Hello from Kenya!
It is March 28.
Last Monday, some former students came from their ministry near Nairobi, to visit us. They have a 7 year old boy, and a five month baby girl. I really enjoyed teaching her. They just started a church in January, as they had to go back after school, to work for one year in theministry from which they came. They had come from Philip’s work, and left after the year was up…. It was so good to see them again. They named their baby Sandra!
Joy called us Tuesday night to tell us that Mom Washer had had a pace maker put in last week. We called her on Wednesday, and she is still adjusting, but doing ok, I believe. We are thankful.
Terry and Ndegwa had decided to sell the little pickup Ndegwa drives for the ministry, and get something a little bigger. We mentioned it in talking, to Papa. He said he would be interested in giving up his van for the ministry and he get a newer vehicle. Anyway, to cut it all short, the pickup sold on Friday. We gave the money to Papa to put towards his van, which is due in in Nairobi this week… a second hand vehicle straight from Japan. Mr. Mwaura is going down to clear several vehicles, and Pastor James will go to drive Papa’s van back. Papa is so excited! So, for a few days Ndegwa is without wheels. He will use our van for a busy schedule tomorrow, Lord willing.
Friday we went to the home of one of our Bible School ladies and taught the ladies there how to make cake on a jiko in a sufuria, like we had done in Kiamariga. Terry had made me promise not to drive on muddy roads if it rained. The rains have been heavy. (The Ragati is fuller than we have ever seen it) The last ½ mile was "one of those roads" and rain was definitely headed our way. So, I left the van on a solid road at someone’s house, so that I could do what Terry had said, but we also prayed that the Lord would take the rain another way, and HE DID! We were served a meal (a total surprise), had tea, bread, made cake, had a Bible lesson, and then because it was so late, we left with about ½ the cake and the ladies in the van. We got home after 6, all very tired, but thankful for the good visit. All the ladies came home with food from the farm, for their families.
Today we had 12 in deaf class….the most we have had in months. Geoffrey is learning the Word, but it doesn’t seem to be making any difference in some. We have two couples (all deaf) who come quite faithfully.
Well, as a new week and month start, we also close our first term in Bible School. I need to sew two more brides’ maids dresses, and maybe one for little Jenna for Brian and Joy's wedding, during the holidays. Fun!
Sandy for us both-- Terry & Sandy Washer-- Terry & Sandy Washertswasher@gmail.com
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Randy-Last email from Kenya 2010
This story is long but you must read to the end as I recount the story that drove us all to our knees later that night!
Well….finally another ‘breather’ only now I’m sitting in the lounge in London. I’ll try and reflect the best I can, as this has been the craziest trip.
The Aberdare country club experience can only be described as a 9th inning, 7th game of the world series, 3 and 2 count with 2 outs, bases loaded and down by 3 grand slam walk off home run! And I hit the pitch! The last night there we were the only couple for the entire candle light dinner. Wow! Even John Denver music was playing.
We met at 7:00 to start the 13-hour shake and bake ride to Nambale. The last portion of the trip was through the rain while passing miles and miles of sugar cane fields with tractors loaded for the processing plant. We stopped at Juma’s house for dinner and arrived about 10:00 at the Uganda border town ‘Western Ambience’ hotel with A/C and wireless internet that would only partial work but it was nice. I just could never connect to my email.
Friday we spent the day helping the kids with activities and taking pictures. They didn’t realize we had brought the photo printer and planned to give them the prints the next day….but the printer turn out to be a huge ordeal. The transformer for converting fried the power source to the printer…but guess what? In the nowhere bush country town, I found a guy to de-solder 3 resisters and a capacitor and pull ones off and old board he had and got it going again! I don’t know where in the US I could do that. I wanted to offer the guy a job in the test group at the plant right on the spot!
Saturday, the kids went crazy with all the activities, pictures being given out and about 90 pastors came for training…we fell in bed exhausted. Sunday was the quick service/dedication and we left for Migori only to arrive after dark with no room! They had given it away but we found a better place and had a good nights sleep.
Monday, we meet with a bunch of pastors and different churches and had a great traditional meal in a mud hut type church building……now this is where the trip gets REAL exciting so pay attention.
As I stood in the outhouse I thought…this is it the furtherest point of the journey and from here we’re headed home with the animal stop in Maasi Mara. Little did I know the next few hours would be some of the most exciting hours of my life. Clue number 1…when people change from English to their native tongue while looking at a tourist map about directions…you should get involved!
The big debate here was which route to get to the lodge. But if you have ever been to Yellowstone Park you know the lodges can be a days drive apart…..same for Maasi Mara. The ‘decision’ was to go the back road since it didn’t look too bad like rain. Mistake.
The drive was to take about 3 hours and we had 4 and ½ before dark so we THOUGHT we should be good. The road started well enough but slowly gets worse…then the rain came. We are in a 2-wheel drive Nissan van and began the slipping and paying much more attention to the road. I casually make a comment that this is fun and reminds me of our Sunday afternoon 4 wheel drives in Georgia. We head down a hill that is rutted and most likely cannot be returned upward….and come face to face with a flash flood! We are immediately stranded 2 hours down a dirt road and to make matters more fun? We are in Maasi territory and they are also trapped on both sides of the raging river completely covering the bridge and falling into a torrent of brown water.
Out of the van to evaluate. The engineer kicks in (what tools do we have, how can we turn around and get these Maasi guys to push). A quick thought to the flood…will it lower as a linear curve or is the exponential decay…gosh, get the watch and start timing.
As we are pondering what to do, two Maasi warriors in full dress appear on the far side They cut depth checking limbs with razor sharp knives and proceed to risk life and limb to slowly, slowly cross to our side. What’s this about? Why the risk. As they make it, we try to smile and wave but we are totally ignored and they run past. Janice had finished taking pictures and retired to the van to wait out the river crossing possibility. Steve and I stand talking through options. Then I tap Steve on the shoulder and point….the warriors are returning with about 10 to 12 more. Okay now for all those who do not know, Janice has already told us of a nightmare of the van being surrounded by Maasi warriors in which they say ‘give us the short white woman’ and we drive off, leaving her. Oh my goodness, maybe she had a vision.
The warriors approach quickly and Steve and I do have a plan and we are well armed. An element of surprise ….us being able to fight….gives me hope….and I’m thinking ‘is this it? I hope I die well in the fight. Maybe they are not used to fighting as we have been taught. But they have weapons too! I remember when facing multiple opponents…remember to go for the strongest first, a loud yell to scare them….my mind is spinning.
The Maasi sail past? What? To the river they go. It turns out that 2 Maasi children have fallen into the flood and unfortunately have drowned. These men were trying to retrieve the bodies. ..I reflect. I must be tired and have an over active imagination. Back to the flood.
We’ve now waited about the 1-½ hours to spare that we had. I vote to try and turn the van around knowing if the van goes down the river we are really in trouble. It’s too big of a risk and the water is still too high. Joseph (the driver) takes off to cross regardless. Janice jumps from the van and we watch as somehow it defies all the physics and makes it across. Now for the second interesting point ….Janice’s ‘reoccurring’ nightmare over the years is having to cross a river in the flood. (Wow two converging visions on the same day!) Her neck turns red from the stress but she doesn’t hesitates as we successfully inch through the raging river.…minutes seem to turn into hours as we cross…. she doesn’t laugh with relief as I expected, but jumps in and says ‘let’s get the heck out of Dodge!’…. but to no avail. We now have cattle as far as we can see in front of us and we are trying to get up a mud-bogged hill. They make a solid wall as they stop again and again. Another 15 precious minutes lost to get them out of the way.
Now…darkness is not too far but we have a person who is to meet is in the next village to show us the way. He’s not there (of course) so we are directed to go to the next junction and take a right. When we ask several people how far it is to our overnight lodging we are told everything from 20 – 30 km. We later find out it’s actually 100! Lesson here….do not ask men that travel by bicycle how far something is…and just accept that they always say ‘the road is good.”
The road would not have been a huge problem if we had been driving 4 wheel drive and had someone following us in another 4 wheel drive with a winch. BUT NO! we were in 2-wheel drive. After Joseph the driver proves to be totally inexperienced driving in the mud I was put in the driver seat to get us through the 20- 30 ft long mud holes. In front of us a car has flooded out and was pushed out of the way. My brain goes into survival mode again…drive on the LEFT not right, the steering wheel is on the right not left and the panel display is backwards as also how the lights work, the van tracks totally differently than my jeep….why did I say that I drive in this stuff? Pride comes before the fall and I think of Charis and her boast to ring a chicken’s neck but really couldn’t when it came down to it. So…here I am…going to be responsible for bogging down the van, sleeping with the animals and who knows what the night ghosts might bring.
The first hole throws Janice in the air and re-distributes the packing and passengers but we’re still moving! Team driving with Steve, we stare at the road trying to keep moving as fast as possible but guessing the best route. A hyena passes in front…that’s not good…. if we got to push. Finally, after miles and miles of the best mud bogging imaginable we arrive at a junction. How, I do not know, the cell phone works and we call the lodge for advice. They encourage us to try the lodge only 4 km down the road to the right. We go but the road quickly turns into a pig trail…we back track….find another pig trail. We stop to evaluate and what do we see? A flashlight ….a Maasi father and family have come to see what is going on. We find out that the lodge we are attempting has been closed for 2 years…back to the main pig trail.
We decide to try for the next lodge another 22 km in front. More mud, rocks…..I even get the van teetering twice on only two tires such that we have to ‘rock the van’ to get enough traction to move. I check the mileage on the dash…it hasn’t moved and doesn’t work. There are minimal signs that are unclear, but somehow (maybe with all the encouragement we are giving the LORD) we turn sharply over a partially collapsed bridge to come to a gate. The gatekeeper cuts out the lone light and stares at us from his dung/mud hut. He is trying to figure out whether he needs to call for reinforcements. With much talking he is convinced we are truly desperate. Later… as we recall this moment we believe we have experienced what it must be like to arrive at heavens gate and…. then it is thrown open wide as the gatekeeper says “Welcome!”
I pause for a moment as everyone unloads in jubilation ….I think of two things…..one is that this must have been what Peter Capstick (Africa’s most notable hunter) wrote about after a hair raising experience during a leopard hunt….he needed 3 matches to light his cigarette afterwards due to the adrenaline ( I don’t smoke, but it would take at least 3 for me now if I did) and the second thought was of the 10 healed lepers from the bible story that only 1 returned to thank him for the healing…well it was 5 for 5 on this ‘thank you LORD’.
Giving thanks to God for the positive ending to this overwhelming experience was not done while lying on our backs or sitting upright that night. For the first time in many years Janice and I (and later we found out Steve in his tent) got down on our knees to properly thank the good Lord!
The next day is perfect. We have ended up at a tent camp that was in the top ten best places to stay in the word in 2009! Isn’t God funny! The game drive is unparalleled.
Yesterday, we headed to Nairobi to meet some new Navigator friends Bob and Patty Meredith. We share hunting stories and life joys over dinner. We get to watch a hippo hunt from last year that Bob videoed and I feel a tinge of envy about Zambia dangerous game hunts. (but I think I have an invite!)
So now we’re about to board for Atlanta….totally perplexed yet a 4th time of Kenya experience. I fail to accurately portray it in words!
See you soon
Randy/dad xxxxxoooooxxxxx
Well….finally another ‘breather’ only now I’m sitting in the lounge in London. I’ll try and reflect the best I can, as this has been the craziest trip.
The Aberdare country club experience can only be described as a 9th inning, 7th game of the world series, 3 and 2 count with 2 outs, bases loaded and down by 3 grand slam walk off home run! And I hit the pitch! The last night there we were the only couple for the entire candle light dinner. Wow! Even John Denver music was playing.
We met at 7:00 to start the 13-hour shake and bake ride to Nambale. The last portion of the trip was through the rain while passing miles and miles of sugar cane fields with tractors loaded for the processing plant. We stopped at Juma’s house for dinner and arrived about 10:00 at the Uganda border town ‘Western Ambience’ hotel with A/C and wireless internet that would only partial work but it was nice. I just could never connect to my email.
Friday we spent the day helping the kids with activities and taking pictures. They didn’t realize we had brought the photo printer and planned to give them the prints the next day….but the printer turn out to be a huge ordeal. The transformer for converting fried the power source to the printer…but guess what? In the nowhere bush country town, I found a guy to de-solder 3 resisters and a capacitor and pull ones off and old board he had and got it going again! I don’t know where in the US I could do that. I wanted to offer the guy a job in the test group at the plant right on the spot!
Saturday, the kids went crazy with all the activities, pictures being given out and about 90 pastors came for training…we fell in bed exhausted. Sunday was the quick service/dedication and we left for Migori only to arrive after dark with no room! They had given it away but we found a better place and had a good nights sleep.
Monday, we meet with a bunch of pastors and different churches and had a great traditional meal in a mud hut type church building……now this is where the trip gets REAL exciting so pay attention.
As I stood in the outhouse I thought…this is it the furtherest point of the journey and from here we’re headed home with the animal stop in Maasi Mara. Little did I know the next few hours would be some of the most exciting hours of my life. Clue number 1…when people change from English to their native tongue while looking at a tourist map about directions…you should get involved!
The big debate here was which route to get to the lodge. But if you have ever been to Yellowstone Park you know the lodges can be a days drive apart…..same for Maasi Mara. The ‘decision’ was to go the back road since it didn’t look too bad like rain. Mistake.
The drive was to take about 3 hours and we had 4 and ½ before dark so we THOUGHT we should be good. The road started well enough but slowly gets worse…then the rain came. We are in a 2-wheel drive Nissan van and began the slipping and paying much more attention to the road. I casually make a comment that this is fun and reminds me of our Sunday afternoon 4 wheel drives in Georgia. We head down a hill that is rutted and most likely cannot be returned upward….and come face to face with a flash flood! We are immediately stranded 2 hours down a dirt road and to make matters more fun? We are in Maasi territory and they are also trapped on both sides of the raging river completely covering the bridge and falling into a torrent of brown water.
Out of the van to evaluate. The engineer kicks in (what tools do we have, how can we turn around and get these Maasi guys to push). A quick thought to the flood…will it lower as a linear curve or is the exponential decay…gosh, get the watch and start timing.
As we are pondering what to do, two Maasi warriors in full dress appear on the far side They cut depth checking limbs with razor sharp knives and proceed to risk life and limb to slowly, slowly cross to our side. What’s this about? Why the risk. As they make it, we try to smile and wave but we are totally ignored and they run past. Janice had finished taking pictures and retired to the van to wait out the river crossing possibility. Steve and I stand talking through options. Then I tap Steve on the shoulder and point….the warriors are returning with about 10 to 12 more. Okay now for all those who do not know, Janice has already told us of a nightmare of the van being surrounded by Maasi warriors in which they say ‘give us the short white woman’ and we drive off, leaving her. Oh my goodness, maybe she had a vision.
The warriors approach quickly and Steve and I do have a plan and we are well armed. An element of surprise ….us being able to fight….gives me hope….and I’m thinking ‘is this it? I hope I die well in the fight. Maybe they are not used to fighting as we have been taught. But they have weapons too! I remember when facing multiple opponents…remember to go for the strongest first, a loud yell to scare them….my mind is spinning.
The Maasi sail past? What? To the river they go. It turns out that 2 Maasi children have fallen into the flood and unfortunately have drowned. These men were trying to retrieve the bodies. ..I reflect. I must be tired and have an over active imagination. Back to the flood.
We’ve now waited about the 1-½ hours to spare that we had. I vote to try and turn the van around knowing if the van goes down the river we are really in trouble. It’s too big of a risk and the water is still too high. Joseph (the driver) takes off to cross regardless. Janice jumps from the van and we watch as somehow it defies all the physics and makes it across. Now for the second interesting point ….Janice’s ‘reoccurring’ nightmare over the years is having to cross a river in the flood. (Wow two converging visions on the same day!) Her neck turns red from the stress but she doesn’t hesitates as we successfully inch through the raging river.…minutes seem to turn into hours as we cross…. she doesn’t laugh with relief as I expected, but jumps in and says ‘let’s get the heck out of Dodge!’…. but to no avail. We now have cattle as far as we can see in front of us and we are trying to get up a mud-bogged hill. They make a solid wall as they stop again and again. Another 15 precious minutes lost to get them out of the way.
Now…darkness is not too far but we have a person who is to meet is in the next village to show us the way. He’s not there (of course) so we are directed to go to the next junction and take a right. When we ask several people how far it is to our overnight lodging we are told everything from 20 – 30 km. We later find out it’s actually 100! Lesson here….do not ask men that travel by bicycle how far something is…and just accept that they always say ‘the road is good.”
The road would not have been a huge problem if we had been driving 4 wheel drive and had someone following us in another 4 wheel drive with a winch. BUT NO! we were in 2-wheel drive. After Joseph the driver proves to be totally inexperienced driving in the mud I was put in the driver seat to get us through the 20- 30 ft long mud holes. In front of us a car has flooded out and was pushed out of the way. My brain goes into survival mode again…drive on the LEFT not right, the steering wheel is on the right not left and the panel display is backwards as also how the lights work, the van tracks totally differently than my jeep….why did I say that I drive in this stuff? Pride comes before the fall and I think of Charis and her boast to ring a chicken’s neck but really couldn’t when it came down to it. So…here I am…going to be responsible for bogging down the van, sleeping with the animals and who knows what the night ghosts might bring.
The first hole throws Janice in the air and re-distributes the packing and passengers but we’re still moving! Team driving with Steve, we stare at the road trying to keep moving as fast as possible but guessing the best route. A hyena passes in front…that’s not good…. if we got to push. Finally, after miles and miles of the best mud bogging imaginable we arrive at a junction. How, I do not know, the cell phone works and we call the lodge for advice. They encourage us to try the lodge only 4 km down the road to the right. We go but the road quickly turns into a pig trail…we back track….find another pig trail. We stop to evaluate and what do we see? A flashlight ….a Maasi father and family have come to see what is going on. We find out that the lodge we are attempting has been closed for 2 years…back to the main pig trail.
We decide to try for the next lodge another 22 km in front. More mud, rocks…..I even get the van teetering twice on only two tires such that we have to ‘rock the van’ to get enough traction to move. I check the mileage on the dash…it hasn’t moved and doesn’t work. There are minimal signs that are unclear, but somehow (maybe with all the encouragement we are giving the LORD) we turn sharply over a partially collapsed bridge to come to a gate. The gatekeeper cuts out the lone light and stares at us from his dung/mud hut. He is trying to figure out whether he needs to call for reinforcements. With much talking he is convinced we are truly desperate. Later… as we recall this moment we believe we have experienced what it must be like to arrive at heavens gate and…. then it is thrown open wide as the gatekeeper says “Welcome!”
I pause for a moment as everyone unloads in jubilation ….I think of two things…..one is that this must have been what Peter Capstick (Africa’s most notable hunter) wrote about after a hair raising experience during a leopard hunt….he needed 3 matches to light his cigarette afterwards due to the adrenaline ( I don’t smoke, but it would take at least 3 for me now if I did) and the second thought was of the 10 healed lepers from the bible story that only 1 returned to thank him for the healing…well it was 5 for 5 on this ‘thank you LORD’.
Giving thanks to God for the positive ending to this overwhelming experience was not done while lying on our backs or sitting upright that night. For the first time in many years Janice and I (and later we found out Steve in his tent) got down on our knees to properly thank the good Lord!
The next day is perfect. We have ended up at a tent camp that was in the top ten best places to stay in the word in 2009! Isn’t God funny! The game drive is unparalleled.
Yesterday, we headed to Nairobi to meet some new Navigator friends Bob and Patty Meredith. We share hunting stories and life joys over dinner. We get to watch a hippo hunt from last year that Bob videoed and I feel a tinge of envy about Zambia dangerous game hunts. (but I think I have an invite!)
So now we’re about to board for Atlanta….totally perplexed yet a 4th time of Kenya experience. I fail to accurately portray it in words!
See you soon
Randy/dad xxxxxoooooxxxxx
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Washers
It is March 7, 2010.
Today was the third year anniversary of the beginning of our ministry with the street kids. We probably had about eight that first day. This morning there were about 65 present, of which about 1/3 were adults…parents or relatives of the children. It was such a blessing to see. Awanas was also started today. We are using the books and method of games but we will not be participating with other churches in competition except our churches here. We have to go up to the field near our new property, which means walking up there with the kids… at least one mile. Well, they got up there today and it rained!! We were going to put off putting up a shelter, but we can’t. The rains are early and good, so we are going to need to do something. So thankful God will give us the needed wisdom.
Tuesday afternoon we had the ladies’ meeting for learning to knit, along with a Bible study. It was good… even one of the moms of one of our boys who has not been coming before, was there.
Bible School classes went along ok. We are planning to go to the home area of one of the student’s who is Kikuyu, to show them how to make cake, and then have a Bible Study time. We trust we can go March 26th.
Our visitors left this week: Steve and his friends. They are in Western Kenya right now and fly out this week.
Steve called us with some special news today: They were at Pastor Juma’s church at Nambale. That is where Moses is from, one of the two young men whom we helped with sign language schooling. Moses had three deaf at the church this morning, and two of them made a profession of faith. We are so thankful that he is getting involved with his people out there.
Today was the third year anniversary of the beginning of our ministry with the street kids. We probably had about eight that first day. This morning there were about 65 present, of which about 1/3 were adults…parents or relatives of the children. It was such a blessing to see. Awanas was also started today. We are using the books and method of games but we will not be participating with other churches in competition except our churches here. We have to go up to the field near our new property, which means walking up there with the kids… at least one mile. Well, they got up there today and it rained!! We were going to put off putting up a shelter, but we can’t. The rains are early and good, so we are going to need to do something. So thankful God will give us the needed wisdom.
Tuesday afternoon we had the ladies’ meeting for learning to knit, along with a Bible study. It was good… even one of the moms of one of our boys who has not been coming before, was there.
Bible School classes went along ok. We are planning to go to the home area of one of the student’s who is Kikuyu, to show them how to make cake, and then have a Bible Study time. We trust we can go March 26th.
Tomorrow we need to go to Nairobi again to check on our work permits. We re-applied before it expired, but it has expired, so we need to check on the status.
We are trusting we can also get dates for our going to USA for Brian and Joy’s wedding.
Sandy for us both--
Sandy for us both--
Terry & Sandy
Friday, March 5, 2010
Brother Randy Reports In
Well….I’ve finally been given a “breather” to write down a few notes about the trip…I’ll try and start from the beginning.
We arrived (and our entire luggage) in the dark of night. The first challenge is to get past immigration without having to pay the guard for his benefit. When prompted as to why all the luggage, I responded we were going on missions to the orphanages and churches and have activities for them. Then, with a smile and a twinkle in my eye, I said I do have a wife and she needs her clothes….a large grin and wave landed us past at no charge. Steve and Pastor Harrison and driver Joseph were the welcome committee.
We went to the Mennonite house in darkness with no problems and spent the first night with little event and started early for Kitui. The first stop was quickly for the ATM, some water and candy for gifts. The long drive was mostly due to road construction. I was amazed to see true paving machinery (dozer, grader, pavers, packers) but quickly found the Kenyan oxymoron…they were sweeping the road with home made brooms. Ah, the paradox of new technology with the depression era of the US.
We meet Pastor Patrick in Kitui and went immediately to see his church. It left you speechless. Old metal tied to tree limbs that has so much resistance to Christianity has the neighbors “taking a crap” (sorry to be so blunt) all around the church. Patrick comes and cleans it up before services. We went to his house for dinner. His two room home had been converted for his guest dinner. Rice and goat stew with fresh mangos for dessert. An excellent meal. Back to the hotel (that really was nice, by their standards) for a fitful drum beating nights sleep (I think it was a disco and not more but not sure).
Now on to Isovya…a nice ride that would give any jeep enthusiast a happy day. The orphanage was well kept, the kids were grateful, the well was great. The boys sleep in the traditional mud (cow dung) and thatch roof hut. We toured the sewing, carpentry and masonry training areas. How primitive to American equipment yet, while looking at a foot powered sewing machine, the pastor’s cell phone rings….right here in the bush! My brain screams….I can’t combine the two.
On towards Mwingi arriving at dark to be welcomes by flashlights for a church in blocks with no power. Many kids but a short welcome….this is absolutely the fastest time 6 (yes 6) pastors in one room can sit down so quickly….I’ve got to remember this flashlight thing maybe it helps them to focus on what they have to say if the light is blinding them. Janice can’t bring herself to speak and I accept their welcome on our behalf. The emotions, tiredness and shock of it all have finally left her without words.
We eat dinner outside Joshua’s home while the neighbor boils and skins a chicken while watching the moon rise and stars greet our gaze. Rice, stew and mangos again. But it is very good and the chapote is filling. We meet with the pastors Jackson and Elijah from the remote bush to discuss their needs and situation. Sleep tries to find our eyes around midnight but to no avail. The heat, mosquitoes and constant car alarms ensure another day of napping between pot holes.
The Mwingi accommodations were nice and secure. We start early and meet with pastors Joshua and Patrick to discuss their needs and ministry. Off for Karatina with a lunch stop in Ambul… and excellent stop that puts a smile on Janice’s face. Pastor Harrison shares stories of the independence from the British with stories of the forest fighters. He shares the fear these painted Africans implored by leaving the arm and foot of a killed British soldier in a pot to frighten the opposition into thinking they ate him. Fear is a powerful agent and it makes me think of today’s Muslim jihad…. Maybe we should do something like that to slow them down then I wonder how I could have such thoughts…..then again maybe war does require that. I think those thoughts must have come from meeting with the pastors from Eastern Kenya. They are close to Somalia where the Muslims seem to be thriving. I had thought while we were meeting with them that this might be a place where I could directly fight against Islam…by helping these pastors win the hearts and souls of the people to Christianity.
Mama and Papa Fields was the next haven for finally achieving some rest and recovery. Papa Fields insist on washing, Mama Fields greeting us with song and smile and stories. I find out quickly that Papa Fields loves the beef jerky we’ve brought but was really hoping for Fritos…I’ve got to remember to send some with the next folks coming. Mama Fields almost falls at bed time and off to the hospital for a skin tear on the arm from where Steve fortunately catches her.
Sunday finds us at Karagoto in the church building in Kerry’s honor. I plan the “normal” thank you for having us here speech only to feel certain I’m suppose to challenge them. I implore that people in America know of their church because of Ben and Kerry and people are watching. We all want to see how they do and what they will be known for doing. I conclude with a question that if a letter was written to their church like in the New Testament “what would be story”. Steve stands up to preach on the letter written in Revelation….chills run down my skin as I realize the prompting wasn’t from myself.
Lunch at the Starbucks hotel (don’t even think it has any similarity to the US Starbucks) and then to Karatina church for evening service. Steve and I walk back under dark rain clouds that deliver the all night refreshment well accepted by the Kenyans. This place has changed so much since my visit 6 years ago with all the greenery and water flowing in the creek.
We pack and leave early for Treetops. There are only 9 people for the whole 100+ available trip. We become friends with all as we share dinner and travel airplane adventures (or nightmares). We have taken the safari tour and see the traditional animals during the shortest 2 hour period of our trip. We take new testaments to hand out thinking the 7 we’ve taken are more than we can possibly find receivers for under the impression it would be like giving one away in the US. We quickly realize we not packed near enough and run out within 2 hours.
Today finds us relaxing at the Aberdare Country Club where in the 1940’s the “Lords” of Britain would come to relax. Known as the “white highlands” where only whites (no blacks) were allowed. Again, I ponder…this country that’s goes from the extremes. Janice says if Nairobi is hell then this is heaven. A place where I’m offered a comb (fork) and a scoop (spoon) but can sit and wirelessly connect to my computer at work to see the current part problems for production. I guess as white as I am and as black skin as these folks are I should have guessed the extremes. It’s a joy that the skin color plays no role in our friendships.
Not sure when I will be able to send the next report but will when I can…
Randy
We arrived (and our entire luggage) in the dark of night. The first challenge is to get past immigration without having to pay the guard for his benefit. When prompted as to why all the luggage, I responded we were going on missions to the orphanages and churches and have activities for them. Then, with a smile and a twinkle in my eye, I said I do have a wife and she needs her clothes….a large grin and wave landed us past at no charge. Steve and Pastor Harrison and driver Joseph were the welcome committee.
We went to the Mennonite house in darkness with no problems and spent the first night with little event and started early for Kitui. The first stop was quickly for the ATM, some water and candy for gifts. The long drive was mostly due to road construction. I was amazed to see true paving machinery (dozer, grader, pavers, packers) but quickly found the Kenyan oxymoron…they were sweeping the road with home made brooms. Ah, the paradox of new technology with the depression era of the US.
We meet Pastor Patrick in Kitui and went immediately to see his church. It left you speechless. Old metal tied to tree limbs that has so much resistance to Christianity has the neighbors “taking a crap” (sorry to be so blunt) all around the church. Patrick comes and cleans it up before services. We went to his house for dinner. His two room home had been converted for his guest dinner. Rice and goat stew with fresh mangos for dessert. An excellent meal. Back to the hotel (that really was nice, by their standards) for a fitful drum beating nights sleep (I think it was a disco and not more but not sure).
Now on to Isovya…a nice ride that would give any jeep enthusiast a happy day. The orphanage was well kept, the kids were grateful, the well was great. The boys sleep in the traditional mud (cow dung) and thatch roof hut. We toured the sewing, carpentry and masonry training areas. How primitive to American equipment yet, while looking at a foot powered sewing machine, the pastor’s cell phone rings….right here in the bush! My brain screams….I can’t combine the two.
On towards Mwingi arriving at dark to be welcomes by flashlights for a church in blocks with no power. Many kids but a short welcome….this is absolutely the fastest time 6 (yes 6) pastors in one room can sit down so quickly….I’ve got to remember this flashlight thing maybe it helps them to focus on what they have to say if the light is blinding them. Janice can’t bring herself to speak and I accept their welcome on our behalf. The emotions, tiredness and shock of it all have finally left her without words.
We eat dinner outside Joshua’s home while the neighbor boils and skins a chicken while watching the moon rise and stars greet our gaze. Rice, stew and mangos again. But it is very good and the chapote is filling. We meet with the pastors Jackson and Elijah from the remote bush to discuss their needs and situation. Sleep tries to find our eyes around midnight but to no avail. The heat, mosquitoes and constant car alarms ensure another day of napping between pot holes.
The Mwingi accommodations were nice and secure. We start early and meet with pastors Joshua and Patrick to discuss their needs and ministry. Off for Karatina with a lunch stop in Ambul… and excellent stop that puts a smile on Janice’s face. Pastor Harrison shares stories of the independence from the British with stories of the forest fighters. He shares the fear these painted Africans implored by leaving the arm and foot of a killed British soldier in a pot to frighten the opposition into thinking they ate him. Fear is a powerful agent and it makes me think of today’s Muslim jihad…. Maybe we should do something like that to slow them down then I wonder how I could have such thoughts…..then again maybe war does require that. I think those thoughts must have come from meeting with the pastors from Eastern Kenya. They are close to Somalia where the Muslims seem to be thriving. I had thought while we were meeting with them that this might be a place where I could directly fight against Islam…by helping these pastors win the hearts and souls of the people to Christianity.
Mama and Papa Fields was the next haven for finally achieving some rest and recovery. Papa Fields insist on washing, Mama Fields greeting us with song and smile and stories. I find out quickly that Papa Fields loves the beef jerky we’ve brought but was really hoping for Fritos…I’ve got to remember to send some with the next folks coming. Mama Fields almost falls at bed time and off to the hospital for a skin tear on the arm from where Steve fortunately catches her.
Sunday finds us at Karagoto in the church building in Kerry’s honor. I plan the “normal” thank you for having us here speech only to feel certain I’m suppose to challenge them. I implore that people in America know of their church because of Ben and Kerry and people are watching. We all want to see how they do and what they will be known for doing. I conclude with a question that if a letter was written to their church like in the New Testament “what would be story”. Steve stands up to preach on the letter written in Revelation….chills run down my skin as I realize the prompting wasn’t from myself.
Lunch at the Starbucks hotel (don’t even think it has any similarity to the US Starbucks) and then to Karatina church for evening service. Steve and I walk back under dark rain clouds that deliver the all night refreshment well accepted by the Kenyans. This place has changed so much since my visit 6 years ago with all the greenery and water flowing in the creek.
We pack and leave early for Treetops. There are only 9 people for the whole 100+ available trip. We become friends with all as we share dinner and travel airplane adventures (or nightmares). We have taken the safari tour and see the traditional animals during the shortest 2 hour period of our trip. We take new testaments to hand out thinking the 7 we’ve taken are more than we can possibly find receivers for under the impression it would be like giving one away in the US. We quickly realize we not packed near enough and run out within 2 hours.
Today finds us relaxing at the Aberdare Country Club where in the 1940’s the “Lords” of Britain would come to relax. Known as the “white highlands” where only whites (no blacks) were allowed. Again, I ponder…this country that’s goes from the extremes. Janice says if Nairobi is hell then this is heaven. A place where I’m offered a comb (fork) and a scoop (spoon) but can sit and wirelessly connect to my computer at work to see the current part problems for production. I guess as white as I am and as black skin as these folks are I should have guessed the extremes. It’s a joy that the skin color plays no role in our friendships.
Not sure when I will be able to send the next report but will when I can…
Randy
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Pastor Steve in Karatina
Hey praying friends,
Sorry I am having a hard time getting my ellijay.com emails, (and do not want an international call with passwords etc. on a cell phone), so Martha will forward any previous emails to my gmail address, I am able to access that until next Wednesday night, when we will be flying home God willing. If British air strikes, then it will be dejavu from last year's Kenya air strike just before we boarded the plane. I got to witness to a Rwandan soccer player playing for Greece that night, and gave him a "How to Find God", and told him I hoped to see him in heaven one day as a result of our encounter.
Papa and Mama get up early to go to Bible school, so we had oatmeal at 6:30am and devotions, then got ready for class. Papa was giving a test so I went to Mama's for the first session, and we taught out of the book of Judges about the cycle of blessing, refocusing on the blessings instead of the Blesser, straying from, and increasing ignoring, and ignorance of God, loss of fear of God, increasing blatant sinfulness, warnings, punishments, regret (vs. true heartfelt repentance), mercy, rescue by God, return to the cycle and deeper sin, until the wrath of God is poured out. Sounds alot like the USA and the world right now doesn't it? We had a good time of Q&A and interaction.
After break, I went to Papa's class for a while, then to town with them, then Mr. James Githaiga our principal Police contact came by for a visit. He is recovering from bone spur surgery on his foot. The local Provincial Police Officer has given permission for a Chapel near the Police HQ, so pray with them for funds for that. That is a great blessed answer to prayer.
We ate Samosas (spiced meat, deepfried in a shell) for lunch. We are going to Dr. Kibuku's for supper. He is recovering well from his throat cancer, and is back to work.
We will pack tonight, then leave at 5:30am for Nambale/Busia (boosee-ah). I am excited about the material we will be sharing, it has been inspiring to me.
I have not gotten to be with many of my local friends, because I have been staying with Papa and Mama as much as possible. Pray for Phoebe, she is due for their baby any day now. Thank you for your prayers about her tumor, it has not interfered so far.
Mama has some sayings clipped around her computer, let me share some of them.
VISION: a people whose lives are changed through Scripture.
The only way to have God's grace is to be poor in spirit.
WORRY is putting a question mark where God has put a period.
You have to learn to be patient if you are going to plant seeds and wait for them to grow.
I Sam. 30:6 when David lost family, friends, possession he "encouraged himself in the Lord his GOD".
History unheeded results in history repeated.
Hudson Taylor: "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply. He is too wise to frustrate His purposes for lack of funds. He can just as easily supply them ahead of time as afterwards, and He much prefers doing so". He worked in China for many years as a pioneer missionary.
HE MAKETH NO MISTAKE
My Father's way may twist and turn, My heart may throb and ache, But in my soul I'm glad I know, He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray, My hope may fade away, But still I'll trust the Lord to lead, For He doeth know the way.
Though night be dark, and it may seem That day will never break, I'll pin my faith, my all in Him, He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see, My eyesight far to dim, But come what may, I'll simply trust, And leave it all to HIM.
For by and by the mist will lift, And plain it all He'll make, Through all the way, though dark to me, He made not one mistake.
Author Unknown.
God keeps His promises.
The last time I was here typing in Mama's office, I feared she would be avalanched in books, but her helpers have organized alot of it for her, and I can sit here fearlessly now.! LOL. Martha tells me you all had snow again yesterday, wow, the global warming Al Gore warned us about is getting serious. Glad he invented the internet so I could write you about it.
A story we will share Sat. is of a missionary Chip Ingram tells of that was carrying medical supplies into the jungle, and had to camp overnight. A man later told him they (6 men) had come to rob and kill him and found 26 men guarding him, so they left. The missionary shared the story in the USA at a supporting church and a man said "we were with you in spirit!". The man and 25 others had joined in prayer for him on that precise morning at a prompting of the Holy Spirit, (it was night where the missionary was) and God had worked another of His wonders. We value YOUR prayers as we are here, and are praying for many of you.
We look forward to seeing you "here, there or in the air".
Warm love and prayers,
Steve for the group who lives or works here.
Sorry I am having a hard time getting my ellijay.com emails, (and do not want an international call with passwords etc. on a cell phone), so Martha will forward any previous emails to my gmail address, I am able to access that until next Wednesday night, when we will be flying home God willing. If British air strikes, then it will be dejavu from last year's Kenya air strike just before we boarded the plane. I got to witness to a Rwandan soccer player playing for Greece that night, and gave him a "How to Find God", and told him I hoped to see him in heaven one day as a result of our encounter.
Papa and Mama get up early to go to Bible school, so we had oatmeal at 6:30am and devotions, then got ready for class. Papa was giving a test so I went to Mama's for the first session, and we taught out of the book of Judges about the cycle of blessing, refocusing on the blessings instead of the Blesser, straying from, and increasing ignoring, and ignorance of God, loss of fear of God, increasing blatant sinfulness, warnings, punishments, regret (vs. true heartfelt repentance), mercy, rescue by God, return to the cycle and deeper sin, until the wrath of God is poured out. Sounds alot like the USA and the world right now doesn't it? We had a good time of Q&A and interaction.
After break, I went to Papa's class for a while, then to town with them, then Mr. James Githaiga our principal Police contact came by for a visit. He is recovering from bone spur surgery on his foot. The local Provincial Police Officer has given permission for a Chapel near the Police HQ, so pray with them for funds for that. That is a great blessed answer to prayer.
We ate Samosas (spiced meat, deepfried in a shell) for lunch. We are going to Dr. Kibuku's for supper. He is recovering well from his throat cancer, and is back to work.
We will pack tonight, then leave at 5:30am for Nambale/Busia (boosee-ah). I am excited about the material we will be sharing, it has been inspiring to me.
I have not gotten to be with many of my local friends, because I have been staying with Papa and Mama as much as possible. Pray for Phoebe, she is due for their baby any day now. Thank you for your prayers about her tumor, it has not interfered so far.
Mama has some sayings clipped around her computer, let me share some of them.
VISION: a people whose lives are changed through Scripture.
The only way to have God's grace is to be poor in spirit.
WORRY is putting a question mark where God has put a period.
You have to learn to be patient if you are going to plant seeds and wait for them to grow.
I Sam. 30:6 when David lost family, friends, possession he "encouraged himself in the Lord his GOD".
History unheeded results in history repeated.
Hudson Taylor: "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply. He is too wise to frustrate His purposes for lack of funds. He can just as easily supply them ahead of time as afterwards, and He much prefers doing so". He worked in China for many years as a pioneer missionary.
HE MAKETH NO MISTAKE
My Father's way may twist and turn, My heart may throb and ache, But in my soul I'm glad I know, He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray, My hope may fade away, But still I'll trust the Lord to lead, For He doeth know the way.
Though night be dark, and it may seem That day will never break, I'll pin my faith, my all in Him, He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see, My eyesight far to dim, But come what may, I'll simply trust, And leave it all to HIM.
For by and by the mist will lift, And plain it all He'll make, Through all the way, though dark to me, He made not one mistake.
Author Unknown.
God keeps His promises.
The last time I was here typing in Mama's office, I feared she would be avalanched in books, but her helpers have organized alot of it for her, and I can sit here fearlessly now.! LOL. Martha tells me you all had snow again yesterday, wow, the global warming Al Gore warned us about is getting serious. Glad he invented the internet so I could write you about it.
A story we will share Sat. is of a missionary Chip Ingram tells of that was carrying medical supplies into the jungle, and had to camp overnight. A man later told him they (6 men) had come to rob and kill him and found 26 men guarding him, so they left. The missionary shared the story in the USA at a supporting church and a man said "we were with you in spirit!". The man and 25 others had joined in prayer for him on that precise morning at a prompting of the Holy Spirit, (it was night where the missionary was) and God had worked another of His wonders. We value YOUR prayers as we are here, and are praying for many of you.
We look forward to seeing you "here, there or in the air".
Warm love and prayers,
Steve for the group who lives or works here.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Pastor Steve Update
Hey everyone,
I spent an hour on a good detailed email of our trip to date last night, and it did not go, two have tonight, so maybe I can locate the other one and send it. The power here goes off arbitrarily. I will wait to do another detailed one with pictures until I get home, Lord willing.
My brother Paul Fields' father in law, Mr. York died and his funeral is today. Marla did not make it home in time to see him alive, but they are at the funeral, and return to Paraguay on March 23. They would appreciate your prayers, some of the family are unsaved. Mr. York was a pastor. Paul and Marla have been in Paraguay about 26 years I think.
I have had a very busy schedule until the last two days. I have spent them with Papa and Mama, we made a video for Sophia tonight. I have been repacking for our two next stops at Namabale, near Uganda, where we will be Thursday pm-Sun. after church. They will have 50 boarders for the mini conference, and daytime attenders. I am planning on about 125. We will do 9-5pm with some breaks, both days. Fri. on Eph. 4, The miracle of life change, Sat. Eph. 6 Spiritual warfare, using some material from Chip Ingram.
We will leave here at 5:45am Thurs. and drive 8 hours to the place we will stay in. Sat. Janice will work with children, and I will do a clown appearance. Sunday Pst. Harrison will preach, and I will pray a dedication prayer over the new Sunday school building. We have soccer balls, a projector, soundsystem, several DVD seminars, and a case of the "How to find God", New Testaments. Ben Kiker raised money for 1,000 of them, thank God for the great response.
Terry Washer, my brother in law has had a bad cold, so I have not got to spend much time with him, Sandra, my sis, has been down several times. She is busy sewing a couple of dresses for their daughter Joy's wedding on July 31. They plan to go to Zambia as missionary Bible school teachers. He is a Bob Jones U. grad.
Our visit at the Isoviya orphanage school was great. They have 34. They loved the back packs that Tom and Patti Greathouse sent, and the shirts, and the caps were a big hit. We were able to give each one a "How to find God", NT and have a meal with them.
Our Mwingi team of Jackson and Elijah could use a motorcycyle to use as a taxi Mon.-Fri. and then to minister on weekends. That would cost about $1,000-1200. We will pray for 2, but even one could help give them an income. Their wives are seamstresses, and are teaching others poor ladies to be able to sew. They also do hair. I was impressed with their industriousness.
Their church is Katooni (katah-oh-ni) and we had a wonderful service there when Eric and the gang came with us. In Mwingi town itself, we have Joshua, and Patrick, and their wives. The work is building up there. Patrick Kitema in Kitui has alot of Muslim opposition, and occult spiritual opposition, but is making progress.
Well, it is late, and I need to get to bed, so I will hope this goes through.
Thank you so much for your prayers. There was great spiritual breakthrough on the Kiker team. We have experienced some wonderful moments of favor from God already. We look forward to a great time at our next two stops.
Please pray for our Disciple Now weekend at East Ellijay Baptist Fri-Sunday. Eric Colson and his team will lead those 85 young people.
Love and prayer,
Steve Fields
I guess you can answer me at slfields@ellijay.com and I will ck. it when I can. We arrive back Thursday 11/3/10 in Atlanta, Lord willing. British Air has voted to strike, hope they put it off for a while!
I spent an hour on a good detailed email of our trip to date last night, and it did not go, two have tonight, so maybe I can locate the other one and send it. The power here goes off arbitrarily. I will wait to do another detailed one with pictures until I get home, Lord willing.
My brother Paul Fields' father in law, Mr. York died and his funeral is today. Marla did not make it home in time to see him alive, but they are at the funeral, and return to Paraguay on March 23. They would appreciate your prayers, some of the family are unsaved. Mr. York was a pastor. Paul and Marla have been in Paraguay about 26 years I think.
I have had a very busy schedule until the last two days. I have spent them with Papa and Mama, we made a video for Sophia tonight. I have been repacking for our two next stops at Namabale, near Uganda, where we will be Thursday pm-Sun. after church. They will have 50 boarders for the mini conference, and daytime attenders. I am planning on about 125. We will do 9-5pm with some breaks, both days. Fri. on Eph. 4, The miracle of life change, Sat. Eph. 6 Spiritual warfare, using some material from Chip Ingram.
We will leave here at 5:45am Thurs. and drive 8 hours to the place we will stay in. Sat. Janice will work with children, and I will do a clown appearance. Sunday Pst. Harrison will preach, and I will pray a dedication prayer over the new Sunday school building. We have soccer balls, a projector, soundsystem, several DVD seminars, and a case of the "How to find God", New Testaments. Ben Kiker raised money for 1,000 of them, thank God for the great response.
Terry Washer, my brother in law has had a bad cold, so I have not got to spend much time with him, Sandra, my sis, has been down several times. She is busy sewing a couple of dresses for their daughter Joy's wedding on July 31. They plan to go to Zambia as missionary Bible school teachers. He is a Bob Jones U. grad.
Our visit at the Isoviya orphanage school was great. They have 34. They loved the back packs that Tom and Patti Greathouse sent, and the shirts, and the caps were a big hit. We were able to give each one a "How to find God", NT and have a meal with them.
Our Mwingi team of Jackson and Elijah could use a motorcycyle to use as a taxi Mon.-Fri. and then to minister on weekends. That would cost about $1,000-1200. We will pray for 2, but even one could help give them an income. Their wives are seamstresses, and are teaching others poor ladies to be able to sew. They also do hair. I was impressed with their industriousness.
Their church is Katooni (katah-oh-ni) and we had a wonderful service there when Eric and the gang came with us. In Mwingi town itself, we have Joshua, and Patrick, and their wives. The work is building up there. Patrick Kitema in Kitui has alot of Muslim opposition, and occult spiritual opposition, but is making progress.
Well, it is late, and I need to get to bed, so I will hope this goes through.
Thank you so much for your prayers. There was great spiritual breakthrough on the Kiker team. We have experienced some wonderful moments of favor from God already. We look forward to a great time at our next two stops.
Please pray for our Disciple Now weekend at East Ellijay Baptist Fri-Sunday. Eric Colson and his team will lead those 85 young people.
Love and prayer,
Steve Fields
I guess you can answer me at slfields@ellijay.com and I will ck. it when I can. We arrive back Thursday 11/3/10 in Atlanta, Lord willing. British Air has voted to strike, hope they put it off for a while!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Admin Note
Many thanks to Beth Mabry for sending out the emails and being sure they get through. Thanks for being the "voice of Kenya" for Pastor Steve and all for all these years!!
Administrator J.
Administrator J.
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