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.