Friends of Mercy is planning a Palliative Care Seminar in Kenya for the deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK). Some of the support received by Friends of Mercy from St. John will be allocated toward this important project. Deaconess Lorna Meeker sent the following email from Nairobi with more details.
Dear Rev. Sell,
Receive greetings from Kenya in Jesus name. Thank you for the constant encouragement and support for ELCK deaconess program. I am blessed to be here during this time of need.
Communicating and working along side many ELCK deaconesses in the rural has highlighted the importance of Palliative Care. It is really sad to listen to each one narrate their varied experiences brought about by political unrest in Kenya. As I talked to Deaconess Eunita, she shares her daily experience in dealing with many traumatized families of whom a majority are in a state of denial either of loosing their loved ones or property.
A majority of the deaconesses, who are involved in Home Based Care for People living positively with HIV/AIDS, are experiencing terrible food and drug shortage. Some patients have developed drug resistance because they could not access their drugs in good time during the unrest. Some have not received their ARV up to now because they have been displaced. This means Palliative Care by ELCK deaconesses is increasing immensely.
This is the right time for Palliative Care Seminar. It will include addressing needs in healing the wounds of trauma, forgiveness, peace and reconciliation from the Lutheran perspective. This is a great Evangelism opportunity through acts of MERCY. God calls us to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into the evil and dark situations. An education seminar led by The Rev. Dr. Arthur Just of CTS and his team will empower ELCK deaconesses biblically to counter the current situation in Kenya. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to Kenya’s problem.
We are not financially capable. This is the reason we humbly ask for your help in bringing these women of faith together to learn through seminars. It reiterates the fact that we are all united in Christ and never alone. Jesus promises never to leave us or forsake us. It would very healthy and beneficial to bring ELCK deaconesses together. Dr. Just has been instrumental in teaching theology of the cross in practical ways. Deakonea is a very natural and effective evangelism tool, which opens doors to numerous Baptisms and Confirmations. It is a result of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.
We pray God’s blessings to each and every one of you as he continues to reach out his hands of mercy through our brothers and sisters of America.
Yours in Christ,
Deaconess Lorna Meeker
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Next Trip in the Planning Stage
Planning for Fall Trip To Kenya
Questions regarding the next trip to Kenya:
Q: What is the next step with our Kenya mission?
Our partnering ministry with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya continues with the next trip scheduled for September 21 - October 8, 2008.
Q: Do the recent events change our plans?
We will continue to engage with ELCK whose needs are even more urgent in light of recent political and social upheaval in parts of Kenya, and will adjust the plans accordingly as events unfold. At this point we are planning for the trip to proceed.
Q: Why are we sending another team?
We are committed to forming a working relationship with the ELCK over a five year period to both bless them with resources for mission and ministry, and be blessed by their passionate commitment to the gospel in difficult circumstances. Our presence there blesses them. Their presence in within us, changes us as well.
Q: Who is going?
As with the first trip, a team of three will be selected, consisting of staff and lay leadership within the congregation. Pastor Mark Sell from Friends of Mercy will again provide trip leadership.
Q: Who should consider going?
Travel to a developing country and interacting with populations that are in severe poverty and deprivation is challenging both physically and emotionally, but the rewards and experience are life changing. If you have a heart for this ministry and experience with international travel, this might be an opportunity to experience the heart of God and witness the unity of the Body at the ends of the earth.
Q: What else?
The travel involves coping with the sometimes unpleasant sights and smells of the developing world, and rapidly adjusting to cultural differences, sometimes several times a day. Travel itineraries change and conditions are not the same as the United States or Europe. Travelers must be able to adapt and function in these challenging circumstances.
Questions regarding the next trip to Kenya:
Q: What is the next step with our Kenya mission?
Our partnering ministry with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya continues with the next trip scheduled for September 21 - October 8, 2008.
Q: Do the recent events change our plans?
We will continue to engage with ELCK whose needs are even more urgent in light of recent political and social upheaval in parts of Kenya, and will adjust the plans accordingly as events unfold. At this point we are planning for the trip to proceed.
Q: Why are we sending another team?
We are committed to forming a working relationship with the ELCK over a five year period to both bless them with resources for mission and ministry, and be blessed by their passionate commitment to the gospel in difficult circumstances. Our presence there blesses them. Their presence in within us, changes us as well.
Q: Who is going?
As with the first trip, a team of three will be selected, consisting of staff and lay leadership within the congregation. Pastor Mark Sell from Friends of Mercy will again provide trip leadership.
Q: Who should consider going?
Travel to a developing country and interacting with populations that are in severe poverty and deprivation is challenging both physically and emotionally, but the rewards and experience are life changing. If you have a heart for this ministry and experience with international travel, this might be an opportunity to experience the heart of God and witness the unity of the Body at the ends of the earth.
Q: What else?
The travel involves coping with the sometimes unpleasant sights and smells of the developing world, and rapidly adjusting to cultural differences, sometimes several times a day. Travel itineraries change and conditions are not the same as the United States or Europe. Travelers must be able to adapt and function in these challenging circumstances.
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