We are all back home except for one

We all made it back home after 32 hours of flying and waiting in airports, oh welcome to Africa.  Matthew stayed behind for 2 more weeks to work with Ghetto Light a great ministry to youth in Kibera, he is actually living right in the middle of it with Abel and Milkah the leaders there.  he will be helping with the large soccer and arts program they have here.

 https://picasaweb.google.com/JohnACrews/TravelInNairobi

Sorry for the slow postings during the past 2 weeks and not pictures but all of that will change now and you are going to see some great shots of what we were doing there and the incredible people that God has placed in our lives from these 2 countries.  Stayed tuned.

Thanks so much for praying for our team while we were away, the many people we had the privilege to share lives with, they are so neat and God loves them so much.

AS you can tell I have been up since about 4:00 a.m. this morning but feeling good, Ms Diane is still sleeping and hopefully will for sometime.

Blessing from our team and the many ladies and their children in Kenya and Burundi,

Monday – Gratitude

How quickly the days have passed – our last full day in Burundi.  Our last time to go to the center and be with our dear sisters.  Our custom ordered clothing was ready, and the women were so anxious for everyone to try them on.  Talk about a fashion show!  Each one fit to a “T.”  They even taught us how to make the headdresses made from lengths of cloth from the outfits…now we are African!  Even more fun than seeing our team model their new clothes was to take a picture of each one with the woman who made it.  It was wonderful to see their smiles, so proud of their work – dignity.  They had also rushed to make bags for us to bring home to sell, working into the night. 

We had the chance to listen to the personal stories of two of the women; we will have to share them with you later; they are just too detailed and intense for me to share right now.  But suffice it to say, they are gripping.  The pain in recall is obvious; we weep together.  “I was unwanted, hated; I learned to hate others, distrust them and believe that there was no such thing as love.”  This is a common theme.  But thankfully, …..the beautiful new theme is “Here I found love, felt love for the first time.  I was accepted, encouraged, and given a chance to learn, grow.  How I thank God for this place and those who help us!”  The overwhelming attitude here is gratitude, to God, for Peace and this ministry center, for the opportunity to learn to read and write, have a life sustaining skill, come alive!  As our time to leave approaches, the women present us with gifts….think of it; they who have so little wanted to make things for each of us to say thank you!  “You and all those who help this ministry are our family.” 

https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/LastDayInBujumbura

Again, Peace tells us that as much as money is needed to sustain the ministry, what they truly treasure is having people who care for them come and be with them!  It is the presence of those who come to pray, listen and encourage that lifts them up.  Peace had told them that friends were coming; many said they doubted that those friends existed or would really come so far to this small, forgotten country, and they rejoiced to see that what she said was true!

 https://picasaweb.google.com/JohnACrews/HavingSomeFunInBurundi

Again, we sing, dance, praise and pray.  It is so hard for westerners to understand the power of presence; I’m still learning.  What I do know is that each of us has been enormously blessed to meet these courageous women; we are awed to see the way God has worked and is working in their lives.  It will take some time to process what we have experienced on this trip, almost impossible to soak it all in.  But we come away with hearts full, spirits lifted, hope high and keen desire to pray for these and all the women who so need and want to be a part of this sort of ministry.  We are challenged to pray more, share their stories, support them and see their numbers increase. And we, like our sisters, are enormously grateful.

Sunday – Who have I in heaven but you?

Open air church – packed to overflowing, we return to Peace’s church for Sunday worship.  We arrive about 10:30; praise and worship started a few hours ago, but we get to join in for yet more.  The pastor’s brother is preaching today, and he gave a great message based on John 10:10.  He went into detail about how the enemy is determined to destroy us; it is his goal and total strategy, and he employs any means possible to do so.  Referring to past conflicts, he reminds us that the person firing the weapon is not our enemy; it is Satan who is working through that person.  The destruction of lives is the result of evil unleashed on this earth, and we must be aware and on guard.  God designed us to have abundant life, life in intimate fellowship with Him, finding our strength, protection, our satisfaction in Him.  We cannot expect to find abundant life if we are living a life in contradiction to His will, but as we walk in fellowship with Him, we will experience all that He has planned and designed us for.  After about four hours, the service concludes; no clock watching here.

This afternoon we had the opportunity to meet with many of the women who are currently on the waiting list to enter the ministry program and the grandmothers who, though not able to take up new vocations at this point, are struggling to raise grandchildren.  About 100 met us in their meeting location in another part of the city, and though many of them are older, they are certainly young and vibrant in spirit!  Again…..dancing, singing, praising!  As always, they express thankfulness that we have come, that we made it safely, that they had been praying for our visit…..always humbling.  As they began to share testimony (the people here seem to be unable to contain their gratitude and desire to declare the goodness of the Lord!), an older lady stood up and shared that some of her youth had been restored since being a part of this group.  Even though all of them struggle to have adequate food, she said they are fed here by the Word of God, and they are thankful!  Here she said she felt the burden of poverty broken and her spirit renewed.  Another younger woman shared that she had graduated from the program and now has her own sewing business and is able to provide for her family.  Before that, she was in terrible condition, but now she is more than surviving.  But she asked, “What can we do now for our sons, our boys?”  This is the question that has haunted us for some time.  We must respond to the needs of girls/women and address the immediate crises they face, but if the cycle of abuse is ever to be broken, the hearts of boys/men must be changed. https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/SundayMeetingWithTheLadies

Mary, Peace’s partner who leads this group, explained that a number of the women are Muslim; one has come to the Lord!  She asked how many of them had come to know Christ, and more than a majority of them eagerly raised their hand and shouted Amen!

Natalie shared a testimony of how God has worked in her life, and what she shared resonated with the women.  You could see that they appreciated and identified with what she said.  Though our situations are radically different, we are all challenged, and we can all identify and rejoice in God’s mercy and faithfulness.

We ended our evening with dinner by the lake at a restaurant open to the beach, listening to the waves, walking along the sand, watching the sunset. We are soaking in everything God is showing us, but there is much to process and absorb.  We are so thankful for the opportunity to be here.  As we continue to listen to the testimonies of the people here, there is a common thread…..”Who have I in heaven but You, God?”  And when we take the time to put aside all that attempts to consume and entangle us in this life, this primary truth remains…….there is no one or nothing  that matters more than You, Lord.  All else will fade away, but You are forever and always.

Saturday – What is your Goliath?

Can you imagine a cramped space full of little children, quietly and patiently waiting for visitors to arrive? The ministry center was crammed with little ones, moms, babies when we got there.  There was no chaos, the floor covered with little bodies sitting expectantly.  I’m trying to imagine that in the US…..

As usual, when we arrive, the worship begins!  They can praise and worship as well as any of the adults!  Some of the women in the project work on sewing in the front, completing items we ordered and were measured for Friday.  We see that some of them are already finished and hanging on the wall!  As the singing subsides, Connie begins to share the story of David and Goliath with great enthusiasm.  You can tell some of them have heard this story before, but they sit quietly, giving rapt attention.  Only the squirming of infants interrupts the story of God’s provision for the young shepherd about to be king.  They listened well, for they retold the story in detail and answered many questions about the meaning, and they knew how to apply the lesson, too.  Several shared how they felt lonely, afraid, wondered if they would eat, but that they trusted that God was with them.  Hunger and poverty are familiar Goliaths here, but these children “get it” and are depending on God being there for them just as He was for David.

 https://picasaweb.google.com/JohnACrews/KidsProgramSaturdayBujumbura

After lots of hugs and pictures, we were invited for a very special occasion and treat….a traditional wedding!  Carine, one of Peace’s helpers, invited us to her brother-law’s wedding reception, a “small one” she said.  “Small” is relative since African weddings typically involve 1,000+ people; the whole community participates!  This one was in a covered patio like setting, which did limit the number and movement of the guests, probably about 400 or so.  There is nothing like a wedding to experience the customs and traditions of a culture!  The bride and groom were seated in the center of the hall; greetings and presentation of gifts began.  Blessings bestowed, a stream of people, young and old present presents to the couple. Then a girls’ dancing troupe appears to perform traditional dances for the newlyweds.  At the conclusion of the gifting, the bride and groom prepare to leave and the tribal drummers provide the grand finale…..and GRAND it was!  We were within inches of them, beating on enormous drums, sticks flying in every direction, jumping and dancing as they played.  Spectacular!!  What a dramatic exit for a couple!

 https://picasaweb.google.com/JohnACrews/BurundiFunShots

We end the day with dinner and enjoy sharing about the day.  The more we see and hear, the more we are understanding what it means to be Burundian.  We also see how difficult life is, the enormous challenges, but also the firm faith of these who are standing on His promises.  How we can learn from them!  Everyone has at least one Goliath in their life; do we recognize ours?  Do we tremble in its presence?  Do we complain, give in, wallow in self-pity?  Or do we stand firm in the knowledge that our God is greater, like David? Do we attempt to slay our Goliath’s in our man-made armor, or do we rely on God’s strength (and method) to win the battle?  Indeed, that is the question.

Friday – “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my innermost being, praise His holy Name!

Lined up as compactly as possible, we see the women of the ministry center busily working at their sewing machines.  As soon as we are visible, clapping, smiles and singing begins!  There is barely space to move into their narrow space housing sewing on one side and hairdressing on the other….but you’d never know it was a difficult working space by the looks of their faces.  Praises swell as all the women stand up, singing from their hearts, swaying, dancing, rejoicing! Then the testimonies begin.  I don’t think we have ever experienced the depths of thankfulness and testimony to the absolutely goodness of God as we witnessed today!  Each one begins by saying that they cannot express how good God is, how He has blessed them, that only He is worthy of praise!  These are not women who are living comfortably; most of them live in a small rented room, eating once a day (food provided at the center), once living on the streets. Yet…..they cannot stop praising God!  For we, who have so much, this is humbling.  They share of being forced to live in the bush, carry weapons for rebel soldiers, finally escaping only to find that they must live on the dangerous streets.  Abandoned, abused, the pain of their lives is dramatically evident in their faces.  We know this is the tip of the iceberg of what they have endured, but it is enough to let us know that they have suffered much, but have so gratefully received God’s mercy and grace.  It is hard to stay composed as they share from the depths of their hearts.  This center is their refuge, their safe haven, where they have been given a second chance at life, found love and Jesus!  They are almost finished with their training and will soon “graduate,” and all so anxious to begin their own businesses when they receive their own sewing machine upon completion of their training.  Ability to pay rent, buy food, send children to school---imagine!  It is more than they had ever dared hope. The ministry is already helping them with such things, but soon they will be able to provide for themselves.  As they speak of the future, their demeanor is one of pride, dignity-they have accomplished much and now have confidence that God is with them and they will succeed.  These are real women, real life, lives transformed and making huge impact here!  What joy!

https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/BurundiSewingProject

A particular prayer request that we have had for some time is to find a better place for the ministry center where more women can be a part of the program (more than 200 on the waiting list), have room for a sewing co-op, increase the literacy program, and touch more lives.  Peace and her team have been looking for a long time; we’ve been asking everyone to pray specifically for such a space at a fair price (not extorted because they are connected with the US).  Today we visited what looks like a very good possibility for their next ministry home!!!  John and I went with Peace to look at a home not far from their present location, which is a good central place for the women to come to.  Walled and gated, we enter a large covered porch to a three bedroom house with two baths, kitchen, good sized living area with small servant quarters/bath in the large walled back yard.  With much more than their present space, it stands next to a hospital being constructed and across the street from a doctor.  It is a safer, quiet street providing much better security.  What a joy it would be to have windows and ventilation!  Where they are now, there is only the open front, no windows or ventilation, and it can be sweltering.  Light; air; we can already see great possibilities with this place!  We are able to discuss a few details  with the owner’s representative.  As we return later in the day to meet with the owner, he agrees to the changes……and it is a fair price!!!  Final negotiations remain, but we are thanking God for bringing this possibility!  THANK ALL OF YOU who have prayed for this!  Please continue to pray as details are worked out.

https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/NewTirzahSewingCenterInBurundi 

Then we went to Peace’s church for their Friday night service, a tin roofed, open sided building that holds more than 1,000!  Worship had begun when we entered as we were led to the very front.  For an hour we entered into some of the most amazing, beautiful worship ever!  Words can’t adequately describe; transcendent!  Perhaps we can post some of the video we captured for you to actually hear it. We were called up on stage to be introduced, and as we looked out, we saw that the building was almost entirely full!  On a Friday!…….An incredible experience and just a preview of what Sunday worship will be like.

On to dinner by the shore of Lake Tanyanika, one of the largest lakes in the world bordering Tanzania, Congo and Burundi.  Also where hippos often come up from the lake, enter the road and stop traffic!  Unfortunately, we didn’t see any this time….but we can imagine.

An incredibly full day, not just of activity, but of spirit.  We are soaking in it, connecting with our sisters, joining hearts.  It seems like we’ve already been here for days!  Such special people, precious women…….sisters that we have already come to love.

Thursday - Burundi

“I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  Jer. 29:11 

We bid farewell to Kenya and made the short flight to Bujumbura, Burundi, to the greetings of our dear sister, Peace!  It was so good to see her beautiful smile and meet her newest co-worker, Mandie, a clinical psychologist who is a huge help in counseling the women.  We’re staying at the King’s Conference Center, build by missionaries just a few years ago, a lovely place in rather dismal surroundings.  After settling in, we were able to go to the weekly fellowship for ministry.  Again, the amazing African greeting of enthusiastic singing and dancing as we entered their meeting hall!  Praises echoing to the beating of drums (and tables), their voices raised the roof!  After several songs, the choir of the ministry presented several special songs for us, one especially written by them for the occasion.  The translation was of a special welcome to their friends who had come from so far away, those who pray for them and love them and have finally arrived.  Never have we ever had such a touching welcome!  After we were introduced, Mary, one of the ministry leaders, told us that there were many who wanted to share their testimony.  One after one after another, similar stories of abandonment, abuse, living on the streets, sick, hopelessness……they shared their tragic stories.  “No one ever thought I would live.”  “I despaired of living.”  “No one would approach me.”  “I was shunned and forgotten,” …..UNTIL each of them connected with the ministry, and there the stories continued to echo the same sentiments.  “I was totally accepted and loved.” “Here I have found hope!”  “I came to know Jesus and found new life.”  “Here there is no discrimination; we are loved.”  One girl , formerly a Muslim, shared how she had found Jesus and joy.  Each one told how much the training had meant to them; now they have skills, can provide for themselves and their families, more than they could have ever dreamed of.  Illiterate, they have learned to read and write, and most importantly, they are discipled in the Word every day.  With tears of joy and thanksgiving, it was hard for them to fully express their gratitude for all the Lord has done for them through this ministry, truly transformed lives!

 https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/ArrivingInBurundi

As the meeting closed, there were endless hugs, smiles, and sweet words of blessing.  At dinner Peace shared more about the background of most of these dear women, born in the countryside, orphaned or desperately poor, they come to the city thinking they will be able to find some sort of work, only to find that they cannot.  Usually forced into prostitution, they struggle just to survive.  Several now with children, they are in despair as to what to do.  As only God can arrange, they met Peace and became a part of the ministry and begin learning how to sew or do hairdressing.  An integral part of the training is learning about Jesus, being taught the scriptures, how God loves them and wants to give them an entirely new life.  One by one, they accept this truth for themselves and life truly begins for them.  The result…..HOPE…..JOY……DIGNITY…….REDEMPTION!

Tomorrow we will spend the day with these precious women at the ministry center, listening, sharing, and getting to know these who are our sisters.  As we listened to the recurring themes of new joy, hope and acceptance, it was a keen reminder that it is only in Jesus that we are truly accepted; because of Him, we have hope, joy and LIFE!  It is just the same for us as it is for them.  There is no other source! Yesu ashimwe!  Praise the Lord!

Wednesday...A walk on the wild side

We spent the morning with Ghetto Light, a sister ministry of Homecare working with youth in the Kibera slum.  We met with the founders, Milcah and Abel, and their workers who shared with us about their ministry.  They minister to well over 100 youth in three areas:  soccer, theater arts, and micro-finance.  The leaders of each area shared about how they are organized, providing skills training and opportunities to complete in soccer and theater.  Two of the young men who have gone through the soccer program are not in the top tier team in Kenya.  These are tools to reach young people, but the primary goal is to lead them to Jesus.  Discipleship is a major component of all the programs, and they are making a big impact in the lives of these young people.  In the micro-finance, they are teaching the young people the value of money, how to use it to begin a business, how to save, and how to plan for the future, valuable training indeed, especially for those who have never had money to know how to manage it.  It was so encouraging to hear about the successes of the young people, the small businesses they have started, how they repay their micro-loans, help their families and learn how to succeed.  One of the leaders devotes her time to mentoring young women in areas of sexuality, relationships, post-abortion counseling (she shared that there is a high incidence of abortions in Kibera done in highly dangerous ways) and Biblical counseling, all extremely needed in this community.  In a place where there is so much abuse, disease, and hopelessness, this was indeed a bright spot.  They are truly shining a light in Kibera and bringing light into the darkness.

 https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/VisitingGhettoLightInKiberia

This afternoon was our time to enjoy some of the treasures of Kenya, its animals.  We first went to the giraffe sanctuary where we were able to be on a platform that put us eye to eye with these majestic creatures.  We got to feed them, pet them (while being cautioned about head butting J ) and, after a suggestion from one of the caretakers, allowed Miss Daisy, the largest of the ones at the platform, to take a kernel of the giraffe food held between the teeth of the volunteer feeders (some of our teammates!)…..now that was a picture indeed!!

Then we went to the nearby walk through zoo, located next to the Nairobi Game Park, where you can walk through and see various native animals in their natural habitat.  Many of these have been rescued in the wild and brought here for healing.  The way it is arranged, though, allows you to be very close to the animals; very close, actually.  The first ones we saw were the hyenas, which are so much larger than we imagined.  We then met up with the caretaker who is in charge of feeding most of the animals, who in turn became our personal tour guide!  We came late in the afternoon; most of the visitors had left, so he took us personally “behind the scenes” where most don’t get to go.  He let us come close to the fence to feed the enormous rhino; what a sight.  Then we went back with him to feed the hyenas; we could actually hear the cracking of the bones as they devoured the huge hunks of meat.  Then we followed him down to see the cape buffalo, large antelope and went inside the fence to actually feed the bongo (large type of antelope), which is now on the endangered species list.  A rare opportunity, we got to go behind the normal path right up to the link fence to the leopard; gorgeous animal!  From there,  we ventured to the cheetahs.  Previously, we had been able to see them in their space and even had the opportunity to pet two of them….unleashed and unhampered!  When we were talking to Wesley, our now guide, he said they didn’t do that anymore and only for specially paid for occasions.  I guess he could see our disappointment, because before we knew it, he had called his co-workers and arranged for us to go inside and pet the very cheetahs we had been looking at through the glass!  We all got to pet them; they seemed to like being scratched under their chins, and we got pictures galore.  Talk about a special treat!  Then to the lions…the grand finale.  We got to get right up to the fence with the three lionesses, one of which walked right next to the fence so that we could actually touch her.  Wesley told us that the male lion we had previously seen had recently died, and they had just acquired another male just yesterday who was still somewhat sedated from his transfer.  It was now feeding time, so we followed Wesley into the fenced area where they feed them huge portions of meat in caged areas.  The lionesses eagerly began devouring their dinner, growling as they ate (we were inches away).  The new male, appearing pretty woozy, hesitated to stand up, but managed a bit of a roar for us.  What a special experience to have had the personal treatment, up close and personal with these God-designed creatures!  The perfect end to our last day in Kenya!

https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/WalkWithTheAnimalsOfKenya

Tomorrow we leave for Burundi.  We have been moved, challenged, and gripped by the enormous needs here, as well as encouraged by what God and His servants are doing here.  It’s easy to miss what is unseen -changed hearts -overwhelmed by the blight and externals.  We have much to process and pray about, but one thing is certain……it has been unforgettable.

Tuesday – Widows & Kibera

“There are no words” – the response of the AIDS widows when asked what the ministry program means to them.  Ostracized, rejected and without hope, these women found their way to Homecare ministry for AIDS widows from Kibera, and here they have found life and hope!  One of the women shared about her journey; married at 17, having a baby by age 19, her husband murdered at age 20.  As is the custom, she was “inherited” by her husband’s family, becoming wife to one of his relatives.  Not only did she lose her husband and was handed over to another man, the family took her  home and all her possessions for themselves; she was left with nothing but her little boy.  It was by this second man that she was infected with HIV.  In time she left and went to live with a sister-on-law; but was later kicked out; again alone.  For a brief time she lived with neighbor and finally managed to get a small place on her own, but then the virus set in and she became very sick.  Bed ridden, she lost all hope.  She saw women from Homecare visiting women in their homes, and one day they visited her.  It was then that she found someone who cared, understood and offered her hope.  After receiving help from Homecare, she regained strength.  She comes faithfully to meet with the other women, cooking together, growing in the Lord, praying and encouraging one another.  Today she looks well!  Her little boy is 8; he is in school, thanks to Homecare’s help.  All the women have similar stories; all have been scorned by their families and society; all have felt desperation, and each one has found the love of Jesus, hope and life through the ministry of Homecare.  What a joy to sing God’s praises and pray with them today, to hug them and show them that they are loved, not rejected, accepted and valued.

Another program going on at Homecare is a dressmaking program, and we got to visit with the students who are learning sewing skills that will provide a way to make a living when they graduate in December.  A man who is now in the program has a job as a night watchman; he works from 6PM to 6AM, then comes to the sewing program by 8:00.  He told us he wants a better life for him and his family.  He is hoping to be a tailor, even make his own designs.  Joseph, the teacher, says he believes he will be an instructor; he has learned so quickly and so well.  He beams as he shows us his work! 

 https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/HomeCareInKenya


Homecare also has an outreach to the children of Kibera in cooperation with five churches where school is provided for children.  We got to visit one of the schools this afternoon; what precious children, sitting quietly waiting for us to arrive.  Lynette, their teacher, has volunteered as a teacher for several years.  Though not paid, she loves these children and is teaching them to read, write, do arithmetic, sing and importantly, know Jesus.  The pastor of the church met us there and went with us and the program leader to visit two homes of the children.  Unless you have been to Kibera it is almost impossible to describe.  The largest slum in the world; one million people on 600 acres; no sewage system, running water, little electricity, mud and stick hovels with tin roofs packed together in an unimaginable maze.  Each sense is assaulted from every side; the pungent smells from raw sewage and garbage, the smoke of charcoal used for cooking, blaring music, dogs barking, children laughing, yelling; a cacophony of sound, sight and smells.  We visited two such dwellings, both housing 8-10 people in about 10x10 space.  Mud walls, so dark you can barely see even in the daylight.  But we were graciously welcomed in. Both have had to take in nieces and nephews when their siblings died; all desperately trying to survive.  Both enormously grateful that the children have the opportunity to go to school, take part in the Saturday Bible clubs, be fed and loved.  I wish I could better describe Kibera and its people, but as the women said this morning, there aren’t words to describe.  BUT…..God is at work there!  We know there is hope for the children in the schools; they are coming to know Jesus in the Bible clubs, and their parents/caregivers are seeing God’s love played out through those who serve through Homecare. 

https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/OurWalkThroughKibera

I’m sorry this has been lengthy, but we so want to enable others to catch a glimpse of the significance and necessity of such ministry here.  A few words do come to mind; overwhelmed, but also grateful.

Monday – Limuru

Buana Asifiri!  Praise the Lord!  “Praise the Lord that you woke up this morning; that you moved your legs and walked and came for fellowship,” shared one of the women from Limuru as we joined them for a time of praise and worship.  How easy it is to take this for granted for most of us around the world; here they do not.  With so much illness and difficult circumstances, many do not awake the next day, and they praise God that they ARE here for another day!  The gathering today was predominantly for grandmothers, the older women from the neighboring poor area in Limuru, about 30 minutes outside Nairobi.  Our hope was to bring them encouragement in the Lord for their many challenges.  We entered the hall to the accompaniment of their voices singing native praise songs along with a drum.  There is nothing like African worship! Joyous, bold, from their whole being, dancing, swaying, “presenting their body a living sacrifice…”

https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/VisitToLimuruInKenya

After we were greeted and introduced, I (Diane)was given the opportunity to share about the role of grandmothers.  As I asked how many of the women were grandmothers, almost all raised their hand.  I then asked how many of them were raising their grandchildren – the vast majority continued to raise their hand.  An increasingly common situation here, because so many of the young to middle age population has died of HIV/AIDS, grandparents have had to assume the role of parents once again and taken on the challenge of raising children in their older years.  For those who had a hard time providing for themselves, often having their own physical challenges and most of them women now left alone, providing for yet more can be overwhelming physically and emotionally.  Not only do they grieve for the loss of their children, but now they face the challenge of providing and caring for children once again.  We read in the scriptures about Lois, Timothy’s grandmother, who nurtured him in the Lord as a child long before he was discipled by Paul.  What might his life have looked like had she not spiritually nurtured him.  Though taking up this role again is daunting, what extraordinary opportunity we have as grandmothers to invest in our grandchildren spiritually, emotionally and in these cases, physically.  But it is only doable in the Lord’s strength.  They were encouraged to care for themselves; if they don’t and become unable to care for these children, who is left to care for them?  Also, to feed themselves spiritually so that they have something to share with these children.  And emotionally-they are blessed to have this fellowship so that they can come together to pray for one another, bear one another’s burdens, support one another and live in community the way God intended.  We need one another as we walk with and trust the Lord.

More singing; just listening to the beautiful blend of voices is as a heavenly choir.  You cannot help but be moved and touched by it!  Then the embraces as everyone sings and dances; this is not “going through the motions.”  It is life!

Our teammate from SC, Kitty, then shared her testimony, reminding us that our children are gifts from the Lord, but they are on loan….for a season.  They are His gifts; we nurture them, love them, but aware that as He has given them to us, we in return realize that we must relinquish them back to Him.

As we closed with yet more singing, we were able to share bread, sugar and flour with the women to their great joy.  They had given up whatever earnings they might have to come and be with us, so these provisions will help them not to lack because of their taking the time to worship together.

We had the privilege of having lunch in the home of one of the leaders, Josephine, who later in life went to seminary to be equipped to minister and additional studies in counseling specifically to be able to help these women.  We met Lydia who established a home for street boys, giving up a good position with a bank to devote full time to ministry.  She shared the hardship and challenges of taking these boys off the streets and mentoring them, praying fervently for God to transform their lives; not at all an easy task.  The leaders of this fellowship are incredibly committed women, gifted women, who have taken their walk with God seriously, heard His voice and obeyed.  Sacrificial giving, denying self……these women are giving their lives so that others may live.

We returned to the retreat center overwhelmed by what we have experienced today; the power of the Spirit permeated every inch of the Limuru center today!  Such unselfish, unreserved love, such gratitude, such offerings of blessings we received today from these women who materially have so little and bear so much.  Our sisters; His daughters.  From very different lifestyles and circumstances, yet one in Him.  As they have reminded us several times already, black or white…..it makes no difference.  In Him, we are one!!  How incredibly we experienced that oneness today!!  Buana asifiri! 

Jambo from Kenya

Saturday – Jambo!   We’ve arrived!

We’re writing up postings even though we haven’t been able to get online yet and may not for a while, but we did finally land in Kenya!  It was a long journey, more than 24 hrs, but at last we set foot on African ground!  By the time we arrived at Homecare Retreat and got into our rooms it was almost midnight, the ending to a long trek.  We’re so thankful to be here and looking forward to worship tomorrow and seeing Nairobi in the light. 

Sunday – Praise and Passion!!

All of us enjoyed a good night’s sleep, collapsing into our beds.  This morning we were able to see the lush grounds of the retreat center and begin to soak in Kenya.

https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/SundayWithJudy

We joined the worship of the NPC Karen church not far from here, meeting up with our host and ministry partner, Judy Mbugua, and her husband, Richard.  Long before we entered the church we heard joyous singing!  There is nothing dull about African worship services, and we quickly were drawn into the spirit of worship and celebration with the choir and congregation.  Many of us were surprised at how many of the worship songs were ones we sing at home….universal praise!  We were warmly welcomed by the congregation and felt quite at home.  The pastor shared a message from Rev. 3:14-21, the letter to the church of Laodicea. What a challenge to us to hear him address the lukewarmness of this church and how we compare today; are we passionate in our love for Jesus?  Do we have a fiery zeal for the Lord?  Or have we become apathetic, complacent, and indifferent?  He was challenging the people here in Nairobi, but it might as well as be in our hometowns as well.  It is comforting to read verse 19:  “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.”  If we are being rebuked, it is because of and out of His love for us, to draw us closer to Him and draw life from Him.  It was a great message that we could all identify with.  Following the service we went to the Mbugua’s home for lunch and fellowship, always a huge treat!  A table full of African dishes awaited us, and as we enjoyed the delicious food, we had the chance to visit with other members of the Mbugua’s family, friends, and pastors, great fellowship indeed.

 https://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/LunchWithJudy02

Jet lag settled in later in the afternoon, but before we ended our time there, the pastor’s wife led us in a rousing Swahili worship song; you can’t be still or indifferent in this kind of praise!  He read Ps. 20 over us as a prayer and blessing for our team and the coming week of ministry, so appropriate for our time here, for the Lord to answer us at any time of distress, that He would send us help when needed, and that He would remember what we share here as a pleasing sacrifice to Him.  Also that our/His plans would succeed, be fulfilled perfectly, and to be encouraged that though some trust in chariots and horses, we can be confident in the strength of our Lord!  We will rise up and stand firm!  That is indeed our prayer for our time here, that the Lord’s plans be fulfilled by His power and strength and we would be keenly aware of His presence with us.

We’re sorry for not being able to post this on the blog today, but even if you read this a bit later, we hope you can grasp the blessing it is to be here even from our very first day.  We are praying for our time in Limuru tomorrow as we share with those in the Homecare ministry there, particularly grandmothers who have had to take on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren.  May they be encouraged!

We made it to Nairobi

All of our flights were right on time and no problems, just took a while getting our visas for Kenya....very slow.
It is now around midnight here so we are all off to bed for a good nights sleep...we hope.  Everyone is feeling really good and ready for Africa.  Church in the morning and then a full day with Ms Judy, the pastors, Masai ladies and others for a wonderful lunch.  For those of you who have been with us in the past you understand what fun this is.
More later.  Thanks for your prayers getting us here.  Oh for you Texas friends in the low 70's here and lots of rain...sorry

Airport journey here we come

Well in a few hours we will all be flying from our homes to Detroit city where we will meet up after noon and board our next 8 hour flight to Amsterdam.  We will have plenty of time to get to know one another, eat some fabulous food on the plane, watch a few movies or read a few books and try to get some rest, but it won't happen on this leg, maybe tomorrow when we fly over to Nairobi, the attempt at sleeping or better yet just getting some rest will be nice.
Pray for safe journeys over and that we won't be totally exhausted when we finally reach Nairobi Sunday night their time, which will be around noon Sunday your time here in the states.  Remember we are 8 hours ahead of CST back home.
We will try to keep the blog up and running daily.  Thanks for remembering us each day.

What a joy to work with these 2 ladies

Rev Judy in Kenya                                         Mama Peace in Burundi

We leave tomorrow Friday June 10th YEA we are Ready

We are off to Kenya and Burundi for two weeks of incredible ministry with our local partners in this part of Africa.  Follow us and be a part of what God is doing, Pray for us each day.

Our team members are:

Kitty, Connie, Natalie, Matthew, Diane and John.  Lori will be joining us in Burundi.

Our schedule for the next 2 weeks

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR KENYA & BURUNDI

JUNE 10-22, 2011

Fri, June 10                        Depart Houston for Detroit (12:36/4:39)

                                           Depart Detroit for Amsterdam (7:15P-9:05A 6/11)           

Sat, June 11                        Depart Amsterdam for Nairobi (11:15A-8:15P)

                                           Check in at Guest House

Sun, June 12                      Church service; afternoon at Judy Mbugua’s house

Mon, June 13                     Limuru homecare center; home visits

Tues, June 14                     Dressmaking school

Wed, June 15                     Visit with Masai women

Thurs, June 16                   Depart Nairobi for Burundi KQ (10:50A-11:30A)

              Meeting with local leadership fellowship

Fri, June 17                        Project center ministry

Sat, June 18                        Literacy program/ possible outreach in countryside

Sun, June 19                       Church service; meet with children’s group in              

                                            afternoon

Mon, June 20                     Program center AM;  Meet with Albin and boys in       

                                           afternoon

Tues, June 21                     Depart Bujumbura to Nairobi (11:20A-2:00P)

                                           Depart Nairobi for Amsterdam (10:30P-5:40A 6-22)

                                   

Wed, June 22                     Depart Amsterdam for Houston (10:45A-2:00P)

                                           Back to our homes!!!! Wow