A dance for pants..

I knew as soon as I got consistent with blogging I would then become inconsistent shortly afterwards.  So, sorry for the absence.

It's been another crazy week.  The Austin's moved back in and we are getting them settled.  This is their last move before going home after Abby is adopted.  Although we continue to pray for their adoption to wrap up, we selfishly want them to stay with us for an indefinite time.

For now I want to thank those of you who participated in 48 hours of Hope.  It means so much to us that several of you were burdened by what God is doing here and chose to be a part of this ministry.  For the Lord to burden Michael's heart to prompt this means so much to us. We only wish all of our National Partners could see the generosity of your giving!  We even gained a couple monthly supporters which is super key in keeping this going!

I briefly wanted to mention this past Tuesday.  I had a blast giving back the "clean" clothes to the street boys.  Remember the little pair of shorts from the last blog I mended?  When I handed his clothes back to him- he immediately held them up to himself and began dancing around with a massive smile.  THAT made me happy.  Another boy smelled them and said with a huge smile: "Ohhh- they smell SO good!"  That's right.  Those clothes I thought still had a stench to them- he thought was a wonderful  smell.  Humbling.  Now, when I think my clothes are dirty- I know I can wear them a few more times.  I challenge you all to think twice next time you want to just toss a pair of jeans in the hamper because they met your "wearing quota" of 2.

  

On a completely different subject, I want to ask you all to join in with us as tomorrow as is National Prayer Day for Sudan.  I received an email from SP informing us of this special day of prayer.  Join Sudanese Believers in Prayer for their nation.  Christian leaders from more than 1,000 churches in north and south Sudan are urging believers worldwide to join them for their National Day of Prayer on August 1.

Sudan is moving into a critical time of transition. National elections are scheduled for January, 2010, followed by a historic referendum for the independence of Southern Sudan in 2011. Believers in Sudan have been fasting and praying for their nation during the week leading up to the National Day of Prayer on Saturday. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, President of Sudan

• Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of Southern Sudan

• A peaceful election in January

• The vote on independence for Southern Sudan in 2011

• Revival and prayer in local churches

• Lasting peace throughout Sudan

The people of Southern Sudan suffered through two decades of bloody civil war that claimed more than two million lives before the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in 2005. A sustained peace is critical over the next two years as sensitive negotiations and historic elections frame the future of the nation. 

From Rags to Stitches...

We, as mzungu's, cannot begin to wrap our minds around the kind of life they live.  We can go, we can feed, we can talk to them, we can clothe them... but then we go home.  We go to our warm house, with a pantry FULL of food, and sleep in a bed with plenty of cover under a roof keeping us from the harsh elements.  

This past week as we went about our usual visit to Kawangware to feed the street boys we took a few extra items.  We'd been collecting clothing for the boys for a few months now and the RFBC team brought so many that we finally had enough for everyone.  We had maybe 10-12 pairs of shoes so not enough to give them all "viatu".  We called them back one by one to receive their new [to them] clothes.  We were able to give them at least 2 t-shirts, 2 pairs of pants/athletic shorts and most got socks.  Some of them immediately threw their arms around our necks saying "Tank you! Tank you so much!"  Like an American kid seeing new toys on Christmas morning--they couldn't wait to try on their new clothes.  They started throwing off their jackets and pants leaving them in the floor.  Teri and I just stood there starring at some of their clothes.  I picked up one little pair of shorts and looked at Teri.  

Her eyes began to fill with tears.  With the Holy Spirit's prompting I found myself collecting these filthy clothes most westerners might have found repulsive.  I made sure they understood that if they gave me their clothes I would wash them but they would have to do without them for 1 entire week.  Before I knew it, I was loading up 2 huge bags of clothes that made a vile odor in the car.  It was a familiar smell to me and yet

 one I was unacquainted with at the same time.  The familiar smell was one of the past.  What was it?  I know- it was the smell of my homeless patients that would come into the ER.  The unfamiliar smell, I couldn't quite put my finger on.  Maybe it was the combination of sewage, glue, sweat, oil, mud, and dirt on their clothes.  I gave all 4 loads some time to soak.  In fact I soaked then changed the water 4 times.  Then I washed them in the washer, each load twice, with an extra scoop of soap and bleach for colors.  The outcome: a stained/dirty washer and a humbled heart.  As I contemplated whether or not I should wash them for a third time with 2 extra scoops of soap, I concluded that no matter how much I soaked and washed their clothes in fragrance or dried with with many drier sheets- that smell would not go away.  Then it hit me.  That smell is the smell of the people Christ came to save.  These are the very ones that Jesus was caught eating with.  Is was fascinated with the thought that that might actually be a beautiful smell to him.  

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (mark 2:17)  

I wondered when the last time was they had their clothes washed.  Maybe this is a new ministry... simple, huh?  Washing clothes.  

I was listening to a song today by Hillsong that I hadn't really paid close attention to.  As a matter of fact you've all heard it in a 100 Christian

 songs.  The line says this "I'll give you everything I AM".  So I was thinking.  What am i?  I am a housewife, daughter, sister, missionary and nurse.  But what else am i?  What can i do?  I am a knitter and a tailor!  (Okay- so I'm not great at it but I can do it).  So if I'm going to give Him everything that i am- then how can I glorify HIM with those?  

Well, just maybe I can sew some street kids clothes!   

I knew as soon as I saw those little shorts I could repair them!  Today I sewed the pieces that were repairable like the little pair of shorts in the picture above.  Can I tell you that I have never received joy in sewing like I did today sewing those clothes.  I really enjoyed making my niece a smock out of a khanga, but let's face it- she has tons of other clothes.  I got the privilege of repairing clothing that is among very few possessions.  I got the privilege to pray of every article of clothing; that one day th

ey might notice that someone stitched up their clothing because they are wanted and loved ENOUGH.  They are loved by a Savior who wants to sit at their table and eat with them! 

Gilbert Update,,,

We got a text message from Richard yesterday saying that the surgery was a success!  I don't know much more than that!  Thanks for your prayers I know they appreciated them!

Pray for Gilbert...

This is Gilbert. 

 

Gilbert is the son of our good friend Richard.  Tomorrow he has surgery on his nasopharengyl airway.  It is more than 60% blocked.  This is some kind of congenital abnormality.  He has had several different health concerns since he was 2 weeks old.  This is his first surgery.  Intern Teri and I took dinner to them last night (CT was picking up Laura and Ryan from the airport).  I explained to them that in the US when someone has surgery, friends will bring dinner so that the family doesn't have to cook- so they can concentrate more on their loved one.  Since Gilbert will be in the hospital until maybe Sunday, Richard and Beatrice decided last night would be the best.  (Today he was admitted for pre-op stuff).  So we showed up with our Mzungu food- hamburger casserole.  Richard and Beatrice liked it; the kids- not so much.  They took one bite and decided it was not for them.  They'd never had Mzungu food before so I can't blame them.  Then Beatrice walks out of the kitchen with beef stew, rice, and chapatis!  WHAT?  We were supposed to cook for them!  So we went to bless but we, in turn, were the ones who were blessed because it was sooooooooo good!  

I'm embarrassed to say we have known Richard now for a year and a half and never met his family.  We knew they had to be great b/c Richard is so wonderful so we were very anxious to meet them.  We immediately fell in love with all of them.  As a matter of fact, Sylvia had some trouble at first warming up to me.  By the end of our evening Richard asked her if she wanted to go home with her new Mzungu friend- so she was trying to climb in the van to go home with me.  She cried when we went to leave and gave Richard the stink eye b/c he told her she couldn't go with us this time.  I promised her that during her "holiday" (aka- time out of school, which is the whole month of August) she could come and spend a few days with us.  She liked that idea however it wasn't enough.  Richard had to tell her he would bring her by our house Saturday to hang out as well. This appeased her for the time being.   

What a great family!  Please note Sylvia's stink eye!  

So please pray for little Gilbert as he goes for surgery in the morning.  

The Remnant

If you've not yet read the write-up Lindy posted below, I encourage you to do so.  Here we'd like to show you more evidence of the impact 11 willing students and 4 committed leaders can have on over 2,500 children.  (Not a misprint.  There were actually that many by weeks end that attended this children's sports camp.  See pictures below for proof!)  

Caroline & Kara demonstrate how Americans dance.

Angela working with the arts & crafts

It was a beautiful sight to see groups of over 100 kids dribbling, shooting, and hanging on Matt Jacob's every word.

Coach Thomas Onsomu was a huge help in soccer (football here) as were all of our Kenyan Team members.

She fit in... trust me!

Each morning, over 360 different kids came and registered for a day of excitement.  And the students did not disappoint them either!

"Nipe tano!" - In Swahili it means, "Give me five!"

Yes, it sure does!

Just a glimpse of what 2,500 excited young kenyans look like.

The mark they left...

They left more than just 11 loads of laundry.  They carried back to the US more than just a few empty suitcases. 

  

Some of the students left with only the clothes on their backs and shoes on their feet because they left it all to clothe those without.  A few left bibles, food, ipods, and games. Some left their hearts, but ALL left their mark here in Kenya.  It was a sad farewell, but saying our "goodbyes" were so worth the journey that preceeded.  Every tear shed was a reflection of the joy of their past 9 days serving here.  

The RFBC team came and went in what seemed like no time.  No matter how long they would have stayed, it wouldn't have been long enough.  Each student learned new things they didn't know about themselves.  Each one grew leaps and bounds.  Each of them gained a new world view.  Each left a bit more selfless than what they came.  

They will be missed dearly by not only us, but their new Kenyan friends as well.  We couldn't be any more proud of them and the light they brought to Kenya.  They exemplified Christ and brought glory to His name.  Mission accomplished.  

All-Star Team

Well- sorry guys.  Our internet has been out since Thursday night.  Conveniently, the next day our youth arrived so we couldn't even tell their parents they got here.  Thank the Lord that texting works 8,000 miles away!  Today the internet is working!  The plan was to go to the coffee shop today to  send the emails they have all written offline.  Funny how once you threaten this internet with some competition it begins to work.  

Any how, it's very obviously that this group of college bound youth are NOT here to spend their time emailing.  They have an amazing ZEAL for what God is about to do this week.  For those of you who might not know what our fellow Rich Fork-ians are up to this week allow me to elaborate.  There are 11 recent high school grads and 4 adults who have come over to set up a sports camp in the Kawangware slums this week.  They will meet over 3,000 children in a matter of 4 days.  They'll lead Basketball clinics, Team Building activities, Arts & Crafts, and attempt to demonstrate the American excellence of Soccer... .  (Yeah right!)  Along the way, Christ' name will be lifted up, their spirits will be emboldened, their smiles will be uncovered, their souls enriched, their esteems encouraged, and their energy spent!  

And NONE OF US can wait!  Please be in prayer for what God has in store for team, the children, this ministry, and countless others who will come in contact with them throughout their time here.  

We will keep you all posted as things take place.  

The Hope Center where the camp will be conducted in Kawangware.

Faithfulness...

We recently had a team of 11 here through New Directions International (NDI).  Though only passing through for a few days- we had a great opportunity to share stories with new friends and tell our story of how we came here.  After hearing of our story, the street boys, and Paul/Sylvia/Brian's story- two of the youngest girls on the trip were very moved with compassion towards our friends.  The next morning when I awoke there were cards laid across the table.  The 2 youngest girls leaving a gift!  This is enough for me to help with almost every need I mentioned in this earlier post.  Then I received a message from a friend from the last team whose children were moved by her stories.  They may be considering taking on the school fees for my 4 kids at Berith!  This means- there is a possibility that I could take that money and help get Mama Sylvia into a new place in Kibera!  You see- God is so faithful!   

I don't tell you any of this out of pride or for you to say "They are such givers," because it's not us that is doing the giving.  It's you all!  We're just the ones that see the needs and confronted by it.  We simply go to the Lord to lead us.

There are still countless other needs where you can be involved as these servants have been.

Abounding Faith...

Ecclesiastes 11

1 Cast your bread upon the waters, 
       for after many days you will find it again.

 ² Give portions to seven, yes to eight, 
       for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

 ³ If clouds are full of water, 
       they pour rain upon the earth. 
       Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, 
       in the place where it falls, there will it lie.

 ⁴ Whoever watches the wind will not plant; 
       whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

 ⁵ As you do not know the path of the wind, 
       or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, 
       so you cannot understand the work of God, 
       the Maker of all things.

 ⁶ Sow your seed in the morning, 
       and at evening let not your hands be idle, 
       for you do not know which will succeed, 
       whether this or that, 
       or whether both will do equally well.

The Lord reminded Chris of these scriptures during his quiet time the day after we talked about our future here due to financial difficulties.  He told me that if I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to support these people in the last post- then I should.  If we are trying to help the needy then the Lord will honor and reward that.  What a wonderful reminder that we can never go wrong in giving.  May our faith abound!   

Carry one anothers burdens

Today my heart is so heavy.  I realize that Chris just posted (below) but I wanted to share my heart with you all.  There are so many reasons why my heart is so heavy and I promise I'm not trying to run all this into the ground.

Since there is so much to share- I will skip the fancy, tender intro and jump into what is really going on. 

Today I went into Kibera with Chris and a guest named John.  Tafrosa was not around and Mama Sylvia declined my offer to help in the kitchen.  So I went around to the back of the house where Bereith School is held.  Trying to scoot in so that Brian and Paul don't see me (which is almost impossible)- I sat down with the head teacher.  Charity has told me before about some of her needs, but unfortunately, we have not had the funds to assist her.  She shared with me what is going on in her life most recently.  Charity has a medical problem that she needs to get checked out, but is unable to b/c of the lack of funds.  She has asked Tafrosa for a loan, but she is unable to assist her.  It is difficult for her as she is trying to support both she and her husband.  She comes from about an hour away every day in order to teach at Berith.  What an amazing gift she has of teaching, but as you may know, teachers make very little.  As tears began to build in her eyes, I too, began to cry.  Not only for her current situation but ours as well.  I tried to explain to her that she and I are both in similar situations.  Neither of us know the "why" of our situation.  Neither of us know "where" the money will come from.  But BOTH of us MUST trust that our Lord will provide.  That HE has a great plan for both of us.  HE has our best interest in mind.  I told her that I would love to be praying for her.  At the end of our day there, I went to her and hugged her.  I told her I'd be praying and thinking of her.  She, once again, asked if I would talk to Chris and see if we could assist her.  

Faith- is a 15 year old little girl with an amazing presence about her.  She lights up a room with her smile.  Unfortunately, Faith has a terrible debilitating disease called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA).  Onset was about 3 years ago and after 1 year she was in too much pain to continue going to school.  It is so heart breaking to see her joints so deformed.  We were able to take her to a free clinic in kawangware 2 weeks ago.  Since we knew a few people at the clinic they totally hooked her up.  She got p

rednisone, Ibuprofen, albuterol inhalers, and omeprazole.  She is also on Methotrexate and something like Fosamax, but they didn't have those things, of course.  Ibuprofen doesn't even touch the pain that she has in her joints.  The joints become feverish, painful, achey, and swollen.  She just sits or lays on the couch most days.  The day we took her to the clinic was the first day she had been out of Kwangware in 2 years!  Which wasn't really "out" but she got to go in the car.  The pain medication that actually works for her is controlled and more expensive.  Despite the pain in her aching joints, back and chest, she continues to smile.

Another friend of mine has so much on her plate.  On top of wearing so many hats- her son just came home from up country with a 10 month old child that is his.  The mother of the child and the grandparents met with my friend and her husband.  They told her to take the baby and care for her so that their daughter to go to get an education beyond High School.  The girl left her baby without a single tear.  My friend is so broken hearted for this child and the mother who left her without ever looking back.  Just stood before me and just cried.  She, too, has financial burdens.  

My sweet Isaac.  Mama Sylvia told Beatrice that she saw him during the weekend pilaging through a heap of trash for food.  He isn't being taken care of.  His legs are so skinny; knees and ankles knobby as can be.  He doesn't bathe- he has to be told by the teachers to take a bath.  I think when his sister is not around, he doesn't get taken care of.  Though he is 11, he is unable to process things like a normal 11 year old.  

Precious Brian.  Brian (6) now weighs less than Paul (4).  Paul is very bright and learning so much.  Due to Brian's severe malnourishment when we first met, his body just struggles to keep up.  He just got over Malaria.  

Mama Brian (same person as "mama sylvia") seems to be doing the best she can.  I'm chomping at the bit to get them moved from where they are in the middle of Kibera.  I want them to move closer to the school and out of the valley of the slum.  Every time it rains I think of them.  They are literally in the lowest part of Kibera.  I don't even want to imagine what kind of mess flows through their "house" when it rains really hard.  I desperately want to pay the $20-$30 increase it will be in rent to move them to a new location.  

Though these seem like such small amounts- they really add up.  Our support continues to decline.  I feel so completely helpless, but i know the one who can help.  I just try and remind our friends here that are going through all these things that God is still sovereign and He still cares about your struggles and needs.  He is the only one who can truly meet them.    

 

Vacancy

Last night I sent out an e-letter to, hopefully, all of our friends and families that explained a growing situation.  It was difficult to write it due to the fact that I know there are numerous burdens facing so many of you right now.  However, we realized that it is also our responsibility to report all the needs and concerns of this ministry.  Sometimes those needs are financial.  

I have full confidence that God will continue to do what God always has done; provide.  My purpose in composing this blog is to make you all more aware of the needs of this ministry and invite you to continue your involvement with us.  You are a part of Only Servants Ministries.  Even if your part is reading this blog; you are a part.  

If you haven't checked your email, I encourage you to do so and look for the most recent e-letter entitled; "Is There Not a Cause?".  If you find that you have not received this email, please comment here and inform us.  If we do not have your email address then simply write to us at: chrisandlindyt@gmail.com and give us that email address.  

We love and appreciate you all so very much.  Great things are still in store for those who remain faithful.  Let's be on that side!

~Your family in Kenya