Lord, Praise your holy name

       I want to share a personal story from my experience during our visit to Kenya.  It was for me the first time to visit Africa and be part of a prayer team.  You have read the prior postings from Lori, Christie, Doug and Margie, and Dan.  They have given excellent reports on the events and experiences we had in Kenya.  I could not add to those descriptions.  Instead I want to share a personal story about how God connected for me the times and years my parents spent as missionaries among the Mexican people with a missionary family in Kenya.

I happened to hear a missionary talk about their time in Mexico.  My ears perked up and I began talking about Mexico with the Myers, Ken and Letty.  Before I proceed, a little background is germane.  My parents were involved for about 10 years with the Nogales Bible School (NBS) located on the Mexican border in Arizona as a place for Mexican young people to prepare for ministry among Mexican people.  Three Alvarez brothers attended NBS, Victor, Amado and David.  All three became pastors in the Mexican work and David rose to positions of leadership.  In time he and his wife had 8 daughters.  One of the younger ones was Letty who attended the Bible Institute in Hermosillo, Mexico.  This institute was NBS transplanted into Mexico during the late 1950s

Ken was a student at Central College and on a mission trip to Mexico, including the Bible Institute in Hermosillo he met Letty. In time, they married.  They served for some time in Mexico and recently transferred to Kenya.  I was thrilled beyond words to find in Africa a connection to my parents’ work nearly 60 years after my parents were involved.  One of the indirect fruits of Dad and Mom’s ministry in Mexico is now a missionary in Africa.  From my parents to David Alvarez, to Letty, and to pastors in Kenya, rivers of living water are flowing.  WOW!!!

Thanks so much for your prayer and financial support.  God will bless you for that contribution to His work on this trip. 

From Dan Jewett -- Kenya Experiences

Dear Friends and Family,

Telling you that you had to be there to understand the impact our time in Kenya had on us and others is a truth but I want to at least try to give you insight into what happened.

We all tried to rest a little on Friday March 2nd, prior to heading to Mombassa and on to Malindi where we stayed at a restful place where the missionaries could enjoy their families without the normal day to day pressures.  The schedules were perfect for the missionaries with adequate rest and relaxation times which made for wonderful teaching and prayer times.

The teaching was focused around the “Mary’s Place” concept that prayer is the first and most important thing we can do.  The studies and teaching were probably as impactful on our team as on the missionaries.

On Sunday our team felt the need to offer opportunities for each missionary to meet with our prayer team and share the concerns and things that were on their heart and then spend some time together in prayer for those needs and concerns.  These times proved to be guided and directed by God in ways that were profound to the missionaries and us.  It was both humbling and satisfying to be used and recognize that while we were trusting and obeying, God was adding some real inspiration to the prayers.

There was a wonderful unity among the team and you would see how each one was able to verbalize a prayer or give prayerful counsel that seemed to be so dialed in to the heart of each situations that not only was everyone greatly encouraged but we could see freedom come from the burdens they were carrying and transformation of people’s countenance as well as their spirits.           

Following the missionary retreat we spend two more days with about 35 or 40 pastors who had various leadership roles in the Kenyan church.  While communication was harder as Swahili was their main language we had a wonderful translator who not only communicated well but really took to heart the message so his delivery was sometimes as dramatic as Pastor Doug Newton.  The kind and caring way both Doug and Margie delivered their messages was awesome.

By the second day, even with the language barrier the connectedness between us was being established and helped to create an open atmosphere where the messages could both be delivered with freedom and received with appreciation.  In closing out the session Bishop Nixon really challenged his own people to recognize where their cultural traditions were not actually healthy or Christian and where they as leaders had to choose to follow the path of Christ rather than submitting to their traditions.  It was an excellent talk for a body of believers in any country.  Before it was over we were able to witness some times of honest confession, mending of relationships and new freedom for many. 

We left with many new friends and with a bond that will keep our hearts tied to their lives and the work that the Prince of Peace is doing in Africa.

The Peace of Christ Be Yours,

Dan Jewett

From Dan Jewett -- Rwanda Experiences

RWANDA EXPERIENCES:

Pastor Doug Newton and I headed out on February 27th.  We laughed about how long we lived without much sleep, showers or a change of clothes but having the opportunity to see firsthand some of the things going on in Rwanda was great.  It was pretty awesome to be with Dwight Jackson, Ben Orebaugh, Justin Jefferson, Barry File, Nathan Dowling and others for what was less than 40 hours of time in Rwanda but we made the most of it.  I am story teller so you here is the story.

We made several stops on the way to the farm from Kigali, meeting and excavating contractor at Karejo village (spelling?) where a church has been feeding over a 1000 children each week.  They had called Dwight asking for help since they have a piece of land they own that if in good production could help meet this need but the land needs significant help with drainage to be productive.  Just the kind of partnership that is encouraging.  The church is trying to raise the $20000 it will take to accomplish this task.

When we pulled in to the PROCOM farm at Mpanga there was a large gathering of those who had been working.  We later found out they were waiting as each one got to come to a table in the middle and get paid for their work.  Right near them were Justin and Ben watching and enjoying the people they have had the privilege of working with for the previous weeks.

Shortly after getting our stuff unloaded into the house we walked out to the field where Barry File was steadily working the land in preparation for the next planting.  The dirt was beautifully black and healthy and it just smelled great.  Barry had spent much of his day teaching Stephen, a local resident, how to drive the tractor but was finishing the day by himself.

When we returned to the house Justin asked us if we would like to ride to town and get a “soda”.  They let us know we had no idea what an event this would be and they were right.  As we started out of the driveway after dark we saw workers returning to their homes calling out for a ride and sure enough we stopped and filled the entire back of the truck with about 20 people and several more in the cab and started down the road.  We soon learned that Justin had made a deal they could ride in the truck as long as they sang so we enjoyed the sweet sound of happiness and celebration as we drove into town.

We stopped at the store where a row of men sat outside and as Ben and Justin greeted everyone we went inside to buy a soda.  Mind you they were in crates, warm of course, and we had our choice of Coke or many Fanta products.  We were introduced to the owner that we learned rented his land to PROCOM and we visited with each one who wanted to talk with us and we got to witness how a happy spirit does much good in a community.  While communication was broken with some miscommunication the fact was that the people were happy to be a part of what was happening in their village and on their land and it brought a smile to everyone’s face.

We headed back to a campfire of corncobs where we had fish, rice, potatoes and plantain and a sauce.  It was wonderful and we had a great visit followed by a prayer time that was a blessing to everyone.  The Farm manager, Jean Paul, who had not verbalized his prayer let us know he had planned to pray and he shared with Pastor Doug and I his blessing on us.  It was a blessing to be received and we appreciated it.

The next day we rose to some instant coffee, instant oats, tea and bread and off to work everyone headed.  Barry headed back to the field, Justin laying out an area for some footings and an expansion of the storage building so they could contain the bountiful harvest.  It was certainly a satisfying experience.  Ben was preparing to say his goodbyes and head back to Kigali with us for a Friday flight home.  While Ben had hoped to get the beans in the ground in the front field he had his seed test plots in along with a garden for food for the farm employees.

As we learned the story better we learned that previous to last season in 8 days, with over 400 hundred workers and excavating equipment they had cleared the land of all trees and ant hills.  This area is about 100 acres in our terms.  You need to understand that some of these ant hills were nearly 15 feet tall and up to 30 feet long and it was all clay dirt brought up from deep in the ground.  Much of this dirt was used to improve the road between the two lower fields but much of it just had to be spread over the ground.

Prior to the first season only one drainage ditch was installed to control water and get it off the low spots of the land.  Once the land was cleared they had prepared it and planted it.  On Rwandan terms the harvest was good but much of the land flooded out during the first season so a second ditch had to be put in along with better water control of water coming from uphill.  These improvements led to a much more successful crop this season with beautiful corn / maize produced.

The maize was all harvested by hand and put in a crib created in the machine shed and on large black tarps in an area that drained well.  The day we were there the workers were busy bringing dried ears of maize in bags over to the two mechanized “shellers”.  Two men were repeatedly dropping ears of corn into the machines as others were bagging up the seed corn that was harvested.  It was a wonderful process to witness.

Since the first harvest a mud brick house was built on top of the hill for staff and another mud brick dorm was built half way down the hill.  We enjoyed a night of lodging in the staff house.  Mind you we slept on cots and in sleeping bags brought along with us from Kigali.  But with the cool breeze and a significant lack of sleep, we slept very well.

We asked Dwight about the churches in the village and there were several, but he said his concern was the lack of pastoral training.  We left wondering how we might be able to facilitate training for pastors or what ways we might be able to both encourage and partner with this work.

We were able to have lunch with Jonas and Dorcas at their beautiful home in Kigali and Jonas continues to find creative business opportunities and shares his vision of being able to immigrate to America because he feels he can help business opportunities in Rwanda develop better by building some strong alliances with some American companies.  Jonas has been an ally and friend since the beginning of Dwight’s work in Rwanda and continues to support and encourage this development.

That evening we had our first canceled flight and had to return at 1:30 in the morning to catch our second option which got us to Nairobi and to bed around 6 in the morning.   Fortunately this was to be a rest day as we needed it.  It was great to wake up to meet the rest of our team who had not got in much earlier than us from their flight over.


KENYA MISSION RETREAT AND KENYAN PASTOR’S RETREAT

For now I will just let you check out the blog and get a taste from Lori and Margie.  I am sure we will make more postings after we get home but for now I won’t fill in too many details.  I will at least say the prayer times and things we were able to be a part of were transformational for others and for us.  It was a blessing to be here and to do what we were called here to do.

www.africaprayerteam.blogspot.com

Thanks Be to God.

Thanks for your prayers.  We have traveled much, slept minimally, but been blessed abundantly.

We are grateful to the one who has given us grace.

The Peace of Christ to Each of You,

Dan Jewett

The MK's

Before we left I posted what I felt the Lord leading me to do during the six sessions with the Free Methodist African Area Missionary children--but I also acknowledged that I needed to hold those plans loosely.  Yes, there was some rearranging of my plans as the retreat progressed but the Lord met us in each session and the kids responded with great depth--even the very youngest--to what the Lord had for them. 

 There were 14 amazing kids of various ages.  We spent our time together laughing, worshiping, learning, experiencing, writing, listening and praying.  We learned about who we are in Christ—the Lord makes us new, He changes us and gives us everything we need for a godly life.  We talked about how the Lord can speak to them and use them NOW—they don’t have to wait until they are older.  And we prayed A LOT! Here are a FEW of my highlights—not nearly all of them. 

• Watching the kids worship— from at first being “shy” in worship to becoming confident in our praise and realizing that we are created to glorify the Lord.
• We talked about how the Holy Spirit can lead our prayers through thoughts He puts in our head.  We brainstormed situations that we might find around us and prayer those situations might inspire.  Later, at the next session, we  prayer walked the grounds at Turtle Bay.  The children prayed for safety of those there, protection on the pools, the beach front and the general grounds.  We lifted our eyes and thanked the Lord for the moon and the stars, the palm trees, the breeze.  We lowered our eyes thanking the Lord for the crabs that crawled, the chameleons, the flowers, etc.  As guests passed us, we whispered prayers of blessing over them—that they would find the Lord in His creation.  At the pool, unprompted by me, one of the older boys prayed that as the pool refreshes and cleanses our bodies, that the Lord would cleanse the hearts of those that swam—that they would meet the Lord.
•  Less than 24 hours later, the 3.5 year old was missing for about 5 minutes—in the pool area.  He was found quite a ways from the pool.  We thanked the Lord and remembered the prayers prayed for safety on the grounds.  Praise the Lord. 
•  We surrounded each set of brothers and sisters and laid hands on them. Two children prayed prayers of thanksgiving and blessing over each family.  Even our 31/2 year old, hands on a friend’s shoulder, prayed “Dear Lord, thank you for the Millers.  Please bless them”  It was beautiful to watch the children minister in prayer to each other.  These prayers were full of thanksgiving and blessing.
•  As we finished up the Voyage of the Dawn Treader story, we made the connection that the Lord had met the kids at the retreat in a new fresh way—and just as Alsan told Lucy she would see him in her world under a different name, they too—the kids--would see the Lord in  different ways in their homes in Africa—in their places of ministry.  They needed to look for Him, spend time in prayer and listening for His voice.
• The kids learned two verses of Who We Are in Christ and blessed the parents by presenting them at the close of the retreat.  “ In Christ, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms and we are given His spirit in our hearts as a pledge…ALL the promises of God are YES to us…”
•   And we ended EVERY prayer with a “so be it” following each AMEN.  The littlest ones thought I said “so beat it” at first.  It was “caught” and as the retreat concluded you could hear even the adults say “so be it” and even “so beat it”!  The Lord had to be smiling!

The Lord was so faithful to give me His direction for each session.  These kids have the hand of the Lord on their hearts.  I was blessed to meet them, teach them, play and pray with them.  The church of Africa is in good hands—down to the youngest!

Back in Greenville

When our plane finally lifted off the ground in the early morning hours of Sunday, we all felt a mixture of joy and sadness.  Joy that we would soon be back with our family and friends from home.  But sadness that we are leaving people that we love, and in many cases may not see again this side of heaven.

Traveling -- that is how our trip began.  And traveling is how it ended.  Along with all the "joys" of traveling.  We tried to count how many times we went through security checks over the past 12 days.  In some airports it was only twice.  In others, three or four times.  By the end of the trip we all felt like pros.  And the phrase "travel light" now makes a great deal of sense to us all!

The world is now bigger, and smaller, to many of us.  As we stood in the airport in Istanbul we realized we were seeing a cross-section of the world right before our eyes.  It seemed that all nations were represented -- all religions -- all cultures -- all languages.  God's people.  Each one unique.  Each one loved by Him.  Each one a fellow human being.

Some inside information:  Anita has the gift of being able to fall asleep anywhere, at any time!  We were all somewhat envious of her!  She is also willing to give up her seat to anyone if they would prefer it.  Do you want the aisle?  She'll take the window.  Do you want the window?  She'll take the middle, or the aisle.  To Anita, it is all about other people's comfort, not her own (and this applies to everything -- not just seats on an airplane).  Jim will make sure he is last in the group so that no one is left behind.  What a gentleman -- opening doors, getting people's bags from the overhead bin, chatting with "strangers" and making them feel comfortable.  Christie is always excited to be anywhere, and sees something good and positive in just about any situation.  Getting us to laugh, loving children anywhere and everywhere.  Doug and Margie are always aware of each member of the group -- making sure we're ok, that all is well, that we feel cared for, appreciated, prayed for,  loved.  Although Dan wasn't with us on this last journey (he returns home tomorrow), he is the good friend, the brother, the one to remind us of how blessed we are, the one who is quick to say, "let's pray."  And me?  I'm the one trying to find a good cup of coffee! Oh, and I am SO VERY THANKFUL for the other six in our group, and God's marvelous grace, and your love and support.

Keep checking the blog because there are a few more posts that people will make.  And I'll load some more pictures here.  We are working on setting up a site where you can view all of our pictures.  We'll let you know when that is up and running.

We were so thankful to round the corner at the airport, headed for the baggage claim, and standing there were three familiar, loving faces:  Jim Brissenden, Brad and Marlene Neece -- our rides home from the airport.

More later.  For now, we continue to praise God for you all, and for all He has done and continues to do.

Traffic in the streets of Nairobi -- however, pictures cannot POSSIBLY convey the whole story.  It is definitely something that must be experienced to appreciate!

Margie and Netty Myers, in Netty's kitchen.  Netty is preparing fresh mango for us.

Walking up the hill from the Myers' apartment to the Reynen's apartment, where we will spend the rest of the day/evening until leaving for the airport

In Jill Parson's apartment, enjoying fellowship and getting ready to enjoy homemade pizza.

This dear Kenyan pastor traveled across Kenya to be at the pastors' conference, and would likely travel all night to return home.

Getting ready to enjoy an Ethiopian meal with Vickie Reynen

Remembering our Free Methodist missionaries from across the continent of Africa

The Baby Elephant Park

It's our last night here.  We are sitting in the living room of our most gracious host, Vickie Reynen, visiting until we leave for the airport at 1 a.m. Nairobi time. 

This morning Vickie took us to a baby elephant nursery, a place where orphaned baby elephants are fed and cared for until they are old enough to join a herd of elephants in the wild. 

We ate lunch with the Myers' family in their apartment, and then enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship and games with their children ("Apples to Apples" -- great fun!).  We walked over to Vickie's apartment where we ate supper with Vickie and her son Kyle.  Bags are packed and we're ready to leave for the airport.  But we will leave a part of ourselves here. 

Next stop, Istanbul.  Then Chicago.  And finally St. Louis.  We are eager to see you all.  Our love to you.

Images from Africa

The Kenyan Pastors Prayer Summit

Lunch!

A Precious Gift from Bishop Nixon and his wife Neddy

What a blessing to worship with the Kenyan pastors

Children from the Nairobi Free Methodist Church

Missionaries Ken and Letty Myers, with Alica

Two of the Pastors at the Summit

 Little Alica (daughter of one of the musicians) was fascinated with Christie's blond hair and eyelashes!

From the Heart of Margie

There is no way for me to put into words what we have experienced and been privileged to be a part of during our ministry time in Kenya. The country is beautiful but the people and the work of God in and through their lives far out shines the beauty of their surroundings. Our God is so big and His presence is seen throughout the world. His presence brings hope and meaning to us as His people whatever context we find ourselves in.
One of the most marvelous things is that the Lord has been with us (Doug & I and the team - Christie, Dan, Anita, Lori, Jim) to bring His love and ministry. I came away from each ministry time filled with thanksgiving that the Lord would allow us to participate in His work in the lives of HIs precious people. There is nothing special about us yet through His love and grace we have been given the honor of this time and seen Him minister love, encouragement, reconciliation, healing and empowerment.
We left the Kenyan leaders yesterday after a wonderful two days of ministry at their Prayer Summit. Our hearts are filled with love for those we were with - it is an amazing thing that happens with the Lord's Spirit. Each morning we arrived we piled out of the "land rover" to the sound of praise songs. Those songs just filled my/our heart with love and joy. Though we did not know the words we were ministered to. These precious people engaged with the messages with Bibles on their laps, notepads in hand and their eyes given to us while we were speaking. They were anticipating that the Lord had something to say. They testified to the same and that God had been faithful to speak. As we think of them going home we continue our prayers for them and the work the Lord continues to do in and through them. They are fixed in our hearts.
The time here has been so rich. Doug and I have been so blessed through the friendship of Vickie and Mike Reynen who extended the invitation here, by our team who have joined us in the ministry here and by the people who have enriched our lives by the testimony of their obedience and God's faithfulness. We serve a HUGE God who has HUGE love for us all. We thank Him for expanding our hearts "a bit more" into the capacity of His.
I could ramble more to try and capture God's goodness and the love we have for the people here and the thankfulness to our Lord Jesus but I would never accomplish expressing the "song" that fills my heart.
Thank you for your participation in our ministry - we KNOW ( because of what God's word says!!) that your prayers have contributed mightily to what we have experienced here and to the message that was brought to the people.
Please continue your prayers and know we join you in the work of the Kingdom here in Kenya.
We love you - see you at home!

Nearing the End of Our Journey -- or the Beginning

It's always a bit dangerous to speak on behalf of ONE other person, let alone SIX, but I'm going to do it anyway.  We will leave Africa early Sunday morning, but the Kenyan people, and the missionaries from across the continent, will NEVER leave our hearts.  This trip has forever changed us, and we are so very grateful for that change.

I am certain that the others will begin posting their reactions SOON (at least that is what they keep telling me) but in general we truly want you all to know how much we appreciate all the love, support and prayers you have extended to us.  As we gathered for prayer tonight we thanked the Lord over and over for you.  In fact, the Apostle Paul expresses our feelings for you very well in his letter to the Philippians:

"We thank our God every time we remember you.  In all our prayers for all of you, we always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you (and us, and the people of Africa) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:3-6, with slight adaptations:))

The Pastors' Conference concluded this evening.  I literally took hundreds of pictures (it may be to the point that people are getting a bit annoyed with me!) Pictures are taking forever to load onto the blog tonight, so I'll try again in the morning. It is almost overwhelming to hear of the obstacles these men and women face in their ministries, yet we are reminded that we serve a limitless God!  We trust that seeing more of their faces will help you as you continue to pray for them.

After the conference we enjoyed the BEST pizza in Nairobi (and that's not just our opinion!) Jill Parsons invited us to her apartment where she treated us to her homemade pizza and cake made from scratch.  Jill was at the Missionary Retreat at Turtle Bay, and it's been such a joy to get to know her. Vickie Reynen is taking us to a baby elephant park tomorrow morning, and then we'll enjoy lunch at the Myers' home, another missionary family we met at Turtle Bay.  The Myers (Ken and Letty) serve in Nairobi with their two children, Nathan and Nasya.  What wonderful relationships we have made in such a short amount of time!  

We will leave for the Nairobi airport at 1 a.m. on Sunday to catch a 3:40 a.m. flight.  Once again, we'll travel on Turkish Airlines, through Istanbul, Chicago, and finally St. Louis.  Dan will stay behind in Nairobi for a few extra days to enjoy time with his niece and her family (we also had the opportunity to share supper with them last night, which was a real blessing!)

We love you all, and look forward to connecting with you either face-to-face, on the phone, email, text, etc., very soon!!

Our African Partners in Ministry

Yesterday afternoon we met with Bishop Nixon, who serves as FM Bishop over Kenya.  We were so impressed by his deep love for Christ and his desire to see the pastors grow in their prayer life.  He told us his hope is for all Free Methodist Churches in Kenya to be "Houses of Prayer."

Vickie Reynen picked us up from the guest house this morning, and after an "exciting" van ride through the streets of Nairobi (I thought driving was crazy in Chicago -- NOT compared to Nairobi!), we arrived at the Free Methodist Church.  As we got out of the van, we could hear the pastors singing already.  Beautiful singing.  Absolutely beautiful.  These pastors would make the GC Choir -- they are THAT good!

The day was filled with more singing, teaching by Margie and Doug (they each related SO WELL to the Kenyan pastors -- their teaching was truly inspired by God), two tea times, a huge meal at 1:30 p.m. (consisting of LOTS of rice, topped with minced meat and vegetables), and wonderful times of fellowship and testimony.  By the end of the day we felt so comfortable with the group.  They have warmly welcomed us and seem very open to God's work among them, and eager to learn more about prayer.

Here is at least one picture to help you as you pray for these Godly men and women.  The internet connection is very slow tonight, but I will try to load more pictures later.  Tomorrow is our last day with the pastors.  Your continued prayers on our behalf mean more than we can express in words.  Our love to you all.

The "In Between" Times

Today was an "in-between" day.  We finished the missionary retreat yesterday.  We start the pastors' conference tomorrow.  Today is "in-between."  What do you do on an in-between day?

First of all, we tried to sleep in.  Most of us weren't as successful as we hoped:)  We enjoyed lunch with Vickie Reynen and spent more time talking about the Kenyan pastors and the purpose of this retreat.  Doug shared the words that God had given him for the pastors, and Vickie confirmed that these words are indeed words describe the spiritual issues/needs of the pastors.  After lunch we met with Bishop Nixon, the FM Bishop over Kenya.  What a Godly man.  Bishop Nixon loves the Lord and desires only God's best for the church in Kenya.  He is God's anointed one, and is praying that this conference is a true time of prayer and repentance and spiritual breakthrough for the pastors and the churches in Kenya.  Please pray for Bishop Nixon, and for an open spirit among the pastors.

Pray also for Margie, as she will be the one to begin the conference with her teaching.  We had a wonderful time of prayer with Bishop Nixon this afternoon, followed by an Ethiopian dinner at a restaurant in Nairobi (Vickie joined us and was both our chauffeur and tour guide -- not to mention a dear friend and sister in Christ).  We ended the evening with another time of prayer for tomorrow's conference.

We are all coming to realize that praying with and for others is one of the most tremendous blessings we can experience on this earth.  We are tasting a bit of heaven here.  God is moving.  God is speaking.  And we have the high privilege of being here in the midst of it all.

The even better news is that God is moving and speaking everywhere -- if we would just listen and be open to God's Holy Spirit.  We know you all are praying.  And your prayers TRULY DO MATTER.  Your prayers are making such a TREMENDOUS difference.  You are PARTNERING with us.  And we are SO VERY GRATEFUL for you all.

Here are some more pictures.  We don't have pictures of the Kenyan pastors yet.  I'll upload those as soon as I take them and then have some time.  These are a couple from the missionary retreat.  A group picture of all the missionaries and their families, and a picture of Doug and Margie teaching.

 

The Bus Ride Between Malindi and Mombasa

We are now in Nairobi, our home for the rest of our time here.  Last night we had dinner with Lois, a wonderful woman who is a career missionary in Africa.  This morning she flew back to her home in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where she will join Bishop Kendall and other FM leaders for their conference.  Here are some pictures of the people and country of Kenya that we saw along the way between Malindi and Mombasa.  For those of you who have been to Africa, you know that pictures cannot possibly communicate the whole story -- but it's a start:

Faces of the Missionaries and Their Children

"Harvest Kids" African-Style

As I write this, it is about 8:30 p.m. in Kenya.  There is a warm breeze blowing, with small patches of clouds that hide the moon just briefly and still allow most of the brilliant stars to shine through.  In about 6 hours or so, you will be able to see this same moon and stars.  Our internet connection is strong right now, so I uploaded several pictures so that you could see the people we are privileged to be with over these few days.  Tomorrow we will have to say good-bye and move on to the next part of our journey here, as Pastor Doug already described in his post.  As anticipated, good-byes will not be easy.  These folks have quickly invaded our hearts (and we are so very glad they did!).  We are thankful for FB, email, blogs, etc.  Technology will serve to help keep us informed of their ministries and better direct our prayers on their behalf.

We think of you all back home, and continue to send you our love and prayers.

A Word from Doug -- "It's All Good News"

From Doug:

Margie and I have been so proud of our team. When we left for Africa we were trusting that they would sense the importance of their role, even though they wouldn’t be the ones teaching the adults. That desire has been fulfilled way beyond our hopes. We wish you could watch them interact with the missionaries, opening their hearts, listening to their stories, learning about the challenges in their territories of ministry, and praying for them fervently.

The location here in Malindi, Kenya provides the missionaries with a true retreat. One of the missionaries from Nigeria—a single woman whose husband died while she was there—glowed with gratitude as she spoke of the luxury of having a soft bed, running water, electricity and an overhead fan. She never gets those comforts working for months at a time in remote areas among the Fulani Muslims.

Among the missionaries are five families with children under ten. Needless to say, their kids a lapping up the pool, the beach and the fun company. Speaking of the kids, Christie Kessinger has been doing a great job teaching the kids everyday. They are loving her creative activities and soaking up the spiritual lessons she is teaching. The children are learning what their parents are learning about prayer, and maybe even going a stretch farther as Christie is teaching them how to prayerwalk, speak blessings over their parents and pray for people they don’t even know.

We have had many times of prayer together as a team. Most of those times have been spontaneous. We didn’t want to have scheduled times, as if prayer was simply an activity on the agenda. But we weren’t sure how it would work. Well, work it has. For example, after lunch yesterday and talking with two young medical doctors with four kids, the team lingered to pray for them. That turned into more than hour together, praying in a circle in the middle of the poolside restaurant.

The teaching sessions are going great. There is much openness to our call to prayer and our encouragement from the Word of God that seeking God in prayer will result in more effective ministry. We’ll finish up here on Tuesday and head back to Nairobi where we will face our biggest challenge—ministering to about 30 Kenyan church superintendents and district leaders. Even though we’ll have to teach and pray for them through an interpreter, we are trusting that the God of all languages will be the One who brings encouragement, guidance, freedom and peace in ways each person can understand.

So far, evidence of His grace and kindness is all around us. We fully expect He will continue to bless us with His favor and power. Thanks for praying for us.

At Turtle Bay Beach Club - Day Two With the Missionaries

Friends and Family,
We think of you so often and lift you up in prayer, as we also pray for those we have the privilege of encountering here in Africa. 

It is just about the end of day two in Malindi at Turtle Bay Beach Club where we are staying with the missionaries and their families.  Doug and Margie just finished their second teaching session, and Christie just finished her third with the children.  What wonderful people with incredible stories of how God has moved in their lives.  Through all the joys and struggles, God's power and amazing grace has sustained them.  Some of them have endured great heartache and disappointment, yet they are now proclaiming God's redemptive work in and through it all.  Each family, each individual, has an amazing story to tell, and it has been our joy and encouragement to hear their stories, and then to pray with and for them.  We've heard stories from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Malawi, and Burundi.  Incredible stories -- compelling stories -- stories of God's people giving their lives in service to Him and love for His people in Africa.  Be assured that when we return we will be eager to share their stories with you!

Christie's teaching has beautifully coincided with Doug and Margie's teaching so that the children are learning how to pray, how to sit in "Mary's Place" just as their parents are learning the same vital lessons.

WIFI has been sporadic here.  We apologize for the infrequent postings.  Other members of the team should be posting soon (I'm sure you're getting tired of hearing from me!).  I am doing my best to represent them, but you really need to hear THEIR perspective.  I know we have said this many times, but it needs to be said again -- it is such a PRIVILEGE to be here.

As promised, here are a few more pictures.  Yes, we are "suffering for Jesus" at Turtle Bay Beach Resort in Malindi, Kenya.  And the pictures will prove it!  It is such a great location for the missionaries.  They actually feel as if they are on retreat -- away, enjoying time with their families and fellow laborers in the field, and being fed spiritually through the teaching of the Newtons and the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit.

Again, we are so thankful for your support and prayers.  YOU are partners in this ministry!

  The entrance to Turtle Bay Beach Resort

Airports, planes, buses, etc., etc.  Travel has been a major part of our journey so far.  What a blessing to be in one place -- and on the GROUND (speaking as one who is not a huge fan of flying!)

 In the airport at Istanbul

 Our plane from Istanbul to Nairobi

 Inside the plane from Chicago to Istanbul

 In Istanbul -- before departing for Nairobi -- after a 13 hour flight

 Istanbul Airport

 

Welcome to Kenya, Africa

 In Nairobi, getting ready to go to the airport -- flight to Mombasa

 At Turtle Bay Beach Resort

 Turtle Bay

 Turtle Bay Resort's pool -- of course we are too busy praying to swim...

We are privileged to have Bishop David Kendall with us here.