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
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Want to see the team in Kenya?
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!
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!!
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!!
Monday, June 28, 2010
"God is doing some crazy things."
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
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
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!
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!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Updates from a GREAT Sunday!
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!!
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!!
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