We got in just minutes ago from showing “The Chronicles of Narnia” a Disney adaptation of the C.S. Lewis children’s novel, a parable of The Life of Christ and His Kingdom. A government boarding school for girls, with Christian leaders, had invited us to come and share this evening. We arrived to an empty hall and after a very full day I thought we might get an easy evening… not even close. Within minutes the hall was filled with over 500 girls, all in uniform, and anxious for a movie.
After the team set up our gear, I explained that the movie was an allegory, a metaphor, of a very real story they were all very familiar with. After watching the film, we’d have a discussion and I’d ask some questions. But first we opened with a three minute video review I’d put together of our day in the villages. It played to a very cool version of the old gospel song, “I’ll Fly Away.” The girls laughed and clapped at the village scenes of children and their parents, over 200 in the little community, gathered to watch the Jesus Film. Sitting in the first row, I noticed that the girls around me were singing the song in perfect harmony. It was just a little touch of Heaven. Then the movie started- what a riot!
Our day in the remote Maasai village had been a total success. The village is located near a prayer spot for the Maasai “god.” It’s a place where elders and warriors gather in a cave to pray and gain strength. On the dirt path coming in, our driver had to forge huge puddles and drive around elephant droppings you’d really not want to step in. Impala, gazelle and zebra were commonplace. We were miles from nowhere.
Taking all this into consideration, I did my best to be “culturally sensitive” as I invited people to surrender their hearts to Christ at the end of the film. I’m never quite sure how my words translate into Maasai, so it’s always in His Hands regardless of my words. But after I prayed with those who were obviously looking for change, the Kenyan headmaster came forward and said: “We need a strong altar call! I know God wants to do something great in the hearts of these people!” I laughed to myself, thinking, to preach in a public school, I have to come half way round the world, drive miles into the middle of the wild, and then be challenged by the headmaster for not being tough enough on the crowd of students and parents. Praise God for His dedication. I spoke again, then surrendered it to God. It’s His work.
The staff graciously invited us to return, as in every community we’ve visited and worked, the people treated us like family that they’d like to see again. It’s a wonder.
We’d worked through lunch. I made it back to the hotel by 4pm, put together the video, grabbed a bite to eat with Marty, then headed out for our evening work. If you haven’t seen “The Chronicles of Narnia,” buy it and watch it. Watch the wolves jump out of the snow and the beavers talk and then imagine how a crowd of 500 girls in Kenya, who’d never seen such a thing, would react. Julia reached me by phone during the movie and we laughed together as she heard the girls squealing and crying out from 12,000 miles away. Then a text message came on my phone- when were we going to be showing the Jesus Film at…
Everyone knows we’re here. People are being so generous. It feels like we could stay another year and barely scratch the surface of all that needs to be done. Pray that God gives me wisdom as I say “yes” and “no” according to our schedule and what we can physically hold up under. We’re beat. It’s well after eleven here, we have a 15 hour day scheduled for tomorrow and I still need to be ready for the 3 day crusade in Nairobi on the weekend. God’s doing such great things. Thanks so much for lifting us up. I know He’s not only going to take us through it but that He’s also going to continue to save souls, lift up new leadership for His church in Kenya and spread the deepening sense of revival that’s alive in the hearts of those who follow Him.
We’re getting homesick. I’m getting homesick. What a baby. I miss you all. Miss my family. Miss my church family. Miss my routine. Blown away that God would allow my routine to be so completely turned upside down for Him at this point in my life; He still loves me enough to do all that’s necessary to keep me right side up for Him. May He receive all the praise, glory and honor both now and forever more.
I’m sleeping in tomorrow, maybe 6am, first call to prayer comes from the mosque across the street at 4:45am. These are my late night thoughts and update on today.
Blessings,
Eric
PS
If you hadn’t supported this work- 500 girls would not have had the opportunity to discuss Christ in the Chronicles tonight. Wish you could have shared the joy. Their teachers were not familiar with C.S. Lewis, in a high school. What a blessing to bring an old story in a brand new way. Look forward to you joining me in Kenya sometime.
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Another incredible day in Kenya doesn’t quite sum it up. Jesus commanded us to “go to the ends of the earth and preach the Gospel,” for a couple of kids from southern California, we were a lot closer to the “ends of the earth” today then ever before.
After a great morning at Maasai Education Discovery, meeting their leadership in Kenya and even those visiting from America, it was time to head out to the field. M.E.D. is run by a group of Maasai, with passionate hearts for their people. They work to expand the opportunities for education to any Kenyan, Maasai or not, in hopes of lifting up the entire community. In the last several years they’ve built their own 3 story office building that houses a community library, several open computer labs, office space for the staff and visiting lecturers as well as class rooms. They focus on computer training at their center and have become certified by CISCO Systems as a training center here in Kenya. CISCO has also donated generously with equipment and instruction.
Education in Kenya reaches well beyond computers. They also have rented a block of buildings where they’ll house as many as 100 girls at a time that they rescue from forced marriages. Female circumcision, followed by arranged marriages, for girls anywhere from the age of 9 to 12 years of age is common in the outer villages. It’s also against the law in Kenya. Lillian Seenoi, our hostess here in Narok, and her staff- along with security- go into the villages and rescue girls, usually on their wedding day, and bring them into town, giving them safe shelter, love, education and an opportunity to provide for themselves.
The disruption this causes in families is beyond our understanding. The marriages have usually been arranged by parents and in the case of the groom, a dowry has already been paid for the bride, that the grooms’ family will fight to get back when the bride is rescued. The disturbance touches the entire community. Lillian and the staff at M.E.D. are incredibly brave, but also passionate about restoring love in these broken families. Once a girl has settled in at their rescue center and has begun to find a bit of herself, they also take the first steps in the long road to reconciliation with the community.
Marty and I had the opportunity to visit the rescue center and meet with some of the girls at the end of our day Monday. They had been there for almost a year and seemed like teenagers from anyplace else on the planet. Dressed in cute clothes, MTV on the TV blaring loudly, they were dancing and laughing when we entered the room. After getting to know them for a bit, Marty wanted a couple of photos. As they quickly preened for the camera, it was hard not to think what their lives might have been like without rescue… and this is just one small part of what M.E.D. does. You can check them out at their web site at: www.maasaieducation.org.
Though not a specifically Christian organization, they’ve arranged our visits to the Maasai schools and villages this week to show the Jesus Film, without restriction and with their full endorsement. They’ve given us the opportunity to use their name to open doors into communities that would otherwise be closed to us, well, probably forever. Lillian, who we’ve come to know best, is a Godly woman and has taken the time out of her schedule to introduce us to village leaders, pastors and headmasters and has gladly laid her reputation on the line for us. God has used them to make a way and I look forward to working with them in the years to come.
Monday morning, Jimmy Luka, was waiting for us in the lobby of our hotel, hoping we’d come to his village, 75 kilometers out dirt roads, impossible to return on in the rain. For those following my blogs, you’ll remember that earlier Jimmy had emailed us promising a great celebration and gifts for us if we came to his village, I’d asked him to talk to Lillian… he didn’t. Now, we were expected elsewhere and had to say no to Jimmy, leaving him without a ride back the 75k he’d just come to get us and with bad news for the villagers in waiting. There is so much to do in Kenya- we’re busy every waking moment and don’t begin to scratch the surface. Pray for Jimmy and his village. I’ve promised we’d visit on our next trip… Lord willing.
Our schedule took us to a small village that just has allowed a Christian witness within the last year. The leaders are not believers, but they allowed a small wooden church to be built by a Maasai pastor and other believers in the village last year. After riding the miles of dirt trails, we found the spot, not what anyone would imagine, hardly recognizable from the rest of the bush, save a couple wooden frames of huts and the little simple church. Setting up to show the film, greeting villagers as they arrived, (our van is our best advertisement- it’s engine audible in the bush- and visible for miles to the keen eyes of those who live in the region- they come once we’ve parked), soon, the wonders of our projector, sound system and screen, were bringing the words of Jesus to the people, now in Maasai, our fourth language to show this trip.
The translator was wonderful as I introduced the film. I explained that though we came with technology foreign to them- it was not meant to separate us but to unite us in God’s love- and invited them to share His story with open hearts and open spirits. One side of the church was filled with students that had walked from a distant school for the event. The other with the village elders: mostly men, dressed just as Maasai warriors have dressed for millennia. As the film began to show, people leaned into the screen to catch every image, to hear every word. A rain storm, the kind with thunder and lightning that rattles your fillings, began about half way into the film. Because of the steel roof, we had to crank up the volume, praise God we bought the larger amplifier! Then the roof started leaking on our projector, Marty, hovered over it like a hen, keeping it dry, risking electrocution! I sat with the people, in the back of the room, praying we would have a way out as the rain fell not in inches but by the foot! AFRICA!
When it came to the crucifixion of Christ, it was storming in the movie, and the Heavens opened with even more fury on the little village. Thunder and lightning rattled the room, not from the film, but from The Hand of The Father as Christ cried out from the cross. To say that I had goose bumps, would be putting it mildly. The room was electric with the moment. Incredibly, for the resurrection, the clouds had mostly passed and as Christ was seen in all His Glory on the screen, the rain stopped, and His image radiated throughout the room. It was a moment made by The Hand of God and I pray I never forget it.
When I gave the invitation to receive Christ- gnarled hands of old men and the eager hands of young men- along with those of students, lifted towards Heaven. I gave counsel to them all: start coming to church, get to know your pastor, talk to Jesus- He knows and loves you for just exactly who you are. Inwardly, I felt woefully inadequate for the moment. Then and again this morning as I write, I reminded myself of a saying I use with Jackets for Jesus all the time: “God knows and God sees.” He didn’t miss one upraised hand or one heart that began to soften to His Son as He knocked. God knows and God sees and He sent Central Community to this little village I can’t even remember the name of. He’s too good.
Marty began to break down our gear. Alan, our driver, worked putting chains on our tires for the extreme mud and water we now had to somehow get through. Lillian, informed me that because of the storm we would never make our next visit and showing… all the while the pastor celebrated… he talked with the people, opened his community for us to return or to stay the night if we were not able to make it out… and prayed thanking God. Then he asked if we would pray for their elder- the lead man- who had refused to come and was living in open disobedience to God. Join me in prayer today. The heart of a leader can change the direction of so many.
Our schedule today is full. We begin with a medical clinic in villages and end late tonight at a High School here in Narok that’s invited us. Pray that God uses us. Pray for our strength and health. Pray that bridges continue to be built that we can cross for years to come. This community is rich in ways our community’s often overlook and we have much to learn and much to share as we work together.
Know that you’re in my heart and prayers today.
Eric
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Started yesterday with breakfast and a tour of KIST, Kima International School of Theology and the headquarters for the church of God in eastern Africa, it’s an amazing campus. They have a rich history that stretches back over 100 years. On the grounds is a little cemetery. Missionaries, leaders and their children have been buried on these grounds for decades. The sons of the Livingston’s, who were both born in Kenya when their parents were serving here over 40 years ago, were with a work camp this week. What a blessing to hear their stories and their impressions on returning as adults and putting their childhood in perspective. Both can’t wait to come back.
Their sister is buried in the little cemetery.
Their family made the ultimate sacrifice in The Lord’s service. It’s easy for our missionaries, serving so far from home, to feel forgotten… to BE forgotten. They deserve our loving prayers and support. Don, his wife and family, deserve our prayers. Their children are grown and in the states. They try to gather as a family at least once a year… wow… I miss my kids and I’ve not even been gone a week. Pray for those serving the Lord in distant outposts around the world. They’re some of the best the church has to offer.
Marty, my traveling companion, has been amazing. I watch him, on his first trip to Kenya, and I wonder how he’s taking things in. This morning, I’m writing in the darkness, while Marty tries to sleep in the little bed across the room in our very humble hotel. Just across the rocky, dirt lane the minaret of the largest building in Narok town, towers over us. Islamic calls to prayer have been going over the loudspeakers for over an hour. It’s all in Arabic. After the first one- there’s a long break, soon it’s easy to hear the people walking to the mosque below our open window. Within minutes it all starts up again over the loud speakers: directions, prayers, no clue. But I wonder how Marty takes it. Me on one side of the room pounding away on the lap top, some guy on the other side of the street crying out with all his heart, not an easy place to get a little rest… and Marty’s earned his sleep.
Marty and Alan, our driver, make an incredible team. After each showing of the film, they evaluate their plugs, electrical inverters, set up times, and work on making it better. Each day, somewhere along the drive, Alan’s found some electronics store to buy wire, converters, plugs, you name it- all to bring the Gospel more clearly to the people who humble us with their willingness to wait for our arrival. Everything, our projector, sound system, dvd player, music, etc… runs off the car battery, into a little $49- inverter purchased at Harbor Freight, in Riverside. Each time they set it up, I’m amazed it works. Each time they haul out all the heavy gear and set up the HUGE movie screen, I realize how next to impossible this would have been to do without Marty. Friends all these years, now serving together in Kenya, God is too good.
It rained as we crossed Kenya on our way to Narok. Pulling into the little town from the south, Alan’s home town, he pointed out the Serengeti Plains and Maasai Mara. It’s a beautiful region of the world. We came first to our little hotel to drop off things in the room, the same room we were in last October. To call the Chambai Hotel a humble spot is being gracious. But the people are warm, they remembered me, and it was good to share a cup of tea with my friend Joseph, who runs the kitchen. At first glance, I think Marty was a bit shaken at Narok and our hotel, but like me, I know he’s glad to be done with all the driving for awhile.
Once we settled in, we drove in a fierce rain/wind storm out to the soccer fields and little stadium where we were scheduled for our first showing of the Jesus Film. Our hopes were not high. Who would come out in this driving rain? How could we set up our gear? How would WE make it? Pulling off the main road, from the back of the stadium we were amazed to see full bleachers. Over two hundred street children, orphans and homeless adults waited patiently and greeted us as if the weather was perfect and it was Carnegie Hall.
Marty and Alan got right to work, as I moved through the crowd, greeting children and introducing the film. There was a covering and we were able to put up our gear out of the rain. Huge rocks acted as anchors for the base of the screen, wanting to sail away in the wind. When music jumped out of the sound system, then images of Jesus, speaking Swahili onto the screen, the crowd was transfixed. Eyes and ears of kids who refuse or are unable to sit in a classroom stayed focused on the story of Jesus for over two hours. God was doing what only He can do… and He was letting us share the miracle… it was a wonder.
Peter, the young man in charge of the street kid’s soccer league who helped me arrange the showing via email, squeezed in next to me during the film. I’ve seen it numerous times, in a number of languages, but his words still moved me. Sitting almost in my lap, Kenyans have a different kind of personal space then most Americans, he whispered: “I just love these teachings.” God was doing good things.
With the Pokot, I thought, how cool these people are hearing Jesus in their own language… then it occurred to me how arrogant that thought was: every person, in every language is certain God speaks THEIR language. His languages. His children. Our Father.
When the film was done, as we began to wrap up our work and kids headed back out into the rain, to sleep only God knows where, Peter pulled at me and said: “Can you show it again?” I said, “Now? Here?” I was beat, couldn’t imagine going another minute. The sun was down, it was raining. Peter said, “Not here. I have two or three hundred people waiting across town for a 6:30 or 7pm showing. Is that ok?” I was stunned. Looking at the weather, I asked if it was a covered or indoor setting? No, they’d been waiting in the rain. Waiting to hear the Good News of Christ Jesus, needless to say, I was not prepared. Our gear won’t work in the rain.
Marty and Alan still looked game. I’m afraid I must have been the weak link. Alan and Peter began to speak in Swahili. I think Alan must have pointed at me and said something like: “Hey, I’ve got to keep this old guy going all week! Let’s not kill him on the first day.” Or maybe he pointed out that it was raining and impossible. Either way, we drove Peter and his friend close to the location to notify the crowd with the promise that we’d try to fit them in tonight and to apologize for us.
The day ended with dinner and tea. Sleep came easy. It’s Monday morning, and our full schedule in the rural Maasai villages begins. God’s been doing great things. Keep us in your prayers. Keep these people in your prayers. Pray that God moves in mighty ways. That He brings incredible revival. That bridges are built that last a life time. And that we stay strong for the very full schedule ahead. We want to be all that God wants us to be. We want to be faithful to the love and trust you’ve placed in us. Know that you’re in our prayers today.
Siempre,
Eric
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After a rich breakfast of ugi, a traditional Kenyan breakfast, sort of like cream of rice, this was made with sorghum, incredible chai and lively conversation, we said goodbye to Hadat, our hostess and hit the road. The road from W. Pokot can be a challenging pass, but we made it with just one flat tire, the second of the trip, and many incredible lessons. God is Great. On arrival in Kitale, we met up with another driver, Patrick, the driver for Central Community’s first two trips and a good friend. After catching up, we headed to Deliverance Church to pay greetings to the pastor’s wife, Margaret, as well as the team from Saddleback and their leader, Steve Rutenbar.
Many of you know what it’s like to join them for washing and feeding the street children. It looked much the same, a large crowd of desperate kids and a great group of humble servants helping out. What a blessing. After an opportunity for Marty to see it all, and to use the churches internet connection, we headed out towards Kima… the mysterious village we’ve not been able to locate in our last 3 trips and headquarters for the church of God school of theology in Kenya. No problems this time. It’s a drive. Not exactly on the way. But to see the wealth of work that’s taken place training up pastors for over 100 years on these wonderful grounds was well worth the wait.
The buildings and grounds look like they could be anywhere in the mid-west. A rich garden and lawns surrounds each building and everything in wonderful condition. Don Smith and his wife greeted us warmly, introduced us to John Walters and the visiting work group from across the US serving with the church of God’s radio program, CBH – Christian’s Broadcasting Hope. After a plate of spaghetti and some peach cobbler, we were off to our work- not more than 30 minutes after we arrived. This trip has been go, go, go.
Marty and Allen set up our equipment and soon the room was filled with seminary students and their families to view “Chronicles of Narnia.” Don introduced the movie as an allegory to a very familiar story and asked them to think as they enjoyed it. The response was overwhelming, everything worked perfectly, you would have thought you were in a movie theater, and the students jumped and yelled at the scary parts and sat in humble silence as their hearts were touched. Speaking with a group of them who stayed, asking for “More!” “More!” I asked questions about the movie, “Who does the lion represent?” quickly “Jesus! The Lion of Judah.” “And the children?” “They’re us!” “And the battle?” “It’s our battle every day!”
Writing even now I’m moved to tears at this incredible opportunity. Literally, sitting here in the early morning dark, crying and typing. Thanks so much for loving and supporting this work. It will be remembered for years to come and the stories be told among many families and churches. Praise God for this outpost of hope in Kima and their warm welcome.
Students wanted more… but physically, we had nothing left to give. Keep us in your prayers. We covered so much of Kenya by road yesterday, stopped and ministered in more places than I remember, even our driver Alan’s in-laws, wonderfully gracious people who would have kept us for hours. That when the film was done, well past 10pm Kenyan time, we were so very done, the beds in the bunk house welcomed us and I doubt that one of us even rolled over during the night. But as darkness turns to dawn, the birds of the region are singing beautifully, cows mooing in the distance and the sounds of the village waking up our rousing my sleeping companions.
I’m reminded that this, again, is a travel day. We’ve been traveling every day since Tuesday morning when we left. Today we go to Narok, where we’ll be based until Friday morning, the same bed for 5 nights, Praise God! We’ve been told that the road has become treacherous. We’re taking an early start because we have a 4pm appointment to show the Jesus Film, in Maasai to the orphans and street children of the region. Monday we begin our work in the villages, Friday morning, we head back to Nairobi for the crusade. Pray that God uses the work of our hands to meet the needs of the people, that great revival breaks out like a wonderful rain wherever we go, that everyone comes to know and grow in Christ and that God receives all The Glory. We’re moving like simple evangelist, trusting God each step of the way, He’s our Senior Pastor and we’ve been blessed beyond measure to serve Him.
If I had one regret about this Sunday morning, it would be that I’m not in worship somewhere. We lead church tonight, but I’m so used to gathering together on Sunday morning. Matt and the Praise Team, know that my hearts with you. Ken, I’m praying that God blesses you as you preach. John, you Bobby and the kids have been in my heart with your planned famine. If you could have been with us in W. Pokot and seen the very unplanned famine that’s striking families the entire church would have joined your fast. Julia, my prayers surround you this morning sweetheart. I gathered with a Sabbaot pastor Friday morning and we prayed for you and Jann specifically. Debi, I love and miss you. Each new thing I see, I wish you were here to share it with me. You’ll enjoy Kima.
I could write like this for hours… so many of you our on my heart, in my spirit this morning, by name, in love. Thanks so much for loving and praying for us.
Siempre,
Eric
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I woke up not long ago in complete darkness. I opened my eyes several times to make sure I was awake, only to remember that I was sleeping in a thatched hut along the river not far from Runo in West Pokot. Here, as far from home as I’ve ever been, without a light in the darkness, one is lost. The proverbial “Can’t see your hand in front of your face,” doesn’t do this kind of dark night justice. Hand over the side of the cot, I groped for my watch, that I’d rested on the ground the night before. The words of the only other guest in this remote village stuck with me: at dinner, he’d pointed towards our hut and said “Be careful when you put your feet down in that one. I was staying in it and had to kill two scorpions. Just lucky I hadn’t stepped on them in the dark.” Wishing I’d put my watch under the pillow. Wishing I’d laid down with shoes on. I gently touched the ground, wondering how badly I needed to know what time it was?
A kerosene lantern had been left just outside the hut for us the night before, but a wind storm is howling; powerful wind, shaking the trees to their roots, the noises of the African night, far from silenced, but instead amplified and added to, as things fall over, like our lantern, roll around the ground and find new life in the wind. The crickets continue as if the air were still as an August night at home. It’s summer in Kenya. We’re in a desert community just miles from the equator, and it’s hot, even in the hut, in the night, in the wind… it’s hot. Marty’s sleeping through it all. He’s the man!
I should have taken my flashlight out on laying down, but I hadn’t, we were exhausted. The day had been so full. After the drive to Runo, where children and staff of the little school quickly surrounded us in greetings, Marty and Alan went straight away to setting up for the Jesus Film. Warriors and women, men from the fields and children from the classroom quickly made up a crowd of more than 200, just to see what was happening. They leaned against the walls and peered through almost completed windows into a room packed with people… in the building Central Community began last year. I could have wept tears of joy.
Unable to find my watch, I reached out for my suitcase, it wasn’t there! I wondered in fear how someone could have made it in this darkness, without waking us, and stole away with it. Then a simple thought occurred to me: perhaps I’m searching the wrong side of the bed? Rolling right to left in the little cot, I quickly found my watch and bag, right where I’d left them. Digging through my backpack for my laptop, I set it up blindly, to begin to write. The screen quickly filled the room with light and attracted enough bugs from the darkness to fill a bug museum. I’m sure some university professor would love to examine the dozens of species crawling on my screen even now as I write. Rural Africa’s not for everyone!
Our large screen, the sound system, projector and electric inverter running off the van battery all brought the wonders of civilization to a people who’d never seen a movie. Sadly, it was a cloudless summer day and the image was never as bright as it could have been and just as Jesus was to be crucified, our audience locked in awe to the screen, to the miracle of every word out of Jesus mouth not only being in their own language, but their own dialect, the sun overheated our projector, the lamp, through a safety mechanism automatically shut down, (it only happens when projecting in temps above 104 degrees. It was HOT.) and the show was over. Apologizing as best we could, doing all we could to make amends; handing out candy to the kids, a new soccer ball, that lasted all of 30 minutes among the acacia bushes, to the older boys, we packed up and left.
Far from being unhappy the people waved goodbye to these strangers from a strange land and this unexpected bit of excitement in their other wise unchanging afternoon routines, unchanged for some in centuries, and we began the dusty drive to our nighttime camp on the river, evaluating how we’d done, what we’d learned and how we can do this better in our next showing, Lord Willing, tonight at a church of God seminary, not nearly as removed from the world, in Kima.
Watching the faces as they heard Jesus tell The Stories, watched Him heal the sick and open the eyes of the blind, call his disciples and challenge the religious and Roman authorities, all in Pokot, was a gift too precious for price. When I spoke to the people, I told them that Jesus loves them for who they are, for being Pokot, that He knows and hears their prayers in Pokot. That He speaks their language. And they heard it for themselves. What a gift. I wish each of you could have been there.
I especially wish each of the builders from last February’s Kenya team could have experienced the joy I felt as I watched people share The Good News in the building we were privileged to begin. It’s now been hit by two storms. The people have painstakingly straightened and reset our steel and blocks. The floor is complete and the walls close to half done. Pastor John and Monica’s church is already meeting in the building weekly. Samuel, headmaster of the school, already has three classrooms in the building each day. Desks have even been built and donated by a group from England that came and worked. God is using the work of our hands, the prayers of many are being answered and most importantly, the needs of a remote village, hungering and thirsting for God, for an education, for something better for their children, are being met. God is too good. Thanks is not nearly big enough a word.
The need is always greater. Samuel told the heart break of hunger in the community. Told how the money we left for food in October has carried them through the hard summer. Without shame, begged for more to help these people. Monica, Pastor John’s wife, was walking in on the road as we left. She saw me in the van and began waving her arms and yelling, “Pastor! Pastor! Pastor!” We stopped and embraced. She is the founder of the school that now exceeds 450 in enrollment. It began with just her kids. Still just in her twenties, I asked where she’d been? Told her how much we’d missed her for the day. She said she’d been preaching in another village. Her husband John, the pastor of the little church, is no longer coming home weekends from his time at seminary. Things have been hard. She said, with tears in her eyes, I have no more food for my children. She looked like she hadn’t eaten in weeks and here she was walking in, still miles from home, after preaching all day.
Thank God for her heart. It inspires me. We have it so easy. People ask why I continue to come to Africa. The sacrifice of fellow servants in Christ, women like Monica, should be enough. Pray for Monica. Pray for pastor’s wives around the world. They work hard to undergird the work of the church. Pray for my wife Debi at home. Without her unfailing love and support, I could have never made this trip. We gave her money for food. Later that evening, here in Mariche Pass, reported on her condition to friends who can and will follow up and help.
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The Things We Bring Home
Sitting in the dark of our hotel room after a fitful nights sleep, at 5am a dog started to bark in the distance. Thought about the things we bring home from the trips we take in life. The conversations, new friends, smells and tastes, the images plastered on our spirits- on our brains, the good and the bad, the dog barking in the distance. Each facet, every turning point, every new awakening writes itself indelibly across our being.
Sometimes we’re moved to such great depths we think to ourselves: “I’ll never forget this.” But we do. Soon, too soon too often, we’re on to our next adventure, our next experience, our next… and that which once seemed to touch us so deeply quickly slips into the well of our being… and we forget.
But the dog barking in the distance at 5am remains: our very listening, our awakening, is not buried even when we forget about it. Deep within, it becomes part of who we are. It’s one more moment in the sum total of our experiences, good and bad, great and small, that shape us and make us into all God intends us to become. It becomes one of the “things we bring home” in our missions for Him.
Today we drive to W. Pokot. We arrived to discover that the people we were depending on to make our arrangements into this harsh arena, had not. Well beyond the range of even Kenya’s cell phone service and a long drive from everything, they’re not easy plans to arrange. No hard feelings. Today we head into a familiar place, unexpected, and pray for God to again, make a way. We’re dependent on Him. It’s His Work.
Marty is trusting me. Each hard day of driving, every new and vivid moment in Africa, all the stuff he’ll bring home… for the first time, maybe what will be his only time: from the dog barking in the darkness to our $25- hotel room, will be the Africa that impacts him forever. I want to be faithful. Faithful to God and my family, faithful to all who’ve trusted me with this great work for The Kingdom, faithful to the people of Kenya- living in such great need, faithful to Marty, who said yes, having so little knowledge of what he was getting into.
Pray for me. Pray for Marty. Pray that God’s work is accomplished in great ways that honor Him. Today we take The Jesus Film to the little village of Runo. We’ll try, for the first time, to set up our projector, screen, sound system, power system and bring images of Jesus, speaking Pokot, into the little community where Central Community’s invested so much. Our morning started with a dog barking. No idea how the day will end. Know that I started it, here in the darkness, thinking of you.
Blessings,
Eric
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When God Does Good Stuff
We started our morning waking up at the Hilton. What a treat. The Safari Park, where we’ve stayed in the past in Nairobi, was booked out, so it was fun to try someplace new. Tonight we’re in a hotel in Kitale. The Hilton, over $200- for the two of us, this place, the visions something, $25- for the both of us and that includes breakfast! We’ll sleep just as well. (I’ll sleep with a smile on my face thinking, “$25!” In all fairness, it looks like it.
Eating at a beautiful breakfast buffet in the Hilton, light years away from tonight, we met our host for the Nairobi Crusade, to be held March 2, 3 & 4. We laughed, told stories, lamented the loss of our movie screen to customs… and then we prayed… held hands in the Hilton and prayed for God to release our screen so we could use it to show The Jesus Film. Walking out of the airport at mid-day, wind in my face, Marty and Pastor David smiling HUGE smiles as they carried the screen to the van, we praised God. Giving Him all The Glory.
He’s always up to something good.
Then the 6 or 7 hour drive on Kenyan roads to Kitale, in beautiful weather, spotting numerous zebra, baboon, wart hogs, etc… eating dinner and hanging out for an hour or two with the team from Saddleback, our only chance to see them, then a call from home. Good to hear voices. Hard to be so far away when you wish you could hold your family tight and tell them how much you love them. Trusting God to do more good stuff; it’s what He does.
Our day was filled with a week of living. Tonight, as I prepare to sleep soundly in my cheap room, I’m reminded; I have so much to learn about Kenya, so much to learn about people, so much to learn about me, so much to learn about God. Pray that God gives me wisdom and faith for the journey. Pray for my family.
Blessings,
Eric
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Touching Down Touching Down
It can be the toughest part of any trip. Our flights were nice. I slept most of the way from Amsterdam. Dr. Ricks says traveling with me is like traveling with a baby. I only wake to eat and go to the bathroom! I don’t think I would have woke up to eat had the stewardess not made sure I knew my food was in front of me.
Slept over all of Europe, the Mediterranean and the northern Sahara: woke up to brilliant sunshine across the desert, 41,000 feet below and the most amazing view of the Nile river, snaking through barren sands, that I’ve ever seen. Hard not to think about Moses and all the stories from Exodus as I watched it wind it’s way north towards Egypt.
Landing in Nairobi, everything was uneventful until we brought the movie screen to the customs agent. It was refused. They’re holding it hostage even now. We argued long into the night- to no avail. They want $400- import taxes, certain we’re going to leave it here as a gift. I tried my best to explain how cheap I am and that I’m definitely taking that thing with me… didn’t help. This morning, we start our work by heading back down to the airport to make every effort to redeem our screen. Pray.
Touching down… at home, it’s 8:30pm, Wednesday evening. Here, it’s 7:30am, Thursday morning, and a glorious day. I’m writing this update from the lobby of our hotel, while drinking a good cup of Kenyan tea, my 1 year Bible, purchased in the Central Community’s book store, on the table beside me. A well dressed business man, stepped out of an adjoining restaurant and asked me about it. The conversation soon turned to questions about his salvation and all God his daily battles. We parted as friends, enriched by our moments together with The Master. Mission moments, touching down, God has a plan in it all.
This morning, as we take the first steps in this great adventure for God, pray that His will is done, pray that we get our screen back without paying $400-, pray for my new friend Michael, he wants so desperately to “feel God” but his life is so busy, he’s experienced such great success in the world. Thank God that He reached out to me this morning. I’ve been blessed already. This morning, here in the busy, cosmopolitan capital of Kenya, I’m praying for you and my heart is turned towards home. My friend Shelly likes to say, “If life was any better, there’d have to be two of me!” Amen and amen. God is so good, in the midst of it all. He is Lord.
Blessings,
Eric
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Taking Off Taking Off
We left the church at 4:20am this morning. It’s now 11:55pm in Riverside, but we’re sitting in the airport in Amsterdam, where it’s 8:55 in the morning- I think. We flew from Ontario on Alaska Air- nice flight, to Seattle then to Amsterdam on North West- great flight, great plane- over 10 hours. Slept very little, every time I fell asleep someone was waking me up to feed us! Too much airline food- too many movies- 3! We were both very ready to get off the plane.
Marty’s been a fantastic traveling companion. We haven’t had much time to do anything other then haul stuff in and out of airplanes and sit- but good so far. Our luggage all got on without even and we were only charged $50- total for overweight… good thing they didn’t make ME stand on the scale. Now if it all gets to Nairobi- in one piece and operational, we’ll be on our way.
Taking off is the toughest part of a trip. It feels like I’ve been planning this for a lifetime. Each day something new was added. When it came time to leave I worried that I just wanted it to be on the way so badly that I might leave something behind. Hope we’ve got it all. We’ve got enough of something for all kinds of good things to happen- just got that gut feeling something important was left out in the early morning rush. Must be why pilots have check lists. Something to walk through all the essentials before they get 300 of us out over the Atlantic at 41,000 feet and say, “Whoops!”
Our final leg to Nairobi leaves in about an hour. Pray all goes well, that we sleep and arrive ready for the work out ahead of us. I’ll try to post this Thursday morning from Africa.
Blessings,
Eric
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Kenya Prayer Schedule
How to Pray for Our Team in Kenya
Tuesday, Feb. 20 - Fly out of Ontario- 6am
Wed., Feb 21 - Arrive Nairobi - 8:30pm
Thurs., Feb 22 - Drive all day to Kitale
Dinner in Kitale with Saddleback Group
Fri., Feb. 23 - Drive to Runo, W. Pokot
Show Jesus Film in Multi-Purpose Building Central Community’s Feb. 2006 Team built - visit community
Sat., Feb. 24 - Drive to village of Kima
Visit Church of God Seminary - Show Glue Boys
Sun., Feb. 25 - Drive to Narok
Worship in Kima in morning - long drive to Narok - Show Jesus Film to Soccer League for Street Kids that night
Mon., Feb. 26 - Maasai Villages & schools
Jesus Film, Speaking, Medical Clinics
Tues., Feb. 27 - Maasai Villages & schools
Jesus Film, Speaking, Medical Clinics
Wed., Feb. 28 - Maasai Villages & schools
Jesus Film, Speaking, Medical Clinics
Thurs., Mar. 1 - Maasai Villages & schools
Jesus Film, Speaking, Medical Clinics
Fri., Mar. 2 - Drive to Nairobi - Crusade
Begin Nairobi Crusade Friday Night
Sat., Mar. 3 - Pastor’s Workshop - Crusade
Workshop in day - Services Sat. Night
Sun., Mar. 4 - Final Day of Crusade
Services Sunday Morning - Jesus Film Sunday Night - Fly out of Nairobi at 10:30pm Sunday night
Mon., Mar. 5 - Return to Ontario in PM
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