Hope for Kenya

"You should really consider coming to Africa"

2010-07-01T13:10:00.001-05:00

From Dedee:

Relaxing at Sweetwater.....This is one of the most beautiful places on earth! You should really consider coming to Africa....you will never be the same! Parting today from Endana was bittersweet, but knowing that electricity and clean water is a few weeks away is truly the best gift in the world!

Pictures!

2010-07-01T13:01:00.006-05:00

The bug has gotten me for sure!

2010-06-30T13:07:00.002-05:00

From Gayle:

Today was our last full day in Endana. The week has gone so fast & tomorrow we say our 'so longs' to all our friends here....It's always a very hard day. God is doing some amazing things here....soon they will have access to CLEAN water! We also got to visit with their high school students today....That was pretty cool too.

From Kristin:

Had an amazing day at Endana today. Bonded with some sweet girls. It's really going to be hard to leave tomorrow! Can't wait to come back to Kenya! The bug has gotten me for sure!

From Holly:

AWESOME DAY IN KENYA! Played with 120 preschoolers...so crazy but so fun! Hung out with some sweet 4th grade girls and got precious time with SENGENOI!!!! YAY!!! It was so hard to leave her. Pray for continued healing in her foot.

From Dedee:

Having an awesome time in Kenya! Taught 120 nursery and kindergarten students....WOW! am I thankful for the student cap in the USA and desks for all as well....four and five kids per desk and a free for all most of the time....Loving leading in music and movement....Missing teaching music!!!

Wednesday Update from Aaron

2010-06-30T11:33:00.000-05:00

Jambo!

I can't tell you how inspired I have been by the Kenyan pastors we have been working with this week. These godly men were so hungry for God's Word and we had some great discussions that will hopefully impact many people through their churches. We had 14 pastors in attendance today! I can't wait to get back here for more. Mark Monical, Lee Ullrich, and Tom Hundl have been awesome.

The water project has also been amazing. The community has come out in force...98 community members working side by side with our team to dig the trench. It is extremely tough work. Kirk Willson and his team have also been busy working on the pump house down by the river. Kirk + Kenyan friends + construction on a water project = happy man :)

Anyone who has worked with kids in this setting understands the daunting task of leading anything organized. The numbers are about 1 to 40. But our team has been amazing. Over the years we've learned some important principles and the past week has been like a well oiled machine. Our people are kid magnets... and adorable kids are EVERYWHERE!

The Special Needs team also wrapped up their needs assessment and the future suddenly looks a whole lot brighter for about a dozen kids. I am so thankful for the unique skill sets God designed through our team.

This afternoon, we were able to visit the Endana Secondary School. We divided into small groups and had some great conversations with the high school students there. We hope to be more involved there next year. It was tons of fun. I love those kids.

The highlight of the day though was walking down to the river to baptize a 15 year old orphan named Mary. Ronnie had the chance to lead her over the line of faith on Sunday and then baptized her today. It was a living picture of the Great Commission.

And to top it off, we were able to have a skype conversation with Lanny Donoho and Jeff Pickering live from the stage at BigStuf. The connection was pretty rocky, but it was very cool.

In the morning, we'll head back to the Primary School for the closing ceremony and goodbyes. Leaving is so hard, but the blow will be softened by our safari day at Sweetwaters. Sweetwaters is THE most beautiful place on Earth. Our first timers are gonna freak out.

Thanks for all your prayers and to those who wrote notes of encouragement for our team. They are greatly appreciated.

Aaron

Want to see the team in Kenya?

2010-06-29T13:54:00.002-05:00

Wednesday morning at about 9:45 a.m. BigStuf & Lanny will be skyping with our team in Kenya. They will be talking about all the cool stuff that is going on in Kenya. Go to http://www.thinkbigstuf.com/ for a live feed of the BigStuf session.

Must Read!

2010-06-29T10:54:00.003-05:00

From Aaron Sanders:

I am extremely proud of our team this week. Our group is serving in so many different ways. We have school educators partnering with nurses to assess the needs of mentally and physically handicapped individuals. Small Group Leaders teaching Kenyan pastors about grace, forgiveness, and financial peace. Teenagers and adults working side by side with the community to dig water trenches and a pump house building. And a whole crew of of gentle and patient Christ-followers expressing God's love to some of the world's most impoverished children.

Leading a large team like this is sometimes difficult, but our team's Christ-like attitude and boundless energy have made for a powerful combination. I love watching God expand our team's perspective as they serve alongside our Kenyan brothers and sisters. The community here has much to teach us about the value of cooperation within the body of Christ.

My favorite moment of the day though was getting to see our sponsor child, Sengenoi. Holly and I have been sponsoring her for the last couple of years. She has struggled with a badly infected foot and even came to the U.S. for treatment last October. After staying at our home for a week, Holly and I felt a tremendous bond with her. If we could, we would adopt her today. At our reunion today, Sengenoi was a bit shy at first, but then warmed up when we showed her some video of Ethan and Ella. She is such a cool kid, but there are tons of really cool kids here that need sponsors. I hope you'll all consider sponsoring a child here through Brightpoint for Children. Kids are available in both the Endana Primary School and the Secondary School. The small amount of money we send every month really does make a difference. It is worth the sacrifice to give kids like Sengenoi a brighter future. Go to Brightpoint to learn more.

From Holly Sanders:

God moment #1: I was sitting in a circle with preschoolers playing duck, duck, goose. One of the girls pointed out the dust on my leg. She spit in her hands, rubbed them together, and washed my leg. Her legs were covered in dirt, but she wanted to wash mine. I get chills just writing it. She cared enough about me to wash the dirt off. How beautiful! God moment #2: Hugging Sengenoi today for the first time in a long time. Leaving here there with her foot in bad condition was so hard! I just want to rescue her...take her home and take care of her. My heart beats for the people of Kenya!"

Also, I talked to Kirk this morning through our office messenger.
Below is some of our conversation.

From Kirk Willson:

We've been working on rebuilding a pump house by the river. We will put the roof on it tomorrow. Endana will have clean water soon!
It's hard work but good. I'm working with James who I have worked with the last two years. Carpentry work is fun!
Great team. Everyone is getting along great and doing great. The pastors conference is going good also. It's been a great trip.
Not sure if you heard but the government has run electricity out to the school. They will be wiring and hooking up the school very soon. Clean water and electricity will move this community way down the road!

Praise God!

From Gayle Stein:

"Hey! Today was amanzing (how many times have you heard that recently)! We went to the mission this afternoon & I was going to hand deliver a letter to Dianane Lewis' sponsored child. As it turned out, the child wasn't at the mission, but at Jerusalem, about 2 km away....I had her letter & then one from Kathy Peters because they both lived in the same area.....I actually got to hand the letters to the two little girls outside their huts....AMAZING... Oh yes, Nick Rimato came with me because he didn't want me to go by myself....He is a great young man! Anyway....it was totally awesome! God is so good....and doing awesome things in Kenya!"

Keep Praying!!

"God is doing some crazy things."

2010-06-28T18:48:00.003-05:00

Today was an amazing day for both children helpers and construction workers. We will have the opportunity to go on home visits tomorrow. We're looking forward to another day hanging out with these kids.

I officially have a v-neck tan line from being outside all the time in KENYA! We had an amazing time back at Endana today, these kids are even more amazing than i remember. The project is going good, however, I kind of feel useless next to these beastly Kenyans. I'm not looking forward to saying goodbye on thursday....

- Jamie W

I cannot type on this keyboard so i can't say much. we hav played soccer nonstop, the kids are amazing! e have accmplished so much already ith the trench we are digging... th project was changed. I am having a great time, got sunburned bt its all good.

I will get on again later with hopefullya better comuter, but so far it is awesome! I am doing great and and i have ben taking my malaria pills.

Kenya is already everything I could have hoped for and more. God is doing some crazy things.

- Jakeb S

Today was awesome! We screened people with special needs.....not just chilldren....too much to post on a wall....But we had a 6 mo old baby to a 56 year old Masai warrior....We're tired....but it was rewarding....God puts amazing teams together!

- Gayle S

I was taught how to use a pick ax today....i wasnt very good, but I liked using it until a Kenyan pastor took it from because I was too slow. :)

- Holly S

Some Updates

2010-06-28T14:43:00.002-05:00

From Jennifer Monical:

Day #1 in Kenya: I feel like I'm back home again! The kids lined up the driveway to the school to welcome us back- so precious- and then performed for us with singing, dancing and poetry. They are all growing up and doing so well- and the rain has been such a tremendous blessing to their community! Thank you God for th...e blessings you are pouring out on your people here at Endana!

Day #3 in Kenya: Well I couldn't get to the computers yesterday since they were all in use by our HUGE team- 39 of us to 3 computers=little computer time! Today was an extremely full day with lots of activity. The team was split up into several different groups doing different activities. My group spent the morning eva...luating 8 children and 2 adults who came seeking educational/medical help. The needs are absolutely overwhelming and the resources are so extremely LITTLE TO NONE. Sounds like a problem only God can solve...so it's a really good thing He is here! Maddie is feeling MUCH better today- thanks so much for the prayer for her, I can't wait to talk to her about her day playing with Kenyan children! Hayden dug a trench all day so he should sleep well tonight! Thanks for all of your prayers and support- we love you!

From Aaron Sanders:

Amazed by the level of community buy-in and cooperation at Endana. These Kenyan men and women desperately want to see God's Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. I spent the day with several pastors in the Pastor's Conference and then we worked side by side digging a trench for the water pipe that will eventually b...ring water to the area. This trip has been about more than just hope; it's about the now!

Pictures!

2010-06-28T14:18:00.001-05:00

Updates from a GREAT Sunday!

2010-06-27T14:29:00.002-05:00

From Ronnie Whitehead:

Today was an awesome day. The team split into 6 groups to attend 6 different church services. I preached at Faith Chapel and took Susan, Chase, Dominique, Marissa, and Ashley with me. They were so gracious and love God deeply. The highlight of my day was being able to prayer with a young Kenyan woman to receive Christ. So much to share, but the line for computers is long. Please continue to pray for us. Its hot, dusty and tiring. Thank you for your prayers.

From Kelsie Hundl:

What a great experience so far! Our welcome at the primary school was incredibly humbling. The children are precious. They rub their little faces on your hands. Their smiles go from ear to ear. After church this morning, I had a conversation with a boy about to graduate from highschool. He wanted to know about college in the States and how I chose my career. His first thought was to go into electrical engineering but he wanted to make sure he made the right decision between the sciences and humanities. It was awesome to hear of his aspirations and desire to help the people outside of his small community. He told me to remember him when he makes his first trip to the US!

From Fonda Hundl:

It has been a great day today. Our group split up into 6 different churches to day. The Hundl Family, Jen Armstrong, & Kiristin Henderson all went to one church. Tom (preached) spoke. We sang songs in Swahili and English. I cried as usualy when we sang our songs. Kristin lead our music. ...All the pews (benches) were filled. We had about 35 people in church. We had an interpreter. Callan found her "baby" from 2 years ago. He was in our church on the first row. She picked him up and hugged him. I cried. He was 6 months old the first time they met 2 years ago and carried him on her back most of the time they were together. The look on her face when she saw him was priceless. It has been a wonderful trip so far. I'm going global.

From Gayle Stein:

Today was amazing.....we worshipped in an Independent Penecostal Church of Africa....nothing like anything I'd ever experienced before....and Mark Monical brought the message of being true to GOD....no matter what! This afternoon was spent in worship at an open air crusade....Our God is doing tremendous work in Kenya!

WOW! Please continue to pray for our team!!

"Great first day at Endana Primary School!"

2010-06-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

Great first day at Endana Primary School! It's amazing to see how much progress has been made at the school since our first visit two year ago. God has really blessed the community with their partnership with 410Bridge and BPF. Sponsorship of Brightpointe children really makes an overall difference too! The children greeted us with bright smiles as we marched in with them and watched a wonderful opening ceremony. Each class presented poems, songs and dances just for us. Many of us even had the privledge of "dancing" with them. One of the most exciting things is that electricity is arriving in the community and the school will soon be plugged in! Well, I can't wait for tomorrow. We have the awesome opportunity to worship with our friends in their own churches. Blessings to all!

Cindy U.

"...a beautiful picture of joy, hope and progress."

2010-06-26T18:22:00.003-05:00

Jambo!

After a long journey, our team is finally in Kenya! We woke early on Saturday morning and traveled straight to Endana. The entire community showed up to welcome us at the welcome party held at the Endana Primary School. We were greeted by community and school officials followed by performances from the school children. Each of the classes performed dances, songs, and poems. After the ceremony, we spent some time catching up with old and new friends and touring the progress that has been made at the school. I was blown away. So often, we see images of Africa that are filled with poverty and sadness, but the Endana Primary School is a beautiful picture of joy, hope and progress.

The team will have dinner tonight followed by a short group meeting and lots of rest. In the morning, Brightpoint has arranged for team members to connect with their sponsor children and then we'll all go to church...actually we'll split up and visit 6 churches! Tomorrow afternoon, the team will take part in a open air worship service targeting all of Endana and the surrounding communities. Pray for our team as we preach, share our stories, and lead in worship.

Coming back to Kenya for the 4th time, I have so much to be thankful for. Change is real here. You can see it. And I can't wait for more of what God is planning for Brazos Pointe and Endana.

Aaron

In Nairobi

2010-06-25T18:26:00.003-05:00

British Airways online flight status shows their flight landed at 11:35pm Nairobi time Friday, June 25th. Thank you, God, for keeping them safe!

According to the trip itinerary, they should be getting some much need rest about now and will be leaving for Endana in their morning.

More updates as they come in.

Next stop Nairobi!

2010-06-25T06:55:00.002-05:00

All members of the team have arrived safely in London. The flight leaving London to Nairobi was delayed for a little over 2 hours but the flight status online shows that they have departed. Word from Dedee W. was that they were all enjoying each other and a few of the kids were being kids (loud). :)

Pray for them now as they journey to Nairobi and are all anxious to get there.

And they're off!

2010-06-24T17:53:00.005-05:00

The team members have all left their homes, be it from Singapore or Texas, with lots of hugs and probably a few tears and are headed for Kenya by way of London. Kenya is probably not prepared for this bunch!

Jakeb S., who currently lives in Singapore, will meet up with the Texas crew in London.

Mark your calendars for the Post-Kenya trip party on Friday July 9th in the worship center starting at 6:30.

2010 Trip Itinerary

2010-06-24T05:25:00.005-05:00

The team leaves today! 38 from leaving from Texas and 1 from Singapore will meet up in London and head on from there to Nairobi. This is the largest team our church has ever sent out! 39 people have responded to God's call to make disciples of all nations and will be looking for opportunities to be catalysts in a foreign land.

Continue praying for the team as they put the finishing touches on their packing and planning. For the family and friends who have to say goodbye. And also for the air crews for their flights ahead and for all legs :) of the journey to be painless.

DATE: 24 June 2010-03 July 2010
U.S. TEAM LEADER: Aaron Sanders; Kirk Willson
410 BRIDGE KENYA LEADER: Alfred
DRIVER: David & Carlos

THURSDAY 24 JUNE
DEPART: HOUSTON 420P

FRIDAY 25 JUNE
ARRIVE: LONDON 730A
DEPART: LONDON 1020A
ARRIVE: NAIROBI 900P
HOTEL: LENANA

SATURDAY 26 JUNE
MORNING: Depart for Endana

AFTERNOON: Lunch
Welcome and Introductions at Endona Primary School
Community Fellowship/ Home visits

EVENING: Sportsman Arms Hotel

SUNDAY 27 JUNE
MORNING: Depart for Endana
Church in Endana (Faith Chapel, Baptist Church, Full Gospel Church, Vision in Christ Church)

AFTERNOON: Lunch
Possible visit with Brightpoint Kids
Open Air Evengelism: Team share testimonies, songs, etc. (Leaders: David and Crispo)

EVENING: Sportsman Arms Hotel

MONDAY 28 JUNE
MORNING: Depart for Endana
Service Projects:
Group 1: Renovation Project for water tank at Endana
Group 2: Teaching in classes K-4 at Endana Primary School (avg. 40 students/class; ages 6-12)
Group 3: Pastoral Training: Endona Primary Library
Group 4: Work with special needs kids
Group 5: Medical Team at the Segera Mission Clinic

AFTERNOON: Lunch
Group 1: Continue with Renovations Project
Group 2: Games with Endana Primary kids (ages 6-12, classes 4-6)
*Teams to teach games (bring balls, supplies, games prepared)

EVENING: Sportsman Arms Hotel

TUESDAY 29 JUNE
MORNING: Depart for Endana
Service Projects:
Group 1: Renovation Project for water tank at Endana
Group 2: Teaching in classes K-4 at Endana Primary School (avg. 40 students/class; ages 6-12)
Group 3: Pastoral Training: Endona Primary Library
Group 4: Work with special needs kids
Group 5: Medical Team at the Segera Mission Clinic

AFTERNOON: Lunch
Group 1: Continue with renovations project
Group 2: Home visits, team to help with chores (sweeping, fetching water, washing clothes etc.)
* Visit same homes as Saturday afternoon

EVENING: Sportsman Arms Hotel

WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE
MORNING: Depart for Endana
Service Projects:
Group 1: Renovation Project for water tank at Endana
Group 2: Teaching in classes K-4 at Endana Primary School (avg. 40 students/class; ages 6-12)
Group 3: Pastoral Training: Endona Primary Library
Group 4: Work with special needs kids
Group 5: Medical Team at the Segera Mission Clinic

AFTERNOON: Lunch
Group 1: Community games (soccer, football, kickball)/ US team to facilitate games with headmaster)
Group 2: Guidance Counseling with Endona Secondary School students (Form 1-4)

EVENING: Sportsman Arms Hotel

THURSDAY 1 JULY
MORNING: Depart for Endana
Community Farewell/ Prayers (Endona Primary School
Depart for Sweetwater

AFTERNOON: Lunch/ Safari

EVENING: Sweetwater Tented Camp

FRIDAY 2 JULY
MORNING: Depart for Nairobi
AFTERNOON: Java House Lunch/ Giraffe Center/Shopping/Dinner on the way to airport

DEPART: NAIROBI 1140P

SATURDAY 3 JULY
ARRIVE: LONDON 620A
DEPART: LONDON 1025A
ARRIVE: HOUSTON 235P

Pre-trip Team Devotional Thursday

2010-06-24T05:19:00.001-05:00

Two former team members, Chantel and Tony have prepared these short pre-trip guides to help prepare the team spiritually for what God has in store. Please take the time this week to sit with God and listen and pray for the Kenya 2010 team to be prepared to experience all that God has for them. This is intended for the team but who knows, perhaps God has something for you as well.

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Will You Use Your Gifts?
Romans 12:6

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us”. No one has all the gifts. No one person can do it all. The Bible often compares our gifts to parts of the human body. Everyone has a part, and the body is not complete without all the parts functioning together. God wants to use your gift to benefit the whole body.

The team that you are a part of is going to Kenya as a part of the body of Christ. Pray that God will make your gift clear and give you every opportunity to use it for His Kingdom.

But I also challenge you to be flexible. The Apostle Paul says in I Corinthians 9:20-22:

“To the Jews I became a Jew to win Jews.
To those under the law I became under the law
to win those under the law.

To those outside the law I became outside the law
to win those outside the law.
To the weak I became weak to win the weak

I have become all things to all men in order that
by all means I might win some.”

Paul knew the value of being flexible, yet at the same time knew he couldn’t win them all. God will use your gifts and abilities on this trip. There are things that only you can do. There are things that only you can share. There are people that only you can reach. But it all starts with your availability.

Prayer:

Lord, help me put aside anything in my life that might hinder my availability. Make us one body, with every team member open to what you have prepared beforehand for us to do. Give us harmony and love for each other so we can show Your love to others. Amen.

Pre-trip Team Devotional Wednesday

2010-06-23T07:01:00.001-05:00

Pre-trip Team Devotional Tuesday

2010-06-22T03:56:00.002-05:00

Pre-trip Team Devotional Monday

2010-06-21T01:46:00.001-05:00

Two former team members, Chantel and Tony have prepared these short pre-trip guides to help prepare the team spiritually for what God has in store. Please take the time this week to sit with God and listen and pray for the Kenya 2010 team to be prepared to experience all that God has for them. This is intended for the team but who knows, perhaps God has something for you as well.

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Will You Fill the Need?
Matthew 14:14

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them…”

When we want to know what God wants us to do, we only have to look to Jesus. There are many references to Jesus “seeing” people and having “compassion”. These passages seem to have something in common.

First, he “saw” the people. We will never have an impact for good in God’s Kingdom if we don’t first see the people like Jesus sees them. Pray that God will keep you alert.

Second he had “compassion” on them. This doesn’t mean Jesus just felt sorry for their situation. Compassion happens when we put ourselves so far into their situation that we literally feel what they feel. On this trip you will be exposed, close up and personal, to some difficult situations. Pray that God will give you His compassion as you see the people of Endana.

Thirdly, Jesus met a need. In Matt. 14:14 “he healed their sick”. In Matt. 15:32 “he fed them”. In Matt. 20:34 “he touched their hurt”. In Mark 6:34 “he taught them many things”. Now I know you are thinking, how can I do what Jesus did? Last year’s team “touched” hundreds of people. They “taught” Bible stories. Several of the team fell in love with a young girl who couldn’t walk because of a terrible disease in her foot. Within six months of our trip these few members of our team helped the 410 Bridge orchestrate a medical miracle and that young girl can now run and play. Never fall victim to the idea that what you are doing is insignificant. Pray that God will use you beyond your expectations. And don’t be surprised when He does.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, show me how to follow your example to see, to feel compassion, and to meet needs in Your name. Amen.

Pre-trip Team Devotional Sunday

2010-06-20T08:38:00.002-05:00

Two former team members, Chantel and Tony have prepared these short pre-trip guides to help prepare the team spiritually for what God has in store. Please take the time this week to sit with God and listen and pray for the Kenya 2010 team to be prepared to experience all that God has for them. This is intended for the team but who knows, perhaps God has something for you as well.

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Have You Cleaned Up?
Isaiah 43:25

Let’s break this verse apart:

“I, even I , am he” – this verse begins with a firm statement that God is “it”. There is no one more powerful; you simply can’t find one above Him. There is no need for us humans to keep searching. We spend so much time, energy and resources trying to find the answer to all our questions. This is one of many verses that God uses to end all discussions and give a final reply, “I am He”. God is stating, “I am the answer to your pain. I am the last ounce of hope. I am the reason for the mysteries of this world.” Let us not overlook on the simple truth that we serve the great I AM.

“who blots out your transgressions” – Let’s start at the word “blot”. The dictionary states that a “blot” is a spot or a stain. Our sin is represented by that spot or stain. When there is stain on an object it stands out because it is not like the original. Removing a stain requires careful blotting with a cloth of some sort.

The careful blotting is what God does to our transgressions (aka: sins). His cleaning technique is gentle but also consistent and with a distinct purpose. If we rub too hard on the stain there is a great chance the stain will go deeper. God’s desire is to remove the sin not push it deeper within us.

The part that sometimes hurts is the consistent blotting that must be done. God has the power to remove our sin immediately but that is not how He works. He consistently works at it. This consistent blotting is what brings us back to our origin (aka: God).

The final part of this verse states “and remember your sins no more”. This is what makes God the great I AM. He is God and yet he chooses to erase your and my sins from His memory. But this is also the part that requires more work on us. God has forgotten the sin, but have you? He has made us clean but for some reason we can’t stop thinking of what was once there.

My friends, take this time to rejoice in knowing that you are clean when your Savior looks at you. And that makes you useful to His Kingdom work.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, blot my sins away. Thank you for loving me despite my stains. Please help me live, and go, in freedom. Amen.

2010 Trip - Project Description

2010-06-10T19:53:00.002-05:00

The trip is just around the corner. Excitement builds and packing begins!! Please pray for the communities in Kenya that will be visited and for all trip participants. Pray especially right now for the leaders as this is quite a large group and there is much to orchestrate.

The 2010 Kenya Team will serve in a variety of ways:

Open Air Worship Service - The team will have several opportunities to worship with the community, including a Sunday afternoon "crusade" complete with drama, music, and speaking.

Water Tank Restoration - The team will be working on two existing water tanks one is 20,000 liters and the other is a large 100,000 liter tank doing the following renovations...
1. Repairing cracks in tanks with cement mortar
2. Constructing concrete pillars in the center of the tanks to support roof
3. Spread waterproof cement on inside tank walls for water proofing
4. construct/repair tank roofs
5. some tank plumbing

Endana Pastor's Conference - The team will be leading a 3 day training event for local pastors on Monday - Wednesday mornings at the Endana Library, a building that was built by last year's team. The conference will focus on empowering local leaders for ministry success.

Kids Bible Club at Endana Primary School - This year's team will focus on children in Kindergarten through 4th Grades. The 410 Bridge is providing a curriculum that is built on the virtue of "Cooperation", similar to the material used at BPF in All-Stars.

Special Education Programs - One of the team members, Susan Eastland, will be working specifically with kids with physical and mental disabilities. She will also help with teacher training. The school system in that area does not currently have any Special Education programs.

Counseling Sessions at the Secondary School - Gayle Stein, a school counselor, will be working at the Endana Secondary School to promote emotional health as teens undergo the changes associated with puberty.

Medical Team at the Segera Mission Clinic - Several medical professionals will be working alongside the clinic's medical staff during the week to treat patients and help organize the clinic's supplies.

Just Around The Corner

2010-05-13T19:16:00.002-05:00

The 2010 trip to Kenya is just around the corner. Over 30 team members will be returning to the Endana community very soon. The projects are not completely set just yet but there are some exciting things in the works so please be in prayer for these decisions and plans. Also be praying for the team members and especially the leaders at this point. There is so much to do to prepare for any mission trip much less one with this size group.

Here is a brief overview and a little background taken from the BPF website:

Kenya Mission Trip
June 24th - July 3rd, 2010

In January of 2009, Brazos Pointe Fellowship officially began a partnership with the community of Endana, a very poor, rural area north of Nairobi generally called Segera. Building on the foundation laid by the 2008 and 2009 trips, the 2010 trip will continue to work alongside the village of Endana as the community strives to achieve its developmental goals. Team members will have the opportunity to work on a construction related project, lead Bible school activities for children, teach classes in a local school, and work in a medical clinic. Other trip highlights include a safari day at the beautiful Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Recent Activity

2010-04-27T07:45:00.002-05:00

Kenya Trip 2010 is quickly approaching! The excitement is building and final travel details are being firmed up. Please pray for this year's group. It's shaping up to be another fine group. Also be praying for those we are going to "visit".

Someone recently commented and mentioned wanting to volunteer at Havilla. I would like to direct you, and anyone else interested to 410bridge. They can hook you up. :)

Stories, stories and more stories!

2009-07-12T19:16:00.002-05:00

And pictures, pictures, and more pictures. Most of the photos are flying around on facebook right now and the stories are already being shared. And they are all incredible!

The team members are all back to their prospective homes and are getting settled back in after a long shower and a good night's sleep.

Be sure to join us at the Kenya Party this Wednesday.

Wednesday, July 15th. Please join the team as they share what and how God provided for them during their trip. Join us in the Worship Center from 7 - 8pm on the 15th. Childcare will be available on site.

Until next year... So, do you have your passport???

On the way home!!

2009-07-11T06:43:00.003-05:00

We heard from Kirk in London. All were doing well and ready to be home. They got to meat up with Andrew Guru in Nairobi for about 20 minutes before they left and Tori & Aubrey's Compassion visit went well along with several other connections that were made between sponsors and their children and a few reconnections with those from last year's trip.

The team got a lot done on the library but weren't able to complete it. Kirk feels confident that it will be completed soon just as the floors were last year.

Many on the team are already planning to figure out how to save for next year. Perhaps you will join them.

Plan to attend the Kenya Party and hear all the stories and see the pictures.

Wednesday, July 15th. Please join the team as they share what and how God provided for them during their trip. Join us in the Worship Center from 7 - 8pm on the 15th. Childcare will be available on site.

No news is good news, right? #2

2009-07-10T18:59:00.002-05:00

So, the team should be in London in about 4 hours or so. Their flight is schedule to arrive at 6:45am London time. Then they are scheduled to arrive on Texas soil at 4:15pm Texas time!

Be praying for a safe trip home and that there are no travel issues.

Please keep Tori & Jakeb in your prayers as they leave Saturday afternoon from Nairobi and travel through Qatar back to Singapore. They will be back in Singapore on Sunday afternoon (early Sunday morning, Texas time).

Friday in Nairobi

2009-07-09T19:42:00.004-05:00

No word from the Kenya team from yesterday. We were told that they probably would not have internet access at Sweetwater. Hopefully we'll get a phone call at some point. It is now around 4am in Nairobi and they are scheduled to leave for London at 11:45pm Kenya time. They are scheduled to arrive home in Houston at 4:15pm on Saturday.

Today they are scheduled to go to Java House and Giraffe Center. Tori and Aubrey will also be getting to meet their Compassion child that they have co-sponsored for about 3 years now. He will meet them at Java House and get to go to the Giraffe Center as well.

Then all but Tori and Jakeb will go clean up and head to the airport for their journey home. Tori and Jakeb will head back to Singapore and there is only one daily flight out so they will staying an extra night and leaving on Saturday. Those goodbye's between friends will not be fun either!

If anyone has stories or pictures they've recieved from this trip to post on the blog, please send to Andrea.

Message from Dedee

2009-07-08T19:05:00.000-05:00

Day three at Endana was good, not much construction done, but LOTS of good interaction with the children. We got out the kites and the children LOVED them....Lots of good pictures, but the internet is very slow here.

The children's team spent the day in the classrooms doing NOah's ark, lanyards and singing and having a great time. Early this afternoon we experienced a little piece of heaven at Sweetwater....took a bus sight tour and saw lots of cool animals. Part of the team is on a night Lion tracking as I type. Several are going in the morning for the lion tracking.

Thursday morning, we will have the closing and goodbyes at Endana...pray for the hearts of those who will have a hard time getting on that bus. After that we will travel to Segera for baptism and goodbyes. We will spend the night at the Mountain Lodge near Mt. Kenya and then travel to Nairobi on Friday morning. Thanks for all the prayers... Dedee

Wednesday Update

2009-07-08T18:58:00.001-05:00

Jambo!

The team spent the morning at Endana continuing with the various projects. Work on the library was a little slow, but we are making progress. Kirk brought a bunch of kites and we had fun flying them with the kids. It was very windy so the kites didn't last long, but they were very impressed. It is going to be VERY difficult to say goodbye tomorrow.

After lunch, we checked into Sweetwater Tented Camps and spent the afternoon on safari. We saw lots of great animals and everyone really seems to be enjoying themselves. This is such a beautiful place.

Some of the team will be going on night safaris and lion tracking expeditions before we leave in the morning. We will say goodbye to our friends at the primary and secondary schools with a closing assembly and then we'll head over to the Segera Mission. We will have the chance to purchase jewelry and other items made by the locals, followed by baptisms in the river. Zach G. from our team is going to be baptized, along with some of the Kenyans that stepped over the line of faith on Sunday! We can't wait. It will be a great day.

Keep praying. God is working.

Aaron

Tuesday Update

2009-07-07T19:54:00.001-05:00

The 2nd day serving at Endana was really productive. Everyone seemed to really find their groove today. Team members were using their gifts at the clinic, building the library, teaching in classrooms, and just loving on kids. We are worn out, but it is a good tired.

One of the sweetest parts of this trip has been the deepening of relationships from last year. There is a true friendship and partnership developing here. For example, Jennifer M. really connected with a woman named Ann. Ann now works and lives in a different community far away, but when she found out that Jennifer was with our team, she took the day off from work, paid for a taxi, and walked an hour and a half each way just to reconnect. There are lots of other stories of growing friendships and I know there will be more. It is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ living and working together in unity.

Tomorrow, the team will cut off work a little early and head to Sweetwater for a safari. We even got an early taste of the local wildlife on our way back to the hotel today when our bus driver chased down a wild ostrich.

Thanks to all for your prayers. God is truly doing something special here.

Aaron

Monday Update

2009-07-06T19:23:00.002-05:00

Today was our first day on sight at Endona... After a short introduction we started work and time with the children. We did a skit and crafts with 5 of the eight classes. We were exhausted and ran out of supplies, but the kids had fun. The rest of the day, our students and Jason, Jennifer C. and Kim played and talked with the kids.

Lynn, Jennifer M. and Tamara had a good day working with Lucy in the clinic at Segera Mission.

The construction on the library went well. We had great participation from the community members. This year several of the men helped unlike last year. We were able to get all the walls up today and will continue construction tomorrow. Will try to send some pictures of the construction tomorrow.

Everyone should sleep well tonight. We are tired from all the hard work.

Kirk

Photos!!

2009-07-05T19:14:00.004-05:00

These are from the first couple of days of the trip. Reunions and play time at Havilla and worship at Endona.

Sweet Reunions and Powerful Moments

2009-07-05T19:12:00.002-05:00

We had an incredible day worshiping at Segera Mission and Endana today. Our team divided into two groups. Most of the team walked an hour from the Mission to the Endana Faith Chapel. Our team members introduced themselves and many of them shared a favorite scripture. I preached from the book of Nehemiah and we all enjoyed singing and dancing with the congregation. The team members from last year recognized lots of familiar faces. It was a sweet reunion.

The rest of the team attended church at Segera Mission. Crispo invited Tony to share a message and other team members were able to play with the nursery school children. We all really enjoyed worshiping with our Kenyan brothers and sisters this morning.

After lunch, Phoebe, a staff member from Brightpoint for Children, introduced many of the sponsored children to our team. I can't describe how meaningful it was to meet the kids we have been praying for, writing to, and supporting. I am so thankful for the ministry of Brightpoint.

Later, we traveled with Crispo to a "preaching point." Preaching points are evangelistic, open air meetings with tribal people in remote locations. We were warmly greeted and joined the people in dancing and singing praises to God. Despite the language barriers, we worshiped together as one. I gave a brief message based on the parable of the lost sheep and Dedee and Tori led us all in Amazing Grace. After a brief invitation, about 10 people walked forward to step over the line of faith. It was a powerful moment.

Tonight, the team is relaxing back at the Sportsman's Arms. The teenage boys have been trading away clothes and hats in exchange for souvenirs. Hopefully, they'll come back with a few clothes left. Thank you for your prayers. We're having a great trip! Tomorrow will be the first day at the Endana Primary School. We're looking forward to working alongside our friends to build the library.

Aaron

Saturday in Nanyuki

2009-07-04T18:44:00.003-05:00

A few travel details first.

The trip went well. No lost luggage. Jet lag is not bad. Tony began feeling a little under the weather before they left Houston so please pray for him. A few of the 1st timers mentioned that Nairobi was more gorgeous than they expected. They have been told that Segera is much different, though, in terms of landscape.

They took a group picture at Havilla and tha will get posted as soon as they get a strong enough internet connection. Now, here's a message from Aaron.

This morning, after a restful night and breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi, we made our way to the Havilla orphanage. It was so good to see the kids from last year's Daraja Choir. They are precious. As soon as we pulled up, they greeted us with big hugs and bright smiles. Some of them have really grown since October. They asked about our families and even remembered Kathy Peter's dog. We were also able to tour their brand new home. They just moved in this week! It is a 3 story building on a 1/2 acre lot. The first floor has rooms, bathrooms, and storage space for the boys. The 2nd floor has the same for the girls and the 3rd floor is for Joseph and Solamae and their birth kids. I was very impressed with the quality of construction. It is such a huge blessing for them.

After our initial greetings, we spent time helping them with their daily chores. The guys carried wheelbarrow loads of manure up the hill to the garden and the girls chopped up cabbage. They also have a new stereo system and we had a blast doing the Cupid Shuffle and the Electric Slide with the kids. At the end of the morning, we pulled up some benches and all the kids performed a few songs for us.

I am so grateful that God has given our church the opportunity to build friendships with people here. The same kids that carved Halloween pumpkins at my house last Fall were introducing me to their favorite cow today. These beautiful children are more than just great performers in a traveling choir. They are dearly loved children of God and I get to call them friends. What a blessing!
Tonight, we're looking forward to dinner and resting at the Sportsman's Arms. In the morning, we'll split up and go to church at the Segera Mission and a church in Endana. I can't wait to worship with our Kenyan friends.

No news is good news, right?

2009-07-04T08:43:00.005-05:00

Last year it was a few days into the trip before we started really getting some good updates. So hang in there, I'm sure we'll have something for you soon! This is one of those "no news is good news" moments. On that note, if anyone hears anything from a team member, feel free to email Andrea.

This is what is on the devotional schedule for today. Pray for the team as they study this passage and search to answer the questions. Be praying for Josephine as she prepares to share her story with the team on Monday.

Unity of the Body
John 17:20-23 (The Message)
20-23I'm praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they'll be as unified and together as we are— I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way you've loved me.

1. Why did Jesus care that his disciples were unified?

2. With whom did Jesus want the disciples to be unified?

3. What are some ways we can seek to be unified as a team this week during our trip?

God, we thank you for creating us to be in relationship with one another. We confess we often do our own thing, seek our own interests, and miss the blessing of sharing in unity with one another. Help us depend on you and offer ourselves to one another. Unify this team, oh Lord, and make us a witness to your love for the world. Show us your heart, your desires, and your ways, that we may find union with you through your Son, Jesus Christ. And let your Spirit work in us through us as we serve. Amen

They're in Nairobi

2009-07-03T17:27:00.003-05:00

Somehow, I missed their call and I slept with my phone turned up and right beside me. But since they called, I will assume the entire team is settled in for a good night's sleep in Nairobi right about now. It's currently about 1:45am on Saturday, July 4th, in Nairobi.

The call shows it came through at 3:25am Saturday Singapore time so it would have been 2:25pm Friday Texas time which would have been 10:25pm Friday in Nairobi. Confused? ME too... Blogging from a different time zone may take some tweaking. We'll have to find a good time to communicate via phone when everyone is awake. :)

Tori & Jakeb did arrive safely from Singapore and got there about 7 or 8 hours earlier. Moses picked them up from the airport and took them to the hotel and they were getting to visit with Josephine. Tori's suitcase was smashed up and sorted through but other than that, they arrived safe and sound. Tori & Jakeb got to go back to the airport with Moses to pick up the team. What a fun reunion that probably was if the BPF team was awake enough to smile.

Happy Texas Independence Day! May those in Kenya be open to experience the Ultimate Independence and those whom He's sent be willing to share and may all be protected wherever their journey takes them today.

Made It To London

2009-07-03T03:51:00.002-05:00

The team are on the plane leaving London headed for Nairobi. They had a rushed change in London but everyone made it. He said everyone is doing well.

Tori & Jakeb have cleared Doha with ease and are well on their way to Nairobi. They should arrive there a couple of hours from now. A driver will be picking them up and taking them to the hotel where the rest of the team will be coming about 7 or 8 hours later.

I'm Going to Kenya!!!

2009-07-02T17:18:00.009-05:00

The team is on their way and are scheduled to arrive in London at 7:40am London time. I'm sure some of them if not all of them were thinking, "I'm going to Kenya!!!"

If my calculations are correct, which is doubtful because I'm blogging from Singapore and trying to keep track of 5 different time zones, they should get to London in about 8 1/2 hours from now.

There are two team members, Tori & Jakeb, who have left from Singapore and are stopping off in Doha, Qatar before they arrive in Nairobi where they will join up with the rest of the team. They will arrive in Nairobi several hours ahead of the team and wait for them not so patiently. :) They are very anxious to see their Texas buddies!

I hope to hear from Kirk when the Texas team arrives in London. The Singapore stragglers will also let me know when they have arrived.

Pray that their flights are going well, no one gets sick, everyone rests well and their pilots are completely awake!

Note: In case you're wondering and perhaps confused, this blog administrator is a member of BPF who has recently moved to Singapore and who is the mom of Tori and Jakeb. It's pretty cool that a person can live in Singapore, blog about people from Texas who are headed to Kenya! What a big, small world we live in.

Doing Something

2009-07-02T03:54:00.004-05:00

The team leaves today! Ready or not, here they go. Some have been packed and ready for days and others have probably been up all night and may have even made that midnight trip to Walmart. :) Continue to pray that their departure and journey all go without issues.

For everyone who believes in Christ, how we live out our faith will look different from day to day. But as the scripture says below, faith and works go hand in glove. Faith just doesn't work without doing something.

For this team, their "doing something" takes them to Segera. For some of us staying behind, our "something" was helping some of them get there and praying for them along the way. All of us can make a difference somehow, somewhere. It doesn't have to be in Kenya or even across the ocean. We must do something and then do something else after that.

Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department."

Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.

James 2:14-18 (The Message)

BPF Kenya Team 2009 - We love you and are praying for you from several different time zones so we've got you covered! Now, go do something!

Two Days!

2009-06-30T18:29:00.002-05:00

In only two days our team will be headed out! For some, it is their first trip to Segera and for others, their second or third. For all, it is just as exciting!

Please keep the team in your prayers over the next few days as they finish up their packing and say their good bye's. Also be in prayer for peace for the parents, spouses and siblings who will be "left behind". Watching them leave and not getting to hear from them much is often very difficult. Hopefully, this blog will help that some.

With two days before their flights leave, it would also be a good idea for us to begin praying for their pilots, the baggage handlers and the check-in and customs people they will encounter along the way. That they would all be rested and have an extra measure of patience as they deal with our large group.

Segera is ready for us!

2009-06-30T18:10:00.006-05:00

Below is an overview of the area we will be serving and an update from Ashley with 410 Bridge. The anticipation is building on both sides of the "bridge" as we prepare to go and they get ready for us to arrive.

The Segera Mission is a beacon of hope for the surrounding communities in the region, providing medical care and spiritual and physical nourishment. The three main communities surrounding the mission are Depatus, Jerusalem, and Endona along with several other small tribal villages. These communities, and the area at-large are home to several tribes including the Samburu, Turkana, Masai, and Meru. The area is very secluded and in many ways cut off from the outside world, as a result many of the tribal people in the area have not yet been reached with the Gospel. The primary needs for the area at large have been identified as:

* Access to clean water
* Improved education opportunities for surrounding communities
* Micro-enterprise or revenue generating initiatives
* Evangelism and out-reach programs
* A footbridge providing access to the mission during rainy seasons

So what is happening in Endona?

The primary school continues to sing praises for Brazos Pointe Fellowship since the team came last summer and laid new concrete floors in several classrooms. They remember many team members by name and enjoy talking about the fellowship they shared. They are very excited for Brazos Pointe to return! As education continues to be at the forefront of priorities for this community, 410 Bridge contracted a Kenyan Education Consultant to conduct a needs assessment in both the primary and secondary school.

In rural Kenya communities today, only 25% of 8th grade students pass the national exam required to qualify for secondary (high) school. It is the goal of The 410 Bridge to see 75% of 8th grade students in 410 Bridge Communities qualify for either provincial or national school within the next 5 years. As a result of the needs assessment, a quality education improvement plan will be developed and implemented. The program will be supported through a child sponsorship program offered by education Partner, Bright Point for Children. Components of the program have already been developed including a feeding program in the school. As those sponsorships are filled, the program will be
implemented. The school leadership has also identified the need for a library to provide resources for the students. The July 2009 service team will help construct the library.

Water is also an important priority in Endona. We recently learned from Endona leadership that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), a government entity providing relief in various areas, approved an extensive water project that Endona would benefit from. The community created a water counsel at the request of the CDF and The 410 Bridge met with all involved parties this past March. The 410 Kenya Country Director, Andrew Guuru, is currently working with the appropriate individuals to determine how 410 can come alongside this effort to leverage and enhance the benefits to the Endona Community.

We can't wait to get to there and see for ourselves what all is going on. We are excited to work with our friends in Endona and Segera and administer the Grace of God! Stay tuned.... we will be sending you updates and pictures.

Ashley
Relationship Marketing Director
The 410 Bridge

2009 Trip Information

2009-06-25T18:12:00.010-05:00

In just about one week, the team will be on their way to bringing hope, changing lives and being changed! Packing is underway and the last minute purchases are being made. Most likely Target and Walmart will be needing to restock their travel-sized items soon. :)

Please continue to pray for:
*the leaders of the trip as they have an extra load in getting themselves ready and keeping track of everyone else
*all team members for health and protection
*peace for parents and loved ones staying behind
*for hearts to be prepared

Here is an overview of the trip:

DATE: JULY 2-11, 2009
U.S. TEAM LEADER: Kirk Willson and Aaron Sanders
410 BRIDGE KENYA LEADER: Josephine

THURSDAY JULY 2
MEET: BRANNEN ELEMENTARY, LOAD 12:30 PM
LEAVE FOR AIRPORT 1:00 PM
DEPART: HOUSTON 430PM

FRIDAY JULY 3
TRAVEL
ARRIVE: NAIROBI EVENING
HOTEL: HEART LODGE or PCEA Guest House

SATURDAY JULY 4
MORNING: DEPART FOR HAVILLA -Welcome/ Introductions/ Play with kids
LUNCH
AFTERNOON: Possible visit to Endona Community
EVENING: SPORTSMANS ARMS

SUNDAY JULY 5
MORNING: Church in Endona - team divide into groups
AFTERNOON: Community Fellowship/ Activities/ Home Visits
EVENING: SPORTSMANS ARMS

MONDAY JULY 6
MORNING: Depart for Segera
- Welcome/ Introductions/ Tour or school
AFTERNOON: Community Service Projects: Edona School Library/ Work with children in primary school
EVENING: SPORTSMANS ARMS

TUESDAY JULY 7
MORNING: Community Service Projects: Endona School Library/ Work with children in primary school
LUNCH: Takeaway from Sportsman Arms
AFTERNOON: Community Service Projects: Endona School Library/ Work with children in primary school
EVENING: SPORTSMANS ARMS

WEDNESDAY JULY 8
MORNING: Community Service Projects: Endona School Library construction
LUNCH: Takeaway from Sportsman Arms
AFTERNOON: Community Service Projects: Finish Endona School Library construction
EVENING: SWEETWATER TENT CAMP

THURSDAY JULY 9
MORNING: GOODBYES AT ENDONA AND SEGERA
AFTERNOON: SAFARI
EVENING: SWEETWATER TENT CAMP

FRIDAY JULY 10
MORNING: DEPART FOR NAIROBI
- if time, shop in Karatina
AFTERNOON: JAVA HOUSE/ Compassion child sponsor visit
GIRAFFE CENTER/DAY ROOMS
DEPART KENYA

SATURDAY JULY 11
Travel
ARRIVE: HOUSTON 415P

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!

2009-06-10T08:20:00.008-05:00

In only a few weeks, the BPF 2009 team will leave once again to bring hope to Kenya. This year's team is a little smaller in force but their heart and spirit are as strong as ever. They are anxious to get there and see what God has for them to do.

Please begin praying for them if you haven't already. And keep checking this blog. We'll keep you updated throughout the trip.

Here are a few pics from their recent training.

Hope4Kenya 2008 Memory Book - Preview

2008-10-16T06:22:00.008-05:00

The link below will take you to view a book that has been created as an overview of the Kenya 2008 mission trip. It is an 8.5x11 brown suede-like bound book and includes 35 pages of quotes from the team members and photos of everyone who went. It captures the events and stories that made this trip so special. Anyone interested in purchasing one of these books should contact Aaron at students@brazospointe.com or 979.285.2022.

A copy of the book will also be available for preview at the church on Sunday's. The book will be cheaper if ordered before November 2nd.

Note: I'm not sure why it says "photobook deleted by user". I spent alot of time trying to fix that and gave up. Just click on the link under it that says "click here to view this photo book". It should work.

Click here to view this photo book.

Daraja Children's Choir of Africa is coming to BPF!

2008-10-08T12:37:00.005-05:00

On Sunday evening, October 26th, the Daraja Children's Choir of Africa will be performing at Brazos Pointe Fellowship. The children in the choir are from the community where our mission team visited on their trip this summer.

You should definitely make plans to come!

concert & tour information
www.brazospointe.com

The work at Endana primary school is complete.

2008-08-25T09:32:00.005-05:00

This message from Andrew in Kenya.

The work at Endana primary school is complete. The whole community is very excited and the kids can’t wait to be in the classrooms. They look extremely nice. The school Chairman and the Head teacher have been requested by the community to call for a meeting of all the parents to hold prayers meeting day to Honour God for the love He has shown to them. The day will be on 3rd. 09.08 at Endana school.

The chairman had this to say. “This is something I have never imagined happening here in this school or in this community in my life. Sometimes I can’t understand what to say about how God works. He sent people miles away from here and they heeded his call to come and do his will in our community. If this is not part of the miracles that we have always heard about, then I don’t know what else this kind of show from God would be referred to! Everyone in the community is talking about what God Has done at Endana primary school. No more Jiggers, No more wind and no more cold in our classrooms”

Work on School in Segera Continues

2008-08-19T07:24:00.005-05:00

This is a message from Andrew in Segera to Aaron Sanders.

Hallo Aaron,

I have been having problems with email and I really wanted you to know that work at Endana is going on well. The concreting work is complete as you can see from the attached picture of the pavement and they are now working on the inside of the classrooms by putting the plywood to seal the gaps to block the wind. Please share this with everyone else and tell them I wish them all the best. Will be writing more soon.

Asanti Sana.

THANK YOU! from Andrew

2008-08-04T07:54:00.001-05:00

From Laurie & Tony G.:

This is the note we received from Andrew. You would just love him! He and Jennifer Ward were the best leaders our team could ever have hoped for. 410 Bridge sure know how to find good people to do their good works in Kenya.

Laurie

Sent: Friday, August 01, 2008 1:33 PM
Subject: Re: Thank you!

Hallo.
Its great to read from you. Let me thank all of you so much for being a team that exceeded my expectations in terms of team work, strength, Unity, Honor and hard working.The noisy boys were a joy to watch though I beat them in Table tennis ( Ask Aaron about this) when you were not on top of trucks taking pictures or walking along the bush to Segera mission, you were either happily engaged in joyfull talks with the community members or walking with me to Visit Wanjiku's home for pictures and profiles. You were all such a wonderful team to me and you made my work easy. I felt fine when one of you would come to me with various issues as this made me realise that all was going on well. you were all quick to understand when I said NO to some requests you had encountered and which you thought were genuine. How happy was andrew to be with all of you for a week and still afford a smile for being with the largest team ever and not feel over burdened. To all of you, I say Cheers and your friendship will never be taken for granted. I will Keep in touch as much as I can.
Kindly pass my love to all and tell everyone I am missing them BIG!

Asanti Sana.

Floors Are Finished

2008-08-03T21:48:00.002-05:00

Thought I would share this note from Endana's head master. They finished the floors! (you probably already knew this but I was really excited!!!).

Laurie G.

You made my dream come true every body was left with adorable admiration. Give my regards to the wonderful team. We completed the floors yesterday thanks.

yours
Samuel Kamau

Update from Paul G.

2008-07-30T06:27:00.002-05:00

Email from Paul G. to the team.

--------------------
Jambo!

Habari yaku?

Thanks Aaron for the note and just wanted to echo that it was a great pleasure serving on this awesome team!

When reading about Pappy, one of my thoughts was - that possibly he was holding on to see that we came - to help carry on what he had built up, so that it could continue to grow as he had envisioned! Could it be?

Zach & I have been sleeping since last night, with getting up only twice to grab a quick bite and then back to bed. After I post this note I will be heading back to bed for the night, with hopes to be fully rested by tomorrow morning!

I just wanted to say that when I was asked to head up the cement project I wasn't sure of how that would go if I excepted to do it, due to not knowing anything about the project up front prior to arriving at Segera, which was the case, except for a note that was handed to me on the plane from London to Nairobi with room dimensions and a statement that tools would be on site for the project and that there would be a person there that would instruct us on how to mix the sand, rock, & cement portions. I willingly excepted this position a month prior to heading to Segera, trusting God to work out the details. God worked it all out! My role as a project leader did not have to be met, due to God providing several leaders amongst us! From James (who showed us how to mix the cement on the ground) to Francis (who leveled the cement in the classrooms) to all of you that stepped up to the plate and served with your God given gifts! Truly each and everyone on the team served with leadership qualities in the areas that you served and I feel very blessed to have been a part of this team!

Asante sana!

P.S. Zach just sauntered by heading to watch sports in the living room, maybe he's coming back to the land of living!

YFIC,

Paul

Update from Segera - Aaron S.

2008-07-30T06:25:00.001-05:00

Email from Aaron to the team.

---------------------
Hey Guys,

I hope all of you are got a great night's rest last night. The journey home is never easy, but it sure is good to sleep in your own bed again. Holly and I have had fun playing with Ethan. I feel like he's grown since we've been gone.

I got a phone call from the 410 bridge this morning. As you all know, Pappy has been very sick for the last few months and last night God took him home. Since the first time I heard about Pappy's story, I have greatly admired him. I only met him once, but I got this sense that I was encountering a great man of faith. We experienced part of his legacy last week.

From what I know, he had a general understanding of what our team was doing and died a happy man. He was very hopeful for what our partnership might accomplish in the future. Our trip was very well received by both the community and Segera Mission.

Today, I believe Pappy rejoices with our Father in Heaven. "Well done good and faithful servant."

I love all yall. It was a pleasure serving beside you and I eagerly look forward to what God has for BPF in Kenya.

Aaron

Home, safe and sound!

2008-07-29T07:06:00.004-05:00

BPF's first Kenya team is home safe and sound! There was definitely a BPF party at the airport last night! The team was obviously tired, it was about 3am for them when they arrived, but happy to see loved ones waiting for them. The reunion was indeed incredible. Plans are probably already in the works for next year's trip.

Pictures and stories will continue to be posted on the blog as they come in. Anyone from the team that would like to share something on this blog, feel free to contact me through the church office at 979.285.2022.

So check back every once in a while to see if there's anything new or if you just want to reminisce. It's been a great journey and thank you again to all who participated in making this blog and this trip a success.

Continue to pray for the team as they process all that God has done in them and what they might need to do or change from this point on. Also, pray for Segera to continue what was started and for their HOPE to grow.

Be sure to come up to the church on Friday, August 8th at 7PM for the "Kenya party"!

Photo from Garry

2008-07-28T16:41:00.009-05:00

"These elephants were right behind the tent Ethan and I stayed in at Sweetwater. " Garry

The team is just hours away from Houston now and the anticipation of some good, long hugs is mounting. I'm sure they are looking forward to a good bath and their own beds.

Here's to sweet reunions...

Waiting...

2008-07-28T14:49:00.003-05:00

The team is now waiting at the gate to head to Houston. They are scheduled to leave at 5:11pm (4:11pm our time). They have already made it through customs and many are taking this time to call their loved ones and catch up a little.

Arriving earlier than you may think...

2008-07-28T13:50:00.004-05:00

There has been talk of the team coming in to IAH at 7:43. This was what was on the original trip itinerary. Note that they are estimated to arrive at 7:06pm. They only have a couple of hours in Washington so this doesn't give them much time to get their luggage, make it through customs and get to the next gate. Pray that all is going well.

Back in the good ole' USA!

2008-07-28T13:01:00.003-05:00

The United Airlines flight status shows that they have just arrived in Washington!! The cell phone calls will most likely be coming soon. :)

It's not over 'til it's over...

2008-07-28T07:05:00.001-05:00

The team is almost home and the primary purpose for this blog will soon be fulfilled which was to keep the families and interested parties updated. What incredible stories we've received from this journey so far! Continue to check back even after they've returned for any photos and stories that the team might want to share with you all.

DON'T FORGET about the "Kenya Party" (share time) at BPF on Friday, Aug. 8th, 7PM!

Thanks to all who have shared their updates, those who have read, those who have commented and especially those who have prayed!!

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Here is today's entry in My Utmost For His Highest, my personal favorite daily devotional. Kind of selfish of me to post this, I know, but I thought it appropriate to share this one with you today. The team is coming home and we might say that our purpose of this trip was achieved but according to this devotional it was just "an episode along the way". God's purpose is in the process and the process continues...... as long as we get in the boat.

July 28, 2008
God’s Purpose or Mine?
He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side . . . —Mark 6:45

We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.

What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see "Him walking on the sea" with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see "Him walking on the sea" ( Mark 6:49 ). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.

God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.

God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.

Safari Pics/Travel Update

2008-07-28T05:07:00.006-05:00

This picture was taken Sunday morning on the lion tracking guided trip about 1/2 of the group took. We are waiting in the London airport for our flight to DC. We leave in about another 1 1/2 hours. The flight from Kenya went well. I think most everyone slept alot on the trip. We were all tired from our long day of travel into Nairobi and the "tourist" stops along the way. We were sad to leave but very glad to be coming home. It was nice to brush my teeth this morning in the London airport with the water running from the faucet instead of having to use bottled water.

I took this picture right after we got to Sweetwater on Saturday morning. Two elephants walked by us on the way to the watering hole.

See you tonight.
Kirk

Ready to go!

2008-07-27T15:35:00.001-05:00

All - just a quick note that Garry called from the Nairobi Airport, everyone is doing good and they should be boarding the airplane soon.

Rea

Taking flight soon...

2008-07-27T14:31:00.004-05:00

The team should be close to departing Nairobi if everything is going according to schedule. I will continue to check their flight status throughout the journey home and post anything noteworthy and also any updates that might get sent from the team.

Continue to pray for ease in exchanging money back (if they have any left), safety, nervous flyers, no lost luggage, no queezy stomachs, etc.

Prayer & Sunday's Devotion

2008-07-26T19:27:00.006-05:00

The team is hopefully sleeping well right now in "the coolest hotel on earth". :) It sounds like they have been pretty busy with all of their safari adventures. The pictures are going to be wonderful!!

They are scheduled to depart for Nairobi in the morning, in the middle of the night here. Pray for their safety and for no issues to arise as they travel home. Pray also for the pilots to be rested up and alert.

Here is the devotion for Sunday morning, our Saturday evening. This will be the last scheduled devotion time for them as they will be traveling home on Monday.

Kenya 2008: A guide for your time alone with God
The following devotionals were taken from The Message Remix: Solo.

Sunday July 27th – Psalm 8

READ: Read the passage aloud slowly.

THINK: Read the passage aloud again, letting your mouth play with the phrases, connections, and comparisons that appeal to you. One by one, hold in your mind the words that stood out to you. Imagine their physical representation, how they relate to each other. What do these comparisons have to do with your life?

PRAY: Consider the exercise you just did. What does it make you want to say to God? Words of admiration? Requests to be a good caretaker of the earth? Offer it to him.

LIVE: Read this psalm outloud to God. Even if you have to whisper to avoid being heard, put your heart into it. Revel in the moment and enjoy God.

"Coolest Hotel On Earth!" Message from Peter E.

2008-07-26T11:38:00.002-05:00

This is my only contact with my children this week, so thanks to all of you who have shared yours with everybody. I feel that we all have family members coming home that have been touched by God and the Kenyan people in a way that makes them a different person than we said good bye to last Friday. Debbie E.

Peter's Text to me:

"Hey we finished with the community yesterday and we are staying at the coolest hotel on earth tonight. We are doing great and can't wait to be back Monday. Love"

"We should all be jealous!" Message from Garry & Ethan

2008-07-26T11:36:00.001-05:00

The team was up for breakfast as usual and then they heard/saw FIRE!!! It startled the cook and he took off running, everyone was startled. There was fire going up the wall and rolling to the ceiling. Garry had been watching the cook as he tried to light the propane cooker ... he left and then came back and tried again and that's when it happened. Garry saw that the curtain was on fire (a thin shear curtain), he pulled it down and stomped out the fire. An African lady said he was a very brave man (and also has ~ 15 yrs fire training with the LJVFD). After all the excitement was over the team was able to finish their breakfast....Ethan said the toast was a little burnt in areas from the fire.

Garry and Ethan said the same as Aaron - we should all be jealous - the place the team is at now (Sweetwater Tented Camp) is an amazing place. There is a large watering hole in front of the camp, as they were sitting there 2 elephants walked up to the watering hole... an amazing sight. A few of the animals they saw on the safari were Giraffes, Baboons, water buffalo, a 200 acre secure area for Chimpanzees. Tonight, the team will be going on a night safari from 9 - 11:00 p.m. to see the Rhinos and other nocturnal animals. Tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. they will be going out to track Lions.... I understood Garry to say that there are tracking devices on the lions and in the Jeep so they can find the lions.

More updates tomorrow.....Rea

Friday, 7/25 - Update from Aaron S.

2008-07-26T08:49:00.001-05:00

Wow! What an incredible week serving alongside our new friends at the Endona Primary School.

Our goal for this trip was to begin a relationship that would change both of our communities. I have no doubt that a great foundation has been laid this week. I'm so proud of the way our team worked on the construction project, played with kids, and built friendships with the community.

God knew exactly what He was doing when he put together this team. It has been cool to watch as our different gifts have been used to accomplish our team's goals. But our team has not been alone. We have felt your prayers and support. Our team is much larger than the group that is here in Kenya. Thank you for your investment in our lives and in God's redemptive mission.

Everyone is healthy and having a great week. We are all pretty tired, so we're looking forward to a day of safari and rest. Sweetwater is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I'm not going to lie. You should all be jealous. We thank God for this opportunity and we look forward to what He will do in us and in the hearts of our new Kenyan friends.

asante sana
Aaron Sanders

"Sweet Time in Kenya" - message from Chantel S.

2008-07-26T08:45:00.003-05:00

My apologies for not getting these (this one and the next one from Aaron) posted sooner. They came in yesterday, Friday, but were sent to an email address I don't check as often.

I am tired...longing for my bed, pillow, and a shower where I do not have to spit the water out of my mouth every 5 seconds!!! But in the midst of these simple inconveniences, I am seeing the Living God in each face, smile, hug, laugh, and song that Endona has shared. All I can say is that I just love the God we serve!!!

Chantel

Wow... Africa! A message from Jeff P.

2008-07-26T07:28:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much, Kathy, for sending this on to us!

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Subject: Wow... Africa
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008

Hey Mom, Dad, and Michael,

First of all God is AMAZING! Second of all, his Kenya people are amazing! Landing in Nairobi Saturday night and the first day in Nairobi at a church and Havila was really cool because being here in Africa is something I had dreamed about for two years, so its so incredibly great that I am really truly here!!!

Well today we had to say goodbye to our close friends in Segera and the Endona Primary School. Alex, Frances, Joseph, Ibraham, Daniel, and Simon (who is this little boy who reminds me of Isaack and he never let go of my hand ad wanted me to hold him and he just smiled and smiled!) are all some guys that I have become friends with.

The week has been indescribable. Pouring concrete, busting rocks, shoving and mixing it all, and playing with kids is probably one of the coolest experiences of my life. There are so many problems in this country but we have seen tremendous hope in these people and in our experiences. My heart has been broken by the poor here, but hope exists because of Jesus, and that has made this whole trip AWEsome! seriously, I have been in awe a lot here! haha

I have so many stories, so many pictures, (only about 200 left for the safari tomorrow haha), and a bracelet given to me by Alex, (it was his that he had made, and worn for a while, but he wanted me to have it. :) anyways, I am looking forward to seeing you again!!! wish you were here!

Naku penda sana! (I love you very much!) -Jeff

Saturday's Devotion

2008-07-25T20:26:00.003-05:00

Here is the devotion they are scheduled to do on Saturday morning, our Friday evening.

Kenya 2008: A guide for your time alone with God
The following devotionals were taken from The Message Remix: Solo.

Saturday July 26th – 2 Samuel 9:8–13

READ: Read the passage slowly, setting yourself inside the throne room. Look at David up close – the imposing crown, the rugged face that’s seen countless wars, the lavish surroundings. Now see Mephibosheth, “a stray dog” hunched in fear, embarrassed and uncomfortable. How might he have come into the room, being “lame in both feet”? What feelings rise up in you as you see the story play out? What questions come to mind?

THINK: Pause to become aware of how you relate to what is unfolding here. Which character do you identify with, if any? Why?

PRAY: Read the story a second time, being aware of memories, thoughts, or ideas it triggers. Read it one last time, listening for how the story’s message about honoring others relates to what is in you today. Spend time meditating on what you discover.

LIVE: Ask God if there is something he is specifically inviting you to do based on your reading today. Is there anything standing in your way of responding? Explore it with God. Talk to him about what holds you back from following him completely.

A couple more photos!!

2008-07-25T14:30:00.002-05:00

Here are 2 more pictures. One with some of our group and the local kids and a picture of the concrete floor we put down in one of the classrooms.

Our work at the school is done. We completed concrete in 4 classrooms. We go on safari tomorrow at Sweetwater and we go back to Nairobi on Sunday before going to the airport on Sunday night.

See you Monday night.

Kirk

Message from Garry

2008-07-25T14:16:00.003-05:00

Here's another update from Garry... Ethan was downstairs playing cards so I didn't get to talk with him. (Rea)

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First of all everyone on the team is doing good, today was the 4th work day and at first Garry thought it was going to be a terrible day because it started to rain but that only lasted 10 minutes ... so the group was able to finish the 4th room.

After that they attended a ceremony, they met the head of the school, the teachers and then each person on the team introduced themselves. They heard singing and saw dancers, planted the trees together and then toured some of the childrens homes and saw how they lived. This was a very emotional time for the team. One mother of 2 told her story....she only makes ~ $1.25/day to feed her and her 2 children, market is about 40 miles away (long walk and she doesn't have money to pay for transportation), and water is about 4 - 5 miles away (dirty water), has to be boiled before using. Again, this was a very emotional day ... the mother was crying as she told her story.

Before they left, Garry planted his tree with Lepapa. Lepapa asked Garry not to forget him and to come back to see him. Ethan planted his tree with Steve, Steve gave Ethan a handmade necklace to remember their time together. Very emotional good-bye's from the folks.

It's very cold there tonight, they could see their breathe... he said "that's cold for us Texans". The team will get an extra hour sleep and will be leaving tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.

Rea

Message from Jennifer C.

2008-07-25T13:24:00.001-05:00

The following message is from Jason C. Thank you, Jason for sending this on...

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I hate depending on technology, don't you? Jennifer said the internet was down yesterday. That's why nothing came through.

*The team is finished working and Jenn said she is SORE!*As mentioned, the team planted trees. Jenn was with a young boy who will care for the tree and make sure it is safe so she can come back and see it.

*She said the massai custom is to give a gift to say goodbye. She now has 2 necklaces and 3 bracelets which she will probably never take off. The little boy that she planted her tree with said that when she returns next year he will have a bracelet for her first born child.

*She had a translator help her say goodbye to Bakita (her new massai friend). I think it was a really emotional farewell. " I made a really ugly cry face!" says Jenn.

*A positive note "Our work is done and tomorrow is safari day!" "I can't wait!" she said. I remember when we were riding a mock safari ride at Disney in June and I made the comment about how cool it would be to be on a real one. What an awesome way to lock in all of the experiences of the week.

*Sounds like everyone is healthy and a lot of good work and great bonds have been made. If the purpose was to deliver hope...their job is done.

Friday: Schedule/Prayer

2008-07-25T10:08:00.005-05:00

It is now about dinner time for the team on Friday. Their work is most likely finished for this trip at the Endona school and they are getting ready to pack up and begin their journey back home. Pray for them, especially now, as they are probably experiencing mixed emotions of being ready to come home yet knowing there is so much more they would like to do to help the people there - along with sheer exhaustion.

The next few days:

Saturday - leave Sportsman's Arms for the final time and go on a safari. They are scheduled to stay in the Sweetwater Tent Camp Saturday night and then head for Nairobi on Sunday.

Sunday - They will visit the Giraffe Centre and do some shopping. They will clean up at the PCEA then head to the airport for the first leg home to London.

Monday - London to Washington and then home that evening.

Friday's Devotion

2008-07-24T20:27:00.001-05:00

Here is the devotion they are schedule to do on Friday morning - our Thursday night.

Kenya 2008: A guide for your time alone with God
The following devotionals were taken from The Message Remix: Solo.

Friday July 25th – Psalm 62

READ: Read today’s passage outside

THINK: In our Western mind-set, we describe God with intangible ideas, such as God is love, God is peace, or God is compassionate. But in the Eastern mind-set, thoughts are described in vivid imagery and word pictures. The Psalms in particular describe God with tangible ideas: God is Father, God is the wind, God is an eagle. In this psalm David describes God as a rock. Find a few rocks outdoors and look at them. Take a few moments to reflect on the specific characteristics of rocks and how they describe God’s character. Write down your reflections.

PRAY: Thank God that he is like a rock, referring to your list to offer specific details. Thank him for what each of these aspects of his character means to you.

LIVE: Find a small stone and carry it with you today in your pocket or purse. Every time your hand closes on it, reflect on the fact that God is your rock.

Message from Garry & Ethan

2008-07-24T20:15:00.003-05:00

Below is an update from Garry and Ethan. Thanks, Rea! You've been so great to share your messages with us. And thanks to Garry keeping in touch. Pray for the team for a good night's rest and for strength tomorrow as the work continues and they begin saying their goodbye's.

The team finished earlier than usual - Garry said Ethan were shopping (the first I had heard about the shops in the hotel), Ethan traded his shirt for something today, Garry traded his hat for something yesterday.... While we were talking, Ethan was anxious to go bargain for other items. This is new to Ethan and he said he was enjoying it and now he was the advisor. :) Garry was also asked to trade his shirt and pants but he stopped at the hat. He was concerned about how he'd make it back to his room......

3rd Work Day: The crew finished the room that was started and also 1/2 of another room. Today an older man came to the school, Garry had never seen him before, he really liked what he saw and said this is truly a blessing from God.

Tomorrow (last work day) the team will finish the other 1/2 of the room - that will be a total of 4 rooms completed. The Kenya folks will have to finish the last 2 rooms. Andrew (the 410 Bridge District leader) said he was very happy to have this much completed, he didn't expect to finish more than 2 rooms.

Garry said on the last work day each Kenya child/adult will get with a team member to plant a tree together in rememberance of this special time together. The child or adult will be responsible for caring for the tree and perhaps the team member will return to see it someday.

Garry also said that your prayers for those who were feeling sick were working!

More updates tomorrow.....Rea

Message from Garry & Ethan

2008-07-23T21:14:00.002-05:00

All - sorry for the late note ... Garry and Ethan called today, below is what I heard from them:

2nd Work day (1/2 day): The 2nd room at the school was finished today. There are 2 Kenya men Garry's working with, James and Frances, to spread the concrete as it is poured on the floor. Some doors were also fixed today, the hinges were messed up and also the door needed to be cut so Garry used Tony G. battery powered saw, the Kenya folks were amazed and kept saying that's Magic!!!

Mission - handing out shoes - they estimated seeing ~ 400 kids/adults - there were more kids that they didn't see because only so many were allowed in the Mission at a time to get their pair of shoes. They ran out of time to give the little kids shoes and also ran out of shoes for several of the kids that were in the 7/8th grade ... most of them said they wore size 7 but the shoe didn't fit a lot of them needed size 11 shoes.

They had spaghetti dinner tonight with mashed potatoes, a type of noodle salad, rice and veggies. Garry and Ethan said it was really good....they also had Ice Cream.

It was a good day and a wonderful suprise change for the dinner selection.

Garry said that this is hard work but worth it - all are starting to get sore so pray for the team to be refreshed each day to be able to continue the hard work that is needed at the school. Garry also said that a few were not feeling well with stomach issues so you can pray for recovery for them as well.

Rea

Thursday's Devotion

2008-07-23T17:34:00.001-05:00

Here is the devotion they are schedule to do on Thursday morning - our Wednesday night.

Kenya 2008: A guide for your time alone with God
The following devotionals were taken from The Message Remix: Solo.

Thursday July 24th – James 1:19- 27

READ: Meditate on this passage. Underline words or phrases that stick out to you. Circle repeated words.

THINK: Consider what roles specific body parts have in your spiritual formation. James says here that our lives as followers of Jesus can be shaped by how we choose to use (or refrain from using) our ears and our tongue. How have your ears and tongue been beneficial or damaging to your interactions with others recently? Be specific. When have you said one thing and done the other? Think about what James says about that.

PRAY: Confess those times when you have not listened and when you have spoken unnecessary and harmful words.

LIVE: In conversations today, be mindful of the percentage of time you are speaking compared to the time you are listening to others. Then ask yourself whether the percentage is healthy.

Message from Jennifer C

2008-07-23T17:28:00.001-05:00

Here's the scoop from Jenn- (I got this today-Wednesday)

She really loves it there....still.

She is really tired.

Her relationship with her new friend, Bakita (a massai woman) seems to be growing."Today was a hard day emotionally. I have made a friend (rafiki) named Bakita. She is massai and I cannot really talk to her but we communicate. It is funny. She has 5 children and she has been helping us carry rocks and dirt."

She is realizing the extent of the poverty level where they are. Today a woman came to her and handed her an infant and asked Jenn to please take him to America with her. Needless to say Jenn seems very broken today. In her words "This is really a sad day."

I'm sure the level of fatigue and reality of the state of life there is taking it's toll on everyone. I just know my wife well, and I can tell her heart is broken for the people she is with.

She said "The massai just walk up and give you a kiss...these people are beautiful."

Jason

Nothing yet...

2008-07-23T13:23:00.003-05:00

Some may have needed today to catch up on all the reading from yesterday... :)

We have no news as of yet. It's 9:30pm there and from what I hear they were expecting a very hard work day today. Hopefully we'll get something today but they may have been exhausted and headed straight to bed!

As always, if someone has heard anything they would like to share with the readers, you can contact the church office at 979.285.2022 and someone will help you get in contact with me.

Pray that they will get a good sleep and be rested for another work day tomorrow.

Message from Garry & Ethan

2008-07-22T18:20:00.003-05:00

Wow ... it was great to see postings from others and that picture was wonderful!! Below is an update from Garry and Ethan. I asked Garry about the hotel internet access, I understood this was slow but he said it's not only slow it also cost extra to use. Not sure how much it's not free or included with the room cost.

It takes the team about 1 1/2 hours to get to the school house from the hotel. The Army truck has to go slow because of the bad roads.

1st Work Day - the school has 6 rooms approximately 20' x 22', they poured concrete in 1 room and ~ 1/4 of another room. The local boys were busy breaking up huge rocks (Garry wasn't sure where these came from) but the local boys were using a sledge hammer to break up the rocks into little pieces and then other locals (even the local ladies with babies (I think Garry said on their backs) were pushing heavy wheel barrows of dirt into the school. Once the floor was leveled out the concrete was poured. The locals carried water in 5 gallon buckets and poured the water into a large black drum, this was used to mix the concrete.

There were 2 local young men that were putting facial boards on the school for the gutters, these 2 men went into the forest cut down 2 trees (~ 12' tall and 3" in diameter), then they nailed some old scrap wood onto the two trees to make a ladder.

Garry said that the local kids loved making the crafts, he said they never used scissors before this was an exciting time for the kids.

Tomorrow the team will only be working 1/2 day and then they will be going to Missions, Garry thought this was about 20 miles away from the school. At Missions the team will be sorting the shoes and giving the shoes to the children.

I will send another update tomorrow after talking with Garry and Ethan.

Rea

Message from Jennifer C

2008-07-22T18:12:00.001-05:00

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:55:11

Hey, it's Jason. Jenn emd me today. A few key things were in the message-

*She loves it in africa!

*She has become friends with a young mother in the tribe

*The tribe killed a goat and cooked it to show thanks to the team for being there. Funny thing is Jennifer is all american meat and potatoes girl. She won't order out of her box at McDonalds. She was so proud "I ate a HUGE goat rib!" haha

*She busted rocks with a sledge hammer, poured concrete by hand and said it is the hardest work she has ever done...EVER!

*She is loving playing with the kids!

*The e-mail was really badly spelled which was strange to me, Jenn is a smart girl. I thought all that goat meat and no Diet Coke might be getting to her. It turns out that the computer she is on is almost functional and has several broken keys! lol

I was so happy to get her e-m. I can tell there is a life changing experience going down! Yall have a great night....and keep up the great blogging! Jason

Wednesday's Devotion

2008-07-22T16:07:00.002-05:00

Well, this has been a busy blog day! It's been so great to hear what is going on. Hopefully we'll hear more tomorrow but right now they should all be sound asleep so there shouldn't be much more blogging going on tonight.

Pray for lots of energy and strength for the team. It sounds like they are working hard and are tired! I did hear from Kirk that the food wasn't so bad and there were a few more options than chicken, rice and boiled eggs. So parents, we shouldn't worry too much. :)

Tomorrow should be a good day. If word came through correctly, they are working a 1/2 day at the school tomorrow and then going to the mission to sort and pass out shoes.

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Here is the devotion they are schedule to do on Wednesday morning - our Tuesday night.

Kenya 2008: A guide for your time alone with God
The following devotionals were taken from The Message Remix: Solo.

Wednesday July 23rd – Proverbs 20:22-30

READ: Read the list of statements and instructions, pausing after each one to consider what it says. Does one stand out to you? Memorize it.

THINK: Why does this verse stand out to you? Let it lead you to ponder your own life. Try to avoid thinking about other people’s actions or motives; think instead about only your own. Maybe you’ll be reminded of making an impulsive promise, or perhaps you’ll check your attitude about toward gray hair or youth.

PRAY: Invite God into your thoughts. Tell him what you have been discovering. Be aware of your feelings while you pray. Be yourself in God’s presence.

LIVE: Explore your overall experience with this text so far. Why did you respond the way you did to the wise instruction God is communicating in this passage? Remember that God knows all about you – even the parts of you that are rebellious and don’t care about what’s right – and yet he loves you deeply.

Photo from Havilla Orphanage

2008-07-22T14:12:00.003-05:00

This is a picture from the havila orphanage we visited on Sunday afternoon.

It took forever to upload this picture so it may be the only one you get. If the opportunity comes up we will try again tomorrow and other days to send at least one picture.

Kirk

(you can click on the photo to make it larger)

Phone call from Tori

2008-07-22T13:58:00.002-05:00

I, Andrea, received a phone call from my daughter, Tori, just a few minutes ago. It was great to hear her voice but a difficult phone call with the time delay. She couldn't talk long because the battery was low on the phone she was using. Kirk Willson, BPF's Executive Pastor, was with her and said he was trying to send a picture but the internet was extremely slow so it might not make it. I'm filling in this week for the administrative duties since he and Laurie G. are both on the trip so he also asked how everything was going at the office. I guess he still thinks he can run things even from across the ocean! :)

Here's the rundown from my conversation with Tori. Did I mention how good it was to hear her voice? It's amazing to me how good it is to hear the voice of someone you love.

She's doing well
She's exhausted
She's working hard "playing with the kids is hard work"
Best part - everything
Worst part - the food but she is eating
She's not ready to come home just yet

It was about 10pm there so she was going to bed.

Note for New Bloggers

2008-07-22T13:34:00.002-05:00

Just a quick thought to pass along to those of you who may be new to blogs. For a more fulfilling blogging experience, be sure to read the comments on each post.

Also, feel free to add comments to any post. I think the team will enjoy reading the blog when they return and seeing what all was going on here while they were gone.

"Jambo" from Callan H.

2008-07-22T11:43:00.002-05:00

This is a message from Callan. I don't know if you want to share it.
I called AT&T, our cell phone provider and found out that AT&T customers can call for $4.00 per minute if they have international service on their phone. You don't have to sign up for a plan, just add international service to the phone for free by calling AT&T. Also, text messages are 50 cents per message to or from Callan's phone. She said she has full service and really wants to hear from home. The text message can be any length for 50 cents.

Fonda

From: Callan
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Subject: hello from kenya!

Jambo! hello family, ill try to type the bestt i can on this keyboard. its killing me. we r now at the sportsmans arms hotel in Nanuyki. its much nicer than the oher one we were in, it actually has a shower instead of just a hole in the floor haha. well we have done a ton i won be able to fit it all,( if u notice he T button doent work very well) the fligh \t was long and tough. we got to the otel at around midnight on the 19. he nex day we went to church at he life reformation church which was like 3 hours longgggg. then we went to the havilla orphanage and i found me a little boy that was aout 2 or 3 that i fell in love with he was so adorable. the next day we had to pack up and change hotels which was 4 hours away. then we went and visited he endana primary school...in the middle of nowhere, then the segera mission, it was really cool. i cant wait to show yall picutes i have about 10000 already:) today was our first work day a segera and it was tiring. i shoveled rocks, sad, busted rocks with a sledge hammer...to help lay the cement in the floors of eh school. we played with the kids to and they just love us. everyone wants to hold our hands and touch our skin its so cute. the trip out to the school is about an hour and extremely BUMPY ride in our huge trucks. it makes me really nauseous haha. holly makes fun of me cuz i always end up holding a baby haha. i got ahold of a 6th month old oday, definitely waned to take him with me. well i should go here is a line of people waiting to use the computer. email me back:) oh and also i have FULL service here, its amazing, better than i get in the house! so text me sometime please!!! ill get it at about 3 am but thats cool haha. ok well i love yall see u soon. ps im home sick and i miss moms cookin! all i eat is granola bars and bread. im hoping to lose some lbs hehe. k love u bye!!

Tuesday update from Kirk Willson

2008-07-22T11:38:00.001-05:00

I can't get pics to load. Internet too slow. Went to downtown chicago for lunch on Friday. Sunday went to church and orphanage. Monday traveled to Nanyuki and Segera. The children put on a big show and we checked out the concrete work. We also visited the mission briefly. Tuesday finished concrete in one classroom and about 1/4 of the 2nd room. The crafts went well with the children. Today could not have gone any better. Wednesday we will work on the concrete at the school in the am and take the shoes to the mission in the pm. got to go eat dinner. Kirk

"Jambo" from Robyn in Segera

2008-07-22T10:30:00.003-05:00

This is a portion of an email from Robyn to her parents. Many thanks to Robyn's mom for sharing this with us!

From: Robyn C
Date: July 22, 2008

Jambo!! I have ABSOLUTELY no service :( so I wanted to email you to let you know a little about how my trip was going! After a very VERY long trip we finally made it to our hotel in Nairobi around midnight on saturday. Sunday we went to a church and got to experience worship with the locals. Although it was a very long service (4 hours) it was amazing. After the service we went to HaVilla orphanage and got to hang out with some of the kids. It was so much fun. And yesterday we drove 4 hours to Andana where we visited our work site at the Segera school. The kids were so excited. We got to eperience alot of culture there, just watching them sing and dance for us. After that we went to the mission site and got to listen to the story of how segera got started. Thats a little long so I will have to go into detail when I get home. Today was a little more work. We layed sand in all the rooms to prepare for cement, then we shoveled rocks and prepared the cement ( it was obvious all the working out I do is no help!) but then we got to play games and do crafts with the kids. We will do pretty much the same thing as today for the next 4 days. Tomorrow though we get to hand out shoes! Oh and yall would be so proud, today they killed and roasted a goat today to show their appreciation and i actually ate it! It is not something i want to eat very often! But I just wanted to let yall know I am here and safe. Much love!!!-Robyn

"I Saw What I Saw"

2008-07-22T08:04:00.005-05:00

This is a great song/video that I thought was worth sharing. Sara Groves is a long-time, personal favorite of mine who visited Rwanda and this song came out of her experience there. It really applies to our team in Kenya. Remember to pray for the team today as they work hard and "see what they see".

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asked me what I'm afraid of
Your courage asked me what I am made of
Your courage asked me what I'm afraid of
And what I know of love

Tuesday's Devotion

2008-07-21T17:26:00.002-05:00

Below is the devotion that the team will be doing on their Tuesday morning - our Monday night.

Kenya 2008: A guide for your time alone with God
The following devotionals were taken from The Message Remix: Solo.

Tuesday July 22nd – Isaiah 65:17-22

READ: Read the passage at least twice.

THINK: In this passage God speaks with great joy, and the people feel great excitement. Here we find, in the midst of judgment and sorrow, the promise of a bright future for those who love and trust the Lord. God makes statements about the future peace that will be among his people. He is sending out the old and bringing in the new. For followers of God, there is intense anticipation. Think about your own future. What are those things, general and specific, that you believe God will use to bring hope into your life? Joy? Peace? How does God promise this will happen? How does the promise of hope and joy and peace influence the way you live?

PRAY: Pick some specific elements of how God will bring hope and joy and peace. Share the details with him, including your excitement and anticipation.

LIVE: Live with the deep assurance of God’s desire for you to possess hope and joy and peace today.

Update - All is well!!

2008-07-21T16:38:00.005-05:00

Thanks so much, Rea, for passing along this update! It's so good to hear what's going on.

Garry and Ethan called today (7/21/08) ~ 2:30 p.m. from Segera, it was about 9:45 p.m. there, the group was in for the night and will start the 1st work day tomorrow. Everyone in the group is doing great and they have not seen any violence. Although they did see Army men with machine guns along the roads they travelled.

Traveling to Segera:
They took a Army truck from Nariobi to Segera. The roads are kind of like gravel but the area received alot of rain prior to there arrival so the roads were very wavy for about 30 miles (according to Ethan) and then the roads turned into just a worn path.

Animals seen during the trip:
Camels, Ostriches, Zebras and lots of Goats (like here there are lots of cows, there it's goats).

Food provided:
Rice with chicken and boiled eggs - they get this 3 times a day. Ethan said it looked like the chicken was fried.

Place of residence:
Sportsman Inn - 2 twin beds w/fancier tents over their beds from the last place they stayed. One light and a TV in the room with one channel (British Broadcasting Channel).

Area description:
Garry said you have never seen poor until you go to this area of the world, they basically live in tent type walls made of sticks and if lucky they might have a trap and then more sticks on top of that (at least that's what it looked like to them - not sure how close the group was from the homes).

Garry said he would call again tomorrow after the work day was done to give me another update.

Should be in Segera

2008-07-21T07:41:00.002-05:00

I know many are checking this blog hoping for and update and I'm sorry I cannot give you one. When Aaron and I spoke about this blog before they left, he told me that once they left Nairobi, they would most likely not have internet or reception. So, I continue to hope but I don't really expect much communication at this point. I will continue to post the daily devotionals and if anything comes through, I will post it as soon as I get it so keep checking back when you get the chance. And if anyone hears from them and would like me to share it with the readers, you can contact the church office at 979.285.2022 and they will get you in touch with me.

According to the itinerary, the team should be in Segera now. They should be visiting the school about now and loving on some beautiful children. They will head to Sportsmans Arms Hotel to settle in for the next several days.

How exciting! Can you imagine the faces of the children when they begin to pass out all of those shoes? I'm not sure if they were to do that today or later in the week but I can just visualize the sights and sounds and probably the shedding of a few joyous tears as that happens.

Pray today that the children and the people of Segera welcome them and understand that our team is there with the purest of motives and to simply share God's hope and love through serving them. And of course, pray for safety, health, rest, and an extra portion of energy and strength for the team.

Incoming Message!

2008-07-20T21:58:00.000-05:00

This message came from Rea. Garry and Ethan are on the trip. Thanks for passing it along, Rea!

Garry called several times since he left, below is what I heard about their 1st night:

Ethan/Garry said the place they are staying at now is nice considering where they're at, there are nets over the bed and the temperature must be in the 40's ... it felt great! There is one light hanging from a wire in the room and there is a fan plugged into the only outlet in the room, also the place didn't smell bad. I didn't ask about the bathroom ... international calls are about $6.00 a minute.

It will be exciting to hear from them again. I'll pass on the news when I get it.

Later,
Rea

Monday's Devotion

2008-07-20T16:30:00.000-05:00

Below is the devotional that the team will be doing on their Monday morning - our Sunday night.

Kenya 2008: A guide for your time alone with GodThe following devotionals were taken from The Message Remix: Solo.

Monday July 21st – Romans 2:17 – 24

READ: Whisper to yourself the words of this passage.

THINK: Paul, writing mostly to Gentiles (non-Jews) in the church in Rome, finds himself addressing Jews in this passage, and warns those who have become arrogant because of their ancestral heritage. He warns that their arrogance, laziness, and apathy do not sit well with God. It leads to all sorts of behaviors that dishonor God, including saying one thing and actually doing another. You may not have Jewish roots, but this passage is relevant to all of us. What areas of your own heart might be arrogant or apathetic because of your upbringing, your heritage, or what you have done (and not done) in your past? What might your friends who are far from God think or feel about this? What can be done about it? When was the last time you said or taught one thing yet acted quite differently? What emotions might God feel when he sees us thinking or acting contrary to his character?

PRAY: Sit for a few minutes in silence, asking God to help you know the feeling of true humility. Then call on him to forgive you where your life has not lived up to what you claim to believe. (Be specific.)

HOPEful...

2008-07-20T08:27:00.001-05:00

Regretfully, there is nothing new to report. Hopefully we'll get word soon.

If they are on schedule, it's about 4:30PM there and the team should be enjoying and perhaps finishing up their time at the Havilla orphanage. The time spent there will surely be treasured and difficult to leave!

The itinerary shows that they will head back to the hotel at 7PM for dinner (about lunchtime for us), hopefully send an update and get a good night's rest. They will be heading to Segera tomorrow morning.

Be assured that I'm checking my email constantly and my phone is going with me everywhere!

Arrived in Nairobi - update from 410 Bridge

2008-07-19T17:53:00.000-05:00

This email came through at 5:41 pm - our time. Not a whole lot of details but comforting to know they've arrived.

Hello all,

We have recently spoken with our Kenyan staff, and everyone has arrived safe and sound. They made it through customs and are making their way to their accommodations as I type. Thank you for all your prayers you have already prayed, and please keep them coming for the exciting week ahead!

Shayla Davis
Administrative Assistant

Update and Sunday's Devotion

2008-07-19T16:11:00.000-05:00

We're all on pins and needles waiting to hear something from them and I wish there was something to report. The flight status for KQ 103 still shows enroute which would mean that they're either about 4 hours late at this point and really tired of being on the plane or the airport is just slow at updating their system. Chances are, it's the latter.

Pray that as they arrive in Nairobi, the money exchanges and customs go well and the visa process goes smoothly.

Aaron sent daily devotions for the blog so that we could participate with the team each day if desired. They will begin on Sunday morning at 8AM, Nairobi time. The devotion will be posted each day for the next day's devotion. If you would like to participate with them at about the same time they are doing theirs, you'll need to set your alarm or stay up until midnight. :)

-------------------------
Kenya 2008: A guide for your time alone with God
The following devotionals were taken from The Message Remix: Solo.

Sunday July 20th - 1 Samuel 17:31-40

READ: While you read, let the scenario unfold in your mind. When David describes grabbing a bear by its throat, hear the roaring and grunting. Feel the ponderous weight of the bronze helmet, and then the light, smooth weight of the stones in your hand.

THINK: What one particular event, character, or feature of the story stands out to you? Take time to concentrate on that. Are you drawn to David’s courage? Are you repulsed by Saul’s disbelieving “God help you”? Maybe you’re surprised when David rejects Saul’s armor. Consider what your own reaction would be, and then consider how the characters in the story reacted. As you meditate, allow God to show you more about yourself, him, and the way life is.

PRAY/LIVE: Author Henri Nouwen wrote, “Make the conscious choice to move the attention of your anxious heart away from the waves and direct to the One who walks on them.” What do you feel anxious about, if anything? What might happen if you shifted your attention “away from the waves” and “to the One who walks on them”? What concrete thing could you do to help redirect your attention?

No email :(

2008-07-19T07:12:00.000-05:00

We did not receive the hoped for email with photos from Chicago as stated in the previous post. :( If they left London on time, the team has about 5 hours to go before arriving in Nairobi at 8:50 PM, Nairobi time (see the sidebar to the right for Nairobi time clock). Hopefully they are all resting up or having a great time together as they anticipate stepping out onto Kenyan soil!

If anyone at home gets word from their family member that is on the trip and would like to share it with the readers, feel free to contact me or post a comment. I hesitate to put my contact information on this blog for privacy reasons but hopefully you know how to get in touch with me or you know someone who does.

In route to London

2008-07-18T19:47:00.001-05:00

Kirk Willson attempted to send an email with photos from the Chicago airport but it didn't come through. :( His report via phone was that the team was leaving Chicago to London close to the scheduled time. They had a good time on the train to downtown Chicago for lunch and it was a good diversion for the tired and weary.

Per the itinerary, they are schedule to arrive in London at 5:55 AM London time (10:55 PM our time) and Kirk said he would try to send an email from there so hopefully we'll have some pics to share tomorrow. They will leave London at 10:20 AM (3:20 AM our time) for Nairobi.

So, the report is good and all is well. Pray for rest for the team members and for the families at home tonight.

Arrived in Chicago

2008-07-18T09:28:00.001-05:00

The team has arrived in Chicago and the trip so far has been fairly uneventful. This is the kind of news we hope for! There was some luggage shuffling at check-in at IAH due to overweight bags and the security lines were forever long, but other than that and a few queezy stomachs, all is good.

Aaron reported that upon arrival in Chicago they met Michael Jordan and Oprah and told her they were taking shoes to children in Kenya. Upon hearing that, Oprah is now going with them. Honestly, Aaron was goofing off and just wanted something interesting to report so he made that up. Further updates will be held to a more truthful standard...... :) He probably knew that some of us could use a smile about now.

They have a long layover in Chicago and will catch a train downtown for lunch and then return to the airport for the flight to London.

The making of some treasured memories has begun!

And they're off...

2008-07-17T20:36:00.002-05:00

Is it morning or night at 3AM??? Whether morning or night, many might agree that it’s just not a time when humans are supposed to be awake! After suitcases were weighed and loaded, a group photo was taken (sporting "Hey Jack Radio" tshirts), Greg Pickering prayed, and of course, the last minute hugs were given, the team pulled out of the parking lot at a few minutes after 3 headed for Kenya - first stop Houston.

Today, pray for:
*all the bags to get to the right place
*for the leaders as they guide the team during the trip calm nerves for the team, especially for those nervous about traveling
*those at home that had to say goodbye

What an incredible opportunity this trip is for all involved - those going to serve and those staying home supporting them in prayer. There are small groups praying, our church staff is praying and family members and friends of those going are praying. If you are reading this, know that you are a vital part of this trip. Thank you for joining the adventure!

HOPE FOR KENYA is on its way!!