Follow-up (Living Room Conversation)

"Living Room Conversation evening at Rich Fork.  Feel free to share any other photos you might have taken that night.  We'd love to have them!

Wow!  What can we say about how awesome this past Sunday night was?  You all have, again, blessed us and left us speechless. As I stated, we will spend the next week giving you follow-up information about some of the things we spoke on and attach videos and songs.  

Today, I want to address a few more questions and give you responses to them.

QUESTIONS:

Q: Do you get frustrated that people view Africa as one large country and not 54 distinct individual countries? I know this annoys most of my African friends to no end that most Americans are pretty ignorant about the geography of Africa and just see it as either one huge jungle or a vast desert!

 A: It's amazing how little Americans really know about the world around them.  Part of it is educational lackings but a greater part of it is an apathetic world view or lack of one altogether.  

We can only blame educational shortcomings to an extent.  Information is out there and offered in so many viable arenas that we can no longer use the excuse, "I was never taught."  If a person has a passion to learn french, they'll find a way.  They'll exhaust all resources to achieve their desires.  The information has never been more accessible in fact!

The real root of the problem is that people just don't care about things that they view as outside their immediate life.  If it isn't something they "pass" during their day, it probably won't be important to them.  This results in a lack of a solid worldview.  Without a solid worldview, how can we even expect Americans to grasp (let alone desire to know) fundamental facts such as geographical layouts, social issues, historical contexts, etc..  

An even larger question to ask would be, "How do we get them to care?"  And if I had that answer, I may be somewhere else right now!

Q: If you were going to mentor someone going into ministry, what advice would you give? What advice would you give a teenager, knowing what you know now, about following their heart into missions?

A: First of all, we are not experts in this area either.  The counseling and advice we offer comes from 2 sources;  personal experience and Biblical insight.  The second of which is far more trustworthy.

Lindy and I were given some incredibly Godly advice about 2 years ago that we listened to and followed.  It so profoundly shaped and directed us that we never miss an opportunity to pass it along to anyone considering a large life-decision.  

One of our closest "mentoring couples" gave us advice that they, too, had learned from years of hearing God call and desiring to be obedient to Him.  She told us, "Whenever we have sensed God calling us into something, whether a new job, a new ministry, moving to another country, making a large purchase, or changing career paths, God has always confirmed His calling via 3 methods." (and she emphasized 'His calling') 

       1.  Personal Time w/ God - Through the Holy Spirit's prompting and moving as you DAILY spend time with God, He will give you a sense of peace as you pray and spend time with God on the issue.

2.  Godly advice - Seek out GROWING and OLDER Christians who will listen, pray for your concerns, and offer Godly advice back to you on the matter.  Don't just look for your usual "yes men".  

3.  Confirmation in God's Word - This, she stressed, was the most important element.  You may get a clear direction from the first two, but you should wait for God to show you or confirm unto you, through His word.  Lindy and I prayed and fasted while waiting for God to reveal His plan for us in missions.  When we did we asked God to give us His most assured Word for us to ground this decision on.  He did.

Whether you are young or old, a new Believer or seasoned; this same advice I would offer you.  It has, at its core, a dependence on God and not you.  You end up looking into all of the areas of your life and the circles of spiritual influence we are in for your answer.  Therefore, it's not based off you!  Sure, God may use and prompt your personal passions, gifts, longings, and dreams, but those are just as fallible as we are.  However, God's Word is neither fallible nor unclear.  

Q:  What skills do missionaries need to minister in Kenya? I know that Christian Religious Education is taught in primary and secondary schools in Kenya (unless of course it is at foreign schools where most foreigners send their children). Additionally, church attendance is pretty high (when I was there - it was about 90% of people who identify themselves as christians who faithfully attended church). I know that a lot of pastors in Kenya don't have sound theological training. So would missionaries with a strong theological background be beneficial? Does organizing mission trips comprised of Americans who normally have very little biblical knowledge have any impact? Or is this mainly for the benefit of the person who went on the mission trip to have the experience "change" them?

A:  I have saved this one for the last one today due to it's scope and possible reaction.  I will be careful as I answer, but I will also try and be honest.  Again, this is purely subjective answering from a positional stand of someone new in the mission field.  I know that our questioner lived in Kenya for several years and probably has more insight than I could ever offer.  Nonetheless, I'll share what God has discerned unto me on this.

Just because someone says they are "Christian" doesn't mean they understand it.  Every week I walk the streets engaging in conversations with people who will tell me, "I am a Christian."  But as we dig deeper and ask more questions, they have no clue "why" they are a Christian or what that means.  They say it because it's expected in their present-day culture (although another influence is creeping in at a dramatic pace.  But we'll have to leave that one for another time to talk about.).  When the British were there, they (along with the Scots and Irish) brought the Protestant Church with them.  Now, it's like a modern example of Pavlov's dogs.  You ask about God or who Christ is, and they immediately respond with, "Oh, I'm a Christian".  Yet their drunken countenance and treatment of women proves otherwise.  

So, let's be very clear on this first.  The enemy is still alive and strong in Africa and specifically in Kenya.  Our job is to come alongside and equip other Christian leaders to be more effective against the devil's schemes and reach those who don't even realize they are still in the darkness. 

Ok, now onto the heart of her question:

First: Skills.  The Bible does not lay out a set of "skills" or requirements for mission work.  In fact, the whole concept is implied more than prescribed.  The Bible gives mandates for ALL OF US to go and make disciples. (Matt. 28:19) But it also tells us in 2 Timothy 15 to, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of Truth."  We are told to "preserve sound judgement" and "in our hearts, set Christ apart as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks ...." (1 Peter 3:15)  

Though these aren't "skills" per-say, they are proper developments ALL Christian servants are SUPPOSED to develop in order to be more effective and useful.  This is a constant working but it's also something that can't wait until you go into missions/ministry.  

I would say, from now living there and seeing so many things, that ANY other education, training, skills, or advantages you can gain before coming will increase your effectiveness.  In case you haven't heard; Africa is not like America.  That may come as a shock to some people, but in so many "unthought of" ways it's true.  They eat different foods.  They speak different languages.  They have different histories.  They solve problems differently.  They look at life through a different set of eyes.  So, you may have to unplug from your formula of what you think it takes to be successful there.  Conflict resolution concepts written by an American will not translate to a Kenyan.  Expectations of sound bookkeeping and record keeping will end up frustrating you if you lay that on my Kenyan homies!  They can, and are willing, to learn.  In fact, their learning curve is MUCH greater than typical Americans!  

Most of the training and skills I would suggest, would be more beneficial for you, then them. Learning their language tells you much about their views on communication, but also family and social interaction.  You can learn so much about a people through their language.  Learning about how to bring Biblical application to the Masai may mean first learning how to serve the Masai.  And service isn't learned in a classroom.  

This leads me into addressing the last part of her question:  "Does organizing mission trips comprised of Americans who normally have very little biblical knowledge have any impact? Or is this mainly for the benefit of the person who went on the mission trip to have the experience "change" them?  

I have heard another missionary say that "American mission teams come in trying to be the hero of a 30 minute sit-com."  I don't think we realize it and I certainly don't think we ever intend to do it, yet it's translated that way to other people groups being ministered unto.  We come in, guns blazing, get people fired up, pour out all our energy in a 7-day trip, go home feeling excited and amazed at our time, promise to never forget (and come back), and never do anything more than tell our stories once a year, show our pictures, and send $20.  (Please hear what I am saying carefully) "This ain't a vacation".  Lindy and I aren't in Kenya because we want to be "heroes" or we are using this as an excuse to have an extended vacation.  Some days it sucks.  Some days, I would rather be still traveling the east coast for Brinkley Marketing Agency in the stable and known environment of the US.  And I know there are many days that Lindy feels the same.  But we are there because "it ain't about us."

What should happen?  Teams should make long-range plans BEFORE coming to conduct mission work in a needed area.  Churches, families, and organizations should "consider the cost of building a tower" before beginning. (Luke 14:28-30)  Build something meaningful.  Build something that will live on after you are gone.  Build something that the target group can USE long into the future.  This may mean ending multiple trips to various places around the world, in order to focus on one place, one people group, one project a time, for as long as it takes.  Several things will happen when you choose this approach:

1.  The people will SEE and TRUST your commitment to them.

2.  The work will produce results as you devote the needed time to preparations and training.

3.  Your church, CORPORATELY, will know everything you are doing as a church family and be able to tell others the details.  They will know how to pray about the work.  They will teach their kids.  They will participate as they see the work being done!

4.  You are following Biblical principles.  (Nehemiah)

So, yes, I believe that EVERYONE possess something that qualifies them for mission work:  the Holy Spirit and the gifts of service he imparts.  Evangelists can't do it all.  Who would teach?  Who would build?  Who would demonstrate mercy and compassion?  We just need to look at missions with a larger calender and willingness to be there as long as it takes.  This may mean many subsequent trips.  This may mean years of partnering with the peoples.  Whatever the case, we can change the perception by our persistence.  Return.  Often.  

*** If I were to recommend any book to read prior to participating in any foreign mission project it would be this one:  "Cross-Cultural Servanthood" by Duane Elmer.  Awesome book, great insight.  But balance it with your own in-depth Biblical study.  

We will post the videos, song, and song lyrics before Friday!  Stay tuned!!! (and continue to email or comment with your questions.  We love to answer them)

Thomasville Sweet Thomasville

We're back in good ol' North Carolina!  Home of Cheerwine and BBQ!! 

As most of you know we traveled home starting Tuesday for us and returned to American soil Wednesday night.  As we walked from customs, Chris bolted wide eyed to the taco bell while the first thing I saw a picture of was a pumpkin cooler from Karibu coffee.  It was a done deal.  We were back and we wanted to make it official by dining on whatever we wanted!  (Ridiculous? Yes, I know.)     

We are adjusting well to time differences and so blessed to have been met at the airport by family.  Already- we are missing our national brothers and sisters.  Please continue to pray for them as they continue their daily routines with the ministry.

Why did we come home after only 4.5 months?  

As self supported missionaries we raise our own support, which requires us to travel around to various churches to inform people about what God is doing through Only Servants Ministries in Kenya.  We look at it as a perk to being self supported.  No, we don't receive a salary through an organization- but we do get to lean on God for our support and allow our faith to grow each month when we receive our monthly support report.  And now knowing how bad the economy is getting, I can't wait to see what God is going to do.  It truly is a blessing!

What happens with the ministry while we are home?

Let us not forget to continue praying for the ministry that continues every day while we are home.  My best friend Joy-(whom most of you all have met via her blog).  Is holding down the fort for at least the next month and then our friend Shauna will step in.  I encourage you to keep up with Joy's blog so that you can follow what is happening while we are here.  Joy will be over-seeing the guest house and going to Kibera to do various ministries. 

Our National Team will be continuing the ministries with which they are responsible.  They too need your prayers each day.   Each of them have extraordinary passions for ministry and encourage us more than I feel we encourage them.  Let's continue to pray for the Street Evangelism, Discipleship of new believers, and the Bible College's in both slums.   We are so blessed to have Godly brothers and sisters to co-labor with for the Kingdom! 

[On a side note: we did get to visit the lady I had mentioned that has a ministry to muslim women.  There was so much going on around then, so I never got the opportunity to post about it.  We found out the ministry she has with the muslim women is just one of MANY!  Linette is a single missionary working with AIM in the Kibera.  They have a large (for kibera) building which contains a clinic (one of 2 REGISTERED clinics in ALL of Kibera), literacy school (cost:$1.50/month), and sewing program. They have recently started a sports ministry using soccer with youth boys- that essentially fell in their lap!  Some of these young men played a part in the clashes after the election in December/January.  It was so refreshing to see something like this ministry going on in Kibera.  They use the literacy program (again, the only one in Kibera) to reach and evangelize the muslim women through establishing a relationship with them through their routine lessons. WOO!  Does that not just want to make you yell out?]

At any rate, Joy will be visiting that ministry weekly to be a part of it.  Also- they have a women's bible study which is a gift of Joy's so I'm excited for her to be a part of that.  

On the home front:

My hero (aka- dad) is having surgery today at 10am on his foot.  Please pray for him.  This is the first of many surgeries to come as he continues to grow older.  They say with age, comes wisdom.  True, but they forgot it also comes with pain.  Dad has been hurting for a while so he's ready to take the risks that come with this surgery because he's tired of limiting his activity.  Though it sounds like a simple foot surgery, my pop has some other problems that the doctors have to consider when they do surgery.  It's a lot of preparation.  It means so much to me to have your prayers both in Kenya, and here as well. Thank you for letting me share this request with you.

I'm so thankful we got to spend yesterday together while he could move around a little.  We had so much fun- voting, cutting down trees, and learning to drive the backhoe (yes- he taught me how... another check on the "things to before I die" list) 

 

another question answered

Alright Chasity.  You opened a can of worms, girl.  You get the award for best questions asked!  Your reward: I'll send you a ciber oreo cookie for an ear.  (You're welcome)

First off, I will start everyone with her questions.  Answers follow:

How hard is it to sit and watch all that is around you and realize how well America has it?

Very hard at times.  But we cannot dwell on what America has that third world countries do not.  We all have one thing in common.  We all need the same loving Savior.  

I can remember coming back from my first mission trip when I was 19 and walking into our brand new wal-mart.  I'm not sure how my mom put up with my attitude.  I was literally draging my feet and grumbling about America.  Hopefully I've come a long way from that girl.  (I guess we'll see when we come home next month!)  

I used to sit around feeling guilty for being born in America.  But what does guilt do?  I've learned a couple things: 

1. Be grateful, not guilty.  Guilt won't lead you to move.  

2.  What it means to embrace my ethnic and cultural identity as part of who God has created me to be.  There are positive aspects about my culture that I need to claim.

Some people tell me I shouldn't minister outside the country because people in America are just as poor as those in Africa. Do you agree?

Simply put: NO WAY!

There are needy people in America and there are MANY that need ministering to, but America is NOT as poor as Africa.  In America, even the homeless have somewhere they can go to get a meal or a bed for the night.  Here in Africa where can they go if they haven't had a meal in days?  Have you ever seen a child walking around in America that looks like this?  

I sure haven't.  Know why?  Because you can walk into ANY ER in the US and no matter what your problem is- you can be treated.  Whether you have money or not.  You can even make up a problem to be seen as a patient and get a meal to eat!  Not to mention we have the luxury of clean water.  Access to medical help and clean water alone nullify the word "poor" and "America" being in the same sentence.

A friend of mine took 6 weeks off work to go to Darfur last year to provide medical relief to the oppressed people of Sudan.  (I owe it to Ashley for my broken heart for the Sudanese.  As she was the first to teach me of the heinous acts of an ancient civil war going on still)  I can remember Ashley telling me what one co-worker said to her about her going to Darfur. As I recall she expressed how she didn't feel it was right for Ash to go to other parts of the world when there were people right here in the Appalacian Mountains who needed help.  Guys, this person is a christian!!  I can't think of a more unbiblical statement.  "Righting wrongs and serving those in need is at the VERY HEART of Christ's ministry and, in fact, the heart of God.  There is an outrageous misconception- that the idea that ministry to the poor is for the select few and not central to the call of every Christian.  Not everyone is called to move into the inner city or give up the security of a corporate job, but EVERY Christian should get his/her hands dirty in the struggle in some form or fashion." (Jeff Killibrew- Desire street ministries, N.O)  

If you are a follower of Christ who have yet to actively get involved in a local ministry which you have DIRECT contact with those in need; if you have never "smelled" and "tasted" real poverty, then you are missing a huge part of the experience of being a follower of Christ.  Until you have come close enough to those who are truly suffering to hug them, speak words of encouragement to them, to touch them, you have not experiences all of what God offers His followers.  

God wants you to start ministering in the very town you call home.  But your involvement doesn't stop there.  It is a blessing to step foot on foreign soil- to see, touch, smell, and taste what God is doing around the world.  I want to encourage you all to go on a short term mission trip at some point.  It will surely bless your socks off.  

I have a high school teacher who is unable to "go" to foreign soil, but she might as well be here.  Her heart is here- no doubt.  She has been such a huge source of encouragement to us.  To the point of giving what she doesn't have.   

Keira told me about a line she had read in a John Piper book and I gotta tell you, I LOVE IT!  He said you can do either of 3 things. 

1. You go 

2. You send 

3. You're disobedient  

Simple as that.  It's part of the great commission and no one is omitted from that. 

A lot of words to answer that question, but what can I say- missions is my heart and soul and I can say the same it true for Chris.  

  

Answers continued...

Continuing to answer questions from our Open Forum- here is the next one.

"Found or killed any Black Mambas yet?"

Don't know what a black mamba is?  Want to see a picture and read about how many we've found here?  Click here.  

Just one since that last post on them.  None in the sheets though.  I think all 4 that have been killed wince we've been here were mostly at night. So I no longer hang our clothes in the dark.  I have taken the trash out in the dark like twice this week though.  (But there was NO getting around that.  Had to be done.)  Long story short- a young dinner guest of ours got sick at the table.  I will refrain from going into detail.  Thankfully we had mama Joy to the rescue.  She was on it, let me tell you.  Good thing, b/c Chris wasn't so much...  

I still have yet to see a mamba.  I try to keep my distance though.  I really don't plan on it if I can help it.

"Do you miss anything from home besides family and friends?"

For Lindy: My mama's cooking, my nephew and niece's growth spurts, Sunday game night, prayers on the pk mat, "Lost" night, Wed. night youth, Sunday morning church and actually getting to SEE Michael's sermons instead of wondering what video or illustration he is using, pretty much anything that has to do with church, Davidson Surgical- let me clarify the PEOPLE more than the procedures, coffee with Paige, dad's catfish,  cheap chicken, driving on the right side of the road, lines on the road, uncorrupt government, democracy, my brothers oatmeal cookies, Laurie's seafood chowder, and Cory's cheese dip.  Just to name a few.  Can you tell I don't like food at all?

For Chris: Cheerwine, traffic laws that are obeyed,  the ability to pick on the phone and call someone, Monday night football, the blessing of having my guy friends right there, movies with my sisters, flounder gigging with dad,  being able to drive at night.  

We both miss our beagle.  (I know some of you are laughing thinking of how silly this sounds.  When you spend 3 years without children and playing with a beagle instead- let me know how you feel.)

Mind you we love it here and wouldn't trade any of this.  Nor can any of this take the place of how much we miss our family, friends, and church.

Love you all way more than we miss any of these silly little things. 

Answers...

You all have given me some really great blog ideas!  Thanks so much!  Please, from now on don't hesitate asking questions.  You might just spark a really great blog!  I will probably answer these over a few blogs so you don't have to read a REALLY long one.  Plus, it may take me a while.  I will take the quote from the questions, then answer it below.  

QUESTION: "Tell us more about your experiences with grocery shopping, paying the telephone bill, the electricity going off, the weather, your guests, going to church, experiences in Kibera and Kawangware, etc., etc."

Paying the phone bill: Well, we nixed the land line here because it was so expensive.  Now we just have our cell phones.  (which cost about 15¢ a minute to call but nothing to receive)  So no free verizon to verizon here.  It's hilarious seeing a Maasi warrior standing in a field herding the cows and talking on a cell phone.  I enjoy texting people instead of calling b/c it's only 5ksh instead of 10.  Yea, Captain Frugal is still at it. 

 

Electricity: It goes out frequently, but only at the most inopportune moments possible.  Like right in the middle of dinner with guests, or during the climax of a movie.  I won't complain about it though.  I like to think it saves us on our power bill.  :)  

Weather: Still chilly at night and in the mornings (In house temp is about 64 when the sun isn't out).  We just entered the official "rainy season".  So far it has rained every day, but just short showers.

 

Our Guests:  I never thought this part of our ministry would be SO much FUN!  I love meeting new people and getting to hear their stories.  Our last guests was a pastor and wife from New Jersey.  They were fascinating! I had a much needed chat over a mocha with Carol while Chris and Ken were doing evangelism in Kawangware.  Their story was so awesome to hear.  I laughed, cried, and sat it awe of what God has done throughout their lives.  It is such a great opportunity to meet new people and create amazing relationships. Today we have a 1/2 day group coming in with New DIrections.  Then... we'll hear the crickets.  NOBODY else until the end of December.  :(  (except Joy, but she's family)

Church:  Hmmmm....    There have been so many!  We have been to several due to Chris being invited to speak.  I guess our own church would be Nairobi Pentacostal Church. When you walk in, you can just feel the Holy Spirit's presence there.  Though we haven't been able to go in a few weeks, we are still kind of visiting around a bit.  I thought NPC was my favorite until Joy, Shauna, and I got to go to Berith Church in Kibera this past Sunday.  One of our partnering pastors preached and BOY DID HE!  (Plus, my little babies are there.)  It was the best sermon I have heard since I have been there and I understood every word!  Bonus!  (yes, it was in english)  There is a true anointing on that man!

Kawangware and Kibera:  Honestly, I don't have very much involvement there in Kawangware.  Chris goes by himself on Tuesdays.  I haven't found too much to do there.  Partly, b/c my heart was left in Kibera the first day.  Now, I'm just trying to figure out where I fit now that the kids are in school.  There may be a really amazing opportunity opening up with a lady from New Zealand.  She is a nurse so she runs a clinic as well as teaches sewing and knitting to Muslim women in Kibera.  Uh- COOL!  I heard of her through a missionary I just met from Maralal.  If you will, pray I'll find a new place to minister.  B/c I was a distraction to the kids went I went on Thursday to their school.  

By the way, they are doing pretty well now.  Their first day they gave them all a fit.  Crying, running out of class, being disruptive... whatever they could do.  Tafrosa said they kept running out of class to the gate.  Then they'd lay down in front of it so they could look under it.  Apparently they were looking for us.  :( 

Glad we didn't go Monday.  Also- pray for Isaac.  He is having the toughest time and I'm worried about him.  He runs away.  He really doesn't like it.  He's 10 years old and can barely write his numbers 1-10.  I think he just really needs some encouragement.  if I knew how to home school, I'd bring him to the house and let him stay here for a week to just try and get him acclimated to the school scene.  One day he just didn't show up.  So Tafrosa talked to Grandmother (who started crying b/c she just lost her son (Isaac's uncle).  She said she would walk with him to school.  But when they went to leave the house she was shutting the door and Isaac took off.  He was there Thursday, but only after Indiazi found him out wondering around.  I want him to have a desire to learn, but at the same time, he's 10 yrs old in the baby class with a speech problem.  I think he's scared, nervous, feeling out of place, and has never been to school.

Okay- I'll answer more tomorrow.  

"Back to school, Back to school..."

My kids are starting school today and I gotta tell you.  I'm really sad!  It's really bittersweet b/c I'm sooooo excited that they now have this opportunity but I'm down that I can't go just hang out with them during the day.  Joy and I have talked about doing some prayer walking around Kibera now until the Lord leads us to the next needy school or children.  I'm so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to minister to those children in the center of Kibera.  But recently God has made is VERY clear that it's time to move on.  I will say I put up a bit of a fight b/c I loved that school so much.  But I have to follow His lead.  After all it is HIS story- not mine.  He just choses to use me in it.... but not because He needs me.  

I know now that I was introduced to that school "for such a time as this."  I was there for a few reasons but the main one was to get Paul, Brian, Sylvia help, food, medical attention, clothes, education, love, and Mom a better paying job.  I also have some really great news for you all about their Mama.  The mother accepted Jesus to be Lord of her life he first Sunday at church!!!  My eyes welled up with tears as I learned of this wonderful news from Meshek.  Please pray for her and she is at a bit of a disadvantage b/c she cannot read or write.  She has joined Meshek's new believers class and is doing well.  Chris preached at a church in Kibera yesterday so Joy, Shauna, and I went to Berith Church b/c there was no where to park the car where he was going deep into Kibera.  It was such a blessing to see the kids' Mama with a big smile! 

Now on to the Forum:

 I've been struggling with what to blog recently b/c I'm a bit afriad I'm starting to bore you all. So now you have a chance to help me with my next blog. 

     

I got this idea the other day to have an opportunity for an open forum for those who follow Only Servants Ministry.  So here is your chance to ask some questions.  This is also for those of you who have never commented before.  Did you think you would be able to get off that easy?  It's really simple.  You can do it anonymously even!  Simply come up with a question or 2 that you have about life in kenya, what we are doing, the slums.... anything you want.  Everything is fair game!  You can even give suggestions of something you would like to see on the blog.  I'm open for ideas!  After you pick your questions click on "comment" at the bottom of this blog.  Write your question in the box and click "open ID" then write you name or you can comment anonymously.  You do not have to be signed in to blogger to write a comment or question.   

On my next post I'll do my best to answer your questions.  If I don't know I'll try to find out.  Hope you guys have lots of questions!