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.  

Mighty to Save

If you were at Rich Fork on Sunday the 15th (our last Sunday)- you may have heard this song:

Everyone needs compassion
A love thats never failing
let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a savior
the hope of nations

Savior he can move the mountains
my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

so take me as you find me
all my fears and failures
and fill my life again
I give my life to follow
and everything I believe in
now I surrender
yes I surrender

Savior he can move the mountians
my God is mighty to save he is mighty to save
forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Shine your light and let the whole world see
singing for the glory of the risen king
Jesus, shine your light and let the whole world see
singing for the glory of the risen king

Savior he can move the mountains
my God is mighty to save He is mighty to save
forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

You are my savior you can move the mountains
God you are mighty to save you are mighty to save
forever author of salvation
You rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

I can still remember the first time I heard this song. We were downstairs in youth worship and Lindsey Larison sang it... I fell in love. Then I got home and couldn't remember the words. Later on I heard it on the radio and heard the artists name. (I'm not sure if Laura Story actually wrote it, but I know she wrote indescribable). So I went home and immediately downloaded it to my Ipod just before leaving to go to the beach for the weekend. (My whole fam went to see CT's whole fam). Saturday morning I got up to run about 7am... so the sun had already risen a bit. (a) So I had a pump-me-up song, then I had Mighty to Save scheduled next. Before I knew it, I was running down the beach with my arms lifted straight up singing to the top of my lungs! What a great praise song!

(a) Funny thing. Before we left for the beach- I texted my brother because we used to run together when he worked at the PD. I texted to ask him "Hey, Matt- bring your running stuff so we can run on the beach together" He texted back "Hey, Lindy- bring your chainsaw and chase me with it so I'll have a reason the run." I don't know if anyone thinks my bro is as funny as I do... there are a few of you who are laughing aloud out there.

Well my people, I promise the good stuff is coming.. about what the Lord is doing in the slums and with the ministry, it is just taking a little bit to get settled and adjusted. This week things should crank up and you won't have to hear me tell silly stories about making detergent, going grocery shopping or making bread that never rises. CT has plans for evangelism in the streets on Tuesday and I'll bring you a report of the good stuff then. Mighty to Save always makes me think about the importance of evangelism and discipleship, man... I just love it. (Sunday called for an extra tear-fest when the pastor's kids had to sing it...Oh mercy- I can remember when they were born and now they're singing my favorite worship song in front of the church)