sure students are prepared to grow as they head back into the valley from this "Mountain Top Experience."

Also on the itinerary today is some shopping time and a feast at a steak house.

At around 8:00 p.m. (Kenya time, 1:00 p.m.) back home, there is a parting of ways. Jamie, Jolinda, and Janelle will head into the airport with the team to get back home. I head to a hotel to connect with Caleb Bislow for the next leg in my journey.

Pray:

• Safety as we travel through Nairobi.
• Great last memories of Kenya.
• Clarity in the debrief time.
• Clear next steps as we prepare to head home.
• Easy check in and flight prep.
• Ministry opportunities as we go through the fun times.

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!

Trip Udate: Picks from Lake Nakuru

PRAYER POST: A Sad Goodbye, A Long Awaited Uniting, and Processing

Today (Friday) is an sad and exciting day for us.
Sad - We say goodbye to the babies and workers of the AGC Baby Center

Exciting - We will traveling off the beaten path to the Maasai village of Namuncha where we will connect With Caleb Bislow and some of the key pastors of the Maasai project.

From 2006-2008, NMC Student Ministries were able to raise and give $30,000 to see a disciple-making movement take place in Maasai land. The village we are visiting is where the vision and burden started with Simon and Caleb. For me, it's a monumental meeting as NMC Student Ministries, Jamie & Jolinda Lengacher (representing our efforts with the Baby Center), Simon Saitoti, and Caleb Bislow meet and worship together.

We will spend the day with the Maasai and put on an outreach service outside a church. From Namuncha, we head into Nairobi. This evening we will be starting our debrief time... an esential part of an NMC Student Ministries IMPACT experience.

Please Pray:

• For our departure from the Baby Center... that God will allow the ministry that has taken place in our lives and those connected with the Baby Center long after we have left.
• For our time with the Maasai... that God will bless our uniting and direct the dramas, testimonies and worship time together in the service.
• For the beginnings of our debrief time... that we will allow God to speak into our lives the key reasons he brought us on this journey and the major takeaways for us.
  
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Trip Report: A Day of Goodbyes and Fun

We got our last time with the babies this morning. It was enjoyable and sad.

Our time at Nakuru Lake was amazing. We saw a ton of animals (including giraffes, rhinos, a lion, monkeys, baboons, and flamingos), shared a lot of laughs, and soaked in God's breathtaking creation.

We are wiped out, all are in bed. Sorry for no pictures. I'm wiped out too.

PRAYER POST: One more Day with the Babies

We'll keep this one simple:

This morning will be our last time with the babies. Pray that we will take full advantage of the remaining moments we have here.

This afternoon we head out on a safari through Lake Nakuru Park. Pray that it will be a more than just a time or tourism, but a time of worship.

Trip Update: A Move of God in Salgaa

We took the team to Salgaa (read prayer post below) this morning. Once there, we divided into 5 groups with members from the AGC church and went out to visit homes. We sat in homes and heard the stories of the women the church is reaching out to. The first home I sat in with my group was 8'X12' and housed a mother, her teenage son, teenage daughter and her 6 year old. She is seeking to keep all her kids enrolled in school while trying to feed them and pay rent for her home.

A story, with slight variations was repeated two more times with my group, and many times by the other groups. An addition to some stories would be malaria or HIV/AIDS. Missing from every story were the words "Father" and "husband." These were beautiful and sweet women we were spending time with. The layers of complexity to the situation in Salgaa began to settle in.

From the visitation time we headed to a support group meeting. This Support Group is for the many women of the community seeking to get out of prostitution, those suffering from HIV/AIDS, or those just looking for help & hope.

We were given the program. We went with the theme, "You are a treasure to God." The students performed both dramas. Tim explained the Redeemer and Cody explained King of Hearts. Brant, Kaity, Kayla, and Janelle all shared their testimonies. The testimonies were heartfelt, tear-filled and powerful. Each person's story divinely connected with the women. They were literally sitting on the edge of their seats, leaning forward as we shared. I can't overemphasize how amazingly well the students did in connecting the message of Christ with the situations facing the ladies who were present.

To close, Pastor Meshack of the AGC Baby Center did an invitation that had a significant response of women coming to the front, and kneeling before God. In the many IMPACT trips I've been on, it was one of the most powerful moments God's presence I've experienced.

After the Support Group (which ended up lasting 3 hours!) we had lunch at a restaurant in Salgaa (authentic Kenyan, which the majority of the students really enjoyed). As we loaded up and headed down the road back to the baby center, reality hit me concerning the life facing the women we ministered with. Many trucks were parked along the side of the road (Jamie and Margie said there are as many as 100 trucks parked as evening comes). Tonight, we are fervently praying for those women who responded to run after Jesus, that they will know and believe that the Almighty God will provide another way than prostitution to provide for their families

PRAYER POST: City by the Highway

Today (Wednesday) we make a trip to Salgaa. This town is home to a significant amount of woman who have turned to prostitution in efforts to provide for their family. We will be spending time going door to door... listening and sharing the love of Christ. We will also likely perform our dramas.

Be in prayer for divine appointments and a deep heart of compassion from us.

Trip Update: 4 Snapshots

As the sun has set on Tuesday, and there are some pretty tired team members. It's very much the great kind of tired. 4 snapshots to share with you to explain our day.

Snapshot 1: Baby Time. It has been awesome watching our team spend time with the kids. The photo you see above is one of many that could show a variety of team members and Baby Center Babies. These students have loved excessively.

Snapshot 2: A Trip to the Farm. We walked over to the Farm that is a part of the AGC ministry. We took a walk to the back of the field where we came upon two graves. Moses and Abigail. As we stood out there, Kids In Need became a little more real. The validity of the AGC Baby Center's ministry. As Jamie said so well, without the Baby Center there would likely be 90 more graves like it. I think for many of us, this is a snapshot that will be etched in our memories for quite some time.

Snapshot 3: Team Picture. In a rare opportunity, we were able to meet with nearly the entire staff of the Baby Center. The staff threw a going away party for Margie Helmuth. As a part of this time, we presented every worker with a certificate, some U.S. treats (lots of chocolates), and some other articles of appreciation for all they do.

Snapshot 4: Margie. NMC's Margie Helmuth leaves Kenya next week after 3 1/2 years of Ministry with WGM and the AGC Baby Center. Her going away party was a special time as we were able to present her with a recorded message from Pastor Dave as well as several gifts. Margie's is the story of a humble and obedient woman who has changed the lives of many. It was awesome for our team to take part in this experience.

Off to bed. Please remember us in prayer (scheduled post on how to best pray coming in two hours).

Pictures: Baby Time!

Pictures: Our Drive

Trip Update: At the Baby Center

First off, we've unfortunately been unable to post twitter updates from Jamie's phone from Kenya. He's able to send text messages, but for some reason Twitter won't accept his "Tweets." He does have at least one of each parents' numbers in his phone and will send periodic updates to you. Our apologies for this one.It's 10:30 a.m. here in Ngata Kenya. While you are sleeping in the U.S. the team is outside playing with 36 of the most adorable children I ever seen (I can only think of one little girl I know is more adorable).

A little rundown on what's been going on since my last post.

Saturday:

6:30 p.m. - Pizza at Robin Moore's house. We took time to debrief our experiences from our day spent in the Mathare slums and with the orphans. It was very encouraging to see the level at which the team is processing their experience. We left the majority of our shoes with Robin and Least of these Ministries for them to those in need!

Easter Sunday:

7:15 a.m. - Load up the vans at Grace House Hotel in Nairobi and begin our journey to Ngata. As you enter the Great Rift Valley, it is one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. We saw zebras, impala, and one van even saw a giraffe!

9:15 a.m. - One of the vans gets a flat tire. Oh, the adventures on a missions trip!

10:15 a.m. - Van #1 arrives at the Baby Center and heads straight to the AGC Church for Easter Service.

10:30 a.m. - Van #2 arrives. We spend the morning worshiping with our Kenyan brothers and sisters. We are introduced in front of the church and receive gifts from the church (very humbling). I preached a message ("We live in a Good Friday world, but we are an Easter People"... thanks for the phrase Pastor Dave), Brittany Lengacher & Nick Berkey share their testimonies (did a fantastic job), and our Redeemer drama performed (also knocked it out of the park).12:45 p.m. - Church Service ends, and we head to Nakuru for lunch.

4:00 p.m. - Head up to our rooms. Orientation and tour of Baby Center.5:00 p.m. - Finally, we get to hold some babies. It took approximately 72 seconds for everyone on the team to be holding, playing with, or tickling babies.7:30 p.m. - Supper

9:00 p.m. - Debrief the Day. Again, I can see God is speaking to the students in significant ways. I am not going to be surprised if we see several career missionaries come out of this team.


The team is healthy, well-adjusted to time change, getting stretched, and loving it! I find myself moved as I have been able to see, hear and touch the AGC Baby Center. To any and all who have or are currently supporting the work that is happening here, understand that it is legit and changing lives.

PRAYER POST: Baby Center Time!

For the next two days, it's all about the babies! Our Monday and Tuesday will be spent at the Baby Center. We'll be loving on the babies, encouraging the workers, and doing work around the Center. Kayla and Kaity have prepared some awesome activities for us to do with the babies. Nick and Kristen have various unique ways we'll be encouraging the workers. Jamie and Brant will be guiding us as we paint and do other odd jobs.

Pray for us over these next 48 hours:

• That the eyes of the orphan will capture us.
• That we will love on the kids like crazy.
• That God will speak to students as we minister.
• I firmly believe God is going to be unfolding some of his calling and future plans in the hearts of team members. Pray that we will be keen to his voice and open to his calling.
• Health for the babies.
• Encouragement for the workers.
• Just pray for the Baby Center and it's continued ministry.
• Remember team members by name: Kristen Schwenger, Amanda Yoder, Kayla Koontz, Sydney Koontz, Kaitlyn McFarland, Brittany Lengacher, Brant Nine, Cody Cline, Nick Berkey, Tim Berkey, Jolinda Lengacher, Jamie Lengacher, Janelle Prenkert, Derry Prenkert.

PRAYER POST: Easter and Baby Center

*Remember, All PRAYER POSTS were written and set to post before we left the States. There is always a chance for curve balls and changes in plans. Below is what was planned prior to departure.

This Easter morning (as you go to bed) we wake up in Nairobi and head to our home for the week... the AGC Baby Center. When we arrive at the Baby Center, we immediately head over to celebrate a risen savior at the Africa Gospel Church in Ngata. I (Derry) will be preaching. Several students will be sharing their testimonies, and both dramas will be sharing during the church service that is likely to last 4 hours.

After the service and lunch, our first time to meet the babies!

Pray For:

• Derry as he preaches.
• The students who will be sharing their testimonies.
• The dramas that will be presenting the Gospel.
• Energy and continued adjustment to the time difference.
• Divine Baby Greetings.
• Eager and willing hearts by the team to mingle with the Kenyan Church.
• Any curve balls we may receive at the church service
  
• Jamie, Jolinda, Janelle, and Derry as they lead.
• A good group sharing time and debrief at the end of the day.
  

Trip Update: The Mathare Slums and 250 Orphans

In our debriefing time, I often warn students to avoid the following statements when sharing with others:

• You had to be there to really understand it.
• It's really hard to put into words.
• I just don't even know how to explain it.

I warn that statements like this are not helpful in trying to bring others into your journey and often can symbolize our lack of applying what we've experienced in our everyday life.

We are resting from a morning tour at the Mathare slums followed by a day spent with nearly 250 orphans from those slums who had been taken out to "Paradise Lost", a park and nature area. The streets we walked through the Mathare were a mix of mud and trash. It is a valley overflowing with Shanties and shacks. From what was explained to us, the Mathare is a place of much evil. We were safe there in that we were some very respected individuals who are doing what they can to provide education, health care, and resources to this area. I'm very interested to hear kids impressions of their tour tonight as we debrief.

We prepared 250+ sandwiches for the kids of Mathare who had been brought out of the slums for a day of fun. We held kids, blew bubbles with them, hugged them, tickled them, and briefly got to know them. Our King of Hearts Drama performed for them and we handed out salvation bracelets. We laughed a lot, gave out fruit snacks & water, and had a great time together. Then we loaded in our vans to go back to hot showers, naps in our hotel bed, and pizza. They loaded in their buses to head back to no running water, mud floors, and no supper... oh ya, and no parents either.

One statement that kept running through my head, "The main difference between a kid in Mathare and myself is where we were born." I don't like that. I want to be a part of a movement that is doing something to make where you were born less controlling of your destination in life than it currently is. Taking a kid out of the slums for a half a day, giving them one meal, and tickling isn't enough to accomplish this. BUT, at least it is something...

Today

Prayer POST: Mathare and 250 Orphans

As you go to bed tonight, we will be waking up to head out to the Mathare Slums of Nairobi. This 3 mile square of buildings and alleys is home to as many as 800,000 Kenyans who are in extreme poverty. We will be partnering with WGM missionary Robin Moore to provide a day of fun, food, and hope for orphans. As many as 250 orphans will be brought out of this area to a park where we will feed them, play games, do crafts, dramas, simply love on them, share Christ.

Following our time of working with the kids, we will head into the Mathare for a brief tour of the area and the ministry that is taking place there.

Pray for us today/tonight:

• That we may be the hands and feet of Jesus.
• That we will be soaked in compassion, mercy and love.
• That our eyes, hearts and ears would be open to the things God wants us to see, feel and hear.
• That we might have supernatural energy (we'll be working with the kids 3-6 a.m. U.S. time)
• That God will watch over and guide our every action.