Welcome these little Ones

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” 
Mark 9:37

Our little church had another opportunity of ministering together. This time we went to a government orphanage.

Abandoned on the street, taken from the home for their safety, or brought to this place after their parents have been jailed, these children are in need of a loving touch. Confused and insecure, they are in search of comfort and security.

Grateful for the fresh fruits, vegetables and corn meal that we brought for the children, the staff of this home told us some surprising things. The home is more of a rescue center than an orphanage. The children remain here for only six months after which each one will move to a more permanent facility, one for boys and a separate one for girls where schooling is provided.  This particular home shelters up to 60 children, but they have more than 60 at any one given time.

Today there were just over 50 children in residence ranging in age from 8 months to 6 years old. They only take children up to 6 years of age. There is a second facility a short distance away which cares for children ages 7-17 years old.

We came with songs, stories, and games.  The balloons we brought were a big hit.

As we sat on the ground to sing songs and hear stories, we were surrounded by little faces plying for attention, piling in our laps, holding their hands out for a hug.  We were humbled by this opportunity to share the love of Christ in such a tangible way.

Pray for these little ones which while abandoned by their parents, are not forgotten by God.  Pray that they would have the opportunity to know their heavenly Father, even if they don’t know their earthly one.  Pray that as they grow they will desire to be adopted by God as His child and embrace the family of God.

Pray for our little ministering group as well.  Pray that we would be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit as we begin plans for our next ministry opportunity together.  Pray for loving hearts and willing hands as we endeavor to share the love of Christ in our community.

Pray!

“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:4-7

Prayer …  the opportunity to demonstrate our faith.  You've heard the saying, “Prayer changes things,” --  It changes us the most!

These past days God has given us the opportunity to pray – intercede for others.  We are extending that opportunity to you as well.

A dear couple, missionary friends, younger than we, pausing their ministry to fly out for a cancer biopsy.

Our young friends in South Sudan (Click here to see post) had to evacuate for security reasons as major unrest surrounds the Eastern Equatorial State in South Sudan.  You will see little in the news as South Sudan is keeping a lid on it.  Presently, food shortages are severe in this area of South Sudan and raiders have been looting shops in the towns.

Then, of course, the people of Moore, Oklahoma who are dealing with loss of family and friends and the loss of all their worldly possessions.

And so many other needs…

Some times it seems that evil is winning – but we know who will arise victorious at the finish, Christ – and Christ alone.

2 Thessalonians 3:3, 5 says, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (vs5) May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance."

Accordingly, I Thessalonians 5:16-17 tells us that it is God’s will that we pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, and be joyful always – after all, we know the victorious One!

Thank you for praying for us.  God is faithful.  He is our Sustainer, a very present help in time of need.
Let us lift one another up to the Father.

Good News -- Habari Njema

"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." 
Acts 5:42

Our purpose – in life – in work – in studying – in language learning -- to proclaim the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

As we continue in language school we are afforded the opportunity to participate in student led daily devotions in kiSwahili.  The teachers and the students are Christians.  It is a blessing to attend a language study center  where everyone in attendance has the same goal, to tell the good news. 

Upon progressing to a certain level, the student is given a small devotional book called “Habari Njema” which means “Good News”.  It is an easy to read kiSwahili Bible story book with the stories taken from the New Testament teachings of Christ. 

The opportunity for teaching the devotion depends upon the number of students participating.  Currently there are five, so once a week each student will be afforded the opportunity to lead the devotion.

 

At the right Jerry is teaching on the feeding of the four thousand from Matthew 15:29.  He did a great job.

Part of the devotion time involves singing praises, which also gives the students opportunity to learn not only hymns in kiSwahili but choruses as well.

This short devotional time in the mornings allows each student the opportunity to practice the language they are learning in front of people in a safe environment.

Pray for each of the students here, that we would be diligent in our studies with eyes toward the future, understanding that the more language we master, the more we will have the ability to share the GOOD NEWS!

Africa Joy

Looking through some pictures in an effort to get inspiration, not knowing what to write this week; I came across this folder.  It was just named pictures – boy that figures!  In looking through it I couldn't understand how they were related.  They span twenty years.
Finding myself smiling at this eclectic collection I thought I would share them with you…  Smile with me …. Africa joy.

Rain!

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.  He covers the sky with clouds; He supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.”
Psalm 147:7-9

Kenya is in the midst of the rainy season --- and what a rainy season it has been. “ Mvua ilinesha ningi sana!” (Mm-vew-ah   ee-lee-nyeh-shh-ah    nee-ngee  sah-nah)  The rain, it has fallen very much!

Perhaps more so in Africa than anywhere else in the world, rain is seen as a blessing.   We have songs in the U.S. that equate rain with sadness –“ Rainy days and Mondays always get me down” – “Here comes that rainy day feeling again.”

But in Africa, songs that speak of rain are joyous, inferring the blessing which the rain brings.

If it rains on your wedding day in the U.S. it could be disastrous – in Africa it is said if it rains on your wedding day, your marriage will be blessed.

Mudslides at Rift Valley Academy near Nairobi
picture courtesy of RVA staff member.

However, a lot of rain can bring big problem and destruction.
 This season there has been flooding --houses and people swept away, roads washed out and mudslides; still, there is no shadow of gloom upon the onset of rain – it is a blessed event.

Even as we thank God for the blessing of the rains, we pray for those who have lost their homes to flooding, those plagued with malaria, and those who have experienced loss due to the excessive rain.