Moments never forgotten...

Our last moments in Kenya were marked with an emotional embrace that could never be articulated fully in words. Our hearts are pierced by the lives of faith who have taught us deeply about true compassion and extended love. Through the heart of Christ, we have abundantly been blessed to receive a Kenyan family that will stretch across all waters and distance apart. Releasing day to day proximity is no easy feat as we value the ways God continues to use each of their lives and their presence to sharpen us and to challenge us in the faith.

This week we were able to work alongside a group of men from the States as they spent time in fellowship with our leadership team and prayed over them thru a footwashing and a time of encouragement. It was a beautiful moment as Daniel expressed the story of Saul being lifted down by ropes (in Acts) so that he could continue to share the gospel. He voiced the picture of all of us being the ropes for the men- that we are all serving a part of advancing the gospel, but that as we are away from Ngong, we serve as their ropes- supporting them, encouraging them, working together for the sake of Christ- such a beautiful depiction of our family in Christ. The Ngong leadership team then joined in a circle, hand in hand, as many prayers were lifted on their behalf- prayers for unity, for passion, for devotion, and for vision as they take on the reigns to carry out the mission in Ngong. We are now holding the ropes as they go forth and fiercely love the community of Ngong. We are eager to return and to witness the many kids who will be mentored thru the devoted efforts of our Kenyan family.

As we spent our last moments on the site, we looked across the track, the field, Gichagi (the slum), and the Ngong hills and were filled with inexpressible joy for the Lord’s faithfulness over these past 16 months. The Lord has powerfully revealed that He works thru our weaknesses to display His strength. We have felt like Noah building the ark many times over this time- in moments feeling the impossibilities that are seen from our own view, but in the Lord’s plan His purpose always prevails. Once again, hand In hand with our guys, we will remember this last moment singing together, Na we we tu Bwana- Its only you, my Lord...Their voices will forever ring in our hearts as we know that the it is the Lord who has raised them up for service and it is the Lord who will make all things grow. As Paul expresses to the church in Corinthians, Who is Paul? Who is Apollos? For it is the Lord who makes all things grow. We have only been used as a vessel to bring the vision to the hearts of Ngong- Each of you were holding the ropes as we were released into Ngong 16 months ago, and now it is our position to hold the ropes for each of our guys. We believe in them and we trust that the Lord will boldly use their hearts as a vessel to pour out His love and His purpose.

we wish that we could have captured this moment ‘live’ yet it is permanently etched in our hearts for any moment of recollection. As we are making our final steps down Ngong hill, little Lucy skips out of her home with the most captivating smile we have seen from her yet. Life’s hand is displayed upon her torn dress and her dirty frame. This hug is unlike any other we have known- an embrace that only the Lord has orchestrated and a connection that can never be torn. Lucy is like our own- thru and thru- and quickly tears became a waterfall as we knew our moment had come to release our daily proximity with her and the other ‘least of these’. The Lord beautifully connected our lives as one and her life’s testament will be one that pushes us in our life decisions back in the States. Making this transition ushers a culture shock almost impossible to fully articulate, but one that we will not make without carrying each Kenyan family with us. May we not forget how we can organize our lives to continue in close, daily proximity with each of our Kenyan brothers and sisters.

Grayson is Kenyan thru & thru as he has spent 8 months of his life with the people and amidst the bounty of the land. Each person has poured deep love over him, prayed over his days, and encouraged his life in more ways than I express. He has many little friends who are awaiting their day to walk hand in hand with him. We were humbled by his life as we were able to welcome our brother Albert’s little girl- Trishia:)- into the world. We enter the hospital that is situated in the heart of Matheri- the slum where children are plagued by the effects of a trash heap as their home. Albert’s wife welcomed their little one along with 3 other women in the world who were also receiving their children at the same time. Sweet Albert was the one responsible to fix his wife chai and bread so that they could have something to eat that day. A much different experience than State side. We do not want to forget the ways that the Lord has generously protected Grayson and continued to grow him to this point. Even though we will be delivering State side, Grayson will be welcomed into this world by many family across the world. May the Lord grant us the provision to connect them together once again...

Prayers for the weeks ahead.

As you know, our season on the ground in Kenya is quickly coming to a close come Nov. 2nd. The enemy is working in great ways to throw vast opposition our way. Yet, it encourages us to know that the Lord who is calls us is faithful and that His purpose can never be thwarted! We know that His love over Ngong far outweighs and defeats any attack the enemy throws our way. With only 2 full weeks remaining, the enemy desires for us to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Yet, in the Lord's gentle embrace, we feel fueled for the days ahead and encouraged at how His strength is able to shine! He is most glorified in our weakness and we know that none of our efforts will succeed in us alone. We covet your prayers over these final weeks here: 

- We are finalizing all the positions at this time, but see the enemy's attacks over the leadership team. God desires unity and love to fuel effectiveness for His purpose. So of course the enemy desires discord and dissension. We pray great protection over the team as a whole and individually for the guy's relationship with the Lord to guide their steps. If you could pray for these guys by name: Elly, Vinny, Bizmark, Peter, Shadrack, Benard, Simon, Albert, Patrick: and pray for how the Lord has raised them as a leadership team and how they will combat the attacks of the enemy. 

- Pray for us as we train them in their new roles and for the guys to feel competent and encouraged in the timing in which we leave them. 

- Pray also for us as we transition from our time here to our new season in the States. It will be no easy venture to leave our family here, but we are thankful to be embraced by so many loved ones there. Pray that we can maximize these last days with the people and be intentional in our moments with them. 

- Trishia is approaching 31 wks of pregnancy and so far the Lord has granted great health for her and Grayson. Pray for continued protection and for His hand to embrace them both as we fly back and await the arrival of our son. 

Few things on time in Togo...

I (Brett) was able to spend a full week alongside Christian and his family, Vapor representatives in Togo, WEst AFrica at the Vapor Center. It was incredible to experience the different people and environment and to witness first hand how the Lord is using this center as a tool to truly transform lives in Christ.

Togoville is a village that has been taken by voodoo for centuries and it is woven throughout the entire community.  Young children who grow up in a voodoo family are recognized by the scar they bear below their left eye.  They were given this mark to carry at the early age of 2 to identify them with their rich history of idolatry.  Many homes have their man made idols in order to worship their god and ward off any bad spirits.  October is a big month for ceremonies and rituals that take place annually, so I was able to witness the height of their festive season.  It was an experience that was heavy on me throughout the trip because I was reminded of it daily.  It brought to light the idolatry that was prevalent in the Old Testament. Last week a girls body was found down in a well in the neighboring village and her chest had been cut open with her heart removed. There also was a boys body found without a head or legs. It is said that these kids were a sacrifice to the voodoo gods in Togoville. It is strengthening to witness how the Lord is using Christian and his family to shed such light amidst such darkness. God is truly using their presence to love the people into a relationship with Christ. 

1. Christian spoke on Sunday and a guy whose father is a voodoo priest got saved!  I was able to attend a voodoo ceremony and it was wild.  Walking to the party at night through the slums with the banging of the drums gave me chills as I came to an open area with low lighting, dancing, and singing.  I stood there feeling like I have interrupted something that I was not invited to.  But then Christian started going around taking video and shaking hands.  I was introduced to the priest of the area and he was extremely friendly.  I met some of the others whom Christian has developed a relationship with and they were bragging on him.  It was an experience that I will never forget.  

2. I was invited into that priests home and he wanted me to send his greetings and to bring a message:
    - He hopes we are appreciating Christian because he is doing a great work in the community
    - He recognizes that we follow Christ, and Christ did many great things while on the Earth and Vapor is following in his footsteps.  He is happy to be serving together in the community
    - The voodoo community will continue to support Vapor even if it cannot provide jobs because Vapor is changing lives and improving the community.  
    - Anytime we come to visit we are welcome to greet him.  

*What a message he gave!  Never thought I would here those words come out of a voodoo priests mouth.  This should encourage us that we serve the one true God that even the darkness can recognize.  James 2:19 “...Even the demons believe---and shudder”  

Prayers over us.

Brett left for Togo on Friday, Oct. 1st and will return Sat. Oct. 9th. He will be working alongside Christian, the Vapor missionary building the Togo Vapor Center. 

Pray for: 

-  the efficiency of their time as they solidify finishing details for the Togo center

-  Connection with the Togo leadership team and with the people exposed to the center. 

-  Protection for Brett against any sickness- When he returns we have 3 weeks remaining on the ground, so we are praying that he can continue in great health to finish out strong here. 

- that Brett can be prepared to fight against the spiritual forces (Ephesians 6) of the heavily influenced Voodoo culture. That the Lord would use him to speak forth His light in such a dark environment. 

In addition, pray for us that we can be 'imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.' Heb. 6: 12- We have offered positions to different guys, but are in the waiting stages now of how the Lord will reveal His purpose. Through different conversations, we have difficult decisions to make on who is best fit for those roles. Continue to pray for us as we solidify our final leadership team.

 Weirsbe states, "the trials of life are the tools God uses to mature us, to build our faith, and to get us to trust the Spirit and not the flesh." 

Pray for us that as we continue to face some trials here that we will allow the Lord's refinement and maturity to guide our decisions- as we trust in the discernment of the Spirit. 

"Only by the grace of God can we have the patient endurance that we need as we go through the furnace- (w.)". Pray that we may embrace the grace of God and spend these final weeks in the patient endurance to finish out strong God's purpose in this time. There are many things left to accomplish, but we serve a mighty God who has already foreseen all things unfolded. 

Praises and Prayers in Ngong...

There are many testaments of the Lord’s favor and provision to communicate across the way.

As Paul expressed in 2 Corinthians 2: 14, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” For those of you who have stayed connected thru our blog, we asked for your prayers over a life who has been jaded by the church’s influence of ungodly leadership. Just this week, he awoke with the strong battles of Typhoid- in a state of great restlessness as he expressed a moment where he truly thought that he was dying. He prayed that if the Lord saw him thru another day, that he would devote his life to his service. Immediately when he awoke alive, he called one our leaders, and said I want to be saved. We have walked with him for the past 14 mths and to welcome our new brother into the family of God fills our hearts with much joy. Psalm 37: 39-40, “the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.” He stood before the church yesterday and announced his new faith family- an incredible testament for us to witness God’s pursuit within his life. Please pray with us as he continues to be discipled thru Vapor’s bible study and that he can deepen his relationship with Christ. Pray that the Lord would place a godly mentor of the faith in his life that can shepherd him in the Word- thru consistent leadership and thru humble love extended in his life. What a praise!

In reading Paul’s words to the churches of Macedonia, it brings our workers to mind. 2 Cor. 8: 2-5 ‘for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, so I can testify, and beyond their means of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints- and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” The Lord has entrusted us with 6 guys who have been poured into thru discipleship over these past 14 months. Pray for us as the Lord grants discernment to our hearts within the next week or so in assigning particular positions to them. When we read these words by Paul we think of how they have devoted their lives to the Lord’s service and over this past year have volunteered their time and their love in order to extend to the community. Thru their leadership and their generous hearts, the men/women who have worked with us on the site have embraced a deepened sense of the faith and many have come to know the Lord. We have witnessed street boys who once held a glue bottle in their hands now hold shovels in their hand tilling the harvest that the Lord has been planting thru the field/track. A powerful testament of how the Lord works thru the faithfulness of his service for the purpose of His will. We held a staff appreciation day this past Friday and it was incredibly strengthening to see such laughter and joy lived after such months of hard work- truly a testament of the fruits of God’s labor. We continue to pray provision over their lives as we do not have ‘work’ for them. Many of the workers are part of our bible studies and we pray will become coaches for the Vapor sports league. What a praise ‘for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints’.

Bill, our project manager, was recently here with us and it was a great time of efficient work. Pray for us as we finish out our days here- It is very surreal that we only have 6 wks remaining on the ground. In Brett’s new position, he will continue overseeing the Ngong center, so in that aspect we are grateful to continue on with connection in our leaders.

Pray for us for all that remains in these final 6 wks:
- We plan on hiring our 6 guys for particular leadership positions this week. Pray for us as we carry out this task- that the Lord would guide us in continued discernment on which guys fit the assigned roles and for the fight against opposition as we place them in their jobs. After hiring, the rest of our time here will be quite intentional in training them for their individual responsibilities and for their dynamic as a unit within decision making. Pray for our 6 guys: Vinny, Elly, Bizmark, Shadrack, Peter, Patrick that the Lord would make them courageous and that they would lead in humility and in truth.

-There is some finishing touches left on the 2 structures and on landscaping around the track/ field. Our hope is that all of the construction would be complete within 2 weeks. Pray for the continued favor that we need in forward movement and efficient work.

- Brett will be in Togo, West Africa from Oct. 1-9 assisting missionary, Christian and Celine, on the ground and forming relationships with the leaders as he will also be overseeing the operations of the Togo center. Pray for his travel and his time there to be efficient and connecting with the people.

- Pray for us that we can finish out our time here in strength, in perseverance, and in focus. Pray that we 'will not grow weary in doing good' but will continue to fight the waged war that encompasses us- the enemy does not want this center to continue as He knows the pedestal it brings to Christ. Pray for the Lord's protection and favor as we push thru certain opposition that comes our way. 

- Pray for Grayson as he continues to grow and to develop. Will be flying home when Trishia is 33 wks (Nov. 2nd) so pray that the Lord continues to bless us with good health and with protection over this little one.

Prayer for today.

Wanted to send a prayer request to each of you- One of the guys on our leadership team, Patrick, just received a call that his sister died, unknown causes. She had been in the hospital for the past few days with what they thought was TB, but the results showed a negative test yesterday. The family is heartbroken with grief for the loss of their precious loved one. We have spent time with her and she was a beautiful woman of the Lord- 20 years old, married with 2 children, the youngest being a year. The husband is not a believer, so the family is praying for how the children will be impacted without her presence in the home. They are faithful in God's purpose and are strengthened in how the Lord's Hand is upon them. However, grief is a reality that is difficult to bear when we lose a loved one. Pray for Patrick's family as they make the arrangements for Ester's funeral and for provision over her precious little ones who are left without their mother.

DIscipleship's purpose.

When a label is placed as a missionary, most people begin their questioning of the progress as what are the numbers of salvation. Although to see a bounty of lives transformed in the Word is a beautiful celebration, we have discovered that here in this context, the true transformation is much more of a celebration than the numbers of salvation that may not all be truly lived. We wanted to share with you the joy of a life who is deeply being molded in the hand of the Lord- who is being restored from a tainted view of the ‘church’ and is opening his life to receiving the abounding love of our Father.
Yesterday, Brett had the opportunity to pour deeper into the attitude of his heart and just process life with him. Raised in the church, he has witnessed a negative influence from the church leaders that had pushed him far from any desire to participate in what they claimed was the truth. When we first met him a year ago, his heart was hardened toward the church and it has been 12 years since he has attended. For the past 3 months, he has attended every Sunday. From ‘Christian’ examples, he became jaded by seeing church leaders in the clubs/bars indulging in ‘ladies/prostitutes’, then on Sunday clothe themselves in their best attire, attempting to appear ‘holy.’ He voiced his burden that he did not want that kind of “fake religion.”
Manning states that “Jesus comes to the ungodly, even on Sunday morning. His coming ends ungodliness and makes us worthy. Otherwise, we are establishing at the heart of Christianity an utterly ungodly and unworthy preoccupation with works.”
An area that we have poured into him repeatedly is that his relationship with God is not the same as the church- that is the beautiful part of God- we have an individual access to Him and are able to grow in maturity, apart from what others may decide for their choices. He voiced that the Vapor discipleship has allowed him to receive the “content” of the Word and separate it from the person who delivers the message of the Word. The Lord is allowing him to pull sinful man away from our holy God- recognizing that we are in a sinful world and that people will let us down, but that God is unchanging and His truths are perfect.

Marin Luther voiced “Go to the Bible itself, dear Christians, and let my expositions and those of all scholars be no more than a tool with which to build aright, so that we can understand, taste, and abide in the simple and pure word of God.”
He said that he has grown closer to God. Some months ago, he expressed that he believed many of the Biblical truths, but that he had not accepted it fully. When Brett asked him if he had come to the point where he believed and accepted Christ’s teachings, he contemplated for some minutes, then voiced that he has not yet made a decision. He continued to explain that he does not want to be wavering and when he makes this decision it will be for a lifetime. He described it like a man deciding on marrying his girlfriend- a relationship that once decided upon, is forever.

Lloyd Ogilivie truthfully states, “we have turned the tables; we try to live so that he will love us, rather than living because he has already loved us.”
Hearing his testament of searching the Lord, challenged our hearts to our actions. Have we turned the tables or are we living out of His love for us? Is our testament as believers turning others toward Christ or far away from Him? Our prayer is that he will be overwhelmed by his need for the Lord- that it is not about him getting things straight first, but coming to Him as a ragamuffin in  need of His salvation. “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints, and of marrow...”
We pray that as he continues to invest in discipleship and reading God’s Word, that he would be pierced by the truths and would accept his home into the beautiful Kingdom of God.

seeds of different kinds....

So wanted to share with you that our fields are PLANTED!! Saying many praises that the extended efforts of MANY months have led us to this part of the harvest- This week, pray for us, as we work hard toward the completion of the track. Our days will be consumed with taking levels and bringing in all the soil to make the track complete- SO, if all goes well- this time next week we will be looking at a finished field/track! Eagerly watching as the grass grows and beginning to open the track up to the incredible runners of Ngong!! The past few weeks we have had many runners stop by during their training in the hills, ready to begin their speed work. An exciting time for sure!! 

We shared with you that we are having a boy:) and wanted to share with you his name! We wanted a name that represented meaning- both with family and with our time here. Gray was my great-grandmother's maiden name and my grandmother's middle name- My grandmother Seales was raised as the oldest of 10 siblings- her life has served as a testament of how the Lord provides for your ‘daily bread’ and that life is more than living for what others call the “American Dream”. Their lives have been filled in joy thru simplicity and for that we value the ways that their hands have tilled the land and how their life has served in ways beyond articulation. We see the connecting bridge of their heritage and the strong history of the Lord’s provision that we are exposed to here. We pray that our son may grow in the same faith as a man who ‘puts his hand to the plow’ and leans upon the Lord, not the pursuit of the “American Dream”.  Thomas is also Brett’s family name as well, so this way we are able to connect both families together.

When we climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, our porter's name was Grayson. His name will always remind of us the incredible moments that we spent with the Lord and with one another during the venture of such majestic creation. 

So, in a representation of family- both in the States and in Kenya- our son’s name will be Grayson Thomas Ralston.

Plant, Water, and Watch it Grow!

1 Corinthians 3: 5-9

"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe- as the Lord as assigned to each its task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to 'his own labor.  For we are God's fellow workers, you are God's field, God's building.' 

This passage speaks of the partnering work extended by Paul & Apollos- Paul planted the seed of the gospel message in people's hearts. Apollos's role was to 'water' as he helped the believers grow stronger in the faith. 

For those of you who have walked closely with us on this journey, you can echo the position of PRAISE as we are now literally planting the fields. Seeds are being implanted on what will grow to be an avenue of ministry for the children and the youth of Ngong. Children are already lining the gates in anticipation of what is to come. We can hear the footsteps that will fiercely run on the field and the track- And see the many lives that will be transformed as the Lord speaks to their hearts. Although we do rejoice in the grass being laid, we know that this is not the root of praise to be ushered unto the Lord. Grass can wither and die and leave behind its imprint of the once played upon 'perfect stadium.' These 14 months of our efforts have not been labored for the grass or even for the track- rather for the avenue it brings to share the gospel. Yet, as Paul and Apollos, we have been brought here to plant the seeds of the Lord's love within the heart's of the people- and as a testament of that message, our leaders are helping those hearts grow stronger in the faith. 

Know that with every prayer you voice in our accord, you plant a seed in a heart that will be watered in the days to come. By the end of next week, our field will be ready to receive the bountiful harvest that has been sown. For this, we give full testament of the Lord's favor and His provision. 

Paul voiced in 2 Corinthians 21-22 the privilege we have of belonging to God and the responsibility we have of identifying ourselves as his faithful servants. 

'now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. '

Pray with us as we finish out this task assigned to us and for our leaders as they continue to be trained and to be deepened in 'watering' the hearts of Ngong. May God make it grow. May God receive all thanksgiving and all praise for the bounty He has provided already. 

Este is really Ice T...

Este is really Ice T...

We had a divine encounter yesterday as we ran into Este, who informed us that his name is really Ice T- we just thought he said Este because he said it so fast. We met Ice T in the same demeanor that we found him last- ragged sweater that shelters him from the cold, worn pants that he kneels in to rummage thru the trash heap, and a small cap that although weathered appears to be his favorite. His teeth are tainted by the daily choice of his glue indulgence and with every word spoken his breath ushers you to also experience the glue’s powerful taunt. Ice T joined us for some ugi, which in Kenya is their porridge, and a morning staple for most. On a cold July winter’s day, it was an inviting warmth that ushered us into conversation. There are several things we both observed in our time with him- genuineness and an unexplained innocence. All of us- be it positive or negative- extend in relationships of some kind. Some choose to invest deeply and to sharpen one another in the faith of Christ. Some choose to indulge in investments of forgetting reality and as Judges proclaims, “prostituting themselves to various lovers.” That may sound harsh in comparison, but its the reality of our choices of relationships. It is true that we are either living for our self or living for the Lord- In this life, we choose to live for our Maker, our Husband, our ultimate Love. Or we choose to live for other lovers that disguise themselves as Paul voices in 2 Timothy 3: “people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of God- having a form of godliness but denying its power....” in this attitude of heart articulated by Paul, it is voicing the powerful pull of individuals who call themselves believers, can use Scripture & Christian cliché’s to portray a close relationship with Christ, yet reap no true fruit of the Lord’s spirit within them. Paul says that we will be known by our fruit. Many times in all of our lives, we have played that part all too well- Knowing the ‘right’ words to say when someone asks how our life is going- choosing to create a façade of togetherness rather than share the sufferings of our days- indulging in other lovers rather than our first love.
What we saw in Ice T was honesty of his choices and not a mask for appearance sake. We have shared in many conversations with people during our time here in Kenya and it would be suffice to say that 9 out of 10 times someone gives us the desires of their heart to ‘get back into church’ and then takes the notion to debate their problems and the reasons why we need to help them financially. Ice T, a 17-year-old ‘glue head’ daily makes his choice- Kicked out of school 3 years ago, he has been in and out of correction schools to only ‘escape’ them as he liked to voice it. He claims that every morning he gathers his bag, digs thru the trash for plastics so that he can sell them for 20 shillings for his glue, and then goes to work for his Mom. When we asked if she paid him, he bellowed a laugh of an innocent child and simply stated, I don’t work for money- I work for food. Most mothers who have glue head children would not want their child to roam freely into their home, in fear of their influence on the other children who are still there. This mother has chosen to allow her son the open door of working for his choices- he wants food, not money, just food. He could have given us a sob story of the hardships of the streets and the many things that we could do to get him off of them. Yet, Ice T- out of a genuine heart shared his choice of ungodliness- he knows the choices that he is making reaps great consequences yet he chooses to ignore them and reap the immediate-short-term rewards of them. Our hearts were deeply burdened for this young teen who spoke passionately about his desire to be a ‘futballer’ (soccer player)- Of course, we allowed his passions to shine and did not give him the speech of needing to change a few things before he could actually accomplish that goal. We respected his honest approach of conversation and discussed afterwards how many times in our life do we neglect the consequences of our ways? Are we choosing the lovers of this world or the great Lover who established our life? Are we blinded to ourselves that we cloud our perceptions to actually believing that we are living our life for the Lord? Or like Ice T, can we acknowledge our ways and be honest with the entanglements that have entrapped us?

Ice T says that he wants to come work for us- that he will save his ‘trash’ clothes so that he can work hard and dig into the soil to get the soccer pitch ready. Our whole purpose in being here- building this center- are for boys like Ice T. How beautiful to witness a transformation in his life and to see him choose to not kneel in the trash heap so that he can indulge in his love of glue and rather choose a life full of freedom in Christ and kneeling before a father who grants every blessing and every indulgence of his love. We pray that our ugi date isn’t the last time that we see this precious Ice T.

Our little MAN!

Yesterday, we were blessed with the news that our little birdseed is a BOY!! Its incredible that sitting in Africa, we can be blessed with a 3D picture and an abnormality scan. All body parts- inward and outward are healthy, developing on track, and doing as well as expected! The Lord is faithful to tenderly care for His children. Baby and Mom are gaining weight well:). For those of you who do not have facebook, below is a picture of the 3D scan of little man's face! Such a miracle to witness this precious child in the womb. God is so intricate with all details! 

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=14086142&l=c91a261685&id=611190289

Update on the Ngong front...

It is hard to imagine that July has already passed us by and that now we look ahead at our 3 month stretch of time to completion. There are many facets of ‘progress’ seen within our days thus far. From the construction aspect, our changing rooms and our local offices both have walls and the roofing is being installed this week. We now have our water pump installed, which allows us to be ready to plant the fields. Our fields, believe it or not, are NOW finally as level as they can be! The soccer pitch and the running track have been marked. Our next steps within the next few weeks are to dig the trenches for the water pipes around the pitch (for our sprinkling systems), cut out the track with the grader, build the track, and plant the grass. We anticipate full completion of the field by mid-September! It is such a praise to witness progress and forward movement.

From the discipleship aspect, our guys have taken on more responsibility and have alleviated a lot of burden from our plates. We have witnessed such leadership skills in them and see how their differing personalities will fit perfectly into the full-time positions that we will be offering them shortly. Pray with us as we continue to discern who God is leading to fill which positions. From our conversation with them individually, they have all voiced their desire to continue on with Vapor. We pray that the Lord would boldly show us if there is any heart issues that need to be surfaced prior to this transition. Pray for them by name: Elly, Vinny, Patrick, Peter, Bizmark, Shadrack. The enemy does not want this center to be successful and we feel the spiritual opposition daily. In reading Psalms today, we empathize with David’s prayer unto the Lord- for sustenance, for assurance, and for strength.
Psalms 16:7-11 “ I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Pray with us as we daily seek counsel from our wise Father. Daily, we are faced with opposition, with difficult decisions/ situations, and with opportunities for grace. We believe in the instruction from the Lord and seek to set Him always before us- believing that he has foreseen the outcome of this center- the children who will gather to hear His Word- the coaches who will lead them on spiritually- the opposition that our leaders will face- and the purpose of ‘success’ that He has in store. Pray with us that we will not envision ‘our’ own plans, but that we can rely solely on the purpose of the Lord to stand. Pray against the spiritual opposition (Ephesians 6) that we are fighting against- the powers of this dark world. It is a strong force on many days, and in moments, it can feel too heavy to bear. But, we know that we have a Savior who takes our burdens and carries them for us. May we have the strength and the courage to release all of them unto His care.

As a praise, we have seen how the Lord has used the spiritual leadership of our guys to disciple other new believers in our community. Thuku, one of the street kids who sniffed glue, has become saved- been working with us and is now attending our church regularly.  Two more men on our work site have been saved and our guys have brought them into their lives to live life in fellowship with them! So no matter what opposition we face, the Lord continues to work boldly and most faithfully!

From a personal aspect, we are strengthened as we have spent much time with the people. The Lord is granting us the ability to prioritize our investments, which can be a difficult thing to do. Our little one is growing well and receiving the nutrients that he/she needs. Now 20 wks!! We find out on Friday if its indeed a lil’ man or a lil’ lady! We continue to pray as the Lord gives testament of His provisions- both financially and physically. We entrust this season of great faith unto His care, as we know that our little one’s life gives full testament that the Lord truly shepherds over his flock. Pray for the continued wisdom and counsel we need in making decisions toward our little one’s care and for the Hand of the Lord to provide in His provision. Pray for us as a couple that we can continue to sharpen one another and to connect in a deeper way as we walk this season together. It has already been a sharpening experience for us.
Continued movement: After much prayer, we are affirmed in the Lord’s next steps for us. Brett has accepted a position with Vapor as the Manager of Capital Projects/Operations- where to communicate it more simply- he will oversee the completed centers (Ngong, Kawangware, Togo) in communications and will be working alongside the missionaries building Vapor’s next center in Haiti. He will be primarily working from Vapor’s headquarters and traveling periodically to the centers when needed. We feel assured that this is how the Lord wants to use the skills that we have attained from this season and continue to help further the cause of Vapor. We will be moving to Vapor’s headquarters in Fayetteville, AL (outside of Birmingham) by Feb. 1st. Pray with us as we solidify these details and enter yet another season of faith with our most faithful Shepherd! 

No Este.

We have eagerly awaited Este's arrival this week and have yet to welcome him to the project. We have asked other glue heads we know if they have heard of him, and we cannot locate this precious boy. We pray special prayers of protection and of intervention in his life- that the Lord can fiercely pursue his heart and that Este will clearly be able to see the way out of this paralyzing lifestyle. 

Since our time with Este, we have encountered other glue heads who are in similar positions and have admitted that sniffing glue is their way out bc of a lack of school involvement and school fees. We are in the process now of getting 2 of the boys into high school so that they can have an opportunity to get off the streets. Este has taught us much how to extend and how to truly show these boys grace, with open arms. 

Este

As we pass thru the remnants of a familiar trash heap, we gaze deeply upon the face of a young glue head. There is an instant assessment if the individual has become debilitated mentally by its effects or if there is hope of stripping them from its influence. Today, there was Este- his youthful face invited us into open conversation within the heap. As he saw Brett, immediately his smile ushered us to assessment of his position as we watched him shove the glue bottle into his over sized jacket pocket. His job was to gather enough metal, scraps to contribute to paying for a place to sleep in the trash heap slum, Matheri.

His mind has not been given over fully to the glue’s paralyzing hand. We asked if he wanted a different job, working with us. Instantly, he smiled and replied yes. Este was able to repeat back to us, AIC, 7:30am. Ask for vinny. He kept saying what do I tell them when they ask about the bad things I do? We assured him that was not his purpose in working with us and that he would not be defined by how we met him. Later on it hit us that he instantly associated the church with unacceptance because of his decisions. There are moments of great evangelism and voicing powerful words from Scripture to those who do not know the Lord. Yet, as we stood before this young teenager we were burdened by how he felt to walk thru the church’s door. Obviously from his questioning he has felt ashamed and removed from any acceptance by Christians- always feeling like he is defined by the bad choices that he makes. His choice to sniff glue is indeed quite severe and there is truly a window of time before a glue head is ‘lost’ mentally to the world. Este is still very much present and although a bottle of glue was awaiting his grasp as soon as we turned away, this young man has an opportunity of hope, of a future of what could be gained in his life. Pray with us that he may not miss the Lord’s love for him. Pray that us believers can usher him in with love, acceptance, and grace. May Este know a life other than lying on scrap metal in the middle of the trash heap because his life is far more worthy than handing it away to the enemy’s hand. 

Embracing the Seed.

As I am reading in Psalms this morning, I am deeply sharpened by the powerful root of David's cries to the Lord as he proclaims, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." There are some of you that have confessed concern for me and for our little one as I am pregnant here in this context. I want to assure you that the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, has granted more provision than I could even articulate. For all of you mothers, you know the miraculous blessing of life growing daily within you- it is a season that words can not fully paint the portrait of the life-altering journey. I am more than grateful that the Lord has chosen to bless me with pregnancy here in Kenya- that birdseed's life is being developed in the life-altering season we have been given in Ngong.

 I look upon the lives of the children who have captured our hearts and tears overflow in gratitude of their testaments of provision and of tender care from the Lord's hand. As David proclaimed, the Lord created our inmost beings. I pray that as birdseed is surrounded by these children, that the Lord can already be cultivating compassion and service to others into his/her being. As he/she is surrounded by a people who lean upon the possession of a life spent with the Lord and not dependent upon happiness of material rewards, that birdseed will know the Lord fully- that he/she will comprehend the height and the breadth of the Lord.  As we sit amidst a hurting people, who's struggles are real and grave at times, I think of Manning's words- "The child of God knows that the graced life calls him or her to live on a cold and windy mountain, not on the flattened plain of reasonable, middle-of the road religion." We know that this miracle of life is fully the Lord's and we pray that he/she will be bold to weather the cold and windy mountains of life and be graced by all of the power the Lord grants His children to endure in steadfastness the journey. 

Young stated "you have to take the time to prepare the soil if you want it to embrace the seed." Right now, our little birdseed is being prepared- in the inmost being by the Lord's Hand- and our greatest prayer is that he/she will embrace the seeds planted by Him. May this season of pregnancy here grant us both the vision of the true meaning of life and the true depiction of parenthood- that this little one is not for my 'taking' but rather for our God granted stewardship and that this child will be given back to the Lord- may this season of development amidst such a humbling people group be preparing the soil of his heart to love others deeply and fully- always investing in the relationships of life. 

Humor from the Lord: the Fleece

So before we left for the States, Brett's 10 year most favorite fleece went missing. We thought that it was stolen off of our clothes line which then puts in certain trust thoughts with the neighbors. Today, the fleece mystery was solved as we walked up to the project to see one of our workers all snuggled up in Brett's favorite fleece. It was a wrestling moment- do you say oh hey you found my fleece? Think I can get that back? Brett left the fleece at the storage shed before we left, so its free game for anyone. He was reminded how we had said we didn't want to have anything that we would be too grasped to release- think we may have even written a blog on the concept. Yes, its just clothing, but when its been your favorite- travel different countries, different states, for 10 years, you tend to have a little grasp on its comfort. the fleece is now the proud owner of our worker- who will be sheltered from the July winter and who knows may own it for another 10 years til its passed on to another owner. 

Bit of time, a lot of relationship.

A month of traveling the Southern and Northern State globe was filled of surreal moments sitting face to face with loved ones, of exhausted hours of minimal sleep, of grasps in comforts we haven’t seen in months, and of whirlwinds of ‘see you laters’ once again. For those we were able to spend time with, we are grateful for the opportunity to have heard how your lives have moved over this past year. For those we did not see, we look forward with anticipation our reunion in the months to come- after we have added to the Ralston family.  I guess the Lord knew we needed a break from the whirlwind of traveling states because we were able to savor 30 hours in the beautiful Amsterdam on a lay over to Kenya. It was a much needed date for us- one that filled us with refreshing focus and anticipated vigor of our days ahead in Kenya. Once we arrived in Kenya (2 days later than expected) we slept for 18 hours, proof of our exhaustion I suppose!

There is no possible way to articulate the vastness of comparisons being State side and being Kenyan for a year. Almost every person asked us about the culture shock, about the differences of life, about our adjustments, and about our future goals of what’s next. Yet, to be honest, the Lord gave us no insight during our month of June- only unexplained tugs of heart that spoke in languages we could not interpret. We knew that there was this disconnect unarticulated of how to take the 3rd World lens our hearts have been immersed in for an entire year and somehow ‘transition’ into the norms, the flow of the American world. To be honest, it was impossible for us to do. We finally gave up the notion because we know its because the Lord is not finished with us here. We could not pinpoint the wrestling of heart until today- and then the insight of our tugs spoke interpreted language to our hearts- and it voiced loudly in Swahili...Kuja hapa, Kuja hapa. Come here Come here shouted by our beautiful family of 12....
After our 18 hours of slumber, we walked up to the project today to meet the bible study and greet everyone there. Like our daily ritual of greetings, as soon as the 12 saw our heads surface the hill, we saw their feet bolt fiercely toward us and their shouts of Kuja Hapa ring loudly. Their smiles and our tears met in perfect harmony. We quickly were reminded of why we are here- to serve the least of these and to build a haven for their future-so that these little ones have the opportunity to grow and to be sharpened in the Word.  Suddenly we remembered the unexplained tugs of heart we felt State side and the faces of these 12 filled every question of disconnect, every explanation of culture shock, and answered every question of what’s next. The differences of life were explained by seeing Lucy in the same treasured shoes she owns, weathered by the dirt road’s playground, and her puffy warmest, only, coat to protect her from the July winter. Even though their circumstances have not changed- their lives are still in reflection of God’s Hand of provision over their day to day functioning and survival- FAITH is their constant. That is what is next...Continuing in the only constant that remains. Trusting in the ONLY constant that knows the winding roads ahead. Today, we were sitting with our leadership team—OH how great it was to see their smiles—and we were talking about how as we were flying in we thought, we know Satan doesn’t want this center to be built- its never easy to know that you are walking straight to the fires. But how the Lord rescued Meshach, Obedego, and Shadrack from being burned and that we serve that same God- our constant. We can walk fiercely thru the fires of the enemy because we know that with the Lord we will not be burned. The months ahead are paved with many long days of hard work and of great diligence, but we are here- sent by the Lord- to establish His purpose in providing opportunity for the lives of the ‘least of these’.

Started reading the Shack and today saw a powerful statement of how we currently hear the Lord speaking to us: Young stated, “ Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship.” We hear the Lord saying remember the unexplained tugs and the harmony you felt upon your grasp of the 12, and know that I have placed you in this season to serve and to love those around you. Your 4 months of completion is only a ‘bit of time’, but I have given you a lot of relationship to pour into and to invest in tender care. We are strengthened by how our leadership team has grown spiritually and are fully confident in their ability to lead the ministry in effectiveness. Yet, we know that the Lord has kept us here for some months to serve them and to serve the relationships God has given us. We pray that we will not become consumed in the to-do list of the construction and forget the relationship aspect. We know that come November, we will be ‘transitioning’ back into a new lens and our proximity of ‘being’ here will be changed. We pray that this only intensifies the way that we choose to orchestrate our lives there in order to continue to serve the least of these. 

Safari Njema

It is hard to believe that we have been planted in Kenya for one year. We had many encouraging 'safari njema (safe travels) today as we told the people see you later. We cannot imagine the emotions generated from our final completion here, but for now, we are grateful for this time of reprieve. Paul knew the temptress exhaustion that can come in 'doing good.' We pray that these weeks in the States will continue steadfastness, focus, and burden for our months of hard work upon our return. We know that the time home with loved ones will be stretched and may feel like it goes by far too quickly. Yet, we are more than grateful to have these moments of face time with you. 

Our physical work site will stop during our absence, but the spiritual work will be continued on thru the leadership of our Ngong team. The weekly bible study has exemplified great devotion from our potential coaches. If they are working on Saturdays, they have shown up at 6am so that they work the full day and do not miss the study. This was all taken from their initiative. It continues to average 20-30 weekly. Pray for their growth as a team. 

While we are gone, an American team will be here to work alongside our Ngong brothers/sisters. The leadership team is overseeing a soccer outreach on Sunday June 6 for the Matheri slum-. Pray for their investments. The Kenyan team has already exemplified tremendous leadership skills. We are eager to hear about how God works thru them and thru the outreach. 

Since we will not be working, pray for all of our workers who will be in search of work for a month. Pray that the Lord may show His provision in their lives. 

We will be leaving Kenya at 530am Tuesday morning. Pray for our travels. Will fly from Kenya to Ethiopia to Frankfurt (overnight stay) and then from Frankfurt to Chicago to Bham. So as you can see, it will be an adventurous journey home. Our 3 wks in the States will be stretched bwtn Excel, Al- Bham, AL- Nashville, TN- and Cinci-Oh. We know that this time will not allow us to have time with each of you and those that we do see we know that we will crave even more time! So, we pray that our time can be seasoned with strengthening fellowship among loved ones. We are thankful to have the opportunity and will savor each investment and each moment spent with you. For those we do not see, forgive us for our crazy schedule. When we return upon completion, we will look forward to those moments with you! 

Prayers for May...

We have about 4 weeks before we embark on a 3 wk visit in the States. These weeks will follow in the past weeks of much diligence, great perseverance, and continued prayer- Our goal is to finish leveling the fields, have the grass planted, and the track installed by the time we leave in June. The guys on our discipleship team have been very faithful to work with us daily on accomplishing this task. It has been encouraging for us to see their strengths surface and their leadership skills developing in much growth. We feel confident that as God releases our hands from building this center, that the guys here will grasp it in continued ministry. We will be returning back after June to finish out the building of the center, to start the Vapor Sports League, and to train the guys who will be leading its infrastructure. If all goes as planned, we will be finished by Nov. 2nd, when we will be returning back to the States, releasing the center into the Kenyan's hands. Pray with us as God orchestrates His Hand into the continuation of building this center- both physically and spiritually. 

Another prayer is that we have received yet another blessing from the Lord's Hand. The Ralston's come Christmastime will become the Ralston 3:)! Pray with us as God continues to provide the nutrients needed to grow a new, little one.  There are many uncertainties down the road, but we have faith in God's timing and we know that this blessing is ordained from him. We know that God has already foreseen all the details needed to be unveiled and we trust in His Hand to pave the way. 

Of what's to come...

2 Cor. 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." 

We often write about the life testament of the family of 12. Yet ,in fact, their accounts represent the thousands who, in the same accord, encompass Vapor's Ngong Center. Common struggles yet grace abound threads their lives to connect as family- one searching for the all sufficient God to sustain their needs. 

We experienced a most humbling mornings: one that reminded us of the vital reason why we are here: granting much strength to the road that we have travelled and the light that will guide us to God's driven destination- A Ngong Vapor Center established to bring sustainable life change for the lives of Ngong. Sustainability in physical means is wavering as life throws its ebbs and flows. Yet to be sustained by the Lord is unwavering as one can face all situations in hope of what's to come- as we live out faith- the "assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." We are to build a physical safe haven for kids in the slums who face from this world's lens impossible odds of a future. We are pouring spiritually into the coaches, leaders who will speak into these kids the possible God that we serve. Our Father who beats all odds and makes any future fulfilled in promise. 

This morning we broke bread with the family of 12: Joseph, Lucy, George, Elijah, Steven, Ester, Rebekah, Samuel, and Momma and Baba- 4 of the kids missing and the thought of squeezing them into their 10 x 20 shanty seemed impossible. A worn, rusted steel bedframe crammed in the corner spoke of the struggles this family faces- visions of these 8 kids piling on the broken springs, with no mattress to comfort their sleep are hard to bear when we think of the luxuries of sleep we possess. The 10 yo. Steven humbly positioned himself at our feet to scrap all the dirt off our muddy, beaten shoes outside. The next small sectioned off room was full with an old bedframe for Mom and Dad and chickens that they were sheltering from the cold. Five chickens were attended to by Rebekah and little Elijah as the youngest Joseph stood naked as the day he was born to 'help' them, chasing around little chicks. Steven and Elijah generously gathered enough water to make us all chai- 45 min. of fanning a fire a 10 and 6 yo. made us feel so welcomed in their home. Each of the children fulfill their tedious tasks to aid in their daily survival. The other Samuel, 13yo, has been in the hospital bc of his diabetes. THe fmaily's struggles continue to surface with each passing day and the needs before them are insurmountable from our view. Yet ,it is evident that their true sustainability can only come from the Lord's Hand. Their lives are mirrored by thousands so it is impossible for us to sustain each need. That is why our purpose here remains: there are moments for much needed humanitarian aid- as seen in today- having breakfast with struggling mouths to feed and blessing a boy attacked by hospitalization in having enough money to pay the bill to return home with his family- But the ultimate means we can usher is straight into the arms of a most faithful GOd who loves them- thru the Center we have been called forth to build. 

As some of you know, our timeline has been outnumbered by the Lord. We are returning to the States in June to visit for some weeks and then will continue in our journey here for months to come. Our definite completion in Ngong is unknown but we know that the Lord is not finished with us yet. Continue to pray for the favor we need in integral relationships, steadfastness to continue with passion and focus, and the provisions to continue building the physical safe haven. Pray for our time home in June to be maximized with all of you- granting us refreshing moments in encouragement and in strength. 

Perspective....

Our days are wavering when we gaze upon our own view and when we attempt to live out our days thru that lens. We are constantly asked the question, "Have you grown in your time there?" This answer is beyond our articulation, yet we can attest that God has granted us perspective as we have never known. Any person can 'see' poverty as displayed upon the 5 second commercial clip of a starving baby where flies are their constant companion. Yet, to sit face to face with that child who now has a name and a whole life story is a different story. We walked thru Matheri Slum here in Ngong as our brother Jp and sister Jenn were ministering with us. A little girl, about the age of 1 1/2 sat against a tin wall, and her gaze fixated on the many who rummage thru the trash heap daily for their 'nutrients'. 

I'm reading Crazy Love again and this time it grants a whole new perspective as I process thru in this context. Chan: “Because we don’t usually have to depend on God for food, money to buy our next meal, or shelter, we don’t feel needy. In fact, we generally think of ourselves as fairly independent and capable. Even if we aren’t rich, we are ‘doing just fine.’ Which is more messed up- that we have so much compared to everyone else, or that we don’t think we are rich? That on any given day, we might flippantly call ourselves ‘broke’ or ‘poor’? We are neither of those things. We are rich. Filthy rich.”
This little girl, lost from a family of true nurturance and care, was alone except the literally hundreds of flies that befriended her. In the States, you would never see a child this age, fending for herself, especially by a great trash heap- where drunkards and glue heads are her role models. I read Chan's words and I could more deeply whisper, oh how we are filthy rich.

Kizziar said, “our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”
SO, then I thought of these little ones and Chan quoted Goetz who wrote, “too much of the good life ends up being toxic, deforming us spiritually.” ‘a lot of things are good by themselves, but all of it together keeps us from living healthy, fruitful lives for God.’ 

Our hearts have been shaken as we have witnessed first hand how so many people live in this world.  We have witnessed how lives are devoted unto the Lord's Hand to provide and to sustain and how joy infiltrates their lives even though they possess little in the temporal world. It is not an experience that leaves the forefront of your mind or the depths of your heart. THe comforts we are given in the States is beyond our measure-wonderful blessings and I acknowledge even more so in this context, the blessings of opportunity, efficiency that we hold there. Yet, i also see how dangerous it is for us as believers to forget the plights of others, suffering daily around the world and to lean as Chan stated with 'our refrigerators full...not depending on God on a DAILY basis." 

How true that 2 Cor. 13:5 tells us to ‘examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” I do believe that we are daily to take that self-inventory. I know that we never arrive until we reach our time in Heaven with our Maker and our Savior. I think that’s why Jesus said to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow me. He could have merely stated Follow me and we know in His Word the validity and the power of that statement. Yet, he claimed that we must deny ourselves- knowing that we would face strong temptress desires in this world- and that daily we are to ‘share in his sufferings’ and follow after his example. 

Nouwen writes in With Open Hands: “It is hard to bear with people who stand still along the way, lose heart, and seek their happiness in little pleasures which they cling to...You feel sad about all that self-indulgence and self satisfaction for you know with an indestructible certainty that something greater is coming.” 

SO, have we grown in our time here?- I say with full assurance and bold conviction that the eyes of our heart have been enlightened and that our prayer is that we can daily live in the 'certainty that something greater is coming.' In whatever culture encompasses our days, we pray that God will show us how to live out the transformation that has been shaped within us. May we never forget the lives of Matheri and the others like theirs who desperately depend on God in ways that we have never experienced. May our lives reflect an orchestration of hands wide open in their service. 

Forward Movement...

It has definitely been a challenging last 3 months as we have had to put our construction work on hold to clarify some things with our church partner. Through many meetings, we have reached agreement on some issues, which will allow us to start our work back this week- truly a God answered prayer! Back in December we paid a company to level our fields, but it just seemed like they were moving the soil around our plot- After 5 days of using a grader, we were no closer to leveling our field than we were when we started. This week I met with the boss and he came to the site. He was a bit embarrassed of his employee's work so he gave us a front loader for the day for free- about $300 he saved us- At the end of the work day he decided to make our site a practical site for their construction education program and therefore giving us a bulldozer and other machines to finish our work- This will save us over $1,000 ! These blessings really give us a breath of fresh air- As you all know we both have little construction experience, so at times we have been frustrated, but when things like this happen, it pushes us to keep going. The center is entirely credited to the Lord’s Hand- guiding us every step of the way as He has provided in multiple areas, educated us in places where we lacked experience, granted us favor in forward movement, and strengthened us thru opposition.

We have a lot of work that needs to be completed in the next 2 1/2 months: level the fields, plant the grass, build the running track, put up fences, build 2 small buildings, upgrade the current water well, and some others- If we can stay focused, then all this will be complete, Lord willing. Continue to pray that we can get this center complete, so we can start the ministry before we leave. We trust in the Lord’s ability to make the things that seem impossible, possible!
The work started back today, so many lives will be impacted once again by having a job- sustainability for their family! Pray for the workers- those who are not believers may know of the Lord who has continued to provide for them- for the believers to be discipled and grown spiritually. The rains are coming a bit early and have been very sporadic. Pray that the Lord may hold the rains for the purpose of us getting the fields leveled and planted. We must trust in his timeline of all things.

Brett has been working with some guys that we intend will lead the ministry once we leave. We currently have 6 guys who he meets with once a week in a discipleship bible study as well as other volunteer projects. They are growing and maturing. Pray for them that they will have the burden, ambition, and commitment to follow through in running the center as we leave.

We started a new bible study for potential coaches of the sports league last month- We have 15 men and women who have been devoted each week- Pray that they will continue on with a passion to be a coach that will impact many little ones.

Pray for us within these final months- Hard work is tripled with all that all to be done and our days are consumed from sunrise to bedtime. Pray for the breaks that we need along the way to keep us healthy and focused. Pray for the strength and the endurance that we need to finish out this task set before us. Pray for our hearts as we must release grasps that we may hold into the hands of the locals here. 

From Everlasting to Everlasting...

Psalms 90: 1-2 "Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." 

A journey will always begin with a single step. Depending on the motivation of the traveller, the destination will vary in distance. Any road travelled is paved with a need of focus to continue forward. No one can expect to arrive with both eyes closed. It takes purpose and a motivator to endure any road blocks along the way. "Before the mountains were formed", there was God. Our journey to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro's highest peak, Kibo brought a deep renewal within us- a refreshed vigor for the Hand of the Lord. Our climb began at 6,000 ft. and ended at 19, 340 ft. As we traveled higher up the mountain we began to see individuals carried down on stretches, held arm and arm by porters, and concern of defeat chased our thoughts. Would altitude sickness keep us from our goal of reaching the summit of Kibo...One step at a time- we continued upward on the 4 day climb of acclimating to Kibo's height. 

Making a journey like this, one meets others along the way who carry the same goal in destination and wrestle with similar burdens of possible defeat. God enlightened our territory of the  nations: that every traveler we met from across the world the Lord was not acknowledged in their life. By engaging in different conversations, we realized the constant thread that was missing, compared to our life, in their stories of trials, of life-was that they do not know God can orchestrate their pains into joy. Ps. 68: 19 "Praise be to God who daily bears our burdens." We were able to share our faith- our purpose and our motivator to life- with the nations represented on the mountain. 

The summit climb began at midnight as our lungs started around 15,000 ft. Within 6 hours we continued upward 4,000 more ft.- Pitch black beside our head lamps and the stars and moon illuminated the first part of the path. As we rose higher, the feet in front of our view, was our guide to the top. It was one of the hardest things we have ever done, but one well worth the travel. Within 2 hours left of climbing, the summit remained in focus. The hours of devoted continuation of our step at a time were precious moments with the Lord. We were able to work as a team truly encouraging and edifying one another- a connecting adventure for us as a life committed to walk life together. These last 2 hours were engulfed entirely by the mind. Our legs became heavy bc the lack of oxygen and the one steps forward quickly felt like bricks being piled up beneath us. Prayers and communion became entirely our guide. Any influence of our own efforts thus far were fiercely pushed back. The waged war took its root in our thoughts- forcing one front in the other in order to reach the goal of the destination. 

We reached the summit and darkness was our encampment. Ps. 96:6 "Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary." As we turn around an orange sliver summits to meet us. Our precious sister beautifully articulated in seeing a picture of us there, "God in His purest form." An overwhelming array of emotion embraced us, and the teamwork together all seemed worth the pain endured. 

Life grants the same emotion and reality; we all are travelling some path bc of a purpose in our motivation to reach a destination. Kibo will always be etched in our experiences as a rare treasure lived: to stand on top of God's splendor in creation- to be embraced by God's love and existence everlasting to everlasting. 

For you who do not have facebook, we have posted some pics that you can check out: 

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=391511&id=611190289&l=06f3e1cb2e 

Trekking to Kili.

As a great excitement of a break, we are leaving this Friday, the 19th, for Tanzania, to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro- 19,000ft we have been preparing as much as possible to acclimate to the summit! We have talked to several people who have succeeded and will take all measures possible to take it slow, drink lots of water, and bring with us our trail mix. 

Things here have been progressing within the Lord's timing and we have spent our days investing in as many people as possible. It has been a great blessing to have uninterrupted time of fellowship with the community here- sharing lots of meals together in our home, as well as, in others. So, im sure some weight gain to prove the investments:). Because we are waiting for a few things to unfold in beginning to build again, this is a perfect time for us to have our year break.8 months into our time this will allow us a good getaway to come back with the steadfastness and refreshed focus to continue on with perseverance.  With constant rigors, our work ethic is to work hard and to play hard. We chose our time of playing hard to push all that we've got up a 4 day climb to the summit of Kili and a 2 day descend. we will most definitely be playing hard! And, will come back ready to work hard once again. 

We will make sure to post pictures when we return and let you know about the adventure and the refreshing break.  

Survival

 As we were on the property today, I was reminded of Psalm 10: 17-18. “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, is of the earth, may terrify no more.”

Survival is a concept that we have grown to know its true meaning all too well within this context.  Growing up in the suburbs of the States does not constitute ‘survival’, even though the cliché’ phrases are thrown around, such as “we are just really struggling…life is just so hard and money is scarce…”  This is not stated to negate the real problems and struggles of lives there as well.  It is more of when I think back to times in my life where I had the same expression, I traced back to the root of it all.  Are struggles there because of life’s sometime painful hand or because of decisions that I made that led me there?  My choices and my decisions brought me to a place of feeling as if I were in over my head- Making financial decisions when debt is inevitable- choosing lifestyles that hinder us from extending to others- overspending rather than choosing simplicity to not ‘struggle.’ 

In this context, we endure the survival etched upon the face of a malnourished child.  A 14-year-old who cannot attend school because of diabetes is forced to stay home and to provide for his 7 mth. old brother.  His survival is having enough food for the day to keep his little bro alive and growing.  I took another boy, Francis, down to the ‘duka’ (shop) because hunger was obviously attacking his feeble body. As we are walking back, Samuel whispers to Francis if he would mind sharing some of his bread.  Samuel immediately takes the bread and begins feeding it to Joseph.  Now, I began to think that as a diabetic, eating is survival- to be cautious of not ingesting the wrong things and to be observant in listening to your body’s cries for when to eat.  I know that he has not had the luxury to eat appropriately for his needs, yet as a 14-year teenage boy, he extended his own survival into the hands of his little brother. I gave him 10 shillings so that he could go buy each of them some bread. I continued walking with Francis when I turned back and saw Samuel wavering between the duka and the house.  We really never give money but today I extended in that merit.  I began to worry that Samuel would keep the money and not get himself food, so I quickly returned back to meet him and to walk with him to the duka.  Just as I am approaching him, I see another little one barely able to see over the tall grass running fiercely toward him- with hands lifted high, shouting I need bread, I need bread, I need bread…Now flashes of the suburbs quickly raced again into my mind- When do I ever remember thinking about needing bread- knowing that if I could just have some type of sustenance then that day would not be as painful…Samuel demonstrated a selfless individual who was waiting so that once again he could share his opportunity for sustaining his needs by extending his portion of shillings to this little one- who also is daily concerned with survival at just 1 ½ years old.  My heart sank as I witnessed this selfless act and Psalm 139: 15 entered my mind: “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.” From the womb, God knit together these little ones and knew the need for their frames to grow in development and in strength. I walked with Samuel to the duka and humbly witnessed gratitude like I have never seen. As Samuel took 6 pieces of bread, he made sure to give them first to Joseph and to the other little one before taking his own- as he then gazed into my eyes, leaned in to hug me, and whispered ‘ I thank you so much.’  Survival demonstrated thru the beautiful mercy of a 14 year old.  One who in his deserving nature, had every right to keep portions of the bread for himself- a boy attacked by diabetes and his body feeble from the lack of care he receives- yet instead he chose to care about the plights of others. He chose to uphold the cause of the needy and saw others in more detriment of survival then he.

Once again, I saw myself standing back in the ‘burbs with provisions overwhelming to count and seeing the unjust nature of it all—why we have incredible bounty there and why the worries in this context within each day is if they will have enough bread to continue life in their family? We know that our days are numbered here and that within the near months we will be returning to the bountiful land once again- no longer physically seeing the humble mercy of the little ones who teach us deeply within each day- no longer being exposed to real poverty, to people who are truly struggling and to people who’s life is really hard. We know that our choices are each our own and that it is up to us how we live our life. Do we shackle ourselves in the mentality of our own survival and choose decisions that will only keep us chained to our debt, chained to our self and inhibit us from seeing the world through a different lens? It is so true that you do not have to be standing in the slums of Africa or in the havoc of Haiti to organize your life to help those who’s plight is truly in the grasp of struggling for survival. We are sensitive to this challenge and to this truth because we know that our feet will once again be planted on American soil- where blessings are beyond our count and where distractions await us to justify our decisions for our wants, our needs rather than like Samuel consider other’s needs more significant than our own.

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  1 Peter 4: 9-10

“Do nothing our of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… Phil. 2: 3-5 

Picture of Joseph: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=10775283&l=cb7abb6207&id=611190289

a Vapor.

Eccl. 7: 1-2  "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a  house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart." 

Praise the Lord that he 'is close to the brokenhearted and that he saves the crushed in spirit' (ps. 34:18). We have found ourselves this week leaning on God's promise that he is 'not a God of confusion but of peace." (1 cor. 14:33). 

2010 has webbed its way of attacks and attempts of defeat. We have witnessed so much opposition of the enemy's hand amidst life here and there. Yesterday, we attended a memorial service of a missionary friend here in Kenya- a man devoted to the service of our Father- 33yo found dead in his home by his wife- natural causes. A time that much questioning before the Lord unfolds in all of our hearts who knew him. To look upon the face of a 26yo widower and ask the Lord his purpose of calling his son home at such a young age? but, we remain assured in God's promises and trust in His power to save those of us who find ourselves crushed in spirit. 

Pray for the grieving process of all those who are left behind to mourn his departure from this world. A strengthening moment was that he spent his life here investing in different slums of this area. The kids gathered before everyone and spoke of how God used his presence to impact their lives- a powerful depiction of our purpose here in this Earth. It is so true that as James 4:14 proclaims, our life is truly a Vapor- here for a short while and gone tomorrow. 

Times like these forces us to examine the efforts of our own life- the ways in which we spend our time and our heart's extensions. It is so vital that we daily put life into perspective, examining our own responsibility to action- how are we being spoken to by the Spirit and are we responding out of that leading? Are fears impacting our current season of life and we find ourselves not acting in God's leading bc of them? Where do our priorities lie? Are they of this world or from the heart of our Father? 

This world is filled with pain, but the hope remains that we serve a Conquerer, Defender, and Comforter amidst any hardship here. God is still in control and even though hardships face us, we have a home awaiting us- Yesterday, they spoke about his "homegoing"- This world is not our home as believers. Its not meant to be 'easy'- we have not reached our place of resting yet and let us not live our lives as we are in that place. 

A call to pray...

Eph. 4: 2-3, " with all humility and gentleness with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." 

Prov. 21: 30  "there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." 

What a comfort this promise in the Word grants our hearts as we seek after God's wisdom, His insight, and His plan. We need a call of prayer...  

In a culture different than our own, we are learning ways of this land.

 In a position of serving God in intentional ministry, we are learning Satan's attacks and deep desire to roadblock God's plan. 

Yet, in a position of seeking God, we are learning how to rely deeper on His assured Words of hope, of comfort, and of purpose. HIS PROMISE remains that "no plan of the Lord can be thwarted." 

We are working through some planning and a few other complicated issues and we ask that you can join us in prayer for strength from God especially in this context of a foreign culture. 

We serve a most faithful God- our Defender, our Comforter, our Sustainer, our Guide, our  Counselor. We are not defeated and remain hopeful in God's Hand moving...

Love some fishing...

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for the day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." 

Many of you will remember the struggles that we faced learning from poverty's extended hand, especially during our initial months here. It can be overwhelming to witness so many lives in such life altering circumstances- children shaking from a lack of nutrition, Mothers burdened by their children's livelihood, Fathers overwhelmed by the mouths to feed, Families separated bc of a lack of financial sustenance to provide for the whole- Anyone would be heavy burdened looking into the eyes of a little one and knowing that your means could not sustain them. Yet, in God's grace and promises, we have learned within our almost 8 mths here, that God is the sustainer- He is the provider- He is the comforter- He is the Defender of Widows and the FAther to the FAtherless. Vapor's mission is to build a center for humanitarian aid and sustainable life change. We desire to witness lives changed by the Word of God and witness the power of His hand move within transformed minds and lives. 

We have had the privilege of doing a little bit of fishing this week. Beginning the steps of teaching little ones knowledge that will feed them for a lifetime. Some of you will remember George, Ester, Steven  (3 of the 12), and Francis. Along with one of the guys on our leadership team, we walked them to get fitted for their school uniforms- It was Ester and STeven's first time in 3 years to be in school and George and Francis first day of school:). Its an opportunity in the STates that we most definitely take for granted. I remember fighting the big uniform decision within school and these little ones were begging for socks to match their newly pressed shirts and sweaters. To witness their joy and their confident steps as they entered their new classroom was a true moment out on the lake, envisioning them each holding their own fishing pole--learning how to reel them in! now these little ones will no longer be carrying water back and forth as the other ones attend school- They will have the opportunity to be filled with knowledge and an opportunity of an education that will feed them for a lifetime.

 

Other time of fishing...We have many widows who work with us at the site- Many Moms who truly are struggling to feed the mouths that are heavy on their backs. We cannot sustain them, but we know that we have a most Faithful Father who promises to DEfend the cause of the poor and needy. God has blessed us with the opportunity to sponsor 36 women in a cooking class where they will receive an entrepreneurship certificate--Handing them the fishing pole, teaching them how to fish. The women will have the opportunity to learn skills that are truly efficient in this culture and in this area- some of them have already begun discussing where they can build their restaurants: one day). 

Pray with us that these individuals can truly learn of God's love for them and believe in His hand that sustains them. 

an update.

Hebrews 6: 10-12 encourages us within this week of 'waiting' for the work to begin back on Monday, trusting and knowing that this Ngong center has nothing to do with our own merits, but its success is only from the Hand of the Lord. No rains in 3 days, so its looking like we will begin back the building portion come Monday! "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who thru faith and patience inherit what has been promised."  This week has been a refreshment and an encouragement to us: spending time with the guys, and others in the community has allowed us the strengthening push to continue on in diligence and in faith. We know that God is moving and we trust in the avenues taken to complete the Ngong center. 

As an update of the break off bible studies: Trishia is now leading a women's bible study every Saturday, of 14 women- It has been sharpening to witness their hunger and their eagerness to study God's Word. One of our 6 guys on the leadership team is also leading a men's study at the same time of 14 men. Again, be praying for the discernment within this group- Our prayer is that we can see coaches, volunteers raise up from the discipleship groups. 

Mud filled streets.

Its humorous sometimes how when we seek the Lord's Word, it truly does come to light within our current situations. Zech. 10: 1 says, "Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone."  In Ngong, Kenya, its springtime--however, NOT rainy season; someone's prayers have been answered and the unexpected springtime rains are here. Yes, in a land where drought could occur, causing lives to suffer its hand- we never want to 'complain' about the floodgates being opened.  So, take this not as a 'complaint', but as another focus of prayer along with us.

 

Because of the monsoon rains over the past 2 weeks, the unceasing nature of it has caused some difficulties at the project site. Imagine, one day of work, done. then the rains. soil being shifted in the opposite way it was taken the day before. then the rains. the cycle begins all over again. Because of the intense rains, we must not work on the physical building this week. Doing a project as this requires timelines of things. Please pray for the faith we need to respond patiently to our God 'who makes the storm clouds'. We do not want to pray away blessings, but in this unexpected 'rainy' season, many families crops have been ruined, neighboring cities washed away in floods, and homes in the slums at high risk. Pray for God's hand to be upon Ngong and the neighboring areas as the rains continue and that in God's timing that they may hold off for another day. 

On the bright side, this allows us a full week of discipleship and sitting down with the people who have already been integral in this ministry, apart from balancing the physical project site. So, as we must wait to continue building, may this week bring connection with those we are able to sit with.