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

"The Good Fight"

I really can't explain what it is that draws me to them.  They are as different from me as they can possibly be.  The look different.  They speak different.  They dress different.  They have struggles that I've never dreamed of.  They live "hand-to-mouth" every single day.  

Yet, despite all the things that separate us an unlikely bond has been developing.  It's not based off of our differences.  It's based off of something more basic than that.  Love.  Love and fellowship has caused a remarkable friendship between me and 40+ young men who see our differences just like I do.  But they, also, look beyond them when we come together.  

It's true that there are numerous challenges.  They come to me with a multitude of sincere needs. Most of which I can't answer...    

... right now.

But even "Oh Troublesome Israel" received mercy and reprieve from the Father.  Their cries were heard.  And they were answered.  Now, we are trying to work toward answering their cries.  The sad thing is; their cries aren't for money, a trip to America, or a TV.  They want new shoes.  They ask for a chance to finish school.  They desire a tomorrow.  Any tomorrow will do. And these guys have all the potential in the world.  They are aspiring musicians.  They dream of families and a home.  We want the same things for them too.  

This past week I met up with an incredible young man who was a street boy himself just 8 years ago.  Now this bright young man of 27 is reaching out to other street boys.  He has formed a ministry called "Emmanuel Rescue Center" (partnered with by several outside churches and groups).  Daniel Nduati goes into the slums EVERYDAY searching for young men in need of hope.  He spent his own money at first and brought those who would receive his help, into his own home.  To date, his ministry has helped to re-habilitate 290 young men.  That's awesome!!!  

We invited Daniel to come with us as we minister to the young men in this area of Kawangware (these slums are so large, one ministry alone could never reach all of them).  We wanted his advice and counsel.  We believe very strongly in partnering with those who are meeting the needs of the people in Kenya.  His advice was wonderful, as was his encouragement.  In fact, Daniel may prove to be a strong ally as we BOTH seek the best for the young men of Kenya's streets.  

I wanted to keep these boys fresh on your minds as we move forward.  Very soon, we will share with you just how God is directing our efforts and the future of our involvement in these king's lives.  This project and ministry will prove to be larger than anything we've tackled. 

We will need your help.  Keep praying.  Keep following.  Keep thinking of them...

... the best is yet to come! 

________________________________

Here are a few pictures of the last 2 weeks as we've fellowshipped, laughed, eaten, sang, and grown closer to my new friends; all 40+ of them.  ... And I love them dearly.

Enjoying the food & fellowship

Their needs are as simple as new shoes.

Waiting for a nice meal of Ugali, Cabbage, & Stew!

Alex & Evans helping Monica cook. (They jump at the chance to help!)

Casseroles, Fire, and jumping...

I feel bad that I haven't updated you people.  But I don't really have all that much to tell you.  Glenn arrived last night from the Congo.  Sally (wife to Glenn) and her team arrive tonight.  Chris and Glenn went to the airport to pick them up.  My breakfast casserole for tomorrow morning is made and in the fridge.  You know... I have a new found love for breakfast casseroles.  I mean... why can't I make them every single morning?  Put em' together at night.  It takes 1 hour to cook.  Therefore I get up at 6, drink coffee, Read about Jesus, put my casserole in at 7, go run, then shower.  Guess what?  It's 8'oclock casserole DONE and people eat!  I mean what's there not to love?  So does anyone have any great breakfast casserole recipes?  Remember we don't have sausage, but I do substitute bacon in it's stead.  Okay, enough about casseroles.

Last week we did get to go see Kilimanjaro with Intern Teri (kinda like Social Worker Steve or Scuba Steve).  It was a sweet trip, i must say.  We both really wanted Intern Teri to see how the large majority of people in Kenya really live.  Here are a few pictures:

Chris and I sitting with the chief of the village.  8 wives people.... yes 8.  They asked Chris how many he had.  He said 1 was plenty enough.  (i picked this picture b/c CT looks like a hottie.  But I don't think I'm suppose to say that on the "ministry blog... so pretend I didn't.")
This lady grabbed my had and made me participate in their jumping dance.  According to the lady's face directly behind me- I was something funny to watch.  Hey- I tried. 

Intern Terry jumping with this Massai woman.  She was so good one of the young guys asked me "How many cows for your sista?"  CT in the background negotiating # of cows for Teri.  :) Just Kidding.  

We learned how REAL men start fires.  Take notes:  

1. Get some dried donkey or camel poo, grind it up with your hand and make it into a pile on the ground.  (**must be donkey or camel b/c they are the only animals that do not digest their food twice.  They need the poo to have larger grains in it.)

2. Get 2 of your pals, a stick of akasha and a piece of teak wood with holes

3. pretend you are REALLY cold with the stick in between your hands

4.  Have your pal blow on the straw and poo once you have a small flame.  Voila---FIRE!

I just find it so fascinating that these people would figure out certain "natural" things are flamable!  God is so cool, ya know?

privileged to serve...

We haven't had internet for a couple of days but it's probably been a good thing.  I (lindy) haven't exactly done everything with joy as though working for the Lord this past week.  Let me just be real with you.  My attitude has stunk and I flat out did NOT want to be a missionary last week.  The culprit: no quiet time or prayer times!  I think everything I did I grumbled about.  Oh how unpleasent it must have been to be around me!  Friday night Chris looked at me in the bed and said "What's wrong with you... I feel like you aren't yourself?"  So I broke down and cried in his arms.  I confessed that I wanted to go back home to my family and friends and that I "just don't want to be a missionary right now".  (Sound familiar?  Yea- I've done this one time before when we arrived back from the US) Chris just held me and said "See, that's why we're so great together- when you want to go home, I'm pumped about being here.  And when I want to go home, you don't want to leave."  I'm more homesick right now then I will be 5 months from now.  5 months from now Chris will be curled up in my arms wanting to go home.  Thankfully, I have had some good nights of sleep and been able to get up early, long before others to sit on the steps of my soul.  I knew I had to repent of my terrible attitude and lack of joy and servant-like heart.  Sometimes my desire is to BE in the slums and BE in the middle of all these things going on.  I realized as we looked at our calender last week that my "summer" (it's not summer for us here) would consist of me being in the house cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and lots of waiting on any news about our child(ren).    For some reason that put a sour taste in my mouth.  I grumbled and complained to myself as I made tortillas.  In fact I began rolling with such force that i was just ripping them apart.  I bellyached and snarled as i washed dishes and unpacked.  I was short with my husband.  I then turned my Christian tunes OFF while in the kitchen because of the shame I was feeling for my poor approach to these next couple months being "only (a) servant".  How I longed to be back in NC with a blue eyed boy in my arms, chasing a curly head around a dock, and having dinner with some cool old folks.  But the fact of the matter is, I am here and I have a purpose here.  So yesterday morning I read, prayed, and was reminded that working for the Lord is such a privilege and honor.  ANY WORK is a blessing- NOT a curse.  

Oh Lord- forgive me for not treating this mission field as an honor and joy!  May I find gladness in You and in Your work!  

MY mission here, right now, is to pray for my little one(s) on the way while feeding those who will go out into the streets and slums to share the good news.  When I think about that- IT IS A JOY!!!  I get to prepare meals that nourish the bodies of His servants so that they will be strong enough and have the energy to do good works through them.  Bwana Asifiwe!  Praise the Lord that He chose me!  

 I'm SO over the enemy trying to take my joy from me.  He can't do that.  I'm back to running in the mornings and that feels so good- I always feel the tender presence of the Lord there and his great infatuation with me.  I will delight in Him during moments like those and hopefully get better at counting it ALL JOY!

21 hours

Hello Fellow Bloggerets-
Wanted you all to know that we are here safe and sound and we arrived in a record 21 HOURS! Seriously, we got off one plane and boarded another. AND we both slept on the plane! I know mom told me her Sunday school class was praying for that. That is the first time I have ever really slept on a plane- Thanks guys! We are unpacking and unloading. All the suitcases made it and we were about 10-15lbs UNDERWEIGHT! I think that made me more upset that we had wasted poundage than it would have been had we gone over. Oh well! So my tropical medicine book did get to come... big deal.
Thanks for the prayers!
Team Thompson