Back in the Office

I've made it back from Kenya with minimal physical damage. Jet lag hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. I've been crashing into bed a little after 10 PM and waking up at 6 AM. So it would appear that jet lag is making me go to sleep and wake up at a good time. I'm planning on posting a few more thoughts about Kenya in the days ahead, but for now I have to force myself to get caught up in the office.

Warfare

Last night the focus of our service was the Holy Spirit. Cornell was preaching on how to live Spirit filled. That's what this generation of Kenyan and every nationality of believers need. The service was going fine until we got to the message. Within moments of Cornell starting to preach we had an incredible thunderstorm arrive. The rain was pounding harder than you could imagine. As an added bonus, the building we were in has a tin roof. The roar was deafening. Cornell kept preaching though.

At some point Rusty turned to me and asked if I had a flashlight. I dug one out of my bag and we set it on the table. Then I felt it. Rusty and I sit together in the middle of the room at the sound board and computer and I remember turning to him and saying, "I think I'm getting wet." It felt like the splatter of rain in the ground. Within a few moments we had our answer. We were sitting under the pinnacle of the roof and I guess it wasn't as sealed as it should be. Water started dripping on us. We grabbed a cloth tarp that we had been covering the sound table at night to cover our gear. It rained harder. It became clear that cloth wasn't going to protect us. Some of our Kenyan brothers ran over with some plastic and we covered it with that.

The noise was so loud that Cornell called everyone to pray against it. That's all we could do. Then, the power went off. We prayed harder as flashlights were whipped out. We had a generator and after 15 minutes or so of work they were able to get it running to at least get the sound system going again. The rain wasn't letting up and we prayed harder still. Eventually Cornell decided to keep going all the while rain was dripping down the entire middle aisle.

During this Emmanuel thought it best to move the entire sound table. We ripped up some tape that was anchoring cords and moved it to a drier spot. Remember, this is all happening with flashlights and some candles that one of the ladies had. I asked Rusty if he could get me power back to the projector. My thinking was twofold. If Cornell's presentation was onscreen the students could follow his message easier, especially the verses, because they could be reading while trying to listen. Second, projectors are extremely bright. It would go a long way to lighting up the front area.

Rusty and Jimmy were able to run an extension to get power back to the projector and it worked as I hoped it would. Cornell was able to finish preaching and the altar called ensued. As of this moment we know that someone accepted Christ and that at least one was baptized in the Holy Spirit. We will try to find out more today.

After service the students had their tea. It's a good thing that our camp cooks have done all of their work over fire in the kitchen. We showed some videos and then eventually began sending them off to bed. It was still raining this entire time. Not as hard, but still rain.

I asked Pastor Sam if rain like this was common and he told me that it wasn't. The word he used was that it was abnormal, especially since we are entering the dry season.

The power did come back on before we went to sleep so we have it for today. Our final service is this morning before we break camp. Praying that God does something powerful and that the enemy is defeated.

Camp X Kenyan Style

I am right in the midst of the camp that we are putting on. It has been an interesting experience. For those that know what Big Prairie was, let me just say that we had no right to complain. We spent the hours before camp started cleaning our meeting room. We had to do this because a lot of birds consider our building a nice respite from the sun. While we meet they fly in and out and over our heads. When I made an inspection tour of the restroom and shower facilities, I was greeted by two very large rats. I originally thought they were more of the birds until the sauntered away and I saw their long tales. I know God created everything but why the rat?

I freely admit that things are different than what I'm use to, but in the long run it doesn't matter because God is here. We had good services last night and the sessions this morning went extremely well. I of course spoke during one of them. In spite of me things are going good. We have a few more days of camp and then we pack up for the trip home. Rusty and I both calculated that if all goes right it will take us approximately 30 hours from the time we leave Eldoret until we make it back to our homes. I'm looking forward to seeing my family, but not looking forward to the trip. Plus, I'm heading back to cold weather. Everyday here is probably in the low 80's with cool breezes. Nights are cool enough for a jacket. Anyway, my Kenya journey will end soon and regular life will begin again.

Shout outs from some of the people with me. Cornell says "What's up!" Jenna says hello. They must have thought that I was on Facebook.

Preaching in Kenya

Had the opportunity to preach in a Kenyan congregation this morning. Kept it slow so my accent wouldn't be too hard to understand. I think it went well. I was told it did. The coolest part that has nothing to do with preaching was after the service was over. I was talking to someone and a lady came up to me with a tray that contained a cup of chai tea and some sugar. I guess they brew big batches of it for after church. I walked around and talked with people while sipping on some pretty good tea. The whole trip has been an experience. Tomorrow we are completely focused on prepping for the camp and Tuesday it starts. It's going to be a long and tiring week, but hopefully a good one. I teach a session on Tuesday and I'm praying that goes well.

My New Calling in Radio

Thankfully I'm doing a lot better. The trip over really took it out of me but I think I'm about back to full speed. Now, for my interesting missions experience of the day.

Carrie, Cornell, and myself went to the local radio station and were on The Fish FM. It was local show for teens called T.I.T.O & Pizzah. They were playing Christian American rap and also Christian rap from here and even Uganda. Then, they were talking with us about the upcoming camp. It was over an hour of promoting the camp. During the time we were also giving away some free registrations to the camp. It was an experience. As we were leaving, we found out they wanted us to do promo spots for the radio station. Each one of us did multiple promos. So basically, if you visit Kenya in the upcoming years, you may hear one of us proudly declaring, "you're listening to 97.1 Fish FM."

It Was Worth It

I went to the department of health today to get the shots I needed for my missions trip to Kenya. Both arms are now covered in multiple band-aids from the experience. The thought I had as I was sitting there concerned the missionaries of the past.

They headed out into the world to spread the news of Jesus Christ without the benefit of vaccinations.

They headed out knowing that there was a high probability that they would never return.

They headed out willing to suffer if needed.

They headed out to lands where they often had to bury a child, a spouse, or both.

They headed out because the truth was burning so strongly in them that they couldn’t help but share it.

They headed out because that’s what we are called to do.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

If All Goes Well

I had to wait a few days while I got some approval from the leaders in my church, but I can go ahead and post the information now. If all goes well, I’m planning on going to Kenya in late November into December. The details of the trip are still being worked out so I don’t have definite dates just yet.

I got my passport application turned in today and my mind is racing with the various things that I think I might have to do. Granted, the trip isn’t a given yet. There are still a lot of things that have to come together for me to be able to go. I’ll keep moving forward with it and we’ll se what happens.

Stepping Out In Faith

I have decided to step out in faith and pursue a missions trip opportunity that has been given to me. While I won’t go into details here at this time, I’m excited about it. I’ve started the work to get my passport and I’m already mentally making lists of what I would need. The trip is months and months away, but I want to be ready.

I really believe it could be something that the Lord has for me. I’m praying, pursuing some preliminary steps, and keeping an open heart. I don’t feel any check in my spirit at this time, but I sure want to be open for the Lord to stop me if need be.

At this stage of the game, if I end up not going I’m only out the money for the passport. Of course, I can always use it to go visit Niagara Falls. I know you can see Niagara from the American side, but the Canadian side is much better.

That’s were I’m at and I will post more once things get more set in stone.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Stepping Out In Faith

I have decided to step out in faith and pursue a missions trip opportunity that has been given to me. While I won’t go into details here at this time, I’m excited about it. I’ve started the work to get my passport and I’m already mentally making lists of what I would need. The trip is months and months away, but I want to be ready.

I really believe it could be something that the Lord has for me. I’m praying, pursuing some preliminary steps, and keeping an open heart. I don’t feel any check in my spirit at this time, but I sure want to be open for the Lord to stop me if need be.

At this stage of the game, if I end up not going I’m only out the money for the passport. Of course, I can always use it to go visit Niagara Falls. I know you can see Niagara from the American side, but the Canadian side is much better.

That’s were I’m at and I will post more once things get more set in stone.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Missions Trip Is Go!

We just got word today that our missions trip to Mexico is going to happen. It really was a God ordained event that brought it about. My youth are pumped for something that is still over 10 months away. I’ve even got youth attempting to learn Spanish. To be honest, I’m even excited.

Ask And It's Opened

Set a goal for my youth group to head out on an out of country missions trip within the next two years. It’s a big goal for us and I wasn’t sure if we could pull it off.

Enter God.

Two days a later a nearby pastor mentions they might be heading to Mexico next summer. If it works out we’re free to join with them. Praying hard that it works out because we want Mexico.

Healing

My student that has been battling cancer for over a year now was healed on our trip. The biopsy he’s had since returning revealed no cancer. He’ll be on crutches for several weeks until he heals from the biopsy, but no cancer. God is working.

Get Ready

Get ready. Tomorrow I should have the green light to share the most incredible thing that happened on our missions trip. We’re talking miracle. Stay tuned.

Hearing the Call

Just another thought from the missions trip. While we were in Toledo, some of the pastors prayed some pretty incredible things over some of my youth. Now, before any one gets excited, we instructed our youth to pray about what the pastors felt God leading them to say. If God really wants it to happen, he will begin speaking it to the hearts of the youth. The amazing thing, for many of the youth the pastors were praying as if each individual youth’s life was laid open before them. They were praying some specific things that made Kelly and my eyes almost pop out. Dead on accurate. And really, why not? The Holy Spirit is with us and guiding us.

Why all the preface? One of our youth was told that God was calling them to the ministry. It’s one that I believe God has been doing some great things in. Then, later that day, someone else told that youth that they really felt that they would wind up in China some day to save a girl. Maybe missions, maybe adoption, but being used by God. We’ve strongly instructed that youth to pray and wait for God to make it real, but I can really see it in them.

Another one of my youth was told that they were going to be bold. Later that day, the same youth was told that they were going to be the second greatest preacher that the person had ever heard.

What’s it mean? I think God hasn’t given up on this generation. God is still working and calling people to be his own.

We’ll all keep praying and seeking the Lord. I’m excited to see what might happen.

I'm Back

To say it’s been awhile since I wrote is an understatement. I do have an excuse though. I was busy. Poor excuse I know, but it’s all I’ve got. In my defense, I did spend last week away on a missions trip with my youth. The week before that was largely spent in preparation for the trip, and let’s not forget that I also preached the day before we left. Time was spent getting ready frt that. So, my reason for being lazy in my writing is the fact that I was busy. Now, on to better things.

The missions trip was incredible. Hands down I think it was a lot better than last year. Once again we ventured to Solid Rock Ministries in Toledo. Our schedule for the week was divided among many things. We helped someone that desperately needed help move to a new house, we sorted and passed out clothes, we helped in a Vacation Bible School, we fed children, we talked with people, we went door to door, we helped a pastor of another church clean and scrub his building in preparation for what he believes God is going to do, we carried tables, speakers, chairs, and used them to minister to people at a block party.

I plan on writing some more details over the next few days. But, I want to at least give a quick overview. Several of my youth had the opportunity to lead someone to the Lord. One of our young ladies led a lady (not a child) at the block party to Jesus. One of my youth believes he was healed of cancer (I’m agreeing with him, but more importantly his spirit was healed). One of my young men said that he had been suffering from depression and that after we prayed it was gone. I believe at least two of my students are being called into the ministry. They need to wrestle with the Lord about it, but it really appears that way.

So enough for now. I’ll shoot for more in depth as the week continues.

Oh, there are a bunch of photos and even videos over at our youth website. Why not check them out.

Goodbye Depression

I wanted to relate some if the powerful things that happened in the lives of my youth on the missions trip here. Hopefully, I’ll be getting them to write out what God did for them so I can post those on the youth site. So, until that I’ll try to keep my testimonies here anonymous.

One of my youth struggled a little during the week. A lot a time heading off alone and not always diving into the work. On Friday during the fire tunnel prayer time, this youth declared that they had been depressed and that God had taken it away. I thought it was great, but you never can tell on things like that. Well, the student’s mom told us that since we’ve been back her youth is completely different at home. Respectful, doing what is asked, and simply pleasing to be around. A major change that both her and her husband noticed.

To me that’s awesome. May it continue.

God loves to minister to and bless His people, but even more so when his people are willing to head out and serve others.