2010

We write on the last day of this adventurous year of 2009 and ponder on the journey waiting for us in 2010.  This is the moment in the year where everyone focuses on their good intentions of making themselves their ‘best’ self and reorganizing their lives to fit within the change of a new year.  Sitting here, separated from the distractions of the American dream, we are at a different place of contemplation for any resolutions to come within the new year.

Galatians 1: 22-24,

“I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report. The man who formally persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. And they praised God because of me.”

This passage depicts a man who pondered upon the new year resolution within each passing day- making his life choices and his decisions anew because of Christ’s power at work within him. Paul’s testament of faith teaches us that God will use us when we are weak, when we feel incompetent, when we are inexperienced, when we feel uncomfortable, and that God will use us outside of our abilities and our character, all to bring glory to Him. God used Paul, a murderer and a persecutor of Christians, to show how a life can be changed. In this circumstance, people recognized that Paul would not be able to change his murderous ways by himself- They PRAISED God because of his transformation. God is the only ONE who can change a life in such a dramatic way; therefore, he is the only one who we can give the credit to. The American temptress lure attempts to make us believe in our own merits, in our own ability to succeed, in our own strength, and in our own fame. God teaches us that He can change anyone, full transformation and freedom in Christ, no matter what former years have possessed- a dramatic life change gives the glory only to God- God extends His mercy and His grace upon an oppressed individual- others recognize life change which points them to God- the changed person can bear witness to God’s power and personally testify to living with and without faith-

We, as believers, need to recognize when God is putting us in a position outside of our comforts in order to grow us and to make us dependent on him; therefore, our ultimate success is ONLY because of Him. The truth is that it does not matter how we succeed in this world or what our new year’s resolution may be if God is not the heartbeat behind its change.

Paul continues to say, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Gal. 1:10.

Our challenge for ourselves, as well as for you, for this new year of 2010 is the truth found in Gal. 1:10. Am I seeking the approval of man or of God? The rest of the resolutions are like passing shadows if we can not answer the focus of our intents.

May this new year bring us the embrace of a life devoted to Christ and as Paul was used as a testament of God’s power, may our lives demonstrate God’s hand at work. As 2011 rolls around, may we be able to reflect upon the journey of ’10 and say, “And they PRAISED God because of me.” May our lives depict God’s grace, His mercy, and His humility. May ’10 and the resolutions that come with it, not be based off of our own merits and our own desires, but entirely off of God’s purpose and plan to use us for His glory. 

Martin.

James 4: 14   Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

We are reminded of this powerful truth with every step among the slums and within every moment of investment with the people. There is no denying that life truly is a vapor- Who knows what tomorrow brings. Being within this context keeps us in a contemplative, observant manner- constantly comparing life to the States and life to the slums. It is true that life here is hard- its filled with much heartache and with much pain- just as we become sensitized to seeing ‘crime scenes, murder, theft, poverty’ as its played repeatedly on CNN, the people here also have their ‘normalcy’- rummaging thru trash to secure enough food for the day, walking by dead bodies like its just part of the scenery, and a child’s backyard/playground isn’t a swing set and slide, it’s a trash heap…

As we were walking within the hardest slum in Ngong this week, we encountered a child that has not left our minds and our hearts for months. Martin, a boy attacked fiercely by a mental illness of some kind, limps around the trash heap holding a stick in his drawn up hand, and searching for charcoal in the other. The trash heap is his backyard and his playground is a place that serves as a great burden upon our hearts. In no way can words paint the portrait of a boy who’s life is truly in limbo of living to the next day- but we will attempt to articulate his story. A six-year-old boy who’s friends are a constant drool down his body and ring worm that hasn’t left his face for months- his home nestled within the edge of the trash heap, as his visitors are flies that never leave and a smell that within its horrendous nature is no longer noticed within his own smell. No parents in sight and no one guiding this child who is impacted so deeply by mental illness. When you think of kids his age in the States, you often think of them learning silly songs, playing outside, growing stronger developmentally/physically, and learning the rules of whats right and wrong. This boy and his other companions who live in the trash heap are quite the opposite- their outside time is rummaging thru the trash to find something to eat, learning the rules of right and wrong is being handed a glue bottle (a debilitating drug in the slums) from their big bros and learning to be promiscuous from their big sis in order to survive from day to day. They are not learning silly songs and are not growing stronger developmentally- As they reach out to grab your hand and give you a hug, trash finds it way also onto your embrace and you think once again of James 4:14- Life truly is a Vapor…here and gone in a short while.

  So, when you see this environment and you sit amidst the trash heap as flies attack every part of your body and the smell almost makes you sick its so potent, you begin to think what can I do? How can I take part in changing this ‘playground’ for these kids. We are encouraged by God’s great love demonstrated thru the book of Hosea.  Hosea consistently shows God’s frustration with his creation- there is a constant battle that goes on between good and evil and our perfect Father never gives up on his people. The sins that they committed were horrendous in nature, but we see his graceful, loving character shine through when He says, “I long to redeem them” (7:13). Amidst all the evil, this is the lone phrase in the middle of the chapter that exemplifies God’s grace- We often focus on God’s anger in the scripture, but its these short, but powerful expressions that we should recognize—“I LONG to redeem them.” We are learning that it is ok to hate injustice and sin, but we are not to turn our back on it and run. We are to take the situation to God and allow him to redeem it. Its difficult to grasp the fullness of this grace, but as we sit amidst the trash heap and ‘glue heads’ are encompassing our every move and kids rummage thru trash for ‘nutrition’, this verse screams out.

Why are we here? To feed these kids?- to ‘rescue’ them from harms way?…

We are here to represent and to establish the cause of Vapor Sports Ministry. An outlet to bring redemption upon the people who live within bondage daily. To bring sustainability upon the kids who have never been taught God’s love for them. To train local men and women who can pour their lives into these little ones- being a spiritual mentor for them and encouraging them in the faith. Our prayer is that through Vapor’s presence here in Ngong, that God will be glorified and that people will have a ‘safe place’ to channel their life’s hardships and find restoration thru learning God’s character and His love for them.

For those of you who are already supporting the cause, know that your extension is being used to teach these little ones who’s playground is the trash  heap- songs of God’s love, playground no longer the trash but a soccer field/running track alongside other kids who can understand their lives, learning right and wrong from God’s word, and having an opportunity to grow stronger- physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Isaiah 61: 1-4

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair, they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

If you are interested in supporting this cause, check out the website www.vaporsports.org

No Lampoon.

Yesterday was the first moment that we really thought about Christmas being celebrated quite differently across the globe. Putting up our little artificial Christmas tree while listening to Elf soundtrack, made it 'feel' a bit more like the holiday we have always known in the States. Here in our neck of the woods, you don't see lights up- trees decorated- people running around stressed to find the thousand gifts for everyone- homes lit by a million lights- Christmas music playing everywhere- and egg nog latte's from Starbucks advertised on every corner-

 

Instead...

We witness the same survival of a day- men/women working daily to have enough food to feed their family- children digging thru the trash heaps to find other people's 'junk' to give as gifts- people striving harder so they can travel to be with their family's on the holiday- We can honestly attest that even though our minds crave the traditions that we have always known and loved of the Christmas season, we are humbled to spend our first Christmas away within this environment of community. We believe that all would agree that Christmas time in the States can be STRESSFUL- trying to organize parties, and get-togethers, and gifts, and food, and the list continues...But, here we see that the focus is community, its family having their children home from boarding school and with them- its people recognizing and celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

So, even though we believe its the first Christmas without watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Elf, we know that this time here learning from the 'real reason of the season', will forever be etched within our minds and our hearts. 

Merry Christmas to you all!  May you all be strengthened by time with your loved ones! 

We are welcoming our sister, Lindsay and brother Daniel here with us on the 18th- Be praying for their safe travels and their trip here amidst the beautiful people of Ngong. May they be forever strengthened and encouraged by life in a third world. 

Maasaini...

We spent a most memorable day visiting with our Maasai friend, Shadrack, in his village back home (about 2 hours away from Ngong). 

Setting out on the journey, early in the morning, we squeezed 4 people, up front in a small pick up truck. Roads marked only by Africa's form, we saw zebras, gazelles, and open land that stretched for miles. As we reached our destination of Shadrack's village, we pulled up to the preparation of the celebration of circumcision- At the age of 15, the Maasai men are circumcised- the culture has shifted a bit, from the old custom-- the boys had to spend 2 months in the bush, by themselves and prove their manhood by killing a lion with their spear. A big celebration of nyama choma (roasted meat) and chai (Kenyan tea) are prepared for the entire community. Women/men, who are now more westernized, revert back to their roots and dress full out in Maasai beaded gear. 

The culture is still practiced as we witnessed the men and women eating on different sides of the compound and the men eating their nyama choma in the wilderness, apart from the community. I guess, we broke the tradition, when Trishia joined the men for the roasted meat. 

To walk upon the preparation of slaughtering the goat, a man literally squeezing out the poop from the intestines, skin/goat head being hung on trees to save for boiling with the intestines, goat lung being boiled, flies stuck to every piece of the meat--to then sit down and to enjoy in a piece of meat was a little stretching. 

Trishia was given a full Maasai beaded dress and lots of jewelry to add to the Maasai way of dress. One man asked Brett if Trishia was his sister and if so, how old...the men often who are not believers take many wives- they believe it adds to their wealth. Guess some were looking to add to their wealth by having a white Maasai...

It was a day spent riding camels, walking with ostriches, living off the land, and assimilating into the Maasai way of life. In a culture that lives off of a concern of water supply for the livelihood of their livestock, they have experienced a great drought since 2006--this year only a small bit of rain was seen on the land once...Until today, as we are sitting there with the sun shining, eating nyama choma with men we could only communicate with thru smiles, a great rain abruptly, without warning, falls on the community- a rain that most people would take off running for shelter, we look around as the men are enjoying the nyama choma, with the largest smiles looking to the heavens...it was a great blessing to witness rain on a culture that needs it for their survival, but hasn't experienced it in months...A day greatly treasured. 

You can view pics of our special day at this link! 

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=351700&id=611190289&l=41f3033867

wow, half way mark.

We cannot believe that 6 months has already flown by since our arrival to Kenya- We know that these final 6 mths. will spiral quickly towards our departure as well. Within our processing and assessing of the progress thus far, a roller coaster of emotions bombard us. But, we know that God is able and we entrust that He is cultivating the hands and the feet to continue on with the ministry here in Ngong once we leave. God has most faithfully risen 6 men who meet with Brett every week for discipleship. Trishia will be beginning a women's matriculation study this month for the ladies who have surfaced as potential coaches for the running/soccer league. 

Reading today in Psalms, "For you equipped me with strength for the battle;  you made those who rise against me sink under me." 18:39.  We firmly believe in the anointing of the Spirit over us as we have dealt with the hardships and the joys. Keep us in your prayers as we push thru the final stretch of our time here. That we can be efficient in our days- that God would grant us favor and expand our territory within our relationships established- that God would bring sustainability and knowledge upon the hearts of our Vapor leaders- for the break off studies for the potential coaches, both men and women. 

As a reminder, especially during this holiday season, we would LOVE To hear your voices- because of our location skype is a bit difficult for us these days with the voice chat. BUT, we have certain people who have been calling us on the calling cards they purchased for a cheap rate thru www.callingcards.com  ---the location is Kenya and you can get a cheap rate to call us here. 

Brett's cell #- 011 254 710 108 777

Trishia's cell # 011 254 710 108 703  

Would love to hear from you:)! 

For our Alabama crew, we are 9 hours ahead of you.

For our Cinci crew- we are 8 hours ahead...

the Rescuer.

“Jesus was not simply a “missionary” to the poor. He WAS poor. In Jesus, we see God entering this world as a baby refugee in the middle of a genocide, wandering the streets with “no place to lay his head” and dying next to two bandits on the imperial cross.”  Heurtz

Anyone upon the gaze of the family of 12 children would say that they are the poorest of the poor.  A 10 x 20 tin shanty houses 12 children, plus the parents- When one looks into their home, what is seen leaves its visions to surface repeatedly in one’s mind- visions of a cold floor with 12 kids sleeping shoulder to shoulder, visions  of not enough food to provide nutrition for their bodies, visions of abuse that could occur within that environment, visions of the most simplistic lifestyle imaginable…one’s heart immediately begins to want to be the rescuer- planning begins as one thinks how can I save these kids from hardship, from the plight of poverty’s hand?

On one particular day, I look up from among the Vapor fields and witness little George (about 3-4 years old) shaking uncontrollably as he is staring endlessly upon the fields.  “George, George…unahisi njaa (are you hungry?)..” Without words, his eyes answer the repeated question towards him. This child has not eaten substantially in quite some time.  His body almost too weak to mutter any words, the story manages to surface that because he is one of the youngest of the 12 that he is fed the lesser portions.  It is suffice to say that all of us who witnessed this child’s need for food felt a need for rescue.  Why would someone have 12 children and not be able to take care of them? Why would someone not allow others to feed their children? Why do these kids’ life, ambition center around fetching water as others are attending school, climbing an educational ladder of success? Injustice stirred within and we were left with an imprint of anger, passion for this great fight for justice.

To watch George quickly take down three pieces of bread and 3 bananas as if someone would grab them from his hands was a humbling moment indeed.  Nestled within my lap, this little one laid his head upon my shoulder for literally 3 hours. When asked if he wanted down, his head just nodded slowly back and forth no, and he remained tightly gripped to my shoulders. “Jesus was not simply a “missionary” to the poor. He WAS poor.”  If anything we have learned from our 6 month journey thus far is that we are NOT the rescuers. Our human empathy and passion fuels us to think so, but as we witnessed George the frailest that we have seen him we were reminded that we cannot alleviate his plight. There are moments for us to lean on the Spirit’s prompting and respond out of His leading, but God is the only one to sustain- the only one to rescue.  In the beautiful book of Hosea, God voices His gracious love for all of us, even amidst our continuous ploy to chase after other gods…He says, “…My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused, I will not carry out my fierce anger…For I am God and not man- the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath.”  George, shaking from life’s hand, is in the Lord’s hands. We are not his rescuer, but we do know a powerful God who is more than able to rescue this child and the other 12 and the other children within this unjust world who suffer the like. 

To reiterate a beautiful depiction of God’s heart for the poor and our calling to participate and to fully engage in other’s plights, Claiborne stated, “May we become familiar with the suffering of the poor outside our gates, know their names and taste the salt in their tears. Then when the ‘the ones God has rescued, “ the Lazuruses of our world- the baby refugees, the mentally ill wanderers, and the homeless outcasts- are seated next to God, we can say, ‘we’re with them.’

May we always be ever present within the suffering of others- recognizing, acknowledging, and believing in the only One who can truly rescue, the only One who can give hope, the only One who can restore the joy amidst grave pain.  We know that God is able and our prayer remains that God will keep our hearts ever vigilant towards the ways in which He desires to use us within the suffering of others. 

different type of Thanksgiving.

Today we spent Thanksgiving apart from the traditional sharing of a meal that we know of in the States. Our breaking of bread with family and friends shifted from sitting in comfortable chairs eating a five course meal to handing out biscuits (cookies) within the heart of the hardest slum in Ngong, called Matheri. With our hearts missing close proximity of friends and family, we were humbled today by acknowledging the abundant blessings of our Father's providential Hand upon His children. We found ourselves sitting around a different type of table. One that many kids gather around daily and families use as their only source of 'nutrition.' A trash heap, where flies befriend every inhabitant, and oppression finds its way upon the lives that roam its sewage filled streets. Kids ran to us with hands extended out for a biscuit- Their clothes stained by the trash's many horrendous smells and spoiled foods that have stayed upon them, probably for days. A little boy, aged 6, barely able to walk, attacked by the mental illness of a life without proper nutrition- ring worm found itself within every inch of his face and his mind debilitated by alcohol someone had 'fed' him. Thanksgiving looked quite different today- We have a plethora of things to be thankful for, but may we not forgot the plight of others who often struggle to identify their blessings. Even though these little ones' home was nestled within a trash heap, their smiles radiated with the utmost of joy. Their plight, as we know it, is their 'normalcy'.  Our prayer today is that as we remember many people gathered around their tables that we will not lose sight of others who have never known a table's warmth of fellowship. May we always live our lives intentionally extending to those around us.  Happy Thanksgiving to all of you- Even though family and friends we miss your presence, especially today, know that we are very much humbled to learn from the 'least of these.' We have experienced a most memorable Thanksgiving. 

the blessings of visitors!

We are more than blessed during this sweet November. Micah, the president of Vapor, led a men's trip this past week here to Kenya. It was so strengthening to see so many familiar faces and to witness their heart's touched by the teachings here. We spent a week at the project, investing in relationships, and welcoming the men to work alongside the workers at the building site. 

Today we welcome our Ralston 'rents here to Kenya, along with family good friend Tony Miller. We are grateful to be able to expose them to all that our heart is changed to here. We entrust that God will speak ever deeply to them. Pray for their safe travels and their time here over these next two weeks. We are thankful to have them here with us thru Thanksgiving. This time next month, we will also be welcoming our sister and brother-n-law here for Christmas. God is so good, all the time! 

So, today, we are strengthened, encouraged, and blessed. 

October, at a glance.

October has been consumed with many praises and challenges. But, all in all, God is moving and His hand upon the Ngong Vapor Center is evident. Not that we doubted his ability, but to say that we have begun building this soon, really continues to be an abundant praise.

“My food is to do the will of him who sent me to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘one sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”  John 4:35-38

Praises:

• Finished the upper fields for the AIC primary school to use since we are building on their old playing fields. We were able to provide jobs for many families in need. Their testimony of praise in a job has been extremely rewarding.
• We have had 4 workers saved thru the testimonies of our indigenous staff here. Their intentionality to share Christ with all who encompass them is a deep encouragement, spiritually. Daily, unbelievers are questioning Christ’s love and salvation. The fields are definitely white for harvest.
• now beginning on the Vapor fields—grading the fields will happen next week and then the fields will be ready for planting grass and building the track!
• howard and hudson are angels- their presence during this process truly has been a daily blessing for us. We are so grateful to be working alongside them. Their devotion to the cause of Vapor is consistently demonstrated thru every stride of the process.
• We moved into a home that we can open to others- This has been a tremendous blessing for us to have more, intimate time with the relationships we are cultivating here.  The proximity to the slums and to the church has been incredible. Thank you for your prayers! They have been answered.
  

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly, to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go, your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” Luke 10: 2-3

Challenges/ frustrations:

• We are encouraged that even amidst challenges, we continue to see God’s Hand that sustains us. We know that without His presence, this center will see no success. Its more than the buildings, its more than the ‘leaders’, its about God’s love pouring out thru the avenue of Vapor into the lives of those who enter its bounds. We know that God has met us here and we continue to be strengthened by his promises that guide us. In studying faithful followers of the Old Test., we are encouraged reading Ezra, Nehemiah, and the like who were used to build for the sake of the Kingdom- Seeing their challenges and their attacks and God’s hand that sustained them and continued in flourishing the harvest, brings us deep comfort.
  

          This month has been attacks of others personal agendas, a lack of vision within a very short-term thinking culture, ‘leaders’ stepping off, corruption, self-seeking responses, and the like.  All in all though, we trust that God is bigger than any attacks. Ha, in fact, we are encouraged by them because we know we must be doing something right and we welcome them:).

- Keep praying for the leadership team. We know that another attack can be for us to ‘focus’ on the numbers. Its very easy to say that initially we need to have a certain number. But, we have all been joined together, praying earnestly to the Lord, for the laborers. We must trust then that God will raise up, within His purpose, the leaders for the Ngong Center. Due to some other opportunities, Eddie and Japheth have stepped off the leadership team. We are now down to 6 guys: Elly, Vinny, Bismark, Peter, Patrick, and Shadrack who we feel are committed. 2 of the guys are extremely busy, so we pray for how God will either continue them on the ministry or use them within another outlet of service for the Lord. We know that we can’t be frustrated with the numbers, but trust in God’s raising up the laborers. We pray for a solid group of leaders who are devoted to the cause of serving Christ.
          we will be starting the break off bible study on Dec. 5th---there are 3 workers at the project who are not believers but both of us have been been drawn to their dynamic, gentle personalities. They were all 3 questioning salvation just today. We recognize that they could be leaders that we have been praying for. So, pray along with us, for how God will speak within their lives- Simon, Gibson, and George.

God is moving. He is speaking into the lives of people. He is building us up for His service in this season and raising up leaders for when we return. We are blessed. We are encouraged. We are daily being sharpened. Praise the Lord! 

a Day to Remember.

An early morning , 6am, welcomed our day to what we thought would be a long, involved day at the project. As we were walking up the hill, it was an all too familiar sound, “Wazungu, howayu?!” echoed from the 10 x 20 tin shanty off the road by the church. Little Ester and Steven were waving as high as their little hands could reach. On most days, we give a big smile and greetings back but normally have to continue on our walk to the church. On this day, I wanted to greet them at their home. We walked to the shanty, and found not only Ester and Steven, but as we walked toward the doorway, 1, 2, 3, and then 12 kids appeared. Yes, this family has 12 kids who all live in a 10 x 20 shanty. These kids have the most beautiful presence about them. Each one serving the other and as we handed out cookies, they each made sure to pass it along to the one younger than them. We have yet to meet the Mom and Dad and they were out for the day, but a 12 year old came out holding a 6mo. And was the “mom” of all the rest- Whew, I wanted to stay there all day. They don’t really speak a lick of English so the conversation grows short real quick. After lots of precious hugs, we continued on to the church. Little Ester and Steven shortly welcomed us later with their water jugs in hand, getting ready to begin their 10 time trek of collecting water for the family.

We were suppose to have Chai with a Muslim guy who works at the site, but he was no where to be found. And we now know why. As we were waiting for him to show, just in front of the slum is a playing field where kids bring their homemade trash soccer balls and play their hearts out. We were blessed to have the privilege of meeting so many kids coming from the woodworks. John’s Mom came out to greet us, holding Bryan and I sat down with little Joyce for the entire time. Ester sat down her water jugs and nestled beside me as well. As I look up, I see John, Steven, and many others who hold labor some responsibilities daily—laughing, playing, and for once I saw the child inside them shining thru every kick of the ball--this is why we are here--not to just build a soccer field for the sake of playing soccer, but to offer a place of refuge for kids to come, sheltered away from the 'storm' and embraced by men and women who will invest in their lives and share Christ with them daily. It was a moment to remember to see these little ones truly having fun.We came back to the church to tend to the work and little John and Francis wanted to come be our helpers- wouldn’t leave our side until we left at 6pm. We did runs with them on the field and you could just feel their joy of having someone focus so much attention on them. I sat there watching Brett love on them so consistently and said days like these will tenderize our hearts when we have to leave this context. 

So, it was a precious day to remember being loved on in the slums. 

the Holiday.

Reflections of the day as I take my steamy hot shower – My time in my hot shower forces me to think about the faces of those whom I see daily, particularly the children who have never experienced warm water to wash off the dirt that they are covered in so often.  It’s a time of reflection and a time that I try to justify all the comforts that I tend to take for granted. 

Today was a Kenyan holiday.  People were off work, and children were released from school to celebrate Jomo Kenyatta day, Kenya’s first president.  When I think about holidays as a kid, I remember my family going to an amusement park, or a free day to play backyard football, or spending the whole day in front of the TV playing my new video game.  I had no responsibility because I was just a kid and kids are supposed to play on their days off, or at least that is what kids in a first world environment expects.  However, today I was not in a first world community, and I saw something quite different. 

This morning I met Esther and Steven.  I saw them throughout my day, but not in a manner you would expect to see an 8 and a 9 year old on a national holiday.  

 I spent my day at our church planning and preparing for our future Vapor soccer field and running track. I arrived to the church this morning and as I was in the field, these 2 little ones came walking up, each carrying 3-liter jugs in both hands, bare foot and barely covered from the cold.  They stopped, sat down their jugs, and greeted us with a smile and a big hug.  They asked for a biscuit (cookie), and they waited around until I checked my bag for any forgotten candies or goodies.  Unfortunately, neither Trishia nor I were in stock.  They picked up their jugs and continued on their journey to the nearest water point, which is about 300 yards down the hill from where we were standing.  We continued on with our work in the field and in about 30 minutes the 2 of them came back through, with the jugs full.  They were visibly struggling; the jugs looked quite heavy as their frail little bodies swayed back and forth to keep their momentum going forward.  About every 50 ft. they had to stop and take a rest and I would catch them turning around and curiously watching us.  When they saw us look at them they would wave and pick up the jugs and keep going.  A few minutes later they appeared with their gear of yellow jugs on their way for more water.  We greeted them again and received the same smiles and hugs as we did earlier.  They moved onward on their trail as they headed to their all to familiar water station.  They came back up that hill with the jugs full and carried out the same routine throughout the day.  I actually started looking for them to come into the gate as I realized that this was their duty the whole day.  I grew more and more interested in them as the day went on because we developed this friendship as we met so many times today.  I could not believe that children at this age were this disciplined and hard working.  Little Esther must have been getting tired because her last 2 trips she only carried one jug and it had been rigged to go on her back to ease the stress on her skinny arms. 

As I was leaving the church and the sun was setting I met my new friends coming for one last trek.  I couldn’t resist one last hug from them both. As I walked out of the church gate I turned around to see the brother and sister I had grown to love heading back down that hill. 

 What would seem like an exhausting day to us is a normal day by day routine for these two supporters for their family.  We are grateful that God reveals His strength and His sustaining power thru varying context: in this day, it became visible thru the hard-working presence of an 8 & a 9 year old.  Meetings such as these truly shed perspective on the importance of life and the means of survival that so many face within a third world environment. Our resources and our means in the States is abounding and we pray that as our hearts are stretched within this context that our lives will be centered on the perspective and the importance of a life spent following after Christ. 

and his name is John...

Proverbs 31: 8-9 “ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute, Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

What seems like should be a man aged and weathered by life’s almost paralyzing pursuit, is actually a nine-year-old boy named John. Our first impression of John consisted of our hearts stretched by the obvious malnutrition that has taken over himself and his three younger siblings. His behaviors outstretched as both father and mother, a boy timid from the proximity of wazungus, “white man” spoke out of a grave protection over the little ones he tended after. If you remember our blog, “Tension of a Grasping Hand”, we witnessed the breaking of bread between two very small children and the visible ability of God’s sustaining hand upon them. Since that day, God has drawn us closer into relationship with John and his siblings: Francis (5), Joyce (3), and Bryan (1). About two weeks ago, we were sitting in church when we glanced back to find the family of four standing between the doorframe searching for a place to get settled. When they saw us they came and nestled their way in between us. About 10 minutes later, we were both fighting back tears as we noticed Joyce’s white dress tainted from its lack of care and her constant itching from a rash that found its way all over her body –Francis appeared as if he had been thrown in every mud hole around- Bryan’s eyes spoke of his malnourished body- and John was dressed in his best pair of shorts with coat jacket. His tender care upon them speaks measures of this little boy who is raising his family. God has placed this family right in the deepest parts of our hearts that we feel will be ever present with us. On that particular day, John approached us pleading to come and live with us. If you can imagine our great difficulty in trying to explain to a nine-year-old why this would not be possible—lets just say that it continues to be a propeller for our spontaneous tears every time we see him. God has taught us measures on His ability to sustain, on his abounding love for the poor and the needy, and on His promises to lift their burdens as they seek after Him. It was a special moment for us that day to walk hand in hand with these little ones to the local corner store and fill every hand with maize, fruits, rice as we witnessed their quick swallowing of both bananas and oranges. This vastly demonstrated the lack of food that they had endured over the past weeks. Shortly after, we were walking them to their home when Joyce stumbled upon her little white dress and hit the floor sliding. With tears welling up John immediately ran to her cry. Brett picked her up as she squeezed as tightly as possible to find the safety of his arms holding her. This spoke of the survival that God brings to these kids thru the life of John- a nine year old that without us there would have had Joyce in one arm, Bryan on his shoulders, and Francis holding his other hand. “Rich and poor have this in common; the Lord is the Maker of them all.” Proverbs 22:2

Today we found ourselves in another heart stretching embrace with our little friends. Joyce and Bryan stayed back home with their Mom as we welcomed John and Francis to take their spots nestled between us. Either El Nino or random rains have covered over the land here and all its people for the past few days. Francis was very much attacked by El Nino’s hand as he came stumbling in with shorts, a drenched hoody, and shaking from the coldness he had probably felt for days. We have grown to treasure and to savor these moments that we have with them in church—able to witness John released momentarily from his responsibilities of playing both mother and father, as he eagerly participates in singing worship songs and reading along in Scriptures during the message. After the service, John informed us that his dad has been hoarding money from his job and using it on alcohol. He proceeded to tell us that when his dad comes home drunk that he will beat the kids and then the kids would go stay with neighbors until he sobers up. Again, you can imagine our difficulty in explaining to a nine year old boy why we can’t just rescue them all from the situation. “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Prov. 15: 3

Pray for the wisdom, the discretion, and the understanding that we need to be a mouthpiece for this family, especially as we seek out the validity and the magnitude of this situation.
Proverbs 2: 6
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Pics to prove it:).

So, the physical work has began at the property!! It has been so amazing to witness many lives changed because of a job. Smiles fill the workplace as people come together and shovel the fields for a greater purpose. The men took initiative and every morning they switch off sharing devotions with all the workers. It is a blessing to see all gathered together because of the provisions of God's abundant hand.

Posted some pictures of the 1st week of work on Facebook: Here is the link below. If you want to keep checking it from time to time we will track the progress thru this photo album. 

 http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=325265&id=611190289&l=603abf7e87

Also, we have moved into our Ngong home. The reason we first chose to live here was because it is less than a 5 minute walk to the church and nestled in between both slums of Ngong. It has been a blessing to see how God provides even the things that we don't really 'need' but can use to create a comfortable home. Thank you Les and Michael for allowing us to use all the curtain and a kitchen table (sharing meals with others is huge in this culture so we are thankful to have a place to open a table for them). Also, our Pastor gave us cups and a cooker. People donated to us a coffee pot and furniture. It has allowed us to have a comfortable and inviting environment for all who enter. It is a perfect place for us to open our home for the purpose of establishing closer relationships with the community here. Now that we are here, we also see the investments needed with the Kenyan family on the property. Be praying for the opportunities that we have to share our lives with them and to share Christ's abundant love. To name specifically for prayers: Meshack (father), Rose (mother), daughters Faith, Eve. Granddaughter: Mam Housegirl: Lily  Caretaker: Fred.  

You can check out pics of the place at: 

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=325923&id=611190289&l=4d7eba8be6

Praises.

Today, we were walking up the Ngong hills to the church's property with such joy. Almost 4 months of planning (not including the months of preparation States side) and today was our ground breaking celebration. We had 30 men/women show up to begin shoveling the red soil in order to prepare a playing ground for the kids at the AIC school. This will give us the red soil needed to use on the Vapor fields below. It was so rewarding and a constant encouragement to witness so many families blessed by work- They all thanked Vapor for allowing them the opportunity to provide for their families. Hard work continued on all day and will carry out over the next few weeks (this portion of work). We were able to share our purpose for being here with the workers as we praised God for the blessings He has graciously given us to come this far. Today was an incredible day for us! 

Another praise. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we are MOVING into our Ngong home!! It is finally ready and after viewing it today, we are more than excited to open its doors for all who enter. Its proximity is a central location to the church, the slums, the town, and the leaders we are discipling for the Vapor team. It is a great home nestled amidst the Kenyan people and we are thankful to have this opportunity to expand our territory even further. Our homes this far have all been a providential blessing: Bul was an inviting embrace for us-- time with our friends has been a constant support and encouragement--our prayer is that Ngong can be our home that is open to all, allowing us close relations with its people. 

an updated view on different aspects...

We think that it has been a while since we have updated you on some logistics on the building side of things here in Ngong. 

* The contract with AIC has officially been signed, sealed, and delivered!! This has been the missing link we have been waiting for in order to begin building. This means that we can now begin the process of digging up red soil on the property to get the fields ready for the great harvest of building. 

* Meeting with the survey and architect this week in order to get the final paperwork on everything. They will be bringing things before the city council to get our permit to build at the church. Pray that this process goes smoothly and quickly as possible. 

* Pray for the juocoli workers that we will be hiring to build the fields. We will be hiring local people from the slum areas and the community. There have already been some who have surfaced but pray for the other workers needed. Our goal is to bless as many families as possible. 

* The discipleship is going very well. Brett is meeting with 8 men from the leadership team consistently and Trishia is meeting with 3/4 women weekly for a bible study. Continue to pray for the spiritual growth of these men and women who we feel will be leaders within the ministry upon our departure. 

* Daily we are faced with people in very real and very difficult need. Pray for the overflowing love from our Father to sustain us. That we may respond out of the wisdom and the grace of God's heart. Its difficult to aid others without crippling them, so pray that God daily reveals to us how to "teach men to fish, rather than give them fish." 

Housing update: We looked at the apartment on Sunday and the landlord is saying that come Sunday, we should be able to move in. We are ready to have a place to open our doors to the many relationships that we are establishing here. Pray for the quick finishing touches of this week to be solidified for our moving date. We will keep you posted! 

as the least of these...

An alluring song,  sang passionately out of native tongues, ushered all within its pull into a great praise before the Lord's presence. A universal God spoke life into incomprehensible words for us. Swahili could very quickly wedge a gap for us in the worship realm of truly connecting with other believers. With hands raised and dancing displayed, we instantly found our bridge to connect the gaps. 

If you remember us talking about Gichagi and the precious John and Francis, God spoke His bounty to us thru their presence in church today. After many songs that we could not comprehend, a familiar tune ushered our hearts. Na wewe tu bwana: It's only You, My Lord. It is natural for us to view our experiences thru our own cultural lens. Yet, the truth remains that is often dismissed is that we, as believers, serve a universal God: One who can speak all languages and who can connect all hearts. In the middle of this praise song we look up to see John and Francis kneeled down, whispering Its only you, My Lord. What a captivating moment to see a 9 yo. and a 4 yo. kneeled before their Creator. Knowing they do not fully grasp the power behind their kneeled whispers, it was evident why Jesus extended himself to be approached as these little ones. God is the Father of all tribes, all tongues, and all nations. Unbiased and unconditionally, He opens himself for all to enter His gates. It was a powerful and tender moment where we could feel the presence of our loved ones who have already entered Heaven's gates, who at this same moment in time, with hands raised and dancing displayed, were praising our same Father. 

If you proclaim to know and to believe in this same God, then next time you enter your church's doors come before the Lord's presence in remembrance of John and Francis: uninhibited from tradition's stains...their hands were raised and their dancing proclaimed a joy before the great Author of their life- May we all be fully engaged without distraction of other's view. 

God pursues us with deep love and speaks to us in differing ways. Bwana Asifiwe, Praise the Lord, that God has pursued us today thru the example of a 4 yo. and a 9 yo who in this context is to be considered the "least of these." 

down the Nile...

We just returned from a most amazing vacation down the Nile. Traveling down the Kenyan roads crossing into Uganda, we witnessed the bountiful and beautiful land. We were able to spend 5 days in Jinja, Uganda on a great campsite overlooking the Nile river- the sounds and the sights of the Nile were breathtaking. We then had the opportunity to white water raft down the river (don't worry Moms, it was safe:). An incredible experience to say the least. Class 5/6 rapids. 

The community was a coastal life pace and we loved being able to meet the hospitable people- The homes were mud huts all around and little naked kids filled the view of the roads. It was a most perfect time enjoying the nature and the people of Uganda. We definitely fell in love with this new land. 

Time to leave EmBulBul...

A place not sought after yet graciously given during our weighing circumstances, EmBulBul welcomed us with open arms and now it is time for us to push forward into the embrace of another. We will be moving on Sunday, the 6^th, into a holding ground until our place opens up mid-month. Our precious friends, Michael and Lesley, have opened up their home to us as we seek refuge in this yet once again waiting period of our home to be ready. We are so grateful for the extension of their generosity and their hospitality. We anticipate living with them for the next 1-2 weeks, depending on all finalization of our flat in Ngong Hills.

 We leave with an array of mixed emotions, ranging from a readiness to have a place available to open the doors to all who enter and a pain in leaving behind a community who has stretched our hearts on a continuous basis.

 We will miss the sights and voices of the tin shanty on the edge of the road, where many children would shout “mzungu, mzungu—howayu? Im fine…” We gained much strength in witnessing their constant display of togetherness and community.

 As we greeted each child, the walk would then take us to Whecliff’s corner store, where we would purchase our daily milk and 4 eggs for 8 bob a piece. His smile is contagious and we pray that God will continue to plant the harvest within his life for a total surrender upon His abounding love.

 The next block of community was a long stretch nestled within a trash heap that we would find many kids rummaging thru the ‘treasures’ that they could savage from other’s left overs. Oh Lord, that you may provide the nutrition that these little ones need and that you may restore their bodies so that they may grow to know you and to live a life centered in your love. Protect them Father in the providence of your Hand. 

 Greetings were then extended in each direction: to the men working diligently to create their own wood working masterpiece, to the workers who put forth their best smile and hello for us to purchase fruit from their stands, to the row of tin shanty homes where women and children were working quite intently to sow as many garments as possible, to the workers who all extended a friendly demeanor standing guard at the three stores where we alternated buying some daily foods and on some days sweeties for the little ones. Oh Lord, that you may continue to bless their efforts and bring them the business that they need in order to carry out providing for their families. You are the one to sustain, to provide, to uphold- May you bring upon them your blessings and an acceptance of your Hand in their life.

 Our steps then led us to what we called the “corner”. A tin stand filled with fruits, vegetables of various kinds and daily manned by Mama Eliza- From our stretch between the three stores and “corner”, kids would flood our path in great magnitude, jolting toward us with arms raised high for us to greet them. The three kids who daily surfaced in our minds and in our path were: brothers, David and Ian, and precious Eliza, along with her older twin sisters. David has this generous way about him, as he takes my hand upon each meeting together and twists it for quite some time, rubbing every ounce ever so gently all over his face. I guess its his way of showing us how excited he is to see us. His eyes and sweet smile look up to us with a rare gentleness and a consistent kindness. Ian, his older brother, has eyes glazed and tainted by malnutrition’s dreadful hand. The ring leader of the group, his interactions are finished once he assesses if the mzungu’s have any gifts for them that day:)- His presence is a constant reminder of the survival that these kids daily face. Oh Lord, that you may pursue after these little ones with a passionate love and with a great zeal. May you restore their lives and protect them from falling into the slum’s street kid mentality of sniffing glue. Take these young boys and their many friends and allow a harvest to come forth in their life. May they come to know your love and live a life fully embracing your salvation.

Within this magnitude of little ones, we daily see Eliza from a distance, arise from her mound of dirt pile, and run towards us with great persistence to get thru the others and cling to our legs ever so tightly. Eliza will latch onto our legs with such tenderness, sweetly gaze up at us with her bright eyes, and raise her arms for us to pick her up and hold her. It is a moment that we will both miss terribly. We will miss learning from her tender attention and God’s many lessons thru her sweet presence. Oh Lord, we already see the independent ability of this little one to keep up with life’s strives and ways- Grow her Father in the shadow of your wings and plant your harvest in her life. Continue to bring people into her path who will fall in love with her as much as we have and who can teach her your amazing love. We pray for her salvation and for the family that you have born her into. Draw them together in your love. 

We walk yet another stretch to discover another slew of little one’s huge grins and many greetings- wazungu, howayu, im fine…This group of precious ones holds more of God’s abundant teachings for us. A little one, with the greatest smile, takes all ownership over us as he grasps our hand tightly and slaps any other little hand that attempts to take hold of ours. He has been our ‘watchman’, as much as a little 4 year-old can be. Ha. We will miss the daily games of soccer that the kids passionately play. This side of our Bul community also holds our nightwatchman’s little twin girls, that we have both fallen so much in love with. Their sweet smiles are ones that are forever etched in our hearts. Oh Lord, that you can grow this community in a passionate love relationship with you. Teach them to fear you and to obey your commandments.

John Paton stated, "This is strength; this is peace; to feel, in entering on every day, that all its duties and trials have been committed to the Lord Jesus — that, come what may, He will use us for His own glory and our real good!"

In no way, can we fully articulate our great love for this community of Bul and the lives that have been strategically used to keep the eyes of our hearts opened in order to be sensitive to God’s Spirit stirring within us. It is with a difficult step that we move outside of these daily joys amidst their beautiful presence. But, we trust that God had us here for a purpose and that He will protect and pursue after these little ones consistently.

"Nothing so clears the vision and lifts up the life, as a decision to move forward in what you know to be entirely the will of the Lord."  --John Paton

 We know that it is time, but pray for us as we release the daily love these kids and this community provides for us. Pray for the seeds that have planted during our presence here and that in their lives God will bring forth the great harvest.

We will let you know, as soon as we knowJ, the next move into our Ngong home. 

Technology is amazing.

It amazes us how technology can connect us across all distance. Because of Dan and Scott's persistent work, we had the distinct privilege of being present for Sa and Travis' special wedding day. Being able to 'visit' with such close friends and family bridged the gap we had originally anticipated from missing their day. It placed great encouragement within us to witness all parts of the ceremony and the reception. Another blessing was that thru a phone call, we were able to share words of encouragement and a prayer of blessing over them during the ceremony. An abundant blessing for sure!! 

Connect our hearts, Oh Lord...

Its difficult for our hearts this week as family are coming in for Sarah and Travis' wedding: Brett's grandparents and other immediate family in Colorado are flying in for 2 weeks and we would treasure the opportunity to spend quality time with them. Lindsay, Brett's other sister, just got home from FL and we know the many moments with loved ones that we are missing, as extended/immediate, close friends will all be gathered for the day. WE are trying not to get our hopes up but desperately wanting to be able to connect and to witness the day, via Skype. Its hard not being there to participate in it all and in moments like these, Africa feels so very far away. But, we pray for the peace and the acceptance that we need as we are separated during this special time. SA, Trav, family, and friends: know that if at all possible we would have been there with you all. Take lots of pictures for us--maybe some where you can insert us in the middle so we can 'pretend' like we were there:). 

An Upward Call...

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:3

The Kiserian race was a day that fueled us with much joy and great strength as we were encompassed by hundreds of elite trained athletes who all pressed on toward the same goal ahead- a diligence that was demonstrated thru each athlete's stride.  From the initial view of the race course, the roads were paved with consistent difficulties as upward hills would fuel the runner's pace. Japheth, one of our guys on our discipleship team,  beautifully stated prior to the race, "We are all here, equal, and its up to each of us if we run this race, for the goal set ahead." His words spoke loudly as we envisioned the choices we each make to press on toward our upward call in Christ. With this in mind, the race took on a new meaning in our view. 

We were blessed to have a view, front and center, as we participated in riding in the lead car. Thus, allowing us to witness the strides, the diligence, the perseverance of the race's constant journey. Differing levels of athletes chose to embrace the upward rigors of the race. Riding in front of the runners, we witnessed the crowd participation cheering all athletes across the finish line- all ages {young children all the way to the older men/women}, all trained { those heavier proportioned, thinner framed, stronger built}, all dressed {bare foot, in dresses, in best gear}. Yet all equal...All showed up and finished the race that was set out before them. 

Running is such a spiritually impacting sport as one gains a full portrait of a journey lived in the utmost of diligence and of strength. One can see the push needed within different parts of the course and the crowd that fuels their strides. In this course called life, we individually (all equal) choose to press on toward the goal. Yet, we have our brothers/sisters (the crowd) that is ever supporting us to finish out each part in great strength. Japheth came running around the corner with such a determined stance and after he finished strongly, he proudly stated, "I accomplished my goal." 

Although Kimosop did not take 1st position, in a forceful sprint to the finish, the crowd powerfully cheered him to the finish line. He ran a very well race and afterwards, his body felt stronger than ever.  In a spiritual sense, a beautiful depiction of our upward call to Christ as we persevere to the prize set before us. 

Update: Irene Limika did not secure a position in the winner's podium, but her placement is within the top 20 women in the world. Many opportunities to continue running in prestige races await her. 

Running Mecca of the World. .

An exciting opportunity that we have within the running mecca of the world, is that we will be witnessing hundreds of elite, professional athletes compete for the first position in a new race in Kiserian (right outside of Ngong) this Saturday, the 22nd. For those of you who know Edward Kimosop, he will competing in the 21K (half-marathon). Many of the runners who we have developed close relationships with are competing in the 10K, 15K, and the 21K. Be praying for God to run fiercely thru their bodies and allow His will to come fully upon the outcome of the race. WE are praying with great diligence that His will is for Kimosop to take the title, but we trust in God's purpose in His life. Pray for a race ran in the utmost of perseverance and strength.
In addition, we have another friend who will be running this weekend in the Berlin World Championships on Sunday the 23rd. Competing for the World Women's title, Irene Limika will be giving her all in this race. We have developed a strong relationship with her and her family and are anticipating a strong outcome for her.

1 Cor. 9: 24-27
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So, run that you may obtain it. Every athlete practices self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But, I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
 We know that her body has been trained in the utmost of diligence and in the greatest of care. We know that Irene has been training her mind to be focused on the goal that is set out before her.  Yet, we also know that the greatest prize and goal of all is to run the race in the fullest of praise to our Father- Our God in Heaven who has blessed her body with the ability to run so swiftly. As a believer, pray that Irene will be able to carry the love that she has for God with her as she runs so diligently toward the goal in front of the whole world watching. Pray that He will fuel her every step and that others may see God's love overflowing from her example. 

Prayer for housing.

We were unable to connect to Skype because of internet connection, but thank you for those who attended Jd & Shellys wedding and have posted pics. It sheds much encouragement for us to be able to 'witness' the day. 

Yesterday, we were able to speak with the owner of an apartment we have had our eye on. Its still being built, so we were uncertain of how 'quickly' it would all be progressing. AFter talking to the owner, we feel that by Sept.4th it would be available for us to move in. This week is the final negotiations on the price, so please be praying that if God wills it, then all things will unfold as He sees it. Its a perfect place- nestled on the Ngong Hills, a 2 min. walk to the church and our Center- in between Gichagi & Ngong slum-  overlooking the city of Ngong and all its people--free-range chickens running around--a place for our own garden. A 2-bedroom apartment, so an extra room that awaits any visitors:).  An inviting place for those that God has to enter our doors...We will of course miss our precious friends in BulBul but sense that God has us to be closer to our Center, for all the people there who He has brought us here to grow with. Be praying for God's will in this. We trust His timing, so if this is not the place, then we wait for what God does have for us. 

Blessed...

We are blessed beyond measure as we have the strengthening opportunity to spend the weekend with our precious friends, Lesley & Michael Stevens. We are thankful to have some good quality time with familiar, close friends. We will be going to the school where Michael works to participate in the joyous celebration of JD & Shelly's beautiful wedding day (which is convenient they live across the street from the school). What a provision that Skype can allow us to not miss the great event! Ha, but then again, pray that it works:) A power rationing these days has impacted the internet's quickness. If you are reading JD & Shelly, congratulations and we love you so much! "See" you at the wedding... 

Being Rather than Doing.

Manning eloquently stated, “We have been given God in our souls and Christ in our flesh. We have the power to believe where others deny, to hope where others despair, to love where others hurt. This and so much more is sheer gift; it is not reward for our faithfulness, our generous disposition, or our heroic life of prayer. Even our fidelity is a gift. “It we but turn to God,” said St.Augustine, “that itself is a gift of God.” My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.”

 In our Americanized framework of thinking, being task-oriented is the blood that runs through our being. It fuels our passions and paves the way for our ‘goals’ to be accomplished. It is the mile-marker that gets us to where we desire to go. This often times flows easily into our Christian approach to life: that in order to be present, to be engaged in communion with God that we must do for him- Yet, the downfall comes when our task-oriented mentality blinds us from being with God.  However, being task-oriented is also a strength of America, allowing the ability to be focused and to be diligent in accomplishing great tasks.  Pursuing goals and making marks to accomplish them is not the problem. Where the issue lies, is when those ‘goals’ and those ‘marks’ blind us from the root of where those passions came from in the first place. If being with God is not the foremost then our doing for God will be in great vain. As a Christ-follower, we often use words like grace and purpose within the speech of our daily monologue. We have never been challenged as deeply are we are in this context--where what brought us here was a great task, of building a Vapor Sports Center. What happened over these past few weeks was that we became so consumed with the many ‘marks’ to get us there, that we were blinded in being with the One who brought us here in the first place. God has allowed a bump, a pot hole if you will, to stop our task-oriented strive and reposition our path to be centered on His fueling. There have been days where God has said, put the project down for today. I need you to be relational with others and to be in communion with me. From our framework, our world lens is almost viewed through timelines and deadlines. But, in God’s lens, He sees the needs before Him and the compassion He wants to show others through us. We are not able to see that lens, if we are not centered on being with God. If our tasks of 'ministry' and 'helping others' become more consuming, then we will forfeit the love of Christ to pour through us. 

Zacharius stated, “Faith is a thing of the mind. If you do not believe that God is in control and has formed you for a purpose, then you will flounder on the high seas of purposelessness, drowning in the currents and drifting further into nothingness.” If we are not positioned in being in Christ, rather than doing for Him then will drift further out into ‘nothingness.’ We are only sufficient through the grace given to us, freely, through Christ. May we find our times with Him as the communion we need to extend our time, our efforts, and our resources to others. 

with Hands extended...

Impacted by the joy that resonates with two individuals becoming man and wife, we were reminded of the immediacy of why God has called us to the ‘nations’, here in this context and now at this time. We experienced our first Kenyan wedding, which was a joyous day to celebrate in. At the reception, we were standing at the end of the food line, soaking up the Kenyan dancing, as we saw about 50 kids in the distance waiting so patiently for their invitation to join in the festivities.

 You see, we believe that God works in mysterious ways and that He ‘wills and acts according to His good purpose.’ The week leading up to this event, we were almost bombarded by the requests extended by poverty’s hand: people knocking on our doors for needs, people stopping us pleading for our assistance, people digging thru trash to savor any type of ‘nutrition’, and the like. In what ways can we truly ‘help’ those who are extending their hand in great need? There is such a battle in giving here, because almost all are in some type of need. In this context, money is seen as a polar opposite function for life: If someone asks you for money and you have it, then their immediate needs ‘trumps’ your need. In our mindset, we are taught to ‘budget’, to save, to balance out our needs versus wants. In this mindset, there is a socialistic view of helping others who are less fortunate, mainly believing that one day you may be the one on the other end with hands extended in need. Maintains good Karma, if you will. When you give ‘effortlessly’ and then see the money handed off to another in a need that may not be a priority in your thoughts, its difficult to continue in that extension to others. To provide food on one day, and then witness a lack thereof on another, its difficult to embrace. To extend investment in others and then to feel personal attacks against their schemes, is difficult to understand. To not take it personally and to not harbor resentment on a culture’s paralyzing hand, is difficult to release. Yet, God collides with the drawing allure of our flesh, as he gently restores us saying “do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” (Gal.6:9-10). Our greatest prayer has been that He would daily restore the attack of weariness within us and that He may surface His wisdom and His discretion in our heart—that we may not see a hand extended in need as a burden for what is to come, but believe in God’s promises to sustain the righteous—that we may not embrace a belief in personal attacks, but take His ‘yoke’ that is light and allow God to bring judgment upon others---that we may not focus on the ways our help can cripple others, but believe in God’s Spirit’s leading within us to extend at His appropriate time.

 As we were praying over the difficulties that the week offered, God restored to us focus and remembrance of our time through the interaction of a specific family of four that we are sure that you will remember. Remember the 50 kids waiting…Well, their invitation was finally extended, and their feet scurried across the plain to line up for their ‘meal of the day’ Remember the blog ‘tension of the grasping hand’ with the family of 4 from Gichagi village. Well, as we get our plate of food, with no spoons left to offer, we sit down to eat along the ground (because all chairs had been taken) and lo and behold our precious friends come and sit beside us: John, Bryan, Sarah, and Francis. Each with a plate piled high of rice, potatoes, and beef stew and a welcoming embrace as they recognized who we were. If we had received a spoon, a chair, then we would have been sitting inside of the wedding tent, away from the kids, and not have been blessed by their presence.  Sitting there with them, still looking like they had been left in the mud for days, shone forth once again our purpose here. There are going to be hands extended to us most likely the entire time that we are here, and yes, its difficult to have to say no to some of their needs, but we were reminded that God has us here for a very specific reason. If we gave to all hands extended, then there would be no room left to finish what we have started here. We were the only ones sitting with the kids, behind the wedding ceremony, and it was a special moment that will be etched forever in our hearts, as we were looking at the field where the Vapor Sports Center will be placed.

 These 50 kids, and this particular family will have a place to call a second home, or for some a first home—a Vapor Sports Center will be built so that they can continuously be fed by the only food that will sustain them, by the only One who can carry them through life’s strives—the Word of God will be poured into them through the leaders that we disciple here. We have been here for two months now, and God’s presence working thru us is evident, as He used the joy of a wedding and His precious little ones to restore to us once again the joy of His salvation. We can’t help everyone, and we can’t solve the problems of Africa, but we can stay focused on why God is using us here for His purpose, and from His leading pour out to those who encompass our steps. 

Happy Birthday....

A day, in celebration, holds new meaning as we partake in a birthday within a third world environment. An embraced thought of life truly is a Vapor; appearing for a short while, then vanishing. A life celebrated because in God's Providential Hand, the strives of this world have not taken this child. Faith, Edward's daughter, turned eight years old today. A normalcy for us, a rare treasure for her, Faith opened the gift we gave her with a meticulous hand. Every piece of tape was removed with tender care- paper that she has never known unclothed the gift she now proudly possessed. A fun to paint book brightened this child's demeanor, as we witnessed more gratitude from this 'simple' gift than any given in the States. With an instant reach, Faith already was experiencing her newly found love, painting--one that she has never seen before. 

We found ourselves wanting to shout, "Rip it, its your bday." Then realizing it was the first gift that she has ever known. This newness astounded her and with a patient ease, she savored the excitement that it brought. We witnessed true gratitude and thankfulness that took root in a precious child's joy of a 'simple' birthday gift. 

We were able to take the whole Kimosop family to a giraffe, 'twika,' center where Faith was able to feed them out of the palm of her hand. With great contemplation, she slowly inched toward this 'foreign' animal and laughed as Brett and Edward fed it from their mouths! An experience that Faith did not boldly accept, but timidly placed a few bits of food in her hand instead. With her head down in a frightened stance, and eyes looking upward toward the 'twika', Faith eventually welcomed its large tongue to swoop every morsel from her palm. In an immediate jolt, Faith took off to hide behind us. With a new found confidence, Faith carried herself with an 'older' step, that on her 8th birthday, she met a 'twika' face to face. 

Tension of a grasping hand.

Tension of a grasping Hand.

Jim Elliot stated: “Father, let me be weak that I may lose my clutch on everything temporal. My life, my reputation, my possessions, Lord, let me lose the tension of my grasping hand…, Only open my hand to receive the nail of Calvary, as Christ’s was opened- that I, releasing all, might be released, unleashed from all that binds me now.”

Today as we found ourselves within the heart of the slum, we gained much understanding in the immense necessity to lose the tension of our grasping hands.  A tension that can be defined by holding onto our comforts, by striving toward what is self-satisfying, and by guarding ourselves from the pains of this world.  Moments where poverty’s paralyzing nature overwhelms us and leads us into wrestling with feelings of great helplessness, God brings His abounding strength and deep wisdom to ease our weary minds.  Aureius rightfully stated that “a man’s thoughts dye his soul.”   We have learned the vital truth that the moment our thoughts race toward helplessness, we must run fiercely in the other direction, straight to the heart of our Father. In our own power, we will never possess enough strength to face what surfaces before us- never have enough grace to continue in love with those who may hurt us- never have enough love to bestow upon those who do not return our extended efforts- never have enough understanding to face the gruel realities of this world- never have the ability to loosen our grip on what so tightly binds us. “…Only open my hand to receive the nail of Calvary… that I, releasing all, might be released, unleashed from all that binds me now.”

Gichagi village is a slum environment nestled behind the African Inland Church, where its inhabitants search high and low to secure a job during the day that will feed their children at night. Many of the children may eat breakfast and then if their parents secure work the children will be satisfied by a meal of some kind. We spent today investing in the hearts of those who God placed before us. Within this journey, we came across a family represented only by the children: a boy (John), around age 10, holding his younger brother (Bryan), around age 1, on his shoulders. With his pants hanging off, with no diaper to be found, this little boy’s yellow hairline demonstrated his parent’s great difficulty in securing enough food for this family. The oldest (10yo) serves as both mother and father during the day to his three younger siblings (6 yo, (Francis) 3 yo (Sarah), 1 yo. (Bryan)). Not able to attend school because of fees,  John attentively cares for Bryan as us ‘mzungus (white man) attempt to hold this little one and he crawls back into the arms of his brother. John serves as a shelter among any storm that may thwart the safety of his family. ‘Oh Father unleash us from all that binds us now. When we feel helpless as in our efforts do not sustain, keep us focused on your Providential Hand. Father, let me be weak that I may lose my clutch on everything temporal. ‘ Recognizing the vital immediacy to lift their display of hunger, God provided enough food to take care of his family, as well, as the other children in need who encompassed him. Witnessing this provision released the helplessness that we can battle with so desperately in this context. Knowing that God is the father to the fatherless and the protector of widows; that the righteous will not go hungry. -Proverbs 20:13  “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty, open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.” 

‘Oh Father that we may loosen the tension of our grasping hand and anything that may enslave us from extending the fullness of ourselves to others. ‘ As the children forcefully took down their pieces of food, justice shown itself differently through a moment we witnessed with two very young boys aiding one another in survival.  The released tension of a grasping hand was exemplified through the open hands of Christ as we sat with a young boy who displayed the alcohol that is fed to him to crave the hunger pains and the other who displayed the malnutrition that has attacked his feeble body for some time.  In a moment where the oldest could have held tightly to his opportunity of nutrition for the day, this precious one sacrificially gave up his guarantee and risked acquiring food for another time for the sake of another. The older of the two took it upon himself to make sure the little one received every ounce of bread within his body.  As the youngest was struggling to hold the bread in its entirety, morsels began to drop into the dirt below.  The oldest, so tenderly, caught the morsels within his tiny hands, and fed every ounce of remain to the youngest—not one morsel found itself into the dirt below.  It was a moment of rare sacrifice that truly showed us the ability we have to loosen the tension of our grasping hands—to release the comforts that bind us, to release the self-satisfying efforts, and to release the guard that clothes us.   In our culture, we hold on to so many things that bind us from seeing the needs of others—be it a fear of the unknown, an exhaustion of extending to those in need, an unwillingness to invest our time in others, or an excuse of helplessness that our efforts will not sustain. In this culture, it is their way of survival to look after those who encompass their steps. May we all search after the things that enslave us, and release them so that just as Christ’s hand was opened, ours will spread fully in the same accord.

We posted some pictures of these little ones on Facebook. Here is a link that you should be able to view the pictures.

Album: Gichagi & BulBul

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=288338&id=611190289&l=872a95454c

To see other pictures of our time here thus far, you can view another album at this link below:

Album: Kenya Adventure

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=277801&id=611190289&l=f92fddf2a2

 

 

Running the race.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1 Corn. 9:24-27. 

We were reminded today of the great power of discipline and the rewards of a life spent in consistent regimen. Watching Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist compete for another title of representing Kenya in the Berlin World Championships (in Aug.) was an opportunity that we were fully engaged in. We spent the day with some of our runners and it was such a rare moment to watch the trials with professional athletes. It amazes us the intensity of these runners- 400m, steeplechase, 1000m, javelin,etc.- we watched with focus as the crowd raised and cheered upon the turn of their favorite competitor to cross the finish line . It is a great sport of crowd involvement yet such an individual strain as he/she sprints to the finish. We were part of the World Championship Track finals today among some of the greatest athletes in the world- what a perfect day for us! 

Homemade radios & black leather shoes...

Tonight we experienced a humbling moment that will be etched in our hearts forever. We were blessed to share in our dinner (rice & lentils) with our night watchman (Juma) and his twin daughters (4 yo.- Sharon & Valerie)--Sitting in the dim light together with the African sky illuminating our dinner, we gathered around the watchman post and the new makeshift toilet as our neighboring dinner guest. Juma is a trick-of-all-trades as he pulled out his homemade radio for our dinner entertainment. He then pointed to his homemade leather shoes that of course he is now going to make for Brett as well. It reminded us that even the little things can be used to bless others as Juma shared with us his thankfulness to providing a dinner for his girls. He said that they had taken bread before they came and that would have been their only food for the evening. As we walk each day to and from our home we witness the flies that befriend each child and the dirt that remains their clothing. Our prayer is that as God gives us consistent interactions that we will not miss the times He gives us opportunities to share his love with others. Something as simple as sharing a meal has given two precious girls a full stomach as they "lala salama" (sleep well) for the next day.