Kenya Mission, Day 15, June 13
Home sweet home. Or, there's no place like home. Team members arriving in Tulsa about 10 p.m. had thoughts like this as they were greeted by a few dozen family and friends at a joyous welcome home at Tulsa International Airport. Tired but happy, the team made a close to on-time arrival and ended their 'round- the-world adventure where it began. Welcome home, Kenya Mission team!
Kenya Mission - Day 14, June 12
We are currently at our hotel in Nairobi. It's 5:30 p.m. here (9:30 a.m. Friday Tulsa time), and everybody is either resting or packing up for their flight later tonight. The flight departs Nairobi at 11:45 p.m. That means an overnight flight to London, with about a 4 to 5 hour layover there. Then on to Chicago, and finally back to Tulsa Saturday night at 9:45 p.m., Lord willing. Everyone is excited. They've had a great time in so many ways, but it is time to get back to life in the U.S. And even with all the excitement, all are very tired.
Yesterday, Thursday, we drove to Kisumu, about an hour and a half, leaving Kakamega at 5:30 a.m. The airport in Kisumu is VERY lax in terms of security. Once we screened our luggage and checked in, we were free to come and go. Even non passengers were allowed into the departure lounge, a tent just next to the runway. No one checked boarding passes until we walked out onto the runway to board the plane. We took off over Lake Victoria, reputed to be the second largest fresh water lake in the world.
The flight to Nairobi was wonderful Many people could look out and see the great lakes of the Great Rift Valley, and in the distance Mt. Kenya, rising more than 17,000 feet above sea level, just next to the Equator. And there is snow on top. A few minutes later, as we were landing in Nairobi, the sky was clear enough to see Mt. Kilimanjaro on the right side of the plane (south) in the distance, with its table-cloth-like snow covering at over 19,000 feet. What a beautiful sight.
Then down-to-earth reality hit us driving into Nairobi. The traffic in Nairobi is about 4 times as thick as we had 4 years ago. We had 3 major traffic jams getting to our hotel. Finally, we got here, then headed out to lunch. Again the traffic delayed us. Lunch took too long. Then we had to drive clear across town for a meeting with our mission group Trinity Fellowship. We were 2-1/2 hours late for the meeting. We had hoped to have a puppet show for the children attending school there (an A.C.E. school), but finally the Principal had to dismiss the kids to go home. Lots of kids, and adults were greatly disappointed. However, we had a great time of fellowship with our brothers and sisters there -- bringing together our Tulsa church family with our Kenyan family. It was great to hear about what some of our Kenyan brothers and sisters are doing in ministry, along with getting to share a lot of what God had blessed us with in Kakamega It was hard to pull away at 7:00 p.m. for another hour's drive across Nairobi. The drama group presented the powerful drama with flags and music that declared the victory of God over the works of the devil in our lives.
Today, we all visited the Nairobi Game Park with lots of great animals to see. We had to get up again very early to leave here at 6:00 a.m. But it was worth it, standing up in our vans and looking out through the pop-up roofs. God really blessed us with great game to look at, again a wonder at His creation Jim thinks God had a lot of fun designing the giraffe. We got to see lots of them, and even got to see a rare lion in the park. It was back to our hotel for a very late breakfast, then once again heading across town for shopping at the Masai Market, a place where vendors of all types bring their wares on Fridays. For most of the people it was a lot of fun, seeing how well they could bargain with the vendors to get the best prices. Others found that so stressful, being something they weren't used to.
For Shirley and me, it has been a great experience -- this whole mission and fun here at the end. Being with and watching our brothers and sisters in so many circumstances was a fantastic experience. No one has ever complained about unusual circumstances and foods. All have been very patient -- even the teens -- can you believe that, parents?
Many dear people have been added to the kingdom of God these past 2 weeks. It has been awesome for all to see the great harvest that occurs when the gospel is shared in a public place. It has been a great gift of God to be used by Him in unique ways. May He receive all the glory for all His works and all His blessings in our own lives. I think everyone could testify of some change and growth in his/her own life through this mission.
Love to all. We'll see you soon. report from Millard Parrish
Kenya Mission - Day 12, June 10
report from Millard Parrish, sent early Weds
Just to let you know that today (Wednesday) is our final day in Kakamega. The Little Lighthouse team will go together with Jim to the final training session in Vihiga this morning. I think they have found great receptivity there. In fact, everywhere we have gone, there has been great receptivity.
This morning, the others of us will go back to the headquarters church and school for Bishop's churches to help install the water retention project. This includes installing three very large collection tanks filled by guttering from the roofs. We may get to do some of the guttering, or other less demanding projects, while the local "fundi's" (trained workmen) will do the rest.
In the afternoon, both teams will be joined together at this same location to plant some trees as a memorial of our being here. We will give names to each tree. This will be both "work" and "ceremony". Later in the afternoon, we will join all our trainees and coordinating committee and lots of pastors in one final great celebration of what God has done here. At that time we will present certificates to all our trainees. There will be some exchange of gifts. At that time we will officially hand over the puppets and other materials we brought to be left to the local churches.
Our teams have worked VERY hard these past 9 days. It has been taxing yet glorious in each location and each type of ministry. But all are tired. We have had very little sickness, for which we give glory to God. And any rain we have had has not stopped most of our work and ministry. The local brothers and sisters have also worked very hard night and day to keep us going and organizing and changing ministry events. It has been great teamwork.
Tomorrow morning, dark and early around 5:00 a.m., we will head back to Kisumu for our flight to Nairobi. We have 2 full days in Nairobi, including a visit to the Nairobi Game Park to see some great wildlife, and a visit to the Trinity Fellowship center where Shirley and I have lived and worked and brought up other workers over the past years. Lord willing, a number of others who have gone out from this base to other ministries will be with us to bring together some of our Tulsa family and some of our Kenyan family. We expect it to be a great time of worship and fellowship. The remaining puppets will also perform for some children who attend an A.C.E. school on that compound. Finally, Friday night near midnight the team will begin their flights back to Tulsa. They should be in Tulsa around 9:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday night, Tulsa time.
We ask that you continue to pray as God leads you, especially that we may be a blessing to all around us. God has already worked mightily in many lives, including ours. We are ever grateful to our TCF family and all others who have shared this mission with us. To God be all the glory.
Kenya Mission - Day 11, June 9
For us in the puppet team today was the last day, we performed our last show. Today we drove about an hour to a nearby town to do two shows. The first one was for a school. The show went alright but our response was not as great as it has been in many other places. After the show at the school we carried the stage to a field near a market. Again the response seemed less than it had been at our other shows. We trust God’s plans to be greater than ours. Perhaps it was our role to plant the seed, not reap the harvest. The third and final show was in another town slightly farther away. We were at a Christian-run school. It was a wonderful time. The show was a bit shorter than normal but the children learned many of the lessons we came to share. Thankfully we were able to perform inside but in the second performance the sun was intense and very tiring. When we had finished the show the kids were excited to be with us and play with us. The teacher said for most of the children it was either their first or second time to see “white” people. God helped time the rain perfectly. After we had ended it started to rain, which again made us glad of being indoors. Several of the puppet team led the kids in the song "Father Abraham." We drove back to Kakamega which went smoothly. God is good.
Prayer requests:
Health and strength to finish strong.
Missing camera.
Missing memory card.
Praise:
Brain B. found Brain G.'s missing iPod.
report from Tim Sheppard
Kenya Mission - Day 10, June 8
Today was our day of rest. Mid morning we took off for the Rondo Retreat Center. This was a level of society that our team had not yet encountered in Kenya. This is a place that fairy tales are made out of. I played chess on a board that had Africa animals for pieces. I have no idea the countless hours of landscaping that went into this place. The gardener here is a meticulous genius. We took about a two hour hike up a big hill. The top of the hill showed a beautiful view 360 degrees. Then we descended into the bat caves- a truly horrifying experience. The only bats I have ever seen have been about an inch tall and dormant. These bats fly past your head, allowing you to feel the glances of bat wings on your hair, and were about a foot in wingspan (no joke). Some members of the group enjoyed this, but I wholeheartedly disagree. During lunch it felt like paradise again. We had some sort of a lasagna/pizza with ice cream for dessert, all while enjoying the sight of monkeys jumping from tree to tree. We later went into the tropical rain forest. Part of it had been cleared off into a path, and the rest of it was ultra thick. This forest was filled with monkeys, who would jump from tree to tree with ease, and were extremely fun to watch. Also, we saw some exotic birds that I cannot identify. For dinner we went to the Bishop’s house and had a lovely meal and fellowship. The team had previously not been to the Bishop’s house. This was one of those days which we sarcastically said we were “suffering for Jesus.” report from Dallas Brose
Prayer requests:
Total Protection
strength for 4 puppet/drama performances
Kenya Mission - Day 9, June 7
Today there are three reports because in the morning the team separated. The Little Lighthouse women and Peter Mbugua went to another town to worship and minister. Brain Goetsch, Ethan, and Kevin traveled to two country churches. The rest of the team went to the bishop’s church.
Today the Little Lighthouse group went to the Exalt Jesus Worship Centre. We attended the church service there and each brought a greeting. Here in Kenya, for a visitor to bring a ‘greeting’ means getting up and speaking for a few minutes in front of the congregation. Sherry Gurney, a woman from the Little Lighthouse, brought a message and it was very well received. Following her message, the pastor invited those to come forward who wanted prayer for salvation, baptism in the Holy Spirit, or healing, or needed prayer for something else and he asked our team to come minister to these people. About fifteen people came forward. It was a beautiful time of ministry. Following the service, we presented the second day of Little Lighthouse training. Today, I’d like to focus on two individuals who are gifts the Lord has brought into our lives: Wellington, a Kenyan man, operates a school for disabled children in a nearby village, and is well connected with ministries and organizations that help disabled children and their families. He is going to assess some of the children who have been brought to us, and guide their caregivers to those who can help them. Then there is Linda, a young lady who works at the house we are staying at, who is blind in one eye. When we first arrived, she was very withdrawn, and did not smile. She has begun accompanying us to the Little Lighthouse training sessions, offering to carry bags, helping to organize some people who come for help, etc. I suspect she is interested in working with disabled children. Gradually, she has opened up and now is smiling and talking with us, asking for prayer and spiritual input. Even joking with us! We are watching a flower beginning to bloom. It has been a real blessing to come to know her. report from Debbie Manchester
While the LLH was away teaching, the majority of the team attended Bishop Onguko’s Headquarters church. We worshiped with our brothers and sisters there, followed by a teaching from Jim. His word from the Lord was heavily anointed; many of the attendees responded to the message by receiving prayer at the altar. Brain Goetsch, Kevin and Ethan arrived with the bishop and joined us for the afternoon. After a quick break the Puppet/Drama team had a performance for several hundred high school students. Many members of the team gave their testimonies and Patty gave the main teaching. Due to time constraints, we were unable to do a full performance. Nevertheless, Bishop Onguko had an altar call and many answered. The Lord is still continuing to work in mighty and powerful ways. Bwana Asifewe! Praise the Lord! report from Jonathan Beck
This morning Brian Goetsch woke us up and asked us if we would go with him to some church in the countryside. We went with the Bishop to two small churches about thirty to forty-five minutes away. We came in and immediately jumped into worship “Kenya style.” At both churches we gave our testimonies as the Spirit lead us, and Brian preached briefly on Matthew 14. He talked about how the devil tries to take the victory after seeing a big miracle of God. He explained the importance of keeping your eyes fixed on God. Afterwards we talked about how good it was, and how much we learned. This was a once in a lifetime experience! report from Kevin Schroeder and Ethan McEndarfer
Team Prayer Requests
New converts would continue to seek the Lord Jesus Christ relentlessly
Rejuvenation of physical, mental, and spiritual strength on our day off
Continued total protection of team members
Kenya Mission - Day 8, June 6
Greetings from the Little Light House team in Kenya. Our second training session began today in Vihiga, a city of approx. 1 million people, located 25km south of Kakamega. Our hosts had prepared the locals well for our visit and we were greeted by about 10 mothers/grandmothers and their children with special needs as well as 20 church members and local teachers interested in serving such children. Some had traveled a great distance to attend the session. In the group of locals were 3 teachers currently working in identifying and assessing children with special needs. They were very excited about the emphasis TLLH places on early intervention as in Kenya age 7 is the earliest a child is accepted into the school system. Several of the children present had very similar challenges to the children described in the presentation. We were able to make some assessments of the children's needs as well as provide some specific recommendations and referrals to the local special needs teachers present. Time was spent in prayer with each child and their family. The local pastor, Nicodemus and his wife Anne, who both have sacrificed lucrative professional careers to serve in a challenging area, have servant hearts for their community and for children with special needs. We were so blessed to be in Vihiga today and look forward to our remaining sessions. "Mungu akubariki sana!" report filed by Sherri and Chris
The puppet team had an unexpected change of plans. Due to external circumstances we did not go to the youth rally. It was canceled because the Bishop did not have peace about it. Even though we were unable to minister for the high school students I believe God used it. We held a final training session and allowed the Kenyan puppeteers to do everything for three songs. In the afternoon we had an outreach and we did only one puppet song and the Kenyans did everything for the other two songs. God has really helped them to gain much skill very quickly. In the evening we went to a highschool in Kakamega and performed skits and puppets. Bishop Onguko shared his testimony at the end of the performance and many of the young men came forward to pray. report filed by Tim Sheppard
P.S. the missing bag containing LLH materials was found yesterday
Prayer Requests:
Tomorrow’s (Sunday June 7) youth rally in the afternoon
Brian G. preaching
Physical and Spiritual protection
Rest and strength
Brian G’s iPod is missing
Kenya Mission - Day 7, June 5
The Pastors seminar finished yesterday so Peter Mbugua joined us in the puppet training. Today was originally the last day of scheduled training for the puppet team; it looks likely that we will hold a final training session on Monday. The trainees have progressed very quickly and many of them have caught the vision for puppet ministry and want to spread the Good News using puppets.
The Little Light House finished the last day of training for the first group of trainees. For the last day they went shopping in the local market for tools that the Kenyans could use to help the special needs children. Tomorrow they will start training a second group in another town nearby.
Puppet outreaches were short but powerful. The second outreach was in a market place just down the road from the school where the first outreach was. What we were told by one of the Kenyans was people in the area around the market place are under demonic oppression and influenced by witchdoctors. After the performance there were several people who gave their life to the Lord.
Charlene taught fifteen Kenyan teachers about how to do Good News Clubs. During the teaching she showed how to incorporate the salvation message into any Bible story. She used a flannel board so that the teachers could see how visual aids can be used to emphasize the main points of the Bible lesson.
Team Prayer Requests:
Sarah is sleeping better but still is tired
Peter Mbugua has a cold and needs prayer for health
Prayer for those who will be preaching tomorrow and Sunday
Tomorrow’s youth rallies and the ministry to mostly high school kids
report from Tim Sheppard
Kenya Mission, Day 6, June 4
“Bwana Asifiwe! (Praise the Lord). Mungu Acubariki! (God bless you)
Your prayers have greatly empowered us. Today, we had an anointed and full day. The training sessions are going better than we could have hoped for. They are picking it up faster than we expected. Even though we are all tired, especially Sarah who is still not sleeping well, things are going great. The Kenyans are coming along side of us in our outreaches and being a tremendous asset. We are building relationships and feel the love of Christ between our brothers and sisters here. The Little Light House ministry has been powerful and are experiencing a welcoming here because there is a great need for the work they are doing. Everywhere we go to do outreaches; the puppets, Charlene, and the Little Lighthouse are requested to come back and are in great demand. The light house ladies went to three homes today in the villages outside of Kakamega today and met with individuals to instruct and minister in caring for those with physical challenges. We are experiencing a wonderful time in the outreaches as we share the Love and Power of God. We have had many people come to know the Lord and come for prayer. The puppet team is working extremely hard, but are feeling energized. They are finishing the trainings tomorrow morning and will do two more outreaches in a school and a marketplace, then will head to a high-school at 7 pm for one more outreach. Pray for us because it will be a long day. In fact, the next three days will be very long with the rallies, which are still up in the air about what they will look like, and more outreach scheduled in the evenings. So pray that we will be encouraged and have stamina. The pastors seminars ended today. Shirley Parrish taught very effectively Verse analysis, which is a legacy left by Dr. Farah. Charlene gave a testimony of what it's meant in her life. It was powerful because it was from her heart of hearts, and then the pastors practiced what they learned and enjoyed it immensely. In the afternoon we watched Fireproof, which was effective. There were many tears and one pastor expressed "that this movie was not for my church it was for me, I was ready to divorce my wife". We had hoped to process the movie with the pastors, but because of time we had to leave it at that. It was gratifying to know that we will be leaving a copy of the video with the bishop as well as the Love Dare book, and the bible study guides. Thanks for your prayers. We love you all and are experiencing the Lord’s anointing in powerful ways,
Mungu Acubariki!” report filed by Brian Goetsch
Kenya Mission, Day 5, June 3
We all got up early and assembled in Kenya time to head out for God’s assignment. Packing the puppet team and the Little Light House team onto the bus is a real experience. We headed out on the road for those waiting to learn all we can give them. Those waiting for us were singing and praising God. We all unloaded, hurrying to join the worship. The singing was over much too quickly. All of us hurried to set up equipment, with a lot of anticipation from those waiting to take in all we can share with them. The Little Light House group began with Sherri giving a devotion that explains how to rely on God. And then Linda began sharing about how to help those wonderful little ones. No one moved as Linda, Sherri and Gloria passed the teaching around. As it got back to the area where the puppets were, they were busy teaching how to hold and get the puppets to move. Everyone in the group was so busy, I ran my errands without anyone noticing.
In the afternoon we went to a school. The children were all as excited as the puppets were setting up.
The Little Light House went to teach a room full of children. Gloria taught in total confidence. Those learning to reach out to special children started to apply what they were learning. As we worked with the children we could hear the music of the street ministry. The puppets and skits drew such a crowd that you could hardly get down the road. When we started back for home everyone was excited to share highlights. This is just one day. Keep praying for us: for health, rest and we continue to hear and use God’s wisdom." report filed by Jane Ruyle
The Holy Spirit worked powerfully today in both of the puppet outreaches. Brian G. spoke at the end of both of them and gave an invitation to receive Christ. Almost all of the school kids stood and repeated after Brian to receive Christ. At first in the market place only one lady came forward to accept Christ but one of the Kenyan brothers spoke to them in their native tongue and many more raised their hands for prayer.
P.S. The picture of Nathan and Brian B. was taken during lunch prepared in Kenyan style. The drink that Brian has in his hand is avocado juice. It is enjoyed by the Kenyans but as you can see on Nathan’s face we are still learning to enjoy it. report filed by Tim Sheppard
Kenya Mission, Day 4, June 2
Day 4 update from team member Tim Sheppard
The first day here in Kakamega went well despite a late start. Our rides didn’t arrive until almost noon. As a result, we were short on our morning sessions. God worked through the time the teams had. Jim’s message seemed fairly well received although it was very much against the cultural norm. He spoke about marriage and how God uses marriage to build us in Christ. The pastors all returned for the afternoon session to hear Millard and Peter Mbugua speak.
The Little Lighthouse team talked with the teachers and were surprised by some of what is already going on here in Kenya. In the afternoon the team visited a school that already has a class working with special needs children here.
The puppets morning session was very full; there were a number of students some teenagers and quite a few older Kenyans. Because of the number it was very hard to give them all time to work with the puppets so we did not get as far as planned in the training. In the afternoon the puppets went to a school of young kids and did a performance. When we got there a huge crowd of several hundred kids was already outside waiting for us. We had to setup the stage quickly and when we were almost done with the performance it started to rain. So we had to cut off the last song but God still worked through it. It was powerful and the evangelistic potential was seen by our brothers and sisters here.
The big thing that we have learned is that as a team we need to live on God’s time and not worry about schedules. God will accomplish His will and we need to trust Him. We would like prayer for strength and energy for the whole team. Patty needs prayer for her knee which she messed up. Sarah was unable to sleep well last night and felt like it was spiritual warfare. Also please lift us up that we are given strength spiritually that the attacks of the devil would fail.
Kenya Mission, Day 3 - June 1
An overnight flight from London to Nairobi, after about 12 hours in London on Sunday, and we received these two updates (see below) from Millard Parrish, already in Kenya with his wife Shirley. Millard and Shirley were longtime career missionaries in Kenya, and traveled to Kenya a few weeks ago in advance of the remainder of the team.
sent Tuesday morning, June 2
After a brief visit and rest at our house, with breakfast and lunch, the whole TCF team got back to the airport for our flights to Kisumu on Lake Victoria. We arrived just before sunset, with the sun setting just over the hills in the direction where I lived 40 years ago when I was here. Bishop Onguko and a host of pastors were on hand to welcome us at the airport and see us and our luggage safely off for a very slow, 2 hour nighttime drive over rough roads to Kakamega town where we will be staying for 10 days. Yes, with all thanks to God, all our luggage arrived safely! Everyone seems to be well, with only slightly upset tummies for a few. That is probably due to exhaustion from the travel. Most people managed to get a few winks at our place on the couch, beds, mattresses and grass mats placed anywhere someone could find some shade in the garden. Those who made the sightseeing whirlwind tour around the London sights said they really enjoyed it, even if they were drowsy.
Kenyan culture reigned as we reached Kakamega; they fed us royally in a hotel after 9 p.m. Then off again to the two houses where we will be bunked down while we are here. I think most people got to sleep by midnight, if not before. That after being awake most of Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Our many training and ministry sessions begin today, Tuesday. We will be in two different locations, a few miles apart. Some of the logistics of generators and various pieces of equipment are still being worked on. But, Lord willing, we will begin at 10 a.m.
Thank you so much for joining us in prayer and rejoicing for all that God has done, is doing, and will do. We love our TCF family, and know that you are there with us, just as we are here. All praise to God.
sent earlier Monday
The team made it fine and are in various stages of relaxing at our house. Some snoozing, others helping prepare lunch, some just wandering around. We need to head back to the airport in about an hour and half for the flight to Kisumu, then a bus ride to Kakamega. All are well, it seems. Haven't heard of anything. The only "catastrophe" is that I lost my wallet with my credit card in it in Nairobi after the team got here. I have been trying to cancel my card by email, but you have to do it by phone. And my phone is out of prepaid time, and collect calls are not honored here. Pray I can somehow get it cancelled. I emailed my sis and hope she can cancel it. Blessings to all. Millard
Kenya Mission, Day 1 - May 30
The team departed Tulsa International Airport a few minutes early today, headed for Chicago, then London. A short, one-hour layover in Chicago was followed by a long flight overseas to London's Heathrow airport. The team planned to do some sightseeing in London, though some planned to find a bed to sleep. They were scheduled to arrive in London at 8:25 a.m. Sunday (2:25 a.m. Tulsa time), then depart London for Nairobi, Kenya at 8:00 p.m. Their itinerary has them arriving in Nairobi at 6:30 a.m., Kenya time (10:30 p.m., CST). We'll post updates on their progress when we receive them.
