Journal of a Rookie Missionary

I Am Forever Changed - Kenya Final Day

Day 11 –Nairobi – Sunday, 13 February 2011

Today was our last day in Kenya for this mission trip and I am sitting here packing up my stuff and getting ready for the 20-hour flight home.  I am filled with mixed emotions right now.  On the one hand, I am melancholy as I think about leaving this beautiful place where I was blessed beyond all that I could ever ask.  I have met so many godly, faithful, Spirit-filled brothers and sisters here whose faith in the Lord is inspiring and convicting at the same time.  I have heard too many tragic stories of heartache, pain, poverty and despair but also stories of hope, perseverance, and the power of God’s love, grace and mercy.  But the gospel is alive and well here and people are being saved here every day from physical and spiritual death, and God’s Word is being proclaimed and preached from Mombasa to Nairobi to Nakuru to Kakamega to Kitale to Mt. Elgon.  There are men and women everywhere here sharing God’s love with others and being the hands and feet of Christ to those who have no one.  Children’s lives are literally being saved here every day from death, disease, and starvation.  The love of Christ is not allowing them to become one of the 13,000 that die to these things everyday as mention in Platt’s book, “Radical.”

I have been blessed by the people and their faith and stories more so than I could ever bless them.  Jeff was so on point when he said that the faces and stories of these people will go on with me every day.  The Lord has used this trip to bless me and grow my faith.  He has opened my eyes even more to the desperation that exists among his people here and in many other parts of the world.  He has humbled me.  He has helped me to conquer my fears of traveling to a third world county and to going on a foreign mission trip.  He has allowed me to preach His Word and the Gospel and be an encouragement to my brothers and sisters here.  God truly has not given me a Spirit of fear but of love and a sound mind.  I have built relationships here with my American/Bellevue/Rock Creek brothers and sisters and friendships with my Kenyan brothers and sisters.  Relationships and friendships that I pray will last and grow.

On the other hand, I am so excited to go home to see my beautiful wife and beautiful son and my beautiful unborn child.  I long to hold them, kiss them, and love them.  I want to tell them how deeply I have missed them and how I have carried their love and spirit with me this entire trip.  It is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder.  I am excited to go home to find out whether Jonah will be getting a baby brother or a baby sister.  So my emotions are torn somewhat between my blessed life back home and the pull to stay here and continue to minister to my brothers and sisters here.  My prayer now is that the Lord will use this trip to help me make an impact when I return home for His honor and glory!

Katie T., Tracy H., Phyllis C. and I accompanied Mary Bahati to visit Pastor Richard Kioko’s church this morning called the Tree of Life Healing Center.  This church is located west of Nairobi in the place called Ongata Rongai, which in Maasai means “Forgotten Land.”  This area used to be a Maasai stronghold but was deserted and left.  A lot of people, mostly lower class, have move to this area.  We pulled up to the church and quickly realized it was not much more than a small wooden framed building with metal siding and roof.  Although it was not much to look at from the outside, the atmosphere inside was electric and powerful.  Pastor “Ridge” as he is called, and his wife Agatha moved here to minister about 2 years ago from Mombasa, where he ministered and saved many Muslims but was constantly threatened.  They were very welcoming and inviting to us.  Pastor Ridge led the music and worship time which was very beautiful and Spirit-filled.  We sang songs in Swahili and English acapella most of the time.

The Holy Spirit was definitely in this place and I was encouraged in my spirit as we worshiped and as I prepared to speak.  Mary Bahati gave a warm greeting to the people and expressed her thankfulness to be able to worship and visit this congregation.  She told them how excited she was to be there and brought greetings from Bishop Ben.  She then invited me up to introduce our team and bring the message.  I gave a greeting and invited the team to come up and share a word.  Tracy gave a wonderful greeting, Phyllis told them to stay tuned for a sign language gospel presentation she was going to teach them after the message, and Katie shared Jeremiah 29:11 with them:  “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not for destruction to give you a future and a hope.”

 I then preached on how to have an abiding relationship with Christ from John 15.  It was as if Zach was not up there speaking and the Holy Spirit was.  I had asked the Lord beforehand to make Zach decrease and make Christ increase.  And He made it so.  I pray that the message was well received by all.  Then Phyllis got up and shared her sign language Gospel presentation from Pioneer Evangelism which was well received by all.  After the service, we all went to lunch at a local restaurant.  Joseph, Associate Pastor and Ridge’s disciple, and his fiancé accompanied us to lunch.  We had a feast of roasted chicken, chips, spinach, and some corn and potato dish.  The conversation was even better as I spoke with Ridge about his story, ministry, and with he and Joseph about discipleship and the gospel in America.  It was another enlightening time of discussion for me.

Finally, we took Richard and Agatha home and they invited us to see their home.  It was a nice place and very warm.  Jeff had instructed me to give Richard the remaining money from lunch as a gift for his ministry.  He was very appreciate and overwhelmed.  Overall, this was a glorious end to a glorious week of ministry in Kenya!

I pray the Lord will use this trip as an opportunity to continue to mold me and shape me into the image of His Son and transform me into Christ likeness.  To God Be All Praise, Honor, and Glory!  All Power Belongs to Him Forever and Ever!  Kenya has forever changed my faith and my life!

 
Streets of Ongata Rongai

 
Tree of Life Healing Center Church

 
Pastor "Ridge" Preaching the Gospel

 
Me Preaching at Pastor Ridge's Church in Ongata Rongai

 
Joseph, Agatha, and Pastor Ridge

 
Pastor Ridge Was an Interesting Brother

 
Slums Outside Nairobi

Lions, Giraffes, and Baboons, Oh My! - Kenya Day 10

You can't go to Africa without going on a safari.  We had the opportunity to take a small break from our ministry activites and go on a traditional African safari toward the end of our mission trip.  We had a blast seeing all of the animals up close and some of them too close for comfort!  Thankfully, we had George of The Jungle as our driver and no one was injured due to his quick thinking and responsiveness.  The food was great, the room was comfortable, and a fun time was had by all.  I found myself praising God and rejoicing in the beauty of His creation!

Day 10 – Nakuru to Nairobi – Saturday, 12 February 2011

Well, we have made it to the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi and are preparing for our last morning of ministry before be depart late night for home tomorrow.  It has been a long day but as I sit here in this air-conditioned room I have begun to reflect on all that I have seen and done this week.  I knew that this trip was going to open my eyes and help me to see things through Christ’s eyes, but I never could have imagined the impact that it has had on me.  I am trying to begin processing things so that my re-entry into America comes a little easier.  I hope to reflect on the trip and discuss this more in future entries over the next few days.

We had a blast today at the game park.  We saw baboons (some up close), monkeys, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, hyenas, pelicans, pink flamingoes, giraffes, zebras, and a male and female lion.  The park was magnificently beautiful and I found myself admiring God’s handiwork as we canvassed the park.  It truly was an inspiration and fun day and I am so appreciative to have been given the opportunity to observe God’s creatures and God’s creation.  We had quite an entertaining scene when a baboon jumped on top of our van and was about to come inside the vehicle with us.  The women were screaming and George was able to react quickly and shake the baboon off with the van.  We believe that it saw the dum-dum suckers and water and was trying to get inside to get them.  It was a thrilling and tense moment that made the game park experience even more memorable!

We departed early afternoon after eating another great meal and started our journey toward Nairobi.  We stopped in Nakuru to buy some souvenirs and I purchased a few items – necklace for Emily, lion statue for Jonah, Maasai club and a bracelet for me, and a lion soap dish for Emily and me to share.  We also took a route through the Great Rift Valley that had some breathtaking scenery which I was able to take some great photos of.

After a very good dinner at the Nairobi Java House, we made it to our hotel in Nairobi.  I wanted to take the opportunity to mention the relationships that I have built throughout the trip with our drivers – Bernard, Joseph, and George.  They are all very skilled and knowledgeable drivers and I count them all as friends.  I especially have become fond of George Kimanu, a young 32 year-old Kenyan.  He and I hit it off from the beginning and have built a great relationship this week.  We have talked about our families, our faith, our children, and our dreams and aspirations. He is a man of strong faith, a strong work ethic, and a family man who loves God.  He has aspirations of leading and owning his own tourism company and I believe he will do it one day.  It has been my honor and pleasure to know him and I hope we meet again someday.

Well, it has been another long day and I need to get some rest in preparation for tomorrow.  I am preaching again tomorrow at Ridge and Agatha’s church in Nairobi.  I pray Lord that you would speak through me tomorrow and give me clarity of mind and speech.  Help me to bring an encouraging word to Your people and help me to imitate Your Son.  May You get all of the glory tomorrow!

 
Waterbuck

 
Impala

 
Reticulated Giraffe

 
Zebra

 
Zebras Up Close

 
Lion and Lioness - Look in the Middle of the Picture

 
Lake Nakuru - Pink Flamingos in Background

 
Watch Out for Those Mischievious Baboons

 
I Had to Get in on the Climbing Action

 
Baboon - The Menace or as Tracy Hatley Would Say "Bamboon"

 
White Rhino

 
Beautiful African Sunset Over Lake Nakuru

Holy, Holy, Holy - Kenya Day 9

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."  John 4:23-24

The worship experience in Kenya was unlike any I have ever been a part of.  Our Kenyan brothers and sisters are the "true worshippers" that Jesus speaks of here in the book of John.  The pure worship in Kenya is not the "concert" atmosphere that many of our church worship services have turned into.  There is no stage, no flashy lighting, and no orchestra playing in the background.  It is just God's people singing praises to Him in perfect harmony with little or no background music.  The Holy Spirit's presence is manifest and His power and holiness is felt among His people.  The worship makes you feel His presence andyou find yourself becoming lost in the music and atmosphere.  For some reason, I believe that this may be what our worship will be like in Heaven and the type of worship that is going on even right now as I type this post.  John talks about the throne around heaven in the book of The Revelation as being surrounded by peoples from every tribe, tongue, and nation singing praises and saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lamb; who is worthy to receive honor, and glory, and praise."  I can't wait to be with my Kenyan brothers and sisters and all peoples in Heaven worshipping and singing praises to the Holy One forever!

Day 9 – Kakamega to Nakuru – Friday, 11 February 2011

Today was the final day of the pastor’s conference and we had the great pleasure of joining in the service.  The must was so beautiful and Spirit-filled.  It is the most pure form of worship that I have ever been part of and I don’t think I will ever be able to look at American worship experiences the same again.  I found myself lost in the harmony of the music and the Spirit of the room!

After the music, Mike Curry got up and introduced Pastor Petroba to give his testimony of how the power of the Gospel overcame tribal violence in his area just north of the Tanzania border.  It was truly an example of the power of God’s love to break men’s hearts and bring them together united as brothers in Christ.  God’s Word is definitely living and active!

Mike then delivered a message to the pastor’s on David’s “Mighty Men” from 2 Samuel 23.  He talked about how these men were basically “fools” for the sake of the cause.  He encouraged the pastors to be fools for the sake of the Gospel and ask for God to send His manifest presence down in their ministries.  He encouraged them to be willing to stand in the middle of the field and face the enemy.  There were many things Mike said that really spoke to me but I will only write a few here that stood out to me.

“If you choose to walk by faith and not by sight, most of what you say or do will be ridiculed by the world.”

“Cowards make exit strategies.  Mighty men stand in the middle of the field and let the enemy come to them.”

“It we are to be true ministers for Christ, we are to be fools.”

After the sermon, we said our difficult goodbyes to all of the pastors and wives, and departed for Nakuru.  We stopped in Kisumu for lunch at the Imperial Hotel which was a wonderful meal.  Jeff, Susan, and Katie stayed behind in Kisumu after lunch to catch a plane for Nairobi where they will hold a men and women’s conference tomorrow.  We headed south for the game park on the way passing through the beautiful countryside – mountains, valleys, tea plantations, and rural towns and villages.  Although it was a long and rough drive, we really were able to see some of the beautiful scenery that Kenya has.  Tonight, we enjoyed a great buffet at our hotel at the game park.  I even had ketchup and real coffee after dinner!  It’s amazing how we take the creature comforts of American life for granted.  I will try to do a better job of appreciating those things in the future.

Well, it’s been a long day and we have a big day with an early start tomorrow so I’m going to turn in for the evening.  As I write this last sentence, I am listening to “Revelation Song” by Kari Jobe on my Ipod and will end today’s journal entry with these words:

“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty,

Who was, and is, and is to come.

With all creation I sing,

Praise to the King of Kings.

You are my everything,

And I will adore You.”

 
Worship at the Pastor's Conference

 
Worshipping in Spirit and Truth

 

This Song Says It All - Revelation Song

 

Staying Focused - Kenya Day 8

Mission trips take such a toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Day after day you are exposed to extreme poverty, despair, and destitution which weigh heavily on your psyche.  You are so busy moving from place to place and doing ministry that you hit a wall physically at a certain point during the trip.  You operate on little sleep, a different diet, and a physical and emotional atmosphere that is entirely different that what you are accustomed to back home.  And so you begin praying long before your trip that God would prepare you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the ministry tasks at hand. 

Let me say that God was so faithful to keep me physically and mentally strong during my entire trip!  I don't count the little stomach issue as it is just considered standard bill as part of any mission trip.   

Psalm 18 comes to mind when I think about the how the Lord strengthened me: 

 

 ¹ I love you, LORD, my strength.

 ² The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
   my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
   my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³¹ For who is God besides the LORD?
   And who is the Rock except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength
   and keeps my way secure.
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
   he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;
   my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁵ You make your saving help my shield,
   and your right hand sustains me;
   your help has made me great.
³⁶ You provide a broad path for my feet,
   so that my ankles do not give way.

Day 8 – Kakamega Area – Thursday, 10 February 2011

Well, we have made it past the halfway point of our journey and although I am starting to become physically fatigued, the Holy Spirit is keeping my spirits high and my purpose here in mind at all times.  Today we journeyed south from our hotel in Kakamega to a feeding station between Kakamega and Kisumu called Bread of Life Harvest Feeding Station.  This place, was without a doubt, the poorest of the feeding stations we have visited thus far.  The building structure was all wood framing with metal tin siding and roofing with no electricity and very small classrooms.  But the children’s spirits were very high as usual and we were greeting once again warm welcomes and poems, songs, and dances.  The children here probably did the best job so far of entertaining us and also of relaying their needs to us.

After their program, we split into teams as usual, and had stations for them to come to for story time, craft time, fun room, and medical clinic.  I was the one of the storytellers today and we told them the story of Jesus Feeding the 5,000.  I also gave them a little geography lesson about America and where we live in Tennessee.  I believe they enjoyed the story and Q&A session we had together.  After spending a few hours with the children, we said our goodbyes and wished them well.  It never gets any easier saying goodbye to them and seeing the looks on their faces as we drive away.

After a short lunch, we took a long drive (~1 hour) to an all boys orphanage between Kakamega and Kitale near Kimbiri.  This orphanage was on the other side of a mountain in a very beautiful place.  The boys at the orphanage ranged in age from about 7 years to 17 years and were all very well educated and spoke good English.  The buildings for the facility were in good shape and they had a greenhouse, a field for growing sugarcane and other crops, and a well that could be treated to clean the water.  The place was very well maintained and operated but like all other places we had visited was underfunded and lacking.  I befriended a pastor there name Duncan(Dan) who was with us at the Light Feeding Station and one of the G.F.E pastors.  He seems like a great guy and I promised to stay in touch with him.

I had a special surprise tonight when we say Thomas (the teenage boy from the first orphanage) tonight with Mother Judy.  Praise God, he was accepted into a high school in Kisumu and was on his way there to begin school tomorrow.  Sam and I visited with him, prayed with him, and wished him well.  Tracy H. asked me to give the NY Yankees hat she had given me to wear for the week to Thomas as a gift.  He was very appreciative and gracious for the gift.  I know the Lord has special plans for him and I hope to stay in touch.

We had a worship service tonight after dinner and it was a special time with the G.F.E. pastors and their wives.  We heard beautiful songs and pure worship and then a message to encourage the pastors from a Kenyan evangelist named Evangelist Nixon.  He spoke about pastors being the shepherds of the ministry and the tools that they should carry with them for their jobs.  It was a very poignant message and service for all in attendance and hopefully will be an encouragement to them as they continue in their ministry. 

The medical team was gracious enough to take some time after the service tonight to provide medical care to all of the pastors and their families, even though it was after 10:30 p.m. when the worship concluded.  The team from Rock Creek is a very skilled and loving Christian medical team and they too are here to fulfill God’s purposes for them.  They told me that they received and brought over 350 pounds of free medical supplies from American pharmaceutical companies!  Wow, what a God thing!  To God Be all the Glory!  Praise God! Amen!

 
The Children at Bread of Life Feeding Station

 
The Entertainment and Dancing Were Awesome

 
Proud of Their Work

 
They Were Very Resourceful - The 2 Sticks are the Soccer Goal

 
Beautiful Mountains Surrounding the Boys' Orphanage in Kimbiri

 
The Water Purification System at the Boys' Orphanage - Liked This as a Civil Engineer - Very Resourceful

 
The Singer/Songwriters at the Boys' Orphanage w/ Pastor Dan in the Background

 
I Got to See My Buddy Thomas One Last Time Before He Headed Off to High School

In My Own Little World - Kenya Day 7

It's inevitable.  At some point on a mission trip, you are going to get sick.  You are going to have days when you don't feel great and fatigue sets in.  And you hope that your body is well prepared to handle what it is exposed to.  I had been feeling relatively well to this point in my trip, but I awoke on Day 7 feeling somewhat dehydrated and having some stomach issues.  Thankfully, we had a medical team with us from Rock Creek Church with enough meds to combat any minor illnesses.  But for the next few days, I would battle fatigue, dehydration, and stomach problems.  I would have to rely on drinking plenty of water and eating crackers and other snacks that I had brought from home in order to keep my strength up.  Thankfully, the Lord would provide the strength I need to continue the work ahead, and He would continue to reveal His glory in this place and continue to impact our team with His love, grace, and mercy on our brothers and sisters here.

Day 7 – Kakamega Area – Wednesday, 9 February 2011

I woke this morning feeling a bit sick with an upset stomach which started late last night.  I have been lucky so far with illness but I guess eating the Kenyan food has finally gotten to me.  I took some medicine at breakfast which made me feel better.  It was also great for me to be able to used David Hamilton’s Ipad and email Emily back home.  I found out that Jonah is doing better so God answered my prayers for Emily and him.  Praise God for his healing mercies.

We spent all day today at the Light Feeding Station in Kakamega ministering to the children there.  This morning they dedicated the new kitchen there with Mike and Teresa Curry.  You see, the cooks there have been preparing meals for the children over an open flame using stones.  It’s hard for me to believe people still cook in this manner, but I guess I’ve been stuck like Matthew West says, “In My Own Little World.”  The world in America where we have all the comforts of materialism and the American dream.  But this trip has done so much to break down those walls that have been put up around me in my own little world.  And if it had done nothing else, it has opened my eyes to the poverty and destitution that exists in other places (3^rd world) in the world.  It’s not that American doesn’t have poverty, but poverty here in Kenya takes it to a whole new level.  I don’t know how what I’ve experienced here will change how I live back home, but one thing I know, IT WILL CHANGE HOW I LIVE.  I am trusting in the Lord and praying that He will reveal to me how I need to change.

 
Playing with the Kids at the Feeding Station

So after the kitchen dedication (they now have wood burning cooking surfaces) the children put on a very entertaining program which has become the norm for our visits.  Some of the pastors and their wives came out to support us on our visit that are in town for the G.F.E Pastor’s Conference; there are approximately 30+ pastors and their wives here for a 2 ½ day conference.  They have come from all over Kenya, many of them traveling very long distances and using public transportation to get here.  They have come so they can meet together, learn from each other, and encourage each other.  I am very much looking forward to being with them over the next few days, worshipping with them, and learning from them. 

Once the program was over, we split into teams and worked doing our assigned duties – crafts, fun room, medical clinic, story.  I was in the story room today with Sam and Phyllis.  Sam and I told the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, asked the children questions, and sang songs with them.  The team of 7 from Rock Creek are here to provide basic medical assistance to the children for things such as fungal infections, fever, and minor illnesses.  They have some antibiotic creams and pain medications to use and hand out.  They saw approximately 150 children this morning and are providing a very valuable service.  I am getting to know them and they are very nice brothers and sisters and it is a pleasure to be here serving with them.  I started feeling poorly again close to lunch and a bit dehydrated, so I tried to increase my water intake and took more medicine when we came back to the hotel for lunch.  I didn’t eat lunch with the team but came back to the room and fell asleep for a few minutes.  I awoke feeling a little better so I stomached some apple crisps, trail mix, and goldfish for lunch.  This was better than not eating and I knew I would need my strength for the afternoon.

 
Entrance to the Light Feeding Station in Kakamega, Kenya

After lunch, we went back to the feeding station for some afternoon play time.  We played soccer with the kids, relay races, ring around the rosie(young children), and balloons. The kids and our team enjoyed the afternoon. The medical team actually gave medical attention to nearly 100 citizens from the surrounding area which had been invited by Madame Rebecca.  Their illnesses ranged from minor sprains, aches, and pains to more serious issues such as typhoid and tuberculosis.  The team didn’t have any strong medications to treat these conditions just some of the symptoms but gave out the meds nonetheless.  One God thing that occurred was that the team quite literally saved and infant’s life today!  The 8 month old was running a 105 degree fever and was very lethargic and non-responsive.  They gave the child Motrin to break the fever and an antibiotic to fight infection.  So the child will hopefully get better and gain enough strength to survive.  It was heartbreaking to see these people in this fragile situation.  I started thinking about our health care situation in America and how we complain about increased premiums and government-forced healthcare, all the while these people here are dying from preventable diseases.  And the sad truth is that approximately 20,000 children under the age of 18 are dying everyday in the world from starvation and preventable diseases.  I am so blessed to have quite possibly the best health insurance and healthcare in the world, and I will never complain again about my health insurance or healthcare.

 
Giving the Children Basic Medical Services

 
Very Sick Baby that Was Treated

 
The Blind Man that Came to the Clinic (turns out had cataracts and had surgery recently and is healed now - Praise God!)

Tonight after dinner, we had a worship service to kick off the pastor’s conference.  After some music, Mike Curry got up and gave an introductory speech to introduce the opening sermon from Greg Kirksey, Teaching Pastor at Rock Creek Church in Little Rock.  Greg gave his personal testimony of how the Lord allowed a defining point in his ministry to occur when his wife died of breast cancer at age 39 and how the event transformed his personal relationship and ministry from that point forward.  He talked about how these defining points in one’s life determine the outcome of God’s story for one’s life.  This event was his defining point that has shaped his life and ministry and he is more transparent now because of it.  2 Quotes that stuck out to me where the following:

“You will never experience God’s grace until you are transparent before Him.”

“God will never use a man greatly until he has been hurt deeply.”

Both of these quotes speak to what god has been doing in my life and how he has been more clearly shaping and defining His purposes for my life.  I pray that this message spoke to many others in the room and that the Holy Spirit would come and dwell in this place over the next few days as these men of God get back to the purpose of their ministries.           

I am continuing to hang in there despite my minor illness today and being very tired and worn down.  We have been going full tilt since we got here.  I am humbled by what we have seen and experienced so far, but now I need to rest my mind and body.

 
"Let the little children come unto me."

 
Madaam Rebecca and Her Children

Today taught me that the world is not just about me.  This song says it all:

 

 

A Little Taste of America - Kenya Day 6

Day 6 of my Kenyan mission trip was a day of travel and reflection on the events and experiences of my trip thus far.  We spent the first 3 days doing ministry in the Kitale-Mt. Elgon region and this day was set aside primarily for traveling to the Kakamega region of Kenya.  We did get to do a little souvenir shopping and made a stop by the "Kenyan Walmart" so it was a good day to stop, take a breath, and prepare for the next portion of our ministry.  But as I would soon learn, the experiences and emotional impact of the trip would continue as we moved into the next phase of ministry.

Day 6 – Travel to Kakamega – Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Today was a travel day with no planned ministry activities.  Our goal today was to travel from Kitale to Kakamega.  We departed at 10 a.m. and made a stop by the Cyber Café and Coffee House in Kitale for some souvenirs before our drive to Kakamega.  I bought myself a Maasai spear and Jonah a little giraffe rolling toy that he will hopefully like.  We arrived in Kakamega after a bone-jarring ride around 130 p.m., checked into the hotel, and had lunch.  We then took a trip to the Internet Café to let the team check and send emails.  I was finally able to email Emily and my discipleship group back home and let them know how things were going.  I found out from one of Emily’s emails that Jonah has been sick with strep, a croup cough, and fever over the weekend and Emily is feeling a bit overwhelmed and melancholy.  Lord, please heal my son Jonah back home, and give my wife a spirit of peace during this time.  It was great to be able to contact my family and let them know all is well here.  I really miss them all but I am doing God’s work here and He is confirming it in my heart.

We got a little American taste after the internet café by visiting the local grocery, the Nakumatt.  I bought a cold coke and candy bar and many on our team got candy and snacks.  It was a little taste of America for us all.  The team from Mike’s home church, Rock Creek, in Arkansas, arrived this afternoon safely; thanks be to God for their safe travels and arrival.  I’m looking forward to getting to know them better and working with them over the next few days.  Most of them are medical practitioners and will be working with Katie Tuck to give medical treatment to the children over the next few days.

We have a busy next few days ahead of us so I am going to call it a day.  We are headed to the Light Feeding Station tomorrow.

 
Coffee House and Cyber Cafe in Kitale Where We Frequently Ate

 
Traditional Kenya Musical Instrument and Dance from Pastor Training Institute Dedication

 
My Buddy Thomas with the Seeds Orphanage Mascot Goat "Jimmy Junior"

 
The Children that Just Want to be Loved

 

A Mountaintop Experience - Kenya Day 5

"On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. ¹⁷ Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. ¹⁸ Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. ¹⁹ As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him."  Exodus 19:16-19

Have you ever had a mountaintop experience with God?  One similar to what Moses and the Israelites experienced on Mt. Sinai as the LORD was giving Moses The Ten Commandments.  Day 5 in Kenya was one of these experiences for me.  The Lord had been revealing Himself to me in all of His glory and power over the first few days of my time there and this day was the culmination of what turned out to be the beginning of a "God encounter" in my faith journey.  As I stood literally at the top of Mt. Elgon in the northwest corner of Kenya just over the mountain from Uganda, I closed my eyes and was instantly taken in my mind to the scene described here in Exodus 19.  I saw God in all of his power and might and glory, and I saw myself in the light of God on the throne.  I felt like Isaiah in Isaiah 6 when he had a vision of Heaven and saw God in all His majesty on the throne, and I said to myself, "Woe is me!"  I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in this place and I sensed an overwhelming presence of God in this place and in my heart as we worship together with our Kenyan brothers and sisters on this mountain.  Our God is a consuming fire!

 
Standing Atop Mt. Elgon

Day 5 – Kitale-Mt. Elgon Area – Monday, 7 February 2011

“Do things others are not doing today, so you will receive tomorrow what others are not receiving.”  Bishop Ben Bahati

“God’s blessings are never just for one, they are meant to be shared by all.”  Mike Curry

David Platt says in his book “Radical” that the Gospel is not supposed to be easy.  He challenges all believers to get out of the nice, comfortable, middle-class, Christian, American dream and go to the dangerous, the despised, and the dirty places for the sake of the Gospel.  I now know that Kenya is one of those places.  When I thought that our ministry here could not get any more difficult emotionally, we went to the Kipsongo Feeding Station today in the slums of Kitale.  I have never seen such a depraved, poverty-stricken place such as this.  Words cannot express what my eyes saw today – houses made of mud, plastic, or anything else people can get their hands on, young children with little or no clothes running around alone, children who are dirty and filthy all over.  But the children were somehow still able to smile at us as we pass by and yell “Muzungu” (white man in Swahilli).  Some of these children might have never seen a white person in their lives.

But Richard and Helen’s ministry and feeding stations and orphanages are giving these children some glimmer of hope and a way to survive if it may only be temporary.  And today my eyes were opened even more so to the desperate poverty that exists here and the hope that Global Field Evangelism, G.F.E (Ben Bahati) and Light Ministry (Mike Curry) are giving these people in the name of Jesus Christ and for the sake of the Gospel.  I am humbled to just be here and be a part of God’s work here.

We started the day by visiting the Kipsongo Feeding Station.  We were greeted warmly by the children and staff with songs and greetings.  They performed a very detailed program for us with songs, dances, and gifts.  We all received a necklace and a traditional Kenyan shawl (probably not what it is called).  We were given a tour of the school and Jeff and I did some video clips for Bellevue to use to show where the church’s support money is going.  This feeding station is very well run by Madame Rebecca and the staff and is considered a model for others.  We then broke up into teams and had various activities for the children – a fun room with face painting, a craft room where we had the children color a rainbow with Noah’s ark, and a story room where we told the story of the flood and sang songs about Noah and the flood.  We all had an enjoyable time with the children despite the hard work.

 
Warm Greetings at Kipsongo Feeding Station

 
Not Your Typical American Classroom

 
Always Ready to Give You a "Thumbs Up"

After a short stop by the tent church to hear Mike Curry bring a message on God’s love, we headed to Mt. Elgon for the dedication of a new pastor training center there.  It was a fairly long drive on some very rough roads and we had to drive to the top of a mountain on something I wouldn’t even call a road.  We made it safely and again had a crowd awaiting us singing songs and welcoming us.  This place was truly a very beautiful place, and probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  I could feel the presence of the Lord in this place as the dedication ceremony began.  It was as if God came down to this mountain in a pillar of fire just as He did on Mount Sinai to Moses in the book of Exodus.  Pastor Richard welcomed everyone and gave a short testimony as to the vision behind this endeavor.  All of the pastors who had just graduated from the training center introduced themselves and told of where they served.  Ben Bahati then gave a Sprit-filled message on how he got started with Mike Curry and G.F.E. and the influence his father had made on him and his ministry.

 
Bishop Ben Bahati Discuss the Vision for the Pastor Training Institute

Mike Curry then got up and delivered a message casting his vision for the new training center and his ministry in Kenya.  He spoke about how the Lord had led him to this place and how faithful the Lord had been in making this project a reality.  He then expressed his desire that the Mt. Elgon Training Center be a haven and training Mecca for spreading the Gospel and raising up Godly pastors all over Kenya who would then be able to train and teach others and disciple them so the Gospel could be spread throughout Kenya and to Uganda and Tanzania.  He even spoke about several areas nearby where the Gospel has not been preached and how with faith and God’s Spirit, they would be reached with the Light.  He then dedicated and prayed over the training institute, and he, Ben Bahati, Richard and Helen, and David and Ruth Hamilton officially broke ground on the Mt. Elgon Pastor Training Center.

 
The Foundation Ground Breaking Begins

This was truly a wonderful, Spirit-filled experience for me.  For me to be in this beautiful place with these beautiful people and feel the love and Holy Spirit there was definitely a mountaintop experience (literally and figuratively) for me and one I will soon not forget! 

Finally, we were treated to a feast in the home of Richard and Helen consisting of chicken, beef, rice, sukumu-wicki(green vegetable like tender greens), chips(French fries), and a desert of ice cream and fresh bananas and mangos.  It was a wonderful meal and they have a great home that the Lord has blessed them with.  Mike Curry then gave a short talk about our time here so far and the agenda for the next few days.  We then had a very moving and powerful time of prayer for Richard and Helen, their home and ministry, and for improved health for their 5 year old son, Michael, who has sickle-cell anemia.

Tomorrow, we depart Kitale for Kakamega and the pastor’s conference and ministry activities there over the next few days.  Mike said that the ministry here in Kitale is like the “Cadillac”, but we are going to the “Chevy” over the next few days.  I have truly been blessed and humbled over the past few days.  I will not soon forget the people I have met here and the prayers they need.  Their faces, their needs, and their faith will stay with me. 

I praise and thank you Lord for these people, their faith and love for You, and the way You are working among them!

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY! PRAISE GOD! AMEN! PRAISE GOD AGAIN! AMEN!

 
The Visionaries - Richard & Helen Makani, Mike & Teresa Curry, Daivd & Ruth Hamilton, Bishop

When I think about the days activities, I am reminded of a favorite song of mine called, "A Mighty Fortress" by Christy Nockels.

 

True Worship - Kenya Day 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."  John 4:23-24

Our mission trip leader told us to be prepared to share a greeting, a short testimony, or even a message while we were in Kenya when called upon.  In the days and weeks leading up to our departure, I begin to pray and seek a word that God would have me to bring to my Kenyan brothers and sisters.  There were 2 concepts/areas in my own personal walk of faith that God had used to begin the transformation of my heart and my mind as Paul talks about in Romans 12.  These were "The Abiding Relationship" and the area of Discipleship from 2 Timothy 2:2.  So with the Holy Spirit's guidance, I prepared 2 messages which could be used to give a short testimony or even preach if called upon.

And wouldn't you know that I would be asked and called to preach in one of the 4 church services we attended on the first Sunday of our trip.  Jeff asked if I could preach and although I had never preached before in my life, I could not say no to this opportunity.  I believe that God had been equipping me over the past year for a time such as this and I did not want to be disobedient to this calling.  As I prayed on Saturday evening over what the Lord would have me to share, I was led to the message I had prepared on John 15 - The Abiding Relationship for A Christian.

I had the privelege of speaking in a tent church in Kitale, Kenya, which was located in the middle of the city dump.  As we pulled up to the service, I was almost overcome with emotion as I saw grown men and women and small children sitting in piles of trash and rummaging through the trash for food and anything else they could salvage.  But I said a prayer and asked the Lord to strengthen me and prepare me for the task and He did.  As I walked into the prayer service, I could sense the presence of the Holy Spirit and the worship experience would be one of the most pure and special that I have ever been part of.

Day 4 – Kitale Area – Sunday, 6 February 2011

Today is the Lord’s day, let us rejoice and be glad in it.  I awoke feeling refreshed and ready to face today with hope, love, and a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.  Our team split into 4 teams to attend four of Richard’s churches in the Kitale-Mt. Elgon region.  Tracy Hatley (T Hat), Katie Tuck (K Tuck), and I had the privilege of attending a tent church which happened to be on the same property as the city dump.  We received a very warm greeting from the congregation there.  We worshipped with them through song and dance and I could feel the Holy Spirit’s presence in the place.  The music was very beautiful and full of passion and emotion for the Lord and I can honestly say that this was probably the most pure worship service that I have ever been part of.

Helen got up and gave a short greeting and word of thanks for the support she and Richard had received from the community during the recent birth of their 3^rd child, Faith.  She then welcomed us as guests and we began our time of testimony.  Tracy gave a warm greeting and then Katie gave a great testimony using Ephesians 3:14-20 as the basis for her testimony.  They both did a great job setting up my time of preaching.

It was then my turn to speak.  Although I had been anxious and nervous thinking about speaking, I was calm and I got up to begin and I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit speaking through me.  I spoke about the Abiding Relationship with Christ that all believers should desire using the parable of the Vine and the Branches in John 15 as the background for the message.  My translator’s name was Pastor Elijah who is one of Pastor Richard’s disciples.  He did a wonderful job of articulating my message.  As I surveyed the crowd, I could see heads nodding in agreement and people saying “Amen” to my statements.  I then prayed at the end and asked the Lord to help anyone who did not know Him as Lord and Savior to trust in Him by faith today.  I was hopeful to have planted a seed and let the Lord bring the harvest.

After a long lunch, we spent the entire afternoon at the orphanage with the children.  Thomas(15 yr. old) gave us a tour of the facilities.  Katie Moser then lead a time of us sharing some songs(Father Abraham, Lord Told Noah) and teaching the children games such as Red Light/Green Light and a balloon relay game.  We gave all of the children some dum-dum suckers and a silly band and let them play with bubbles.  Ruth Hamilton then gave them a book from Teresa Curry called, “You Are Special.”  We then had some free time of playing with and loving on the children.  Sam Moser and I played soccer(futbol) with Thomas, Amos(8-9 yr. old), and one of our drives named George Kimanu(32 yr. old).  We then played volleyball with some of the adults and children before we said our goodbyes.  It was very difficult to say goodbye to them because you see the glimmer of hope that our presence brings them.  None of us really wanted to leave and some of us became emotional as we left.

The Lord confirmed my sermon today via a discussion I had with Pastor Richard this afternoon.  One of his church attendees who came to the tent church today called Richard and told him that after hearing my message today, he realized he didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ so he just threw his hands in the air and asked Jesus to save him.  Praise be to God for using me as a vessel to share the Gospel and draw someone unto Him!!  This really blessed my soul!

I have to say that after two full days of ministry here that my life is already changed forever.  I have been confronted with the life and death struggle of these brothers and sister here.  Where it not for the grace of God, many of the children would perish and have no hope.  But the faith of these people is so inspiring and the Lord is working and moving here.  I am worn out after a long day, so I will turn in and look forward to tomorrow.

 
The Pulpit Where I Preached for the First Time in My Life

 
The City Dump in Kitale, Kenya

 
Christ Life Center Church - Kitale, Kenya

The "Real" Kenya - Kenya Day 3

This blog chronicles the experiences of Zachary Cook as he traveled to the country of Kenya in Eastern Africa for his first mssion trip in February 2011.

Days 1 and 2 of my Kenyan experience were spent traveling to this beautiful country on the other side of the world from the United States.  Even as we arrrived in Nairobi, it was somewhat difficult to see that we were in a 3rd world country.  The city of Nairobi has a huge Western influence and although it reminds you of a less afluent U.S. city, you can stil tell that you are in a different region of the world.  It was not until Day 3 of our journey where I got to see the "real" Kenya.  The Kenya that you imagine when you see poverty and destitution in magazines and on T.V.  But nothing could have prepared me for what my eyes were to see and what my heart was to experience as we began our ministry here. 

Day 3 – Kitale Area – Saturday, 5 February 2011

I can’t even begin to put into words my emotions right now, as I sit here reflecting on the events of today.  We landed in Kitale mid-morning, and I got my first taste of the “real” Kenya, the poverty-stricken Kenya I was expecting to see.  I had the opportunity to speak with Mike Curry on the flight to Kitale.  We talked about baseball and his family and mine and also about the focus of his ministry efforts here.  I shared my heart with him about how the Lord has been working on my spirit over the past year or so in the areas of discipleship and the Great Commission.  He explained to me that his ministry was focused on training up the leadership here to disciple others and preach and expand the Gospel.  After our discussion, my purpose for being here was affirmed.

 
Flying in Country in Kenya is an Interesting Experience

Once we landed, we were greeted by Pastor Richard Makani and his wife, Helen.  We had lunch together and I had a nice conversation with Helen.  We then went over to one of the orphanages they run as part of their ministry, Seeds Ministry, and we were greeted with uplifting songs and dances put on by the children to greet us, welcome us to Kenya, and thank us for our support.  Little did we know that the children and their stories of survival would touch us and impact us to the core of our souls.  We heard countless stories of starvation, malnutrition, abuse, and utter despair, but we then heard the joy and power of God’s grace and mercy on their lives and their survival stories that the Lord has delivered them through.  Their stories were gripping and tearing to me and my heart and you could hear the emotion and see the pain they had endured, but you then saw the hope in their eyes of survival.  Their situations are still very much a story of surviving moment by moment and day by day.

Richard and Helen and their staff are literally responsible for saving countless lives all in the name of God and His love!  One particular story that sticks with me is the story of a young teenage boy named Thomas, who has only been at the orphanage for a few months.  He told the story of being alone and hungry and having to rummage through the trash for food.  He would come eat at the feeding station, but then run the streets the rest of the time.  He told how he had been pressured to join a street gang as a mode of survival, and how he had not wanted to be forced to do that to survive.  He then told of how he had approached Richard and Helen and had asked them to pray for him and his situation.  They ended up taking him into the orphanage.  He broke down and with tears in his eyes said, “Richard and Mom Helen saved my life and I now have hope.”  By this time Richard and Helen were weeping as well.  You see, Thomas has that sparkle in his eyes.  The kind of sparkle where you know that the Lord has saved him for a special purpose.  He now through prayers and financial support is attempting to get into high school(which is nearly impossible in Kenya) and his scores are good enough to get him in.  They have sent out letters and are awaiting responses. Thomas’ story is compelling to me in so many ways, many of which I can’t put into words right now.  But his story and face will forever be engrained onto my heart and mind.  We heard many others stories of survival from young girls being saved from a life of abuse and prostitution(Maximilla) to infants being brought back to life from being dumped like trash in the bush(Delmas).  According to a text sent from one of our team members to Mike Curry, “amazing day….God wrecked the team this afternoon with the testimonies of these precious children.”  But you can see and feel God’s love in this place and I was honored to just be there.

 
Our Hotel in Kitale, Kenya

Finally, Richard and Helen took us to see the property they recent purchased where they plan to build a permanent self-sufficient complex where they will grow their own food to support the orphanages.  I meet the gentleman in charge of oversight of all of the operations at the compound, Ben Epete.  He was very friendly and open and transparent as he shared with us their mode of survival.  They are currently working on obtaining all the needed materials to construct the new building for the orphanage.  Their current location is a rental property.  They are very resourceful and have already laid the foundations using bricks they have made using their bare hands and mud.  I told them I was a civil engineer and they were very excited to speak with me about their plans.  When I think about Richard and Helen and their ministry, I am reminded of the passage of scripture in Proverbs 29:18 that says, “Where there is no vision, people perish.”  They have a vision for their lives and ministry, and they are totally dependent on the Lord to supply for all of their needs to make this vision a reality.

 
The Only Way to Travel in Kenya

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Stories You Don't Forget

 
The Vision - Building a New Orphanage

Well, I have been asked to preach in one of the churches here in Kitale tomorrow.  I am excited and anxious at the same time.  I am praying that the Lord would fill me up and use me to speak life into these people here and that God would get all the glory through my sharing.  Please Lord God, use me as an instrument of truth, love, grace and mercy as I speak tomorrow and may You be pleased, honored, and glorified with what you see and here tomorrow.

Thank you Lord for bringing me here and opening my eyes to the power of Your love at work in the lives of my Kenyan brothers and sisters here. 

 “To Him that is able to do abundantly more that I could ever want or ask, be all honor, all glory, and all praise forever and ever. AMEN

This song popped into my head as I thought about the verse in Proverbs and God's vision.

BE THOU MY VISION

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

   

 

We Made It Safely - Kenya Day 2

We finally made it to Kenya after 3 flights totaling roughly 18 hours in the air and changing time zones nine times.  We left at approximately 1 p.m. Memphis time on Thursday afternoon and arrived at approximately 830 p.m. local time in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday evening.  The grueling travel can definitely take a toll on your body and changing time zones that many times doesn't help either.  But God protected us and kept us safe as we traveled and we all arrived safely.  We left America in the winter season and arrived in Kenya in the middle of the summer season.  It was below freezing when we left Memphis and around 75 degrees when we arrived in Kenya.

I was excited to be in Kenya and looking forward with anticipation at all that the Lord had in store for me and my team.  By the way, the team members from my church, Bellevue Baptist, were as follows: Jeff, Susan, Katie, and Sam Moser, Tracy Hatley, Mary Humerickhouse, Phyllis Collier, Michael and Autumn Ingram, David, Ruth, and Hannah Hamilton, Katie Tuck (from Gardendale 1st Baptist Church in Gardendale, AL), and myself.

Day 2 – Arrive Kenya - Friday, 4 February 2011

It is early Saturday morning, February 5^th, and I am sitting in my non air-conditioned room in the Hampton House in Nairobi after a late night arrival into Kenya.  We landed around 830 p.m. local time and spent roughly 1 ½ hours getting our visas and going through customs.  Praise God that all of that went smoothly and that our luggage all made it here.  Mike Curry met us at the airport and greeted us with warm greetings and welcomed us to Kenya.  The first Kenyan I met was one of our drivers whose name happens to be Zachary like mine, so I shouldn’t have any problems remembering his name.  Thank you, Lord for getting us all here safely, and for making our flights somewhat enjoyable.

Although I didn’t get much sleep coming over on the plane, it’s amazing what a few hours sleep in a bed, a shave, and a warm shower can do for reviving a person.  I had the privilege of sitting by Phyllis Collier, the grandmother figure of our group, on both flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Nairobi.  She is a very lovely woman with a great spirit and lots of love in her heart for others and for Jesus.  I can tell that she and I will be hanging out a lot together during our time here.  God showed both of us He is involved in the trip by giving us the pleasure of sitting by and speaking with a young Kenyan man on the plane named Timothy from Charlotte, N.C.  He was on his way back to Kenya to bury his dead father whom he hadn’t seen in over 2 years.  Tim was a very friendly and warm young man with a great smile and laugh.  He was very interested in our plans in Kenya and even taught us some basic Swahili phrases to use in our time here.  We learned that he was a Christian man and he thanked us for our service here and willingness to come.  He had a bracelet with Philippians 4:13 written on it.  Thank you Lord for giving me the pleasure of meeting this young Kenyan Christian man.

This morning we are headed out early for a short flight to Kitale where our ministry time will start tomorrow.  I’m so excited and humbled to be here and I can’t wait to start ministering and being His hands and feet. 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

 
Hampton House - Missionary Home - Nairobi, Kenya