29 July, 2010
Dear Friends,
I was so sleepy I could not type last night.
Our week with the pastors and police is over for us, as we head to the Ark tomorrow. We had 50 police and about that many pastors.
Mike Parham covered the book, "the seven habits of highly successful people", integrated with Scripture and other talks. All there felt it was very helpful information. I personally received great blessing from it, and some good counsel for myself. Mark Dennis, a policeman who is here with his wife Elaine, did magic tricks, spoke on creation, and they really loved on people. They bought toys for a lot of the children who are in the compound area of the church.
We went at lunch to look at the new church under constrution at Ihwagi, brother James Kahaia's church. It is about 30'x80' including Sunday School rooms, and a fine new outhouse! The blocks are up to the base of the windows. It is exciting to see these churches growing numerically, spiritually, and making a difference in their regions. We look forward to sharing pictures with you, when we can slow down enough to do so.
I was able to deliver a container of sewing supplies Tom and Patty Greathouse had sent for the orphans at Isovya, to help them as they learn the tayloring trade.
Charlie has been great, he is alot of fun, has great ideas, and we all have adopted Anna. She went out and played with the guys in a Kenyan version of 21 (basketball). I was impressed with her ball handling in traffic. One of the guys she blocked, then blocked a couple of her shots.
Anna, Donna and Elaine worked in the kitchen for a while making chapatis, cutting cabbage and enjoying the wonderful crew working in there. I did my duty on quality control on chapatis, they were consistently GOOD!
The power was off for a while today, but we got a cord run from another building. We covered the last 3 habits today, then had questions.
Thank you for your prayers.
Love,
Steve for the team
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Teaching and Singing
28 July, 2010 02:12 PM
Dear Friends.
Thank each of you for your diligent prayers for us.. The last 3 days have been rainy, and muddy, but Praise the Lord the power has stayed on, and the people keep coming.
Mike Parham is our lead teacher on the 7 habits of highly effective people, and we have studied:
1. Being proactive
2. beginning with the end in mind.
3. keep the first things first.
We have talked about living from principles,
moving from dependent, to independent to interdependent;
time management etc.
Charlie, Mark and I just chime in with each other, and it has been most profitable.
I woke up Sat. night at 2am, Sun. night at 3am. but trust I can sleep well tonight,,, Wed. night.
We have a great time singing "New Hallelujah", "Come Now is the Time to Worship" and some other songs Joe helped me compile.
Well, I am less and less coherent, so I will sign off for now, I can't keep my eyes open!
Greetings from all here.
:Love and prayer,
Steve
Dear Friends.
Thank each of you for your diligent prayers for us.. The last 3 days have been rainy, and muddy, but Praise the Lord the power has stayed on, and the people keep coming.
Mike Parham is our lead teacher on the 7 habits of highly effective people, and we have studied:
1. Being proactive
2. beginning with the end in mind.
3. keep the first things first.
We have talked about living from principles,
moving from dependent, to independent to interdependent;
time management etc.
Charlie, Mark and I just chime in with each other, and it has been most profitable.
I woke up Sat. night at 2am, Sun. night at 3am. but trust I can sleep well tonight,,, Wed. night.
We have a great time singing "New Hallelujah", "Come Now is the Time to Worship" and some other songs Joe helped me compile.
Well, I am less and less coherent, so I will sign off for now, I can't keep my eyes open!
Greetings from all here.
:Love and prayer,
Steve
Monday, July 26, 2010
My first Kenya report 7/2010
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your prayers, we have experienced the kind intervention of the Lord several times already.
Donna and Anna Thomas from Clevland, Tenn. a Mom and 20 year old daughter from Bryan College, and on their basketball team; Charlie Thomas (no relation), track coach at Morehouse College in Atlanta; Mike Parham, pastor, missionary and now heading the public defender team in our judicial circuit; all left Atlanta at 11:50pm Wed. 21st. We got 10 containers of books on board for $1,000, since I scarfed one of each person's free 50 pound bags. They gave everyone a boarding pass from Amsterdam except me?? and told me to get one in Amsterdam. When we got there, they said I had to wait until boarding. Mike got me in the front of the security check line boarding the plane, and they said they were overbooked, and did not know if I would get on the flight. I explained we were a group, 4 of whom had never been to Kenya, and thank God I got a ticket just before boarding.
Our flight was rougher than usual. I sat beside a couple from Germany who were doing a second 2 year stint as optometrists in Tanzania. He said that a 15 minute cataract surgery gave half of his patients vision again! They had been raised Lutheran, then got into an evangelical church and seemed to be devoted Christians. They had well worn Bibles. They had a little baby with them, but it did well.
We were an hour late, and Pastor Harrison, and Pastor James had been waiting more than two hours, but cheerfully greeted us as we breezed through customs with no hassle (another PTL!)
The Ibis #2 in Karatina, is nicer than the Starbucks hotel we have been using, and much quieter, with good food. Everyone is together on the 2nd floor. Mark and Elaine Dennis arrived Sat. a.m. and got settled in.
Sunday Charlie went to Ihwagi, to James Kahaia's church. The new building is under construction, and is already up to window level, about 30'x80' Charlie said. Charlie preached there, and they enjoyed it, Mike preached at Karatina, on the 23rd Psalm. Mark and Elaine went to Nyeri, and due to ordination proceedings etc. did not get out
of church until 3pm, and home by 7:30pm, they were exhausted. Donna and Anna and drove out to Karogoto (in Kerri Kiker's Memory) Church, and had a good service there. There was lots of singing, special choirs etc. I preached then we came and met the others at Starbucks diner. We have had fried chicken, more roasted really, rice, chips (fries) curried fish, fish etc. We had alot of laughter and fun. It has been great to spend time with each team member!
It was great to see Papa and Mama again, Mama just turned 89 on the 10th.
They were delighted with the gifts some of you sent, thank you again. My bed is in the living room, in the corner, a bunk with mosquito net hanging down. It has been cold enough at night for a blanket and thick quilt. I woke up at 2am Sun. Morning, and 3am this morning, so I hope for a long night's rest tonight.
Today was our first session with about 60-70 who came in late last night, and this morning. Mike did the introduction to the 7 habits of highly effective people, and covered "being proactive". Charlie, Mark and I chirped in, and it was a great day. The head police office in our region will be coming tomorrow for us to cut the 10th anniversary of the police seminar, so that will be a big event in the morning. Donna had an upset stomach, so pray for rapid healing.
Papa and Mama, Pastor Harrison and Juma are interviewing candidates for Bible school. It costs a little over $100/month to sponsor one, if you have the calling for it, and would like to help train pastors. Our previous students who are pastors now, bring candidates they believe should be considered for Bible institute, pray for wisdom in choosing.
Most of the children are still in school, so we have had fewer to interact with.
A 5 person team from BobJones University was here for the weekend working with the Youth in Training street kids. We went to part of a session, and it was great.
Ndegwa is trying to set up a modem for the rest of the team to get on computer at their hotel.
Well, I am sooo tired, so that is all for now.
Love,
Steve for the rest of the team.
Thank you so much for your prayers, we have experienced the kind intervention of the Lord several times already.
Donna and Anna Thomas from Clevland, Tenn. a Mom and 20 year old daughter from Bryan College, and on their basketball team; Charlie Thomas (no relation), track coach at Morehouse College in Atlanta; Mike Parham, pastor, missionary and now heading the public defender team in our judicial circuit; all left Atlanta at 11:50pm Wed. 21st. We got 10 containers of books on board for $1,000, since I scarfed one of each person's free 50 pound bags. They gave everyone a boarding pass from Amsterdam except me?? and told me to get one in Amsterdam. When we got there, they said I had to wait until boarding. Mike got me in the front of the security check line boarding the plane, and they said they were overbooked, and did not know if I would get on the flight. I explained we were a group, 4 of whom had never been to Kenya, and thank God I got a ticket just before boarding.
Our flight was rougher than usual. I sat beside a couple from Germany who were doing a second 2 year stint as optometrists in Tanzania. He said that a 15 minute cataract surgery gave half of his patients vision again! They had been raised Lutheran, then got into an evangelical church and seemed to be devoted Christians. They had well worn Bibles. They had a little baby with them, but it did well.
We were an hour late, and Pastor Harrison, and Pastor James had been waiting more than two hours, but cheerfully greeted us as we breezed through customs with no hassle (another PTL!)
The Ibis #2 in Karatina, is nicer than the Starbucks hotel we have been using, and much quieter, with good food. Everyone is together on the 2nd floor. Mark and Elaine Dennis arrived Sat. a.m. and got settled in.
Sunday Charlie went to Ihwagi, to James Kahaia's church. The new building is under construction, and is already up to window level, about 30'x80' Charlie said. Charlie preached there, and they enjoyed it, Mike preached at Karatina, on the 23rd Psalm. Mark and Elaine went to Nyeri, and due to ordination proceedings etc. did not get out
of church until 3pm, and home by 7:30pm, they were exhausted. Donna and Anna and drove out to Karogoto (in Kerri Kiker's Memory) Church, and had a good service there. There was lots of singing, special choirs etc. I preached then we came and met the others at Starbucks diner. We have had fried chicken, more roasted really, rice, chips (fries) curried fish, fish etc. We had alot of laughter and fun. It has been great to spend time with each team member!
It was great to see Papa and Mama again, Mama just turned 89 on the 10th.
They were delighted with the gifts some of you sent, thank you again. My bed is in the living room, in the corner, a bunk with mosquito net hanging down. It has been cold enough at night for a blanket and thick quilt. I woke up at 2am Sun. Morning, and 3am this morning, so I hope for a long night's rest tonight.
Today was our first session with about 60-70 who came in late last night, and this morning. Mike did the introduction to the 7 habits of highly effective people, and covered "being proactive". Charlie, Mark and I chirped in, and it was a great day. The head police office in our region will be coming tomorrow for us to cut the 10th anniversary of the police seminar, so that will be a big event in the morning. Donna had an upset stomach, so pray for rapid healing.
Papa and Mama, Pastor Harrison and Juma are interviewing candidates for Bible school. It costs a little over $100/month to sponsor one, if you have the calling for it, and would like to help train pastors. Our previous students who are pastors now, bring candidates they believe should be considered for Bible institute, pray for wisdom in choosing.
Most of the children are still in school, so we have had fewer to interact with.
A 5 person team from BobJones University was here for the weekend working with the Youth in Training street kids. We went to part of a session, and it was great.
Ndegwa is trying to set up a modem for the rest of the team to get on computer at their hotel.
Well, I am sooo tired, so that is all for now.
Love,
Steve for the rest of the team.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
And they're off..........
Hey Folks,
Steve and company left yesterday on their way to Kenya! Keep Steve, Charlie, Mike, Donna, Anna, Mark and Elaine in your prayers. Pray that their hearts are prepared to share and love those in Karatina, and that the hearts of the people there are prepared to receive it. Greetings to Mama and Papa Fields.
Admin
Steve and company left yesterday on their way to Kenya! Keep Steve, Charlie, Mike, Donna, Anna, Mark and Elaine in your prayers. Pray that their hearts are prepared to share and love those in Karatina, and that the hearts of the people there are prepared to receive it. Greetings to Mama and Papa Fields.
Admin
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Safe Travels-Terry and Sandy
Hi,
Just a note to say we had a safe, though L O N G trip and arrived safely on Thursday night. Nathan came with us. His wife, Rachel is in Zambia with the four boys, expecting the fifth at the end of the year.
Daniel and Kristie are expecting their second baby in February. She has been quite sick.
We were met at the airport by some of our kids, and friends. We are staying with Mom Washer.
Thanks for praying for us,
Terry and Sandy
Just a note to say we had a safe, though L O N G trip and arrived safely on Thursday night. Nathan came with us. His wife, Rachel is in Zambia with the four boys, expecting the fifth at the end of the year.
Daniel and Kristie are expecting their second baby in February. She has been quite sick.
We were met at the airport by some of our kids, and friends. We are staying with Mom Washer.
Thanks for praying for us,
Terry and Sandy
Friday, July 9, 2010
Annual Kenya trip-July 2010
Subject: Kenya trip
Dear Friends,
Wow, the time is flying fast and in a few days our team heads to Kenya. I made an unanticipated trip in February with Randy and Janice Durden. It was wonderful to go visit some of our former students who had established ministries in Western Kenya. We had a wonderful ministry trip and great fellowship, especially getting to share in Janice's first trip to Africa. There was a little more adventure than we wanted, but we survived, and thank God for His care over us, and the privelege of going.
This trip is my regular annual one to minister to pastors and police. We had 14 potential fellow travellers, but one family had a premature baby, so that took out five, another person broke their foot, and that took two of them out, others could not work out the details, but I have a wonderful team going. Donna Lacey Thomas and her 20 year old daughter Anna, who wants to be a missionary physician. Donna leads praise music, so she will work with Mike Parham, a veteran pastor, missionary and presently the Public defender for our tricounty area. He works regularly with policemen and will lead our ministry team as we minister from Mt. 5-7, Colossians 1, and 2 Peter 1:3- on the stages of Christian growth. Covey's book the "7 habits of highly effective people", clearly, and comprehensively details the pre-requisites to fulfilling life and leadership, Biblical principles. We will work with about 100 policemen, and 60-80 pastors. I have ordered 600 "How to Find God", New Testaments with wonderful notes. They cost about $2.50 plus the freight to get them there with us. I would like to give some to each policeman and pastor to return with to their place of service.
We had prayed for money to build a church for James Kahia, who has been in the ministry for several years with Dad and Mom, we have received gifts to get that project going. We prayed for money for a motorcycle for Jackson and Elijah to run and use as a taxi for their town, and support for their families in ministry. We have been blessed with $1,500 to get that, and then he will repay some of it, so we can help other pastors earn a living. God also provided money for the food and transportation of the pastors coming, and we look forward to His continued provision for the projects He sees fit to fund.
We will arrive July 23 + or - a day. I will return on Aug. 10, the others a bit earlier. The primary need now is for funds to pay for freight going over. I have already bought the materials we will take, and am packing them.
Brother Charlie Thomas will be going also. He is (one of) the track coach(es) at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Also, Mark Dennis and his wife will be working with us with the police.
We plan to visit Solio, where the Kenyan government has settled 4 large groups of people, and has donated land for us to build a church and pastor's simple house to evangelize, and disciple there. We already have students ministering there on weekends.
Papa and Mama send greetings. Mama will be 89 on July 10, Lord willing. Terry and Sandra (my sister) will be coming home to USA for their daughter Joy's wedding, and return in late August, I think.
Thank you for your prayers as we prepare to go, for our safety, and effective, God pleasing ministry, and God's care for our families who remain here.
Love,
Steve Fields
Dear Friends,
Wow, the time is flying fast and in a few days our team heads to Kenya. I made an unanticipated trip in February with Randy and Janice Durden. It was wonderful to go visit some of our former students who had established ministries in Western Kenya. We had a wonderful ministry trip and great fellowship, especially getting to share in Janice's first trip to Africa. There was a little more adventure than we wanted, but we survived, and thank God for His care over us, and the privelege of going.
This trip is my regular annual one to minister to pastors and police. We had 14 potential fellow travellers, but one family had a premature baby, so that took out five, another person broke their foot, and that took two of them out, others could not work out the details, but I have a wonderful team going. Donna Lacey Thomas and her 20 year old daughter Anna, who wants to be a missionary physician. Donna leads praise music, so she will work with Mike Parham, a veteran pastor, missionary and presently the Public defender for our tricounty area. He works regularly with policemen and will lead our ministry team as we minister from Mt. 5-7, Colossians 1, and 2 Peter 1:3- on the stages of Christian growth. Covey's book the "7 habits of highly effective people", clearly, and comprehensively details the pre-requisites to fulfilling life and leadership, Biblical principles. We will work with about 100 policemen, and 60-80 pastors. I have ordered 600 "How to Find God", New Testaments with wonderful notes. They cost about $2.50 plus the freight to get them there with us. I would like to give some to each policeman and pastor to return with to their place of service.
We had prayed for money to build a church for James Kahia, who has been in the ministry for several years with Dad and Mom, we have received gifts to get that project going. We prayed for money for a motorcycle for Jackson and Elijah to run and use as a taxi for their town, and support for their families in ministry. We have been blessed with $1,500 to get that, and then he will repay some of it, so we can help other pastors earn a living. God also provided money for the food and transportation of the pastors coming, and we look forward to His continued provision for the projects He sees fit to fund.
We will arrive July 23 + or - a day. I will return on Aug. 10, the others a bit earlier. The primary need now is for funds to pay for freight going over. I have already bought the materials we will take, and am packing them.
Brother Charlie Thomas will be going also. He is (one of) the track coach(es) at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Also, Mark Dennis and his wife will be working with us with the police.
We plan to visit Solio, where the Kenyan government has settled 4 large groups of people, and has donated land for us to build a church and pastor's simple house to evangelize, and disciple there. We already have students ministering there on weekends.
Papa and Mama send greetings. Mama will be 89 on July 10, Lord willing. Terry and Sandra (my sister) will be coming home to USA for their daughter Joy's wedding, and return in late August, I think.
Thank you for your prayers as we prepare to go, for our safety, and effective, God pleasing ministry, and God's care for our families who remain here.
Love,
Steve Fields
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