A Blog, at it's best is conversation where everyone can contribute. Gary let me know that only certain users could comment! I have changed the settings to allow all viewers to post comments!! Sorry for the difficulty. Speaking of difficulties...I had some trouble posting last night (long boring story) & will be posting this evening (Kenyan time ;) & will make every effort to post some pics as well. I have taken 543 photos so far...mostly of children, imagine that!
We are off to Kisumu today; six hours on a bump road!! God is continually placing new burdens on our hearts, but we are counting it all joy!
Love to all :) Blessings on your day!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A Maasai Wedding
Today was early to rise, breakfast at 7 on the road by 8 so we could travel 3 hours to a Maasai village with Deaconess Susan. The journey consisted of a decent paved road for about an hour, an hour of construction, (Michigan construction is a joy compared to here!) and an hour on a 2 track through the desert of the rift valley. 2 track is being generous. The road was not marked and mostly washed out.
When we finally arrived at the extremely primitive village, they were having church service under one of the few shade trees and the choir was singing!! It was a beautiful sight to behold. The women were all dressed in ceremonial clothing including extensive bead necklaces that they made themselves. Their songs of praise to the Lord was joyous indeed in any language. Several choirs sang, their pastor spoke, Pastor Dennis spoke, we were all introduced and were warmly welcomed from several villagers.
We then discovered this was a special day in the village. The new bride would be arriving for a wedding. She traveled 10,000 km to be there. It was a very interesting ritual to observe. A wedding feast was prepared and shared with us. Goat meat and a type of corn bread. We were polite to say the least.
After the wedding we distributed food, clothing, toys and other supplies. They were desperate for anything we had to give. Karen treated those in need of first aid and we all visited and played with the children. Perspective takes on a whole new meaning here. I do not see color in this place, just people who are trying to live and learning to love the Lord.
After a long, dusty day and long bumpy ride home, Rocky greeted us with the news of his day. He stayed behind to work at the school painting today with help from the locals. He enjoyed doing the work, but I really think it was the new ladder we bought for the school!
Time to rest and anticipate church tomorrow morning. Our days are filled to the brim seeing God's hand and showing the Love of Christ here.
Friday, September 25, 2009
We're here!!
Thank you to everyone for your prayers! We arrived yesterday safe and sound after two long flights and not much sleep. We were all so excited to be going, but also that we would see Karen again. We overwhelmed her with all the hugs we were supposed to give her when we saw her. She says "Hi!" Well, we all know she'd say more than that!
We were all a little worried about getting through customs with all of the donations we brought, but Elizabeth and Caleb had been praying for weeks for the customs agents to have "blinded eyes," (which I didn't Know) and Karen and I prayed the same thing before we landed. I thought of Corrie Ten Boom when she prayed that the guards in the concentration camps would not see the Bible she had hidden on herself. We sailed through the Visa process and went to collect our bags. As Sue and I went first, we were asked simply if we were on 'holiday,' to which we answered "Yes," and he said, "Just go ahead." Two down, four more to go. Rockie sailed through, and Elizabeth, Shani, and Karen decided to just walk on through without stopping, and an agent looked and at them and said nothing! I think our prayers were answered!
Lorna had a wonderful dinner waiting and then we crashed into bed.
Today Lorna took us to Springs of Life, the church and school she and Pastor Dennis serve at in the Kibera slums. We were able to see how much work they had done since last year. There are four new classrooms and they are renovating the two classrooms that we saw last year. Rockie's eyes lit up when Pastor Dennis told him he would be painting those rooms and installing tile floors! I don't think he could have had a bigger smile on his face if he tried :-) He is itching to get there tomorrow and get started.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Shani couldn't wait to see the children at the school. They went to work immediately. Elizabeth read to the children and taught them a song. Can't you just see her doing that! She then worked with one of the teachers and taught them a very simple, yet profound way to teach a child to read. Shani was the consummate caregiver and helped one little girl to be accepted by the other children where she hadn't been before. You'll have to ask her about that one. God is working in amazing ways through this team already, and it's only the first day!
Karen, Sue, and I took a tour of the improvements at the school and saw the giant cargo container that was sent by the Canadians. Eh! It is filled with clothing, desks, bicycles, and they don't even know what all. When it is empty they will convert it into a Medical Clinic, and they would love to have a double-wide. So Sue said, "We can do that! Game on!" So get ready St. John. We're going to be filling a cargo carrier and shipping it here! To show you God's hand in all this, Corey, her daughter, has a friend, whom she had not spoken to in a very long time, who knows someone at the U.N. in Kenya and may be able to assist us.
Is that a God-thing, or what!
Tomorrow, Rockie will stay behind and work at the School, while we go to a Masai village with Susan, the one and only Masai deaconess. We will get to see a real Masai village and how these people, who have lived the same way for thousands of years, live. Dcs. Lorna told me today that there are no toilets, so we will have to go in the bush. How does that sound ladies?? Not only are there no toilets, but there's lions out there! Keep praying :-) This will be a real adventure!
We have been profoundly touched already, and we are looking forward to seeing the hand of our AWESOME God at work in the days to come. Pastor and Lorna have been overwhelmed by YOUR generosity to them, the children, and the deaconesses! We will be taking lots of pictures, and we will show you where your tithe and contributions have made a difference in so many lives here.
May God continue to bless and keep you! We should be able to post fairly often because Lorna has an Air Card and Sue has her MAC.
Kirk and Dave we miss you! We picked up a surprise for you both at the Nakumat!
In Christ's amazing and all sustaining love,
Dcs. Linda
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
What will we find this year?
For the last two years, I think, our visits have been as "spectators." This year I believe the Lord will allow us to feel and experience some of what our brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing each and every day in Kenya. We are SO privileged in this country, that we can't bear the thought of being without electricity, food, or water. I don't know about the rest of the team, but I am looking forward to being humbled by the experience. I am sickened at times by the amount of waste in this country, in this Rochester area. Lord, show us what it is like to suffer want, so that our hearts will be awakened to the great need of our fellow human beings in the rest of the world!
Monday, September 14, 2009
2009 Kenya Team gearing up!
Nine days and counting! We depart on September 23rd at 4:00 pm. The flight is over 16 hours, accomplished in two segments. First a stop in Amsterdam and then on to Nairobi. Kenya here we come!
This year's mission team consists of Deaconess (Dcs.) Linda Nobili, Kirk Radford, Rockie Brandenburg, Karen Morrell (currently living in the Netherlands), Elizabeth Nelson, and two 'new-bees', Sue Wood and Shani Stadnika! Today we start packing the extra bags we're taking filled with donations of school supplies, small stuffed animals, kids clothes, first aid supplies, and the like. Can't wait to get started!
Donations have been pouring in, thanks be to God, and the expenses for our entire trip will be covered. We want to thank everyone who contributed finances, toys, clothes, and prayers! We couldn't do it without you! May the Lord return to you double what you have done for us and the people of Kenya.
Please check back here for updates. We will try to post as often as possible. Also please keep the people of Kenya, Pastor Dennis and Dcs. Lorna Meeker and us in prayer. We ask for prayers of protection, patience, and productivity for the saving Gospel of Christ. Kenya is experiencing severe drought conditions and we have been told to expect electricity every other day.
Blessings! Dcs. Linda
This year's mission team consists of Deaconess (Dcs.) Linda Nobili, Kirk Radford, Rockie Brandenburg, Karen Morrell (currently living in the Netherlands), Elizabeth Nelson, and two 'new-bees', Sue Wood and Shani Stadnika! Today we start packing the extra bags we're taking filled with donations of school supplies, small stuffed animals, kids clothes, first aid supplies, and the like. Can't wait to get started!
Donations have been pouring in, thanks be to God, and the expenses for our entire trip will be covered. We want to thank everyone who contributed finances, toys, clothes, and prayers! We couldn't do it without you! May the Lord return to you double what you have done for us and the people of Kenya.
Please check back here for updates. We will try to post as often as possible. Also please keep the people of Kenya, Pastor Dennis and Dcs. Lorna Meeker and us in prayer. We ask for prayers of protection, patience, and productivity for the saving Gospel of Christ. Kenya is experiencing severe drought conditions and we have been told to expect electricity every other day.
Blessings! Dcs. Linda
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
St. John Supports Palliative Care Training for ELCK Deaconesses
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
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
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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