Saturday, April 16, 2011

Day 3 VBS

Breakfast has been a trip with eggs, beans, and popcorn.  Oh my goodness, that popcorn  is good for breakfast! 
Some of the teenagers accepted Christ today.  It was lots of fun for the kids, learning about forgiveness.  It was very muddy and fun.  Kip and Tammy (skit chacters) kept them entertained.  Wendy did an amazing Prodigal Son story.  I loved watching the kids do the songs and memory verses. 
The afternoon was another outing  to pray for church leaders.  There was food delivered to a widow and medical treatment given to another.  I know that oftentimes we look to these blogs for uplifting stories.  To be honest, it is heart-wrenching here.  Do we shelter you from the truth, or do we expose what is really happening here?  I think that we've kept our blinders on for too long.  The second widow we visted was ill, laying on a urine-soaked bamboo mat with swarms of mosquitos.  She had two grandchildren next to her.  The girl was about seven years old, taking care of a small child who was crying.  It was obvious  they had not eaten.  They were both so distant.  Some basic medical needs were met, as well as hydration.  Sadly, all that we had with us was candy.  Some basic needs that we are working on are a mosquito net, antibiotics, and food.
Tomorrow we teach on love and offer an altar call.  Please pray for open and receptive hearts.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Post from Becky Jo Day 2 of Teacher Training

Greetings from Africa all you cutie pies. Yippee, we just finished day 2 of teacher training we had so much fun! I was almost blinded today and not from the sun but from the smiles on all the faces of all my new Kenyan friends.  I did think I was gonna melt away today, but I didn't and Jay did

Day 2 VBS

The church we visited yesterday, Waware-Christian Church, adopted Mark and Wendy.
We visited old friends yesterday; Boaz, Helen, Daniel & Jack.  What a blessing to see  them all again this side of heaven. 
Beautiful day full of smiles and laughter.  We taught on sin.  We shared how to make good and bad  decisions. I love that we can learn about God and have so much fun doing it.  The girls tried to teach us to dance.  They are amused by our short pants. We just love their joyous dance and praise.  It's admirable and I hope we  glean some of that!
This afternoon we visited a church in another village.  The church was Kibigori-Christian Church.   They gave us another grand welcome.  It was a beautiful open air church in the middle of beautiful lush greenery.  We shared again and did a craft.  It was a huge blessing for us to know that God used the Muzungu (white people) to draw visitors to the church.  This church adopted LaVon and I.

Mark was given a chance to drive.  He didn't hit a cow, get stuck in a ditch or anything.  It was most impressive.
Wendy had a rat run accross her foot and and scared her like crazy.
Please continue to pray for those we have contact with as well as ourselves.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

To Dawn from Alex

Hi Dawn, I know what you are passing through.  I know God is in control.  Just hold on him.  He will see you through.  Especially now that you have lost and extended memeber of your family.  Jesus is in control.  Otherwise, I wish you the best in life.  I love you, Alex.

Day 1 VBS

I sit here and blog in the dark; power outage.  We had a nice first half of the day!  It  was a huge blessing!  My heart skipped a beat with  all those little ones. We had about 400 children.  It was so awesome.  Today they learned about creation.
The afternoon was a time of heart tugging .  We delivered a couple of wheelchairs to the ladies from yesterday.  We then went to the widow's church.  What a huge blessing to see such joy. 
I can't wait to share photos.  It takes too long to upload from here .
Tomorrow is the second day of VBS.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Teacher Training Wrap Up


Linda- There were 4 tribes represented; Luo, Luhya, Kalenjin, and Kisii, We’ve been contacted by many pastors for return trips. Becky and I were given new names. Linda is Akinyi which means joyful and principled; no nonsense. Becky is Anyango which means born in the morning and joy.


Becky-What a way to celebrate my birthday in Africa. Celebrated with our new family and friends. Last day of training is over and we shook everyone’s hand. Now I’ll never play the piano again. What a joy it was.

Wendy-We went to visit some widows. We visited Eunice and Ambori. Ambori was very old in a room with a terrible mattress that hadn’t been cleaned for a long time. The smell of waste filled the room. In the past her husband was an official of the church. He had worked hard but did not provide anything for her. We also visited Eunice’s; she was a second wife who had no children and was widowed. When the husband had died the other wife kicked her out. Two wheel chairs were purchased for Ambori and Nagogo (from yesterday).


Mark has no input so I’ll input for him=) Mark made a great Scruffy and stole the show! Wendy and Mark brought bubbles and the kids loved them. We can’t keep that servant heart from staying out of the kitchen doing dishes. He will hardly let any of us in to share the duty.

Jay-Wish you were here. Would love the help. Hot, hot, hot. God is good!

Jerry- What’s up?


LaVon-Goat taste good.


Alex-(Yes, Wendy kidnapped him) He needs another day to think of what to share.

Theresa-I got a chance to make chipati today. It was a blessing to cook with the girls. It’s a way to really connect when we chip in and help. My favorite story today is that we had this gentleman who was less fortunate than others and you could tell in his clothing and his demeanor. He came to the front when Becky pulled him to help with costumes. He was so downcast. When he was done Linda gave him a hug and he walked away with the biggest smile. It was refreshing. We wrapped up teacher training and it was so amazing. Tomorrow starts VBS. We are so excited.

There are a couple of upset tummies so please pray. Pray also that there will be many changed hearts this week.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Day 2 Teacher Training


Becky had a sassy little post but we had technology challenges so it disappeared.  Technology seems to be the issue for us.  Even the phone that allowed 2 calls no longer works.  It may just be time for a technology fast. 
Day 2 of teacher train had about 250 people.  The message was received well.  I love hearing Joshua share the thoughts from the pastors and teachers.  They get it and are excited to not only apply it in their children’s ministry but also their churches. 
I’ve been the behind the camera girl and I get to see this trip through my lens.  One of the highlights
for me so far has been to witness Mark, our newbie on the mission field, interact with the children.  Although it is not VBS time, there is a lot of children present at Teacher Training.  The scene reminds me of what it must have looked like when the little children were coming to Jesus.  He has such a gentle spirit and is a magnet for the kids. 
Some home to home visits were done and it was difficult to see.  A heart wrenching moment came when a visit to the widow Nagoga who was a previous runner was found alone.  She is unable to walk and had sores on her lower extremities from dragging herself around.  Some funds were gathered and a wheelchair will be purchased for her.
Joshua and Abigale are not only hospitable but resourceful as well.  After our teachings they utilize the tents and PA system for a revival.  It’s a brilliant use of God’s resources!
We are all feeling well. Thank you for all the encouragement and prayers.  They are the backbone of this ministry.