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 Look for Hope?
Luke 11:34
“The light of the body is the eye”. We have all heard the saying, the eyes are the window to the soul. And if you are into portrait photography one of the first things you learn is to focus on the eye. If the eye is “tack sharp” the rest of the photo will always look great.
I challenge you to do something on this trip you may or may not be used to doing. Intentionally look into the eyes of those God puts in front of you. Look for hope. One of two things will appear. First of all, hope may not be there. And if it’s not, you will then have the opportunity to show them God’s love, to show them they matter to you, but even more importantly they matter to God. Shine the light of hope into the eyes of a hopeless child.
On the other hand, you may see hope. And if this happens be prepared to be blown away, to have your heart stolen, and to see real joy. A joy that doesn’t come from the abundance of things we possess. It comes from hope, from knowing who you are in Christ, and knowing that you matter to Him. Make sure the eyes are “tack sharp”.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see with your eyes and to see into the hearts of those you’ve called me to serve. And to be open to be used and blessed at the same time. Amen.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Pre-trip Team Devotional Tuesday
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 go out without Knowing?
Hebrews 11:8
There are three different groups of people on this team. The first group has embarked on this adventure before. Another group has taken this adventure but to a different land. The third group has never “gone out”. Whichever group you are in, you have chosen to go without Knowing.
Just as Abraham was called to a place that he did not know, all of you have made the decision to go without Knowing. This is called “faith”. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1).
As you prepare your hearts for this adventure know that God will not always tell you what He is going to do. Instead He will reveal Himself to you. As I reflect back to my adventure, I recall the expectation I had for God to “lay out” where He wanted me and what He wanted of me. My adventure led me to see that His ultimate desire for His people is to KNOW HIM.
May your expectation of God be for Him to show you His character, passion, love, and holiness. Begin this journey with a newness of who God is. You will truly be in awe of what you did not know about your creator!
Prayer:
Lord God, show me who You are in a new way. As You carry me through this adventure, please open my eyes and heart to the unknown. You are the reason I said “yes” to this adventure. I chose you, God! Amen.
------------
Will you go out without Knowing?
Hebrews 11:8
There are three different groups of people on this team. The first group has embarked on this adventure before. Another group has taken this adventure but to a different land. The third group has never “gone out”. Whichever group you are in, you have chosen to go without Knowing.
Just as Abraham was called to a place that he did not know, all of you have made the decision to go without Knowing. This is called “faith”. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1).
As you prepare your hearts for this adventure know that God will not always tell you what He is going to do. Instead He will reveal Himself to you. As I reflect back to my adventure, I recall the expectation I had for God to “lay out” where He wanted me and what He wanted of me. My adventure led me to see that His ultimate desire for His people is to KNOW HIM.
May your expectation of God be for Him to show you His character, passion, love, and holiness. Begin this journey with a newness of who God is. You will truly be in awe of what you did not know about your creator!
Prayer:
Lord God, show me who You are in a new way. As You carry me through this adventure, please open my eyes and heart to the unknown. You are the reason I said “yes” to this adventure. I chose you, God! Amen.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Pre-trip Team Devotional Monday
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.
------
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.
------
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.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pre-trip Team Devotional Sunday
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.
-----
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.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
2010 Trip - Project Description
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.
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.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Just Around The Corner
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.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Recent Activity
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. :)
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. :)
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