Mountain Short Term Missions

Blog news ON THE MOVE with GOD

2011-06-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks for a awe-inspiring 4 years following Mountain Chr Ch's Short Term Missions on this blog! This archive of past Yay God! stories will continue to be available for the foreseeable future, but new stories of how MCC people are going "all in" and "making waves" with God will post to the official Cannonball website under the category Missions Trips.
So for the latest on the June 2011 Student Ministries Dominican Republic trip, the Kenya trip, and MORE, follow the link!

post from Brazil (Tom M + Bill B) Community Health Evangelism team

2011-05-12T04:36:00.000-07:00

(FROM TOM MOEN)

After a tiring day of travel Monday, May 9, which included a 4:00am departure from my house and an 8:00pm arrival in Brazil (two hours ahead of EST) Bill Beyer and I were greeted at the International Airport in Sao Paulo airport by Carlos Franco who is CMF Brasil. Half way to our destination we stopped at a highway side restaurant called “Frango Assado” for a chicken stick…its much better than it sounds…really! A few chicken sticks, grape juices and coffees later we were back on the road to Campinas and a horizontal rest…don’t rest well sitting on an airplane.

Tuesday, May 10 -

A day of rest, reminiscing (as I drove to many of the places we frequented when we lived here) and recreation. The evening was capped off with a pizza party with our host families. I ordered my favorite…TUNA PIZZA! It was deliciousJ!

Wednesday, May 11 –

I am writing from 33,000 feet en route to the Western most city in all of Brazil, Recife. From there we will pack our gear into rented vehicle and drive back due east for 350 kilometers (10K = 6.2 miles…do the math) to one of the poorest regions in Brazil. Known as the Sertao (plains) there is precious little rain fall (rains about one week a year). With little rainfall comes little life…little crops…lots of thirst. One of our goals in going there is to see how we can help create a sustainable, holistic, ministry through Community Health Evangelism (CHE). According to Operation World there are only 5% evangelicals in this region. With the lack of presence of the church comes a plethora of occultic experiences. ..people relying on their own devices to find meaning and purpose for their lives. We are starting our descent…ears are popping. Gotta shut down the electronics soon. Will keep you posted on the progress over the next few days…we pray to create a hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Dominican Republic team Wed13Apr update

2011-04-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the blog for today...

Today is our last FULL day in the Dominican. And it was one of the best. We started the day with team time and worship up on Many Breezes (a rooftop that overlooks Monte Cristi...and it's Kylie's favorite). 12 Americans and 10 Dominicans boarded a vehicle entitled The Giant Red Turtle. We took a boat ride to a beautiful island with our new beautiful Dominican friends. We were the only people on the island. It was covered with beautiful shells, many of which were collected by our dear friend and cook Francesca. We soaked in the sun (for some, a little too much!) and played in the water. It was a nice and relaxing culmination to our week.

After lunch, we crammed 15 people into la gua gua (a big blue mini-van) and headed to Ciudad de Luz, which is a Christian private school in Monte Cristi, for Field Day. The director of the school, Ebony, was a kind and gracious host. There were 72 children in grades 1-4 that we got to play games with this afternoon. The smiles and the hugs from the kids helped us see that they had a lot of fun. Their favorite game was a relay race in which the kids had to spread out a beach towel, put on a hat and sunglasses, and lay down and read their magazine. They also enjoyed watching their teachers participate in a relay race in which they had to pop balloons by sitting on them. Every part was awesome, but the true highlight was at the end of our time there. Ebony gave several students the chance to express their gratitude and all our hearts were melted. We ended the day with a student praying for us. The assistant director was so grateful and told us that she is planning on practicing these kinds of events in the future. We were able to leave all of our supplies with them so they can create their own field day experience.

Tonight, we will have one last meeting with our Dominican sisters at Iglesia Cristiana Cuerpo de Cristo. We know our time together will be rich and sweet but will also be a little sad. God has been moving a lot in the lives of the women here. God has empowered us to empower them to be better wives, mothers, friends, and leaders in their churches and communities. We came to be a blessing to the women of the Dominican Republic but we think our whole team would say that the women here have been a greater blessing to us.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. We love and miss you all! Maybe we'll bring some Dominican weather back with us!

Dios les bendiga! God Bless You All!

Lisa and Kylie

Tuesday 4-12 Update from DR

2011-04-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

We started our day celebrating Theresa's Birthday. We decorated her bed with streamers while she was sleeping and the main room was very festive for when she woke up. We wheeled her around in a wheel chair and gave her a special gift from the team along with a card from husband and son. She was very touched by the thoughtfulness and it started our day off right.

We then did some home visits to the local women of Monte Christi and we got to spend some time in each of their homes. The people here are very proud of what they have. You can tell they spent all morning preparing for us to come and visit. We then went to shop at Alberto's gallery to get some souvenirs to bring home to our loved ones.

We were then off for a two hour van ride to the little town of Barreo to see some of the women who attended our retreat on Saturday. Our Mission was to minister to the women of Barreo about being a good wife, friend and mother while honoring God. 70 women from local churches and surrounding communities came to share with us some laughter, tears and most of all God's Grace. This was a day for the women to feel special. Their children were watched while they got to make sachets and different types of jewelry. They got to write a note to one of their special friends about what their friendship means to them. These women were so grateful for what we did for them and it truly touched their hearts and ours as well. The pastors wife Marta and her friends have such a strong faith in God and it shines through where ever they go. After we said goodbye it was back in the van for a 2 hour trip to Monte Christi but the ride back went so quickly because we learned so much about each other by playing the game "2 truths and 1 Lie". We enjoyed a lot of laughs and it took us 20 minutes to order 15 bottles of Coca Cola at a local stand.

We arrived in time for dinner and to share the evening with the leaders of the Church for some snacks and games.

Another successful and glorious day in the DR.

Blessings

The DR Team

Update from DR by Samantha and Wendy

2011-04-12T04:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings! This has been such a great day. The weather has been so nice the entire time. Not too hot and even a bit cool at night with the fans. It seems like every small detail planned has been so worth the effort, the planning and carrying 35 heavy bags here. Everything has been received with such gratefulness.

The day started at 7:30 praise and breakfast then at 9am we headed to the local school that is lead by Ebony McDonald to read to the children. We packed snacks for them and read two books to them, one in English and one in Spanish. The children are absolutely beautiful and are so welcoming to us. They were so happy to see us! We were able to spend some great time with the children during their recess time. We got to play some games with them and really just take some time loving on them.

By 10am we were back at the church preparing a tea time for some of the moms in the community. We served tea and light refreshments to the moms and snacks for their children. The ladies made cards and we played games with the children. This was such a special time with them and it's just so wonderful to see how they so lovingly receive everything we have prepared for them.

At 12 noon a wonderful lunch was prepared for us and we had about an hour of rest before getting ready for this evening's event "Date Night". We decorated the church with pink & red, with balloons and table clothes. We prepared a wonderful candle-lit dinner of spaghetti & meatballs with salad and lemonade and then we ended the evening with a shared dessert of cherry dump cake and ice cream. This was a beautiful evening!! Folks came dressed in their best and had a great time. As they arrived we took pictures of them and then as they all ate we printed the pictures and placed them in heart-shaped picture frames and handed them out as they were leaving. The smiles on their faces were absolutely priceless!! They just seemed so overwhelmed by it all. We know that there are some very specific people that God has been working on through all this . We know that God has really touched at least 2 couples in particular because we know it has been difficult for them, so we were just so glad they came. We think it would have been worth all the preparation for just one marriage to be blessed by this.

Lots of info and to be honest, we are still overwhelmed ourselves by how beautifully it all turned out. God is certainly here with us.

God bless you all! See you in a couple days!

Samantha and Wendy

Dominican Republic team Mon11Apr update

2011-04-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hola Families!

There is so much to tell you since you were last updated. It will be hard to fill you in on all of the details since so many activities filled the past couple days, but we will try our best! We spent Friday night enjoying the company of the church leaders and getting to know them better over ice cream sundaes, minute to win it games (which were such a hoot) and a mean game of spanish word Bingo! The core group of leaders in the church are such willing servants and are so appreciative of our efforts. They have all made us feel so very welcome and cared for. It was nice to see them with their spouses just enjoying a fun evening.

Each evening, the last thing we do before turning into bed is to spend a little time together as a team. This "team time"has been a special way to reflect on our day, share with each other about the things that may have touched our hearts that day. This is a real time of bonding for our team and a really nice way to end our day.

We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning... and after a...shall we say......... refreshing "bucket shower"......we began to prepare for our big event of the day- a women's retreat for the leaders at 5 churches in the area. Fourteen women joined us for an overnight event that included teaching workshops, a craft, food, and worship. Denise, Susan and Juniper led a workshop related to mothering young children. We gave them some fun ideas of things to do with their own children and we gave them a copy of the book "The Power of A Positive Mom"in Spanish so they can use the information to help equip moms at their own churches. They used many props to help them understand the concepts we were teaching...who ever thought gumdrops, toothpicks and playdoh could be so much fun! Simultaneously, a workshop geared towards mothering teens was happening led by Theresa, Claudine & Lisa. Not surprisingly, we discovered that regardless of your culture, country or language, mothers of teenagers have the same worries and concerns. This group really bonded through mutual encouragement and ended a beautiful session with hugs and tears.

Wendy is such an asset to the team. She was able to really connect and challenge the women during a workshop about marriage. She provided the women with some valuable tools to use at home to strengthen their own marriages and to encourage other women in their churches to be the kind of wives that God wants us all to be. Claudine and Samantha shared some valuable advice for us all during this workshop. The DR women aren't the only ones who want to put these newly aquired skills into practice..our team misses our awesome husbands.

Helen and Jill (pronounced "Hill" in the DR) taught a workshop about friendship and compared cultivating good friendships with the preparation and enjoyment of a homemade chocolate chip cookie. They used real cookies during the demo and had everyone's undivided attention. In case you were wondering, a woman's love for chocolate is universal!

Kylie did a fabulous job explaining spiritual gifts. She gave all the leaders spiritual gift assessments that they can take for themselves and offer to the women in their church to help them discover their gifts and begin to better use them to serve with in their church and their community. The women seemed very receptive to this tool that Kylie provided. The children here, however, seem most fascinated with her long red hair.

Another highlight of the retreat day was a craft time. Susan (aka Susana in Espanol) lovingly prepared the materials to allow the women to create personal journals to use to capture their own prayers and dreams. We encouraged them to use these journals during daily quiet times with God. It was neat to see the expressions on their faces as they created these beautiful journals. The women loved the colorfully feminine patterned papers! I think it is fair to say that scrapbooking is NOT a popular hobby in the DR.

The last workshop of the day was presented with the finely tuned Spanish skills of our own DJ Jazzy Jenny! She taught the women how to incorporate the apprentice model in their churches as they train new leaders to take on new roles with in the church.

It was definitely a full day of teaching and sharing, but all the women were so attentive and open. Our team was so touched when some of the DR church leaders shared with us how much they learned and how they looked forward to using the books and information shared.

We were exhausted by the end of the day...but not too tired for a pajama party, Samantha style. So fun to see these ladies relax and enjoy a little pampering with nail polish, Satin Hands, flip flop decorating, dancing, jewelry making and a t shirt station. The ladies that came created the most elaborate and beautiful T shirts to wear to remember our time together.

Sunday.....after a refreshing bucket shower..... we all piled and we do mean PILED into the church's van to head to church in a nearby town, Buenos Aires. We were all so amazed that such a simple church service in such a simple setting with out the luxuries of sound systems or instruments could be so beautifully moving! Pastor Damion gave such a heartfelt message that even the women on our team who do not speak Spanish were able to understand the essential meaning.

After lunch together we headed to the BEACH! This time, we all piled into the church's open air truck! We felt like we were in a little parade as we passed through Monti Cristi towards the beach. Don't be jealous, but the water is breathtakingly clear and the most beautiful shades of blues and greens. Some of the DR leaders from the retreat came with us and we got to swim and relax.

We headed home to get ready for evening church in Monte Cristi. After a refreshing bucket shower, we headed upstairs for worship... LOTS of worship. LOTS and LOTS of worship! Apparently DR church services have a portion where people can come forward and share a song (kinda like an Open Mic night). Much to our surprise, as it turns out, our team was one of the participants! Thankfully, we had practiced a song with motions for the retreat which really came in handy when we were called up to the stage midservice. It was very evident as worshiped in two languages today, that songs of love to God are so easily understood regardless of your native tongue.

We shared the last two days with women from various countries and churches, languages and cultures. Despite our diversity it was very clear that in the Lord there is unity and only one church, God's church. There were so many special and tender moments shared with the women and children of these churches and these towns, it is impossible to describe all the connections that were made. We can't wait to show you pictures and tell you each about the experiences we are having. It is so obvious that God is present and guiding this trip. Things are going smoothly, everyone is feeling great (especially after a nice refreshing bucket shower).

To all of our families and friends, we love you and miss you! Thank you for your prayers. We feel them. PS- Good Luck tomorrow Steve! :)
Hasta Luego!
Dios te bendiga. Amen.

Love, The DR Team

News from the DR Team!!! Hola from the equipo (Fri 8 Apr late PM))

2011-04-09T05:45:00.000-07:00

Hola everyone, from the team! We are here and everyone is doing well.

We arrived yesterday after a long, long, long ride in the gua gua. It was a memorable ride driving through the traffic, dodging motor bikes, people and large trucks. Obedience to road signs is optional and horn beeping is the way to communicate with other vehicles. ; ) The weather is very pleasant! No mosquitoes...yet.

The view from the church service last night was beautiful. The sounds of worship wafted outside of the church windows and into the town of Monte Cristi. It was a moving experience for all of us. The people are warm, welcoming and loving toward us. Even though most of us cannot speak the language, we felt the love of Christ through them, and we were able to share the love of Christ with them.

We ended our first night with team time together and worshiped our God by singing God of this City by Chris Tomlin. We then closed the night with the song by 33 Miles - The Arms that Hold the Universe. It was a very special time together and with our God.

We awoke this morning and began the day with Team Time. Wendy G shared her testimony with the team. This was a powerful time together. Her words were indeed hand picked by God for her sisters in Christ to hear. We sang a special song together which Wendy chose, Revelation Song. Many tears were shed, all because Christ was shared, and the Spirit was at work in each one of us.

We had cereal and fruit for breakfast, and then headed out in two teams to invite couples to a church event and women/children to other events scheduled throughout the week. The sites, the smells and the housing are new and different. This way of life is so different from ours. We were able to visit with people, enter their homes and even had occasion to pray with them. They are so friendly and hospitable. However, keep your eyes peeled for stray chickens, roosters, pigs and dogs!!! Oh, and of course, motor bikes too!

We returned to regroup and head off to the area hospital to deliver bags with toiletry items and to pray for patients. This was one of the hardest things encountered. People had to bring their own sheets, food, toiletries and toilet paper. As hot as it is here, there was a new mom and her newborn child lying on a black plastic mattress, with no sheet. This is hard to see. This is hard to digest and understand. We prayed for the sick, layed hands on them, and lifted them up to our awesome God. One patient had malaria, another young boy had his appendix removed, another man had pneumonia, and other illnesses. What a blessing to intercede with prayer on their behalf as a team. Part of our team also met a doctor at the hospital who encouraged them to continue to the mission you are doing and that a mansion is waiting for you in heaven. Wow...glimpses of God can be seen even in the darkest places.

We returned to the church for lunch! And, yes, God is good, and we enjoyed CHICHARRONES DE POLLO, rice, plantains and salad!! We all enjoyed this meal tremendously which was prepared by Chava and Nathy.

We just finished a great event for mothers and their children. Approximately 120 moms/kids attended!! We shared a creative Bible story about Noah, the team led stations for the kids and they enjoyed snack together. Juniper fell in love with a little boy who was 3 years old. It was so wonderful to see her connect with this little guy. A young girl connected with Susan and touched her blonde hair. She told Susan she was "muy bonita." She was so sweet. Samantha, Theresa and Lisa helped lead worship! They were so awesome and full of energy. Kylie and Jenny taught a creative Bible story in spanish together for the kids and their moms. Wendy served as greeter, police, guard, interpreter, protector, distributor of the animals among other things! NO KIDDING. Claudine led our craft time with the kids and did a great job teaching mom and their kids how to make an ark out of paper plates. Denise helped moms understand the importance of sharing the Bible story with their kids and gave each mom a Noah book. She too, served as police, guard, interpreter, etc. What a blessing. Our fearless leaders,Helen and Jill were the snack ladies (no hair nets). They were awesome to help coordinate this entire day for us.

We are hoping for some water today to shower. If not, well, we will bucket bath and be happy with that.

We are all of good spirit and relying upon God for all things. Tonight we will share in special time with the church leaders for games and ice cream. We hope that this will be a blessing to them.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. We couldn't do this without you. We love our families and we are praying for all of you.

Love and blessings,

THE FIRST EVER - ALL WOMEN - DR MISSION TEAM

Dominican Republic Apr 2011 team!

2011-04-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

April 2011 DR Team – Introduction

Mountain Christian Church is preparing to send off its first all women Short Term Mission Team! We will leave for Monte Cristi at 5:45AM this Thursday, April 7^th and will return the evening of April 14^th.

What an amazingly blessed group of 12 women we are! Our team is made up of 6 women returning to the DR (for some this marks the 4^th and 5^th trip back!) and 6 women who will be going for the first time.

Together, we leave behind 11 husbands to care for 30 children! We are very excited and can’t wait to see what God has planned for us. We have been meeting and preparing as a team for the last 3 months and now we are ready to go all in and make waves!!

Our focus is women and their relationships as friends, mothers, wives, leaders and children of God. We have many events planned that will enable us to share this message and we welcome you to check back and read our updates and stories of how God is working in our lives and the lives of the women and people in Monte Cristi.

We ask for your prayers – for safe travels, team health, our families, the loving people and church leaders in Monte Cristi, the many events we have planned, our team and all of the amazing things God has in store for us.

We give thanks to the many supporters who gave to make this trip possible. We are blessed and so thankful to have you partnering with us.

Serving Him,

The April 2011 DR Team!

Melissa C- trip administrator
Samantha W
Lisa F
Jenny K
Claudine R
Kylie K
Susan S
Denise V
Wendy G
Juniper E
Theresa S
Helen B
Jill S

more Mon 18 Oct Romania team - worship / dentistry

2010-10-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Romania trip

Since it's working so well tonight (10:35 Mon) i'll try and update you as to what has been happening.

This is the group of worship leaders that Roger and I taught on Friday night and Saturday afternoon-night

Here is Julie, Annie, Fred and Danielle. Annie is a Romanian who came to the Lord in her teens and went on to become a Doctor. She will be helping out most of the week

Danielle is putting fluoride on this girls teeth.

The last picture is of a gypsy family. the husband and wife both had work done. Just as an aside, several people had as many as 3 teeth pulled in one sitting. just Novocaine -

Romania mission team - Monday 18 Oct

2010-10-18T12:45:00.001-07:00

Monday in Romania

I’ll try and put a picture up tonight. It’s of a woman who is only 57 years old. You would not believe it by looking at her though; she looks like she’s around 65 or so. She came up for some teeth work, but when they took her blood pressure it was 260 over 140. no one could believe it! All the nurses were saying that she should be dead by now. We sent her home without doing anything. Tonight at our team time we prayed that God would do a miracle in her so that we could work on her teeth tomorrow.

when i have more time i'll catch up everyone on what happened the first several days.

Today is the first time the internet is working well enough to send this.

Romania mission team - background

2010-10-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

Adapted from an email sent last week by John Sarno
"8 MCC people will be in Western Romania primarily working with the Roma people (gypsy). We are going over with the mission Remember The Children, the mission that Andy Baker leads.

Most of our trip will be taken up with dental hygiene, but there will also be other opportunities to meet and work with people who need to hear of God’s love such as handing out shoes and hats, leading VBS style after-school classes, construction and anything else that Andy sees as a need. I’ll also have the opportunity to do some teaching in the area of worship with local gypsy worship leaders and will also help in leading worship there in a gypsy worship service. Now that sounds like a fun worship service. :)

Please pray for us as we minister to and with these people.

Andy Baker
Bryan Cornell
Heather Hill
John Sarno
Julie and Fred Parker
Lyn Murphy
Sara Tamasauskas
Emilee and Dwayne Draper who attend another church will also be going with us. Emilee went on a mission trip to India with us in the past.
Kristi Cornell is our home-base contact person

DR team Wednesday update

2010-10-15T12:12:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

We awoke in the morning to another good day which the Lord had made. We agreed that we would rejoice and be glad in it! The day’s agenda was simple…follow hard after Christ and “be Jesus” to everyone we encountered.

The entire team and the church leaders set out for sail to enjoy a boat ride and the beach together. This was a wonderful time of connecting with one another both as a MCC DR Mission team and as a grander mission team, the Church. It was wonderful to watch Pastor Ignacio, his wife Paula and their son Samuel enjoy their time together! We played hard, laughed a lot and soaked up every minute of time our God had graciously given to us. A powerful moment for our team was when Fernando, a young leader in the church, led a time of prayer for us while wading together in the beautiful blue Caribbean water. God’s presence was so powerful in those moments as the sun shone down so brightly. It was a special time of unity amongst fellow believers and I personally felt encouraged and strengthened in my inner being. As we headed back to shore, Jill, Jenny, Tom and Scott walked to the front of the boat and did a cannonball into the water. They shouted “All in and making waves…CANNONBALL!” I cannot put into words just how powerful that moment was for me. It was a physical expression of my desire to surrender all and to follow God wherever He is leading.

In the afternoon, we departed for Madre to participate in a prayer service teach a CHE lesson and to share a drama about the Good Samaritan with the kids. The worship was time was lively and Spirit-filled. Young and old were gathered together to sing “Hallelujah, Gloria a Dios, Jesuscristo es el Senor!” Dorinda was able to reconnect with a special little girl, Pamela. It was beautiful to watch the two of the reunite. It was difficult to take in and process such poverty, and it was hard to leave and say goodbye knowing that so many are without Christ as Savior. We will continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to move in this community and for greater things to come, FOR HE IS ABLE.

We returned to the church in the evening for a night of Women’s ministry. It was a powerful night of women united in Christ. We served cupcakes, tea and fruit punch. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the women with the cupcakes, as they have never had them before!! They did not know how to eat the cupcakes so they found small plastic spoons to eat them with, while the Americanas devoured them with their hands. It was quite a sight!!! Dee shared a powerful devotion about how we can experience God in our lives every day to the full, despite our circumstances. The Holy Spirit spoke through our “Mighty Mouse” (that’s what we like to call our powerful, little Dee). God allowed each of us to connect with the ladies in a very deep and meaningful way. It is hard to describe in words just what took place around a few plastic table and chairs, but God was at work and we were all deeply blessed.

We four men also planned a special evening to minister to four of the local pastors and key leaders (8 total). It was the quintessential “guy’s night out” including pizza, soda, ice cream, dominos and Dutch Blitz to bless our four friends. It was great to get these guys out where they could laugh and have some fun with the boys.

There is a lot pressure on leaders here to “perform” and grow the church. That tends to keep these guys pretty isolated and makes it hard to have friends, buddies, just guys to do guy stuff with. So our goal was to just have FUN! Mission accomplished!!! The extra pound or two we all gained though through lots of pizza and ice cream was well worth it. It was especially good to see Pastor Ignacio laughing and yucking it upJ! We had noticed at the beginning of the week we was a bit distant and seemed depressed. We wanted to join our team to the ministry he is called to here in Monti Cristi so early on we invited him, his wife and 9 year old son Samuel to be a part of our team…that has made a HUGE difference in his demeanor day by day. If you remember from our initial post his father passed away 2 ½ weeks ago and he has been struggling ever since. He told us yesterday that our team has helped him through his pain by sharing life together…GLORIA A DIOS. The other guys (Pastor Damian and leaders Mendes and Fernando) also had a laugh fest. It felt like a pressure valve had been released and levity was the result…some of the weightiness was gone. By the way I (Tom) won 5 of the 6 dominos games we played…sure, I know what you’re thinking…I should not have crushed our Dominican hosts so badly…yeah, whatever…HAJ!

So as we prayed last night over these guys we reminded them of our night out on Wednesday and pleaded with them to have times like this on a regular basis and to invite other maturing men to join in for the laughs.

To cap off the night for our team Irv had the testimony and devotion…way to go IRV…God is faithful!

D.R. team Tuesday update

2010-10-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 12

Greetings from the Dominican Republic…this is our fourth full day in the service of our Lord here in this wonderful place. We have been blessed with great weather that has been fairly cool with rain in the evening cooling things down even more! We start every morning with an awesome breakfast prepared with love by Fransesca, Chava and Maribell.

We have had many successful events that have blessed us all with the way they have been received by the people here.

This afternoon after lunch took gift bags we prepared this morning to present to the patients in the local hospital…it is a very sad place with none of the conveniences we are accustom to in America. There is a NP on our team and she says the medicine and procedures used here are equivalent to the way things were done in the early 1900’s in the US. There are no sheets or even toothpaste and toiletries available unless the family members bring them in. The items we had to distribute came from our kids at Mt. Kidmore and Camp Kidmore and they were very much appreciated, the bags include soap, tissue, toothpaste & brush, lotion, shampoo and deodorant.

After we returned home and had another amazing lunch we took some time to walk around the area that is close to the church and mission where we stay…it is very disturbing to see how the people here have to live, open sewage dilapidated houses and very meager belongings, but yet they are proud and very welcoming when you stop at their house and always produce chairs for us to sit in. They are very generous people full of love and are not really sure it seems sometimes, about us Americano’s. The children have a special place in my heart and I spend most of my time playing with and trying, with some surprising success, to communicate with them. The way they sing worship songs with such enthusiasm has touched the heart of every team member.

Also tonight was the first ever CHE lesson done here in Monte Cristi, we were invited to Pastor Ignacio’s house for bible study and he allowed us to do a CHE lesson! Tom Moen, Bill Beyer, Jill Shuck and myself (Dorinda Veydt) did the river crossing lesson and watched with great joy as the people there, about 17 of them really began to “get it” especially the Pastor, his face lit up and continually nodded with agreement as the lesson progressed to include comments from everyone there on what they had seen! At the end of the lesson we sang more worship songs accompanied by Pastor Ignacio on guitar and after that Pastor asked if anyone present would like to accept Christ as their savior and two people raised their hands and accepted Christ!! It was an amazing night…

One of the most important things we wanted to accomplish here on this trip was to open communication with Pastor Ignacio and build up relationship, and to tear down walls of miscommunication. The men have really rallied around him and have gotten thru to him that as the teams from Mountain come we want to work with him in reaching his people. I cannot explain in words the difference in his countenance he is very open and relaxed with us, spending much time with us in fellowship along with his wife Paula and son Samuel.

A second group from our team went to another Bible study at a church members house in Los Maestros, that was mostly from youth group and they came back with glowing faces and remarks about an awesome message given by a young man named Fernando whom we all need to lift up in prayer as he could be the next generation to serve the people here in Monti Cristi .

We are all doing well physically and emotionally stretched but all feeling very blessed to be on this trip together in Christ.

D.R. team Monday update

2010-10-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Buenos Diaz, and thank you for your continued prayer. Monday, day 4, the adventure continues and we are blessed to see God’s mighty hand working here with us.

Today the team visited Alta Gracia, an elderly woman who had just suffered a stroke two months ago. She is confined to a wheelchair and was in some discomfort and pain. Alta, we believe, felt much better and her spirit was lifted, when the women in our team began reading scriptures and singing songs and just loving her. Alta Gracia loves the Lord and has such a kind spirit. Melissa massaged her left arm and hand to help soothe her and gave Alta Gracia’s daughters advice on how she could sleep more comfortably and position her arm in a better way. The men were going to repair Alta’s roof. After assessing the damage, the men developed the game plan, knocked down some of the loose pieces and determined what supplies were required to repair the roof. We ordered the material and supplies needed to complete the job. However, we were disappointed when the materials could not be delivered til later that afternoon. It would have to be completed another day.

In the afternoon the team headed to a private Christian school. The school is run by Ebony, an American Christian, from Detroit, MI serving in the Dominican Republic. There, we set up four different stations: balloons, face painting, freeze dance, and jump rope. The kids were so excited and actually performed and sang a song in English. They were magnificent, their voices were beautiful and touched our hearts. We organized the children by grade 1^st-4^th and rotated them through the four stations. It was fast and furious painting faces and making balloon animals for seventy five kids. Even though we had 75 kids we made over 150 balloon animals and swords. The children had a great time running around having sword fights and barking dogs could be seen flying around the play ground, laughter and joy could be heard all around. Jill was dressed as a clown and brought joy and laughter to the children as she moved between the different classes. When we departed Jill drove which was just hysterical, she kept her clown suit and wig on while we were blowing the clown horn driving through Monte Christi. The looks we received were just as funny. It is not every day they see a clown driving a van filled with laughing Americans.

In the evening the women arranged to have a baby shower for Damian’s wife Suyapa. She is expecting to deliver later this week. It is certainly exciting for the team members that have known Suyapa and Damian for years, and are anxiously awaiting God’s great gift. During the baby shower laughter could be heard for blocks as the woman played games to include over 20 games of “baby shower” Bingo. It was definitely a special time for Suyapa and the women who support the church.

The men spent their time in fellowship. Scott and Irv went with Damian, Fernando, and Mendy down to the water front enjoying the cool night air and fellowship. Damian‘s English is significantly better then Scott and Irv’s Spanish, thank goodness. It was a challenge, but the evening was a great time and Irv and Scott even learned a few new words of Spanish and about Monte Christi. Tom and Bill spent the evening with Ignacio talking about Monte Christi, the church, the mission, it was a great time of encouragement and lifting each other up.

For team time we went to “Many Breezes”, the top of Alberto’s house under the stars and soaking up God magnificent creation. Scott gave his testimony and led a devotion on prayer. The team continues to draw closer together and work well together serving the Lord. We want you all to know we are eating well, the food here is absolutely awesome. We can honestly say we will not be losing any weight on this trip. We thank you again for your love and prayers and look forward to sharing our God stories with you.

Brothers in Christ

Irv & Scott

Dominican Republic team update - Sunday, October 10

2010-10-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your continuing prayers for us. These past three days here at the DR have truly been very enriching . The presence of God is very real in every situation. It gives us the opportunity to talk to Him and ask Him how we should respond to what we see, to look around us in His eyes of love and feel how He feels for these people. I breaks my heart to see how God feels for the places we have been.

We attended a service at Buenos Aires in the morning which is just a few miles away from Monte Cristi where we stay. This is clearly a more impoverished area. We were warmly greeted by a throng of children, who were just so excited and happy to see us. I never knew how kids could so easily pour out such sweet love on us. They did not treat us as strangers , they just embrace us, sat beside us and love on us in their most gentle and sweetest ways. I couldn’t explain what I felt but as the children sang various songs in worship, tears kept streaming down my face. They were just so into it. I love their voices and God gave me a glimpse of how please He is for the way these children come to Him in worship. Their innocence and humble spirit is what God needs from us. Many of them really smell bad despite their seemingly clean clothes. I wished I could bathe them and teach their parents to take care of them well. But right there God showed me the insurmountable tasks the pastor of this church has to take. Are they prepared for this? Who can they raise as leaders in that church when the parents of the kids are absent. I thank the Lord, I know now what to pray for.

The children responded so well in the skit we presented about the good Samaritan. They were so happy with the art works that they did and with the lollipop each of them got. How I wish we could give more than this, just to make them get thrilled with many of the things many kids in America enjoy. But in the end, poverty could be their richest gain since it is the love of the Lord that they can rest on.

In the evening, we attended the service at Monte Cristi . It is reassuring to see a young boy from a bunch of young girls danced for the Lord. Again, there were just a handful of adults. I feel sad for such a big building that was built for God, and yet it is not filled. The children here are better dressed than the kids in B uenos Aires. We did the same thing that we did at Buenos Aires with these kids and I pray that what they have seen and learned will grow in them.

In both services, Bill Beyer, one of our team members who speaks Spanish preached.

There is so much work to be done here. It is the building of the church that is badly needed not the physical structure because they have one made of stones but spiritual bodies who will be in these buildings. Please pray for wisdom upon the pastors on how to start the rebuilding, how to win people for Christ. Please pray for a few currently being used to help to remain steadfast. Five to six people are in regular attendance in both these churches. Your prayers, our prayers will help resurrect this place where the Lord is hardly noticed.

With gratitude,

Dee Barretto for the DR team

Domincan Republic team - first full day

2010-10-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

We are very blessed to have a great mission staff here at the church. Francesca is the cook of the group and has been feeding us well. None of the kitchen mission staff speak English, but they smile and laugh so much, you can’t help but feel all the love from all of them. Maribell is a helper who is deaf and mute, and she works very hard to make us feel welcomed. She is so funny and loves to imitate us. Chava and Rita have shown us new ways to vegetables and make some dishes. We have eaten together, shared stories, and prayed together. One definite thing that is seen, is that God gives us no real barriers when it comes to love.

We have experienced very hot days above 90 degrees, as well as evenings with down pours of chop rain. The electricity and water seem to go out the same time every day here, so we are appreciating the trash can filled with water and bucket to dump over ourselves to cool off. The most amazing thing about awakening in the morning is that the roosters truly wake you up. I have never heard so many roosters crow for so long! There is also very loud music heard from the streets that can go on all night long.

I personally have had multiple feelings of being overwhelmed since arriving. It is so unbelievable to see people who live in shacks as their homes, most without any electricity, and children wandering outside for hours. People ride more mopeds than travel by car, and with 3 or 4 people on them (it is common to see small children and babies being held on them too). What is interesting is that they seem quite content with their lives, mostly I believe because they know no different. It makes me wonder if we really do appreciate all that we do have, and if we need all that we do have.

Thanks for your prayers—continue them for a productive week ahead!

Melissa Cummins, for the DR Team

From the men’s ministry perspective we had a great day Saturday. There were 47 men who travelled with their families, some coming from as far away as two hours by bus. If you have been to the DR you understand that that might be a life threatening experience. If you haven’t you would not believe it any way.

We had some great worship, and a talk by Tom Moen to set the tone for the day. Early in the day, Tom had a translator but after going thru a few small group discussions during the day He was comfortable speaking with and praying with the men in Portuguese. As with the women, smiles and a willing heart somehow allow people to communicate. During he day we discussed the role of Fathers in the family. In context, Dominican men for the most part are not involved in the upbringing of their children and there are not Rec Council Baseball and soccer leagues that the kids participate in and parents run around to. The mend went thru some scriptures and then had small group discussions and we pray for the conviction of God’s Word in their hearts to change ingrained cultural and generational practices which are dysfunctional and harmful to the sanctity and unity of the family structure and parental responsibilities. IT IS A BIG DEAL, BUT WE SERVE A B IG GOD. We heard some heartfelt discussions and reports from the small groups. We hope to have stirred up some feelings that will lead to a thirsting for God’s guidance in these and other matters in their lives.

Having 47 men present was huge as men are for the most part absent in the Dominican church. Sunday in two services in two churches there were less than 10 men total at worship. Damien, one of the local pastors , has 11 men in Mens Frater nity on Saturday evenings, but says they all come up with excuses for not being in church on Sunday. We are praying for God to show the local pastors new an creative ways to engage the men here in Monte Cristi.

Existence and the reality here in the DR are really eye opening. It is opening our eyes to a poverty that we can’t even imaging from our US experience. Interestingly, there is tremendous joy in the small things of life, and our being here and meeting with people, our trying to speak their language and spending time with people in church or on the streets seems to bring them joy and maybe (hopefully) a better sense that “because God loved us first, we love one another”. We are trying to live this verse and message this week and pray they we will be a blessing to both the local church and God’s church during our visit here in the Dominican Republic.

Reporting from Monte Cristi, DR THE BOYS

Dominican Republic team arrive Fri 8 Oct

2010-10-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

Your prayers on our behalf have been to great effect as we are currently sitting in the fellowship hall of the church here in Monti Cristi.

Upon arrival at Puerta Plata we experienced the wonderful humid heat found in this part of the world. After lunching at the Burger King...yes the BK is alive and well here, we experienced a harrowing 3 hour van ride dodging pedestrians, vans, bikes, dogs, chickens, donkeys and pot holes all along the way.

We are just now “installed“ in our rooms and awaiting supper. It has been four years for me since I was here last and upon arrival have already seen many changes. This speaks well of the faithfulness of the church here and Kingdom Participants who have given sacrifically to edify the body here.

We will tell many life stories of the saints here in Monti Cristi during our time here and posts there but let me start by asing for your prayers on behalf of the pastor here, Ignacio. He has been pastoring here for three years having come from Santo Domingo to lead the church. His father passed away a week and a half ago and it has been very difficult for him. We believe our presence and my experience with loosing my father in June of this year will be a blessing for him.

We are excited, pumped and sweating...ready to be poured out as drink offerings amongst the Lords people. Pray for us as we incarnate the Christ‘s presence and pray for us “that when we open our mouths we will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel“.

With you in making God‘s Name GREAT among the Nations...Tom (for the DR Team)

Kenya team (repost from their team blog) Oct 6

2010-10-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

Wed - Last Day at Ewaso

Wed- things are winding down at the clinic for today, our last day here. Wednesdays are "mommy days" - lots of pregnant women come for prenatal treatment and also bringing babies in for immunizations. The team has been so blessed this week to work beside the wonderful folks here at this clinic. Yesterday we went to a very remote clinic to work with Samuel, a Maasai nurse who has been here for more then 25 years. That was an amazing experience. Four of us went to a school near the clinic and gave fluoride treatments to over 700 kids! Wow! I think each of us has been deeply touched by the Maasai people and we can't wait to come home and share with all of you. Please continue to keep the Maasai in prayer!!

from their team blog

Kenya team repost from their team blog - Oct 4

2010-10-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Monday with the Maasai

We had a great weekend and a great time at church yesterday celebrating and praising our God with the Maasai People. The people are so worshipful and full of energy. You would be blown away at how they just praise God. The preaching, the music and dancing. Pastor James spoke, and the service was translated from Maa into Swahalli, and then into English. Our own Pastor Dennis Curran also gave a wonderful message.

We then had dinner with Mary Nampaso. This is a remarkable women. She has been washing our clothes and taking good care of us. She cooked this great dinner at her house in her village. It was a traditional Maasai meal, shared with everyone in her village. It was amazing.

We have another full day at the clinic and seeing many patients. Jenn B. has just diagnosed more patients as HIV positive, which is always a heartbreak. Especially when it's a child. But aside from medical treatment they also provide counseling and outreach. Dr. Wells and Dawny have had many surgeriens, mostly lipomas, and many of us have been able to assist. This is an incredible place.

We have also been able to provide floride treatments to all the children (over 800) in the school next to the clinic. We will all have many stories to share on the many ways these kids have blessed us.

Kenya team re-post Oct 2

2010-10-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Clinic - Ewaso Ngiro

The team arrived at Ewaso Ngiro clinic several days ago, and we have been very busy. Treating teeth with fluoride (hundreds of school children) and lots of pregnant women and babies. The treatment rooms are never empty. God has managed to challenge and use each of us. The clinic director, John Sankok and his wife Grace were very gracious and hosted us for dinner in their home last night - a wonderfuly home cooked meal. Several of our team members have gotten ill, but lucky we have a team of doctors and nurses here to take care of us! We have also been to the school, where Jennifer W. was able to teach a class and Linda and Tracy entertained the kids and took lots of pictures. Dennis will be delivering the message in church tomorrow. So much going on!

Please continue to keep us in prayer. And of course, all of the folks here at the clinic. This is a very dedicated and hardworking group of people here.

(from the Kenya team main blog)

Kenya team main blog

2010-09-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Kenya team has its own blog http://kenyamissiontrip2010.blogspot.com
Great pics & Yay God stories!
Some highlights from the last few days include:
"Saturday- One word to describe today, spent in Mathare Valley (one of the world's largests slums, in Nairboi) is INTENSE. Intensity of so many levels. We went to the Hope Mission school and met with Mary and Wallace Kamau, the founders of the school. As our team leader, Dawny, puts it - "They are my heros". The school is an amazing place. They now serve over 4,300 children at multiple locations. There are over 300 people in there employ. We got to go into the classrooms, to see the library, to see the classrooms that are being built, and most importantly, to see the difference that this work is making in the lives of the children of Mathare. One the best moments occured when the team split in two and went with the social workers from the school to do home visits with the children. Pictures and words can't adaequately describe all the we saw and expereinced today. God bless Mary & Wallace, the folks at the school, the people of Mathare, and most especially, the precious children."

And today's (Sun 26 Sep) update:

We Found Joy in Joska!!

Wow!! The bus, with Mary Kamau, came to pick us up early for the drive out to Joska. Joska is the boarding school for children in grades 5-8, about 700 of them, and over 95% of those children come from the slums in Nairobi. At Joska, these children recieve a wonderful education, housing, uniforms, spiritual upbringing and lots and lots of love. These kids are AMAZING. The worship at there church was amazing! The team was blown away by the amount of growth this ministry is experiencing. One of the highlights of our visit to Joska was meeting a very special young man name John. John was a Muslim student who made the decision to give his life to Christ - today!! Dennis was able to lead him, praying for him as he accepted Christ. We spent a very full day there, and the children said good-byes and there were many messages to bring home to their sponsors, and many well wishes and greetings being sent to Brandon Adams, former missionary from Mountain Christian to Kenya.

We were also blessed by being invited to Hope Missions International's founders home, Mary & Wallace Kamau. Their home, like their hearts, is a beautiful place. After a marvelous meal, they treated us to a movie - "One in a Million" - a documentary by John Schmidt, and the story of their son Baraka - a deaf orphan who has recieved nothing short of a miracle in his life. We encourage everyone to go to the CMF International website and order this heartwarming film, to get a glimpse into the life of the Kamau's, their son, and the beautiful children of the Mathare Valley.

Quick Kenya team update

2010-09-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

From team member Tracy Jentzsch: "We are safe and sound at Grace House tonight. Had a wonderful day at Joska with the kids, amazing worship and a great dinner and fellowship with Mary and Wallace at their home.
God is good!
Thank you!!
Blessings, Tracy

Kenya team arrives safely!

2010-09-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

Team Kenya has arrived safely in Kenya, Praise God!! We had a lovely "send off party" that met us in the parking lot of Mountain at 5 am on Thursday. Thanks to our drivers, Bill and Tom, for getting the team, and all of our luggage, to Dulles. Ethopian Airlines gets big kudos for a wonderful and safe flight. We are tired, but happily here at Grace House. After a quick bite, we managed to make it to Amanyi Aju, a beautiful oasis in the midst of the chaos of downtown Nairobi, to meet with Maggie (the manager) who gave us a tour of the facility, let us meet the ladies, and then led us to the shop so we could see their wares. Amanyi is a refuge for women, some Kenyan, some from surrounding countries, to come and learn a skill and become self sufficient. We then had time for tea at Grace House, and now the team is prepping our tools and equpiment for our first clinic, tomorrow, in Mathare Valley. We will be happy to see missionaries Mary and Wallace Kamau, and of course, the children at the school at Hope Missions International. We will try to post pictures as time, and technology, allow us.

Thanks to all for your continued prayers during this journey!

Amani ya juu ( “higher peace” in Swahili)

2010-09-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Many of our Short Term Mission Teams that go to Kenya have the opportunity to visit and purchase items from a place called Amani ya juu (which means “higher peace” in Swahili) in Nairobi. You may well have gone there during your trip to Kenya. It is an amazing place that receives women from a variety of countries from the continent of Africa. You can see their website at www.amaniafrica.org for the full story.

Debbie Gibbons has emailed an invitation to see and purchase items from there for which ALL proceeds are returned to Kenya.

Here is her invite…

Amani ya juu products will be for sale at my home at these times:

Friday, September 24 6-10 PM
Saturday September 25 from 8 AM -11 AM
Sunday September 26 from 11:30 AM- 3:30 PM

I have a great supply of dolls, handbags, jewelry, etc. Payment can be cash, check, or credit card. ALL money will be returned to Amani ya juu.

Please come to support the wonderful enterprise of these women in Kenya.

Address: 402 Berkshire Court

Joppa, MD 21085

Home Phone: 410-679-8714

Blessings - Debbie Gibbons

MCC mission team Kenya tidbits

2010-09-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

PLEASE PRAY…A team of ten left today (Thursday) for a 17 day medical mission trip to the Maasai in rural Kenya. Led by Dr. Wells and Dawn Ament they will be serving in the clinics Glynn and Pat Wells helped to start in the 1980’s. The rest of the team consists of Larry Ament, Jennifer Barnett, Linda Cooper, Karl & Tracy Jentzsch, Kevin Smallwood, Jennifer Wolferman and Dennis Curran.

We will soon be ramping up the most aggressive goal yet for Mountain and Short Term Missions…we want to take 100 people to Kenya on ONE TRIP from June17 to July 1, 2011. The group will be divided into 8-10 sub teams upon arrival to do things like VBS, Medical, Sports, Community Health Evangelism, Sewing, Community Projects, etc. This trip will need solid people on it so please consider your areas of ministry and who you might challenge to GO! We will have materials ready soon by way of introducing this trip.

Brandon A @ Kenya "My Final Days w/ Mission of Hope"

2010-05-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

For pics from Brandon, check his personal blog

It is hard to believe that I have already been in Nairobi for two months. My time here has been very fruitful and I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to come as an apprentice to Nairobi, Kenya and work with CMF (Christian Missionary Fellowship) and MOHI (Missions of Hope International). My flight leaves today at 11:10 PM (4:10 PM EST) and will land on Dulas on Friday afternoon. As I am excited to come home and share with you my experiences and see my friends and family again I can already tell that it is going to be so hard to leave the Kamau family, apprentices (Erin & Bethany), the MOHI staff and students.

Last week I took my favorite photos that the students took with the disposable cameras to be printed as 8"x10" and framed. On monday they I received a large cardboard box that contained about 40 completed photos mounted in the frames ready and to display. I worked all day hanging the frames in the boardroom in Pangani. Everyone that came in to look at the photos while I was hanging seemed shocked when they found out that the students took the photos and not a photographer. I was very pleased with the way the walls turned out. The room has totally been transformed.

I also had the opportunity to design a logo for the Joska boarding school to be made into a sign out front and to be used on their letterhead. It was cool that I was able to use my design abilities to help out MOHI. You can check out their new logo below.

Brandon A @ Kenya: Edwin & Brian's Birthday Party

2010-05-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

Last month I was so excited to find out that my sponsored child was going to have his birthday while I was in Kenya. So, I thought it would be fun to throw a party for Edwin and his twin brother Brian. Earlier this week I connected with the Kosovo social worker, Charity, to help me organize the cakes, presents and the visit to their classes.

This afternoon I walked with Charity with the two cakes and presents thru the slums to visit the Kosovo center. Once their I went into Edwin's class to cut the cake, sing happy birthday a gave him his gifts. Then we visited his brothers class to do the same. Both got a new pair of school shoes and socks, and hand knit hats (Thanks Mackenzie and Aunt Marilyn). It was such a blessing to have the opportunity to celebrate their 13th birthday with them and to be able to visit their home. It is always a good day when you are able to give to the less fortunate and know that you have made a difference in their families lives.

Brand ! + Kenya mission team: Joska

2010-05-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

This week MCC's short term missions team did VBS (Vacation Bible School) at the Pangani Center for the little kids and also did CHE (Community Health Evangelism) thru home visits. I was asked to help document the festivities thru photography. The kids had so much fun doing crafts, playing games, learning about the lord, how to stay healthy and watching puppet shows.

Before coming to Kenya I had come up with the idea of painting murals on one or more of the centers walls. I recently found out that MOHI only owns a few of their centers (most are rented) which narrowed it down to Pangani and Joska. Pangani already has a lot of murals painted on the exterior of the building so I thought it would be fun to paint the murals in the dorms of the boarding school (classed 5-8).

The middle of last week I went shopping for the paint and left on saturday morning for my hour ride to the Joska center. The staff and students were very excited to hear that they will be helping me paint a picture of an Acacia tree during sunset. I asked the head teacher to find me 4 artistic students to be my helpers. After we painted the sky, ground, and tree trunk, branches and scripture verse we had all the students from classes 7 & 8 come to put their hand prints on the wall to make the leafs. It ended up taking a little 4 days to complete the project but it was well worth it.

While at Joska I was also able to worship with the pupils in their chapel and our MCC short term missions team. It was such a blessing to be able to worship the Lord with them.

If you would like to see more photos check out my facebook photo album.

Kenya team update: Thur - Sat

2010-05-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Greeting from Nairobi. On Thursday, we started the morning off with the puppet skit. Each day we alternate the skit between how and why to pray, and taking care of our physical bodies and community. The rest of the morning continued to be devoted to VBS. The team continued switching roles (and be stretched in the process) between Bible lesson, crafts and games. During the afternoon we split up into two teams and went out into the neighboring slum to do Community Health Evangelism (CHE). Words can not describe the experience on goes thru as they walk thru the neighborhood and see the conditions these people are living in. Then to be welcomed into their "home", typically a 10 ft x 10ft structure built from rusted sheet metal, and to share in their challenges...it's overwhelming. They are so receptive to learn and so appreciative of Americans coming into their neighborhood with the intent to help. The CHE social workers are amazing men and women of God with huge hearts for these people. And home by home they are having an impact.

We finish up tomorrow (Sunday, May 2nd) at the boarding school out at Joska. Today (Saturday) the kids did their presentations to us giving us thanks for the week of VBS. What a touching time for us on the team. It was tough holding back the tears as each group came up and honored us with a songs and memory verses. Wallace Kamau was so gracious in lifting up the role MCC has played in the growth of their mission. He sent his best wishes and love to Ben and the rest of the staff. We ended the time with a large cake that was shared amongst us all...kids included then the team danced with the Mission of Hope staff in a traditional Kenyan dance.

Thanks for your continued prayers. Please keep a member of our team, Susan Kettlewell, in prayer as her father who is fighting cancer has progressively worsened in the last few days and considers returning early to be with her father. Although it's tough leaving these amazing people, we look forward to returning to our families May 6th. Blessings from the Kenya Team!

Brandon A @ Kenya "VBS Week"

2010-04-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went to the airport with Wallace to pick up the short term missions team from Mountain. The main purpose of their time in Nairobi is to run a VBS program at MOHI while the students are on break from school. Over the last two days I had the pleasure to take photos of their time with the kids. The team has prepared puppet shows, crafts, bible lessons, games and snack stations for the students to rotate thru. It was really cool to see all of their creative ideas over the past two days. The kids seems like the pupils were learning a lot and having a ton of fun.

Yesterday I dropped off the disposable cameras to the photo store to be developed, digitized and put on CD. I will be picking up the CD's tomorrow morning and can't wait to load them on my computer to see what images they were able to capture. I am really excited to see how they turned out.

Kenya team update - Tue & Wed 27-28 Apr

2010-04-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Having a great time here in Nairobi working with the Mission of Hope staff and kids.

Yesterday Tuesday the 27th we performed our second day of VBS in the morning with over 120 fourth and fifth grade kids. We started with the puppet show which has been a big hit (thanks Renda for the idea and Jim Boyle for the puppet stage) followed by craft time making kraft paper flowers and beaded bracelets; a Bible story period; games and snack time. During lunch several kids who were sponsored by members of our team and other MCC members showed up to greet us. That was a real treat. Plans were made to go visit these kids homes tomorrow.

In the afternoon, we did CHE house visit in the neighboring slum focusing on sanitation practices and evangelism. The story boards we created for our Bible lessons came in handy explaining the role germs play in spreading disease and sickness. During one home visit, the mother asked us to present our story boards to her neighbors. They did not realize germs existed and were responsible for sickness and disease. We ended the day visiting one of the missionaries homes, Doug and Jennifer Kurz, for dinner. They fixed an outstanding mexican meal with all of the gucamole you could eat!

Today, Wed., 28th - Our team switched roles for the VBS classes. Today we had 2nd and 3rd graders. The mornings fly by quickly as they rotate 20-30 kids thru every 30-40 minutes. It got so busy today we skipped morning tea. This afternoon we visited the slums of Bondemi and Kosovo to visit three of the homes of the kids that are sponsored by MCC. No matter how many times you visit these slums you never get use to what you see. The visits were very special and the parents we visited were so grateful....grateful for their childrens education at Mission of Hope and for our visit. Tomorrow we'll resume the VBS morning sessions and go out into the slum to do CHE home visits. Pray for our flexibility that's needed when working with so many kids while trying to cover so much ground in a compact 4 hour period. Thanks for your prayers!

Kenya team update - Mon 26 Apr

2010-04-26T05:12:00.000-07:00

Hello from Kenya.
Today was our first day of Vacation Bible School. About 100 children from 4th and 5th grades attended. We performed the puppet skit with James (Matt), James (Susan), Mary (Vivian) and Jesus (Rick). The theme was praying each day along with reading your Bible, getting along with others and cleaning up your neighborhood.

At the intermission, we had the children clean up empty bottle and newspapers and throwing all of it in plastic bags just like basketball. They had a great time as did we.

Then we performed other activities- games (Rick and Matt), the Lesson ( Susan) and crafts (Pat and Vivian). They loved learning the American game "sharks and minnows" and made flowers out of tissue paper and beaded bracelets.

In the afternoon we gave the children fluoride treatments, along with their own toothpaste of toothbrushes. Many adults lined up to receive treatments after the kids had finished.

It has been a fantastic experience. The children are so cute and well behaved.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. Looking forward to sharing tomorrow's activities with you. -- Your Kenya 2010 Team

Kenya team's Michael M's letter to team

2010-04-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Posted by Michael M's request (check team update post about Michaels unable to go w/ team to Kenya because of missing passport upon arriving Europe)

Dear Team,

I safely arrived in Maryland around 11pm EST on Friday. The flight home was probably my hardest flight ever in the years I have traveled around the world. I didn’t want to be flying home, I wanted to be in Kenya, serving besides each of you in Kenya, in the name of our faithful Savior Jesus Christ. I was glad that God gave me the opportunity before flying home to cry out tears of pain and sadness to him in a religious reflection room. I never cried so much in my life, even with the recent death of my grandmother last year. Unlike my grandmother’s death, this was a total shock to me as my dreams become broken and crushed. There are some things in life that we don’t totally understand, but we have to place our trust in God that he is going to work out everything for the good of His purposes and plans. Rick did give me the opportunity to stay in Holland until Monday to get my passport, but I didn’t want to upend Rick’s leadership responsibilities and affect the whole mission of the trip, to make more and better disciples of Jesus.

Please don’t let my departure affect the latter mission, be the hands and feet of Jesus to the Kenyan people.
Rick, continue to be a strong and selfless leader, being an example to the team and the people of Kenya, of what it means to be a fully devoted Christian. Thank you for being there for me in the hours before my departure. You were an encouragement to me and I look forward to meeting with you in the upcoming weeks.

Pat, you are a gentle, kind and loving woman who is perfectly gifted to share in the leadership responsibilities with Rick. Be a faithful worshiper of our Savior, being a example to the team and the Kenyan people of what it means to follow Jesus in all seasons of our lives.

Vivian, you are a confident, virtuous woman of God. Continue to be a loving example of Jesus to the team and the Kenyan people.
Susan, know that God is going to use you mightily in Kenya, as you seek out God during your team in Kenya. Thank you for all your endless energy and speaking on my behalf as I was in shock in losing my passport. Even though the passport was not retrieved, you stood out to me as a woman who speaks out for her friends.

Matt, it would have been a pleasure to room with you in Kenya. Be a man who stands out above the crowd, being an example to our team and the Kenyan people. Thank you for your time and energy in seeking to retrieve my passport. Even though the passport was not retrieved, you stood out as a man who is willing to “go to bat” for his friends.

My prayer of blessing for the team as a whole comes out of Numbers 6:24-26:
The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Know that I will be praying for each of you during your time in Kenya constantly and in the weeks to come. I will be keeping up with the Mountain Short-term mission blog.

Thanks for helping me find belonging and acceptance in each of you, reminding me of the tremendous privilege of being part of the Body of Christ. God-willingly, I will be going to a trip to Kenya in the months to come. If any of you want to contact me during your team in Kenya, you can email me at mmoore1086@gmail.com or call me at (443)299-2582.

Love,
Michael

Kenya team update

2010-04-25T04:26:00.000-07:00

via team member Pat C

"Greetings from Nairobi, Kenya! We all arrived safely and are not getting acclimated to the time change. One member of our party, Michael Moore, had his passport stolen in the Amsterdam airport so he had to return to the Maryland since we couldn't get him a new passport.

We had an opportunity to travel thru the local slum area next to the Pangnani school which now has some 1,000 students enrolled...amazing growth. We also did a few house visits which was such a blessing to the team. We're excited to start vacation bible school tomorrow and will continue to do so for the next 6 days during the mornings, Part of the VBS is doing an educational puppet show, conducting Bible lessons, playing games and doing crafts. In the afternoons we're scheduled to go out with the social workers to do home visits focusing on Community Health Evangelism - empowering others to help themselves. Please keep us in prayer; that we would be Jesus to all we come in contact with. We will post some new activities in the coming days. Thanks again fore your prayers and support! Pat, Vivian, Susan, Matt & Rick

More ways to connect GLOCALLY @ Mountain Rd campus

2010-04-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

• Sunday, April 25 - Emmanuel President Mike Sweeney will be with us for a luncheon in the Overlook immediately following the third service. He will also share about Emmanuel for about 10 minutes during our Perspectives Class in Timothy Hall from 5-8 that evening…feel free to come if you would like to.

• Sunday, April 25 – An individual who is the Associate in Urban Poor and Marketplace Ministries with Christian Missionary Fellowship will be here to talk about ways we can help in restricted access countries around the world. Bring your own lunch to the Choir Room after third service for a Q&A time.

• Saturday evening, May 1, 6:00pm in the Overlook - Eat and Meet (Pizza, salad, soda)

o 6:00 to 6:45 - Food and fellowship
o 6:45 to 8:00 – two simultaneous meetings…(choose one)
 Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF)
Phil Tatum - Mobilization Director – Oversees the affiliation and equipping of qualified persons for diverse ministries. Phil will talk about the variety of places CMF Missionaries serve and the current needs for additional workers…www.cmfi.org
 Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism (FAME)
Shane Whybrew – Director of Development - development and fundraising with Christian, non-profit ministries. Shane will talk about the infrastructure of FAME and how they partner with medical needs globally…www.fameworld.org

• Sunday, May 2 luncheon with Christa Hayden from International Justice Mission. “International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression”. Come and look into ways we can help this organization seek God’s justice around the world. This will be after 3rd service at a place yet to be determined.

If you are interested in participating in any of the above events PLEASE RSVP to the following address gailoliver@mountainchristian.org

For more information or updates on these events please email tommoen@mountainchristian.org

Crazy Shepherd Expo @ MCC

2010-04-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

You can learn more about MCC short term mission and how you can follow Jesus, the crazy shepherd who didn't want to leave even one sheep behind.
Come to the Crazy Shepherd Expo, Sunday 2 May 5-8p in Timothy Hall (Mountain Road campus - Mtn Center)!

Brandon A @ Kenya: Made In the Streets

2010-04-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend I realized how amazing God is through His beautiful creations in the Masai Mara. You can see his hand when looking at the sunrise, lions, mountains, zebras, birds, buffalo, and even through the ugly wildebeest. If you know me well then you probably already guessed that I took over 500 photographs of my safari experience. I put up a few of my favorites on my Facebook page. My favorite safari moment was seeing a lioness carrying her cub in her mouth and walking within feet of the front of our vehicle. Bwana Asifiwe!

This week is packed with projects. On monday the Pangani center was busy checking in Joska students from class 7 & 8 and getting them on buses to go back to Joska. Before they left I had the opportunity to see Benson (Mom and Dad's sponsored child) again and had the opportunity meet his grandmother.

On Tuesday Franklin, Lyn (Social Worker) and myself went to Bondeni to do some filming and got to see one of the homes he lived in for 2 months while in the "Made in the Streets" program. We also filmed him telling about his childhood and living on the streets.

Today I had the opportunity to film Franking in Eastleigh, the place he lived while on the streets. It was really eye opening meeting his street friends that live under a tree with clothing hanging in the branches. I even walked on the dirt streets that he walked every day selling drugs, and living life. It was incredible to see the difference between Franklin and his street friends. When we walked up they were sleeping on the side of the road under a tree. Their clothes were dirty and tattered and I could tell they were high on drugs and didn't look like they had much to live for. Franklin on the other hand was clean, wearing new clothes, is off drugs, and has a future ahead of him. While sitting with his friends Franklin told me, "I would like my friends to get out of the streets, for God to help them, and for them to return to their homes." It has been truly a blessing to get to know Franklin's story and I hope it touches the hearts of many.

(Franklin with his street friends under their tree)

(A street kid, about 13 years old, high on glue, trying to hold a conversation with Franklin.)

After we returned from filming I meet with students from various classes to start phase 1 of my student photo project. In short, I handed out 49 disposable cameras and gave them detailed instructions on how to use them, how to take good photos, and that I wanted them to take 10 photos of things they see or do on a daily basis in the Mathare slums. I will be doing this 3 times before getting the photos developed. This will give 147 students the opportunity to be creative thru the art of photography. Out of 1,750 photos I will choose the best of the best and make an art gallery in one of the rooms of the center. This will be MOHI's first student art show! I am really excited to see what shots the kids take.

team to Kenya departs tomorrow Thur 22 Apr

2010-04-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

From Tom M's email: "We are sending a team of 6 off to Kenya tomorrow. If you can come and encourage them/pray with them please come to the Commons in the NLC (Mountain Rd campus) at 8:15am. They will leave campus at 8:30am sharp.

Pray for them:
Rick and Pat Conniff
Michael Moore
Vivian Hollandsworth
Susan Kettlewell
Matt Richardson

Brandon A @ Kenya: Meeting Fanklin

2010-04-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

CMF (Christian Missionary Fellowship), www.cmfi.org, asked me if I could help them with a pending video project that they are trying to make to show to Youth Group student across the USA. It will be focusing on helping kids in the slums that have been effected by HIV and how the student can help. Keith Ham and I sat down yesterday to nail down a plan on how we were going to execute this 3 part video series. During this meeting Keith told me about a by the name of Franklin and how he was found on the streets and has been in MOHI (Missions of Hope International) Joska Center in class 7 for 2 months now. We decided to use his life story to portray the life of a typical orphaned teens with HIV and how MOHI has helped change his life.
After talking with Keith about the project I went down to the Social Work office to talk to Lynn. With her help I was able to meet up with Franklin this morning to get to know him better and to hear his life story. As he was telling me about his childhood my heart felt heavy for this young 14 year old boy. I can't even imagine how hard it must be to grow up in the slums as an orphan and finding out from doctors that you have HIV at the age of 7. I start filming Franklin tomorrow morning around 10:00 AM in the Mathare slums. I will try to post some photos of him in a later post.

Keith and I were trying to come up with a good title for this video series. So far we haven't come up with anything we like. I am looking for something short, sweet & would catch the attention of teenagers. I know that some of you can be very creative so I am asking for you to put on your thinking cap and try to come up with a title option. Who knows you may come up with a title that we think would be fantastic for the short film series. So, if you would like to submit a title option please comment on this blog post and make sure that you include your title option and your first and last name. I can't wait to read the title that you come up with.

Please be pray for:

God to be with Franklin through the filming process.
Help Franklin to be able to clearly portray his life in a way that will inspire students in the US so we can help others with similar lives.
Give me a clear vision of what needs to be filmed to help visually portray life in the slums.
God to be with me as I try to film Franklin's story in a way that will help students have a better understanding of what life is like in the slums as an orphaned child.
Help me as I guide Franklin through the filming process.

Brandon A @ Kenya "The Weekend"

2010-04-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

On Friday all 6 apprentices (Meredith, Luisa, Bethany, Erin, David & I) were invited over to Doug and Jennifer Kurz's House to spend the night. We arrived at their home at about 6:00 PM and had a great time hanging out, eating a home cooked american meal, watching movies, and sleeping. In the morning they cooked us a pancake breakfast. YUMMY! After with breakfast it was time to head over to the Pangani Center for the Talent Show/Music Festival. I was in charge of trying to make sure that we video tape as much of the event as possible.

The festivities started at 10:00 AM and the award ceremony ended around 7:00 PM. Their were activities going on in 3 different rooms.
So I got a good workout running from the first location on the Ground floor to the second location on the 1 first floor to the third location on the 4th floor all day long. :) I am continually amazed on how many God given talents these students have been given. It was so amazing to have students from all 10 centers competing against each other. It is a rare occasion for all the schools to be together in one building. They were singing, dancing, reciting poems, rapping, doing spelling bees, and cultural dances. I told you a few weeks ago that I had fun watching Huruma practicing their talents and how I thought they were going to do good in the competition. Yesterday, the judges awarded Huruma the best in show trophy. I was spot on!!!

I did find time to hang out with the students as they were preparing for their performances. For some reason I am a magnet for Joska kids. Maybe it is my magnetic personality and good looks or maybe it's because I had a nice digital camera hanging around my neck taking photos all day. I did become friends with one boy in particular that I kept running into thru-out the festivities. His name was Simon, he is 14 years old and goes to school in Joska and I believe is in class 7. He is a very gifted child and loves to sing in the Joska choir, play the drums, write music, sing, dance, play Football (american soccer), and his favorite subject is English class. During our lunch break we decided to have some fun and had a fun photo shoot with him, some friends and myself. It was so much fun getting to know these guys and can tell that they have a strong future ahead of them. Check out some of my favorite shots from this shoot. [available @ Brandon's personal blog http://brandoncharlesadams.blogspot.com/

Today was our day of rest, we went to church at the Pangani Center, went out to eat at the city market, and then came home to rest. Around 6:00 PM we had our normal group debrief time with Wallace, ate dinner (Mexican Monday was moved to Sunday this week) and then went back to relaxing. Around 10:30 PM I had an opportunity to catch up with my my brother, Tyler and his wonderful wife, Amy on Skype. It was so good to see/talk to them for the first time since I have been in Kenya. I have a fruitful week ahead of me and better head to bed.

Purity in Nairobi

2010-04-08T05:10:00.002-07:00

What an awesome Wednesday! Yesterday was my first day back working at the center since Easter. Because it is a short week I had a lot on my agenda of things to get done today.

I started off my day by filming Wallace in his office giving an update about Joska for Christ's Church of the Valley in PA. Wallace was the only person left to film to make this project complete. After lunch I was able to finish editing the film and am planning on sending the 6 minute video off to them tomorrow thru email. Technology is great!

After the filming was complete I went down to the social work department to go with Margaret Wairimu Ndungu to visit Purity Makena Kasunzu (a 9 year old girl in class 3 yellow). Purity is sponsored by Heather Lozada's 10th grade girls small group. So Margaret and I stopped by Purity's class and as soon as i walked in the door the student's greeted me as their guest, sang me songs and recited their memory verses. After we finished hanging out the kids in the class we followed Purity through the slums to visit with her mother at their home. Before we arrived at the house Purity greeted her mother at her general store. I greeted Mama Mercy and then we continued walking about a block to their 5 story cement housing complex. To be honest, I was quite surprised to find out that they weren't living in a tin structure like most people in the slums. God has truly blessed this family and has allowed her family to make enough money to rent a nicer house in the slums. Bwani asifiwe! (Praise the Lord!) Before entering the complex Mama Mercy insisted on buying us sodas! After climbing many steps and their small cement house was opened up I was able to sit on the sofa and have a great conversation with Purity and her Mother. I found out that the mother was not well educated so he speaks very little english and is so proud of her two daughters (Mercy (6th grade at Joska) and Purity) for pursuing their educations. Her husband left the family and divorced Mama Mercy. I had a great time getting to know this family and truly enjoyed their company. Purity is such a sweet young lady of God!

At one point on our conversation the mother told me (thru Margaret translating) that Purity wanted to go to the USA so she could meet the girls that sponsor her. The social told her that traveling to the US is very expensive and that they probably wouldn't be able to afford it. I then asked Purity if she thinks she could fit in my luggage so I could bring her to the US with me in May. She laughed and said "I'm sure I would fit." Then the mother asked me if the small group of girls would ever have a chance to come to Nairobi to visit their home. I reminded them how young their sponsors are but told her that maybe when they get older that they may be able to take the opportunity to come over and meet her family in person. I could tell that she feels truly bless by Purity's sponsors and has taken a huge burden off Mama's shoulders. Purity told me that she prays often for her sponsors and their families and loves them so much and thanks them for their support so she can get an education.

After hanging out in the house we all went to visit Mama Mercy's general store. She was able to open the store by taking out a loan thru Missions of Hope BDS program and Micro Enterprise weekly group training and meetings. She took out the loan for her buisness about a year ago and is now very close to paying it off. She sell's anything from Toilet Paper to snack food to the local community. Purity was really excited to introduce me to Pigron, her pet cat, that lives in the store. I could tell that she LOVES playing with the cat when her mom is at work.

Once we got back to the Pangani center is was about time for Lunch. After lunch I finished editing the video for Christ Church of the Valley in PA and took some photos for another church that helped put in a water treatment system so that the students could have pure water at the Pangani Center.

Brandon A @ Kenya: Happy Easter!

2010-04-08T05:10:00.001-07:00

Bwana Asifiwa (Praise God) for such a wonderful Easter weekend! Due to power surges this weekend and my busy schedule I have not been able to write a new post on my blog. Not sure where to start. So much as happened since my last post. Maybe I should just give a brief overview of what went over Easter weekend.

Saturday, April 3 -

This saturday was very typical for us. We use this day as a day of rest and relaxation. Getting to chill at the Kamau house is so nice after a long week working in the slums. For dinner the apprentices went to the food court at City Market. I got a dish call "chicken kabob" is was so delicious. It was chicken and veggies on skewers with fries on the side and a Sprite. Soda's take so much better here then a home. Mainly because they use real sugar in the sodas here.

Sunday, April 4 -

We were asked to be guests at a church down the road from the Kamau's house. The seats are filled mainly by young ladies that attend a near by high school. We were asked to have two of the girl apprentices give a short testimony and then wanted all of us to read Luke 22-24 and sing them an american worship song. Everything went well except when we got to the low note in our song some of us started laughing and couldn't stop. It was so embarrassing but they seemed to be blessed by our bad singing. It would have sounded much better if God gifted us in singing. It would have make it so much easier. Either way we had fun. After lunch we had the pleasure of driving "up country" to visit Wallace's Mama's house. It was about an hour drive thru gorgeous mountain ranges. Once we got their we realized that it was to muddy to drive thru the dirt driveway to we ended up walking about a half mile thru the mud to get to the house. It was so much fun! We were laughing most of the way to the house, mainly because some of the girls were wearing flip flops and they kept falling off so they ended up walking barefoot thru the mud. We had a wonderful meal, and was truly blessed by the entire experience. My shoes on the other hand needed a throw washing and are still drying on the balcony.

Monday, April 5 -

Mary invited all of the neighborhood girls (about 17 total) over for a one day relationship seminar. The female apprentices helped Mary facilitate the group while David and I had the pleasure of preparing the meals for the day. At 10:30 AM we served tea, bead & popcorn. At 1:30 PM we served sloppy joes, cabbage & cheese curls to 25 people. Then for dinner we had about 35-40 guest over for Mexican Monday. For this we prepared our own taco bar which means everything is home made including the flower taco shells. We had so much fun cooking for everyone. After dinner we had a family talent show. The show didn't end until about 11:00 PM. It was such a blast. There were jokes, dances, songs, poems, skits, oh and did I mention dancing. So, Brandon, what was your talent? Thanks for asking! I hypnotized one of the neighbors "boiling" hens for my talent. Everyone was amazed when the chicken was snoring on the floor. We even closed out the evening with a dance party and a 40 person conga line that danced around the house. Good times were had by all!

Brandon A @ Kenya: Going up Country

2010-04-03T05:11:00.000-07:00

Mary's father called all of his children to ask them to come "up country" for an Easter family gathering. Evidently the term "up country" is a relative term. It means that you are traveling to visit family somewhere outside of your home town. It's even considered "up country" when traveling south.

So yesterday we had the pleasure of going to visit Nyeri, Kenya to see the farm where Mary Kamau grew up and to meet her large family. It was so nice to be able to eat, socialize, relax, hear a short sermon, see Mount Kenya and hang out in the beautiful country side. It was such a blessing to be able to take part in this family event.

Check out some of the photos from our day in Nyeri... (available on Brandon's personal blog http://brandoncharlesadams.blogspot.com/2010/04/going-up-country.html)

Mary's Childhood Home

3 generations of beautiful women

Left to Right: Meredith Roberts, Erin Titus, Bethany Ziegler, Luisa Fairfax, Brandon Adams, Peter Githingi Mwangi (Mary's brother) & David Freeze

Brandon A @ Kenya: 1,2,3 Wow

2010-04-02T07:31:00.001-07:00

What a day. Today I continued working on filming for the CCV video update by going to Bondeni, Mathare North and Joska. The kids (as always) were very good to work with and had fun preforming for the camera. I still have a few more centers to to visit after Easter break (Friday - Monday). It is going to be so nice to have a long weekend.

While at Joska was able to hang out with my parents sponsored child Benson and Carrie Tyson-Sheffy's sponsored child Rosemary. Both of them are 13 years old and are doing great academically. They seemed really excited to hear from their sponsors and was excited about the gifts.

Tomorrow our household and some of the other missionaries will be going "up country" to visit with some Kamau relatives. The plan is to be back home before dinner time tomorrow night. It sounds like a ton of fun and can't wait so see more of Kenya.

Brandon A @ Kenya: Power Failure

2010-04-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

Due to the nightly heavy rains the power has been off and on at the Kamau house for the last 3 days. Because of this I was unable to write on my blog.

The past 3 days have been great! On Monday morning I worked in the skills department with Meredith and Luisa. I was helping take photograph of their hand made products to be used on a website to promote their merchandise. I also had the opportunity to meet up with Heather Lozada's small groups sponsored child Purity during her lunch break. It took her a while to warm up to me but I eventually got her to have a short conversation with me. She is such a beautiful young lady of God and has grown a lot since I saw her. Unfortunately this week the students had their exams so I didn't have time to take a photo of her. I will be going to her house next Tuesday to meet her family and promised her sponsors I would document it for them. After lunch I starting planning for a video that CMF asked me to work on for them to help advertise to middle school and high school student about orphaned children due to HIV/AIDS.

On Tuesday I walked to Kosovo with Charity from social work to visit my sponsored child Edwin Watulo Wanyonyi. He is a 13 year old boy that is currently in class 1. Currently Edwin is #6 in his class and loves math, enjoys soccer and would like to become a Pilot. He loves in the slums with his Mother and Father (Irene and Robert) and his twin brother Brian. Irene sells vegetables and Robert is a painter. After meeting him at the school office I walked with him to his house but unfortunately is mother had just left for work moments before we got there. So I promised him that I would come back sometime soon to meet his twin brother and parents and to see the inside of his house. Edwins birthday is May 1st so I am hoping to have the opportunity to visit him on that day as well.

Today I worked on starting a video for CCV (Christ Church of the Valley) in PA. Doing an update for them on there congregations sponsored children and Joska. I will tell you more about that project later on.

Brandon A @ Kenya: Microenterprise

2010-03-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

On Friday I went back to the Micro Enterprise department. This time I got to go with Joseph to visit the Bondeni Center for 2 group meetings. The group meetings today were very similar to meetings with Verginiah the day before. The first group was well established and was doing great at paying over and above what was expected and the second group was brand new and had not been meeting for very long and was still working on there savings and training. Because the second group was small and was just getting their feet wet in the program I was encouraged by Joseph to encourage this small group of single women. I really liked the question he asked me t before I started talking to the group. "Brandon, if you came back in 5 years and visited this group what would you expect them to have done from now to then?" I responded something to the effect of: I expect that in 5 years these ladies will have gotten married, started their own businesses, be stronger christians, paid off the group loan, had a healthy family, and would be working towards purchasing land and moving their families out of the slums. The group was very encouraged by these words and seemed very excited about what the future could hold for them.

After the meetings were over Joseph and I walked back to Pangani and visited some of his business clients along the way. One of his clients owned a hotel, another started a billiard room, another opened a grain and bean market. We were going to visit more but he and I were both not feeling very good and was feeling worse and worse the further we walked. I had a really bad upset stomach and he had flu like symptoms. Once we got back to the Pangani center we both went to get medication from the clinic on the ground floor. Don't worry I am feeling much better today. It's amazing what a little rest and medication can do for the body. I am just glad got sick on Friday so that I had the weekend to recover.

Brandon A @Kenya: Thur 25 March

2010-03-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

While writing this I am sitting on my bed feeling the cool evening breeze on my face and listening to the rain pitter pattering on the ground outside my window. It rained most of the night yesterday and again tonight. As I listen to the rain I am thinking about those who live in the Mathare slums. I'm praying that there homes will not flood...that they won't get sick from the standing water...that God will keep them safe and dry... and that the hot sun will dry the land tomorrow.

I had the pleasure of working with the Micro Enterprise department today by shadowing Virginiah Kamau. While there I learn about how there loan process works and how they train people that live in the slums a traid and how to start there own business. After they will out an application and are accepted into the program they are placed into a group. They currently have about 35 groups with about 10-25 members in each group.

I had the opportunity to sit in on group meetings for Matunda (Fruits) which as 10 members and Kupendana (Loving One Another) which as 24 members. We were only able to make the tail end of Matudas meeting. This group was formed this month and is still in the early stages of getting there loan. This means as a group they have to save 30% of the loan amount before Missions of Hope can give them the loan.

Kupendana on the other hand has been together for 4 years now and is doing very well. It was very interesting to sit thru there meeting. Most of there time together was spent collecting money to be put in the bank to pay back there load and marking in the books who gave what amounts. But after that they started a discussion amongst the group in swahili. I could tell by there tone that this was a very serious conversation but wasn't sure what they were talking about. After a few minutes Verginiah realized that I was left in the dark and filled me in on what was going on. She told me that Kupendana was interested in taking out another loan so that they can purchase a plot of land outside of the slums and divide the land it equally amongst the group so that they can move out of the slums. The debate was evidentially on what plot of land they should purchase. I later found out that early next week they will be purchasing the plot and it will take several years before they will be able to build homes and move there families onto the property. At the end of the meeting I gave them words of encouragement, blessings and told them that they would be in my prayers. It was so good to see a group of people doing so well and trying there best to get out of there current living conditions.

Sorry that I didn't write a post yesterday, I got busy and completely forgot. Let me see if I can give a quick recap of the day... Meredith (another apprentice) and I worked with the social work department and shadowed Jane (pronounced Jan). We took a matatu to the Huruma Center and did a few home visits. But the highlight for the day was watching the kids of the Huruma school practicing for the Missions of Hope 1st annual Talent Show on April 10. I was amazed at how talented these young boys and girls were. I know that they do well in the competition. Below are some photos that I took while they visiting the center. I also took a few videos but I promised the head master that I would not show anyone until after the competition so other centers won't steal there ideas. They are very serious about competitions in Kenya.

Brandon A @ Kenya: The Social Work Department

2010-03-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

[more pics available at Brandon's personal blog http://brandoncharlesadams.blogspot.com/ ]

The agenda for the day was help social worker Mary do home visits for students that are new to the Pangani school. The point of these first time visits was to make sure their family records were correct. This is so that CMF can keep the sponsors accurately updated on there students information.

Early this morning four 1st grade students meet down in the Social Work department in the Pangani Center. We then had the children take us to each of there houses one by one. At each home we sat down with the student and there parents (typically there Mom) and filled out two forms with them. Some of the questions on these forms subjects such as medical information, family tree, income, expenses, child's favorite sport, how the child behaves at home, what they want to be after they graduate college.

After we visited all 4 homes we walked back to the center to eat lunch. After lunch we met up with 4 students from grade 2 and went to visit there homes for the same purpose as the first group of students. But this group live in an area that was much worse then the first group that we took that morning. When in nairobi you realize quickly that each family has there own unique testimony on how they got where they are today. It was very encouraging to here parents say things to the social worker like, "My son has grown so much academically and spiritually since attending the Mission of Hope Pangani School." or "My daughter struggled so much keeping her grades up in her old school and now is excelling in your school program."

When doing home visits the families are always so welcoming to us a visitors. The students are very proud to show us where they live and to have us meet there family. To give you a better idea of living conditions in the Mathare slums... there houses are about 8' x 13' and are made out of corrugated metal, wood and cement. This small space normally includes a twin bed that sleeps 2 to 4 people, a small wooden chair/sofa, coffee table, and a few pots and pans for cooking and cleaning. Some of the houses in the slums have just enough electric to run a light bulb or small TV but most of the houses have NO electricity.

Brandon A @ Kenya: The Education Department

2010-03-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 22, 2010

This week I am continuing my orientation. This morning I meet up with Stanley Jumbe in the education department of Pangani. I had the opportunity to watch him teach levels 4 & 5 in math, science & Kiswahili. As a guest the students would greet me as I walked through there door. In unison the entire class would say, "Welcome to our classroom, we are so glad you came to visit us, how are you doing today?" and I would respond by saying "I am fine, how are you?" they would then answer and I would tell them my name is Brandon and they would say "Hello Brandon!"

I was amazed at how fast they were comprehending the new material that Stanley was teaching. They are all very smart kids and has a thirst for learning. At the end of each subject the teacher would "mark" the answers to the problems that students had completed in there workbooks. I took that time to walk around the room to talk with the students and answer any questions that they had for me. Some of the questions were quite intriguing/funny. Below is a list of my favorite questions:

Who was the first US president? ...Was it George Bush?
Are you married?
Are you going to get married soon?
Who was the second US president? ...Was it Obama?
What is your favorite color?
How long did it take you to get from Maryland to Kenya?
How much did it cost to fly here from the US?
Can you drive a car from Maryland to Nairobi?
What is your favorite hobby?
How long are you going to be in Kenya?

Kenyan children are just so precious. You never know what questions they are going to ask you.

Sunday Morning Church, the Kamau's and Baraka

2010-03-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 21, 2010

This morning we (the Kamau's and all the apprentices) attended church at the Pangani center. Todays topic was about encouraging the congregation to go into there community and disciple to those around there homes. They also challenged everyone to invite at least one person to church and disciple them to become a Christ following and to also invite people to church. And if I can barrow a Ben Cachiaras quote, "Pangani is making it hard to go to HELL in Nairobi!" I forgot how cool it is to have two people giving the message. One speaking in swahili and the other translating in English. Between the worship and the message it was a very powerful service. I'm looking forward to visiting more congregations in the upcoming weeks.

Last night I realized that in my blog post that I keep mentioning names and some of you may not know who I am talking about.

Mary and Wallace Kamau - 10 years ago they started the "Missions of Hope International" organization. With in the last couple of years CMF (Christian Missionary Fellowship) has partnered with there ministry. They have 3 children: Faith (13), Victory (11) and David (3). The Kamau family is so amazing and they each glow with His presence in there lives. They have also have graciously expanded there family by opening up there home to Baraka and the 6 apprentices. It will be such an awesome experience to be living with them over the next two months.

Baraka - A 13 year old boy who grew up in the sprawling slums of Nairobi, Kenya. He had three strikes against him: He was poor; he was an orphan; and he was deaf but was was able to go to school at one of the Missions of Hope Schools and through a series of amazing connections of Christians, missionaries, teachers, pastors businessmen and doctors from 4 different countries they were able to supply Baraka with the gift of hearing a speech. (If you would like to learn more about Baraka's story click here. This is one out of the millions of stories of people in the slums.) He is now living at the Kamau house and attending school at the Pangani center. It has been so much fun getting to know him over the past week. He is such a fun, smart, and strong man of God and is learning more and more everyday.

Brandon A - Kenya update Fri 19 Mar

2010-03-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

I mentioned the other day that the Kamau children had fun playing with the Photo Booth on my laptop when we were in Mombasa. At the time the internet was being slow and would not let me upload photos or video to the post. So, for your viewing pleasure here is a video David Kamau (3 years old) singing a song with Victory Kamau and Baraka goofing off in the background. You can also check out my Facebook Album to see some of the photos they took that night as well. It has been so much fun getting to know the personalities of each of there children.

Before I talk about my day let me fist say that I appreciate all the comments on my blog posts and Facebook status/photos. I enjoy reading each and every one and feel truly blessed to know that you are praying for all the good work that is happening in the Nairobi slums through Missions of Hope International and CMF. Please continue to pray for me, the other 5 apprentices, the missionaries, teachers and staff bring His light to a dark place.

This morning I woke up at 6:30 AM to get ready for a long day in the slums. I went downstairs and eat breakfast with the family (13 of us) wished Victory happy birthday and hopped in the van around 8 AM to go to the main office/Pangani Center. Today was my second day of orientation with the CHE (Community Heath Evangelism) department. This time I was shadowing Robert to the Baba Ndogo section of the slums. Because it is far from Pangani we had take a matatu there. Which is always an interesting experience.

Once we arrived in Baba Ndogo we visited several of the homes of people who have volunteered to be leaders of a CHE group in there village. Our job was to encourage and pray over those who have recently finished there training and are now trying to figure out what there community project is going to be. Most of the time these visits are fairly short (about 10 minutes) but today our last stop lasted about one and a half hours. Near the beginning of our visit she told us that they though it would be good to open a nursery/daycare center so the mother could go to work during the day. By the end of our meeting she told us about her second idea which consisted of of using her sowing machine that she currently uses outside her home to mend clothing for the community to made mosquito nets and sell them to her neighbors to help prevent the spread of malaria. Both sound like great ideas of ways to help her fellow kenyans and to spread the word of God's love. It is great to see God's hand working thru the people living in the slums change there own community.

After we were done with our visits we hopped (and I mean that literally) back on a matatu to head back to Pangani for lunch and worked at the center until it was time to leave at 3 PM to come home. As I told you earlier today Victory turned 11 years old so, for dinner we picked up several pizzas and a two of the apprentices baked him a chocolate cake with triple chocolate frosting and sprinkles on top. What a great end to a long week!

[to view a video Brandon posted, check his blog.]

Prayer for an MCC cross cultural missionary

2010-03-20T12:48:00.001-07:00

Please keep in prayer CT Abraham, an Orchard Group church planter serving with Westchester Indian Christian Church in Yonkers, north of New York City. CT is from the Kerala state if India. He and his wife & daughter will be flying to India for the funeral of his mother, who passed away earlier this weel.

Brandon A @ Kenya update Thur 18 Mar

2010-03-18T14:05:00.001-07:00

Around 6:30 last night we returned from our trip to Mombasa. It was a long and exhausting 9 hour drive but was well worth the trip. Some of the highlights of the trip was visiting Fort Jesus, touring Old Town, driving our van onto the ferry and cross the river, swimming in the pool and playing at the beach. The only downside was that Mombasa is extremely hot and humid. But the cool pool temperatures make up for the hot sun beating down on us. The Kamau children had fun one night taking photos using my laptop camera one of the nights. I will be putting those photos on my facebook page soon.

Today was my first official day working at the Missions of Hope International. Mary Kamau has me working with the CHE (Community Health Evangelism) team for my first few days of work then shadowing another leg of the ministry. Today I had the opportunity to work with Ann and Dan doing home visits following up to see how some of there core team CHE members are doing with there community projects and visited with people who are in the middle of training to be a CHE Member. It was a great experience walking thru the slums and siting in the homes of some key people that will/are making a difference in there part of the slums. For example one of the teams is trying to raise awareness of how to prevent common illnesses that are running rapid in the slums.

It has taken a few days but I think my body is finally getting adjusted to the 7 hour time difference between Kenya and Maryland. The weather has been much easier to get used to then the time difference. Today it was a high of 80 degrees and a low of 62 degrees.

Tue 16 Mar update from Tom M in Brazil

2010-03-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Had a couple of nice hard rains in the evenings that cooled the night but by day it's still quite hot.

Yesterday (Monday) after tiring but good meetings we went to the Shopping Dom Pedro to buy Brazilian goodies (coffee, candy, etc.) then back home and to bed around midnight. Brazil is a nocturnal culture...seems like thing really come to life here around 8pm and wrap up around midnight....gets tiring but it's FUN!

Rolled out of bed at 7:00 for a 7:45 ride to bfast at Romana in Cambui with Pierre (Interclass) to talk about exchange programs as an option with CMF, the US based churches and the church here.

Been meeting today since 9 with a lunch at Strog & Noff...good stuff and lots of it...no need for supper tonight.

It has been exciting to hear the plans for the growth and multiplication of the Koinonia Christian Church here.

Some of the outcomes/take aways from our time here are as follows:

* Learn about Community Health Evangelism as the method for Neighborhood Transformation
* Desire for more teams to come to enrich the Kingdom nature of church growth in Brazil.
* Two of the pastors to come to the NACC in Indy in July.
* How we can help with the training and disciple making throught this and future church plants.

I will start my journey home tomorrow...has been great to be back in Brazil...the sights, sounds and smells have transported me back to our days as missionaries here. But it's GREAT to see the growth of More and Better Disciples here!

Will make one last post tomorrow. [Tom M]

FAME updates via Facebook

2010-03-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

For those w/ Facebook accounts, you can follow some more info about the FAME medical mission trips here http://www.facebook.com/pages/FAME/71994656766

Update from Haiti medical team (Dawn Ament)

2010-03-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Down here, sweating, dirty, working hard- the usual when being led by God.
It is so sad here and so much to take in. I love all. Please pray the
team stays healthy and our stamina hangs in. Tell Tom and Ben I am trying
to "represent Mountain well". Take care. I am praying for Glynn. -- Dawny

Update from Tom M in Brazil

2010-03-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Brazil a bit late on Saturday morning because of our late departure. It is very hot here and has rained each day.

Saturday was spent doing what Brazilians do best...eating, talking, being together, laughing, investing in each others lives.

Our Sunday was also well invested in a Brazilian cookout (churrasco) with all kinds of meat, veggies, bread and soda (but no Mountain Dew...bummer). The service started at 7:30 and went til 9:30.

There are three guys that are recognized as Pastoral Leadership...Denilson, Fernando and Vinicius. These guys are committed to the idea that the Church MUST be lived out where people do life on a daily basis.

The new body (Koinonia Christian Church) is thriving even at only one year old. The essence of this church plant is to be an Organic Church that finds its “feet“ by being Jesus in the neighborhoods and workplaces of the members.

The service was attended by 60 or so and meets on the 16th floor of a hotel in the middle of the city. Denilson preached and I translated from Portuguese to English as we have some other English speakers here. The question that drove the message was, “Why am I a Christian?“. In a nutshell Denilson answered this by saying...I am a Christian because the Cross is empty, Jesus has overcome all of my sin/faults and now I will serve Him with all of my life.

There were constant reminders of our need to BE JESUS “out there“ because of what Christ did on the Cross. Following Christ is realized by getting out of our seats on Sunday and living out our faith in the trenches of life.

Now it‘s Monday and we are meeting with the Pastors of the church. There are 4 partners around the table as we are meeting (I am multitasking and taking a break from translating to write this)...the partners are Koinonia Christian Church, University Christian Church (Manhattan Kansas), Mountain Christian and Christiam Missionary Fellowship. Our goal in meeting in these few days is to see how we can partner together to multiply church plants, employ Community Health Evangelism (CHE www.chenetwork.org) and encourage the body that has grown throughout this past year.

I will write more soon with some take aways from our time together.

Please PRAY for God‘s presence as we meet, pray and dream about what God can/will do through this local body! [Tom M]

Brandon Adams update

2010-03-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 13, 2010

I have arrived in Nairobi

The last two days of traveling has been long and exhausting. Wallace and David Freeze (one of the 6 apprentices) living at Mary and Wallace's House picked me up from the airport. I am now sitting on the top bunk of my bedroom with David beneath me also working on his computer.

On my way to the house Wallace told me that tomorrow the Kamau family, the 6 apprentices and Baraka are going on a short vacation to Mombasa until Wednesday. So I guess that means that I have a 8 hour car ride tomorrow morning and then hanging out on the beach, and touring my first few days in Kenya. We will be staying with Mary's brother Charles and his wife while there.

Well it's getting late here and is time for me to head to bed. I will not be able to post again until we return from Mombasa. Utukufu kwaka!

THREE short/mid term mission trips from Mountain

2010-03-14T05:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend MCC launched THREE short-term or mid-length cross-cultural mission trips:

Brandon Adams departed for two months internship to Nairobi, Kenya. You can follow his journey directly at his blog Mission to Kenya.
Nurses Dawn Ament and Roxanne Hann depart to serve with a Haiti relief medical mission team w FAME (Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism). MCC continues to collect medical supplies for Haiti relief. Keep Dr Glynn Wells in your prayers. Though he planned to go also, he was not able to participate because he was hospitalized Fri PM with a possible blood vessel rupture.
Tom Moen departed for Brazil to work alongside church planters.

Thailand team last day - 11 Feb 2010 "a wonderful and productive trip"

2010-02-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

First, let us talk about the 10th; our last day of official works in Northern Thailand. As a team we split up again. The Taylor’s were working with local pastors and adults at the Thai Christian Fellowship in the morning (their theme was Biblical examples of counselor character and how they should behave). The Taylor’s, for the first time, were able to divide the class into four groups. The Burmese and Thai style of learning is very instructor intensive; while we like interaction in American education. The groups were very successful and they actually communicated openly about their thoughts and questions.

The rest of the team (Jim, Larry, Renda, Lois, Min and Kyu Kyu) were at Love and Care School working with the upper grade students. They were helping the students with fluoride treatments, English as a second language, and puppet skit creation and judging. (The two winning teams would present their skit to the Hway Kay Loke Orphanage later in the evening.) At noon we all ate at the Thai Christian Fellowship. Jim and Larry stayed at TCF and introduced the pastors and adults to Community Health Evangelism CHE. Jim and Larry reported that group discussion was very good and they felt very successful with their presentation. After lunch the Taylor’s moved over to the Love and Care School and helped the team with the rest of the afternoon (more fluoride treatments and taking photos).

The highlight of the day was going to Hway Kay Loke for the evening. It was supper time and a hundred+ children were ready to eat. They sang and prayed. They lined up with their bowls. They received their portions with respect. They went to eat at, we are sure, their usual locations. Then someone said, “Seconds.” Many of the children ran to the server station for the meat, which the team had purchased, for this special meal. The extra pot of rice was also popular with the boys who dove in with bowl or hands to receive an additional portion. Praise God for our supporters who enabled us to provide this special meal. But the biggest treat of the evening was still ahead. The teens from Love and Care School presented a “Traditional Karen Dance” in full/beautiful red and white costume. We will have photographs and video at the celebration dinner. One team member stated an American saying, not to be derogatory, “They really cleaned up well.” After the dance the two winning teams, from Love and Care, presented their puppet skits. Each team had written and directed their health informational skits. The little children laughed and thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment in their own language. It was a great night. The team returned to the DK Hotel for our final night in Mae Sot. We had our final Mae Sot meals at the Canadian owned local restaurant in the evening and our final breakfast at the local New Zealand owned restaurant on the following morning. (How’s that for a run-on sentence.)

We left Mae Sot with a little fearfulness about our trip home and if would arrive home on time. Would we have cancelled flights or what? It is an eight hour drive back to Bangkok. We debriefed on several themes. What was the best experience, the most unexpected, the least favorite thing, most inspirational, etc, etc? It would be unfair for the writer to characterize individual responses. However, the team would say, without any doubt or argument, “This was a wonderful and productive trip.” Let us count the ways:
1. We were able to experience, not all, but many of the ministry locations that Somchai has developed over his 30 years in Thailand. He is very worthy of our support!
2. We were able to meet young pastors who will be the backbone of the mission in years to come.
3. We were able to see the wonderful kindness/gentleness of people trapped in Refugee camps who have Christ and each other for strength.
4. We were able to teach new ideas and concepts, like CHE, to their willing/listening ears and hearts.
5. We were able to impact hundreds of children with new health ideas and lessons. We also let them know that Jesus is Lord of their life through skits and fun filled interaction. The children were able to know that because all we did was in the name of Jesus.
6. We were able to share the pain of Min and Kyu Kyu when they left relatives in two different camps. Min and Kyu Kyu were able to bring to life the real problem of the Karen and Burmese people.
7. We were able to more fully understand the difficulty of Urban Missions. Most of us said, “It was the hardest part of the trip.”
8. We were able to feel the emptiness of Buddhist idols. The opulence of the shrines of Buddha and the surrounding poverty.
9. We were able to know, as a team, that this mission is one that we would want to return to with a larger group.
10. We know any larger group should be divided to spend more days at one location with a continuity of lessons. Some ideas were: Medical, English Education, Bible Study, Counseling, Health Education, the possibilities are endless.
11. We know that Somchai would welcome individuals who could commit to longer periods of time for specific jobs. (We met a woman at our last breakfast in Mae Sot who was from Detroit who volunteers at Hway Kay Loke – we had no idea she was even there.)
12. We were able to recognize and appreciate, at a much more sensitive level, our families, our church and our Savior. We thank you – family, church, and Lord.

We are in Bangkok. We know our flight is cancelled. We know that our “fearless leader and world traveler” Jim Boyle is doing all he can to get us home in a timely manner. He just told us we are flying to Los Angeles, skipping Tokyo, and then a “Red-eye” to Dulles – but Helen Boyle is the official spokesperson for the reality of our return. Listen to her.

There are untold stories that we did not have time to write. If you have any questions about anything on our trip, please do not hesitate to ask any team members. If we left you hanging; wanting to know more, come to the Celebration Dinner on March 14th. We love you and hope to see you within the next 48 hours. (Have the snow plowed please.) --- The Thailand Team

- - - - -

Dear Family & Friends,
. . . . Their travel home has been delayed due to the weather so please keep them in your prayers as they re-route and arrive at Dulles Airport on Saturday morning at 6:24AM.
They will actually begin their journey home at 3:30PM (Thailand Time) Friday afternoon (3:30AM Friday our time). They will fly directly to Los Angeles and then on to Dulles. A special thank you to Dennis Curran and Alex Lozada for waking up in the wee hours to meet them.
Blessings, Helen Boyle

Thailand team - travel update - return posponed until Sat AM 13 Feb

2010-02-11T07:16:00.001-08:00

Keep our Thailand team in prayer because the most recent mid-Atlantic snowstorm has postponed their return to Dulles Intl Airport until 6:30am Saturday (deferred from original Fri afternoon arrival)

Thailand team 8-9 Feb 2010 Noh Bo Bible College + Thai Chr Fellowship / Love & Care School

2010-02-09T18:54:00.000-08:00

The team was really tired after our trip in Noh Bo Bible College; so you did not receive an update from us on the 8^th. The trip, on the 8^th was a small roller coaster ride this time. We had to travel two hours to get to the College. We were greeted by Pastor Jolly who personifies his name. When the team was in Thailand in 2008 there were about 40 college students, with the requisite number of teachers and leaders. So, on the trip up we were wondering what half the team was going to do with their time. They have always worked with the younger children. Yes, you guessed it. The college started a school for the children of the village and a very small refugee camp population that we did not know about. When we arrived there were (Drum roll please) ---- 90 children waiting to be entertained and directed for games. But, our resourceful team was ready.

The children’s bag was the “Everywhere We Go” bag. Most of the children in this village school had never had a photograph of themselves. Village parents came to pick up their children and they were excited. The team was truly ready!! The current college student population was only about 20, but our team was ready for instruction with them as well. (The kid side of the team has received most of the surprises. The adult side is “business as usual.”

During lunch Somchai was talking, we were having noodles with hot sauce, that came in small packages. Somchai kept talking and did not pay attention to what he was putting into his coffee. He picked up a sugar packet, he thought, and put it in his coffee – you guessed it – it was very hot chilli powder sauce for the noodles. After he realized what he had done he said, “I like it that way.” (He was kidding – he got a new cup of coffee.)

Our team meeting debrief on the 8^th was excellent. The reflection was about Somchai and how he had scheduled us into all the camps and the many church “encouragements.” Somchai told us that he had expected to receive some emphatic “No’s” about going into the camps, but as God would have it we got into every requested camp. If we had a bigger team we could have probably made it into all the camps. Maybe that is a dream for the future.

Somchai is truly a Pauline missionary with excellent relationships, contacts, and influence. His focus is not on report writing and administration. We had a chance to meet his “Silas and Barnabas”. Both individuals are younger; they are Thai citizens and have connections with authorities that Somchai would probably never have. (Paul had Roman citizenship – Somchai is Burmese not Thai.) The last time the team was here we asked, “Somchai, who will replace you when you die.” We think he now has the answer. Somchai is also hoping one day someone will come from Mountain and stay for 3-6 months. Because this is the second mission trip from MCC Somchai no longer feels like an “orphan nor a widow.”

There was a special moment for one of the team members who said, “I have received lots of hugs on mission trips in the past, but I have never been kissed. A little girl kissed me on the cheek and hugged me. I was so excited.” said Renda. This debriefing was also unusual in that we talked about our families back home; we talked about our parents and grandparents. (We think we are just a little homesick to see our loved ones even though some of the team has talked with their family every day – it is not the same as eye-to-eye and cheek-to-cheek.) We slept really well that night.

As the team is writing this it is really the 9^th – the Super Bowl is over. No one here watched it on the 8^th – the game started at 7:00 a.m. local time. We were eating breakfast and then going into the fields – no time for the Super Bowl. (After all – if the Ravens or the Vikings were not playing we really didn’t care.) Today’s work was local; no long distance travel. We were at Love and Care School right outside of Mae Sot and the Thai Christian Fellowship in Mae Sot. Jerry and Sylvia were at the Thai Christian Fellowship teaching Conflict Resolution, which was a follow-up from the last mission trip. This group was all adults. Half of this group were pastors. For the first time we had some lively interaction. There were questions about church conflict, couple conflict, parenting conflict, etc. The Taylor’s taught both morning and afternoon sessions.

The Love and Care School part of the team which consisted of Larry, Jim, Renda, Lois, Min and Kyu Kyu had a wonderful day. The Love and Care School is the upper school—ages (14-19 years). There were about 60 teens attending the sessions. The team said, “Kids are kids; they enjoyed everything we did. When we made a visible mistake in the skit with Jesus, the kids laughed. When were teaching English as a Second Language and asked them to give us words for clothing using any letter is the alphabet – one of the boys said, ‘U stands for underwear.’ and the rest of the class laughed.” It was a great day. “These kids are able to communicate back to us and were fun to work with. We took their photographs and they were just as excited as the younger children.”

The Love and Care School has made some very good progress in the facilities since we were last here.

The Taylor’s were transported to the Love and Care School when their sessions ended. Jim, Jerry and Sylvia talked with some of the boys who asked, “Do you remember us?” and they really did. We asked them, “Tell us what you learned about conflict when we were here last time?” They were able to tell us! Jim asked them about the water treatment lessons. They repeated the steps and specific information that was important in the process! Needless to say we were excited that they remembered our teaching. TOM – The boys asked, “Where is _____ (then made gestures with their arms)?” You mean Tom? The gesture they were making was the gesture for “SOLID” which was Tom’s favored saying on the last trip. We informed them that Tom had moved to New York but he was following our trip on internet emails and sorry he could not come this time. These boys are now 18 and 19 and will be leaving the school soon to join the world of adults. We cannot keep them young forever nor protect them from the future, but we can teach them about life skills and a relationship with Jesus Christ. AMEN! --- The Thailand Team

Thai team 7 Feb 2010 worship w refugees behind barbed wire

2010-02-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

In the last message we reported that the camp had five churches and the team had accepted to “preach” at three of them. Well let us tell you an interesting flexibility story.

Upon arrival the team was again asked to preach at all five churches but we politely declined citing a need to remain in teams of 2-3 persons. So at Church 1 Larry delivered the “encouragement” (that’s what they call the sermon) accompanied by Jim and Lois. Unexpectedly, Lois was put on the spot to give “encouragement” to the children (Remember what “encouragement” meant?) At Church 2, Jerry gave the encouragement accompanied by Sylvia and Renda. At Church 3, Min did the same at his location with Kyu Kyu. Somchi agreed to cover the fourth location. All these services were going on simultaneously; remember there are five churches.

The groups are heading back to the “office” meeting location on different paths (remember the camp holds over 50,000 people) and we all miraculously end up at the 5th church. Jerry’s group arrived first and we were asked to share our “testimony,” which we did. About the time we finished – Larry’s group arrived and they were asked to share their “testimony.” Next to arrive were Min and Kyu Kyu and finally Somchai. Now, you know what’s going to happen next? You guessed it – they asked, “Who is going to provide the encouragement?” Larry “drew the short straw” as they say (even though anyone of us would have told our encouragement again). The fifth church had waited for at least an hour and a half for us to arrive. They were not going to be denied hearing the Word of God from the visitors from Mountain Christian Church in America. What a lesson in patience (you may say, “Well, they are living behind barbed wire and they have nothing else to do.”); they view the “encouragement” as the high light of their week. WOW. We hope we view our own worship in the same way.

Next there were lessons to be taught. One lesson was “Teaching English as a Second Language” with kids and adults. Other lessons, for adults, were “Living with Jesus Day to Day;” followed by “The Power of Prayer.” The team was excited to teach our prepared lessons and, as usual, have a sense of flexibility. The senior leader of the Christians in the camp is 72 years of age; two years ago he sent his whole family to America stating, “I am too old to go; I am not finished my work here.” Whether it was fear of the unknown or faith in the known, it was wonderful to see him again. (Tom and Alex we know you are following these messages – Samson is still here, we have photographs of him and his new baby boy. The young woman who was to give birth any day (when you were here in 2008) and was given the “stuffed toy” by Alex is still here – she had a boy. Wish you two were here. The Mae La Camp has many gracious Christian people.)

In the “Power of Pray” class we taught A.C.T.S. Oddly, (tongue-in-cheek) the adults had never heard of this method of prayer. The process was excellent. Here are a few of the things they said for each of the letters: (remember, we are in a camp – behind barbed wire – with very limited access to the outside world.)

A (Adoration) = 1) God, you provide for me everyday. 2) The blessings of God come everyday and I respond in love. and 3) He is our Castle; He is our protector.

C (Confession) = 1) I, when I was younger, insulted God every day; now I am saved. 2) I don’t always obey the Word of God. 3) I insulted my neighbor and my brother; I am sorry.

T (Thanksgiving) = 1) I am thankful for a healthy family; for food; the life He gives to us. 2) I am thankful that the Lord forgives my sins; I am safe in this camp. 3) I am thankful that God is in this camp. 4) I am thankful to God for the ability to speak openly about my faith in Him.

S (Supplication) = 1) I would like to be like this group from Mountain Christian Church who can come to other countries and spread the news of God. 2) I want to be a witness for God and the chance to do it. 3) I want a chance and the strength to help the poor.

It was wonderful that the adults felt free to talk openly during this session. This is not the style of teaching/learning that usually happens in this part of the world.

There is much to tell about the lessons with the children but we will save that for another day.

Finally, at supper this evening we were able to talk with Somchai alone. The following are our observations:

· In the three camps that we visited Somchai has the ability, through his presence, to touch over 120,000 individuals.

· He has five churches in Mae La camp, and one each in the other two camps. He has a church in Mae Sot. He influences the Love and Care School and the Wickalow Orphanage.

· There are 17 pastors that Somchai influences in the above situations.

· Somchai has been here almost 30 years, doing his Pauline style mission work.

· Somchai had the “feel of a single parent” when he had no visitors from Mountain Christian Church, but now he “feels more empowered to minister.”

· Somchai said, “The team becomes the face of Mountain Christian Church and people around me now have a different respect for me and my ministry; even the government officials.

· This is a symbiotic relationship – Somchai and teams from Mountain Christian Church.

· It was also observed, “Just think when the camps are closed and the Christians are released from their long time of study and patience – what a blessing the world is in for – when they disperse across the globe or simply back to their homelands.”

AMEN – The Thailand Team

Thailand team 6 Feb 2010 "Pray that one day they will be united w/o barbed wire around them nor separating them"

2010-02-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Our plan was to wake up by 6:30 a.m. but we were made aware, at 6:00 a.m., by loud speakers in the village that lasted for 30 minutes, that today was Election Day. Now, don’t get excited about free elections in Thailand. The elections are for the village council only. The Mayor is appointed; the Governor is appointed and the King is the Royal Family. Not so much democracy for a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call. Other than that the morning was fine. An order of scrambled eggs turns out to be an omelet with Thai spices accompanied by a “burning” feeling after the swallow.

Today was a four hour travel day back to Mae Sot. In total it was more like a three hour roller-coaster ride that makes Cedar Point feel like a kiddy ride. The hairpin turns; heights and depths of each dip with a noticeable bumpiness the whole way were a little much. Two of the team members who have never been car-sick, had their ½ gallon plastic bags ready just in case. Some of the team members have driven the whole length of the Blue Ridge/Skyline Drive; except for the lack of fall colors, the views beat anything they had ever seen.

On a more serious note, about half way back to Mae Sot the team stopped at the camp at Umpium. You will remember this is the camp were Kyu Kyu’s sister-in-law, niece and nephew are housed. They were able to meet us at the front gate and allowed to cross the road. We had taken photos of the family and stopped to give them to them. There, we encircled them and prayed for them. (As they say, “There was not a dry eye in the house.” – the team is uncertain how Min and Kyu Kyu were able to drive away after seeing their relatives go back behind the barbed wire. Pray for Min and Kyu Kyu and their family. Pray that one day they will be united with out barbed wire around them nor separating them. (We know they were able to leave because of their faith and trust in God that will one day answer their/our prayers.)

By the end of the of the four hour drive back to Mae Sot, the team had decided they would go straight to Wikalow Orphanage. The children at the orphanage now total over 180 (in 2008, our first trip, about 80 orphans lived there). Somchai told us, the persecution in Burma has increased and parents/families are sending their children across the borders to safe places. Wikalow is a safe place, but it is small, undermanned, and bursting at the seams. They need more housing and adult leaders. We hope we can make a difference in their situation as we tell their story and financial support grows for the Christian children housed there. Another new addition to the Wikalow community was armed check points on the road to the orphanage. But despite all that – the children were waiting for us to arrive. We sang songs; we photographed all of them (only 161 were willing). We will be traveling back to them later this week for games and crafts. The team commented on how obedient and cooperative the children were. It was the perfect ending after a long and tiresome day.

Tomorrow, Sunday, we will be in Mae La Refugee Camp. This camp holds over 50,000 refugees. The team will split up into three teams. Three of the team members will be preaching at three of the five Christian Churches in the camp. Min will lead and peach for one team; he needs no translator. Jerry and Larry will lead and preach for the other two teams – translators are a must – which means longer or shorter sermons. (Alex, at least we knew days ahead of time rather than minutes upon arriving at the camp.) Pray for the teams, their messages and their interactions with the people at Mae La.

By the way, it has not gone un-noticed, by the team, that you are having snow of “Epic Proportions” (as defined by the English speaking cable news networks) in the Middle Atlantic States. We have heard about some electric outages, etc. etc. For those of you who are in those areas, “We are Praying for you.” (Please have the snow removed by the time we arrive back home.) --- The Thailand Team

Thailand team 5 Feb 2010 from village UpPhang

2010-02-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the mountain side village of UpPhang Thailand. We are in the natural living grounds of the Mhong Tribe people (you will have to google them). The temperature here is a balmy 80 degrees with a light pleasant breeze during the day and probably 70 degrees at night. (We hear that those in Maryland are due for a big snow storm. Tell the Taylor family that the snow blower is in the shed – have fun. )

We did not write to you yesterday because it was very late and we were very tired. Our journey to the first refugee camp yesterday was three hours from Mae Sot. We have not seen, ever, the many “hair-pin” turns on mountain roads that we saw yesterday and today. (Not in West Virginia and Hawaii – we don’t think that famous street in San Francisco counts either.) What an incredible journey. If you are ever car sick, the journey to this village and refugee camps is not the journey for you. Needless to say we were glad to reach our only stop for the day – the Umpium refugee camp.

We were greeted with a lunch, Indian style on the floor, of traditional Burmese and Thai foods. As one of the team members stated, “They have pulled out all the stops and given us the best they have.” This was and is a very humbling experience. This camp had approximately 30,000 people (give or take away a 1,000 or 2,000). We also learned that this camp has Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims (any religious group) within the barbed wire. We learned that the dictatorship in Burma is currently killing or retraining all religious groups. This camp and others are growing substantially because of that persecution. One of our team members, Kyu Kyu, actually has family members in this camp – her sister-in-law and a niece and nephew. It was hard leaving them behind. They have their papers to be relocated to anywhere in the world, but they do not have the money to essentially bribe the government for their release.

Today, the 5^th, we traveled to the Nu Pho refugee camp; this camp has approximately 40,000 people. They were not behind barbed wire – this camp is really close to nothing – not even a main road. Our driver was anxious about his new van on these very rough roads (he had already damaged his van on the roads in Umpium Refugee camp). We were again greeted with a lunch with the pastors and leaders of the Christians in the camp. All the people we encountered were and are incredibly kind and happy to see us. It reminds us of the stories of Paul in the New Testament when he talked about greeting the people in Christ – it brings tears to our collective eyes.

A summary of the two days activities are almost identical:

- Jerry and Min conducted two CHE Bible Studies 1) Forgiveness 2) The Attributes of God

- Sylvia and Larry conducted two CHE Christian Living Studies 1) Jesus Teachings on Love (Love your enemies) 2) How to Pray for Others.

- Renda, Lois, Kyu Kyu, and Jim lead Youth Ministry activities (what a blast!) 1) A puppet show about Hygiene. 2) Songs with the puppets and Jesus. 3) Balloon hats. 4) Photographs with each of the children in their Balloon hats. 5) Bounce-out Dodge Ball. 6) Juggle ball groups. Etc. etc. Eventually, there were sooo many kids, all the team was involved in some way with the children’s activities. The children were so excited; so were their parents.

- Each camp day was approximately 4-5 hours of teaching and activity time. The drives back to our Guest House were 2 hours going and 2 hours coming.

Today, we also traveled to a new construction site that Somchai is building within ½ mile of the Burmese border. On the border there is a small village with many children and young people. Somchai is going to build and equip a Christian Activity Center that has computers (used of course) and the regular “stuff” that youth expect today. His hope is to attract some of the Buddhist children to understand that just like the internet – God is everywhere.

When we returned to UpPhang, this evening, we reflected about the two camps we visited. The first question was difficult, “What do you think about the living conditions at the camp?” Renda and Jim put our experience into perspective when they said, “The conditions are good.” Another team member stated, “Define good.” The reply, “There is no raw sewage in the streets or pathways. The children are clothed and fed. Parents are attentive to their children. The children have a school (primitive) and a residence that is neat and clean. They have a church area to worship in.” Jim and Renda have both been to the Kenyan slums and their perspective reflected their knowledge. The rest of the team only has our Thailand experience.

It was interesting that at least two team members who walked down an alley way in Bangkok thought even the refugee camp was better than the city. (We told you Urban Ministry is difficult.) All of us agreed that we would never want to be in a place that would restrict our local travel nor allow us to work. We also recognized that the people we encountered in the last two days were happy to see American Christians. We were a breath of fresh air from a dull daily routine within a camp that does not promote hope.

But, we were with people who know, without any doubt when you hear them sing, that their hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of you may recall, at a time in Christian circles in America, when “Concerts of Prayer” were popular. You have never heard a real “Concert of Prayer” until you hear the many voices of people trapped in a place they do not want to be. They end everything with Amen – “Lord, Let It Be.” God bless the people we encountered today with your Grace, Mercy, and Love. AMEN. --- The Thailand Team

Thailand team 3 Feb 2010

2010-02-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

After eight hours in a van or Somchai’s pick-up truck we are in Mae Sot!!! We had a safe trip and learned again that traffic lines on the road are only suggestions and not the law.

First, we want to reflect on our activities on the 2^nd of February. Urban missions or ministry is very difficult and the Coley’s are to be praised for their work here. They have been at the University for eight years. They said, “In those eight years we have baptized about eight people. We have averaged about one conversion a year.” That is difficult work. The team remarked that our activity level for the first four days in Thailand was slow, by our American standards. None of us felt like we would be called to such a ministry, but a favorite Bible word did come to mind – perseverance. God has blessed the Coley’s with that gift.

We also know that neither we nor they have any idea if only one of those conversions will be the next (name you favorite Christian leader) person to bring many to Christ. Greg Coley gave us a tour of the University (ranked #2 in Thailand) and the team sat in a public place and prayed for the students, the professors, the Grapevine Christian Campus Ministry, and anything else that came to our minds. We visited the Coley’s home and met their three children (we had already seen them on Sunday) but this was in their environment and it was good.

Our job at Grapevine was to serve the university students at their Souper Tuesday event. The ladies, on the team, shopped for the ingredients of Bob Taylor’s famous “Crab-balls” with Old Bay seasoning. The men went shopping for supplies that would be sent back to the Sunday kid’s activity (another Grapevine project). The leaders needed folders and other materials to keep the children’s individual “stuff” in, so it would be protected from week to week. The afternoon was spent preparing the “crab-balls” and vegetable trays and homemade dip. We helped set-up the activity center with tables and chairs.

All individuals involved for the coming evening stopped and prayed for the influx of university students and the purpose of the evening – sharing Christ in a Buddhist world. We played games, watched very short parts of “The Passion of Christ” (subtitled in English and Thai languages). Questions were asked about a God that would willingly give up His life for the benefit of the world. No other god has ever done that! The question was answered in small groups and in Thai language so the team did not know the answers given, but God knows what He is doing with each one there and the leadership of a very difficult urban mission.

After trying, and not being very successful, in flagging down taxis at 9:45 pm to go back downtown, we were able to get two taxis that were willing to make the trip without charging extra.

Next, let us tell you about today and our travel to Mae Sot. Thailand countryside is very pretty, especially as you get closer to the mountains. The rice fields are planted (the #1 export) and building seems to still be going on in Thailand. Roads are being paved and widened. Gas was 23.68 Baht a ½ liter. You can look that up and know that gas is still cheap in the U.S. We also traveled some toll roads getting out of Bangkok; the urban worl
d was left behind.

As we came closer to Mae Sot we began to encounter police and army checkpoints. Somchai said, “Most of the time they are checking for drugs or illegal’s” (like the people we will see tomorrow and the following two days). Most of you know that the refugee camps are filled, for the most part, with Christians who have fled Burma. Somchai told us today, “The dictatorship in Burma is now targeting all religious groups for destruction or retraining. Refugees are becoming greater in Thailand.” (We also learned, on our trip to the Grand Palace, that the Burmese Kings, 100’s of years ago, were always fighting with the Thai Kings and this is why any Burmese refugees are kept behind barbed-wire. They are still not trusted by the Thai people.)

Finally, we made two additional stops along the way. One was in a “Hillside Tribal” market where Somchai bought some root spices that he can only find here. The people were very friendly. The second stop was not far from Mae Sot; here was a statue/shrine of the regional spirit that watched over the area. As native people drove by they would “honk” their horns to acknowledge the presence of their protector god.

We are in a land that does not lack for many of the basics of life, but we are in a land that is stuck in idol worship and animism. Also, FYI we are at the DK Hotel where a sign in the lobby states, “No Child Sex Trade Allowed.” That’s another story. ---- The Thailand Team

Thailand team 1 Feb 2010

2010-02-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, the day began early for a couple on the team. They woke up at 4:00 a.m. and could not go back to sleep. So, they had a “hot tea party” while she read her Bible and he read more of “The Reason for God.” The team met for breakfast at8:00 a.m. Jim noted the variety of food that greeted us every morning. Renda had devotions based on Mark 8:1-10. Her theme was compassion – this evolved into a long discussion time about missions, Christianity, world religions and purpose.

We met at 10:00 a.m. to go to the Grand Palace. Believe it or not – we did not take the traditional taxi – we took a river taxi (a much cooler ride on a very hot day and about the same price). The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings established in 1782 (about the time of the founding of the United States). The Grand Palace was the Royal residence and contained the throne halls (no Royal family lives there today). When a new king is enthroned he spends the first night as ruler in the original bedchamber of the kings. This is an act of tradition showing that he is assuming his power. Also, in the complex is the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha (one of Greg Coley’s interns said, “It’s really the throne of Satan.”). The Emerald Buddha is really carved from a block of Jade sitting on a Thai throne. In 1434 the image was covered in plaster to hide its worth, but when the plaster began to fall off, many years later, it was mistaken for green emerald and the name stuck. (Now that you have that interesting fact we’ll turn to the team opinions of the Grand Palace.)

All the team was amazed at the opulence of the buildings. The glitters of gold and porcelain were every where. The statues were very detailed and strange (like the one that looked like a rooster (no not Renda’s rubber chicken) with the beak of an eagle and growing out of the top of the beak – an elephants trunk). There were guards in stark white uniforms; that stood at attention like the Buckingham guards. All that opulence surrounded by poverty. Thai people were admitted free to the Grand Palace, but the real kicker was many came with a gift of an egg or flowers or purchased some sacrifice to be offered on the grounds (not the same as the blood sacrifice of the Jews in the Old Testament). The team was also struck by the total pagan idol look and feeling of the grounds – while we’re sure that the Thai’s saw themselves as standing on holy ground. We talked about how today’s Christians may want to visit the Holy Land, but we know that God is every where and His Spirit is in everything, so therefore He is with us regardless of where we are. What a comforting feeling.

After a hot day in the Grand Palace (maybe Greg’s intern was right) we headed back to the hotel. We actually had difficulty finding a taxi that would take us, but our fearless leader prevailed.

We had lunch at the hotel and then four of the team decided to follow Renda’s idea about foot massages. Oh, it felt so good.

The rest of the evening was devoted to dividing up all the games, toys, and assignments for the real work of the rest of our trip. We unloaded eight bags of stuff and rearranged them into compact kits for three refugee camps, two orphanage schools and the small Bible College. More supply shopping tomorrow and “Souper Tuesday” with the Coley’s at the University. We are going to be up at 6:00 a.m. for a long day of work. It is estimated that we will not return to the hotel until 11:00 p.m. So, tomorrow night you may not have a detailed update. --- The Thailand Team

Thailand team Sunday 31 January 2010

2010-01-31T12:34:00.000-08:00

Breakfast was served at 8:00 a.m. after a long night’s sleep (at least 8-10 hours). Lois led the morning devotions. Her theme was “Forgiveness” from three Old Testament sources.

Off to Church on the elevated train (with some adventure and misdirection); we finally arrived at an air-conditioned building that is owned by the church (they are able to say with pride). The church was started 35 years ago by six individuals who spoke English. The attraction for the community was that this church was a place to learn how to speak English. The congregation now totals a little over 100. The sermon was given by a female co-pastor; who is one of the founding six individuals. Her message was “we should not be seeds like the ones found in the pyramids that were in darkness for thousand of years. Those seeds did not bear fruit. We must plant and bear fruit today for Jesus.” After church they served lunch for the entire congregation.

The team rehearsed some of the planned children’s activities for our visit to an “inner-city slum.” However, after the rehearsal we were treated to some Swenson Ice Cream on a very hot day, a wonderful surprise. On our walks to and from the church we passed rows and rows of people selling and trading Buddha statues, necklaces, pendants, etc, etc. One of the team members commented on the similarity of this situation to that of many Old and New Testament stories about selling and keeping idols.

The team, along with members of the church, piled into taxis and traveled into the edge of the “slum.” We walked across a paved bridge and saw many people on the road and outside their houses. We met the children in a small square; we set up our learning stations. The church team goes into this “slum” every week to work with the children (so we were their support). However, we made this week special. The team made balloon hats, took the children’s pictures, printed them out and created a photo necklace for each child. The kids were excited, but several of the parents were just as excited to maybe have their first photo of their child. One of the Thai women turned out to be a great balloon hat maker. The team had ball tosses with color recognition for each age group. We spent about two hours with wonderful interaction with children and adults. (There were a few adults who seemed to be sour about the kids having fun with “these” people, but that was just a perception – we were safe and secure.) Some of the team, who went into a building by the square, remarked, “It was dark and oppressive.”

We traveled back to the hotel, by taxi, at around 6:30 p.m. No time to wash-up or relax. It was time for dinner. We traveled, by taxi again (taxis in Thailand are cheap – about 30 cents or 100 Baht), to the Cafe Laos. Jim and Min expertly selected the right combination of platters for a great meal. We had our team meeting and ended with prayer in the Cafe. Back to the hotel, by taxi of course, to a well deserved nights rest. --- The Thailand Team

Thailand team arrives in Bangkok - 30 Jan 2010

2010-01-30T13:06:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Bangkok airport 11:30 Friday. By the time we gathered the luggage it was 2:00 am Saturday morning.

Most of the team slept about six hours before getting up for breakfast. Some only slept for about an hour. We sporadically met (sleeping in) for breakfast. The buffet was very good with all kinds of foods available – traditional and Thai.

After breakfast we met with Greg Coley (CMF missionary) to plan the next couple of days in Bangkok. Min led devotions about being “shrewd as serpent and gentle as a dove” while we are in Thailand. The group walked to the “elevated train” for a trip to the open market (Chuchuck). The market was not like “Target” according to Min, but it was filled with most anything you want to imagine. Renda came all the way to Thailand to walk away with a “rubber chicken” that makes noise – we are sure she will let everyone listen to her chicken. The market had new smells that are sensitive to most of us. Lois had Pepsi in a bag. The vendor took the glass bottle and poured the contents into a plastic bag and gave her a straw. A new experience for her.

After short naps and Renda’s foot massage, next to the hotel, we were off to dinner on the River of Kings. The Thai traditional meal was very good. The scenery along the river was filled with the opulence of the Kings buildings and the slums of Old Bangkok. The meal came complete with traditional Thai music and native dancers.

Back at the hotel we met for reflections of the day. We had a short meeting and prayer. Before bed the team is gathering the supplies we need to tomorrow. Tomorrow morning will be working at the church with the Coley’s. --- The Thailand Team

Thailand team - travel update January 28, 2010

2010-01-29T06:46:00.000-08:00

We meet at Mountain Christian Church at 7:30 am. We load a van with eight people and another van with 16 pieces of luggage and carry-ons. After prayer with family and friends, who came to see us off, we leave at 8:00 am from the parking lot.

Dennis Curran driving and Min Thike navigating we weave through traffic on our way to Dulles International airport.

When we arrive Jim converts the money we need for Thailand into Thai Baht. We have several thousand dollars to exchange. He is told that he will take all the Thai currency that is available in the local exchange. They are giving him all the denominations that they can scrounge.

We begin to hear our flight called. We walk quickly (it was a long walk). At one point Jim begins to run to the gate to make sure we are not left behind. (Earlier Jim had teased us that we were being diverted to Africa – so we kept up.) All was well and we were not the last to board. Another passenger was being paged after we were seated and settled.

The adventure begins as we take off for a 14 hour non-stop flight to Tokyo. Some slept and some did not. Needless to say it was a long flight. Those who could not sleep watched three “B” movies.

We landed in Tokyo at 4 pm local time on Friday Jan. 29th (which is 2 am. Friday Jan. 29th in MD.) We have approx. 2 hours before we depart for Bangkok. It is an 8 hour flight. OH JOY!
--- The Thailand Team

Sunday update from Kenya team

2009-11-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

All well- Planted more trees yesterday after heavy rain. Team learned that Kenyan mud is very sticky and heavy. Children had farewell celebration teaching us to dance Kenyan style. Some of us lack rhythm. Worshiped this AM with them and now back in Nairobi.

Thanksgiving + after updates from Kenya team

2009-11-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

a pair of short text messages from Kenya team:

Thanksgiving Day 26 Nov

All well. Starting our Thanksgiving Day and all a truly thankful and happy to have the chance to be giving today.

Saturday 28 Nov

All is well in Joska. Planted fruit trees yesterday [Friday 27 Nov] at nearby home.
Visited sponsor children. Miss family and friends. Blessings, Kenya Team

Mon 23 Nov update

2009-11-24T08:35:00.001-08:00

All is well with Kenya Team.

We spent the day working with CHE's (Community Health Evangelists) doing home visits focused on building awareness and knowledge of "healthy homes".

We discussed and reviewed with residents general sanitation, toilet practices, water purification, food preparation and ventilation.

The CHE's have a huge job to do but the SPIRIT clearly moves them. The day left us with heavy impressions and deep reflections. We are glad to be here working for HIS Kingdom.

For HIS Glory,
Kenya Team

Sunday 22 Nov Kenya STM update

2009-11-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

All is well with the team. A few details for forwarding to family and friends:

Saturday evening we participated in a CHE leadership dinner. It offered good opportunity to hear directly about CHE methodologies in practice.

Today we had opportunity to worship and were very warmly greeted. We were all taken with the intensity of the service and the friendliness.

We enjoyed lunch with Mary and Wallace. Mary shared a SPIRIT filled story of the developments in their ministry in Mathare over the past 10 years. Today they operate 10 schools with 3400 students not to mention CHE outreach activities.

We walked through Mathare Village 1 to get a first hand impression. We will save descriptions for another time.

Tomorrow we get involved in the direct CHE activities.

All for HIS glory - Kenya STM Team

MCC Kenya 12 day prayer guide

2009-11-20T12:37:00.000-08:00

Rick Conniff, Kenya STM veteran and leader of the upcoming Apr-May 2010 Kenya team, sends along this 12 day prayer guide for the Nov 09 team:

Kenya Prayer Focus
Our goal… to be the very image of Christ in all we do.

Day 1

The leaders of Kenya would be open and respond to the promptings of God.

God would move on the hearts of those that were solicited for financial support.

Day 2

Give the leadership team wisdom & discernment leading up to their departure and while in country.

Day 3

Communication would not be a barrier and that they would effectively communicate God’s word to the Kenyans.

Day 4

Prepare them each day – set themselves apart for Him thru prayer/worship/ fasting; that God would use this experience to mould them and refine those areas in their lives that need changing

Day 5

Smooth travel & physical protection enroute, while there & returning home.

Spiritual protection; that God would clothe them with His armor and bind Satan’s attempt to disrupt them.

Day 6

The team would quickly acclimate to the time change so they can be more effective and that God would prepare the hearts & minds of those they will encounter to be receptive to hear God speaking thru them.

Day 7

God would make His will known to each of them each & every day they are in Kenya; that they would honor & glorify God in all that they think, say & do.

Day 8

God’s anointing on each of them – to be Jesus to everyone they come in contact with and to use their gifts & talents; that they would be God’s servants to these people.

Day 9

Unity of purpose & unity of execution (teamwork); that each of them would be flexible and seek God’s wisdom in dealing with unforeseen events.

Day 10

They would leave the Kenyans with a hunger & passion for Christ. That those teams following them would pick up where they left off in helping to spiritually feed the Kenyans

Day 11

To be the very image of Christ in all they do.

Day 12

God would protect their families while they are away.

MCC Kenya team arrives in Africa safely

2009-11-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

MCC's Nov 09 Kenya team of Dave Flumbaum, Annie Schiavetta, Curt Kusel, Bob Taylor, Christina Gosnell, and Jim Boyle, arrived safely in Africa this afternoon (our time) - late Friday PM over there.

DR team update Thur-Fri-Sat (via Irv + Naomi)

2009-10-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

Hola-

Wow, we have much to update you on. Lot's has happened since the last email. Thursday the team visited Ebony's school. We were able to perform Samson for them. They were so cute and adorable especially when they sang us a couple of their songs. Many Breezes was the next stop. It is a really beautiful view of this country. Dorinda and I made pie crusts from scratch and the pumpkin to go in them. This was for the Thanksgiving dinner for Friday. The men went to the school to finish the plumbing project. Jenny and Helen were so wonderful to do laundry. We had plenty of it as it is very hot here. Then it was time to prepare for church. Pastor Ignacio was to preach on families. So we took the children down stairs and had fun. We had them play the skit of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Lloyd was so great in getting the children involved. then we had a coloring project for Joseph. The kids really love to show you what they've done. They are so pleased and care what we think. At the end of the adult service, pastor Ignacio handed out the photo's that were taken on Tuesday night. We were happy to have dinner afterwards with Santos and his family at the church.

Friday was a different kind of day. We went to Dejabon first thing in the morning. I think we all experienced what it was supposed to be. I think we all agreed that it was a difficult experience. Next we got to experience the Mangroves. That made up for it. It was a great time to enjoy some fun with each other. We could really see God's beauty on this trip form the bends in the river along the Mangroves. Then when we got back we prepared the Turkeys and side dishes for the Appreciation Dinner for the leaders of the church. The women cooked and the men decorated. It was a very touching, emotional, spiritual evening. From appreciation that we would celebrate our Thanksgiving with them because they know what a special celebration it is for Americans. Pastor Ignacio and Paula really conveyed this to us and were much appreciative. It was really cool to watch the slideshow that was put together to show them all of the work that God has done here. It was an amazing evening.

Saturday-

The men completed putting the rainspout back onto the church and burying it underground. The ladies went shopping for groceries for the day. Then we did some more home visits. That is to me one of the most special things we do. To get out there and be a presence in the lives of the people here. It is a blessing to us that we can pray for these people and especially to pray for their immediate needs. God is amazing. Then it was beach time with the youth of the church. That was so much fun. We really connected and had fun with the kids jumping the waves. I had 4 or 5 holding onto me at one time. The kids wanted to be around us and watch what we do. Fun time. Then the ladies of the church met tonight. We didn't really have a lesson for them, we were more just observing and participating in their study. Since we didn't have any power and since there was a lot on the minds of the women we just really sang a couple of songs but really just prayed for different things that were really weighing on their hearts. This was very emotional for all of the ladies here. We will continue to pray for them and the direction of the church everyday. These are some strong beautiful , spiritual women. May God keep them strong and help them grow.

Well, that is about it for now. We don't have much time left here and pray that God will still reveal more to us before we go.

God Bless everyone back home. See you soon. - Irv and Naomi

(Dear Friends and Family of our DR Team~

The following team update was written by Irv and Naomi Johnson this evening. Enjoy catching up on what the team has been doing the past few days and reading about the many wonderful opportunities they have had to be a blessing and to be blessed. Please lift them in prayer during their last full day in the DR on Sunday and as they travel on Monday. It will be a joy for all of us to welcome them home and hear many more stories in the coming weeks.

In Christ, Jill Shuck)

more news from the DR team (via Lloyd)

2009-10-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very productive day. We were able to get a fence installed for a senior who was having problems with goats coming into her property and eating her fruits. In addition, we also planted an avocado tree for her. This was all in Madre where we have a church; we did the fence first and after that we had a church service. We also finished up work in the school; fixing toilets and sinks. The girls were able to get the laundry done "Dominican style".
In the evening, we went on a prayer walk and stopped in different places ending up in the town square.
We also want to say say thanks to Karl and Erismendi for all the help they have provided.
We're all doing well and we can't wait to see our friends and family in Maryland. In Christ, Lloyd

DR team (late Tue PM 13 Oct via Irv & Naomi)

2009-10-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Jill-

Feliz compleanos from el equipo. I think I just said Happy Birthday to you from the team. Today, you will hear from Naomi and Irv on behalf of el equipo de Republica Dominicana. :) It is so funny, sometimes it's hard to remember English when you are getting use to Spanish. The team is doing really well. No injuries and sickness is limited to couple of headaches but nothing advil wouldn't cure. I think today was the hottest day we've had so far. Much was accomplished today. Today was project day. Sandy, Carl and Irv put a drop ceiling in the pastors office. Dorinda and Helen finished painting the boards for the ceiling and put a final coat of paint on some of the furniture. Naomi and Jenny slaved hard digging a trench 8 inches deep so we could put a pipe in. Marty and Lloyd worked on a plumbing project at a local public school. The ladies of the trip got their lesson today in Dominican laundry courtesy of Valerie and Nathy. We used a Dominican washer and hung our clothes out to dry. Didn't take to long to dry as it is so hot here. The ladies also got to go shopping in a couple of local stores and got to shop at a local supermarket to pick up what we needed for dinner.We also got to visit some of the ladies in the community and were able to hand out the gifts/cards/pics/letters that Helen's small group did. It was very touching to see just how a little gesture brought such joy to these ladies. Tonight event included family photo night. We had a nice turn out and were so happy to see the people dress up to have their pictures taken. So we had Lloyd as our photographer, Marty coordinated smiles and organization and Jenny and Helen greeted and checked in families as they arrived. And Irv and Dorinda handled the printing and putting of the pictures in frames as they will be given out to the families on Thursday when they come to church and pastor Ignacio will be preaching on families. Tonight we had the wonderful opportunity to put on a new skit for the children in Monti Cristi. We did the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. The activity was a cut out of Joseph and stickers that the kids could dress him up. I think we all really had a great time interacting with the kids. It was a great activity Jenny found. Please let our families know that everything is great and that lives are being changed in so many ways that we don't even know yet. Thank everyone for their prayers and let Marni know that we miss her and wish she was here. The photo night was a huge success thanks to her help with doing the picture frames. Muchas gracias to everyone for their part in us being here. God is great.

Dios te bendigo.

El equipo

Hola from the Dominican Rep. team (Jenny K)

2009-10-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the DR!

We began our day with huevos y bacon. We began our first work project which involved painting the pastor's office and furniture. We also set up the photo lab for tomorrow's special family portrait night. Everything went smoothly and our goals were accomplished.

It has been very very warm (one team member said that is an under statement!) However, we are all adapting well to our 100 climate.

The ladies received a cooking lesson from Francisca today. Everyone can look forward to tasting carmelized plantains at our team celebration.

Naomi had a wonderful opportunity to minister to a dear woman named Leocadia whose father recently passed away. It was a beautiful time of visitation and ministering for Naomi and our team.

We spent the afternoon making visits to homes to spread the word about the family portrait night at the church tomorrow. We were warmly received, welcomed into every home and prayed for the people we met. We look forward to welcoming them into the church tomorrow evening and pray that they will become future family members in Christ.

Lloyd is very impressed with the male leadership within the church. He has had occasion to speak with several leaders, all of whom give God the glory for all things. He has been very touched by their continual recognition of God at work in their lives and in the ministry here in Monte Cristi.

Team time together has been a special time for all of us. It has given us the opportunity to see how God has worked in each one of our lives.

Tomorrow we will continue with our work projects, home visits and family portrait night. We will also lead a children's ministry program in the evening.

Thank you to all for the support and prayers you have been sending our way. Please continue! They are sustaining us.

Dios te Bendiga,

The DR TEAM (via Jenny K)

DR team short update (Jill S)

2009-10-11T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hello, all
The DR team will send a formal greeting within the next couple of days with a full update, which I will pass along to you as soon as I hear from them. I did learn from Jenny today [Sunday 11 Oct] that the team members are all doing well and are of "good spirit," which she asked me to share with you. They went to Madre this morning to lead a children's service, which went very well. She mentioned the men on the team did an especially great job leading the story of Samson and the women on the team were particularly touched by the children they met. They are looking forward to sharing the program tonight with the children of Monte Cristi. I look forward to sharing more news with you this week.

Jill Shuck - Dominican Republic Team Administrator

Dominican Republic team arrives safely (Jill S)

2009-10-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family of the Dominican Republic Missions Team,

I received a text message this afternoon from Jenny Krichton letting me know that the team has arrived safely in the Dominican Republic. They will be making the two hour journey to Monte Cristi and getting ready to host a Ladies Night tonight at the church there. I look forward to sharing updates with you when I receive them. Please continue to pray for the team and for the hearts of those they will encounter.
- Jill Shuck (stateside team admin)
Pic from Fri 9 Oct prayer send-off (not pictured team members Marty Schreiber, Lloyd Ramirez) More pics here.

India Team Celebration @ MCC

2009-10-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

Via email from team administrator Helen B:

Good Morning Family & Friends,

The India Mission Team will be having their post team celebration on October 25th, 2009 from 1pm - 3pm. The celebration will be held at Mountain Christian Church in Timothy Hall.
Hope you can join us. The team members will be sharing stories of their experience along with photos and some Indian food.

Blessings,
Helen B

Domincan Republic team departs 10 Oct

2009-10-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hola mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

We will be heading to the DR on 10/10. We are grateful for your prayers in the coming days as we prepare to leave and also for your prayers while we are away.

Our team will be serving several churches, including the church in Monte Cristi, Madre, and Buenos Aires. We will have the opportunity to lead a women's ministry night, 5 children's ministry programs, a pastor/church leader appreciation dinner, and a family photo night for the church. We also have several projects our team will be working on throughout the week, home evangelism visits and hospital visits. These are our plans on paper, but we are ready for all the surprise plans our God has waiting for us to do. . . .

I have attached a team photo with the names of those folk who are "dropping their nets" to come and follow Jesus.

Gloria a Dios,

Jenny K

India team is back (Rob)

2009-09-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Our team returned to the Newark airport at around 4:15 a.m. this morning after a 15 hour flight from Delhi. We were met by the smiling faces of Dennis and Renda Curran and Jim Nold who provided transportation for us and our luggage back to Mountain. When we arrived back here, it had been over 23 hours since we left the hotel in Delhi for the airport. Thanks for your prayers. We’re all tired but excited to share what God has done in us and through us and also what we experienced of what God is doing in India.

Glad to be home!

Rob and team

Little boy in Agra (Ben)

2009-09-28T04:55:00.000-07:00

We have arrived safely in Agra and are waiting on a bus to go to hotel while porter-boys fetch our 29 suitcases. Outside our windows families huddle in the darkness on their haunches. Do they live here in the dust and exhaust fumes. A small boy reaches up to knock on the window and puts his hand out to beg. We are told to look away and that we can not give to such as these. Tough to take. We pray many times each day for people like these who will haunt and fill our minds forever. I know Jesus sees him and knows and loves him. I so hope that little boy can know and love Jesus, too. I find myself so grateful for those with beautiful feet who bring good news to places like Agra.

Peace, love, and Jesus,
Ben and team

More India pics

2009-09-28T04:21:00.000-07:00

Tow new pics of one of the congregations with whom our MCC team worshipped, along w/ photos from earlier in their trip are online at this link.

Bhopal Worship (Sunday: Rob)

2009-09-28T04:19:00.000-07:00

When we arrived at the church in Bhopal, we could tell it was different from the start. We all removed our shoes in the entry hall and proceeded to the front of the room where we sat in the chancel area. Nearly all of the women in the room kept their heads covered for the service (especially during prayer). Much of the service had liturgical/high church elements – Lord’s prayer, multiple verses of hymns, two separate scripture readings (by women). Ben preached about contentment, joy and peace in Christ out of Philippians. That was a change of plan from the night before (he said he felt led to go the other direction). It turns out the senior pastor’s son (also one of their key preachers) died 10 days ago of a heart attack, so the shift in focus of the message was definitely spirit-led.

When it came time for communion, the congregation moved forward to the altar in groups and knelt along the chancel rail. The elders moved across the front placing a communion wafer and cup of juice in each pair of hands. Then they instructed them to partake in unison. Finally, the elder prayed over each group. It was striking to hear the Hindu mantras blaring over the loudspeakers from the temple across the street while we celebrated the cross. In the Muslim and Hindu faiths, thousands of people work overtime trying to earn their way into God’s favor, and here were these truly counter-cultural believers simply kneeling at the altar acknowledging that they had no hope other than the grace provided through the cross. It was humbling, and one of the most moving moments that I can recall, to watch wave after wave of Indians approach the altar and kneel to share in the body and blood of Christ. As I held the bread and cup myself, I was overwhelmed with God’s grace for me as well.

Rob and India Team

Subject: India today (Sunday: Ben + Stephanie)

2009-09-28T04:16:00.000-07:00

They drowned Durga today. Finally. We have been here during this nine day Hindu festival and we have seen the fevered buildup in its entirety. We witnessed the "making" of Durga by the various villages we passed. Made of mud by human hands we have oft thought to Moses coming down from Sinai and Paul in Athens. In India idols are a real deal.

The making of Durga is a collective effort. After her dried mud shape of a woman with 8 arms she is painted brightly and set in her "box". Sometimes it is a just a concrete bunker others an elaborate shrine. Either way as the festival came to a cllimax, there were strands of lights and banners around each shrine and there was an air or expectancy-much like the buildup of Christmas at home.

Sometime this afternoon amidst our scurry to the train station thousands of Durgas all over India were put into the local body of water for her to return back to mud. All of her shrines now stand empty. And the one true living God is still on His throne! Jamisiki!

We are in Bhopal today, a huge city of about 2 million.

We worshipped this morning as a divided team. Half of us went to Christ Church (aka "the industrial church") where Ben preached. We were once again greeted in the traditional way-leis of yellow mums, .red .roses and orchids. Today was youth Sunday and we we're blessed to see a very good amount of young people and for them to lead the worship. There was an air of sadness as the senior pastor who is 75, lost his son and ministry partner 10 days ago to a heart attack. This leaves a void in ministry to a congregation of about 250. Ben's message today was a real comfort I think, as he encouraged us to remember the gifts we have in the Lord: contentment, joy and peace. Greg brought the greetings on behalf of the US churches.

The other half of our team went to what is called the City Church where Phil and Chris's friend and CICM evangelist, Harris Walter is the pastor. Phil spoke today on "I love the church" to about 300 folks. There were a lot of children and youth at this church as well. Chris brought the greetings from Countryside and Julie brought greetings from Mountain. Tom did the communion meditation.

After church we met at the hotel with five pastors who have been working to establish churches in Bhopal. Pradeep Luther just got out out the hospital after a bout with malaria, but was eager to share the work he's doing. 90 percent of his church are former Hindus who have seen the light of Jesus. His wife Lena was a member of a Brahman family -- the highest caste. Her influence is significant. Others are working among the very poor -- "rat pickers" and street people. One young man, Shailendra Ladge, has been working among street performers and the extremely downtrodden. We are grateful to God for these who being the hands and feet of Jesus. Mountain is excited to be partnering with CICM to plant churches in this area.

We are aboard a fast moving train -- about 6 hours to Agra where we will spend the night. Our mission work on this trip is largely completed -- except for the other opportunities the to be a witness the Lord opens in the final travel days.

As we prepare to head home after some sight seeing and shopping, we are all struggling to process all we have seen, seeking to understand how God is wanting to change us. Know that we are mindful of you, our friends and family, and eager to share with you in person very soon.

Ben and Stephanie for the team

Greetings In Christ from Bhopal (Ben - Sunday)

2009-09-28T04:14:00.000-07:00

“We have seen first hand the power of genuine fellowship -- relationships that really do matter, sometimes a matter of life and death. We are encouraged by the desire of our Indian Christian brothers and sisters to connect and be the truest friends to one another. We are "friending" the believers on Bhopal who are reaching out to this huge city with the good news of Jesus. Central India Chr Misn will help supply preachers and the churches will begin the studies and outreaches ... And we [Mountain] will partner to help provide some support for church leaders and other resources needed to get hopefully five more churches planted here. When we went to church this morning most of us had never met these brothers and sisters. Yet we embraced like family. We live 10 000 miles apart -- yet our hearts are knit into one fabric through Jesus. Please convey our love to the Mountain family, and bring greetings from Christ Church and Bhopal Christian Church where we are worshiping / preaching today.”

Made it to Bhopal (India team - Ben)

2009-09-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

After rides on an elephant and packing everything up we left our dear friends in damoh at the cicm compound -- leaving parts of our hearts with the children at the childrens home and with the incredible pastors and staff we came to respect and love.

With many staff for support and smooth guidance we were accompanied to the train station. A 5 hour train ride across amazing India took us from Damoh to Bhopal today. Seeing the rural villages and poverty helps fill out the picture of the need and opportunity for the gospel here. About 75 percent of India lives on less than one dollar a day -- and we saw some of these today. Millions of the 1.2 billion in this country live in large cities -- but 80 percent live in one of the 600,000 villages. The train took us thru some of these villages today. [edit] It was a 5 hour ride. Many sites and pics out the window.

In the midst of chaotic crowds at the train station, warm smiling faces of Christians from the churches greeted us. Givan, one of our Indian brothers says, "Do you notice the way Christians have the love of Jesus in them?". We certainly did. Once again we were greeted with flower garland necklaces and hugs.

Taxi ride with Muslim driver thru crazy roads and past dozens of Hindu shrines -- day 8 of 9 day festival about to climax -- and amidst Muslim calls to prayer. We arrived at Jehan Numa Palace -- an Arabic word meaning Heavenly Palace. It is a nice place. We reconnected with Phil and Chris who came earlier to spend time with the church friends they have supported in Bhopal.

We enjoyed a nice dinner buffet -- rice and multiple incarnations of chicken -- and a brief meeting and now off to bed.

We were all worried about Tom who was not feeling well at all but now is seeming to be recovering. A rough night for him and long day today. Now Fiona continues to feel bad and Chris has a bit of a sore throat. Fred is feeling better. Glynn is a bit feverish and weak -- but was able to eat several desserts tonight. Not sure who all else is feeling puny. We are grateful for God's provision of health to our team so far despite some illness

Tomorrow we will go to two separate churches here in Bhopal. I will preach at Christ Church -- an -Industrial church and Phil Smith will preach at Bhopal Chrn Church. Then are scheduled to meet with several ministers and church leaders for lunch and encouragement. Then check out and board a high speed train for 6 hour ride to Agra.

Outside our hotel window we can hear the loud, incessant music blaring from the shrines and temples, worshiping the goddess Durga, a goddess they turn to in hopes of gaining power. Her likeness is seen in shrines -- she is one [edit] with 6 arms, riding a tiger -- the shrines are like booths or sometimes large buildings lit up with spotlights and strings of lights -- all over the city. But tomorrow we will pass through the crowds and thousands of worshipers to join a strong group of devoted disciples who have found the joy and peace and hope of Jesus -- and who are living faithfully for His glory in this place where less than one percent profess His name. We are repeatedly told how our presence encourages them -- and we know that their lives encourage us! We pray you will also find encouragement through the fellowship of believers where you are this Lord's Day. We are living in His presence and pray for the Spirit to be with you as well.

Peace of Christ,

Ben and India team

from the (India) team (Stephanie H)

2009-09-25T18:33:00.001-07:00

Jamisiki!

We have just finished our last full day in Damoh. We spent the part of the morning learning about the church planting efforts of CICM and hearing about the work going on at the Bible College. The remainder of the morning and early afternoon were spent hearing the testimonies of 5 evangelists from different parts of India. A couple of them had experienced severe persecution--all had moving stories of great faith. Their words were a blessing and we were able to pray over each of them. Unforgetable.

We were blessed to be hosted for lunch at the home of Ajai and Indu--what a treat to see where they come to rest and be refreshed.

The nursing college graduation ceremony was this evening--Glynn and Pat were the most honored guests and we all got a kick out of seeing them in robes on the stage giving and recieving honor! Stephanie gave the graduation address and Emilee gave the charge to the first year students in the lamp lighting ceremony. It was a very beautiful, meaningful evening at CICM.

We have a HUGE prayer request: several of our team members are showing signs of illness, mostly sore throats, congestion and upper respiratory stuff. We have already given most of our meds to the mission hospital, but Glynn has some in a personal stash and is treating accordingly. We have 4 more days left in India-with much travel involved. We leave tomorrow afternoon on a train to Bhopal to be with a couple of churches on Sunday. We are praying for everyone to sleep well and be able to feel better tomorrow.

We have a full travel day tomorrow with late arrival in Bhopal, so we will write again on Sunday.

Blessings to our sweet families and friends! Jamisiki!

Stephanie (Harkins) for the team

Visit at Mission Hospital (Kevin S)

2009-09-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

We were definitely excited to be at the Mission Hospital to help serve the needs of the patients there. Things started out chaotic in the sense that we didn't really know how we were going to be utilized. Once that issue was resolved, the fun began. We were given a tour of the hospital by Dr Solomon and Dr Paul. Dr Solomon showed us the Mission Hospital Surgical Complex. There, he told us that Orthopedic Surgery will be performed there mainly. Dr Solomon is an Orthopedic Surgeon. This is a very nice facility with nicely equipped room and anesthesia equipment. They also have a Fluoroscopy scanner so that they can do total joint replacements. We were then given a tour of the main hospital. They have a 3 bed Emergency department, a separate male and female inpatient wards, an x-ray and ECG department. They even have a way to perform stress tests. For a small hospital that serves a very large and poor community, they are nicely equipped to meet the needs of this community. The team was then partnered with the Doctors of the hospital. Dr Wells was by himself, Dr Jason O'Grady was initially with Dr Paul and later left to see his own patients, and I was with Dr Das. He is the local Cardiologist/ Family Doctor for the hospital. I really enjoyed my time with him. He was gracious enough to explain how he treats different ailments. He helped to put into perspective the reality of medicine in India. Though he is a cardiologist, reality is that he has to see every type of ailment. He contrast things in India and the things in the USA. It is so easy to lose sight of the fact that this is a very rural place with limited resources. He was sharing with me the history of one of the patients that we saw today. Here is a 45 year old male who by his EKG, was showing signs of having a heart attack. I am telling him what we would do in the USA. He agrees but then tell me the nearest facility to do these studies are 400 Km away. This man truly practices by faith. He stated that there have been many time where he knew that God was the only one granting His patients time until they could get the necessary studies done. He realizes that he is just a vessel of God and that God is the only TRUE HEALER we have. That really left an impression on me today. Jason had shared with me about one of the patients that he saw today. He had been coughing for a few months and is a heavy smoker. He ordered a chest X-ray to evaluate his lung status. He saw a mark on his film that lead him to believe that he may have cancer. The doctor with him felt it was something else. Maybe he was seeing something different because he knows this are and has a better grasp of what is more common in this area. I feel one of the neat things about this trip is being able to share and trade ideas and remedies but ultimately, we are all serving the same God.

Overall, this was truly another great and blessed experience that we had on our last clinic day for this mission trip. The people at the hospital and even at the other clinics were so appreciative and we were/are so blessed to be able to serve in this capacity. I thank God daily for providing me this opportunity of a lifetime . What a wonderful experience. Thank you Mountain Christian Church for allowing me to be apart of this team and to serve in different capacity that was not always comfortable.

In His Service,

Kevin Smallwood

Oak Grove Baptist Church

Leader Seminar - day 2 (Paul H)

2009-09-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the second day of the CICM Conference for the local pastors. The first session of the day was led by Ben. Ben talked about being content in our circumstances because Jesus is the source of contentment in our lives. We must rejoice in the Lord always because our joy comes from Christ. There is peace in our lives because Jesus provides us with that peace.

The second session was led by Paul on bi-vocational ministry. This session dealt with taking Christ to people through our vocation which allows us to enter areas that might not be reached through normal missionary efforts.

The third session was led by Rob. Rob led the group through the progression of Christianity as it is recorded in the book of Acts. Even though under persecution the gospel is forcefully advancing and is being added to everyday. The book of Acts is a story still being written today.

The fourth session of the day was led by Phil who touched on as leaders we must be examples to those we lead. Our lives represent Christ and we must therefore we must live our life as Christ did.

The fifth session was led by Chris who taught on being a servant leader. He illustrated this through and object lesson foot washing where he washed on of the Indian pastors feet.

Prior to the final session of the day Ajai had all of the senior pastors come to the stage and lay hands on all of us and pray for us. It was a powerful time to be so blessed by our Indian brothers.

The final and closing session of the Conference was led by Ben. Ben’s message rounded out the session with the charge to go out with a mighty force being filled up and recharged. The word for go in Hindi is “CELLO” (which is pronounced chello). CELLO - CELLO - CELLO take the good news of the gospel to the world!

The final day of the session was closed out with Ben, Rob, Tom, Phil, Chris, Greg, and Paul, walking though the seated 400 plus pastor’s laying hands on them and praying over them.

What a powerful conference this was to see over 400 pastors charged up and ready to go back out into India ready to fight the enemy that is so visible in this land.

Paul Harkins

Day 1 of Seminar, India Team (Ben)

2009-09-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

While our medical and dental types were in Kansa conducting a medical clinic for nomadic people from the villages, the rest of our team had the high honor of leading a Church Leadership Seminar. It’s hard to create the right picture in your mind of the eager desire and awe-inspiring conviction of these pastors and church leaders as they pack into the chapel for 8 hours of teaching and feeding. They drink up every word – through a translator – and happily greet us with appreciation and have made us very happy by telling us we are helping them That’s the whole point of course. We’re to encourage these heroes of the faith, and to come alongside these leaders who are in the trenches all over India. We have all learned so much from them, though we are the ones supposedly here to teach.

Today more than 400 church leaders from all over Central India are here, coming by bus, train, bike and who knows what else. A cooks quarters is out back, with huge pots of rice and veggies and other meaty things cooked up over open fire in pots as big around as garbage cans. We have talked with a good many of them – about 30% seem to know enough English to converse. Some of them traveled more than 3 days and 3 nights to get here. Many are serving in village churches. CICM has started more than 720 churches in 25 years – all of them still “open and doing business.”

Sanjay is a minister who serves 4 rural churches among fairly primitive people. Others from Bhopal were also here, and we will get to visit more with them this weekend.

Ben began the morning by encouraging them to see that whatever they have in their hand, God can use it. Tom Moen shared from scripture and Brazil-missionary experience to remind us all of the importance of right thinking and practice to be the victorious conquerors we are in the midst of spiritual warfare. This whole topic of the weakness of Satan next to the greatness of Jesus Christ is something that is seen so starkly here. Rob spoke about the importance of giving ministry away, sharing it with the Body, not only to get more done and to save ministers from burning out, but to function how God made the Body to function, with every member doing its part. Phil Smith, on staff with Countryside Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas, taught from Ephesians 3 and 4 about the importance of keeping unity, living holy lives, and the importance of prayer. Chris Allen, also from Countryside, reminded us we are ambassadors for Christ and Greg Tutino closed out the day with clear teaching about stewardship – God’s ownership and our management. It was as long day, but everyone is hungry for more – and so tomorrow, we’ll go at it again, with six more sessions.

Other highlights include Paul, Fred, and Julie milking a water buffalo. Paul apparently hasn’t lost his touch. It was udderly enjoyable for him.

Chris and Ben played more football (soccer) with the kids before dinner. The kids are so beautiful and each one has a story – formerly horrific – but now, they are full of life and joy, the light in their eyes a reflection of the love of Jesus they have received through so many. Rescued. Redeemed. Alive. In fact, that’s how all the preachers strike us, too. Rescued, redeemed, and so happy to be alive in Christ. So much so, that they would devote their lives to a diffiult task of preaching the good news of liberation. They have beautiful feet.

We hope our words will encourage more to see how the power of the gospel breaks down the dividing wall of hostility that has kept the effects of caste system in place for so long. Christians are one, but the lingering influence of the caste system distinctions are very difficult to overcome. So we can be encouraging and praying for this, even as we think about the many ways we need to see the good news of Jesus take our own fellowship BEYOND racial and socio-economic zones in America.

Join us in praying that we will be an encouragement to these brothers and sisters. They are precious to us. As are all ya’ll who would take the time to read this and attempt to experience some of this with us.

Ben for the India team, 9/23/09

Medical clinic (India team - Stephanie H)

2009-09-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Our medical team has just returned from the Kansa rural clinic where we saw over 300 + nomadic people. Women were dressed in such bright colors, bangles on their upper arms, wrists and ankles and had full nose and ear rings. We were greeted with many leis (again) and we were joined today by students from the nursing school working as translators and running the pharmacy.

The clinic is normally open everyday-the doctor only has about 15 patients/day, but the people heard that American docs were coming and the word must have spread!

Lots of ear infections,scabies,skin infections and joint pains. Fiona worked in the pharmacy and learned that if the patient did not get a "syrup"they didn't think they were getting "real medicine"! Glynn said in Africa they want a needle for "real medicine".

There was an Indian OB/GYN seeing the women while Glynn,Jason and Kevin saw the men.There were several cases of malaria, some requiring IV's.The kids were in the worst shape that we have seen yet. A good part of the morning was spent with a 3 year old little boy with a puncture wound in his heel.

It was VERY infected, starting to spread all over his foot and he had a fever. I (Stephanie)took he and his father to work on his foot....soaked it in peroxide and betadine, put on bacitracin and bandaged it with gauze and a good strong ace wrap ...I told his father that he had to get the boy to the CICM hospital in Damoh in 2 days..his son is very sick and could lose his foot. (He will need IV
antibiotics) When I told them they could leave, his father dropped to the ground and started kissing my shoes! I did so little, but they have nothing so everything is appreciated! I told him it was all for Jesus,

Fred and Julie saw about 15 dental patients-10 extractions, one lady came back 3 times to have 3 teeth pulled! We lost electric about 2 hours into the clinic so patients were seen in dark rooms with flashlights when needed-Fred and Julie didn't even have a window!

The people are all very stoic and not too much expression one way or the other.

Tomorrow we will be working at the CICM hospital , Emilee and Stephanie will be teaching in the nursing school. Long, hot days....but really good days!

Stephanie Harkins

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever present help in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not fear
though our world should change.
Psalm 46:1-2

India team update (Ben)

2009-09-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings from India,

Today was a hinge day. We closed out the Delhi portion of our trip and spent the day in travel to Damoh. Delhi is in the middle of the country, eastern side, and Damoh is further East. We have been in urban settings, amidst heavy traffic in the middle of 25 million people in greater Delhi area. Now we will be based for the next 5 nights out of the Central India Christian Mission headquarters.

Instead of the 13 hour train ride, we flew. At the Delhi airport we congratulated our expert bus driver and prayed for him. He and the buddy who went everywhere with us are rather like heroes to us. Everyone was pretty amazed at the places he could get that bus. Our bus driver was constantly accompanied by some other fellow who sat in the passenger “shot gun” seat in the “cock pit” area – separated by glass. His job was to stick his head out the window and help navigate and tell the driver how many inches he had for clearance, and when people were coming and going in places the driver couldn’t see. Like the man with one leg who crab walked through the cars begging when we were stopped at an intersection – stopping directly in front of the bus. I thought for sure we would flatten him but the look out dude shooed him out of the way in time. On the window are the pictures of two different Hindu gods – one of them Durga, a particular favorite of the locals – with her six arms, and some other lady goddess with an elephant head. Not very attractive for goddesses really, but apparently pretty good at making a huge bus navigate traffic fairly well. The whole driving experience defies description. It’s a game of inches – constantly. Narrow, bumpy roads with constant passing and swerving and no real attention to any lanes, incessant honking. One huge difference between the US and India. Here honking your horn means, “I’m here – I’m passing you now, give a little, there’s room for one more in this tiny road.” In America, of course, laying on the horn means something more like, “GET OUT OF MY WAY, YOU IDIOT!”

I’ve been reading recently that the town officials in Bel Air have recently found it necessary to outlaw public urination. Apparently the bar crowd had no place “to go” late at night down town. If that law was in effect in India, and I could collect a nice fine for every public pee-er I have seen, I would have a steady and decent income. I believe Emily and I were the only ones to witness a female taking care of business by the side of the road.

Anyway – we prayed with our drivers and went into the Delhi airport to wait through a few delays and finally boarded a smallish plane (seating was 2 and 2 – turbo prop). A couple hour flight to Jabalpur. Ate some hot beans and corn, sandwich with some potato like stuff in it, and chocolate pudding of some sort.

We were welcomed once again with very nice leis at the airport by Ajai and a team of CICM staffers. We boarded a small bus and two or three other vehicles for the drive to Damoh – but not before stopping for a very nice Indian lunch at a restaurant on the way. The doorman out front had a big turban thingy on his head and looked like he should have had a huge sword. I will explain the food some other time, but every meal is finished off with anise and sugar crystals that remind me of rock candy. Mixing a few of each together in your hand makes for a very nice after dinner mint.

Tom and I rode with Ajai and his friend and co-worker of 25 years, Frank. Two things struck me so vividly. One is the striking difference in the land in this rural area compared to the city. Goats and dogs and lots of women carrying huge bundles on their heads and a lot of poor people by the road – and swarms of people going – where? Home after work in the fields I guess. The fields and country side are verdant and lush, but only for a while longer as we are at the end of monsoon season (normally they like to get about 40 some inches of rain and this year only received 24 so it will be a dry summer). Lots of cows in the road. It is true about the whole “holy cow” thing. They go where they want to go. The only way to get beef is to buy it on the black market from some Muslim who slaughters cows. The Hindus are trying to pass a law in this state that would make killing a cow a crime punishable with life in prison. Right now it’s only three years. Holy cow. The cows are believed to be chosen transportation vehicle of the gods (not very efficient!). They are also the giver of life with the milk they provide and the plows they pull. They also may be Aunt Bertha reincarnated, so you better be careful to treat them well. Despite all this, our driver Frank had to bump one with the car a time or two to get the herd out of the way so we could get through. Jabalpur is about 1.5 Million people. I had never HEARD of it. There are countless cities like Jabalpur in India – of a million or more. There are 1.2 BILLION people here. Less than 1% are believers in Jesus Christ. Every town we passed through had many shrines, statues, and images of gods and little worship areas by the side of the road. At one point we were stopped by some folks in the road who were trying to take money from every passing motorist for a big Hindu celebration in honor of some god or other – Ajai explained we would not be making any donations – and after some rather stern Hindi exchanges – they finally moved their blockade and let us pass.

The other thing that impressed me though is the way God is moving in India. Ajai is tremendous at telling stories of God’s greatness and the rather striking ways that the name of Jesus is being made known in Hindu culture. There are many open doors. God is certainly using Ajai. We will try to recount these another time. There are such tremendous opportunities. There is a seismic shift taking place in Hindu culture as the next generation is resistant to accept the caste system as it plays out in culture, and as the lower castes are figuring out that they should band together and stop settling for being treated like animals, since they compose 80% of the population. The good news of Jesus is powerfully liberating for someone of the lower caste – and there are exciting tales of thousands becoming followers of Christ – shepherds by the thousands, who are being told they are in Christ, like Brahman – the highest priestly class – because in Christ all are priests and children of God, and he has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Shepherds are blessed recipients of the good news of great joy and were also among the first tellers of the news and sharers of Jesus’ importance – and this message is taking root among the shepherds – the lowest, dirtiest caste of India – and thousands have become Christians – having never heard of Jesus before. Ajai has been important in this ministry. There are other groups tired of the traditional Hindu system and its dependency on the caste system – and it is creating spiritual opportunities and openness. The Muslims will step into this void and openness if no one else will. Many have never heard of the name of Jesus. The greatest need we have seen thus far is the need for preachers - -tellers of the good news – how will they hear if no one tells them and if no one is sent? We appreciate the ones here doing this good work. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news.

We finally arrived at the mission compound in Damoh. The welcome by the children of the orphanage was heart warming and overwhelming. The children, many of whom were literally pulled out of terrible situations – are bright, smiley, intelligent and each one greeted us again with colorful leis and happy greetings, with British/Indian like questions, “What is your name?” “So nice to meet you.” “Thank you for coming!” I’ve got some video of this fun time.

Some of us are staying in the new building which I think is where the children are, too. Others of us are a bit of a distance away – maybe like a block away, I’m not sure – at a guest house. I don’t even know who is where. I am spoiled with a very nice place.

We had a nice dinner prepared by Indu – fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and veggies and a pile of desserts like banana bread and brownies – trying her darndest to give us some American food.

We’ve enjoyed getting to know Josh, a super impressive and bright young 23 year old who married Lashi, Lall’s daughter, and who lives here now and works with the mission. He went to Ozark and St. Louis Christian College – met Lashi when he was doing an internship with Good News Productions. A great guy. We hope to encourage him while we are here. They have a 3 month old – Ajai and Indus’s first grandchild.

They have another daughter who has been in Grand Rapids and is married to a guy who will be leading a mission group and moving to Cambodia soon. Their last child I will tell you about some other time – a four year old they adopted – named Sarika – rescued and now loved. She is beautiful and bright.

After dinner we figured out who will be teaching what at the seminar. Ajai says there will be up to 400 preachers visiting us from all over India for our two day seminar. The tapes from them will be sent to 2000 more. Our medical team will assist the team of nurses and docs here and at a nearby location.

We had team time and Jason led us in thinking about Isaiah 49 and how important it is to know the purpose God has for our life, and the importance of first time obedience when he calls us.

Tomorrow we will get better acquainted with the mission and its fruit. Looking forward to a game of soccer with some kids. I am ready for some exercise.

We miss Jim Nold and wish he could be with us.

We are being served so nicely – we hope to serve back so that the net effect of our being here deeply encourages those who are serving the Lord so faithfully here.

Plenty more to report, but all for now. I am on for devotions in the morning. Doctors and nurses will be there – some of whom are not Believers – so will try to come up with something from Doctor Luke for us all to consider. God will have to make that clear in the next little while.

Ben and Team

India - Tuesday, September 22 (Rob)

2009-09-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It has been an incredibly rich, but very hot and humid, day today. The heat, humidity and full schedule are having a tiring effect on all of us but experiencing firsthand what God is doing in this place is renewing our energy and our spirits. We are humbled to be hosted by such amazing Kingdom servants.

This morning, we ate breakfast and gathered with the staff, Bible College students and Nursing School students and hospital staff for Devotions. Normally they meet separately for devotions but came together so we could join them. (Wait until you see footage of the "dancing nurses.")

We then visited several areas of ministry here at CICM. We began with Dr. Indu Lall (the boss according to Ajai. He says he practices Indu-ism). As we entered her office, we were immediately were drawn to one entire wall covered in photos of children. CICM has a child sponsorship program that provides for 3000 children (although roughly 200 still lack sponsors). These children are cared for through the churches in 12 states and 3 other countries. It includes 700 kids that have been rescued from slavery. Parents can't afford to feed their children so rather than watch them starve to death they sell them into slavery.

Through this program at CICM, 168 of the children through the 25 year history have become pastors and 4 are currently enrolled in the Bible Academy. One young man, Tiharu, was rescued from slavery and is now an evangelist who has started three churches and baptized many.

Indu also oversees a food distribution program for local children. Basically, she provides 2 kilos of rice meal for 185 families each week. This amount of food won't feed them for a week but it provides assistance. They also give the children vitamin A and other vitamin supplements. Indu uses food distribution as another opportunity to share the gospel and teach children Scripture.

After 25 years, Indu is still so passionate about her ministry to these kids. Just to put it in context, there are more children in India under the age of 14 than the entire population of the United States. She said, “we are not building Taj Mahals, we are building lives”.

We also visited the Nursing College where the Principal and Assistant Principal gave us a tour. There are over 100 nursing students currently. Second year and fourth year students spend time serving villages in the region. Fourth year students spend a month there providing medical care to the village residents. As large as the Indian cities are (millions), 70% of the population lives in 600,000 villages.

Daniel, and his wife Mona oversee the publications department. CICM is the largest publisher of Christian materials in all of India. Over the past 17 years they have published 38 titles in Hindi. Their magazine is distributed to 183 cities and is read by over 5000 readers. They told us of one people group in central India known as the Bundeli people. There are 28 million Bundeli people with no Bible translated in their language. (India has 18 recognized official languages.) CICM just finished a translation in partnership with Pioneer Bible Translators which is nearing distribution.

We are staying in the CICM children's home which currently houses 70 children, who are the most precious children. We have played with them and listened to them singing and seen huge smiles that overwhelm even the darkness in their past. These kids are infants through eleven years of age currently. Most of the kids are orphans or were abandoned at birth on the streets or at the hospital. As we met these kids, they stole our hearts. One little girl Rya was found in a bag on the side of the road. Her cord was still attached which led to a terrible infection down into her intestines on top of low birth weight (less than 2 lbs), syphillis from her mother, and lots of other problems. The doctors said she won't live more than a couple of days. The picture of her when they found her and took her to the hospital are ghastly. But now through medical care, love, and most importantly God's grace, Rya is now three years old and running around with the other toddlers here at Bal Bhavan (children’s palace). 6-7 of the kids are children of CICM evangelists. When these guys go off into regions of intense persecution and they are told their children will be taken if they continue preaching there. They do whatever is necessary to provide safety for their kids and yet continue the work to which God has called them.

We also were privileged to meet 4 young women who are residents in a home that CICM now provides for unwed mothers (as young as 13) who were pursuing abortions but have consented to deliver their babies. Some of the women provided for in this way decide to keep their babies while others give them to the children’s home at CICM.

We also just finished spending some time with two snake charmers and their 8-10 cobras. Several of our team (Fred Parker, Tom Moen, and Patsy Wells) actually posed with cobras around their necks.

Thanks for bearing with my lengthy tome.

Another day of excitement tomorrow as the medical team heads out to a village for a clinic while the rest of us present ministry and leadership seminars for 400 pastors from all over India. Please continue to pray that God would work in us and through us.

Exhausted but with a full heart,

Rob and Team

India Team Update...On Our Way Home

2009-09-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

Received 9-19-09 9:13am EDT

We just finished our second medical camp. A remote village setting with half Hindus half Muslims. Lots of eager excited kids and adults pushing themselves in front of the line. Part way thru we heard a mob shouting loudly and after a few moments were able to figure out that Patsy was in the middle of the pack trying to hand out toothbrushes! She handled herself just fine.

Glynn was a bit sick at first so stayed on the bus for a while but was able to join us eventually. I did fluoride treatments again and Rob dealt drugs. We abruptly closed up shop (at 6 15 and boarded the bus to a crowd of friend waving and thanking. This is the part of "being Jesus" I had not expected. We will later meet with pastors for whom being like Jesus means risk, persecution and taking up a cross. Today we were Jesus' hands of healing compassion and enjoyed some of the gratitude of the people he surely experienced as well.

We are on the way home now -- a 3 hour bumpy honk filled bus ride. Our team is beat but upbeat and excited to be used. 10 teeth pulled, many meds and medical help and lots of smiles hugs and pictures with friends we only hope to see again thru the ministry of CICM's influence leading then to Christ.

Ben and Rob.