#4: Half-way Across the World – South of the Equator

We spent two hours at the Nairobi Airport getting through immigration, customs, and the sea of bags littered everywhere in Baggage Claim. Despite getting only 8 of 11 bags, we remained in great spirits. It became too exciting, not to be excited…we are in Kenya!

Our accommodations at the Far Reaching guest house were far better than we expected. We met Pastor David and Twinkle Zavala and their two lil' beauties from Calvary Chapel Nairobi. They are our hosts. Tom and Cheryl, Erica and Vicky, of Far Reaching Ministries are also here for a time. Taking care of us (making wonderful food and serving us with such love) are Joyce and Eunice, ladies who attend and serve at CC Nairobi. They greeted us with warm breakfast upon our arrival from the airport.

After our morning security briefing and a sweet time of prayer, we headed out to lunch where we had Italian—that’s right. We’re in Kenya and we had pizza. ☺ We all shared a few pizzas and laughed a considerable amount—this is nothing new.

Calvary Chapel Nairobi sits on Ngong Road in Nairobi Kenya on the road to Karen. Immediately upon meeting our Family in Christ at CCN, we were instant childhood friends as there was a kindred spirit amongst us—the Lord’s, no doubt. We hit the ground running. Our new-found brothers and sisters then led us into the slums where we handed out Freedom in Christ Concert and Vacation Bible School invitations to as many adults and children as possible (1000 total). The team jumped to action, but we all agreed that Brent, Team Leader, came alive as he greeted each person or group. It was so exciting and encouraging seeing each team member using the gifts God has given them to minister to people as we met them on the dirt roads and near their patchwork homes.

Funny thing, the children…they wanted more than one flyer. We tried explaining that these weren’t tickets, but all could come. Paper or no paper. “No more for you, you just come on Monday!” ☺

We came back to the guest house where dinner was waiting for us (Thank you Eunice and Joyce!) We then sat around and shared with one another all that God was teaching us and showing us from the day. Walls came down and our vulnerability to Jesus and to one another in Christ was so very revealing and encouraging. The Unity that God has brought the team cannot be described with words. We know this is a Unity that God is desiring for His Church as a whole.

We are praying that the heart for the lost--that God is giving us: a heart to do more than just throw up a prayer, now and again, for people of the world; a heart that is full of compassion and is seeking that God would use us individually and as a group; a heart to care for people we have never met by supporting ministries that are out in the field; a heart to be a part of the Salvation God will bring when the laborers are sent out to Harvest—we are praying that as you read just a snippet of what we are experiencing, you would be moved and the fire in your heart would be stoked in the same way God is moving in us.

We have shed tears, hugs, laughter, prayer, Bible Study, and songs. We are standing on the front lines of something great: something that only our God is capable of. Where does God want you? Are you running from a calling? God has impressed upon us to heed the call and submit in obedience: that is where we find His freedom. We are here to be used. He will use us wherever we are. Ask Him to give you a passion for the lost: to forsake your own hopes and dreams for the Hope of eternal life, not just for you, but those He calls you to.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for Brent: that God would heal his cold.

Pray for Mike: that God would continue to stir up the gifts in Him and give Him a stoked fire that cannot be quenched.

Pray for Melissa, Elva, and Robin: that the Lord would use them to minister to the women of Rabuna Fi.