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.